Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Memorial for John Creighton BALL (1951)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 100 (April 1951 - June 1952), the death of John Creighton Ball on November 30, 1951 led the Hendricks County Bar to issue this memorial about him in the circuit court minutes of December 3, 1951:

"John Creighton Ball, the son of Van and Iva Ball, was born at Williamsburg, Indiana, December 19, 1893.

He attended Grammar School and High School at Williamsburg, Indiana, and studied law under Judge Bond in Richmond, Indiana, prior to being admitted to the Bar. He was a veteran of World War I.

He has surviving him his wife, Dora Ball, two children by a former marriage, Robert Ball, Santa Monica, California, and Emma DeArmound of Ocean Beach, California, and one sister, Edna Wickersham of Williamsburg, Indiana.

After being admitted to the Bar, he practiced law in Richmond for approximately fifteen years, after which he moved his law office to Indianapolis for about two years. He has been practicing in Danville for the past twelve years.

Our belonged brother and friend received his final summons to appear before the Bar of Justice on November 30, 1951.
"

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Ernest NUGENT granted annulment (1953)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 101 (June 1952 - September 1953), in January 1953 Ernest W. Nugent was granted an annulment from Carrie E. Nugent (case #19180). Their marriage of October 5, 1952 was declared to be void because it had been brought about by Carrie's fraud and deception.

Monday, December 29, 2014

William EDWARDS granted divorce (1952)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 100 (April 1951 - June 1952), in June 1952 William Edwards was granted a divorce from Lillieth Edwards (case #18994). He was given custody of their children - Dora Edwards (age 5), Bennie Leon Edwards (age 6), Arnold Ray Edwards (age 4), William Herbert Edwards (age 8) and Juanita Edwards (age 2) - with Lillieth to receive visitation rights.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Hendricks County marriage applications index 1943-1945 added

An index to Hendricks County Marriage Applications Book 24 (which covers 13 November 1943 through 6 October 1945) has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. The index is in progress - so far it covers 1905 through 1945.

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.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Cova SPEAR granted divorce (1951)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 100 (April 1951 - June 1952), in November 1951 Cova Spear was granted a divorce from Denzil Spear (case #18824). Cova was given custody of their 5 children: Marie Spear (age 14), Jean Spear (age 12), Kay Spear (age 10), Barbara Spear (age 7) and Mildred Spear (age 5) and Denzil was ordered to pay her $15 a week for child support.

Friday, December 26, 2014

Marjorie DOUGLAS granted annulment (1951)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 100 (April 1951 - June 1952), in September 1951 Marjorie J. Thornton was granted an annulment from Hobart D. Thornton (case #18771). Their marriage of August 19, 1946 was declared to be void and she was restored to her maiden name, Marjorie J. Douglas.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Lillian JOHNSON granted divorce (1951)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 100 (April 1951 - June 1952), in July 1951 Lillian Frances Johnson was granted a divorce from Imel Johnson (case #18650). Imel was stationed in Korea and custody of their adopted child Michael Dee Johnson was given to his paternal grandmother, Edna Johnson, with Lillian given visitation rights. Imel was also to pay Lillian $50 a month until he returned from service and to pay his mother Edna $100 a month for child support.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Memorial for Wiley C. DORSETT (1953)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 101 (June 1952 - September 1953), the death of Wiley C. Dorsett on June 12, 1953 led the Hendricks County Bar to issue this memorial about him in the circuit court minutes of June 16, 1953:

"Wiley C. Dorsett, son of Jehu and Cynthia Ann Dorsett, was born on April 28, 1897 at French Lick, Indiana, where he received his public schooling.

Her served his country with honor in World War I and was awarded the Purple Heart Medal.

He came to Danville in the year 1921, attended Central Normal College and was graduated in 1925. He studied law at Benjamin Harrison Law School in Indianapolis and was admitted to practice law before the Hendricks County Bar on the 25th day of November, 1925. For a short time he was engaged in the abstracting business in Danville. Thereafter he was connected with the Legal Department for the Prudential Insurance Company of Indianapolis.

Although he did not engage actively in the general practice of law, he became and was an authority on real estate and mortgage law and his opinions on these matters were highly respected by the profession.

Patriotic service to his community, state and nation did not terminate with his military service. Since 1941 he had served as Chairman of the Hendricks County Selective Service Board. He was a charter member of the Benjamin Harrison Post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was a Past Commander of Hendricks County Post No. 118 of the American Legion and was also Past Commander of Sixth District of the American Legion. For many years he had served this organization actively and well in many capacities. He had received the unanimous endorsement of his Post of the Office of Southern Vice-Commander of the Indiana Department of the American Legion.

Since taking up his residence in Danville some thirty years ago he had been active in community and civic affairs. He was a member of the Danville Christian Church. He had served as President of the Danville Lions Club and Commercial Club and was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Fraternity, Columbia Club of Indianapolis and Danville Conservation Club.

He had an abiding faith in the young people in this community and willingly gave much time and faithful service in helping them. For many years he was active in scouting, both on community and state level. He was a member of the Central Indiana Scout Committee and in 1948 received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor in scouting.

Wiley C. Dorsett received the final summons at Danville on June 12, 1953, and answered the call to that High Tribunal in which no error is committed, where mercy prevails and where all must appear before the Great Judge of mankind.

He is survived by a daughter, Mary Irene Martin, and a grandson, Craig Randall Martin, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, also by three brothers, Willard Dorsett, St. Louis, Missouri, Charles Dorsett, French Lick, Indiana, and John Dorsett of Bloomington, Indiana.

Once again the bell has tolled and we meet to pay tribute to the memory of and mourn the untimely loss of an honored member of our profession. One who was kind, gentle, patient, unassuming, courteous and friendly in his dealings with his fellow man; one who was devoted to his community, state and nation and one who lived a life consistent with his convictions. Whatever might have been his faults let us write them in the sands where even the soft winds and gentle rains will obliterate them, but let his virtues be inscribed on the tablets of our memory and forever cherished in our hearts.

Respectfully submitted,
George W. Hadley
Joe Stevenson
Richard J. Groover
Committee
"

Mary TYLER granted divorce (1950)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 99 (March 1950 - April 1951), in December 1950 Mary E. Tyler was granted a divorce from Harold E. Tyler (case #18587). At the time of the divorce decree, their 2 children, Gayle Wayne Tyler (age 6) and Robert Eugene Tyler (age 5), were staying with their paternal grandparents (Raymond T. Tyler and Vallie Tyler, 1525 Mary Drive, Indianapolis) - they were to stay there until the end of the school year, then custody was to be given to Harold and Mary was to receive reasonable visitation privileges. The children's maternal grandparents, Clarence P. Staggs and Elizabeth Staggs of Parke County, were to have visitation privileges at their home during the summer months and other times through the year as could be arranged.

Monday, December 22, 2014

Fannie ADAMS granted divorce (1950)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 99 (March 1950 - April 1951), in July 1950 Fannie M. Adams was granted a divorce from Glenn F. Adams (case #18518), with Glenn unable to appear in court because he was in Indiana State Prison. Fannie was given custody of their children, Kenneth Wayne Adams (age 14) and Crystal Lenor Adams (age 12), with Glenn ordered to pay $7 a week in child support within 30 days after being released from prison.

Dorothy DENNEY granted divorce (1950)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 99 (March 1950 - April 1951), in June 1950 Dorothy Denney was granted a divorce from Floyd Lee Denney (case #18485). Dorothy was given custody of their children: Dale Denney (age 8), Russell Denney (age 6), Evelyn Ruth Denney (age 4) and Brenda Jo Denney (age 1), with Floyd ordered to pay Dorothy $15 a week for child support until September 1950, at which time the child support would go up to $20 a week. Floyd was to have visitation rights on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month, beginning by picking them up after Sunday school and returning them to their mother's home in Clayton by 6 pm.

Sunday, December 21, 2014

List of Eel River Township landowners in 1919 added

An index of the landowners in Eel River Township in 1919 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. This index was compiled from the Hendricks County Assessor's collection of plat books and includes the Congressional Township, Range and Section that the land was located in.

The Hendricks County Government's Archive has digital files of the plat books for scattered years between 1852 and 1940.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Carl PEPPER granted divorce for wife's insanity (1950)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 99 (March 1950 - April 1951), in May 1950 Carl P. Pepper was granted a divorce from Mabel Pepper (case #18490) on the grounds of Mabel's insanity. Mabel had been committed to the Richmond State Hospital more than 5 years before and was ruled to be incurably insane. Carl was given custody of their son, Bob Pepper.

Friday, December 19, 2014

Grace MONEY granted divorce (1949)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 98 (April 1949 - March 1950), in October 1949 Grace E. Money was granted a divorce from Albert Money (case #18315) on the grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment by Albert. The divorce decree noted they were married July 30, 1938 and lived together until July 20, 1948. Grace was given custody of their children, Barbara J. Money (age 10) and James E. Money (age 7 1/2) and Albert was ordered to pay her $12.50 a week for child support. Under a property agreement they'd reached earlier, Grace was given certain real estate in Danville (part of the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of Section 10, Township 15 North, Range 1 West).

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Daniel MOWERY granted divorce (1950)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 99 (March 1950 - April 1951), in June 1950 Daniel Monroe Mowery was granted a divorce from Zelma May Mowery (case #18500), with Zelma not showing up in court to answer the petition. The divorce decree noted they were married August 15, 1927 and had lived together until April 2, 1950.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Memorial for Robert Franklin DAVIDSON (1951)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 99 (March 1950 - April 1951), the death of Robert Franklin Davidson on March 11, 1951 led the Hendricks County Bar to issue this memorial about him in the circuit court minutes of March 14, 1951:

"Robert Franklin Davidson, the only child of John William and Mary Davidson, was born at Ladoga, Indiana, December 22, 1872. Of Scotch ancestery [sic], his childhood days were greatly influenced by a rather rigid discipline, religion, education and labor. His father, being a storekeeper, as such calling was denominated in early times, found ample opportunity to fulfill the labor training requirements of the boy. His mother was fully capable of ministering to the early religious training of her son, which she did successfully, instilling in him a deep sense of moral integrity which served him well in the profession of his choosing. It was left largely to the boy himself, nevertheless, to pursue such educational opportunities as he could discover.

The scholastic experiences, grammar school, high school and college were not strikingly different from those of other youth of his era. It should be noted that his sense of balance inculcated during his boyhood training bore him well in his early professional training. Enter Butler University at an early age, he was not content with routine book learning. His industry and desire for a fuller life soon brought to him a deep interest in the finer arts, music, painting and literature. The vigor of his youth also brought to him the satisfaction of the participation in all college athletics, wherein he soon became proficient. This interest in athletic participation remained with him for the rest of his days. Continuously following his graduation from Butler University he financially aided countless numbers of young men, by gifts and loans to support themselves while participating in college sports.

Receiving his degree of Master of Arts from Butler University in 1894 marks one of the important milestones in a long and highly satisfactory professional career. His intellectual integrity dictated he should not consider the profession of law without some special education which he felt could not be obtained by entering a law office and reading law under the tutelage of an established attorney. He thereupon entered Indiana Law School, where he received his degree a short time later.

With this educational background, he felt himself capable of entering upon the active practice of law. He early realized that to expose himself to the opportunities of the business of law he must place himself in the channels of industry, commerce or finance where the chances of becoming "more exposed", so to speak, were more numerous. Accordingly, and with more decorum and a strong heart, he threw his lot in the path of such intellectual giants of the profession as Samuel Owen Pickens, Charles W. Moores, Smiley N. Chambers, Sr. and many others. With such courage, fortitude and ability, he soon became a partner in the then well established law firm of Chambers, Pickens and Moores. This happy and fruitful association lasted for many years.

His intellectual integrity, his legal ability and his tremendous driving power never failed him. New and greater avenues continuously opened before him. His counsel, sagacity and decorum fitted him smoothly in the office of general counsel of many large enterprises. Perhaps his pet, if it may be said that such an energetic individual has pets, was perhaps his position of General Counsel for the Indiana Bell Telephone Company, a position which he finally yielded due to advancing years, in 1942.

Throughout his active career, he found time to serve his alma mater in the capacity of University Trustee for many years. He maintained affiliation with the American Bar, Indiana State, Indianapolis and Hendricks County Bar Associations. Early in life he became affiliated with the Masonic Lodge of Indiana. He served as Master of Irvington Lodge and became a member of the Scottish Rite and Shrine. He maintained membership in the Downey Avenue Christian Church of Irvington. While not abandoning his old interests, faithful friends and associates of approximately fifty years duration, he ultimately removed to Hendricks County, where as he so often remarked - "to step out of the scene as quietly and unnoticed as possible."

Much more should be said of this interesting character. In this brief Memorium [sic] the intellectual integrity of this character, the enduring influence he has had upon this Bar, the sincerity of purpose for which he applied himself in his profession will long be remembered by those who had the good fortune to know him.

Our Beloved Brother and Friend received his Final Summons to appear before the Bar of Eternal Justice March 11, 1951. He asks and he needs no counsel. He appears pro-se, ably and gives a final accounting.

It is the result of this Memorial Committee that this Memorial be spread upon the official record of proceedings in this Court as a permanent beacon to those who follow, and to mark an illustrious career nobly done.

Respectfully submitted,
Frank R. Rayan
J. Gordon Gibbs
Claud D. Raber

"

Audrey MORRIS divorce case dismissed because of death (1949)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 98 (April 1949 - March 1950), in September 1949 the divorce case of Audrey H. Morris vs. Thomas Russell Morris (case #17980) was dismissed because the court was informed that both the plaintiff and the defendant were now dead.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Hendricks County divorce index 1949-1950 added

An index to divorce cases settled in Hendricks County during 1949-1950 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. Entries were added from Hendricks County Circuit Court Order Book 98 (1 April 1949 - 6 March 1950).

The Hendricks County Government's Archive has digital files of the circuit court order books for the years 1824-1955.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Custody of Joyce Elnora Cox awarded to county (1931)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 80 (November 1930 - November 1931), in February 1931 Joyce Elnora Cox (age 10) was found to be a dependent and neglected child and was made a ward of the Board of Children's Guardians of Hendricks County. Her nearest relative was listed as her grandfather, Isaac S. Meltabarger.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Duffie FIELDS awarded custody of neglected children (1931)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 80 (November 1930 - November 1931), in January 1931 Louvenia Fields and Virgil Fields (both under the age of 16) were found to be dependent and neglected children and were made wards of the Board of Children's Guardians of Hendricks County. Custody of them was given to their mother, Duffie Fields.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

List of Guilford Township landowners in 1928 added

An index of the landowners in Guilford Township in 1928 has been added to the Hendricks County GenWeb site. It includes the owners of lots in the town of Plainfield.

This index is compiled from Hendricks County Assessor's plat books and includes the Congressional Township, Range and Section that the land was located in.

The Hendricks County Government's Archive has digital files of the plat books for scattered years between 1852 and 1940.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

9-year-old Johnny McCLOUD found guilty of delinquency (1930)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 80 (November 1930 - November 1931), in December 1930 Johnny McCloud (age 9), son of Allen McCloud, was found guilty of several acts of delinquency and was sentenced to 3 years at White's Manual Labor Institute in Wabash, Indiana.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Leo MADDOX sentenced to Indiana Boys' School (1930)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 79 (December 1929 - November 1930), in October 1930 Leo Maddox (age 15) pled guilty to delinquency and was sentenced to the Indiana Boys' School in Plainfield until he turned 21.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Cora STEWART given custody of neglected ELMORE grandchildren (1930)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 79 (December 1929 - November 1930), in May 1930 Hugh Elmore (age 13), Marcella Elmore (age 10) and Maxine Elmore (age 8) were found to be dependent and neglected children and were made wards of the Board of Children's Guardians of Hendricks County. Custody of them was given to their grandmother, Cora Stewart.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

William RUSHTON sentenced to Indiana Reformatory at Pendleton (1929)

As mentioned in Hendricks County Circuit Court Civil Order Book Volume 78 (December 1928 - November 1929), in February 1929 21-year-old William Rushton (case #6028) pled guilty to vehicle taking and was sentenced to a term of 1 to 10 years at the Indiana Reformatory in Pendleton and also lost the right to vote for 3 years.