Sarah Maria (Pemberton) Morrison Jones (1851-1941)

The only thing I've really been doing in the genealogy world is cleaning up the sources and events in my RootsMagic database. This is my almost squeaky clean database (not my original FTM database in which I just copied a bunch of stuff over from the internet). It mostly contains the ancestors of my maternal grandfather, John Peter PEMBERTON. (This is because at the time I started the database, I was about to embark on a vacation to Michigan to visit family, and I figured I would throw in some research on the side). I started the cleanup with my own parents, then on to my maternal grandparents, my great-grandparents, all the siblings of my maternal grandparents and great-grandparents, etc. I'm now working on the siblings of my great-great-great-grandfather, John C. PEMBERTON. Since I'm working on them, I decided to do a blog post on each one of them after I clean up the sources and events.

Sarah Maria PEMBERTON was the 8th child of my 4th great-grandparents, Jeremiah PEMBERTON and Susanna JERMYN. I chose to clean her up first because of the seven siblings who married, she had the least number of descendants. Therefore, I figured she would go the fastest.

Sarah first shows up in the 1860 census in the home of her parents in Brownstown Township, Wayne, Michigan (just outside of Detroit).

1860 U.S. census, Wayne County, Michigan, population schedule, Brownstown Township, p. 115, dwelling 1017, family 947, Jeremiah Pemberton household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 December 2007); citing NARA microfilm publication M653, roll 564.

She is actually enumerated as Maria Pemberton, which I presume is her middle name. (She shows up as Sarah M. Pemberton in later records). She was age 8, which estimates a birth date of c. 1851-1852. Her birthplace is given as Canada. All the children, except the youngest (born c. 1856), were born in Canada, so it appears that the family immigrated around 1855.

In 1870, Sarah is again enumerated with her parents, this time in Clay Township, St. Clair, Michigan, as Sarah M. Pemberton. The family had moved about 60 miles north.

1870 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Clay Township, Algonac, p. 12, dwelling 94, family 94, Jeremiah Pemberton household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 December 2007); citing NARA microfilm publication M593, roll 698.

Sarah was listed as age 19 and born in New York. I'm pretty sure the census enumerator accidentally copied the father's birthplace for all of the children, because all other records are pretty consistent with a birthplace of Canada. Her age is fairly consistent with the 1860 census and suggests a birth date of c. 1850-1851.

Not long after the 1870 census, Sarah married Reuben Morrison 20 May 1871 in Detroit.

Michigan Department of Vital Records, Marriage Registers, 1871, Wayne County, 3: 271, no. 3478, Morrison-Pemperton; "Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925," digital images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 9 July 2008).

Sarah was much younger than Reuben. He was 38 years old (b. c. 1833), about 18 years older than Sarah. He was a carpenter from Detroit. Like Sarah, he was also born in Canada. Sarah's age of 20 on the marriage record estimates her birth date to be c. 1850-1851. Sarah's residence is given as Algonac, which is in Clay Township, where her parents lived in 1870. They were married by a Justice of the Peace named Pete Guenther. Witnesses were James J. Miller and Edward C. Adam, both of Detroit. The only thing I've been able to confirm about the associates is that Pete Guenther was born about 1825 in Germany and had a son named Louis who was a carpenter like Reuben (1870 census). Edward C. Adams owned the Mansion House in Detroit (1870 city directory), which is listed as a hotel in later Detroit city directories. Perhaps this is where Reuben lived while he was in Detroit, though I cannot seem to find Reuben in any Detroit city directories.

By 1880, Reuben and Sarah had settled back in Clay Township.

1880 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Clay Township, enumeration district (ED) 370, p. 34, dwelling 220, family 226, Reuben Morrison household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T9, roll 604.

 

They had two children, Pearl (age 5 - b. c. 1874-75) and Reuben (age 2 - b. c. 1877-78). Both children were born in Canada, so it appears that Reuben and Sarah returned to their birthplace of Canada sometime between 1871 and 1880. Reuben was again listed as a carpenter, though this time his age is given as 56, making him born c. 1824 (the marriage record estimated his birth c. 1833). Sarah was listed as age 28, giving her a birth date of c. 1851-1852.

Between 1880 and 1888, the family appears to have remained in Clay Township, as I have found them in the 1883, 1885, 1887, and 1888 county directories. In each, Reuben is listed as a carpenter. 

Tragedy struck the family in the 1890s. Reuben (Sr) died from epileptic fits on 7 Apr 1892 in Wales Township, St.Clair, Michigan.

St. Clair County, Michigan, Death Book 3: 27, no. 245, Ruben Morrison, 1892; FHL microfilm 976,875

His age was given as 72, meaning he was born c. 1819-1820 (he just keeps getting older and older in these records!). He died in Wales Township, but I don't think the family moved there. Wales was home to the county poorhouse or poor farm, so I have a feeling that maybe he died while at that institution. His birthplace and his parents' names are all listed as "unknown." This may be even further evidence that he died while at the poorhouse, as the informant may have been a poorhouse employee who didn't know much about his background. Unfortunately, the informant is not listed on the county death register.

Reuben's tombstone, which has been photographed at FindAGrave, gives his birth date as 2 Nov 1819, which would jive with the age in his death record. He was buried at Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron, St. Clair, Michigan. Since his tombstone seems to be the same tombstone as his children (and in much too good condition to have been created in 1892), I have to wonder if he was actually buried at the Wales Poor Farm Cemetery. Perhaps his body was later removed to Lakeside, or perhaps he is actually still at the Poor Farm. Further evidence is the fact that his tombstone gives his death date as 21 Apr 1892, when the death record clearly says 7 Apr 1892. This would make sense if the tombstone was created well after his death.

Just four years after Reuben Sr.'s death, Reuben Jr. died from typhoid fever.

Michigan Department of Vital Records, Death Registers, 1896, St. Clair County, p. 177, no. 582, Reuben Morrison; "Michigan Deaths, 1867-1897," digital images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 22 June 2012).

Reuben Jr. died 30 Apr 1896 in Port Huron. His age is given as 18, but according to his tombstone at FindAGrave, he was born 3 May 1878, which would technically make him 17 (albeit 3 days from his 18th birthday). A birth date of 3 May 1878 is consistent with his age given in the 1880 census. His birthplace is given as Canada, also consistent with the information in the 1880 census. His parents are listed as Reuben and Sarah Morrison, though Sarah is incorrectly listed as deceased.

In June 1900, the widowed Sarah and her daughter are found in Port Huron.

1900 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Port Huron, Ward 8, enumeration district (ED) 105, sheet 1B, dwelling 19, family 19, Sarah Morrison household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 9 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T623, roll 742.

According to the census, Sarah (age 47) was born Jun 1852 in Canada.  She immigrated in 1855, which is consistent with the estimated immigration year on the 1860 census (based on her two youngest siblings' birth dates/places). Pearl is enumerated as Mary P. Morrison, so it appears that Pearl may actually be her middle name. She was born Aug 1875 in Canada, making her 24 years old. This is about a year off from her age given in the 1880 census. Neither of the two women have an occupation listed, though it says they owned their home free of mortgage.

Just five months after the census, Pearl married James "Robert" Tudhope on 28 Nov 1900 in  Port Huron.

Michigan Department of Vital Records, Marriage Registers, 1900, St. Clair County, p. 267, no. 6387, Tudhope-Morrison; "Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925," digital images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 14 July 2008).

According to the 1900 census, Robert lived with his mother and sisters just a few doors down from Sarah and Pearl. The census listed him as divorced. This agrees with the marriage record, which states he was once previously married. On the marriage record, Robert was listed as age 30, though according to his birth record, he was actually 33 years old. He was a carpenter who was born in Port Huron to James Tudhope and Sarah Car[r]. Pearl was 25 years old, which agrees with a birth date of Aug 1875 given in the 1900 census. Her birthplace is given as Michigan, however, which conflicts with a birthplace of Canada given on both the 1880 and 1900 census. Her parents' names were not given. The officiant was R.N. Van Doren, and according to the 1901 Port Huron City Directory, Robert N. VanDoren was the pastor at First Baptist Church. The two witnesses were E.B. and H.D. Tudhope. I have determined that H.D. Tudhope was likely Robert's younger brother, Harry D. Tudhope, but I have not determined the identity of E.B. Tudhope.

Pearl and Robert lived at 2701 Military St. in Port Huron from at least 1902 until 1910 (and maybe later). I have found them in the 1902, 1904, 1906, 1907, and 1910 city directories.

1902: Tudhope J Robert, wks Fac Land Co, res Military [Factory Land Co.]
1904: Tudhope J Robert, wks Pt H E & T Co, res 2701 Military [Port Huron Engine and Thresher Company]
1906: Tudhope Robert (Pearl) carp, res 2701 Military
1907: Tudhope Robert (Mary P) mach, res 1701 Military (according to the street directory, they still lived at 2701 Military - this appears to be a typo)
1910: Tudhope J Robert (Pearl M) carp, res 2701 Military

For some reason, Robert and Pearl are missing from the 1909 city directory. In each city directory above, and in the 1909 directory, Mrs. Sarah Morrison (wid Reuben) is also listed at 2701 Military.

On 25 Apr 1910, Robert and Pearl were enumerated at 2701 S. Military in Port Huron.

1910 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Port Huron, Ward 11, enumeration district (ED) 120, sheet 11B, dwelling 233, family 240, Robert Tudhope household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T624, roll 673.

In the household was Robert, age 39, and Pearl, age 34 (b. c. 1875-76) . Pearl's birthplace is given as Canada, and her immigration year as 1878. If this is true, then Sarah and Reuben must have immigrated back to the U.S. from Canada just after Reuben, Jr. was born. No occupation was listed for Robert, although the 1910 city directory listed him as a carpenter. Robert and Pearl had two sons, Russell, age 4, and Llwyn, age 2. Sarah, mother-in-law, age 57, was again living with the couple, and was a steamboat cook. This puts Sarah's birth date about 1852-53 in Canada.

About two weeks after the 1910 census, Sarah married a neighbor (see family below Robert and Pearl in 1910 census), Charles F. Jones , on 9 May 1910 in Sault Ste. Marie, Chippewa, Michigan. (Funny, because just a few months after the 1900 census, Pearl also married a neighbor).

Michigan Department of Vital Records, Marriage Registers, 1910, Chippewa County, 1: 4, no. 47, Jones-Morrison; "Michigan Marriages, 1868-1925," digital images, FamilySearch (http://www.familysearch.org : accessed 9 July 2008).

Interestingly, both Charles' and Sarah's residence was given as Erie, Pennsylvania. Both showed up on the 1910 census and city directory in Port Huron, though. The  marriage record gives Charles' parents as S.A. Jones and Mariam Monroe (the 1910 census states his father was Stephen V. Jones). His occupation was machinist, and he had been married once before. His age of 49 suggests that he was born about 1861 in Michigan. Sarah's age is also given as 49, which is way off from her age in other records, which put her being born around 1851-1852. She was 10 years older than Charles, so maybe she shaved quite a few years off her age so people wouldn't know. Sarah's birthplace is given as Michigan (not consistent with any other record - all others say Canada). Her parents are listed as Jeremiah Pemberton and Susanna German. The witnesses were Mary L. Horner and Elva A. Hill, both of Sault Ste. Marie. I found that Elva was age 26 in the 1910 census living with her parents, Caleb and Mary Hill, both born in Canada. Caleb was a ticket agent for a boat line (maybe the same steamboat Sarah worked on) and lived at 1003 Bingham St. in Sault Ste. Marie. The officiant, Albert Broadley, was a Methodist Episcopal minister from England, according to the 1910 census. Mary Horner was the wife of another Methodist Episcopal Minister, Simpson Horner, pastor of the Central M.E. Church in Sault Ste. Marie (source: 1910 city directory and 1910 census).

In 1920, Charles and Sarah were enumerated on Myrtlewood St. in Marysville, St. Clair, Michigan (just a few miles south of Port Huron).

1920 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Port Huron Township, village of Marysville, enumeration district (ED) 129, sheet 21B, dwelling 421, family 435, Charles F. Jones household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T625, roll 795

Again, Sarah's age and birthplace are inconsistent with pre-1910 records. Her age is given as 60 and birthplace as Michigan. She was actually about 68 or 69 years old and born in Canada. Charles was age 59 and a carpenter at a salt works.

Just two miles to the north, Robert and Pearl were enumerated at 3303 Military St. in Port Huron.

1920 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Port Huron, Precinct 11, enumeration district (ED) 128, sheet 1B, dwelling 23, family 26, Robert Tudehope household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 22 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T625, roll 795.

I believe that this is actually the same house that was previously listed as 2701 Military. I've looked at city directory street guides for 1910 and 1921, and the family seems to be at the exact same location, just with a different address. I need to verify, but my guess is that the streets were renumbered between 1910 and 1920. Robert, age 48, was a benchworker for an engine thresher. Pearl was age 43, and her birthplace is given as Michigan. This puts her birth date around 1876-1877. Their sons were Russel, age 14; Elwin, age 12; and Harry, age 5.

Robert and Pearl are listed at 3303 Military in the city directories through 1931.

1921: 
Tudhope James R (Pearl M), mach, h 3303 Military

1924-25: 
Tudhope J Robert (Pearl) wks A M Tudhope, h 3303 Military [A M Tudhope was a sand and gravel company, owned by his sister, Alice M. Tudhope]
Tudhope Russell W, student, h 3303 Military
1926:
Tudhope Robert J (Pearl), prop Tudhope Sand Co, h 3303 Military
Tudhope Russell, wks U S Mail, h 3303 Military
Tudhope Ellwyn, h 3303 Military
1928:
Tudhope Robert J (Pearl) prop Tudhope Sand Co, h 3303 Military
Tudhope Russell, h 3303 Military
Tudhope Ellwyn, lab, h 3303 Military
Tudhope Harry, student, h 3303 Military
 1930:
Tudhope Robt J (Pearl M) emp St C County Rd Com h3303 Military
Tudhope Russell W h3303 Military
Tudhope Ellwyn P state inspr h3303 Military
1931:
Tudhope J Robt (Pearl M) emp County Rd Comm h3303 Military
Tudhope Ellwyn P h3303 Military
Tudhope J Harry student h3303 Military

 In 1930, Pearl and Robert Morrison were enumerated again at 3303 Military.

1930 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Port Huron, Ward 11, enumeration district (ED) 42, sheet 3A, dwelling 60, family 61, Robert J. Tudhope household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 22 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 1025.

Robert was age 61 and worked building roads (presumably with the St. Clair County Road Commission, as stated in the 1930-31 city directories). Pearl was age 54 (b. c. 1875-1876) and born in Canada. Their son, Llwyn, age 22, was also a road worker. Their youngest son, Harry, was age 16. I have searched for their oldest son, Russell, in the 1930 census, but I have not found him yet.

Charles and Sarah Jones were enumerated at 574 Myrtlewood in Marysville. I am assuming this is the same house as 1920, but in 1920 no house number was given.

1930 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Marysville, enumeration district (ED) 25, sheet 9B, dwelling 207, family 207, Charles F. Jones household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 18 July 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 1024.

Charles was age 68 and a public school janitor. Sarah was age 76 and born in Canada. This places her birth date around 1853-54. Sarah's age is finally back in line with pre-1910 records.

Between 1933 and 1936, Robert, Pearl, and their children were enumerated at several different addresses on Military St.


1933-34:
Tudhope J Robt r3205 Military
Tudhope Elwyn P h3303 Military
Tudhope J Harry h3303 Military
1936-37:
Tudhope J Robert (Pearl) h3250 Military
Tudhope Elwyn P (Emily) emp Detroit h3205 Military
Tudhope J Harry h3205 Military

The 1933-34 street guide lists the homeowner at 3205 Military as Alice M. Tudhope, Robert's sister. The homeowner at 3303 was listed as James H. Bishop. I believe the 1936-37 address of 3250 is actually a typo because the street guide does not list such an address. Instead, the homeowner at 3205 Military is Ada G. Tudhope, Robert's other sister. In 1938, Robert and Pearl disappear from the city directories in Port Huron. At this point, Marysville was added to the directory, and Charles and Sarah appear in 1938-39 and 1940-41.

1938-39: Jones Charles F (Sarah A) 574 Myrtlewood (Marysville)
1940-41: Jones Charles F (Sarah) h574 Myrtlewood (Mrysvl)

In 1940, Charles and Sarah appear once again at 574 Myrtlewood.

1940 U.S. census, St. Clair County, Michigan, population schedule, Marysville, enumeration district (ED) 25, sheet 8A, household 158, Charles Jones household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 July 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 1815.

Charles was 79 and Sarah was 88. This means she was born abt 1851-52. Sarah's birthplace was given as Michigan.

I found Pearl living with her oldest son, Russell, and his wife, Margaret, at 3732 Tyler in Detroit in 1940. This would explain why she disappeared from the 1938 Port Huron city directory.

1940 U.S. census, Wayne County, Michigan, population schedule, Detroit, Ward 14, enumeration district (ED) 831, sheet 9A, household 206, Russell Tudhope household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 July 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 1864.

The odd thing is that Robert was not in the household, nor have I been able to find him anywhere else. Perhaps he died, but Pearl was listed as married (with that M7 code - meaning the spouse was missing). I have not found him in the St. Clair County Death Index, though it's possible he died in Detroit. Pearl was age 63, which means she was born abt. 1876-1877. Her birthplace is given as Michigan. Russell was age 34 and was the owner of an electric refrigeration business. Margaret was age 30 and born in Washington. Their children were Richard, age 7, and Joanne, age 3, both born in Michigan.

I found Pearl's other two sons, Llwyn and Harry, also living in Detroit in 1940. They lived at 9209 Birwood Ave.

1940 U.S. census, Wayne County, Michigan, population schedule, Detroit, Ward 18, enumeration district (ED) 1197, sheet 11B, household 346, Elwin Tudhope household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 15 July 2012); citing NARA microfilm publication T627, roll 1875.

Llwyn was a 31-year-old laborer in a tool and die factory. His wife, Emily, was 28, and their son, Donald, was 3. Harry was age 26 and was a clerk for a wholesale plumbing supplier. Harry was married to Betty, age 23. Both Harry and Betty's residence in 1935 was listed as Port Huron.

Back in Marysville, Sarah died on 9 Feb 1941. Below is a transcription of her death record:

Decedent: Sarah Jones
Death date: 9 Feb 1941
Death place: Marysville
Sex: F
Race: W
Marital Status: Married
Spouse: Charles
Cause of death: chronic myocarditis, senility
Age: 89 y, 8 m, 6 d
Birthplace: Michigan
Occupation: Retired housewife
Father: Jeremiah Pemberton
Father's birthplace: Unknown
Mother: Susanah German
Mother's birthplace: Ireland

Source: St. Clair County, Michigan, Death Book 8: 340, Sarah Jones, 1941; County Clerk, Port Huron.

Her age gives her a birth date of 3 Jun 1851.  I also found Sarah's obit in the Port Huron Times-Herald.

"Resident Of City Fifty Years Dies," The Port Huron (Michigan) Times Herald, 10 February 1941, p. 2.

Her birth date is given as 31 Jun 1851, but there is obviously no such date on the calendar. I believe it was another typo and should have said 3 Jun 1851. It says she was a member of the Church of Christ in her hometown of Algonac. Survivors were her husband; her daughter, Mrs. Robert Tudhope of Detroit; and three grandsons, Russell and Harry Tudhope of Detroit and Llwyn Tudhope of Port Huron. Sarah was buried in Lakeside Cemetery in Port Huron.

Photo courtesy of cousin, Sam Lindsay

According to a Jones family researcher, Sarah's husband, Charles, died a month after Sarah. Below is a transcription by that researcher:

Per Death Record # - Book 8, page 346
Charles F. Jones
Born: Michigan
Gender: Male
Race: White
Marital Status: Widowed - (Sarah)
Occupation: Retired Carpenter
Date of Death: March 15, 1941
Place of Death: Marysville
Cause of Death: Uremia
Age at Time of Death: 79 years, 11 months, 7 days
Father's Name: Steven Jones
Mother's Name: Unknown
Record Filed: March 17, 1941

Photo courtesy of cousin, Sam Lindsay

Source: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~mistcla2/Ward_Hall.htm#Charles%20F.%20Jones

He was also buried in Lakeside Cemetery.

Pearl is listed in the St. Clair County Death Index in 1962. I need to order her death record. She was buried with her brother at Lakeside Cemetery. Again, I'm not sure what happened to her husband, Robert.

Photo courtesy of cousin, Sam Lindsay

So, that is the story of Sarah and her daughter, Pearl. Now on to creating a research plan for them.

Summer Update

I just realized it has been two months since I last posted. That is probably the longest I have ever gone without posting a single thing. The summer has been busy. I've been getting used to working full time again. We've taken short weekend trips to Gulf Shores and to southwest Louisiana to see our parents. We've also had my parents come to visit us with my niece in tow and took her to the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans (note to self: do not go there again on a hot weekend in the summer).

Some of the genealogy highlights of the summer:

1. I recently discovered that my great-great-great-grandfather's younger brother, Stephen Pemberton, has a Civil War pension record. I didn't think he would have one because according to my 3g grandfather's deposition in his own pension file, Stephen died during the War from disease and left no wife or children. However, I was searching on either Fold3 or Ancestry.com recently and found that there was a pension record for him applied for by his mother, Susanna. I paid the ridiculous fee of $75 and received the pension file this week (I can understand the fee for a file like my 3g grandfather's file, which had over 100 pages, but Stephen's file only had 14 pages). I now know Stephen's date of death (11 Dec 1863 in Limaville, Stark, Ohio), and the birth dates of several of his siblings who were under 18 years of age at the time of his death. According to my 3g grandfather, Susanna was actually present at Stephen's death. His story was that he and Stephen were serving in the same unit, and he was fed up with the doctors not treating Stephen properly. So he stole Stephen out of camp and started heading toward home in Michigan. They made it to Limaville before he had to leave Stephen there and go by himself to get their mother. He then brought Susanna to Limaville, where she made it just in time to see Stephen before he died. My 3g grandfather then turned himself in at Detroit and was sent back to his unit after spending a week or so in jail.

2. I have found many of my Pemberton relatives in the 1940 census, now that Michigan and Ohio have been indexed by Ancestry.com. I find that I prefer the Ancestry.com images over the official 1940 census images at 1940census.archives.gov. I have found all of my great-grandfather's siblings, and all of my great-great-grandfather's siblings. I've also found quite a few nieces and nephews of my 3g grandfather.

3. This is more of a spring highlight, but back in March, my mom found a bunch of files at my grandparents' house when she was cleaning out the shed. They turned out to be a genealogical gold mine. The papers included my grandfather's first marriage and divorce records and all the land deed/land contracts on all the properties my grandparents lived in over the years in Michigan and Louisiana. His marriage record surprised me because it was from Georgia. I knew he was stationed in Florida while in the military, but I would not have thought to look in Georgia for a marriage record. I still need to process them all and enter them in my database.

4. I am trucking along in my genealogy database cleanup of sources and events. I am now cleaning up the children and grandchildren of my 3g grandfather's sister, Eliza Jane (Pemberton) Finkle. I should be finished by the end of the year (maybe earlier). Eliza had seven children, but only one grandchild, so the cleanup is going by pretty quickly on her family. I am also adding a few new sources here and there, such as new city directories added at Ancestry.com and at the St. Clair County Library website. 

5. A recent discovery is that Eliza's son, Hayes Wheeler Finkle, was a duck decoy carver and avid hunter in the Saginaw Bay area. His decoys are still around today. They are pretty pricey ($200 and up) because they are one of a kind and handmade. However, I did find that a collector of duck decoys wrote a book that includes a biography of Hayes and his brother, William (aka Bill - also a carver and hunter in the Lake St. Clair area). The book was much more affordable. I'm eagerly awaiting the delivery of the book. If you google Hayes' name, you will find pictures of his decoys on eBay and several collector and auction websites.

6. I finished two more classes at the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. I was slightly annoyed with both of them. The first was an intro to electronic resources. It hadn't been updated since at least 2008, based upon the course material and website links provided. None of the databases added at FamilySearch were mentioned. The description of FamilySearch only mentioned the older databases (IGI, 1880 US Census, 1881 Canadian Census, SSDI,  Ancestral File, etc.) The second course was an intro to vital records in the U.S. This one was mostly fine, but my only problem was an error that was made in the lesson on birth records. It stated that delayed birth certificates will always be found in the state/county where the person lived at the time of applying and not in the state/county of birth. This appears to have been based on a particular example used by the author, which was a decree of birth registration filed for in the 1950s in Oregon. This was filed through the court system and not through the department of vital records in Oregon. A decree of birth registration is not the same as a delayed birth certificate. A delayed birth certificate is issued by a vital records office (not by the courts). I am also annoyed by the format of the reading materials for both courses. The lessons are in .pdf files, but the images of examples and such are not embedded in the .pdf document. One has to go to a separate section and open up each image file. VERY ANNOYING!!!! I think this may be because many of their students still buy the printed reading materials and just have to flip a page instead of clicking around and switching screens.

Anyhow, those are my summer updates. I hope to start posting more regularly soon.

Part VII: Arthur CHAMBERLIN - 1930 Census

Previous post in this series:

Part VI: Arthur CHAMBERLIN in the Census

In my last post about Arthur Chamberlin, I had discovered his parents and siblings in the 1910-1930 census records. Well, I had discovered one of his parents and two of his siblings in the 1930 census. I found his father, Martin, with his two oldest brothers, Edward and Thomas, living in Marine City, St. Clair, Michigan, with Martin's widowed father, Edward Felix Chamberlain. According to the 1920 census, there should have been two additional siblings, Albert and Alice. Arthur and his mother, Gertrude, were also missing. I knew from Martin's death record that he was divorced at the time of his death in 1942. I had also found a 1941 marriage record for Gertrude and her second husband, Sear Christian. At this point, although the census said Martin was married, I figured they were either separated or divorced at the time of the 1930 census. 

I searched with all sorts of search term combinations for Gertrude Chamberlain, along with Alice, Albert, and Arthur Chamberlain, but to no avail. Then one day, I decided to search for Sear Christian, just to see what he was up to in 1930. I knew from the 1941 marriage record that he was living in Detroit, so I figured I would check there first. Well, lo and behold, I found a Sere Christie living at 2267 Monroe St. in Detroit. He was listed as a die setter, and his age and place of birth (c. 1887-1888 in Belgium) were consistent with those listed on the marriage record. Guess who was living with him? Gertrude Christie (age 42) and three children: Alice (age 15 - a shoe store saleslady), Albert (age 13), and Arthur (age 7), all enumerated under the name Christie. No wonder I couldn't find them --- I was searching for Chamberlain/Chamberlin. 

1930 U.S. census, Wayne County, Michigan, population schedule, Detroit (Ward 9), enumeration district (ED) 233, sheet 11B, dwelling 144, family 17, Sere Christie household; digital images, Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com : accessed 29 March 2008); citing NARA microfilm publication T626, roll 1040.

Interestingly, Sear and Gertrude were both listed as married, and she was listed as his wife. The children were all listed as Sear's children (not his stepchildren). However, I am not sure that Sear and Gertrude were actually married, since we have a 1941 marriage record, which occurred 11 years after this census was taken. They could have gotten married before 1930, divorced, and then remarried in 1941, but I doubt it. Especially since Martin was still listed as married in 1930. I have to wonder if Gertrude ran off on him with the three younger children in tow. Perhaps Martin did not want to be divorced and did not sign the divorce papers until 1941. I need to see if I can find their divorce papers, which I am assuming would have been filed in St. Clair County. It's also possible they were filed in Wayne County. 

Well, now that I had all of Arthur's siblings' information, I could start to look for them on Ancestry.com.