A Fire, A Hero, a Little Girl Saved....

 My grandaunt on my paternal grandmother's side was Mary Kathlaleena Hendricks (1908-1976). In January, 1972, Mary wrote a "Family record"- typed it out on a typewriter and I'm assuming gave copies to her children and other family members. This text is several pages long, but there is one excerpt that really spoke to me as a genealogist. 

The script reads: 

"Well, more sadness. A family next door to us house caught fire and Mother was ready to have another child. We lived so closet to them, just think about this, every able man, woman and child in our town of Jeffersonville, Indiana, came in and saved our possessions. Everybody around a one mile area was at that fire. The neighbors that lived in the house that burned up was named Baldwin. The flames were so high, everyone in seeing distance could see it. They had three boys and one daughter. She was asleep, taking a nap, and her coward father wasn't making an effort to rescue her. Our dad, bless his heart, told that coward to get back and away. He rolled up his sleeves and opened his shirt and went through the flaming house and rescued the little girl. That's the kind of man our Dad was, he loved everybody".

So, as a genealogist, I wanted to know more about this Baldwin family and this little girl whom my great-grandfather rescued. Because of the text before this story, I was able to pinpoint the fire around or just after 1920. 

In the 1920 U.S. Census, Isaac (36 years) and Myrtle (35) Hendricks (my great grandparents) lived at 621 Broadway in Jeffersonville, Indiana. They live in their rented home with their 2 sons and 3 daughters: Harry (17), Ida (12), Mary (11), Catherine (6) and Claude (2 1/2)..  

Next door, at 623 Broadway lived Frank Baldwin (50), his wife Laura (45) and their 4 sons and one daughter: Edward (10), Franklin (9), Joseph (6), Ormand (5) and Mary R (2 1/2). . 

Here's what I found about the Baldwin Family:

Frank Baldwin was born on 22 April 1868 in Indiana and died at the age of 79 on 23 Mar 1948 in Kentucky. In 1903, Frank married Laura Katherine Metz. Laura was born on 17 Aug 1875 in Clark County, Indiana and died at the age of 59 on 11 September 1934 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. 

On Findagrave.com, Frank and Laura have 3 children listed: 

Edward H. Baldwin (1909-1973), David Franklin (1911-1978) & Mary Rose Baldwin Bishop (1917-1993). 

Now, Mary is the little one that my great-grandfather rescued from the fire. 

Mary Rose Baldwin was born on 14 May 1917 in Jeffersonville, Indiana and died at the age of 75 on 06 March 1993 in Jefferson County, Kentucky. 

Although I did find the small information of Mary's birth, death and married name, I couldn't find an actual marriage record or her husband and/or any possible children information. However, It's good to know that she lived until the age of 75. 

52 Ancestors Biography- Mary Bostick

Mary Bostick- my 2nd great-grandmother.

Mary was born on 21 Aug 1848 in Kentucky to Miles Bostick (b. 1812) & Margaret Francerider (1827-1906).  Early sources when I first started researching several years ago always referred to her as Mary Ann, but I recently found her burial and death certificate and it states: Mary E. 

She was the 3rd child out of 7 children:

1. John Bostick (b. 1844)

2. Sarah Elizabeth Bostick (1845-1917)

3. Nancy Bostick (b. 1852)

4. Jane Bostick (b. 1855)

5. Alice Bostick (b. 1856)

6. Miles Bostick Jr. (b. 1860)

Mary married Isaac Hendricks (1843-1918) on 02 Jan 1867 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Census records show Mary having had 8 children total, but only 4 living- I have yet to find out when she had these other 4 children and when they passed. They also showed that Mary worked as a seamstress. 

Children of Mary & Isaac: 

1. William Henry (1868-1941)

2. John T. (1869-1945)

3. Anna (1874-1935)

4. Isaac Jr. (1883-1942)

Mary died on 17 May 1920 at the age of 71. Her cause of death sounds complicated- Cerebral Apoplexy- described online as "a sudden disease caused by spontaneous, endogenic, non-inflammatory circulatory disturbances involving cerebral blood vessels". She was laid to rest in the Sellersburg Cemetery in Sellersburg, Indiana. 

52 Ancestors Biography- Isaac Hendricks (1843-1910)

Isaac Hendricks- my 2nd great-grandfather

(not the greatest picture, but...it's all I got!)

Isaac was born in August 1843 in Indiana.  He was the 4th child of 9 born to Samuel McCormack Hendricks (1807-1856) and Elizabeth Sarles (1818-1889). Five of his siblings died as babies.

Siblings of Issac Hendricks: 

1. William (1839-1839)

2. Catherine (b. 1840)

3. John T. (1842-1847)

4. Margaret (1845-1846)

5. James L. (1847-1848)

6. Isabella (1849-1850)

7. Arabella (b. 1849)

8. John Abraham (1857-1914)

Isaac enrolled in the military at the age of 18 on 05 Nov 1861 during the Civil War in Jeffersonville, Indiana. He was under Company C, Regiment 49. He was discharged 29 Nov 1864.

Three years later, Issac married Mary Ann Bostick on 02 Jan 1867. Mary was born in August 1849 and died on 17 May 1920. She was the daughter of Miles Bostick & Margaret Francerider.

Isaac and Mary had 4 children: 

1. William (b. 1868)

2. John T. (1869-1945)

3. Annie (b. 1874)

4. Isaac Jr. (1883-1942) (my great-grandfather) You can read about him Here.

Isaac was a laborer most of his life- different jobs. He died at the age of 75 on 09 Nov 1918. Cause of death was Chronic Interstitial Nephritis (inflammation of the spaces between renal tubules). 

He is buried in the Sellersburg Cemetery in Sellersburg, Indiana. 

Family History from Mary Kathaleena Hendricks

Personal families histories are so important, especially to genealogists! They give a different "view" of a person's life than most genealogical records show (census records, birth certificates, etc.). 

My grandmother was Dorothy Jean Hendricks (1926-2010)- you can read more about her HERE. 

In Jan 1972, my great-aunt Mary Kathaleena Hendricks, Dorothy's sister, wrote a family history- I have a copy of it and thought I'd share her words with the world; 

 

Here's the transcription so you don't have to read those tiny pictures! ❤ (If there is a drastic typo/error, I'll fix it with parenthesis) 

January 1972

My parents had 11 children. Their first born was a boy named Harry Oliver on November 17, 1903. He lived a wonderful life for 69 years. Finally he discovered from his doctor he had cancer. A dreadful disease. He had two operations and the last one was final. Thank God he was a Christian so he went to meet his savior. He had a good life with his wife Lucile. They were both married before. He had two sons and she had a son and a daughter. Her son and daughter gave them grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He truly was a family man: loved all of them and they loved him. Lucile's son Forrest was with im (him) 'til the end. He said he called out all of his brothers and sisters names before the end. I know and I believe he is asleep in Jesus.

Their second child was a girl named Grace. A beautiful girl who only lived to be 13 years of age. She died during the flu epidemic during World War I. With her flu, she took pneumonia and turned for the worse on Halloween. She tried to raise up and see us kids dressed up, she was always happiness when she was around. The thought of seeing her quiet and still in a casket,I knew I couldn't stand seeing her laying there silent. Dad and Mom had a time with me, it broke my heart. I know she is asleep with Jesus also. If she had lived, she would be 68 years old.

Their third child was born January 28, 1906 and was named Ida Pauline. She is 66 years old. She married Lee Ralston and in their marriage there were three sons, Donald, Merle and Ralph. They have two grandchildren- a girl by Ralph and one on the way due in April: Merle gave them one grandson. Their first born was a son named Donald. He was killed in Germany. He sure was a darling boy and a Christian one. I know Donald is asleep with Jesus. 

I was their fourth child. I was born December 11, 1908. I am 63 years old. They named me after my two wonderful grandmothers named Mary. My middle name was after two aunts Katherine and Lena so my full name is Mary Kathaleena. Our wonderful mother couldn't hardly believe she had a five year rest, that's what I would call it. Then my wonderful sister Catherine Virginia was born November 19, 1913. Catherine married Melvin Branham in January. In their marriage, they have two sons- Charles and Ronald. Sis Catherine is 56 years old. Charles has given them two grandchildren. One by his first wife a girl and a boy by his second wife. Their second son Ronald has two children. These are handsome young men and both are happily married. 

And then came another boy from this happy marriage and Mom and Dad named him Charles Woodrow. He was born during the time Woodrow Wilson was President. At that time our parents were looking for a middle name for Charles and Dad said, "Mertle, why not give this son of ours a middle name of Woodrow. This president of our country beems to be alright to me." So, Woodrow it was. Poor darling Mother had before this one was born run out of names. Now this was 1917 and Charles came on Ground Hog Day, February 2nd. He is 53 years old. In his first marriage, he had one daughter. They named her Patricia. In his second marriage to Virginia they were blessed with a son and a daughter. The daughter is named Beverly Ann and she is married and has a baby girl. Their son named John, better known as Johnny, as far as I know he is still a bachelor. I have no more information on this family or marriages. I hope I am right.

Now in between Charles and Melvin, Mother had, I am trying to figure out in my knowledge, sometime around Sis Catherine and Charles, had a miscarriage at 4 1/2 months. In their days, people named everyone and every woman knows at 4 1/2 months she feels life. Well, our first cousin Edna, our Aunt Annie's daughter, through her barren days. I am not able to give you this one's name. But Mother had another baby and Cousin Edna was so good to hear they named this one after her, Edna Viola. But a sad note comes in here, it died with spasms at 10 days old. 

Well, more sadness. A family next door to us house caught fire and Mother was ready to have another child. We lived so close to them, just think about this, every able man, woman and child in our town of Jeffersonville, Indiana, came in and saved all our possessions. Everybody around a one mile area was at that fire. The neighbors that lived in the house that burned up was named Baldwin. The flames were so high, everyone in seeing distance could see it. They had three boys and one daughter. She was asleep, taking a nap, and her coward father wasn't making an effort to rescue her. Our dad, bless his heart, told that coward to get back and away. He rolled up his sleeves and opened his shirt and went through the flaming house and rescued the little girl. That's the kind of man our dad was: he loved everybody. Mother was taken to a neighboring home. A lady they never even knew took her in and her baby was born dead. The doctor performed the operation to deliver the baby, he said the tragedy of the fire caused it. I can't remember what they named this baby. 

And then Mother had another child and this was named Melvin Clifford. I hope I am right about the middle name. This was one of Cousin Edna's boy friend's middle name. 

Now coming close to the end of a happy marriage, our darling mother thought once again her barren days were over and much to her surprise she got pregnant in her change of life. A baby was born, another girl: she had milk-like skin and big brown eyes just like Mother's. They say every change of life baby is beautiful (I agree. All of you sisters and brothers ought to see our Douglas Scott. He is 4 months old and he hasn't learned to stand on his feet and he is learning now he can move himself.). This year Harold and I got married by the way. And may I say, Dorothy Jean is still beautiful and is a mother of 8 children and 1 grand-child. Her first marriage ended leaving her with 3 children and carrying one. She was married to a good man named Paul Jeckering and he died with that horrible disease cancer. Well, she couldn't think of raising four children alone without a father, so she met a man named John Potchik. He was a confirmed bachelor, so he said, I have a ready made family. In their marriage, they have four darling boys. 

Well, some more about me. I met and fell head over heels in love with a handsome twin named Harold T. Johnson. We married after his mother died, October 2, 1926. In our marriage, God gave us three wonderful children - one son and two daughters. We have seven grandchildren. Doris Ann had Douglas Scott in early changes of life. Her daughter Pamela Gail will graduate this coming June and her youngest Beverly Ann will be 13 years old in April. Now coming to a close of this History our (of) our Family Tree, we are heading for our 50th year of marriage. We have been married going on 46 years, the golden years and I have Faith we are going to make it with God's help. 

"AMEN" 

One thought- Mary died in 1976, which would have been the year that she and her husband would have been married 50 years...She died in Oct. I have no idea what month they had married, so I'm sad to say, I don't know if they made it to their 50th Wedding Anniversary or not!!! 

Here are the names and dates of her family;

Father; Isaac Hendricks Jr. 1883-1942

Mother; Myrtle May Hyman 1884-1953

Their children: 

Harry Oliver (1903-1971)

Grace (1904-1917)

Ida Pauline (1906-1975)

Mary Kathaleena (1908-1976) (the one who wrote the history)

Charles Woodrow (1917-1973)

Edna Viola (1919-1919)

Melvin Clifford (1922-2002)

Dorothy Jean (1926-2010) (my grandmother)

Golden Wedding Anniversaries

I haven't done a Saturday night challenge in a while, so here we go! (even though it's a Monday) 

This one is from Randy Seaver's Genea-Musing's blog post titled:  Golden Wedding Anniversaries.

Here are the instructions: 

-To find out which of your ancestors have celebrated a golden wedding anniversary- 50 years of marital bliss-- was there a newspaper article about it?

(I am going to do the same thing Randy did- people who didn't make 50+ years will be in black, and then people who did exceed 50+ years will be in red.)

1) Jeckering line: 

~Gerhard Jeckering & Susanna Hemelt, married before 1711, Gerhard died in 1735- married about 24 years.

~Gerhard Jeckering Jr. & Martha Roling, married 1759, Martha married in 1783: married 24 years.

~Johann Otto Jeckering & Anna Catherina Lobker, married 1795, Johann died 1822: married 27 years.

~Johannes Jeckering & Euphemia Margaretha Ketteler, married 1824, they both died in 1860: married 36 years.

~Gerhard Jeckering & Maria Elisabeth Kluneman, married about 1854, Gerhard died in 1898: married about 44 years (almost!).

~Joseph Herman Jeckering & Rose A. Horn, married 1899, Joseph died in 1931: married 32 years. (I heard they were separated at one point, don't think they ever divorced though).

~Gerhard Cletus Jeckering & Josephine Mary Dabuliewicz, married 1924, Josephine died in 1965: married 41 years.

~Paul George Jeckering & Dorothy Jean Hendricks, married 1947, Paul died in 1954: married only 7 years.

~My parents- married 1975, divorced after 25 years.

2) Hendricks line:

~Willem Hendrickson & Willemptje Thys Van Pelt, married 1697, Willem died in 1711: married 14 years.

~Johannes Willem Hendricks & Sarah Messier, married 1722, Sarah died in 1782: married 60 years!!

~Abram Hendricks & Ann Jamison, married 1771, Abram died in 1819: married 48 years! (So close!)

~Daniel Hendricks & Nancy McGuire, married 1800, Nancy died in 1823: married 23 years.

~Samuel McCormack Hendricks & Elizabeth Sarles, married 1838, Samuel died in 1856: married 18 years.

~Isaac Hendricks Jr. & Myrtle May Hyman, married before 1903, Isaac died in 1942: married about 39 years.

3) Mendenhall line: 

~Thomas Mildenhall III & Joane Strode, married 1649, they both died in 1682: married 33 years.

~John Mendenhall & Elizabeth Maris, married 1685, Elizabeth died in 1691: married only 6 years.

~John Mendenhall Jr. & Susanna Pierson, married 1709, they both died in 1765: married 56 years!!!

~Mordecai Mendenhall & Charity Grubb Beeson, married 1735, Mordecai died in 1803: married 68 years!!

~Richard Mendenhall & Jane Thornbrugh, married 1758, Richard died in 1773: married 15 years.

~Joseph Mendenhall & Deidamia Hill, married about 1793, Joseph died in 1833: married about 40 years.

~Richard Mendenhall & Sarah Pearson, married 1817, Sarah died in 1866: married 49 years! (So close!!)

~Aaron Mendenhall & Christena M. Spielman, married 1851, Aaron died in 1894: married 43 years!

~Richard Mendenhall & Margaret Frances Pierron, married 1872, Margaret died in 1923: married 51 years!!

~Marion Richard Mendenhall & Louella Ida Munn, married 1893, Marion died in 1948: married 55 years!!

~Earl Dwight Mendenhall & Edna Grace Niles, married about 1915: Edna died in 1934: married about 19 years.

~Harold Earl Mendenhall & Helen Ruth Seaver, married about 1942, Helen died in 1981: married 39 years.

4) Seaver line: 

~ Henry Seaver & Elizabeth Myers, married 1771, Elizabeth died in 1777: married only 6 years.

~Jacob Seaver & Esther Croberger, married 1799, they both died in 1854: married 55 years!!!

~Greenberry mcKilsey Seaver & Mary Douglas, married 1852, Mary died in 1862: married 10 years.

~Frank Buchanon Seaver & Harriett Olive Watson, married 1888, Harriett died in 1915: married 27 years.

~Otto Watson Seaver & Ruby Mae Henderson, married 1926, by 1930, they were divorced and Otto was remarried: married less than 4 years.

Today in My Family History: Week 31

Monday, July 27, 2015

A Very Happy Birthday to: 

~My Niece- a "Living Herrin"--7 Years Old

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

NONE

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Happy Anniversary to:

~Samuel McCormack Hendricks and Elizabeth Sarles

My 3rd Great Grandparents

They were married on July 29, 1838 in Clark County, Indiana

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace:

~Edna Grace Niles (1894-1934)--40 Years Old

My Great Grandmother

She DIED on July 29, 1934.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

NONE

Friday, July 31, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace:

~Marion Richard "Mac" Mendenhall (1873-1948)-- 74 Years Old

My 2nd Great Grandfather

He was BORN on July 31, 1873. 

Saturday, August 01, 2015

NONE

Sunday, August 02, 2015

Happy Anniversary to:

~Dorothy Jean Hendricks and Paul George Jeckering

My Paternal Grandparents

They were married on Aug 02, 1947 in Dayton, Ohio.

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace:

~Dorothy Jean Hendricks (1926-2010)-- 84 Years Old

My Paternal Grandmother.

She DIED on Aug 02, 2010.

Today in My Family History: Week 24

I already posted Monday, June 8-- so We'll start with Tuesday.

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace:

~Dorothy Jean Hendricks (1926-2010)--84

My grandmother

She was BORN on June 09, 1926.

She would be 89 years old.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace:

~Bernhard Jeckering (1719-?) 

My 6th Great Grand Uncle

He was a twin, born June 10, 1917.

He would be 296 years old!!

~Johann Jeckering (1719-1727)--8

My 6th Great Grand Uncle

He was a twin, born June 10, 1917.

He would be 296 years old!!

Thursday, June 11, 2015- June 13, 2015

NONE

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Happy Anniversary to:

~My Aunt and Uncle-- Married June 14, 1963

~Marie Margaret Brinkman (1887-1936) & Samuel Anthony Trick (1889-1958)

They married June 14, 1911 in Dayton, Ohio. 

Saturday Night Challenge

I haven't done a Saturday Night Genealogy Fun in awhile! So, here we go! 

This weeks challenge by Randy Seaver's Genea-Musings: 

 Your Ancestors Occupations

~Paul George Jeckering (1925-1954)- My Grandfather

*1951- Machinist 

*1952- NCR- National Cash Register

*1952- Bakery (Second job)

~Harold Earl Mendenhall (1916-1989)- My Grandfather

*1940 Salesperson

~Gerhard Cletus Jeckering (1900-1967)- My Great Grandfather

*1920- Toolmaker @ Machine Shop

*1940- Toolmaker 

*1942- Toolmaker

~Isaac Hendricks Jr. (1883-1942)- My Great Grandfather

*1910- Carpenter 

*1920- Teamster @ Central Coal

*1930- Lineman @ Power Light & Gas

*1940- Laborer

*1942- Unemployed- disabled

~Earl Dwight Mendenhall (1894-1972)- My Great Grandfather

*1920- Machinist @ Garage

*1930- Garage Manager

*1940- Garage Mechanic

~Otto Watson Seaver (1901-1972)- My Great Grandfather

*1930- Laborer of Various Jobs

*1940- General Repair 

~Joseph Herman Jeckering (1870-1931)- My 2nd Great Grandfather

*1900- Grocery Clerk

*1910- Grocery- Own Store

*1920- Merchant Grocery

*1930- Vice President of Brinkman Engineering (INC)

~Issac Hendricks (1843-1910)- My 2nd Great Grandfather

*1860- Laborer

*1880- Cooper

*1900- Day Laborer

*1910- Retired Cooper

~James W. Hyman (1854-1926)- My 2nd Great Grandfather

*1870- Laborer

*1900- Cooper

~Marion Richard "Mac" Mendenhall (1873-1948)- My 2nd Great Grandfather

*1900- Owns Hardware Store

*1930- Watch Repairman

~Joseph Niles (1857-1933)- 2nd Great Grandfather

*1900- Tile Factory Laborer

*1920- Manager @ General Store

*1930- Trucker for Franklin Farms

~Frank Buchanon Seaver (1856-1936)- 2nd Great Grandfather

*1880- Farmer

*1900- Farmer

Today in My Family History: Week 16

Monday, April 13, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace: 

~Richard Mendenhall Jr. (1832-?)

My 4th Great Grand Uncle

He was BORN on April 13, 1832.

He would have been 183!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace: 

~Mary Julia Heider (1902-1971)

My 1st Cousin, 3x Removed

She DIED on April 14, 1971.

She would have been 113!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

None

Thursday, April 16, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace: 

~Gerhard J Jeckering (1829-1898)

My 3rd Great Grandfather

He DIED on April 16, 1898.

He would have been 186!

Friday, April 17, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace: 

~Louis Gerhard Brinkman (1886-1980)

My 1st Cousin, 3x Removed

He was BORN on April 17, 1886.

He would have been 129!

Saturday, April 18, 2015

A Very Happy Birthday to: 

~My 4th Cousin, 1x Removed- A "Living Luttmer"-- 47 years old

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace: 

~Caroline Beams (1844-1900)

My 3rd Great Grandmother

She DIED on April 18, 1900.

She would have been 171!

~Samuel McCormack Hendricks (1807-1856)

My 3rd Great Grandfather

He DIED on April 18, 1856.

He would have been 208!!

~Rosemary Jeckering (1930-2012)

My Great Aunt

She was BORN on April 18, 1930. 

She would have been 85.

~Ethel Beatrice Alcock (1909-1982)

The Wife of my Great Grand Uncle

She was BORN on April 18, 1909.

She would have been 106!

Sunday, 2015

In Loving Memory- May they Rest in Peace: 

~Louella Ida "Ella" Munn (1872-1858) 

My 2nd Great Grandmother

She was BORN on April 19, 1872.

She would have been 143!

~Elizabeth Martha Jeckering (1910-1923)

My Great Grand Aunt

She was BORN on April 19, 1910.

She would have been 105!

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Week 33: Isaac Hendricks (1883-1942)

Isaac Hendricks Jr. - my Great-grandfather


Born: 22 Mar 1883 in Speeds, Indiana

Parents: Isaac Hendricks (1843- ?) & Mary Bostick (1849-?)

Siblings: 
1. William (b. 1868)
2. John (b. 1870)
3. Annie (b. 1874)


Residence(s) & Occupation(s):

1900 (age 17): 732 Indiana Ave, Jefferson, Indiana
                         Day Laborer

1910 (age 27): 417 Spring St., Jeffersonville, Indiana
                          Carpenter

1920 (age 37): Jeffersonville, Indiana
                         Central Coal

1930 (age 47): 201 Bainbridge St., Dayton, Ohio
                          Lineman @ Power Light & Gas

1940 (age 57): 66 S. Terry St., Dayton, Ohio
                          Laborer


Military: 

1918- WWI Draft
1942- WWII Draft


Description in 1942- Tall, Medium built, Brown Eyes, Brown Hair

Family: 

on 05 May 1902 in Jeffersonville, CLark, Indiana, Isaac married Myrtle May Hendricks (1884-1953) and they had 9 children:

1. Harry Oliver (1903-1971)
2. Grace (1904-1917)
3. Ida Pauline (1906-1975)
4. Mary Kathaleena (1908-1976)
5. Catherine Virginia (1913-1989)
6. Charles Woodrow (1917-1973)
7. Edna Viola (1919-1919)
8. Melvin Clifford (1922-2002)
9. Dorothy Jean (1926-2010)


Isaac died in Aug 1942 in Montgomery County, Ohio. He was 59 years old . Isaac is buried in WillowView Cemetery, Sec E.