Rush County Genealogical Society Meeting Minutes September 13, 2014
The Rush County Genealogical Society meeting was called to order by President Carol Jones at 11:00 am at the Rushville Elks Lodge with seven in attendance.
The August meeting minutes were read by Secretary Katrina Cooper and approved with corrections. Shirley Biehl, Treasurer sent her report as she could not attend. The treasury balance was the same as last month - $3,263.03 with no activity during the month.
Carol Jones reported that the Indiana Historical Society, Traces featured two articles which mention the Beech Settlement near Carthage in Rush County, Indiana.
Carol stated that she has been able to add the Arlington East Hill Cemetery to SHAARD since their earliest documented grave is from 1835. She is also working with them to get a historical marker. She reported that Don Craig with connections with Rush and Shelby counties, has offered to do a presentation at one of our meetings. It would be about 45 minutes.
October 11th meeting is slated to have Joel David to talk about his work on the David Cemetery. February, 2015 we hope to have a Round Table of several Rush County historians. We will check if May, 2015 is a good time for the Craig presentation.
Carol has been working on inputting information on Find a Grave as far as inscriptions for Rushville Township, Anderson Township and is now working on Center Township. We still need to work on East Hill Cemetery, Rushville especially Section 9 that was lost when someone has computer issues.
Kevin was able to obtain the listing of the Cemeteries from the Courthouse that he had mentioned that he had looked at with Bill Todd in his office some time ago. It was stated that the City of Rushville is in charge of the care of the Laughlin Cemetery. We could help by doing some work with a weed-eater and cutting off some low hanging limbs.
Mention was made that it does not seem that we have accomplished a great deal in 2014. We have helped several times in the Rush County Historical Society Museum and we are working on Obituaries from the books loaned to us of Obituaries RCHS.
Perhaps in November, we could assign out photos that need to be added to Find a Grave. Linda Mahan mentioned that Find a Grave will be having some changes in how you are able to attach photos.
Discussion turned to our Cemetery project and it was noted we will not have photos – on Inscriptions. Question was brought forward if the local mortuaries have the Lot # as part of their records or if we would have to get that from the cemetery sextons. Carol will check with Todd and Mosters. Burns Mortuary would be who we would need to check with for Milroy. It used to be Murphy and then went to Murphy-Burns and then to Burns Mortuary. The Milroy Cemetery has been worked on by Pam Steed and Linda Mahan. It is located at SR 3 and 244. The Layton Cemetery is located the first Road out of Milroy- east of Milroy off 244. Richland-Fisher Cemetery was noted that there are cement posts – on the one it says Richland and the other Cemetery.
The topic of how we can post photos for identification on our Facebook page. Katrina reported she is only able to post one photo at a time and is not able to post an album. We have been contacted by someone who has several photos she would like help in identifying. Katrina was given several this summer by Jim Gordon which he would like shared with relatives as well.
We have received correspondence from a lady who would like to donate books from her mother’s collection on genealogy research. Bill Baetz has made contact and will meet her to get the books.
Kevin Harr reported that the pictorial book on Rushville he was hoping to publish does not seem to be working out due to copyright issues. He is seeking another publisher at this time.
Posting the obituaries on the website has not been able to be completed. There is an issue with Excel vs. Pdf files. We still need the Cemetery software to be able to continue with this project as well.
Carol Jones is scheduled to have shoulder surgery on September 17th. All wished her well.
Sincerely, Katrina Cooper RCGS Secretary
Rush County Genealogical Society Meeting Minutes August 9, 2014
The August 9, 2014 meeting of the Rush County Genealogical Society was held at the Rushville Historical Society Museum with seven in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 11:00 by President Carol Jones.
Minutes from the June 14, 2014 meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s report was given by Secretary Katrina Cooper. Our beginning balance was $3384.03 with checks written for our tax preparation and Bond in the amounts of $35 and $86 respectively leaving a balance of $3263.03.
Carol Jones reported that she had been working on the cemetery project. She handed out a spreadsheet of cemeteries in Rush County with Find A Grave and SHAARD information. There was discussion on how the Percentage of completion was calculated. It was mentioned that like in the Gosnell Cemetery, many stones may be buried. There are three stones with Inscriptions and it shows 100% done. It was mentioned that the Laughlin Cemetery/Lower Rushville Cemetery is in bad shape. It has just been mowed and weeds are all grown up there. Who is to take care of this cemetery?
Bill Baetz has re-worked the RCGS website and queries now work so that we can access the requests.
The Indiana Genealogy and Local History Fair will be held Saturday, October 25, 2014 from 9-3:00. We had decided not to have a table this year, but will send informational material. Family Search was reported to have added Miami and Wells County Marriage Indexes. It was reported that Billion Graves and the Federation of Genealogical Services have partnered to image all cemetery markers for the War of 1812 participants. Ancestry.com is helping fund the project.
Celia Matthews sent greetings to all. She and Bud continue to have health issues.
The business portion of the meeting was ended and Becky Webb presented a wonderful program about the Kennedy Family and the Kennedy Bridges. She had many pictures of the bridges and the family. Much was learned about the location and styles of the Kennedy Bridges. They also built houses, schools, and barns.
Respectfully, Katrina Cole Cooper Secretary
Rush County Genealogical Society Meeting Minutes June 14, 2014
The regular meeting of RCGS was held June 14, 2014 at the Rushville Elks Lodge with seven in attendance. The meeting was called to order at 11:00 a.m. by President Carol Jones.
Minutes from the May, 2014 meeting were read and approved. The treasury balance of $3,384.03 was reported by Treasurer, Shirley Biehl.
It was noted that Carol Jones has photos to donate to Kevin Harr for the Rush County pictorial history he is working on.
Joel David has asked if he can change to the October meeting to give his presentation on the restoration work he has done on the David Cemetery.
Becky Webb has agreed to give a presentation on the Kennedy Bridges for our August, 2014 meeting. She would like us to hold the meeting at the Museum as they have information she will use for her presentation.
It was noted that Susan has been donating her time as a volunteer on Mondays at the Museum.
Carol Jones reported that she has completed the listing of Obituaries from one of the books of Obituaries that was found at the Museum.
It was reported that Gary Crull, member from Ohio, expressed an interest in coming to a meeting -for the right topic.
This spurred discussion on future meeting topics. One suggestion was to have a Round Table of several people who are knowledgeable on different section of Rush County. Suggestions made were: Allen Coon from Noble Township, Eleanor Arnold, Linda Mahan, Al Hodge, and Bill Farley.
Carolyn Craig has made contact to let us know she has Cemetery Transcriptions our group would be interested in. She has done extensive work on the Little Blue River Cemetery (Baptist). She has donated her work to Find A Grave.
Packets were given out to give to cemeteries to get their Cemetery Heritage signs. Susan Huston will contact Raleigh Zion Cemetery, Katrina took packets for Walnut Ridge and Center Christian, and Carol Jones will check with Arlington East Hill. They must be on SHAARD and have been started by 1835 to be eligible. RCGS will pay the $129 fee for the sign/assist as needed. Kevin Harr reported the trees have been taken out at the Milroy Cemetery.
Carol Jones will be having shoulder surgery again. We should keep her in our thoughts.
Member Hayden King passed away June 8, 2014. Our condolences to his wife Elizabeth and family.
Reminder was made that RCGS does not meet during the month of July.
Carol Jones reported that the Society’s tax return had been submitted.
Suggestion was made to check with Rush County Community Foundation (RCCF) for possible grants we might be eligible for.
We have received Notice for Bonding. Shirley Biehl will send in for renewal. Need to be sure the listing of Officers is correct.
Respectfully submitted, Katrina Cole Cooper Secretary
Rush County Genealogical Society Meeting Minutes May 10, 2014
Bill Baetz, Vice President, called the meeting to order at the Rush County Historical Society Museum. Welcome was given to Bill Baker, member from Ohio.
The March meeting minutes taken by Linda Mahan were read and approved. Thanks were extended to Linda for filling in.
Susan Huston reported that she had sent out the audio CD of the talk John Wilson gave on Rush County Horse Racing and book order to Charles Shields.
Bill reminded the group of the Midwestern Roots Conference on August 1 & 2 at Indianapolis Marriott East. Daniel Poffenberger and Joan Hostetler will be among the presenters. The National Palatine Conference held in Columbus, Ohio will be held June 26-28, 2014.
Susan Huston has done some research on the horse racing case between the two brothers and found that a dissolution was filed. She also found that the cause of death for the gentleman who died the day after the article came out about Rush County filing results of a race that did not happen was due to Dilation of heart. He was just 40 years old.
Discussion turned to Cemeteries of the County. Applications for Cemetery Heritage Signs were brought by Linda Mahan. Suggested cemeteries were Little Blue River Wesleyan Cemetery, Arlington East Hill, Milroy, Center Christian and Walnut Ridge. Katrina took packets to talk with Walnut Ridge and Center Christian to see if they would be interested and offer our assistance. Kevin Harr reported that trees are being cleared at the Milroy Cemetery that is on the hill. Kevin also mentioned that he has a listing of burials for the Old Milroy Cemetery.
The next topic was about the addition of Obituary Listings on our website. Bill Baetz will ask for the current spreadsheet from Pam Steed in hopes of being able to add the many obituaries members have been collecting.
Suggestion for the August meeting was to try to get a speaker to come from the Indiana State Archives. Joel David is slated to give a presentation on the restoration of the David Cemetery in November.
Terri Stevens brought up the subject of The Indiana Album. This is being coordinated by Joan Hostetler and they have a Facebook page and you can find information on the project on the Internet at www.heritagephotoreseach.com. It is an Indiana Bicentennial Project.
Kevin Harr reported that he is working on publishing a Rush County Pictorial History and would appreciate pictures of people and places of Rush County. Photos need to be in 300 dpi –best if he can have the original photo so he can scan it himself.
The meeting was adjourned and members worked for several hours on categorizing photos for the Rush County Historical Society. Many interesting photos were looked through and grouped by subject.
Sincerely, Katrina Cole Cooper Secretary
Rush County Genealogical Society Meeting Minutes April 12, 2014
The regular RCGS meeting was held April 12th at the Rushville Elks Lodge, with 17 members present. The meeting was called to order at 11:00 AM by President Carol Jones.
Minutes from the March, 2014 meeting were approved. A treasury balance of $3212.53 was reported by Treasurer, Shirley Biehl.
Carol Jones reminded members of the Midwestern Roots Family History and Genealogy Conference which will be held August 1 and 2, 2014 at the Marriott East. There will bea Genealogy and Local History Fair on October 25. Discussion was held about whether the group would like to participate. You can sign up to have a table and two chairs. It was decided to send brochures and fliers to be displayed at the Information Table.
Susan Huston reported that she is doing research for a Meredith Family. She asked if anyone knew of the family - Obadiah, Nancy Loftus and John V. Meredith who died in the very early 1900’s.
John O. Wilson spoke on the History of Rush County Horse Racing. He has done quite a lot of research and presented a very informative talk. Horse racing impacted the community with the increased businesses such as buggy makers, horse shoers, etc.
Blue Bull was one of the most famous race horse and had some 900 foals.
John reported that the Rush County Historical Society Museum will be open the first Sunday of each month from 2:00 – 4:00. They will be hosting the Spring Dinner on May 8th at 6:00 which will feature a Silent Movie with Carmelita Gerahty, a Rushville native.
Sincerely, Katrina Cole Cooper Secretary
Rush County Genealogical Society Meeting Minutes March 8, 2014
The regular RCGS meeting was held, March 8th at the Rushville Elks Lodge, with 8 members present. The meeting was called to order at 11:00 AM by President Carol Jones.
Minutes from the February meeting were approved on a motion made by Donna Tauber.
Susan Huston reported a balance of $3,186.90. Terri Stevens turned in a bill for $44.37 for the banner that will be used in the St. Patrick’s parade.
Members were reminded to meet at Main Street Christian Church at 2:30 on the 15th to line up for the parade and to bring a bag of candy.
Carol will contact John Wilson about a program in May on the History of Horse Racing in Rush County. She also mentioned a Family History event to be held at the Indiana History Center on March 22nd. The program will be presented by Cindi’s List.
There was discussion on helping sponsor Heritage Markers at some Rush County cemeteries. DNR has a list of cemeteries that have applied and been approved. Suggestions were to contact Arlington East Hill, Center Church, Walnut Ridge, Little Blue River Friends, and Milroy.
Bill Baetz has been working on the website and will try to add more recent obituaries to the website.
Members were encouraged to join the Society of Indiana Pioneers. A pioneer is a family member who lived in Indiana before December 31, 1840. First Families of Ohio membership is also available if you had an ancestor in Ohio before 1820.
Summer projects include continuing to work on cemetery transcriptions and photos, and making a list of completed cemeteries on Find A Grave.
Everyone thought the Lincoln presentation was well received. Monetary and food donations were delivered to the Rush County Community Assistance location. Linda Mahan reported that 4 marriage books and 1 Civil War book were sold.
The Rush County Historical Society will be having their spring program and dinner in April. They will be showing a silent movie and Mike Woods will provide the accompaniment.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM
Linda Mahan Acting Secretary
Rush County Genealogical Society Minutes February 8, 2014
The Rush County Genealogical Society meeting was called to order by President Carol Jones at the Rush County Historical Society Museum with ten in attendance.
Secretary Katrina Cooper read the minutes of the January 11, 2014 minutes and they were approved. Treasurer, Susan Huston reported the balance of our account to be at $3,189.90. She and Shirley Biehl are working on transferring the treasurer job to Shirley.
Carol Jones reported that we have a few items that Dean Dorrell needs for “An Evening with Lincoln” on Wednesday, February 12th at the 201 Building at 7:00 p.m. He needs a CD player and straight back chair. She will get with him to finalize plans and the time that he will arrive as he had asked for help to carry in other props for the presentation. We will have two boxes for food donations and something to put the monetary donations in as well.
Carol Jones brought up the suggestion that we participate in the Rushville St. Patrick’s Day Parade. She offered her Mustang and Terri Stevens will work on a banner to put on the side of the car. Everyone was asked to bring a bag of candy that can be thrown out along the parade route. Other parades mentioned in the area were 4th of July Parade and the Wilkie Parade.
Steve Mahan representing the Rush County Historical Society mentioned they hold an Artisans Day in late September. The Museum always welcomes volunteers to give tours. They plan to be open one Sunday each month this summer. He said they sometimes get phone calls about Rush County cemeteries and all agreed that they can always forward those calls to us to help.
Some discussion was held on the Cemetery book. Some work has been done on the three cemeteries in Milroy, but more is to be done before completion. Carol Jones will get with Pam Steed about the Cemetery book program we use.
After the meeting was adjourned, members who could stay, helped with sorting albums in the attic at the museum. Much information of interest was found and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all.