Anna Gertrude Fricke (1871-1962) and Albert John Licher (1869-1939)

Albert and Anna (Fricke) Licher and Anna's father, John Joseph Fricke

Albert Licher, the first child of Josephine (Moellmann) and Johann Mathias Licher, was born in Covington, Kenton Co., Kentucky on 19 June 1869.  He was baptized two days later, on 21 June 1869, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Covington.  His baptism name was John Aloysius Mathias.  His godparents were John Barfield and Sophie Mollmann.  We suspect John and Sophie were relatives, but so far we have not found the connection.

As a adult, he went by Albert, but early records list him under a variety of names:  Aloisius/Aloysius, Louis, and Alvis.

He is found on the 1870 federal census with his parents in Ward 5 of Covington, Kentucky.  He was 1 year old and his name is listed as Aloysius.  On the 1880 census, the family is in Ward 9 of Covington.  He is listed as Louis, age 11, and he has been joined by siblings: Henry, John, Frank and Joseph.

The Cincinnati, Ohio City Directory for 1890-91, lists Albert at 56 E. 3rd Street and working as a porter.

Albert Licher married Anna Gertrude Fricke, daughter of John Joseph and Maria Anna Agnes (Luhn) Fricke, on 4 January 1892, at St. Mary's Church, Anderson, Madison Co., Indiana.

Anna was born 28 October 1871 in Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., Ohio.  Anna is found with her parents (surname spelled "Frickey") on the 1880 census for Cincinnati.  Anna's mother died in 1888 when Anna was 17, and from that point on, she took care of her younger siblings.  According to stories Anna told her grandchildren, she and Albert corresponded before their marriage.  He lived in Covington, Kentucky and she lived across the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio.   After they married, they moved in with Anna's family so she could continue to care for them.  I've not found anything specific about why Albert, Anna, and her father and family moved to Anderson, Indiana, but suspect it was because factory work was plentiful there.

Their first child, daughter, Josephine Catherine, was born at Anderson, Indiana, on 5 February 1893.

Son, William John, was born 23 October 1894.  Anna Kathryn (called "Katie") was born 9 September 1896.  Agnes was born 19 August 1899. 

The 1900 census for Anderson, Madison Co., Indiana, shows Albert and Anna and their four children in a rented house.  Albert is working as a "nail cutter."  Also living with them is Anna's father, John Fricke, and her two youngest siblings, George and Mary Agnes.

On 25 September 1900, daughter Georgia Ann was born.  In 1902, the family was living at 1516 Louise in Anderson.  Albert was still working as a nail cutter.  His brother, John Licher, was also living there.

John S. Licher was born to Albert and Anna on 7 October 1903.  Edmund Mathias was born 22 May 1906.  And their youngest child, Dorothy Anne, was born 25 September 1908.

Licher family ca 1909: (l to r) Katie, Anna holding Dorothy, Josephine & William (standing), Ed & John on Albert's lap, Agnes, Georgia.

 The 1910 census shows the family still in Anderson.  Sometime around 1911, the family moved to Muncie, Delaware Co., Indiana.  The Muncie City Directory for 1913-1914 shows the family living at 1417 E. Gilbert Street.  Albert was working as a fireman at Indiana Steel & Wire.  Also shown as living at 1417 E. Gilbert were Katherine, who was a stenographer for Gas Belt Coal Co.; Josephine; and William, working at Ball Bros.

On 16 April 1913, their eldest daughter, Josephine, married Elmer Willis Smith at St. Mary's Church, Anderson. 

Josephine (Licher) and Elmer W. Smith on their wedding day

The 1915-16 Muncie City Directory shows Albert and Anna living at 1201 S. Beacon St.  Albert was employed at Indiana Steel & Wire.  Also living in the household were Agnes Mary, student; Katherine A., stenographer and bookkeeper, Gas Belt Coal Co.; and William J., machinist.

On 15 September 1915, William married Mary Louise Westermann in Muncie, Indiana.

According to the 1917-18 Muncie City Directory, Albert was employed at Kitselman Brothers.  The family was living at 1225 S. Monroe Street.  Also living there were Agnes M., stenographer and notary public at Silverburg, Bracken & Gray; Katherine A., bookkeeper at Gas Belt Coal Co.,; and Georgia A., student at Muncie Business College.

Sometime in 1917, Agnes entered the St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.  She professed her calling on 15 August 1919 and took her perpetual vows on 15 August 1922.

Sr. M. Albertonia (Agnes Licher)

The 1920 census for Delaware County, lists the family in Muncie.  Albert, Anna, Katie, Georgia, John, Ed, and Dorothy make up the household.

On 24 November 1920, Georgia married James Mortimer Perry at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Muncie.

Georgia (Licher) Perry seated; Katie Licher, George Kaiser, and Jim Perry on Jim & Georgia's wedding day

The 1921-22 city directory shows the family still at 1225 S. Monroe.  Albert was employed as Nail Foreman at Indiana Steel & Wire.  Also listed as living in the household were Kathryn A., bookkeeper at Warner Corporation, and John S., machinist.

Katie married George Kaiser on 5 September 1922 in Muncie.  I don't have a photo of George and Katie on their wedding day, but they are in the picture above of Georgia and Jim Perry's wedding.

The 1923-24 city directory states that Albert was employed as a foreman at Indiana Steel & Wire.  Anna G. was listed as his spouse.  Also living at 1217 E. Willard were Edmund M. Licher, "helper;" and John S. Licher, "apprentice mach" (probably machinist).

By the 1925-26 city directory, Albert and Anna had moved to 1413 Kirby Street.  This was the house they would live in the rest of their lives. Albert was employed as a Foreman at Indiana Steel & Wire.  Also living there were Anna G.; Dorothy Licher, clerk at 2019 E Willard; Edmund M. Licher, laborer; John S. Licher, machinist. 

According to the 1927-28 city directory, Albert was employed as a Foreman at Indiana Steel & Wire.  His wife was listed as Anna G.  Also living with them at 1413 Kirby Ave. were Dorothy M. Licher, student; Edmund M. Licher, wireworker; and John S. Licher, machinist.

Sometime between the 1927-28 city directory listing and April 1929, Dorothy Licher entered St. Agnes Convent in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

Sr. M. Anne Marie (Dorothy Licher)

John S. Licher

On 27 April 1929, John S. Licher died in a motorcycle wreck in Marion, Grant Co., Indiana.  The following story appeared on page 1 of the Muncie Sunday Star on April 28, 1929:  "MUNCIE MAN KILLED IN CRASH AT MARION - J. L. Licher, Motorcyclist, Collides With Pole.      Marion, Ind., April 27 (AP) - John L. Licher, 26, of Kirby avenue, Muncie, was killed almost instantly here tonight when he drove his motorcycle into a telephone pole to avoid collision with an automobile driven by Roy Mickel, of Marion.  Licher's head was crushed and he died enroute to a hospital.
   At the time of the accident he was attempting to pass the machine on the right side, it was said.  To avoid collision with the auto he was forced to drive into the curb, his motorcycle jumping it and crashing into the pole.  Licher was thrown over the handlebars and against the pole. --- 
     MARION ACCIDENT VICTIM WORKED IN FACTORY HERE.     John Licher, 25, of Kirby avenue, who was killed at Marion yesterday was employed as a tool-maker at the Warner Corporation.  The body was brought to the Moffet-Piepho funeral home last night and funeral arrangements will be completed today.
    Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Licher, of Muncie; five sisters, Mrs. Josephine Smith, of Anderson; Mrs. Caroline Kaiser, of Muncie; Sister M. Albertonia, of Victoria, Kans.; Mrs. George Perry, of Muncie, and Sister Anna Marie, of Fondulac, Wis.  He was a member of St. Lawrence Church."

John was buried at Elm Ridge Cemetery, Muncie, Indiana.

According to the 1929 city directory, Albert was a "wireworker."  Anna G. was listed as his wife.  Also living with them on Kirby St. were Edmund M., "machine operator," and Wm. J., "machinist."  William and his wife had divorced, and he moved back in with his parents.

By the 1930 census, the household was Albert and Anna, plus sons William and Ed and William's two children, Charles (born 20 August 1916) and Marietta (born 5 October 1917).  This configuration of the household continued at least through 1938 (per the various city directories). 

Ed Licher married Dorothy Mann on 11 January 1936.  By 1938, Ed and his wife, Dorothy, were also living with the family.

Ed Licher, Sr. Anne Marie, Dorothy (Mann) Licher

Albert and Anna never owned a car.  He would walk to downtown Muncie once a week to make his house payment.  They would walk to mass at St. Lawrence Church.

On 29 April 1939, Albert J. Licher died at his home at 1413 Kirby Ave., Muncie, Indiana.  The cause of death was cardio-renal disease.

Albert J. Licher

An obituary appeared in the Anderson Daily Bulletin:  "FORMER LOCAL RESIDENT DIES -  Albert John Licher, age 69, former resident of this city and veteran Indiana Steel and Wire Company employee, expired late last night at the family home in Muncie, where he had lived for 28 years.  Prior to that time he had resided in this city for a long period of time.  He was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Eagles Lodge, all at Muncie.
   The body was removed to the Piepho funeral home in Muncie, and arrangements for the funeral services have not been completed.
  Surviving are the widow, Mrs. Anna Gertrude Licher; five daughters, Mrs. Elmer Smith, of this city; Sister Albertonia, Decatur; Sister Anna Marie, Fond du Lac, Wis., Mrs. James Perry, Muncie; two sons, Edmund and William Licher, both at home; a brother, John Licher, of this city, and 24 grandchildren."
   
The Muncie Evening Press, on May 2, 1939 wrote: "ALBERT JOHN LICHER.  Final rites for Albert John Licher, 69, who died Friday at the family home, 1413 Kirby Ave., were conducted at 9 a.m. Tuesday at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Father E. J. Houlihan officiating.  Burial was in Elm Ridge Cemetery." 

After Albert's death, Anna's son, William continued to live with her at the house on Kirby St.  The 1940 federal census shows just Anna and William in the household.  This arrangement continued until William died in November 1946.  The city directories for 1948-1960 show Anna living at 1406 E. Washington St., which was the home of her daughter, Katie, and Katie's husband, George Kaiser.  Some of that time, though, Anna lived with daughter Georgia Perry and Georgia's husband, Jim Perry. 

Anna Gertrude (Fricke) Licher died 17 January 1962 at Maplewood Nursing Home, Delaware Co., Indiana.  Cause of death was myocardial infarction.  At obituary appeared in the Muncie Star on 18 January 1962:  "Mrs. Anna Licher.  Mrs. Anna Gertrude Licher, 90, 1406 E. Washington St., died Wednesday morning in the Maplewood Nursing Home following an extended illness.  She had lived in Muncie 52 years, moving here from Cincinnati, Ohio.  She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church, the Daughters of Isabella and the Altar and Rosary Society of the church.
  She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. George Kaiser and Mrs. James Perry, Muncie, Mrs. Elmer Smith of Anderson, and Sister Rose Marie, Fon DuLac, Wis.; one son, Edmund Licher, Muncie; a sister, Mrs. Frank Nelson, Baltimore, Md., and 26 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
  Friends may call at the Piepho Funeral Home after 2 pm Friday.  Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday in the St. Lawrence Catholic Church with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Emil Schweier officiating.  Burial will follow in  Elm Ridge Cemetery.  The rosary will be recited at the funeral home by members of the Altar and Rosary Society at 8 pm. Friday."

She was buried at Elm Ridge Cemetery, Muncie.

Licher Family sometime between 1939 - 1946

The children of Anna and Albert Licher are:
Josephine Catherine (1893-1987) married Elmer W. Smith
William John (1894-1946) married Louise Westermann
Anna Kathryn (1896-1976) married George C. Kaiser
Agnes Mary (1899-1957) became Sr. M. Albertonia
Georgia Anna (1900-1977) married James M. Perry
John S. (1903-1929) did not marry
Edmund Mathias (1906-1963) married Dorothy Mann
Dorothy Anne (1908-1993) became Sr. Anne Marie

Why Do I Do This?

Who is this?  What is his story? Photo probably from Richmond, Indiana in the 1950s.

I've been busy with lots of stuff the past few days and so have not had a chance to do a new biographical post.   Soon, though, I hope.

Today while mowing the lawn (aka no genealogy post), I was thinking about why genealogy and family history interest me so much.

I enjoy the mystery and the hunt and solving puzzles.  I love the thrill of finally finding a piece of information I've been searching for.  It is fun to sort it all out and fit it all together.  It is fun to try different approaches to see what will turn up the information I'm seeking. 

I don't care much about just names and dates and charts and taking a family line back to ancient times.  I don't care much about finding famous ancestors or proving descent from a Revolutionary soldier or a Mayflower settler (though it is fun when I find it, just not what drives me).

I decided that what I care about is the stories.  People's stories.

I want to know about their lives, what they did, what they cared about, who they really were.  Not just names and dates on a chart.

That is why I find myself following an interesting tangent that has nothing to do with the direct families I'm researching.  (See for example "Poor Frank" or "Emelie Davis")

That is why I hate not being able to find much about so many of the women in my families.

Learning people's stories and then sharing them.  That is really what this blog is about.

When I learn someone's story and then tell it, the memory of that person stays alive - at least a little bit.

Burr Braden

Burr Braden (we think)

Burr Braden is my husband’s 3rd great-grandfather.  The line from my husband’s grandfather, William Robert Braden to Burr is:  William Robert Braden, son of Alba E. Braden & Emily A. Crane; Alba E. Braden, son of William M. Braden & Laura V. Watt; William M. Braden, son of Burr Braden & Mary Dulin Jenners.
 

The picture at the top of this post is not confirmed to be Burr, but we believe it probably is.  I hope someday to find something to prove or disprove this assumption.

Burr Braden was born 27 July 1802 near Waterford, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  His parents were Robert and Elizabeth(Stevens) Braden.

One of the things that I find curious about Burr is his name.   Where did the name "Burr" come from?  Why is he the only one of his siblings to have only one name?  Could Burr be his middle name?  In a family that seems to have often named children for other family members, I have always found his name to be a bit out of normal.  But so far, I have found no documents related to Burr Braden that used any other name, not even a middle initial.

The first I find Burr is on the 1820 federal census for Middleburg, Loudoun Co., Virginia.  He appears as the head of a household consisting of 2 white males between the age of 18 and 26.  In addition, there are 6 slaves in the household.  One of the white males is, of course, Burr.  The other could possibly be his brother, Hector Wright Braden, or his brother, Noble Stevens Braden.   Burr would have only been 18 years old.

On 1 January 1823, Burr's father, Robert Braden, who was executor of his brother, Dr. Joseph Braden's, estate (Joseph was Burr's uncle) paid Burr $36 for boarding and clothing the "Negro boy Lewis" for 1 year.  Lewis belonged to Joseph Braden's estate.

An unidentified Waterford merchant recorded two transactions for Burr Braden in his 1823 account book.  On 17 June 1823, Burr purchased "6 yds Anjoline (?) cassimere, 2 1/2 cotton Bro hollond, silk, th'd, pading, 3/4 yd cotton."  On 19 June 1823, he bought "1/8 yd linnen."

George Henry owed Jozabed White $1,416.64, so on 30 September 1823, Henry sold 103 acres of the farm adjoining Mary Fox, Matthew Beans, Presley Cordell, and Samuel Gregg (that he bought from White) to Zachariah Dulaney and Burr Braden.  R. Braden and Samuel Hough were the Justices of the Peace recording the deed.

On 27 April 1824, Burr Braden placed the following advertisement in the newspaper, Genius of Liberty:  "Wool Carding  The subscriber has in operation at the mill of Robert Braden, in the German Settlement, Two Carding Machines In complete order for carding both common and Merino wool -- having employed a young man well qualified, to attend to the business he hopes those having wool will favor him with their custom, who may rely on its being done with dispatch and in the best manner. - Burr Braden."  This indicates that Robert Braden had a mill in Lovettsville (called "the German Settlement).

On 10 May 1824, a deed was recorded for a land sale between Burr Braden and his father, Robert Braden.  Burr's maternal grandfather, Thomas D. Stevens, had owned the land in Hillsboro, Virginia, before his death in 1814.  

On 12 July 1825, the following notice was published in the Genius of Liberty newspaper, Leesburg, Virginia: "TRUST SALE. -- In pursuance of a deed of trust given to us by George W. Henry, for the benefit of Jozabed White, dated the 30th day of September, 1823, and recorded in the Loudoun office, the undersigned will, on Saturday, the 9th day of July next, at 12 o'clock, offer for sale, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for cash, the TRACT OF LAND  By said deed conveyed.  It is situate in the county of Loudoun, near Waterford, adjoins the lands of William Smith, Presley Cordell, and others, and contains 103 ACRES. -- This is fine Wheat land.  The sale will take place on the premises:-- The object is to raise, for the benefit of the Central Bank of Georgetown and Washington, assignees of J. White, the sum secured by the deed, with the expenses of the trust.   ZACHARIAH DULANEY,  BURR BRADEN.  May 31, 1825 --- 21 ts   The above sale is postponed till Saturday, the thirteenth day of August next, when it will be made at the same hour and place.  July 5, 1825 -- 26ts."

On 27 March 1827, Burr Braden and Mary Dulin Jenners obtained a marriage license in Frederick Co., Maryland.  They were married 29 March 1827.  The location of their marriage has not yet been determined.  Some sources indicate Frederick, Maryland; some say Loudoun Co., Virginia; others say Harpers Ferry, Virginia (now West Virginia).  Burr was 24; Mary was 20.

On 28 June 1827, Burr’s father, Robert Braden, wrote his will.  In it, he gave Burr his “Negro Man Ned.”  Burr was one of the executors, along with Noble S. Braden.  Robert died 14 November 1827.

In September 1827, Burr's father, Robert, wrote to a Mr. George Shover to ask him to deliver his still to his son, Burr.  In that note, Robert says that Burr is planning on going to Florida.  I have found no indication that Burr actually went to Florida, so this is an interesting note.  Did Burr change his mind after his father's death?  Or when his wife's siblings and mother decided to go to Indiana?  We may never know for sure why he and Mary went to Indiana instead of Florida, but this is an interesting tidbit of information.

In January 1828, at the sale for his father’s estate, Burr purchased two cows.  On 11 February 1828, when his father, Robert’s will was probated, Burr refused to serve as one of the executors.  Noble became the sole executor of the estate.

Burr probably declined to serve as executor because he was already planning to move to Indiana.  A letter from Burr’s brother-in-law, Martin Jenners, to Burr’s mother-in-law, Deborah (Young) Jenners, written March 1828, outlined plans for the family to move.  Martin wrote from Lafayette, Indiana.  He advised his mother and siblings to not stay in Dayton, Ohio, but to travel on to Lafayette.  Martin and David Jenners, as well as, Jonathan Bradfield and his wife, Sarah (Jenners), were already there.  Burr and Mary were apparently planning to join them. 

Burr and Mary first settled in Lafayette, Indiana, where Burr was a merchant and shopkeeper.  They lived in Lafayette "a short time" before moving to Clinton Co.  Based on the evidence available, it seems likely that they left Loudoun Co. in the Fall 1828, spent the winter of 1828-29 in Dayton, Ohio, and then traveled on to Lafayette, Indiana, in the Spring of 1829.  Also with them were Mary’s mother, Deborah Jenners, and Mary’s other siblings, William, Saurin, Alba, and Ann. 

Burr and Mary’s first child, daughter Elizabeth Virginia, was born in Dayton, Ohio on 13 January 1829. 

In September 1829, Burr traveled from Indiana back to Waterford, Virginia to visit his family and settle business.  There are two letters from Burr to Mary written that September.  On 17 September, Burr wrote home to Mary:  "My Dear Wife          I arrived here three days since and you can better imagine than I describe the pleasure it gave me on finding our dear mother enjoying much better health than I could reasonably have expected.  She is however very weak, confined in part to her bed and mostly to her room.  Within a few weeks past however she has rode out in the gig several times.  The rest of the family are all well.  Our acquaintances as far as I have heard are well.  I left Mr. Bradfield at his sisters Mrs. Birtram[?].  He stood the journey very well.  Saurin hearing by David's letter that I expected to be in Loudoun wrote to me the letter I found here when I arrived.  He wished me to let him know when I arrived here in order that he might settle his business and ride over with me to Lafayette.  He and Waynesburg [?] have had a difference.  He states Waynesburg[?] has acted very ungentlemanly towards him.  He will not come on with Saurin as was expected in consequence of their differences.  I have written on to Saurin and expect he will be here in a few days.  I am unable to say when we shall be able to leave here.  Noble has not yet subtracted any money for me.  If I should not be able to subtract it all soon I shall not let it detain me.  I have not seen Mr. Bradfield since we came in.  He told me he would be in Waterford the latter part of the week.  He will then be able to let me know when he will be ready or pretty nearly.  Whenever he is I shall be for I do not intend remaining any longer than he is ready.  Noble will attend to any business I may leave unsettled.  We expected when we arrived to be able to leave here by the 1st of next month at any rate, I don't see anything to prevent it now.  I am doubtful I shall not find time to visit Mr. Dulin and family, the last account I had of them mentions they are now well and all and that Mr. Dulin had increased my issue[?] with him since your furniture is all here yet they could find no sale for it I think of having the table taken to pieces putting it in the bureau boxing it up and sending them to Lafayette; they will bring nothing here.  I have heard nothing from you since I left you.  I wrote you near St. Mar[unreadable word] which you no doubt have received.  I expect to receive a letter from you soon.  I am very anxious to hear from you and our dear little babe.  Oh my dear not withstanding I am with mother and family, yet the recollecting that I am so far from you prevents me from enjoying their good company so much as I should if you were here.  Mother and Elizabeth wish to be remembered to you and all the family.  No more at present but remain dear wife your loving and affectionate husband, Burr Braden."

On 25 September, Burr wrote his wife again:  "My Dear Wife     I rec'd you letter written the 6th of this month last evening.  It gave me inexpressible pleasure to hear from you being the first time since I left you and particularly to hear that my dear wife and little one were well.  I was sorry to hear of Martin's having the chills.  I returned from your Uncle Dulin's yesterday.  I found all the family well excepting William who has been quite ill but was recovering when I left them.  Mrs. Dulin's health is about as good as usual.  Franklin's in Philadelphia and has been since last fall.  Your old Aunt Nancy has been dead some time since.  The rest of your connections are well.  Mother's health is about as usual, still very weak.  She wishes to be remembered to you and advises you to remember her in your prayers.  Elizabeth and the rest of the family are well.  I rec'd a letter from Saurin in answer to one I wrote him from this place.  He was well and expected to be here in time to start with us.  We have been detained in our work longer than expected when we left home.  Our intention was to leave here in two weeks after we arrived but Mr. Bradfield not finding his [2 unreadable words] as expected will detain us until the 5th of October which will be the day we shall leave here.  I shall not be able to settle my business but shall leave the unsettled part with Noble.  I expect we shall be able to get home in about 18 days.   We were 20 coming here [unreadable word] looks well and will help passing [?].  I saw Mr. Bradfield a few days since.  He was well and had succeeded very well in settling his business.  He will be able to have it all settled by the time we intend starting.  I am growing very impatient to see you and although my dear you seem to doubt whether I think as often of you as you of me I can assure not withstanding I am in the midst of our old home I still miss you [page 3] and our home in mind and I can assure you I shall loose no time but come as soon as possible and enjoy again the pleasures of your company.  All your acquaintances are very anxious to see you.  I have no more news at present.  The next I hope I shall deliver in person.  I shall not write again.  I remain [2 unreadable words] you loving and most affectionate husband       Burr Braden"

In late 1829 to early 1830, Burr became the owner of a piece of land in Lafayette, Indiana, which was described as "Sixty-six feet , the East half of Lot #41 in the original plat of the City of Lafayette."  This land was still owned by Burr at his death, and was sold by his heirs in 1863 to Oliver W. Pierce.

But Burr and Mary did not stay in Lafayette long.  They were among the early settlers of Clinton Co., Indiana, settling there a year before the county was formed.  In January 1830, Mary's sister, Ann, in Lafayette, Indiana, wrote a letter to Burr's sister, Elizabeth,  in Waterford, Virginia in which she says that Burr "intends moving in the country in the spring.  Mary is almost worn out with her little babe, which is still very poorly and does not think weighs more than six pounds.  It does not sleep any barely at night.”

In March 1830, Burr purchased land in Clinton Co., Indiana described as the "NE part of Section 9, Twp 21, Range 2W - 160 acres & ENW part of Section 9, Twp 21, Range 2W - 80 acres."

By the time of the 1830 census, Mary and Burr were in Clinton Co., Indiana.  There were no children in their household.  Their baby, Elizabeth Virginia died on 14 May 1830.  We don’t know if they were still in Lafayette when she died or if they were in Clinton County.  Her grave has not been found.  She was just 16 months old.  In June 1830, Burr’s mother, Elizabeth, in Waterford, Virginia wrote to Burr and Mary and addressed the letter to Lafayette, Indiana.  In it she inquires about the health of their baby, not knowing, apparently, that her granddaughter had died in May.

On 22 November 1830, Mary gave birth to a son, Hector Saurin Braden, named for Burr’s brother, Hector, and Mary’s brother, Saurin.  In a letter home, Mary described Hector as having light hair and blue eyes.

In February 1831, Burr purchased more land.  Certificate No. 10759 was issued 8 February 1831 to Burr Braden by the General Land Office giving Burr title to public land described as "north east quarter of section nine, township 21, range 2 west  in the district of lands subject to sale at Crawfordsville Indiana, containing one hundred and sixty acres."  Certificate No. 10760 was issued the same day for the "east half of the north west quarter of section nine, in township twenty one North of range two west in the district of lands subject to sale at Crawfordsville, Indiana containing eighty acres."  Burr and Mary named their land “Meadow Farm.”

Their family continued to grow.  A baby boy was born on 12 August 1832 who only lived seven days and was never named.  On 21 September 1833, a son, Robert Floyd, was born.  Apparently it took them awhile to decide on a name and for the first month or so, Burr called him “Pete.”  According to a letter written by Ann Jenners on 1 August 1834: "Mary's boys grow finely.  The youngest is one of the handsomest children I have ever seen."  And his Uncle Add wrote, 30 August 1834, "Bob is the finest boy in all this country."  Sarah Deborah was born 21 September 1835.  William Mordnant was born 26 March 1837.  Alba H. was born 7 July 1839.

About 1837 or so, Burr opened a general store in Jefferson, Indiana, a short distance from “Meadow Farm.”  Retailing licenses were issued to Burr 1839 to 1842.

On the federal census for 1840, they are in Clinton Co., Indiana and their household is shown as follows:  Burr, age 30-40; one female (probably his wife, Mary) age 30-40; 2 male children under 5 (Will and Alba); 2 male children 5-10 (Hector and Robert); one female age 5-10 (Sarah); and one female age 15-20 (not sure who this is, since they had no children 10 years earlier on the 1830 Census).

Daughter, Mary Jane, was born 31 March 1842.   Son, Addison Burr, was born 14 August 1844.  Daughter, Anna Marie, was born 8 June 1847. 

Burr traveled to New York City in August 1847, perhaps to buy goods for his store.  He wrote home to Mary:  "Mr. McDonald, New York City, Aug. 21st, 1847     Dear wife, We arrived here yesterday morning in company with Mssrs. Taylor & Kendall all in good health and should have written yesterday but found Mr. McDonald here who leaves this evening and will take our letters to Lafayette more direct than to send them by mail.  I have done nothing in the goods way yet and shall not before Monday.  I have been looking over the City since we arrived and find many things to attract attention and could spend some time here if I had plenty of money and could forget you and the children but in all the bustle and curiosities of the City the anxieties about home takes possession [?] of all if I but knew that you were all well I would be better satisfied.  I hope I shall get a letter in a few days.  We had a safe trip through no accident happening, but lost better than a day on the road by not meeting the conveyances in time  I cannot now tell when I shall leave here but think not later than Monday week if so I shall be home in 2 weeks from this if we have good luck in getting along and I think likely sooner.  Tell the children they must behave well until I come and I will bring them something right pretty. Your affectionate husband   I have a miserable pen to write with Burr Braden"

On 3 January 1850, Burr was appointed Postmaster at Jefferson, Indiana.  The 1850 federal census shows the family living in the village of Jefferson.  The household consisted of:  Burr, age 47, merchant, $6050 value of real estate, born VA; Mary, age 41, born VA; Hector, m, age 19, merchant, born IN, attended school that year; Robert, m, age 16, born IN, attended school that year; William, m, age 12, born IN, attended school that year; Alba, m, age 10, born IN, attended school that year; Mary J., f, age 8, born IN, attended school that year; Addison B., m, age 6, born IN, attended school that year; Fanny M., f, age 3, born IN.  Daughter, Sarah Deborah, age 15, is not listed with the family.  It is unclear if she was living elsewhere or was just missed by the census taker.

Their youngest child, Lucy Jeannette, was born 31 July 1852.  Mary had given birth to 11 children in 23 years, and only two died before adulthood.

The 1860 federal census for Clinton Co., Indiana, lists the household as: Burr, age 57, farmer, $12,000 value of real estate, $3600 value of personal property, born VA; Mary D., age 52, born VA; William, age 23, born IN; Deborah, age 25, born IN; Mary, age 18, born IN; Addison, age 16, born IN; Ann, age 14, born IN; Nettie, age 8, born IN.  By this time, Hector had moved away, settling in Crawfordsville.  Robert and Alba are also missing from the household on this census. By August 1861, Robert had enlisted in the Army. 

On 19 November 1861, Burr wrote his will.  I will not put the full text here, but can provide it to anyone interested.  Burr gave Mary use of the house and property during her life; provided for his unmarried daughters and the education of his younger children (aged 17, 14 and 9); and specified that after Mary died, all his land be sold and the proceeds divided among his children.

Burr Braden died on 6 December 1861 at his home near Jefferson, Clinton Co., Indiana.  He was 59 years old.  He was buried at JeffersonCemetery in Clinton Co., Indiana.    

Burr's tombstone - photo taken in 2015

Burr's tombstone - photo taken in 1994

Update: Emelie Davis Hollister

One of my first posts was about Emelie Davis; I have a picture of her taken in 1890.   Here is the original post about her with a few updates that I found later. 

Thanks to info provided in a comment by the archivist of the Oshkosh Museum, I was able to find more info on Emelie.  I've added some of that to my original post.

There are several photos on the museum site of a costume party that Ray & Emelie Hollister attended.  Here is a link to one.

And here is a link to a transcription of her obituary (scroll down a bit).  This site also has transcriptions of obits for her husband, Raymond A. Hollister (died 1944)  and her son, Seymour Hollister (died 1950), who also died of carbon monoxide poisoning.  There are other Hollister and related obituaries on this site, so if you are interested in this family, it has a wealth of information.

I found her obit in the Oshkosh Daily Northwestern for March 16, 1936 (page 4). 

Her obit states she was buried at Lake View Memorial Park in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

Frank Licher (1877-1918) aka "Poor Frank"

I don’t have a picture of Frank Licher, only one of his tombstone. That seems fitting, somehow, but I’d sure love to find a snapshot or something of Frank. Frank was my great-grandfather’s brother. My sister and I call him “Poor Frank.”
 
He was born in May 1877 in Covington, Kenton Co., Kentucky. We have not yet found a primary birth document. His parents were Johann Matthias Licher and Josephine Moellmann. Frank is found first on the 1880 federal census (taken 12 Jun 1880) in the household of his parents in Ward 9, Covington, Kenton Co., Kentucky. The next record I have for him is the 1900 federal census. Frank was a "wheelmaker" living with his brother, John, and his widowed mother, Josephine, at 491 Hermes Ave., Covington, Kenton Co., Kentucky. He is still there in 1902, according to the Covington City Directory. 

Poor Frank married Hattie Ada Bradley, daughter of Hiram Bradley and Mary A. Beagle sometime in 1905 in Carroll Co., Kentucky. His mother died in May 1905 and Frank was one of the heirs Josephine named in her will. 

Frank Licher and Hattie Ada Licher appeared on the 1910 federal census (taken 16 Apr 1910) in Aurora, Dearborn Co., Indiana. The household consisted of Frank Licher, 32, 1st marriage, married 4 years, born KY, parents born Germany, a wood worker at wheel works; Ada, wife, 31, born KY, married 2 times; and Lena Sparks, step daughter, 10, born IN. The marriage did not last long. Frank and Hattie separated in February 1912. 

On 11 August 1912, Hattie Licher shot her husband, Frank Licher, six times. This happened at the home of Dr. Ralph Tilley in Petersburg, Kentucky. 

The following story appeared in the Salt Lake Tribune and in the Evening Standard on August 12, 1912: "FIRED WHEN HUSBAND DARED HER TO SHOOT - By International News Service. Cincinnati, O., Aug 11 - Frank Licher aged 35 of Aurora, Ind. was shot six times in the abdomen by his wife at the home of Dr. Ralph Tilley of Petersburg, Ky. today, as the result of a dare. Licher and his wife have been separated for some time and according to Licher, he went to the house of Dr. Tilley to beg his wife to return to him. She told the physician that the man was annoying her and he handed her a revolver. "I dare you to shoot me," said her husband, and she shot. Licher was sent to a Cincinnati hospital." A similar story appeared in the Binghampton Press, Binghampton, New York, on 12 Aug 1912.  The story seems to have been widely reported across the country.  Poor Frank.
 
The New York Tribune, New York, New York, told the story this way: "DARED WIFE TO SHOOT - Husband Receives Bullets in Body, Arm and Leg. (By Telegraph to The Tribune). Lexington, Ky., Aug. 11 - Frank Licher, of Aurora, Ind., is at the point of death at his brother's home in Covington, Ky., with bullet wounds in his body, arm and leg, and declares his wife emptied an automatic pistol at him as the result of his daring her to shoot. Licher and his wife separated last February, and she is housekeeper for Dr. Ralph C. Tilley, at Petersburg, Ky. Licher says he went to Tilley's home on Saturday in connection with reports linking Mrs. Licher's name with that of her employer. He says when he confronted the pair he dared Dr. Tilley to shoot and then dared Mrs. Licher to fire at him. He declares Mrs. Licher snatched the pistol from Tilley's hands and shot him. Mrs. Licher has been arrested at Lawrenceburg, Ind., and says she shot Licher to save her life."
 
This story appeared in the Mansfield News on August 12, 1912: "WIFE TAKES DARE - Shoots Husband Six Times During Attempted Reconciliation. Cincinnati, O., Aug. 12 - With the words "I dare you to shoot" still on his lips, Frank Lycher, 25, of Aurora, Ind., was shot six times in the abdomen by his wife at the home of Dr. Ralph Tilley of Petersburg, Ky. Lycher and his wife separated, and he went to the home of Dr. Tilley, where his wife was acting as housekeeper, to beg her to return to him. He says that while he was talking to her Dr. Tilley handed her a revolver. He dared her to shoot him and instantly the revolver spoke. He was rushed to a Cincinnati hospital, where he is in serious condition."
 
The following story appeared in the Covington Post on August 13, 1912: "WIFE IS HELD; HUSBAND SHOT; IS IMPROVING -- Frank Licher, of Aurora, Ind., who claims he was shot by his wife in front of the home of Dr. Ralph Tilley, at Petersburg, Ky., last Saturday afternoon, was removed to the St. Elizabeth's Hospital, in Covington, yesterday, from the home of his brother and an effort may be made to probe for the bullets today. Licher has shown wonderful vitality and despite his wounds, which are of a dangerous nature, is able to move about his room at the hospital. He is in good spirits and asked the hospital authorities to inform any one who inquired about him that he was "doing fine." It has been stated that the grand jury meeting in Boone co. at the present time will investigate the shooting. Licher's wife has been placed under arrest by the Boone co. authorities."
 
Then, in The Post on 14 August 1912: "LICHER'S WIFE AND DOCTOR ARE BOTH INDICTED. - Frank Licher, who is at the St. Elizabeth's Hospital, in Covington, in a serious condition from three bullet wounds which he alleges were inflicted by his wife at Petersburg last Saturday afternoon, made an antemortem statement to Mayor George E. Philipps and City Solicitor Stephens L. Blakely yesterday afternoon at the request of the Boone co. authorities. Licher was shot in the abdomen, leg and arm. He accuses his wife. Yesterday Dr. J. M. O'Maley probed for and removed the bullet from the wound in the leg. Licher watched the proceedings with great fortitude, the pain seeming of no consequence to him. His condition is pronounced to be serious and Dr. O'Maley many probe for the bullet in the abdomen today. His vitality has been wonderful but the wounds are beginning to give him great pain. 
The grand jury, which was in session in Boone co. yesterday, returned indictments against Licher's wife on a charge of shooting to kill, and also indicted Dr. Ralph C. Tilley, who, it is alleged gave the woman the weapon, on a charge of being an accessory to the crime. Each was placed under $2000 bond which they failed to give."
 
On August 15, 1912 , the Boone County Recorder (Burlington, Kentucky)gave this detailed account: "DARED - His Wife to Shoot and She Fired Six Times at Him, Says Licher. - Shooting Occurred at Doctor's Home in Petersburg. - Wounded Man, Whose Condition is Serious, Taken to Covington. - Mrs. Licher and Dr. Tilly Now in Burlington Jail. - Grand Jury Indicts Both. - The following account of the shooting that occurred in Petersburg last Saturday afternoon, appeared in Sunday's Enquirer:
Suffering from bullet wounds in the abdomen, arm and leg, Frank Licher, 35, of Aurora, Ind. employed at the Royer Wheel Works in that city, tossed on a bed of pain at the home of his brother, Henry Licher, 215 Pike Street, Covington, last night and told a story in which he claimed he had been shot by his wife at the home of Dr. Ralph C. Tilley, of Petersburg, Ky., yesterday afternoon.
Licher and his wife have been separated since last February and for some time she has been acting as Dr. Tilley's housekeeper. Licher went to the doctor's home in Petersburg yesterday, as it had been reported that he had been making insinuating remarks about his own wife and Dr. Tilley, who is married. It was in response to a dare, he asserted, that his wife emptied every chamber of a 32 automatic revolver at him and a friend, named Sharp, who he said was a next door neighbor of Dr. Tilley. He declared Sharp was struck in the knee by one bullet.
Licher was taken in a cab to the home of his brother, and attended by Dr. O'Maley. His condition was regarded as serious, and it was announced that he would be taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital to-day.
"I'll take no action against my wife now," he said last night. "I'll wait until the grand jury convenes and then I will present the charges that she left me at the instigation of Dr. Tilley. She applied for a divorce in Boone County, Kentucky, after we became separated, but the Judge refused the decree."
After the shooting Licher was placed on a ferry by friends and taken across the river to Aurora, Ind. where he boarded a train for this city. Despite the serious nature of his wound and the intense pain he walked from the train unassisted and climbed the stairs at the Grand Central Station to the street. He was met there by his brother, who had received a telegram, informing him of the affair.
They were living at Aurora when his wife left him, he said, and went to Petersburg, where she secured employment at Dr. Tilley's residence as housekeeper. The Licher heard rumors that he was being credited with linking his wife's name with that of the doctor. He determined to go to Petersburg and face Dr. Tilley with the report.
Yesterday afternoon he arrived in Petersburg. He walked to the doctor's house and was told the the physician was in Lawrenceburg, Ind., but would return on the 3 o'clock ferry. He waited and was at the dock when the boat pulled in. As he was scanning the dock for Dr. Tilley he caught a glimpse of his wife on the shore. He said she waved to the doctor as if to warn him of danger. Then, he said he saw the physician leave the boat and start on a roundabout way for his home.
Licher waited for a time he declared, and then started for the Tilley residence. He met a friend named Sharp and together they proceeded to the house. When they neared the place, Licher said, he saw Dr. Tilley and Mrs. Licher sitting on the porch. He called to the physician that he wanted to see him. Dr. Tilley arose, said Licher, and replied that if he didn't go away he would shoot.
"I dare you to," Licher said he replied. "Dr. Tilley then drew a revolver and waved it at me," he added. "Then my wife grabbed the revolver, and I made the same dare to her. She fired six times. One bullet him my friend Sharp in the knee."
Licher said his wife's name before marriage was Hattie Bradley, and that she lived at Ghent, Ky. --
Town Marshall McCune, of Petersburg, arrested Dr. R. C. Tilley and Mrs. Licher, Monday afternoon, and delivered them to Sam Adams, jailer of Boone county about 8 o'clock Monday night, who locked them up to await investigation by the grand jury which began its session last Monday. As the account of the trouble given by Dr. Tilley and Mrs. Licher is so very different from the above that it will require a hearing in court before the facts in the case can be obtained.
Tuesday the grand jury returned indictments against Mrs. Licher and Dr. Tilley. Mrs. Licher is indicted for malicious shooting and Dr. Tilley for aiding and abetting. Each is required to give bond in the sum of $2,000.
At last accounts, Licher was yet alive but in a very critical condition."
 
This story appeared in The Post, Covington, Kenton Co., Kentucky, on 15 Aug 1912: "VICTIM OF SHOOTING IS IMPROVING - The condition of Frank Licher who claims he was shot last week by his wife at Petersburg, Ky., was said to be improved at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, in Covington and Dr. J. M. O'Maley is holding out hopes for his recovery. The bullet, which lodged in Licher's abdomen, has not been removed up to the present time on account of Licher's condition, but Dr. O'Maley will probe for it as soon as Licher can stand the operation. 
 Licher's wife, who is being held by the Boone co. authorities on a charge of shooting to kill, is said to have broken down under the mental strain following the shooting and is reported as being in a highly nervous state."
 
Then on 22 Aug 1912 (Covington Post): "VICTIM OF SHOOTING LEAVES HOSPITAL - Frank Licher, who, it is alleged, was shot three times by his wife, Hattie Licher, at Petersburg, Ky., one week ago, was removed yesterday from St. Elizabeth's Hospital to the home of his brother Henry Licher, 215 Pike st., Covington. Dr. R. C. Tilley, who is charged with being an accessory to the shooting, and Licher's wife are still held in the jail at Burlington, they having failed to give bond."
 
And from the Boone County Recorder on Dec. 12, 1912: "The December term of the Boone Circuit Court convened last Monday, with Judge Cammack presiding.... The prosecutions against Dr. R. C. Tilley and Mrs. Licher for the shooting and wounding of Mrs. Licher's husband in Petersburg several months ago were continued on account of the absence of some of the witnesses for the Commonwealth, they having gone beyond the jurisdiction of the court. Since the above was put in type a demurrer to the indictment by Mrs. Licher has been sustained and the indictment resubmitted to the grand jury."
 
On 19 Dec 1912, Frank wrote a letter to the editor of the Boone County Recorder: "Aurora, Ind., 12-16-12. Boone County Recorder, Burlington, Ky.
Dear Editor: - I chanced to notice in your paper that my wife claims she is out under bond, her brother going her bond, and that she is now living with me. I wish to say to the public that such is not the case. I am not living with her, neither do I intend to do so. Yours Truly, Frank Licher."
 
Frank Licher and Hattie Ada Licher were divorced before 19 Aug 1913, the date that Hattie married Dr. Ralph Tilley in Hamilton Co., Ohio. On their marriage license application, Ralph's marital status is listed as widowed; Hattie's marital status is listed as divorced. Each of them stated that they had only been married one time before; this was not true. This was Hattie’s third marriage and Ralph’s fifth. The marriage was over by May 1917 when Hattie married her fourth husband, Hubert Burns.
 
We next find Frank in Covington, Kenton Co., Kentucky up until about 1916. Sometime about 1916, Frank moved to Anderson, Madison Co., Indiana, where his brother John lived.
 
Frank Licher died on 18 Jan 1918 in Anderson. His obituary appeared on 19 Jan 1918 in the Anderson Herald, Anderson, Indiana: "FRANK LICHER. Frank Licher, age 41, was found dead in bed in his room at the Wallace block, Main street, about 8:00 a.m. Friday. The funeral will take place at 9:00 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with burial in St. Mary's cemetery. Coroner Earl Sells pronounced death due to apoplexy. The body was removed to Sells Bros. morgue. Mr. Licher seemed to be in good health when he retired Thursday night. He was found lifeless by a man who occupied the room with him. Mr. Licher came here two years ago from Covington, Ky., where he spent his youth. He was a wheelmaker by trade. He is survived by four brothers, John Licher of this city; Henry Licher of Covington, Ky.; Joseph Licher, of Berkman, Ark., and Albert Licher, of Muncie. He had been married and divorced." And a funeral notice appeared on 20 Jan 1918 in the Anderson Herald: "The funeral of Frank Licher will take place at 9:00 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic church, with burial in the St. Mary's cemetery."
 
Poor Frank.