Elkhart - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Question - Waterford Cemetery

alford85713 — 2013-05-17 21:39:44Z

I have two Alford relatives who died in Goshen and were, according to their obituaries (1880 & 1889) buried in the Waterford Cemetery. Is the Waterford Cemetery the same as the Violett Cemetery?

Re: BLOUGH, Edna born in Elkhart Twp., Elkhart Co., IN

researchasaurus — 2013-05-14 23:13:14Z

okay Edna middle name was May...

I have a newspaper clipping stating that Edna May Wilson was adopted by Mr and Mrs J. K Blough and name was changed to Edna Blough

Re: BLOUGH, Edna born in Elkhart Twp., Elkhart Co., IN

sankring — 2013-05-14 23:06:08Z

The 1920 census has her being born about 1911.

I like your name. I've been doing genealogy for so long I feel like a researchasaurus. I've been gathering Kring information since 1973.

Re: BLOUGH, Edna born in Elkhart Twp., Elkhart Co., IN

researchasaurus — 2013-05-14 22:53:16Z

I am not sure what connection there was between the Blough and Wilson families... I am assuming they were in the same community...I know the Wilsons lived in Kendallville Indiana and surrounding areas. I haven't been able to determine if Edna ever married. I know that her older sister Wilma did marry and at some point moved to Michigan. Wilma married a man with the last name of Pfaff... I am still searching for a marriage, if any, for Edna. Edna and Wilma were my grandmothers sisters. (different mother from Edna and Wilma) I think I may have Edna's birthdate but not sure of a death date. I will look thru my notes and post when I find it.

Re: Cannot find Maiden Name for Rachel Aker!

lvlady — 2013-05-14 22:09:04Z

I'm a little confused. You have her maiden name as Rachel Akers but her Father and mothers names William and Rachel Ellsworth. I am very into the Aker/Akers family back to the early 1700's. They lived in Elkhart Indiana during the mid 1800's. We must have some connection. Maybe we can help each other. My email address is lvlady@cox.net

Re: BLOUGH, Edna born in Elkhart Twp., Elkhart Co., IN

sankring — 2013-05-14 16:23:02Z

Thank you,what connection was there between Jonathan K. and Berta Blough and the Wilson family? Did they live in the same community, were they somehow related? Do you know Edna's middle name and her birth and death dates and where she was born, died, and is buried?

Do you know who she married?

This has been a tremendous help to me.

Sandra Kring Leonard

Re: BLOUGH, Edna born in Elkhart Twp., Elkhart Co., IN

researchasaurus — 2013-05-14 16:00:13Z

Hello,

Edna Blough was adopted by Jonathan and Berta Blough... Edna was born Edna Wilson. Edna was the child of my great grandfather Delbert E. Wilson and his first wife Ethel Dill. Delbert and Ethel had two daughters. Wilma and Edna. Edna being the youngest. Delbert divorced Ethel because she was caught with other men. Delbert had custody of Wilma and Edna.. Wilma was raised by her grandparents and Edna was adopted by the Blough Family..

Re: Cannot find Maiden Name for Rachel Aker!

ELLinSpain — 2013-05-13 08:29:42Z

the census shows her brother living with her & william

+
Name: Fay Ellen Akers
Father: William
Mother: Rachel Ellsworth
County: Huntington
Gender: Female
Birth Date: 12 Mar 1911
Reference: Huntington County, Indiana
Index to Birth Records
1875 - 1920 Inclusive
Volume I
Letters A - L Inclusive
Book: CH- 2
Page: 68

Re: Cannot find Maiden Name for Rachel Aker!

barbdale_1 — 2013-05-13 01:01:56Z

Rachel in 1900
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MMBW-FXC

Re: Cannot find Maiden Name for Rachel Aker!

barbdale_1 — 2013-05-13 00:59:36Z

FORT WAYNE JOURNAL GAZETTE MARCH 31, 1913

JOHNSON

Myrtle Johnson, wife of W.M. Johnson
1223 Schilling avenue, died at the
Lutheran hospital Saturday evening,
after two weeks illness from blood poioning.
She was aged twenty-two years
and four months.. The husband, parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Ellsworth of Elkart
five brothers, Arthur, Dewey, Leander,
John and Floyd Ellsworth of Elkart,
and two sisters. Mrs. Rachel Aker,
of Fort Wayne, and Mrs. S. B. Neeley of
Elkhart, are the surviving relatives. The
remains are held at the Heston & Ryan
undertaking parlors and will be sent
Wednesday to Huntington, where funeral
services and burial will take place.

In the 1920, the Aker family was living next to the family of "Ed Ellsworth"

Is this a second marriage for your Rachel?
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/NQSK-WT1

Re: Cannot find Maiden Name for Rachel Aker!

barbdale_1 — 2013-05-13 00:37:44Z

If you go to the Elkart obituary index here, there is a Rachel Aker who died in 1969, maiden name Ellsworth. It has her birth year as 1895, which is a little late for what is reported in the census.
http://www.myepl.org/epl/cgi-bin/obituary_search.php

However, I notice she had a son Orville, and there is a marriage for an Orville Aker in 1945, and it states his Mother's maiden name is Ellsworth
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XX1Z-J9K

Cannot find Maiden Name for Rachel Aker!

brandysaur — 2013-05-12 23:28:19Z

Hello!

I'm looking for information on mu great-great-great grandmother, Rachel Aker. She was married to James (Sometimes appears as William) W. Aker and the two lived in Elkhart, Indiana. Her daughter was named Alta M Aker (Later became Kirchner)

I cannot find any records of Rachel's maiden name. She appears on the 1920 US Census and on the 1910 US census with her married name but no marriage records, birth records, or the link link her with her past.

Can anyone help me out? I would very much appreciate it!

Re: BASHER, WV

ELLinSpain — 2013-04-16 06:44:14Z

Name: George Basher
Gender: Male
Spouse's Name: Virgia Clendenin
Spouse Gender: Female
Marriage Date: 1917
Marriage Place: Kanawha, West Virginia, United States

1930
George Basher 40
Virginia Basher 34
George Basher 11
Kathleen Basher 10
Loacle Basher 9
David Basher 6
Cabin Creek, Kanawha, West Virginia

1940
Name: David Basher
Age: 15
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1925
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Eskdale W VA
Marital Status: Single
Home in 1940: Charleston, Kanawha, West Virginia
View Map
Street: Washington Street
Citizenship: Naturalized
Sheet Number: 1A
Institution: Union Mission
Attended School or College: Yes
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 8th grade
Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: No
+
Name: Lucille Basher
Age: 17
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1923
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: Eskdale W VA
Marital Status: Single
Home in 1940: Charleston, Kanawha, West Virginia
View Map
Street: Washington Street
Citizenship: Naturalized
Sheet Number: 1A
Institution: Union Mission
Attended School or College: Yes
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 8th grade
Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: No

Re: Smeltzer

jansenbl — 2013-04-16 00:08:58Z

Thanks so much for the information. Susan Smeltzer and William Allison were my gg grandparents. I appreciate your help.
Becky

Re: Smeltzer

roots56150 — 2013-04-15 18:56:55Z

John SMELTZER died July 1866 and is buried in Logansport's Mount Hope cemetery: http://incass-inmiami.org/cass/cemeteries/mthope/MTHshlsmith... and there's also a Findagrave.com record for him. I checked Cass Co. marriage records and there is a May 1869 marriage of Alice SMELTZER and Beecher POWELL - Alice is age 20 in the 1870 census and her tombstone in Mount Hope reads Martha A. born 1850. There is also a Jan. 1865 Cass Co. marriage of Susan SMELSER and William ALLISON. These are the only Cass Co. records for John's family.

Re: BASHER

Patsi30 — 2013-04-15 18:22:50Z

Hi Martha,
I belive I am the grandaughter of Georgia. My great grand father was George Basher who commited suicide in 1932 in West Virginia.

Re: Smeltzer

ELLinSpain — 2013-04-12 07:52:19Z

there is only one "match" for Elkhart & dob

1860
Abraham Smelser 29
Susan Smelser 26
Mary Smelser 8
Sophia Smelser 7
John Smelser 5
Josiah Smelser 3
Amos Smelser 1
Locke, Elkhart, Indiana

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=SM...;

Re: Smeltzer

jansenbl — 2013-04-11 21:20:48Z

In my Smeltzer family tree, I have a Mary born 1852 in Indiana. She was the daughter of John Smeltzer and Eliz. Hancock. She is 8 years old in the Cass Co. Indiana 1860 census. I know nothing more about her but would love to find out more.

Brick wall for Elmer Leslie Kirchner

jennieswanson98 — 2013-04-02 22:43:08Z

My father was born on Aug. 29, 1902 in either Chicago or Muskegon. His mother was Mary Kirchner or Oplinger or Anderson. His mother's maden name was Backus and was from England. I think she and her sister, Lucille, were from England. Was told she was related to Jim Backus, the actor and also Lauren Bacall. I can't find his father anywhere, but I think he had a sister Emma Kirchner. My mother. Jennie Swanson, was married to Elmer, but I was told he was married twice before and he lived in Chicago in the 1930 Census. Don't know for sure. If anyone can help, I would sure appreciate it. Was also told his father was Harry Oplinger, but changed his name to Kirchner. He lived in Muskegon, MI and I thought he was born there, but couldn't find a record of that and I contacted the Court House to check. Alma came up a couple of times.
If anyone can help would sure appreciate it.

Re: ANDERSON CUNNINGHAM

ELLinSpain — 2013-03-30 07:56:00Z

1910
Name: Anderson Cunningham
[Anderson Cheatham]
Age in 1910: 50
Birth Year: 1860
Birthplace: Indiana
Home in 1910: Pekin, Tazewell, Illinois
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Hired Man
Marital Status: Widowed
Father's Birthplace: Indiana
Mother's Birthplace: Indiana

1940
Name: Sylvia Snyder
Respondent: Yes
Age: 58
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1882
Gender: Female
Race: White
Birthplace: Indiana
Marital Status: Widowed
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Mishawaka, St Joseph, Indiana
View Map
Street: Lawndale-Avenue
House Number: 116
Farm: No
Inferred Residence in 1935: Mishawaka, St Joseph, Indiana
Residence in 1935: Same Place
Resident on farm in 1935: No
Sheet Number: 6B
Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 125
House Owned or Rented: Rented
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 5
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: Elementary school, 5th grade
Weeks Worked in 1939: 0
Income: 0
Income Other Sources: Yes

1930
John Smyder 51
Sylvia Smyder 48
Florence Smyder 30
Mishawaka, St Joseph, Indiana

Mrs. Mary Horning Betts Born Goshen, Indiana; Died December 1960 Auburn, Washington

oastwd — 2013-03-29 22:42:06Z

The Seattle Times Sunday, December 18, 1960
Death Takes Mrs. Betts, 95, Auburn
Mrs. Mary Ellen Betts, 95, of Auburn, a resident of the area since 1898, died Thursday in a nursing home.

Funeral services will be at 2 o’clock tomorrow in the Price Chapel, Auburn. Burial will be in Sumner.

Born in Goshen, Indiana, Mrs. Betts and her husband, Charles, arrived at Stone’s Landing, later Redondo Beach, aboard the Defiance, which ran daily between Tacoma and Seattle.

Mr. Betts, who died in 1926, operated a grocery at Redondo Beach Park.

Surviving are a brother, William S. Horning, Falls Church, Virginia; a sister, Mrs. Ida Hallowell, Asheville, North Carolina; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and a great-great-granddaughter.

Mrs. Betts was a member of Dorcas Ladies’ Aid, Redondo Beach, for 50 years and a member of Cyclamen Chapter No. 65, Order of the Eastern Star.

Re: looking for a descendant of George Shreiner (in 1850 census)

APTurner — 2013-03-20 16:41:47Z

John Shreiner died before the 1860 census. His first wife was listed as "Mrs." Shreiner in the 1850 census. She was probably born in Lancaster Co, PA about 1820. I am a descendant of the Henry showing in the 1850 census.

John married 2nd a widow across the state line in Elkhart Co, IN, Mary Ann (Zeek) White. They had a son LeRoy (Isaac Newton LeRoy), with a descendant who matches a descendant of Henry.

Re: looking for a descendant of George Shreiner (in 1850 census)

thomasker2 — 2013-03-20 14:31:14Z

I’m not related to any member of this family.

1940 is the last available census at this time.

1860, 1870 -
John Shreiner does not show up in the Cass County, MI records after 1850.

WHO did he marry?? Need 1st namre + DOB + birthplace.

Re: Mennonite Pioneers of Elkhart County

twallace03 — 2013-03-20 01:12:23Z

My grandmothers sister married a Wenger....you can email me at twallace03@hotmail.com

Tracy

Re: Mennonite Pioneers of Elkhart County

conniebowmer — 2013-03-19 22:11:04Z

I have Wenger in my line, in the Goshen area. Let's compare notes, and I'll share photos.

Re: MARY JANE BOYER CULBERTSON of Elkhart Indiana 1850 -1927

crcwkirk — 2013-03-09 23:17:05Z

Do you have information on the parents of Mary Jane (Boyer) Culbertson?

Re: Obit Look Up Olive Hoffman Forgatsch, IN

ELLinSpain — 2013-02-28 10:53:03Z

Name: Olive H. Forgatsch
SSN: 379-42-0924
Last Residence: 46526 Goshen, Elkhart, Indiana, United States of America
Born: 19 Jul 1915
Died: 21 Nov 1998
State (Year) SSN issued: Michigan (1959-1960)

OBIT
Name: Olive Anna Elizabeth (HOFFMAN)[HART]
Publication Date: 24 Nov 1998 & 1998-12-8
Publication : Elkhart Truth
Death Date: abt 1998
Death Place:
Age at Death: 83
Birth Date: Abt 1915

Obit Look Up Olive Hoffman Forgatsch

Appaloosa2003 — 2013-02-27 00:36:44Z

Looking for an obit for Olive Forgatsch died November 21, 1998 in Goshen, Indiana. Born July 19, 1915 in North Dakota the daughter of Otto and Ella (Williams) Hoffman.

Thanks.

Looking

bar56link — 2013-02-24 20:58:55Z

Looking for decendents of Elizabeth Link Bosse (jackson Twp.,Cambria County, PA. Husband was Andrew, a daughter married A.E.Corey of Elkhart

looking for a descendant of George Shreiner (in 1850 census)

APTurner — 2013-02-23 21:34:04Z

The 1850 census for Elkhart County has families of two SHREINER brothers, John and George. John disappears from the Elkhart County records, but George has many descendants still carrying the Shreiner surname today. These Shreiners go back to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

I am a descendant of a John Shreiner who shows up in Cass County, MI records after 1850 (just across the state line). I've had a Y chromosome test done on one of my male Schreiner cousins, and I'd like to compare results with a known descendant of George. The line of descent must be male to male all the way, since that's the way the Y chromosome travels. Markers on the Y chromosome can remain constant for many generations.

I am willing to pay for the test, which involves rubbing a swab inside your cheek and mailing the sample to the lab (Family Tree DNA http://www.ftdna.com). The test reveals nothing about any traits or medical conditions -- just whether or not the two men have a common ancestor.

If you are acquainted with any Shreiners, please pass along this message.

ANDERSON CUNNINGHAM

WilliamDJr26 — 2013-02-23 03:44:22Z

I am trying to find the fate of ANDERSON CUNNINGHAM (1857 - ?)In 1880 in Elkhart County he Married MARY EMMA CHIVINGTON. They lived in MILLERSBURG. His wife died 29 December 1910. They had a daughter SYLVIA CUNNINGHAM whose married name was SYLVIA SNYDER.

Re: Keim

bodieron1 — 2013-02-21 13:36:38Z

Hello cousin! Elizabeth Belle Keim Mishler is my great-grandmother on my mother's side. Elizabeth Mishler/Marion Mishler/Carolyn (Mishler) Blevins/me (Evelyn Blevins Williams).

Re: H Peppel photographer of Hinton WV

RobertsL75 — 2013-02-19 05:01:48Z

Just Googled the photographer's name and found this information regarding Harrison Peppel.
"In the 1900 U. S. Census, Harrison was listed as a photographer, and his father, John Casper Peppel, was living with his family. Between 1900 and 1903, John Casper Peppel along his two sons James and Harrison migrated to Los Angeles, California."

http://www.frontierfamilies.net/family/Panhandle/Fisher/Harr...

From this information, it appears he had his photography business in Hinton, W. Virginia until approximately 1900-1903.

Re: H Peppel photographer of Hinton WV

RobertsL75 — 2013-02-19 04:54:24Z

I'm answering this in 2013. I have a photograph taken by H. Peppel, Photographer, on Second Ave. in Hinton, W. Virginia.
My photo was taken in 1893. Hope this helps to narrow down how long this person was in business.

Re: Parsons

pokyp — 2013-02-09 14:31:06Z

Usually when one date is shown, they are born and died same year, usually withing a few days of each other.

Don

Re: Parsons

ELLinSpain — 2013-02-09 09:56:15Z

on FAG it states died 1918 ??

Parsons

pokyp — 2013-02-08 16:59:25Z

Ivan Dale Parsons, bd Union Center cem, Nappanee, In; indicates b/d 1918.

Can someone tell me more about him, parents, date of death, etc.

Thanks,

Don Parsons

Re: SHANK, Lewis (md to Mary Catherine RARICK) and their descendants

1beachtraveler — 2013-02-04 02:15:53Z

Hi..David was my great-grandfather as well...I'm Shirley Shank...Donald Shank's daughter...My grandparents John and Agnus Shank

Migration from New York to Elkhart Co. ca 1830s-1840s

mulbrie — 2013-01-25 00:53:25Z

I have a Joshua Hart who was in Elkhart Co. by 1843, when his second child was born. He, his wife, and older child came from New York, but I'm not sure where. They settled in Benton. I believe they went to IN between 1836 and 1842. What would have been the most likely route to IN?

Re: Dead End for Alta Kirchner

brandysaur — 2013-01-07 22:18:01Z

You all are amazing. Thank you!

Re: Dead End for Alta Kirchner

MacRorieJA — 2013-01-07 13:41:35Z

Familysearch.org has a recently updated database of Indiana marriages. No marriage for Leslie and Alta but a record for their daughter Patricia Ann Kerchner marrying a James Samuel Butler in Elkhart in 1949. That record says Patricia's mother was Alta Mae Aker.

On the 1920 Census there is an Alta Aker listed as daughter in the household of James and Rachel Aker in Elkhart.

Jim

Re: Dead End for Alta Kirchner

barbdale_1 — 2013-01-06 21:12:21Z

See my reply on the General board - her maiden name was Aker

Re: Dead End for Alta Kirchner

brandysaur — 2013-01-06 18:30:46Z

Thank you! Alta's matches up with my estimated date.

Re: Dead End for Alta Kirchner

Ka4634 — 2013-01-06 13:15:31Z

http://www.myepl.org/epl/cgi-bin/obituary_search.php?month1=...

Obituary for Alta and Leslie Kirchner can be ordered if you think these are the correct people.

Dead End for Alta Kirchner

brandysaur — 2013-01-06 03:05:39Z

Hello everyone,

I am seeking information on my maternal great great grandmother. Her married name is Alta (Sometimes appears as Alma) Kirchner (Sometimes appears as Kerchner. She was married to Leslie E. Kirchner. The two appear with several children on the 1930 census in Baugo, Elkhart, Indiana, but I am at a dead end. I can find tons on Leslie, but nothing on Alta. No birth certificate, no death certificate, no marriage certificate, not even a maiden name. Does anyone know anything about her or have any tips for finding out more?

Re: Thorpe Family in Benton, Mid-1800s

williamfcraigjr — 2012-12-27 19:07:58Z

1830 United States Federal Census
Name: Isaac C Thorp
Home in 1830 (City, County, State): Broome, Schoharie, New York
Free White Persons - Males - 20 thru 29: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 15 thru 19: 1
Free White Persons - Under 20: 1
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 1
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total - All Persons (Free White, Slaves, Free Colored): 2

1840 United States Federal Census
Name: Isaac Thorp
Home in 1840 (City, County, State): Elkhart, Indiana
Free White Persons - Males - 30 thru 39: 1
Free White Persons - Females - 20 thru 29: 1
Persons Employed in Agriculture: 1
Free White Persons - 20 thru 49: 2
Total Free White Persons: 2
Total All Persons - Free White, Free Colored, Slaves: 2

============================================================
1850 United States Federal Census
Name: Isaac Thorpe
Age: 41
Birth Year: abt 1809
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1850: Benton, Elkhart, Indiana
Gender: Male
Family Number: 1805
Household Members: Name Age
Isaac Thorpe 41
Elizabeth Thorpe 38
Francis E Hart 8 ****************Granddaughter????????

Indiana, Marriage Collection, 1800-1941
Name: Frances E Hart
Spouse Name: John W Hull
Marriage Date: Jun 1864
Marriage County: Noble

Francis E. Hull
http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=HU...;

============================================================
1860 United States Federal Census
Name: Isaac Thorp
Age in 1860: 50
Birth Year: abt 1810
Birthplace: New York
Home in 1860: Rose, Oakland, Michigan ****************
Gender: Male
Post Office: Rose
Household Members: Name Age
Isaac Thorp 50
Eliza Thorp 27
Adalade Thorp 8
Albert Thorp 3

============================================================
1880 United States Federal Census
Name: Francis E. Hull
Age: 37
Birth Year: abt 1843
Birthplace: Indiana
Home in 1880: Erie, Ottawa, Ohio
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: John W. Hull
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother's Birthplace: New York
Occupation: Keeping House
Household Members: Name Age
John W. Hull 37
Francis E. Hull 37
Denton E. Hull 10
Gertrude A. Hull 7
John N. Hull 4
Nancy A. Hull 10m
Christopher Knorre 21
Gertie E. Harmes 19
Henry Shore 19

1900 United States Federal Census
Name: Francis E Hull
Age: 56
Birth Date: Jun 1843
Birthplace: Indiana
Home in 1900: Riverside Precinct 6, Riverside, California
Race: White
Gender: Female
Relation to Head of House: Wife
Marital Status: Married
Spouse's Name: John Hull
Marriage Year: 1866
Years Married: 34
Father's Birthplace: New York
Mother: number of living children: 4
Mother: How many children: 4
Household Members: Name Age
John Hull 57
Francis E Hull 56

Thorpe Family in Benton, Mid-1800s

mulbrie — 2012-12-27 00:13:05Z

I'm looking for information on Isaac C. Thorpe, born in NY ca 1810, living in Benton with his wife Elizabeth per the 1850 census. Any help greatly appreciated.

Re: SELLERS

cjkhol — 2012-12-09 01:27:54Z

Christy,

I am not sure if you are still on Ancestry, however found you message that you were related to Jhon H Sellers, son of Alonzo Sellers & Inez Mary horner.

They are so related to me and I am doing research for John's son.

please contact me at cjkhodl@gmail.com

Thank you,

CJ Khodl

JOSHUA HART, NY > IN

ELLinSpain — 2012-11-04 13:03:53Z

there are quite a few trees on Anc all show the mother as unknown..

Joshua
Birth 1807 in Westchester County (possibly), New York
Death 1889 in Noble County, Indiana

1840
Westchester, New York, United States

married Lucy Ann Hill 14 Jun 1845 Lagrange Co. IN
(she died 1850)
they had
Almira P Hart 1846-1923
Susan S Hart 1849-1918

1850
Perry, Noble, Indiana

1855 he married a Sophie L Ohlwine in IN
they had
Albert J 1855-1934
Annna A 1857-1893
Mary E (Molie) 1860 -?

1860
Sparta, Noble, Indiana, United States

Re: Death in 1843 - Need help finding any info at all

Ka4634 — 2012-11-03 21:28:46Z

That's a tough one. Maybe try contacting the Elkhart Genealogy Society

ECGS Queries Chairman
PO Box 1031
Elkhart, IN 46515-1031

or the Elkhart Public Library for leads.

http://www.myepl.org/epl/contact-us?&person=queries