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Classification: Query
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/3h.2ADE/1942.1.1.1.1
Message Board Post:
For the sake of simplicity, I had hoped that the 1938 death date was a typographical
error, but not. I realize there are many possible explanations for Belle Baxter claiming
widowhood. Before I look into a lot of other possibilities, I think a search for
Louis' obituary and his death certificate are the best places to start. If there is
one of these to support the 1938 death date, then at least we will have the date
confirmed. If that fails, then just in case the tombstone or cemetery book date is wrong,
maybe a death date of Oct 19, 1908 should be tried? Anyhow I would appreciate it if you
would keep me informed of anything you find. Louis is the brother of my 2nd great
grandfather. I plan to send for the death certificate.
I did see that Belle Baxter claimed 16 children and 11 living. She claimed the same
numbers in both 1900 and 1910, meaning she had no more children after 1900. This also
might indicate Louis' absence. I'd say divorce or death. Hospitals and jails are
enumerated in the censuses, and Louis by any of his names and initials is not in the index
for both the 1910 and 1920 censuses. Of course pages are sometimes unreadable.
I have found 10 of Belle's children. Sarah K. in 1900 is the same as Cathrine in 1910
(Sarah Katherine):
From the 1880 census of Ward 1, New Albany, Floyd Co., IN., page 233c:
145/145
Baxter, Edward W M 25 married Distiller reads writes IN KY IN
Belle W F 21 wife married Keeping house reads writes IN IN IN
Effie W F 4 daughter single IN IN IN
Gracie W F 2 daughter single IN IN IN
Nannie W F 10/12 daughter single IN IN IN
*****
From the 1900 census of Elwood, Pipe Creek Township, Madison Co., IN., page 244b:
603 North 3d
254/284
Baxter, Louis E. head W M Sep 1854 45 married 25yrs IN IN IN day laborer reads writes
rents home
Bell wife W F Apr 1859 41 married 25yrs 16children/11 living IN IN KY reads
writes
Grace M. daughter W F Jan 1878 22 single IN IN IN reads writes
Roy H. son W M Dec 1884 15 single IN IN IN day laborer reads writes
Emison J. son W M Apr 1886 14 single IN IN IN at school reads writes
Edd C. son W M June 1890 9 single IN IN IN at school reads writes
Raymond G. son W M Sep 1891 8 single IN IN IN at school reads writes
Ida B. daughter W F Sep 1893 6 single IN IN IN at school
Gilbert C. son W M June 1895 4 single IN IN IN
Sarah K. daughter W F Nov 1897 2 single IN IN IN
*****
From the 1910 census of Silver Creek Township, Clark Co., IN., page 92b:
142/144
Baxter, Belle head F W 51 widowed 16children/11living IN IN IN rents home
Edward C. son M W 21 single IN IN IN laborer cement mill reads writes
Raymond G. son M W 19 single IN IN IN laborer cement mill reads writes
Gilbert C. son M W 15 single IN IN IN reads writes
Cathrine daughter F W 12 single IN IN IN reads writes