1.                  Obituary of John Porter Moore (1827 – 1910)

2.                  Obituary of James M Moore (1849 – 1930)

3.                  Obituary of John W Moore (1851 – 1931)

4.                  Obituary of Lina (Hubbard) Moore (1865 – 1930)

5.                  Obituary of Albert Long Moore (1862 – 1937)

6.                  Obituary of Sarah Louise (Milligan) Moore (1866 – 1935)

7.                  Obituary of Frank Moore (1868 – 1910)

8.                  Tips for preserving photographs

9.                  Correction to last newsletter: Death date of Alice S Cusac

1.   Obituary of John Porter Moore (Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

      Porter J. Moore, aged 81 years, for more than 30 years a resident of Assumption, died at his home at 10 o’clock Tuesday night following a short illness from senility. Decedent is survived by seven children, five sons and two daughters: Canathus of Pana; John, Ole and Frank of Assumption and another son who resides in Texas . The daughters are Mrs. Leo Johnson of Assumption and Mrs. Benjamin Johnson of Taylorville.

      The funeral arrangements have not been perfected, awaiting the arrival of relatives.

2.   Obituary of James M Moore (John Porter, Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

                    JAS. M. MOORE , 81, RETIRED LOCAL FARMER DIES

      James M. Moore, 81, prominent retired farmer of this city, died at 10:50 o’clock last night at his home at 417 West First street . Although he had been in failing health for some time, his condition was not serious until a few hours before his death. A complication of diseases, due to his advanced age, was the cause of death.

      Mr. Moore was born April 20, 1849 near Indianapolis , Ind. , the son of Porter and Mary J. Moore. In 1866 he moved to Illinois with his parents, the family locating on a farm near Assumption.

      For 21 years Mr. Moore taught school in the eastern part of this county, in addition to carrying on the occupation of farming.

      On Sept. 26, 1877, he was united in marriage at Shelbyville to Miss Margaret Clawson. Following their marriage they engaged in farming near Assumption. Twenty-three years ago Mr. Moore retired and they moved to this city, since residing at 417 West First street . Eight children were born to this union, four of whom preceded their father in death.

      Mr. Moore was a member of the Presbyterian church. In politics he was a staunch republican.

      Surviving besides his widow are four children: Mrs. K. E. Bogg, Assumption; Mrs. Bert McConkey of Taylorville; J. A. Moore of Salt Lake City , Utah ; and Mrs. Hiram Cornell of Decatur . He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Leo Johnson of Assumption and four brothers: A. L. Moore, John W Moore, both of Assumption; C. H. Moore of Pana; O. M. Moore of Alva , Okla ; 1 granddaughter and six grandsons.

      Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon at the Presbyterian church. Rev. E. E. Freed, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in Oak Hill cemetery.

      The body was taken to the Bulpitt funeral home and will be removed to the Moore residence Thursday morning.

3.   Obituary of John W Moore (John P, Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

      JNO. W. MOORE , 78, LEADING CITIZEN ASSUMPTION DIES

      John W. Moore, 78, retired merchant and leading citizen of Assumption, died at 5 o’clock Monday evening in his home in Assumption. He had been in failing health for a year, but was bedfast only four weeks.

      Mr. Moore was born in Marion county, Indiana. He was married to Miss Emma Dornblazer in Fredonia , Kansas , 52 years ago. The couple moved to Assumption soon afterwards. For two years Mr. Moore taught school. Later he conducted a general store for 40 years on the site of the present National bank. He served one term as postmaster.

      Mr. Moore was a member of the Memorial Presbyterian church, and for many years served as elder. He leaves his widow; one sister, Mrs Leo Johnson, Assumption; three brothers. A. L. Moore, Assumption; C. H. Moore, Pana, and O. M. Moore of Alva , Okla. One brother, J. M. Moore of this city prejudiced him in death on Nov. 4, 1930.

      Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon in the Memorial Presbyterian church by Rev. John Meeker. Burial will be made in Greenwood cemetery.

4.   Obituary of Lina (Hubbard) Moore (wife of Caanthus Moore, John Porter, Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

                    AUNT OF LOCAL LADY DIES, PANA

      Mrs. Lina Moore, wife of C. H. Moore, prominent resident of Pana, died at 6:45 o’clock Tuesday night following an operation performed in Huber Memorial hospital at Pana. Mrs. Moore was born and reared in Pana, spending her entire life there. She was the daughter of S. S. and Harriet West Hubbard and was born in the Hubbard homestead on Aug. 15, 1864.

      She is survived by her husband, a daughter Harriet, and one brother, Harry W. Hubbard of Columbus , O.

      Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the First Presbyterian church at Pana, of which she was a member. Rev. J. E. Corwin will officiate and interment will be made in Linwood cemetery at Pana.

      Mrs. Moore was an aunt of Mrs. Mary Bradley, 207 East Franklin street , this city.

5.   Obituary of Albert Long Moore (John P, Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

A.     L. MOORE , 74, OF ASSUMPTION DIES LAST NITE

Prominent Retired Farmer And Business Man Succumbs To Long Illness.

      Alfred L. Moore, prominent farmer and business man of Assumption, died at 8 o’clock Friday night at his home. He had been in ill health for some time, suffering from complications due to senility.

      After retiring from the farm, Mr. Moore operated an elevator in Assumption for several years. For many years he served as superintendent of the Memorial Presbyterian Sunday school. He served on several different school boards and was a member of the board of trustees of the Kemmerer Orphan’s home treasury. For many years he served as city alderman.

      Mr. Moore was born June 15, 1882, in Marion county, Indiana, and came to reside in Assumption when he was a small boy. He continued to reside in Assumption except for five years, 1906 to 1911, when he resided in Decatur . He was married forty-five years ago to Miss Rena Coonrod. Two daughters were born to this union. Mrs. Moore died in 1900 and in 1903 he was married to Miss Louise Milligan, who died in November, 1935.

      Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Lillian Moore and Mrs. Lena Simcox, both of Assumption; five grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by one sister, Mrs. Lee Johnson of Assumption, and two brothers, O.L. Moore of Assumption, and C.H. Moore, of Pana.

      Funeral services will be held at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon at the Assumption Memorial Presbyterian church. Rev. P.R. Coen, the pastor, will officiate. Interment will be in Greenwood cemetery.

6.   Obituary of Sarah Louise (Milligan) Moore (wife of Albert Long Moore, John Porter, Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

      MRS. MOORE DIES AT ASSUMPTION

      Stroke Fatal to Wife of Prominent Assumption Merchant Saturday Night.

      Funeral services for Mrs. A. L. Moore, 68, who died at her home in Assumption Saturday night, were held at 2 p.m. Monday afternoon at her home. Rev. P. R. Coen officiated.

      Mrs. Moore, wife of prominent Assumption hardware and grain dealer who retired several years ago, died of heart disease. She was born in Christian county and was married to Mr. Moore, Oct. 29, 1902. She was a member of the Presbyterian church.

      Mrs. Moore’s maiden name was Sarah Louise Milligan. She was born December 8, 1866, and her entire life was spent in Christian county.

      Besides her husband, she leaves two step-daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Moore and Mrs. Carl Simcox, both of Assumption.

      Burial was in Greenwood cemetery.

7.   Obituary of Frank Moore (John Porter, Margaret Rodman, Roseann Cusac, Andrew John)

      FORMER RESIDENT DIED SUDDENLY IN COLORADO

      James Moore of this city received word this afternoon of the death of his brother Frank Moore of Denver, Colo., who was here a week ago last Tuesday visiting him.

      His death was sudden, being caused by ulcers of the stomach. When he was here, he did not appear to be ailing and the news of his death came as a decided shock to his relations.

      The decedent was born at Assumption and was the youngest member of the family. He lived here almost all of his life, going west several years ago. He is survived by his widow, two sisters, and five brothers; viz: Mrs. Ben. Johnson of Taylorville, Mrs. Leo Johnson of Assumption, James Moore of Taylorville, C. M. Moore of Pana, A. L. Moore of Decatur, Ol Moore of Oklahoma and J. W. Moore of Assumption.

      The funeral services will be at Assumption Thursday, the remains arriving there Wednesday night. Interment will take place at the Assumption cemetery under Masonic auspices.

8.         Tips for preserving your photographs and documents

Since the beginning of time, mankind has been recording history. However, only within the past 150 years have we been able to document history photographically. Photographs provide a graphic portrayal of yesterday, but if we neglect and do not preserve our photographs, some of our history will fade away along with those images.

No matter what you do you cannot save any image forever. You can slow this deterioration process through proper storage techniques. Black and white images that are processed on a paper base last much longer than their color counterparts. Color images are chemically unstable (especially Polaroid prints) and often deteriorate at a much faster rate than black and white images.

      To handle an image it is strongly suggested that either a latex or cotton gloves be employed. Gloves create a barrier between the photograph and the oils and acids often found on the hands. The photographs should be examined and handled on a rigid surface that is clean and flat to minimize potential damage. Try not to turn the photographic image over too many times since even the cleanest surface can scratch the emulsion or image side of the print or negative.

Temperature and humidity affect photographs and documents more than any other element. Best conditions are below 70 degrees with the relative humidity under 50%. High humidity is most harmful and high temperatures accelerate the deterioration. Cyclic conditions (high heat and humidity followed by cold and dry weather, followed by high heat, etc.) are very bad for the emulsion and may cause cracking and separation of the emulsion from the support.

The worst place to store your photographs or documents is in an attic or basement. With the constant high temperatures and humidity in the summer and low temperatures and humidity in the winter, the photographs or documents will become brittle. In severe cases, the emulsion (image) on the photograph can separate from the base (paper).

Basements are usually moist which can cause photographs to stick to each other. Another problem encountered in basements is that they are great breeding grounds for insects and rodents, which are strongly attracted to gelatin and cellulose in the photographic emulsion.

The best places to store important photographs or documents are in a safe deposit box at your bank. They are usually climate controlled and kept dark to provide almost ideal storage conditions.

Some wood and papers contain harmful additives such as bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Rubber bands or rubber cement contain sulfur, which degrades photographic emulsions. Paper clips and staples can abrade or scratch the surfaces of prints or negatives. Pressure sensitive tapes usually contain acids, which can accelerate the deterioration process. Any kind of ink also contains acids. Fingerprints on prints or negatives create physical damage from the oils and acids in human skin.

Fumes and vapors from oil-based paints, varnishes, shellac, and carbon monoxide (automobiles stored in garages) may accelerate the deterioration. Also intense light is detrimental to photographs.

Storing the image or Document

1. Plastic or paper sleeves: Each individual image can be placed in a protective sleeve. If plastic sleeves are to be used it is strongly recommended that the sleeve be made of polyester which is more commonly known by its trade name as mylar (Mylar D or Melinex). Alternatives are available but mylar is more readily available. This is the best way to store negatives. DO NOT USE ANY SLEEVE MADE FROM POLYVINYLCHLORIDE (PVC)! Polyvinylchloride is the base element of most photographic sleeves commonly found in department and discount stores. These sleeves are chemically unstable. The polyvinylchloride eventually deteriorates which becomes highly acidic and will quickly destroy any image it touches. Any of the following plastics are safe to use in storing photographs, negatives or documents: Polyester, Mylar, Polypropylene, Polyethelene, and Tyvek.

Paper envelopes are a cheaper alternative to plastic sleeves. As with plastic sleeves, not all paper envelopes are created equal. The envelope should be acid-free and if possible lignin-free with a neutral pH. Some archival envelopes have an alkaline buffer that is a plus for long-term storage. The alkaline buffer is able to absorb some of the more unstable elements from within (acids) and without (pollutants from the atmosphere).

2. Alternative Cost Effective Storage: Another alternative storage method is to store photographic images in various sizes of acid-free folders and containers. You should interleaf each image within the folder with a sheet of acid-free paper. File folders containing images should then be packed reasonably tight within the container.  This way "curling" of the image will not take place.

3. Photographic Albums: If photographic albums are to be used it is imperative that the album measure up to archival standards. This would include a D-ring binder with polypropylene pages that have acid-free paper inserts. The photographs should be mounted on the acid-free paper inserts with archival holder/corner mounts. NEVER PASTE A PHOTOGRAPH IN AN ALBUM! Most glues will causes a chemical reaction that eventually destroys the image you are trying to protect.

Any negatives or slides should be placed in a polypropylene box or binder. The pages that hold the image should be polypropylene as well. Acid-free paper envelopes will work just as well.

4. Non-paper based images: There are other types of images that you may come across that are the exceptions to the above stated guidelines. The most common types include glass lantern slides, glass negatives, and the more rare tintypes and daguerreotypes. With the exception of a tintype, the other processes require special care. The tintype can be filed in acid-free folders while being interleaved with acid-free paper or placed individually in acid-free paper envelopes.  Glass lantern slides and glass negatives need special care as well. The primary reason for this special care is the fragile condition that the glass base provides. There are two ways of storing these images. Common to both types of storage is to wrap the slide or negative in acid-free paper. The next step depends on how the images are to be stored. If the original storage case is in good condition, made from metal or wood and is lined with cloth and wooden dividers, you can place the newly wrapped negatives back into their original position within the container. If this is not an option you should wrap the image in acid free paper, place the image in an acid-free paper envelope, and file the images in a smaller acid-free container. The main reasons for the smaller container are two fold: One aspect is weight. Glass based images are heavy, which makes them very hard to handle if they are in a larger container. The second aspect is storage. These smaller boxes take up less room and distribute the weight more evenly on a storage shelf.

      Daguerreotypes are a situation unto themselves. The primary rule to remember is NEVER disassemble a daguerreotype! Each element by itself within the composition of the daguerreotype is unstable. However, when the elements are kept together as they were originally manufactured this provides a situation that is sound for preservation purposes. You can store these images either in an acid-free folder (if it fits) or in an acid-free artifact container.

Labeling Images

      Once you have decided how to store the image you will need to identify and label the image. A rule of thumb to remember is to never write directly on a specific image. Ideally this would include the back of a photograph or around the border of a slide, negative, or photograph. If you must write on a border or the back of a photograph use a pencil and write very lightly. There are specific marking pens for photographic identification that are available in archival catalogs and photographic stores. These are pricey and may not be pH balanced. Check out the specifications of the product before you buy! Writing on the border or the back of a photograph with anything else will cause the ink to defile the image by bleeding through and changing the acidic balance. If you store your images either in polypropylene sleeves, paper envelopes, or interleaved in an acid-free folder, always write on the storage medium (such as the file folder tab) and not on the image itself. All good archival polypropylene sleeves will have a space in which to identify each individual image. Paper envelopes and acid-free folders can be identified, by writing on the envelope or folder itself.

9.         Correction to Alice S Cusac’s death date as reported in last newsletter.

Martha Kincade wrote to me about the article on Alice S Cusac in the latest newsletter. Here is our exchange:

 Martha Kincade wrote on 02 September 2004:

“Is it possible that you looked at an 1861 calendar when you figured out Alice Cusac's date of death? I think that the Thursday preceding Christmas in 1861 was on the 20th, but the Thursday preceding Christmas in 1862 was on the 18th.”

My reply on 03 September 2004:

“I  double-checked and you are right. The Thursday before Christmas in 1862 was the 18th. Christmas was also on a Thursday.  From Jennie's letter written on the 27th of December (Saturday) she states that "Capt. Cusics child died last Thursday" do you think that she meant that Alice died on Christmas the 25th? Christmas was the Thursday  preceding the 27th. Do you have any documentation for her death date? Have you ever found where she is buried?”

Martha’s reply on 04 September 2004:

“I don't have any documentation for her death, but for now I'm assuming that Jennie Bysel would have said that she died on Christmas instead of "last Thursday" if she had died on Christmas. I hope to find something more concrete. If I can find a newspaper article maybe I can confirm the date and find out where she was buried.”

My reply on 07 September 2004:

“I had thought the same thing about Alice 's death date. Also, Jennie  mentions that "The child will be burried to morrow as they have kept it so long". If Alice died on Christmas then the body would have been kept for only 4 days. If she died on the 18^th, it would have been 10 days, which is certainly a long time.”

That's it for issue #10. If you come across any obituaries, documents, essays, photographs, weddings, births, or stories on your line from Andrew John Cusac that you would like to share, please pass them along to me. Feel free to forward this newsletter to others in the family who may have an interest in Andrew John Cusac's history or genealogy. Free back issues will be available for the asking. Do you have a question you want asked of the group? Email it to me and I'll include it in the next issue. Email: skratze@wcnet.org or skratze@bgnet.bgsu.edu                      Best wishes... Sheila