Hoosier Roots Run Deep in Indiana

Good news for this Hoosier Lady!

When starting a blog, one of the more difficult tasks is coming up with a name. It is a good idea to find something catchy, but it should also speak volumes about the blog itself.  I chose the name “This Hoosier’s Heritage” not only because I am a born-and-bred Hoosier, but also because I knew my roots grew deep in the state of Indiana.

Several weeks ago, I sent off my application to the Society of Indiana Pioneers.  If they can verify that you have ancestors in the state of Indiana before 1840, you are then welcome to join the Society and your ancestors will be added to their database.

Carrie (Hillman) Haessig on the left, Ethel
(Haessig) Schrader on the right 

My paternal grandmother, Ethel Haessig, has roots that run deep in Dearborn County.  Her mother, Carrie Hillman, was born in the small town of Moores Hill to Thomas Hillman and Anna Moore.

Thomas Hillman and Anna (Moore) Hillman

Anna Moore has a very rich heritage in Dearborn County, and much has been written about her grandparents' and great-grandparents' accomplishments and pioneering spirits. Her grandfather, Adam Moore, and his wife, Judith Smith, travelled from Maryland, and established the town of Moores Hill. The town was supposed to be named Moore’s Mill; but, through an error by the postmaster, it was mistakenly, and forever, named Moores Hill.

Adam Moore's will (naming Levin, and his siblings)

Anna Moore is the daughter of Levin Moore and Mary Sparks. Although Levin’s father, Adam, played a pioneering role in the founding of Moores Hill; Mary’s side of the family played an even bigger role in the history of Dearborn County.

Elijah Sparks' Life in Indiana

Her grandfather, Elijah Sparks, brought his wife, Elizabeth Weaver, and children (including Mary’s father, Hamlet) from Kentucky into Indiana Territory in 1806. He became a Territorial Judge for Dearborn County, until his death in 1815. Although Elijah helped to settle this southeastern corner of the Indiana Territory, he was not fortunate enough to witness its statehood.

I was waiting on pins and needles for a reply from the Society of Indiana Pioneers, and was delighted with their answer. According to their genealogist, "I will have no problem, whatsoever, in approving your application for both Elijah Sparks and Adam Moore."

My next step is completing the membership requirements for the Society, which is just a few small details on my part.

However, as all family historians are well aware...half of the fun is digging up the facts and stories.  The other half is in verifying whether they are indeed facts, half-truths, or legend. 

When an organization, such as the Society of Indiana Pioneers, verifies your research is in fact true, you breath a sigh of big relief.

Ahhh, now to continue digging deeper!!