Janis Joplin

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'''Janis Joplin''' (1943-1970)
 
'''Janis Joplin''' (1943-1970)
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A step-by-step example of tracing.
  
 
This page copyright 2007 by Will Johnson, Professional Genealogist, Historian and Biographer.  This page is locked, if you'd like to comment on it, you can email me at [mailto:wjhonson@aol.com wjhonson@aol.com]
 
This page copyright 2007 by Will Johnson, Professional Genealogist, Historian and Biographer.  This page is locked, if you'd like to comment on it, you can email me at [mailto:wjhonson@aol.com wjhonson@aol.com]
  
The [http://www.officialjanis.com/bio.html Official Janis Joplin site] says that Janis was born 19 Jan 1943 in Port Arthur, [[Texas]], was raised there, that her parents were named Seth and Dorothy Joplin, that she died in Los Angeles, [[California]], at the age of 27 on 4 Oct 1970. I will not rely on these facts, but only use them as a guide, confirming them as we go along.
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===See Also===
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*[[100 Most Important Women of the 20th Century]]
  
1) Let's confirm her death date and place. We are told that she died in California, so let's check the California Death Index. The CADI states "Janis L Joplin, born 19 Jan 1943 Texas, died 4 Oct 1970 in Los Angeles Co. Part of her will is transcribed here where she names her parents and two of her siblings. And here you can see a picture of the whole family.
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<table><tr><td>http://moonlightflower.org/JanisArtClubsmall.jpg</td><td>http://moonlightflower.org/JanisJoplinJuniorYear1958-1959.jpg</td></tr></table>
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The [http://www.officialjanis.com/bio.html Official Janis Joplin site] says that Janis was born 19 Jan 1943 in Port Arthur, [[Texas]], was raised there, that her parents were named Seth and Dorothy Joplin, that she died in Los Angeles, [[California]], at the age of 27 on 4 Oct 1970. I will not rely on these facts, but only use them as a guide, confirming them as we go along.  The pictures linked-in here came from the website operated by Carolyn Hebert here: [http://moonlightflower.org/janisjoplin.html Page1], [http://moonlightflower.org/janisjoplin2.html Page 2],[http://moonlightflower.org/janisjoplin3.html Page 3], [http://moonlightflower.org/janisjoplin4.html Page 4]
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1) Let's confirm Janis' death date and place. We are told that she died in California, so let's check the California Death Index. The CADI states "Janis L Joplin, born 19 Jan 1943 Texas, died 4 Oct 1970 in Los Angeles County". In her will she names her parents and two of her siblings. And [http://www2.tribalpages.com/tribe/browse?userid=pbass&view=63&pid=1020&rand=95108 here] you can see a picture of the whole family, along with their names.
  
 
2) Port Arthur is in Jefferson County, Texas. Now let's check the Texas Birth Index to see if we can find a good match.
 
2) Port Arthur is in Jefferson County, Texas. Now let's check the Texas Birth Index to see if we can find a good match.
  
Texas Birth Index
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<pre>Texas Birth Index
 
Janis Lyn Joplin born 19 Jan 1943, Jefferson County
 
Janis Lyn Joplin born 19 Jan 1943, Jefferson County
 
Father: Seth Ward Joplin; Mother: Dorothy Bonita East
 
Father: Seth Ward Joplin; Mother: Dorothy Bonita East
 
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</pre>
 
Now let's see if we can find these siblings. I will search on Joplin, in Jefferson County, with father Seth.
 
Now let's see if we can find these siblings. I will search on Joplin, in Jefferson County, with father Seth.
Texas Birth Index
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<pre>Texas Birth Index
 
Laura Lee Joplin born 15 Mar 1949, Jefferson County
 
Laura Lee Joplin born 15 Mar 1949, Jefferson County
 
Michael Ross Joplin born 25 May 1953, Jefferson County
 
Michael Ross Joplin born 25 May 1953, Jefferson County
 
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</pre>
 
Note that Janis in her will calls her father Seth David instead of Seth Ward, and calls her sister Laurel instead of Laura.  
 
Note that Janis in her will calls her father Seth David instead of Seth Ward, and calls her sister Laurel instead of Laura.  
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3) Let's see if her parents are still living:
 
3) Let's see if her parents are still living:
Social Security Death Index
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<pre>Social Security Death Index
 
Dorothy B Joplin born 15 Feb 1913 died 13 Dec 1998
 
Dorothy B Joplin born 15 Feb 1913 died 13 Dec 1998
 
Last Residence: Prescott, Yavapai Co, Arizona
 
Last Residence: Prescott, Yavapai Co, Arizona
Line 28: Line 36:
 
Last Residence: Prescott, Yavapai Co, Arizona
 
Last Residence: Prescott, Yavapai Co, Arizona
 
SSN issued by Texas before 1951
 
SSN issued by Texas before 1951
 
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</pre>
 
So it's probable there are obits for both parents in Yavapai County.
 
So it's probable there are obits for both parents in Yavapai County.
  
4) Knowing that Seth was born early in 1910, we should be able to find him in the census then
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4) Knowing that Seth was born early in 1910, we should be able to find him in the census then.
1930 Justice Precinct 1, Potter Co, Texas
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<pre>1930 Justice Precinct 1, Potter Co, Texas
 
24 Apr 1930, ED 188-20-1, Sheet 25B
 
24 Apr 1930, ED 188-20-1, Sheet 25B
 
Dwelling 486, Family 498
 
Dwelling 486, Family 498
Line 52: Line 60:
 
, Florence E, wife, FW, 22, married first time, 2 years ago, mother of 1, 1 living, b TX/KY/MS, no occupation
 
, Florence E, wife, FW, 22, married first time, 2 years ago, mother of 1, 1 living, b TX/KY/MS, no occupation
 
, Margaret E, daughter, FW, 2, b TX/TX/TX
 
, Margaret E, daughter, FW, 2, b TX/TX/TX
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</pre>
  
 
5) Now that we know exactly where Janis' grandfather was living in 1910 and 1920, let's see if we can find his WW1 Draft Card
 
5) Now that we know exactly where Janis' grandfather was living in 1910 and 1920, let's see if we can find his WW1 Draft Card
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<pre>
 
WW1 Draft Registration Cards
 
WW1 Draft Registration Cards
 
Lynn Co, Texas
 
Lynn Co, Texas
Line 61: Line 71:
 
nearest relative: wife Florence E Joplin
 
nearest relative: wife Florence E Joplin
 
Blue eyes, Red Hair; 12 Sep 1918
 
Blue eyes, Red Hair; 12 Sep 1918
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</pre>
  
6) I see that Gary Boyd Roberts has published part of Janis' ancestry here. Gary's New England Ancestors Article
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http://moonlightflower.org/101_0017small.jpg<br>
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6) I see that Gary Boyd Roberts has published part of Janis' ancestry here. [http://www.newenglandancestors.org/education/articles/research/special_guests/gary_boyd_roberts/column_37_659_437.asp Gary's New England Ancestors Article]
 
Gary Boyd Roberts citing Janis Joplin's biography written by her sister Laura states that Janis' mother was named "Laura East". But as we have seen above her name was Dorothy Bonita East. This is not only confirmed from the Texas Birth Index, but also independently from the Social Security Death Index. Gary says that Laura, Janis' sister was named "for her maternal grandmother". So we see the possible error. It was not Janis and Laura's mother who was named Laura, but evidently their grandmother, thus Dorothy's mother who was named Laura.
 
Gary Boyd Roberts citing Janis Joplin's biography written by her sister Laura states that Janis' mother was named "Laura East". But as we have seen above her name was Dorothy Bonita East. This is not only confirmed from the Texas Birth Index, but also independently from the Social Security Death Index. Gary says that Laura, Janis' sister was named "for her maternal grandmother". So we see the possible error. It was not Janis and Laura's mother who was named Laura, but evidently their grandmother, thus Dorothy's mother who was named Laura.
  
Line 68: Line 81:
  
 
8) Knowing that Dorothy East was born in 1913, and is likely to be somewhere in Texas, I checked the every-name index of the 1930 census. I only found one Dorothy East in Texas and she is 17 as expected.
 
8) Knowing that Dorothy East was born in 1913, and is likely to be somewhere in Texas, I checked the every-name index of the 1930 census. I only found one Dorothy East in Texas and she is 17 as expected.
 
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<pre>
 
1930 Amarillo, Randall Co, Texas
 
1930 Amarillo, Randall Co, Texas
 
Justice Precinct 4, Ward: South of 29 Ave, ED 191-5-1, Apr 7 1930, Sheet 7B
 
Justice Precinct 4, Ward: South of 29 Ave, ED 191-5-1, Apr 7 1930, Sheet 7B
Line 78: Line 91:
 
, Barbra, daughter, FW, 10, b NE/IL/IA
 
, Barbra, daughter, FW, 10, b NE/IL/IA
 
, Mildred, daughter, FW, 6, b NE/IL/IA
 
, Mildred, daughter, FW, 6, b NE/IL/IA
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</pre>
  
 
9) I then looked in the 1920 census for anyone named East, born in Illinois, but living in Texas, Oklahoma, or Nebraska
 
9) I then looked in the 1920 census for anyone named East, born in Illinois, but living in Texas, Oklahoma, or Nebraska
 
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<pre>
 
1920 Marshall, Clay Co, Nebraska
 
1920 Marshall, Clay Co, Nebraska
 
ED 5-44, Sheet 27B, (no date)
 
ED 5-44, Sheet 27B, (no date)
Line 89: Line 103:
 
, Gerald, son, MW, 3, b OK/IL/IA
 
, Gerald, son, MW, 3, b OK/IL/IA
 
, Barbara, daughter, FW, 6/12, b NE/IL/IA
 
, Barbara, daughter, FW, 6/12, b NE/IL/IA
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</pre>
  
 
10) Now let's see if we can find Cecil in the WW1 Draft Registration Cards
 
10) Now let's see if we can find Cecil in the WW1 Draft Registration Cards
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<pre>
 
World War 1 Draft Registration Card
 
World War 1 Draft Registration Card
 
Cecil W East, b 31 Jul 1889, in Mason Co, Kentucky
 
Cecil W East, b 31 Jul 1889, in Mason Co, Kentucky
 
Resident of Camarge (?), OK
 
Resident of Camarge (?), OK
Has a wife of two children
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Has a wife and two children
 
Registered in Dewey Co, OK 5 June 1917
 
Registered in Dewey Co, OK 5 June 1917
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</pre>
  
 
11) And then, can we find him with his parents?
 
11) And then, can we find him with his parents?
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<pre>
 
1910 Lone Tree Township, Clay Co, Nebraska
 
1910 Lone Tree Township, Clay Co, Nebraska
 
5 May 1910, ED 5-42, page 121B, Sheet 14A
 
5 May 1910, ED 5-42, page 121B, Sheet 14A
Line 112: Line 130:
 
, Floyd, son, WM, Feb 1891, 9, b IL/IL/IL, At School
 
, Floyd, son, WM, Feb 1891, 9, b IL/IL/IL, At School
 
, Verne, son, WM, Jun 1895, 4, b IL/IL/IL
 
, Verne, son, WM, Jun 1895, 4, b IL/IL/IL
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</pre>
  
 
12) Since "Cecil East" is such a unique name, I did a full sweep of Ancestry for anyone with that name, anywhere. This is what I call a "fishing" expedition, which I only do for unique names.
 
12) Since "Cecil East" is such a unique name, I did a full sweep of Ancestry for anyone with that name, anywhere. This is what I call a "fishing" expedition, which I only do for unique names.
 
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<pre>
 
California Death Index
 
California Death Index
 
Cecil W East b 31 Jul 1889 Illinois, d 24 Jun 1962 Los Angeles Co, mother's maiden name: Bowman
 
Cecil W East b 31 Jul 1889 Illinois, d 24 Jun 1962 Los Angeles Co, mother's maiden name: Bowman
 
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</pre>
 
We know this is the same Cecil because the birth date in the CADI matches his birth date in the WW1 Card above.
 
We know this is the same Cecil because the birth date in the CADI matches his birth date in the WW1 Card above.
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13) Now that we know that Cecil died in California, chances are greater that perhaps his wife also did.  We know that she was born about 1892 in Iowa, and her name might have been Laura or Clara maybe with an M initial.  So let's see.  [http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&rank=0&f1=Laura&f2=&f0=East&sx=&f4Day=&f4Month=&f4Year=&f6=&f5Day=&f5Month=&f5Year=&f7=&f10=&f9=&f3=&f8=&prox=1&f4=++&f5=++&db=cadeath1940&ti=0&ti.si=0&gss=angs-d&pcat=34&fh=2&recid=2054733&recoff=1+2+14 This entry] in the ''California Death Index'', 1940-97 shows : "Laura Mildred East, born 5 Apr 1890 Iowa, died 29 May 1958 Los Angeles County, father's name Hanson"
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14) Using the above step as a 'basis for a guess', let's see if we can find any of the children of Cecil and Laura 'also' in the California death index.  We know from the census already that they had : Dorothy 1913, Gerald 1917, Barbara 1920, and Mildred 1923/4.  So in the CADI, we just enter surname East, and mother's maiden name Hanson, and 'nothing else'.  And we get a hit. [http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&rank=0&f1=&f2=&f0=East&sx=&f4Day=&f4Month=&f4Year=&f6=&f5Day=&f5Month=&f5Year=&f7=&f10=&f9=Hanson&f3=&f8=&prox=1&f4=++&f5=++&db=cadeath1940&ti=0&ti.si=0&gss=angs-d&pcat=34&fh=0&recid=3576569&recoff=15+46 This entry] states : "Barbara Jean Irvin, born 1 Jul 1919 Nebraska, died 13 Nov 1986 Los Angeles County, father East, mother Hanson"
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We know this is their daughter Barbara based on the parents names, and that she was born in Nebraska which is relatively rare.  So we have a hit and have evidence showing Laura's maiden name.
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15) Now knowing that Cecil and Laura were in Nebraska, or Oklahoma and probably got married in one of those places in 1910, ''but'' that Laura Mildred Hanson was born in Iowa should make finding her parents relatively easy.  So let's look in the Nebraska or Oklahoma census for any Hanson who was born in Iowa.
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There are no good matches in Oklahoma, but here she is in Nebraska:
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[http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?indiv=1&rank=0&gsfn=&gsln=Hanson&sx=&f7=NE&f9=&f10=&f18__n=&f20=Iowa&rg_81004011__date=&rs_81004011__date=0&f23=&f17=&f16=&rg_f19__date=&rs_f19__date=0&_8000C002=&f21=&_80008002=&f22=&_80018002=&gskw=&prox=1&db=1910uscenindex&ti=0&ti.si=0&gss=angs-d&pcat=35&fh=11&recid=44582204&recoff=2+17+18+154 1910 Census of Lone Tree, Clay County, Nebaska]
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Herbert Hanson 41 IA
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Stella Hanson 40 IA
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Laura Hanson 20 IA
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Henry Hanson 17 IA
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Mary Hanson 19 ? IA
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Grace Hanson 12 IA
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Olive Hanson 9 IA
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Floyd Hanson 6 IA
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Robert Hanson 1 8/12 NE
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[[Category:Ancestry research]]
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[[Category:Arizona]]
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[[Category:California]]
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[[Category:Famous Women]]
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[[Category:Illinois]]
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[[Category:Nebraska]]
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[[Category:New Mexico]]
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[[Category:Oklahoma]]
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[[Category:Texas]]

Latest revision as of 21:54, 19 November 2010

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