Versa Eleanor Buchanan

Documented History

According to Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011, Versa Eleanor Buchanan was born on July 24, 1910, in St. Francisville, Illinois, to Maurice G. Buchanan and Pearl Wilton.

According to the 1920 United States Federal Census, Versa lived with her parents and siblings on Lafayette Street, Winslow, Pike County, Indiana. Her parents, Maurice Grant and Pearl Winton, were 36 and 29, respectively. Maurice (shown as Morris on the record) was a Church Preacher.

Versa was 9 years old. Her twin brothers, Charles and Carlin, were 7 years old. Their little sister, Lois, was 5 years old. Maurice’s father was born in Indiana, his mother was born in Missouri, and everybody else was born in Illinois.

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Marriage

According to Indiana Marriage Certificates, Versa Eleanor Buchanan married Richard Harrison Benedict in Marion County, Indiana, on November 6, 1928.

Based on information from the 1930 United States Federal Census, Versa Benedict, a 19-year-old white female, resided with her family in a bustling neighborhood on New Jersey Street in Indianapolis. She was the daughter-in-law of Grace Benedict, the head of the household.

Despite marrying at 17, Versa worked as a saleslady in a cloak house, showcasing her independence and contribution to the family’s income. Her ability to read, write, and speak English highlighted her education and communication skills. Living with three other family members, including Grace, Mildred, and Richard, Versa’s role as a young married woman in the workforce added a dynamic layer to the household’s composition.

The Benedict family’s diverse origins, with Versa’s father hailing from Indiana and her mother from Missouri, reflected a blend of regional influences within the household.

On October 18, 1931, Versa and Richard had their baby girl, Beverly Ann Benedict. She was born at 8:45 p.m. in Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana. At the time, they lived at 2413 College Avenue.

According to the 1933 City Directory, Versa and Richard lived at 2302 N. New Jersey St, Indianapolis, Indiana. Richard worked as a salesman for Indiana Mirror Manufacturing Company.

Based on information from the 1940 United States Federal Census, Versa Benedict, a 29-year-old white woman from Indiana, found herself in Indianapolis in 1940 as a divorced lodger on West 27th Street. She had completed a year of college education.

Her occupation as a saleslady kept her busy, as she worked 40 hours a week in a private setting. With a consistent work ethic, she had worked all 52 weeks in 1939, earning an income of $720 solely from her job.

Living with five other household members, including the head of the house, Harry R Brown, and his family, Versa’s presence added a dynamic element to the household on 27th Street.

Based on information from the 1950 United States Federal Census, in 1950, in Washington, Marion, Indiana, a widowed woman named Versa E Benedict, aged 39, resided at 2730 1) Street in Apartment 62 Nd. She was the sister-in-law of Robert D Boone, who was the head of the household. Versa was a photographer in a private studio, indicating a creative and skilled profession. She had completed 12 years of schooling and worked for 15 weeks, earning an income of $500.

Four other household members lived with Versa: Robert D Boone, 37, his wife Lois C Boone, 35, and their two children, Michael D Boone, 9, and Marilyn A Boone, 6. The family lived in an urban setting, with no farm or acres to their name, suggesting a life focused on urban occupations and lifestyle. Lois C Boone was Versa’s sister.

Versa and her second husband, Robert E. Laird, lived at 6171 Burlington Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, per U.S. city Directories, 1822-1995 in 1955. Robert was a salesman with J& L Agency Inc.

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Versa and her husband, Robert E, lived at 6171 Burlington Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana, per U.S. city Directories, 1822-1995 in 1959. Robert was in real estate.

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Death

Versa passed away at midnight on 27 March 1998, per Indiana, Death Certificates, 1899-2011. She was 87 years old at the time and passed away from Severe end-stage COPD due to cigarette smoking for many years. She was an inpatient at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, Indiana, when she passed. She had been suffering from Severe Gastroesophageal reflux, Malnutrition, advanced age, and poor swallowing.

Her name is listed as Versa E. Laird, and she was a widow. She was a portrait artist born in St. Francisville, Illinois, on July 24, 1910. The informant was Dennis Boone, Versa’s nephew.

Versa’s Obituary confirmed her date of death, burial place, occupation, second husband, brother, and sister. It also tells us that she was a photographer for 20 years and retired in 1977.

Versa was buried on 1 April 1998 in Crown Hill Cemetery, Indianapolis, Indiana.  She is buried in Section 78, Lot 161. 

Whenever I find additional information for Versa, I will update this post.  In the meantime, if you knew her or are related to her and would like to share some of her precious memories, please leave your stories in the comments box below so her memories may stay alive for her descendants.

Stay tuned,

~Kris