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Marcellus and Emily Flanigan Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Marcellus "Tim" Flanigan -- also spelled "Flannigan" and "Flanagan" -- was born on Jan. 3, 1851 near Johnson Chapel in Henry Clay Township, Fayette County, PA, the son of Job and Mary (Ream) Flanigan.

Unmarried at the age of 18, in 1870, he lived on his widowed father's farm in Henry Clay.

In about 1871, feeling the need for a change, Marcellus migrated westward to Iowa. He settled in Taylor County, IA in the early 1880s and earned a living as a farmer.

At the age of 30, on June 30, 1881, in Bedford, Taylor County, Marcellus entered into marriage with 25-year-old Emily Frances Parry (Feb. 25, 1857-1944), daughter of David and Mary (Newman) Parry of Allegheny County, PA. Rev. George W. Robey officiated. On their marriage license, he stated his parents' names as "Job Flanigan" and "Mary Ream." They stayed together for 23 years until the separation of divorce.

The couple together produced a family of six -- Winfield Ira Flanigan, Florence Gertrude "Gertie" Sharp, Elmira May "Myra" McBride, Maud "Ethel" Phelps, Blanche Ellmetta King and Eva Wilma Crawford.

United States Census records for 1900 show the family in the town of Defiance, Union Township, Shelby County, IA. Marcellus' occupation that year was as a railroad section laborer. Their next-door neighbors were Samuel and Elizaabeth Reams, both native of Pennsylvania. His employer around that time was the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad.

Their marriage dissolved and Emily sued for divorce in February 1905 on grounds of cruel and inhuman treatment. She requested custody of the four younger children and a deed to a tract they owned in and near Defiance. In reporting on the issue, the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican said she claimed that Marcellus had "threatened her at one time with a penknife and has illtreated her often." By September 1906, Emily's address was 202 South Second Avenue in town. She later moved to 403½ West Linn Street and was there in 1910. She was active with the Central Church of Christ and its Aid Society, including attending sewing parties held at the church. As of 1930-1940, she lived in the household of her married daughter Eva Crawford in Chester Township, Poweshiek County, IA.

When the federal census was taken in 1910, the 59-year-old Marcellus boarded in the home of Shelby and Della Londenstricker in or near Manilla, Nishnabotny County, IA. He migrated to Nebraska circa 1913 but in time came back to Iowa. At the death of their married daughter Elmira McBride in 1915, Marcellus resided in Dunlap, IA and Emily at 1310 West Church Street. 

Marcellus' final dwelling-place, Manilla, Iowa

Between 1871 and 1916, he only returned home to Somerset County three times, including trips in 1909 and then at Christmas 1916 to spend with his nephew William A. Burnworth, with the news reported in the Meyersdale (PA) Republican. He returned to Confluence for a two months' visit in February 1919 and then again in December 1920 to see his sister Annabelle Burnworth and stayed for several weeks. The 1919 and 1920 visits were fodder for the gossip columns of the Connellsville (PA) Daily Courier. 

When an atlas of Nishabotny Township was published in 1920, Marcellus does not appear as a landowner. Poor health forced him to leave his railroad employment. The 1920 U.S. Census of Nishnabotny County shows him as a 68-year-old widower using the name "Tim" with an occupation as dishwasher in a restaurant, likely his final employer, the depot lunch room of the Van Noy company. At the time he boarded with Nic and Gertrude Trak.

At the death of his sister Annabel Burnworth in September 1926, he was named in the Republican obituary. 

His final residence was at the railroad depot hotel in Manilla. He was stricken with a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 75 and died in his room on Feb. 2, 1927. On his official Iowa certificate of death, and obituary in the Denison newspaper, his parents' names were written as "Joseph" and "Elizabeth." Of his six children, only daughters Blanche King and Ethel Phelps traveled to attend the funeral. Services were held at the Presbyterian church, led by Rev. F.W. Throw. Interment of the remains was in Nishnabotny Cemetery.

The Flanigans, L-R: Gertie, Ethel, Winfield, Eva, Blanche, Myra Courtesy Stephanie (Flanigan) Woods

~ Son Winfield Ira Flanigan  ~

Son Winfield Ira Flanigan (1882-1938) was born on June 1882 in Defiance, Shelby County, IA.

Winfield and Elnora Flanigan Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Son Winfield Ira Flanigan (1882-1938) was born in June 1882 in Defiance, Shelby County, IA.

He was an alumus of Defiance High School and Highland Park College of Electrical Engineering. He was the eldest son of difficult parents whose marriage was troubled, and he was about 23 in 1905 when they finally divorced.

In young manhood, Winfield was employed in Marshalltown as a machinist with the A.E. Shorthill Company and later as an electrician with the Marshall Telephone Company.  

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in mid-1906 and within a few months was assigned to the training vessel Hancock at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. His term of duty was spent in electrical engineering capacities aboard the flagship Connecticut on cruises around the globe with a battleship fleet. His diary of the voyage, The Great White Fleet, was published privately by granddaughter Stephanie Woods at Christmas 2003 and is reproduced with permission on this website.

Winfield resigned from military service in the summer of 1910 and secured a position with the electrical company Diehl Manufacturing in New York City. He is known to have traveled back home in September 1910 for his sister Myra's wedding.

In his own nuptials held at the bride's home in Canajoharie, NY on Feb. 15, 1913, he was joined in wedlock with Elnora Failing (1892-1973), daughter of Harvey S. and Frances C. (Goble) Failing. The newlyweds then traveled together to his home state to spend 10 days with his mother and sisters. The news was reported in the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican. Their union endured the ebbs and flows of 25 years together.

Elnora prior to marriage was an economics teacher in Elizabeth (NJ) High School.  

Above: Jean (center), Fay (right) and friend about 1939 at the cheese factory on the Failing-Flanigan farm. Below: the farm in Canajoharie, NY. Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Winfield relaxing  - Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Together, the Flanigans bore four children, Ruth Alice Winsman Weaver Frederick, Richard Seeber Flanigan, Jean Emily Wetherbee and Fay Carol Flanigan. 

They made their residence in 1915 in Elizabeth, NJ. Then in about 1918, when he was advised by physicians to "seek outdoor employment," said a newspaper, the family migrated back to the old Failing farm in Elnora's hometown of Maple Hill section of Canajoharie. With the property dating to the 1840s, Winfield turned his life to farming and operated and managed the farm through the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s, raising herds of dairy animals.

Winfield held memberships in the Mapletown Grange and held a seat on its executive board. He also was president of the local chapter of the Dairymen's League and was a deacon with the Ames Baptist Church. He also belonged to the New York City lodge of the Masons.

For the last year of his life, Winfield was stricken with stomach cancer. Sadly, at the age of 56, he passed away in 1938. An obituary noted that he had resided in Maple Hill for 19 years. His funeral rites were conducted in the family church, by the hand of Rev. Albert Eisenhart. His remains were lowered into the repose of the ages in Canajoharie Falls Cemetery, borne to the gravesite by pallbearers and fellow church deacons Ray Dunckle, Herbert Wiles, Phelps Button and Fred Gordon. 

Elnora survived for another 35 years and in 1940 remained on their farm in Canajoharie. The angel of death cleaved her away in Amsterdam, Montgomery County, NY on Aug. 20, 1973.

See the private memoir authored by a daughter entitled My Dad: Jean Flanigan Wetherbee’s Memories of Her Father, Winfield I. Flanigan.

Daughter Ruth Alice Flanigan (1915-1996) was born on May 26, 1915 in Hartford, Hartford County, CT. She was a graduate of Canajoharie High School and then was trained at the Nathan Littauer Hospital School of Nursing. She was employed at several nursing homes and provided private-duty nursing care during her career. She held a membership in the Trinity Lutheran Church of Stone Arabia and taught Sunday School and vacation Bible school. She also helped lead 4-H activities in Montgomery County, NY. Ruth was married thrice during her lifetime. Ruth first tied the marital cord with William "Nelli"s Winsman (April 19, 1904-1956), son of Lewis A. and Anna (Nellis) Winsman. Two children they produced together were Wayne N. Sinsman and Rose Ann Matthews. William served as president of the Canajoharie Local Dairyman's League and was a board director of the Palatine Insurance Company. He also was a deacon in their church. Sadly, William suffered for six months with a serious illness and died in Palatine Bridge, NY on June 15, 1956. Her second spouse was Mortimer Peter Weaver (1901-1984). His death in 1984 rendered her twice-widowed. Than on Oct. 21, 1989, she exchanged vows with her third husband, Frank C. Frederick Sr. (1917-1999). Their final residence was in the Valley View Apartments in Palatine Bridge, NY. Ruth succumbed to the spectre of death at the age of 81 on Oct. 5, 1996, in Amsterdam Memorial Hospital. Funeral services were held in the family church. Her remains were lowered to rest in Fort Plain (NY) Cemetery. An obituary in the Schenectady Daily Gazette said that the headcount of her survivors was three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a number of step-offspring. The family asked that any memorial donations be made to the Montgomery County Office of the Aging or Wounded Warriors Project.

• Grandson Wayne N. Winsman ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). He entered into marriage with Fay H. Flynn (July 14, 1939-2021), daughter of Madeline Flynn. Three children borne of this union were Donna L. Winsman, Michael Winsman and William Winsman Sr. They dwelled for many years in Palatine Bridge, NY. At some point they endured the death of their daughter Donna. Fay passed away at the age of 82 on Nov. 2, 2021.

  Great-granddaughter Donna L. Winsman ( ? - ? ) was decesed by 2021. 

  Great-grandson Michael Winsman married or was a companion of Fay Moscato. Circa 2021, they were in Amsterdam, NY.

  Great-grandson William Winsman Sr. wed Roberta. They put down roots in Palatine Bridge, NY. 

• Granddaughter Rose Ann Winsman appears to have been twice-wed. Her first spouse was Henry Polgreen ( ? - ? ). They lived in or near Amsterdam, NY and bore a son, David H. Polgreen. The couple divorced. Rose Ann in time married Edwin Matthews ( ? - ? ), while Henry wed Shirley. Circa 1996, Rose Ann was in Broadalbin, NY. 

  Great-grandson David H. Polgreen (1966-2018) was born in about 1966 in Amsterdam, NY. He was an alumnus of Broadalbin High School and Paul Smith's College. David was joined in wedlock with Catherine "Katie" Riley ( ? - ? ). Their only child was Nathaniel Polgreen. For 21 years, he was employed by Comcast. He was active with the Lowell troop of the Boy Scouts and served as a mentor with the FIRST Robotics Team 5962 of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. In his free time, said the  Lowell (MA) Sun, David "loved the outdoors, camping, tinkering in his workshop, photography, and spending time with his wife and son." Their home was in Lowell, MA. Sadly, while in Detroit with his son attending a robotics world championship competition, he was stricken and died at the age of 52 on April 28, 2018. His memorial service was held at St. Anne's Episcopal Church of Lowell.

Bridge spanning the Mohawk River, Canajoharie, NY

Richard Flanigan Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Son Richard Seeber Flanigan (1919-2020) was born on May 4, 1919 in Canajoharie, Montgomery County, NY, "in the midst of the global Spanish flu epidemic," said a newspaper. He grew up working on his parents' historic Failing-Flanigan farm in Canajoharie dating to the 1840s. Richard was twice-wed. In 1942, he married his first bride,  Harriet Lois Wiles (Dec. 7, 1917-1997), daughter of Herbert V. and Icy (Mount) Wiles and originally from Massena, NY. Their union endured the highs and lows of a remarkable 55 years. Two children of this couple were Philip Stuart Flanigan and Stephanie Alice Cordner Woods. Harried was a 1936 graduate of Canajoharie High School, studied for a year at Potsdam State Teachers College and then worked at the Beech-Nut Packing Company in Canajoharie. During World War II, he joined the U.S. Army. Upon completion of his military duty, he received a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in 1950 from Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY. He secured employment with IBM and remained with the company for more than a quarter of a century as manager of facilities engineering at its plants in Poughkeepsie, NY and Essex Junction, VT. They made a home initially in Vermont in Essex Junction and then constructed a residence at Goose Pond Road in Fairfax. At some point they downsized to a mobile home in Bolton, VT and traveled widely in the winters to warmer climes in Islamorada, Jamaica, Seville and Crescent City, FL. Said the Burlington Free Press, "Harriet was a lover of gardening and music, but she was never happier than when she was working with or playing with children... There were always new toys or games or books in her closets to delight the fun-loving. A child at heart herself, she also shared many years of creative fun with the young through the Girl Scouts, youth groups, and the 4-H. In recent years she enjoyed learning to use a computer to write to friends and do her genealogy." Sadly, she passed away on Oct. 1, 1997 in Burlington's Fletcher Allen Health Care Center. Richard relocated to Florida as a widower and in 2000 married a second time to Caroline Kooy Miller ( ? - ? ). They made their place of residence in Satsuma, FL and were active in the Seville Trinity United Methodist Church. He and Caroline "were active volunteers to help run the food bank at the church and they also volunteered at the Pioneer Art Settlement in Barberville, Florida," said an obituary. "Many will remember him from the Satsuma neighborhood for mowing and keeping up the yards of neighbors that were not able to take care of those tasks themselves. He was also an avid vegetable gardener in Vermont and always had lots to share!" Richard also enjoyed his involvement with the United Methodist Men in Trinity. He reached his 100th birthday in 2019 and was honored by the Palatka post of the American Legion. He died at the age of 101, four days after Christmas 2020, at Vintage Health Care in Palatka, FL. The headcount of his survivors was three grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren.

• Granddaughter Stephanie Alice Flanigan (1943- ? ) was born in 1943. She first wed Dr. G. Michael Cordner (July 28, 1939-2010). They together bore two children, Kristin Aileen Decatur and Geoffrey Michael Cordner. Circa 1965, Stephanie received a bachelor's degree at Drew University in New Jersey. She joined the staff of the University of Vermont in about 1970 and moved into budgeting and instutional studies before a promotion in 1985 as director of financial analysis and budgeting. The Cordner marriage ended in divorce, with Michael making a home in Grand Isle and Stephanie in Burlington, VT. In the mid-to-late 1980s, she married again to Harold "Hal" Woods ( ? - ? ). Their home in 1997 was in Burlington and in 2020 in South Hero, VT. Stephanie graciously has shared valuable content for this biography.

  Great-granddaughter Kristine Aileen Cordner was an alumna of Burlington High School and the University of Vermont. She lived at Grand Isle, VT in 1992 and was employed at Trinity College's childcare center. She married Scott Decatur, son of Lee and Pat Decatur of Chester, VT. At the time, Scott was a graduate of Green Mountain Union High School and held a position with the State of Vermont's Department of Corrections. In 2020, they were in South Hero, VT.

  Great-grandson Geoffrey Michael Cordner wed Jacinta. He moved to Chicago and dwelled there in 1997. Later, by 2010, they established a home in Cork, Ireland, and in 2020 dwelled in Killarney, Ireland.

• Grandson Philip Stuart Flanigan (1947- ? ) was born in 1947 in Malone, NY. He was a 1965 graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School and went on to study at Vermont Technical College at Randolph Center. He entered into marriage with Donna Lee Woolford ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clarence and Beatrice (Osborne) Woolford. Donna was a 1966 graduate of Champlain Valley High and at the time of marriage was employed at American Finance Company of Burlington. Together, they became the parents of Christopher Stuart Flanigan. During the Vietnam War, Philip joined the U.S. Navy and trained at Great Lakes, IL and then based at Jacksonville, FL with the Patrol Squadron Five, with a deployment in 1969 to Bermuda. Circa 2020, the pair was in South Burlington, VT.

  Great-grandson Christopher Stuart Flanigan made his home in 2020 in Fairfax, VT. 

Jean Wetherbee  Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Daughter Jean Emily Flanigan (1920-2012) was born on Aug. 17, 1920 in New York and grew up on the old family farm Canajoharie, NY, dating to the 1840s. She received her college degree as a reading specialist at the State University of New York at Oneonta. In the fall of 1943, she was assigned to teach sixth grade in the elementary school at St. Johnsville, NY. On Aug. 21, 1943, she entered into marriage with Bernard Lyle Wetherbee (Nov. 13, 1921-1983), son of Fred and Lena (Van Vilet) Wetherbee of Newfield, NY. "In a gown of white satin with a short train and veil, the bride carried a Bible, surmounted with orange blossoms," reported the Ithaca (NY) Journal. At the time of their wedding, Bernard was employed as manager of a farm in Hessville, NY. Four known offspring included Winfield B. Weatherby, Stephen Wetherbee, Rev. Warren D. Weatherbee and Linda Fay Dalenberg. The 1950 federal census enumeration shows the family as farmers in Canajoharie, NY, with Jean's widowed mother-in-law under their roof. Jean's teaching career included other reading assignments at Canajoharie and Fort Plan, NY. Jean held an interest in White Ironstone China and published four books on the topic and formed the White Ironstone Club of America. Their final home together was in Andover, MA. Sadly, burdened with Alzheimer's, Bernard died in Aug. 1983. Jean lived to the age of 91½ and due to " her own experiences with being a spouse of an Alzheimer’s/Pics disease victim, she helped to start some of the first support groups for families in the New England area in the early 1980s. In 1985 she joined the staff of His Mansion Ministries, Deering, NH where she worked with young adults to earn their [graduate equivalency] diplomas." She left His Mansion in 1999 and spent her summers in New Hampshire and winters in Florida. In the early months of 2005, she relocated to West Virginia and settled in Union, WV, where two of her offspring were residing. Added the obituary, "She continued to read avidly, to play an expert level game of Scrabble, and loved her family deeply." She died on March 18, 2012 at the age of 91.

• Grandson Winfield B. Wetherbee (1946- ? ) was born in about 1946 in New York. He received his bachelor of science degree from Wheaton College and his master's and doctorate degrees from the Clarkson College of Technology and in young manhood served as associate professor of mathematics at St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY. On July 8, 1972, in nuptials held in the Grotonwood Log Cabin Chapel in Groton, MA, Winfield was joined in wedlock with Lynn Arris ( ? - ? ), daughter of Raymond J. Arris of West Groton and Biddeford Pool, ME. Winfield's uncle Rev. Homer Wetherbee led the nuptials. In announcing the happy event, the Boston Globe pictured the bride and said that she "wore a Victorian gown of dotted Swiss with lace trimming the neckline and sleeves. Her long chiffon veil was edged with Venise lace and pearls. She carried a colonial bouquet of pink and white flowers." At the time, Lynn had recently graduated from the New England Baptist Hospital School of Nursing. The couple became the parents of two sons. They were members of the Tallman Bible Church in New York and helped the church plan its 100th anniversary. Circa 1982, he was employed on the staff of the science department of Huntington College in Indiana. Winfield in January 2001 is known to have helped organize a student trip to St. Ard, Haiti "to assist local missionaries with work projects," said the Hancock County (IN) Daily Reporter. The group also planned to study "the language, history and culture of Haiti and gain an increased awareness of the needs of third-world peoples." Winfield was named professor emeritus at Huntington in 2011. His profile on the university website said he liked to "dabble with primitive Pythagorean Triples and relatively prime pairs of integers. He also enjoys playing racquetball, Wii golf and fantasy baseball."

• Grandson Stephen Wetherbee ( ? - ? ) was an alumnus of Cobeeskill College and lived in Potsdam, NY in 1970 and in Canajoharie in 1972. On or about Sept. 1, 1973, he was united in matrimony with Silvia Neomi Repetto ( ? - ? ), daughter of Luis Repetto of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Silvia was an alumna of Gordon College. In recent years, Stephen and Silvia have been based in Union, WV, where he has been employed as Area Director of Rural Development for the at U.S. Department of Agriculture in Beckley, and both as leaders with Opportunity Missions Ministries Inc.

• Grandson Rev. Warren D. Wetherbee (1949- ? ) was born in about 1949 in New York. He is a 1971 graduate of the Moody Bible Institute, where he received his masters degree in ministry. He exchanged marital vows with Cristie ( ? - ? ). The pair put down roots in Onalaska, WI and are the parents of Erica Greiner. In the 1980s, he served as minister of evangelism and discipleship with Grace Baptist Church of Racine. He became a certified chaplain through Corporate Chaplains of America and has been employed by Mathews Inc., said to be the largest manufacturer of archery bows in the world, in a full-time role, available to all employees for spiritual, emotional and practical help.  

  Great-granddaughter Erica "Ricky" Wetherbee studied mental health counseling at Nova Southeastrn University. She wed (?) Greiner and in 2011 to Johnny Gunn. She resides in Kenosha. 

• Granddaughter Linda Fay Wetherbee (1950- ? ) was born in April 1950 in Canajoharie, NY. She was an alumna of Canajoharie Central High School and in 1970 graduated from the State University of New York at Cobleskill. She was employed as a teacher at the Happy Hour School at Saddle Brook in 1970. At the age of 20, on June 13, 1970, she tied the marital cord with Karl Dalenberg Jr. ( ? - ? ), son of Karl Dalenberg Sr. of Franklin Lakes, NY. The wedding ceremony was held at the Faith Bible Church of Carlisle, NY, with Rev. Robert Rusbuldt of the Ames Baptist Church presiding, assisted by Rev. Carl McConchie of Franklin Lakes Gospel Church. News of the marriage was made public on the pages of the Wyckoff (NJ) News, which noted that Linda "wore a gown of white organza with re-embroidered Alencon lace and blue satin sash, fashioned with a jewel neckline, long sleeves, Empire waistline and a controlled skirt, and a chapel-length train; a cluster of organza, lace and blue satin ribbon held a full length illusion veil and she carried a cascade of white daisies, miniature carnations and stephanotis." Karl at the time was an alumnus of Ramapo High School and was a student at Northeastern University in Boston, with plans to join the staff of Woodward Clyde Association in Clifton. As of 2012, the Dalenbergs dwelled in Union, WV and were active with One More Mile mission service projects in Nicaragua, with funding awards for Nicaraguan students wanting to study education and medicine.

Fay Dollard Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Daughter Fay Carole Flanigan (1925-2003) was born on Aug. 2, 1924 on the family farm in Canajoharie, Montgomery County, NY. She was an alumna of Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA, training to be a medical secretary. She met her future husband when working in the personnel office of the U.S. Coast Guard in New York City. When she was 22 years of age, on Jan. 3, 1948, she was united in holy matrimony with Joseph Patrick Dollard (March 19, 1913-1995), son of John V. and Grace (Haynes) Dollard of Jackson Heights and Far Rockaway, NY. The wedding was conducted at the Church of St. Peter and Paul in Canajoharie, by the hand of Rev. Fr. Dasey and announced in the Brooklyn (NY) Daily Eagle. Joseph at the time was serving in the U.S. Coast Guard as a chief boatswain's mate. They are produced six children -- Patrick J. Dollard, John V. Dollard, Tiimothy E. Dollard, Nora Lush, Susan J. Dollard and Eileen C. Dollard. Joseph's Coast Guard career spanned 24 years, including service during World War II and the Korean War. He retired in 1957 with the rank of chief warrant officer. He then went on to work for another two decades as a seaman operating a fleet of ferries owned by Cross Sound Ferries Services Inc. The family belonged to Sacred Heart Church, and he was a life member of the Knights of Columbus. Fay was a membeer of the Coast Guard Wives Club, several parent-teacher associations, held a term as president of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, and was active in both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. She worked at one time as a nurse's aide for the Fairview Retirement Home and helped with toddler Sunday School at Groton Heights Baptist Church. As time allowed, she liked to camp and travel, buy and sell antiques, including having a booth at the Between the Bridges flea market, read, solve puzzles and play cards and Scrabble. Their address in the mid-1990s was 44 Round Hill Road, Groton but they also spent their winters in Florida. Sadly, after what the New London (CT) The Day newspaper called "a long illness," Joseph passed away at the age of 82 on May 10, 1995. His photograph accompanied his obituary. His funeral mass of Christian burial was held in the family church. Interment was in the sacred soil of Colonel Ledyard Cemetery. The widowed Fay remained in Groton. Sadly, Fay died in Groton three days after Christmas 2003. She too was pictured in her obituary in The Day and was survived by 15 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Her funeral rites were held at the Groton Bible Chapel.

• Grandson Patrick J. Dollard wed Judy. They made a home in Groton in 1995-2003.

• Grandson John V. Dollard tied the knot with Priscilla. They moved to Rensselaer, NY.

• Grandson Timothy E. Dollard was in Groton in 1995.

• Granddaughter Nora Dollard married Thomas Lush. Circa 1995-2003, they were in Manchester.

• Granddaughter Susan J. Dollard resided in 1995 in New London, CT and in 2003 in Groton.

• Granddaughter Eileen C. Dollard dwelled in the mid-1990s-2003 in Groton, CT.

Gertrude Sharp Courtesy Stephanie Woods

~ Daughter Florence Gertrude "Gertie" (Flanigan) Sharp  ~

Daughter Florence Gertrude "Gertie" Flanigan (1885-1973) was born on Nov. 6, 1885 in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, IA.

As a girl of 14, in 1900, she made a home with her parents and siblings in the town of Defiance in Union Township, Shelby County, IA. Within a few years, the family pulled up stakes and migrated to Marshalltown, Marshall County, IA. 

On June 18, 1904, when she was 18 years of age, Gertrude entered into the bonds of marriage with 24-year-old machinist Edward Edward Sharp (March 29, 1881-1952), son of George S. and Julia (Phelps) Sharp and a native of Kansas. Their wedding ceremony was held in Marshalltown, Marshall County, IA by the hand of Rev. F. Hey Lemon. 

The news of their marriage license was published in the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican.

Wedding portrait - courtesy Stephanie Woods

The couple planted themselves in Marshalltown where they raised their family of six -- George E. Sharp, Glenn Winfield Sharp, Kenneth P. Sharp, Benjamin Franklin Sharp, Russell Roy Sharp and Betty Jane Bittner. Dr. A.B. Conway is known to have assisted in the birth of at least one of the babies, Glenn, in Marshalltown in 1907.

As of 1905, their address was 308 South Second Street and in 1906 at 207 South Third Avenue. By 1915 they had again changed residences and were at 1312 West Church Street. Their listing in the city directory for Marshalltown in 1928 shows them at an address of 703 East Linn.

Gertrude and Edward were active early in their marriage with the Christian Endeavor Society of the Christian Church and hosted meetings in their home, assisted by her sister Ethel. The gatherings included a business meeting followed by games and music, and were covered in the gossip columns of the Marshalltown Times-Republican. The Sharps are known to have hosted this group for a New Year's Eve "watch party" at yearend 1906. Circa 1914, Gertrude and her mother and sister Eva helped organize meetings of the Quiet Hour Circle.  

In a most unusual twist of events, Gertrude contracted a mild case of smallpox early in the new year 1908 through her sister Blanche. Reported the Times-Republican, "Mrs. Sharp was exposed through her sister, but kept the fact a secret, and was not vaccinated until a week after she had been exposed. Now she is suffering from the effects of both the disease and the vaccination at the same time."

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, 1920 and 1930, Edward continued his labors as a machinist, working in a local shop of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway. His son Kenneth joined him on the workforce of the M&SL as of 1930.

After many years with the Railway, Edward changed jobs during the years of the Great Depression. By 1940, his occupation in Marshalltown as as a machinist at a rock quarry. The Sharps' address in 1945 was 136 West Main.

The 1950 United States Census shows the Sharps as empty-nesters. He was employed at the time with a gauge factory, working with grinding machinery. She provided house cleaning and babysitting services. 

Railroad station in Marshalltown, IA

Edward suffered a stroke in about 1951 and went to live with their son Russell in Seattle. 

Edward and Gertrude - Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Edward suffered a stroke in about 1951 and went to live with his son Russell in Seattle. 

The following year, the family was blanketed in mourning on St. Patrick's Day 1952 when he died in the son's home at the age of 70. The body was transported back to Iowa for funeral services and burial in Clemons (IA) Cemetery. Gertrude's sister Ethel Phelps traveled to attend. An obituary was printed in the Marshalltown Times-Republican, noting that the survivor count was 14 grandchildren.

Gertrude outlived her husband by more than two decades. 

When she spent two weeks visiting at the home of her sister Ethel in 1956 in Bayard, IA, the news was printed in the gossip section of the  Bayard News.

The angel of death spirited her away on Sept. 28, 1973. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Clemons Cemetery to sleep for all eternity next to her husband.

Son George Sharp (1905- ? ) was born on April 10, 1905 in Marshalltown. His birth was announced on the pages of the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican. He lived in New York City in 1952.

Son Glenn Winfield Sharp (1907-1983) was born on July 22, 1907 in Marshalltown. Dr. A.B. Conaway assisted in the delivery. News of the birth was printed in the gossip columns of the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican. Circa 1930, at the age of 18, he was employed with his father with the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railway in Marshalltown. That same year, he also earned a living as a farmer. On Sept. 24, 1930, at the age of 24, he was joined in wedlock with 23-year-old Ruth Nichless ( ? - ? ), also of Marshalltown and the daughter of Lee and Lue (Atchison) Nichless. Officiating was Rev. Richmond A. Smith of the Baptist Church of Tama, Tama County, IA. At the death of his father in 1952, he made his dwelling-place in Laurel, IA. He died in the town of his birth in Jan. 1983.

Son Kenneth P. Sharp (1912- ? ) was born in about 1912. He earned income in 1930, at the age of 13, as a delivery boy for a Marshalltown retail grocery. He migrated to Wisconsin and lived there in the early 1950s.

Son Benjamin Franklin Sharp (1917- ? ) was born on Jan. 24, 1917 in Marshalltown. His birth was announced that afternoon in the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican. He dwelled in Marshalltown in 1952. He is believed to have passed away in July 1980.

Son Russell Roy Sharp (1924-1984) was born on Oct. 14, 1924 in Marshalltown, IA. He stood 5 feet, 6¼ inches tall and weighed 125 lbs., with brown eyes and brown hair. Russell joined the U.S. Navy during World War II, serving from April 1942 to December 1945. Circa June 1942, he was stationed aboard the USS Tippecanoe in Pearl Harbor. Following his discharge, he made the decision to live in the Pacific Northwest. On June 17, 1946, at the age of about 22, he was joined in wedlock with Viva Arlene Rickett (April 30, 1922- ? ), also of Marshalltown and the daughter of Frank and Catherine Rickett. The ceremony was performed by District Dourt Judge John F. Cahalin in Portland, OR. The newlyweds put down roots in Seattle. The federal census enumeration of Seattle in 1950 shows Russell's occupation as second-class carpenter in building bridges for a railroad company. When his father suffered a serious stroke in about 1951, the father came to reside with Russell, and died there a year later. For reasons not yet known, the Picketts again exchanged marital vows after six years of marriage, on Jan. 21, 1952, in the King County Courthouse in Seattle. Justice of the peace William Hoar presided. The couple's address in 1950 was 216 32nd Avenue South and in the 1980s was 8747 Phinney Avenue. Suffering from asthmatic bronchitis, Russell died instantly from a cardiac arrest in Seattle's Cabrini Hospital on Oct. 15, 1984. The remains were cremated.

Daughter Betty Jane Sharp (1925-1998) was born on Sept. 25, 1925 in Marshalltown, IA. Evidence suggests that she was twice-wed. Betty Jane's first husband was (?) Moore ( ? - ? ). Their marriage ended by the time she was 20 years of age. Then on July 16, 1945, in Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, SD, using the name "Moore," she tied the marital cord with 23-year-old Edwin Bittner ( ? - ? ), also of Marshalltown. Circuit Court Judge Lucius J. Wall led the wedding ceremony. Edwin was a veteran of World War II, having served from February 1941 to May 1945 and was a member of the 168th Infantry. Together, they raised a family of offspring -- Randall L. Bittner, Michael R. Bittner, Nancy L. Bittner, Betty J. Bittner, Russell Bittner, Edwin H. Bittner Jr., Kathy Bittner and Edwin Bittner II. Circa 1948, the family was in Washington State at the birth of their daughter Betty. The federal census of 1950 shows them in Seattle, with Edwin's occupation shown as a laborer in a lumber mill. They returned to Iowa and as of 1952, they made their home in Garwin, IA. They grieved at the death at birth of their son Edwin Jr. on July 19, 1951, at St. Thomas Mercy Hospital. Later in life they lived in Des Moines. Betty sued for divorce in Des Moines in July 1968 as reported by the Des Moines Tribune, but there is no evidence that the case proceeded. Sadly, Edwin died in 1989. Burial was in Marietta (IA) Cemetery. Betty Jane endured for another decade. Her final address was 2340 Southeast Fifth Street. Death enveloped her in Des Moines' Broadlawns Medical Center at the age of 72 on Jan. 17, 1998. She was pictured in a newspaper obituary. Inscribed on their grave marker is this phrase -- "Don't worry about it. Just left hell."

• Grandson Randall L. Bittner (1943- ? ) was born in about 1943 in Iowa. 

• Grandson Michael R. Bittner (1944- ? ) was born in about 1944 in Iowa.

• Granddaughter Nancy L. Bittner (1946-2017) was born on April 21, 1946 in Marshalltown. She wed Roger W. Williams Jr. ( ? - ? ). The couple settled in Purdon, TX. Nancy held employement with the Dallas Times Herald newspaper as a mechanic. She loved animals, especially cats, and liked to attend auctions. She moved back to Iowa early in 2017 and made her home in Urbandale. Death swept her away at the age of 71, on June 8, 2017, as a patient in Karen Acres Health Care Center. The family asked in an obituary that any memorial gifts be made to the Animal Rescue League.

• Granddaughter Betty J. Bittner (1948- ? ) was born in about 1948 in Washington State. She tied the knot with (?) Stotler. As of 1998, she was in Des Moines. Later, she was joined in matrimony with Robert Crane.

• Granddaughter Russell Bittner (1954- ? ) was born in 1954. He dwelled in Des Moines in 1998. In about 1999, he was united in wedlock with Jolene Kay Kahl (May 16, 1957-2021), daughter of Eldo Carl and Dora Dean (McManus) Kahl of Cherokee, IA. Their union endured for 21 years. The pair did not reproduce. Jolene was a graduate of Iowa Christian College and went on to a 35-year career as a teacher at Des Moines' Children's Garden. She attended the Indianola Church of Christ. Said an obituary, "She loved attending church and sending cards." With her health in decline, she was admitted to Taylor House. There, at the age of 63, she died on Feb. 25, 2021. Her remains were laid to rest in Marietta Cemetery. This epitaph is inscribed on their grave marker -- "May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks. Later, Gator."

• Granddaughter Katherine Louise "Kathy" Bittner (1957-2017) was born on May 16, 1957 in Des Moines. She was wed several times over the years. On Sept. 23, 1973, at the age of 16, she exchanged marital vows with Gabriel Mark Zarrilli (1953-2005). They migrated to Dallas, and bore one child. The marriage dissolved in divorce on Nov. 10, 1977. Then at the age of 37, on April 27, 1995, she married 47-year-old Ronnie C. Taylor (1948- ? ). The Taylors made a dwelling-place in Dallas/Fort Worth in 1996-1998. Sadly, she died in Waco on Aug. 20, 2017.

• Grandson Edwin Bittner (1955-2013) was born on April 16, 1955 in Des Moines. He entered into marriage with Susan ( ? - ? ). Their family of three children included Edwin Bittner, Theresa Bittner and Sharon Bittner. Edwin made a living over the years as a repairman working for S&H Electric. In his free time he liked to camp, fish and work on cars. Death swept him away at age 58, in Des Moines' Bright Kavanagh House, on June 21, 2013.

~ Daughter Elmira May "Myra" (Flanigan) McBride ~

Myra McBride Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Daughter Elmira May "Myra" Flanigan (1888-1915) was born on Feb. 5, 1888 near Albia in Monroe County, IA.

Myra and her sister Ethel entertained a visit in August 1907 from their cousins Ettia and Nellie Reams of Defiance, OH. At the time, their address was 811 West Church Street, and the gathering was fodder for the gossip columns of the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican. Then in January 1910, the sisters hosted a meeting of the Daisy Drake Mission Circle. Myra was active with the business and social work of the Christian Endeavor Society of the Central Christian Church.

Myra earned a living in 1910 as a stenographer with the First National Bank. 

On Sept. 2, 1910, at the age of 23, she was united in holy matrimony with 23-year-old Elmer "Frederick" McBride (1889-1973), son of General Marion and Nellie (Riempp) McBride and a native of Omaha. The nuptials were conducted in Myra's residence, presided by their pastor Rev. C.H. Morris. The Times-Republican said that the bride "wore a pretty gown of white perline, with val lace trimmings, and carried yellow and white roses. Her going-away costume was of tan, with hat to match... One corner of the parlow was banked with the golden rod and golden glow, for the ceremony." At the time of marriage, Elmer was employed as a machinist by the C.A. Dunham Company.

A pair of offspring of the couple were Evelyn McBride and Eugene McBride.

The McBrides made their dwelling-place at 202 North 16th Street.

Elmira in her 20s was diagnosed with kidney problems, known at the time as "Bright's Disease." She was admitted to Deaconness Hospital in late August 1915 for treatment. Sadly, there was to be no recovery. She died in the hospital at the age of 27 on Sept. 21, 1915. The funeral rites were conducted in the family church by Rev. Morris, the same man who had officiated their wedding five years earlier. The remains were interred in Marshalltown's Riverside Cemetery. An obituary appeared in the Times-Republican which named the pallbearers as Ralph McCague, O.L. Peterson, E.A. Thurber, C.H. Ellenberger, Ray Welker and G.E. Hedstrom. Among those who traveled to attend were Myra's sisters Ethel from Clemons and Blanche from Colo as well as James Perry and M. Chedister from Albion, R.M. McBride of Tabor, and Mrs. G. Sharp and Mrs. Jesse Wooten of Clemons.

The widowed Elmer outlived Elmira by some 58 years. He grieved for a year before marrying again, on June 5, 1916, to 19-year-old Irma B. Buehrt ( ? - ? ), a native of Milwaukee who was living in Waterloo at the time. Her parents were William and Anna (Arendt) Buehrt. Rev. H. Prekel, of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, presided over the rites. On their marriage license, Elmer disclosed his occupation as "musician." 

At some point Irma changed her first name to "Margaret." 

Then in 1923, Elmer tied the knot with his third spouse, Lydia Belle (Roberson) Millington (1905-1978). She brought a stepson to the marriage, Marcus Peter Millington, who later adopted his stepfather's surname. Evidence suggests that the pair went on to bear four more children, among them June Johnson, Robert Willis McBride and William Dean McBride.

Elmer died in Koochiching County, MN at the age of 83 on Feb. 21, 1973. He sleeps for all time in Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls, MN. The widowed Lydia wed again in 1973 to Archie Almon Berryman (1903-1974).

Lydia Belle lived for another five years. Death swept her away at the age of 72 in St. Louis County, MN on April 14, 1978. 

Daughter Evelyn Lucille McBride (1911-2002) was born on June 15, 1911 in Marshalltown. She was only three years of age when her mother died. She and her brother were taken into the home of their aunt and uncle, Maud "Ethel" and Thomas Wheat McBride in Highland, Guthrie County, IA and were there in 1930. Her homeplace in 1930-1931 was in Bayard, IA. At the age of 20, on Feb. 3, 1931, she entered the realm of marriage with 22-year-old farmer Harlie Carver Lewis (June 12, 1909-1992), also of Bayard and the son of John Henry and Ida (Carver) Lewis. Their nuptials were held in Guthrie Center, IA, by the hand of Rev. C.V. Pence. The marriage survived the ebbs and flows of an extraordinary 61 years of marriage. Five offspring of their union were Harold L. Lewis, Keith E. Lewis, Robert J. Lewis, Roger A. Lewis and Joanne S. Cadwallader McKeone. They remained in Bayard and farmed through the 1930s and 1940s up to the mid-1950s. She remained close with her brother and family in Chicago with many visits over the years. On one such event in Chicago in 1944, she became ill and Harley was called to come. She recovered and returned home. In 1954, the Lewises relocated to Kansas City, MO, where he had obtained employment in the Fairfax assembly plant of General Motors Corporation. He became a member of Local 31 of the United Auto Workers union, and they joined the First Christian Church of North Kansas City. At the age of 83, Harlie died in Kansas City on July 2, 1992. Burial was in White Chapel Memorial Gardens in Gladstone, MO following services in Newcomer's White Chapel. His survivors included a dozen grandchildren, one step-grandson, nine great-grandchildren, a step-great-granddaughter and two great-great grandchildren. Evelyn lived for another decade as a widow and in 1998 was in Independence, MO. During that time she endured the deaths of two of her adult sons. At the age of 90, in Kansas City, she passed away on March 9, 2002.

• Grandson Harold LeRoy Lewis (1932-1994) was born on Jan. 31, 1932 in Bayard, Guthrie County, IA. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and attained the rank of corporal. Harold was married and the father of Robert L. Lewis and Connie Mistretta. He moved to Kansas City, Clay County in about 1959 and stayed for the 35 remaining years of his lifetime. He was employed for three decades with the Claycomo assembly plant of Ford Motor Company, from about 1959 to retirement in 1989. He belonged to the United Auto Workers Local 249. Sadly, at the age of 62, he died in Liberty, MO on April 29, 1994. an obituary appeared in the Kansas City Star. The remains sleep for the ages in New Hope Cemetery in Liberty.

  Great-grandson Robert L. Lewis was in Kansas City in 1994.

  Great-granddaughter Connie Lewis entered into marriage with (?) Mistretta. Her dwelling-place in 1994 was in Kansas City. 

• Granddaughter Joanne Sue Lewis (1935-2020) was born on March 12, 1935 in Bayard, Guthrie County, MO. She was an alumna of Bayard High School. On Oct. 2, 1951, when she was 16 years of age, Joanne wed Wallace Cadwallader Jr. (1928-2007). Together, they bore two daughters, Cheryl Bullard and Gayla Wilson. During this period of her life, Joanne was employed at the North Kansas City Bank, while Wallace served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Their marriage collapsed, with Joanne suing for divorce in Clay County in March 1968. Then on July 18, 1970, she tied the knot with Bernard Gerald McKeone Sr. (Sept. 29, 1926-2019), originally from Omaha and the son of William Edward and Floretta (Hinnen) McKeone. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. The pair first lived in St. Louis, where she served a term as president of the local Elks Club. He was employed as a salesman with Consolidated Freight Lines. In time they relocated to Fayetteville, GA, where Joanne worked as an administrator for Bristol Myers Clairol and joined the Fayetteville Christian Church, where she sang in the choir. Said an obituary, "She loved horses, hummingbirds, and bowling in bowling leagues." The second marriage also dissolved in divorce. Bernard wed a second time to Sharon. He died in Lineville, AL at the age of 92 on May 16, 2019. Burial was in Wedowee (AL) Masonic Cemetery. Joanne succumbed to the spectre of death in Fayetteville, GA at the age of 85 on Oct. 7, 2020. Her remains were returned to Missouri to be laid to rest in Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence. The headcount of her survivors was seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Former husband Wallace married again on July 4, 1977 to Marsha L. Crossley (1935-1994) and passed away on Dec. 13, 2007.

  Great-granddaughter Cheryl Cadwallader married Stephen Bullard Sr. Her home in 1994 was in Marshall, MO and in 2007-2020 was in Fayetteville, GA. 

  Great-granddaughter Gayla Cadwallader wed Kenny Wilson. The couple was in Independence, KS in 1994-2020.

• Grandson Keith Eugene "Rosie" Lewis (1939-1998) was born on Nov. 24, 1939 in Carroll, Carroll County, IA. He entered into marriage with Vickie L. ( ? - ? ). Their brood of children included Michael Weddle, Jason Lewis, Terri Harris and Carla Doughty. They settled in Kansas City, MO, where Keith was employed for three decades with the Claycomo assembly plant of Ford Motor Company. He held a membership in the United Auto Workers union, and retired from the company in 1989. With his health in decline, he was admitted to the University of Kansas Medical Center. The angel of death cleaved him away at the age of 58 on June 28, 1998. Interment was in Resurrection Cemetery in KC, with an obituary appearing in the Kansas City Star.

  Step-great-grandson Michael Weddle made a home in 1998 in Gladstone, MO.

  Great-grandson Jason Lewis ( ? - ? ) was in Kansas City in the late 1990s.

  Great-granddaughter Terri Harris ( ? - ? ) moved to Excelsior Springs, MO.

  Great-granddaughter Carla Doughty ( ? - ? ) made her dwelling-place in 1998 in Kansas City, MO.

• Grandson Robert J. Lewis ( ? - ? ) was born on (?) and spent his early years in North Kansas City, MO. On July 31, 1965, in nuptials held in the Messiah Lutheran Church in Independence, MO, he was joined in wedlock with Donna J. Brauner ( ? - ? ), daughter of Eric R. Brauner. Rev. Walter H. Schwab presided. In announcing the marriage, the Kansas City Star said that "Chantilly lace trimmed the bateau neckline, midriff and bell skirt of the bride's long sleeved organza gown. A border of lace edged the chapel train, topped with an organza bow. Her veil fell from a jeweled rose, and she carried a white Bible with pink rosebuds." They made their home in 1992-1998 in Kansas City, MO.

• Grandson Roger A. Lewis put down roots in Oak Grove in Jackson County, MO.

Son Eugene Elmer McBride (1914-1982) was born on June 17, 1914 in Marshalltown, IA. In his mid-20s, he dwelled in Park Ridge, IL and was employed by Sears Roebuck and Company. On Sept. 2, 1n 1939, he married Evelyn Dorothy Peterson (1914-2008), daughter of Caroline Peterson of Chicago. The wedding ceremony was held in the Little Brown Church near Nashua, IA and made public on the pages of the Bayard (IA) News. At the time of marriage, Evelyn was a nurse at the Norwegian Lutheran Hospital in Chicago. Their first home as newlyweds was in Chicago, and they stayed for good. A duo of children in this brood were Kathleen Diane Longstreet and William McBride. Eugene served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Eugene passed away at age 68, on Aug. 21, 1982, in LaGrange, IL. Interment was in Clarendon Hills Cemetery in Darien, IL. Evelyn survived for another 26 years and made her final homeplace in Downers Grove. The angel of death cleaved her away at age 93 on March 4, 2008. Her funeral was conducted in Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Downers Grove. Her obituary was printed in the Chicago Tribune.

• Granddaughter Kathleen Diane McBride (1940-2023) was born on Nov. 2, 1940. She was raised in Chicago. Kathleen tied the knot with Edwin Longstreet. Their only daughter was Lisa Neuman. The Longstreets lived in Desoto, TX. Kathleen died in Dallas at the age of 82 on March 5, 2023. An obituary said that she "will be remembered for her love of quilting and stitching, as well as her devotion to her church." The family requested in an obituary that any memorial gifts be made to the American Cancer Society or Hope Lutheran Church.

  Great-granddaughter Lisa McBride married John Neuman. They are the parents of three -- Jacob Newman, Rachael Newuman and Rebecca Neuman. 

• Grandson William McBride ( ? - ? ) grew up in the Chicago area. He wed Kimberly ( ? - ? ). Two children born to the couple were Julia McBride and William McBride.

  Great-granddaughter Julia McBride ( ? - ? ) 

  Great-grandson William McBride ( ? - ? ) 

~ Daughter Maud "Ethel" (Flanigan) Phelps ~

Ethel Phelps Courtesy Stephanie Woods

Daughter Maud "Ethel" Flanigan (1895-1973) was born on Aug. 7, 1895 in Albia, Monroe County, IA.

At the age of 15, in 1910, she began teaching at a school in Audubon, IA. Continuing to pursue education as a career, she attended the June 1911 Marshall County Teachers' Normal Institute. Then when Ethel secured an assignment to teach at Loveland, CO in August 1911, she moved there in company with her mother and sisters Blanche and Eva. In 1916, she taught at Bevins Grove.

On Aug. 15, 1918, when she was 28 years of age, Ethel was joined in wedlock with 36-year-old farmer Thomas Wheat Phelps (Dec. 6, 1881-1948), who was living in Bayard. He was the son of Jonathan Hiram and Ellen (Bateson) Phelps and a native of Radcliffe, Hardin County, IA. Officiating their wedding ceremony was Rev. W.M. Baker, held in his home at 109 West Grant Street. The happy event was announced in the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican.

Dr. E.M. Rogers had assisted in Thomas' birth, helped by midwives Anne Bateson and Jane Patrick. Many years later, when Thomas applied for a delayed birth certificate, his aunt Ethel Grace Bateson wrote: "His parents lived across the road from my home when he was born. I saw him when he was a tiny baby. Later I made my home in his parents' home for 43 years. I helped plan a birthday surprise on his 21st birthday Dec. 6, 1903 which was held at his parents' home." In adulthood he stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 190 lbs.

Ethel and Thomas - courtesy Stephanie Woods

Two daughters of this couple were Martha Phelps and Marie Phelps, born about 10 years apart. 

The couple settled on Thomas' farm near Bayard.  When Ethel's father died in 1927, she and Thomas traveled from their home to attend the funeral.

The federal census enumeration of 1930 lists the family on a farm in or near Bayard, Highland Township, Guthrie County, IA. In addition to their daughters, their motherless, teenage niece and nephew Evelyn and Eugene McBride were living under their roof that year. They remained in Highland through the 1930s and 1940s.

Grief blanketed the family when Thomas, diagnosed with acute leukemia, died at the age of 66 on Feb. 12, 1948 in Bayard, Guthrie County. 

Ethel outlived her husband by 25 years. She surrendered to the angel of death in Bayard at the age of 83 on Nov. 24, 1973. Burial was in Bayard's Highland Cemetery. 

Daughter Martha May Phelps (1918-2011) was born on Sept. 27, 1918 in Bayrd, Guthrie County, IA. She grew up going to school in Bayard and then Rockwell City, and was a 1936 graduate of Bayard High School. She then secured additional education at a teacher's college and went on to teach in rural schools in Guthrie County and Greene County. On June 21, 1942, at the age of 23, she was united in wedlock with Lauren M. Magoon (1917-1996), with the ceremony held at her parents' farm. With the nation embroiled in World War II, Lauren was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps and deployed to the South Pacific Theatre in 1943. While he was away, she returned to the home farm and then endured the death of infant son Roger in April 1944. She then jonied the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and enrolled in nursing school at Marshalltown. Said an obituary, "She promptly left nursing school in December 1945, when her husband returned from the war and the nursing college told her she had to live in the dormitory and not with her husband. They lived in Ames during her husband's college years and then moved to the Fort Dodge/Moorland area. They became parents of 4 more children and were married 53 years until her husband's death in 1996." The four children were Mary Goodwin, Ruth Houston, James Magoon and Thomas Marvin Magoon. They belonged to the Riverside United Methodist Church. Sadly, Lauren passed away in 1996. Burial was in Fulton Township Cemetery in Moorland, IA. Martha lived on for another 15 years. Death cleaved her away in Fort Dodge at the age of 93 just three days before Christmas 2011. Rev. Jim Burnett officiated the funeral service. Burial was in Fulton Township Cemetery in Moorland, IA, with an obituary published in the Fort Dodge Messenger.

• Granddaughter Mary Magoon wed David Goodwin. They migrated to Fremont, NE and were there in 2003-2011.

• Granddaughter Ruth Magoon married Denny Houston. The couple put down roots in Fort Dodge, IA.

• Grandson James Magoon has resided in Moorland (2003) and Clarinda, IA (2011).

• Grandson Thomas Marvin Magoon (1946-2003) was born on Oct. 1, 1946 in Ames, IA. He spent his growing-up years in Webster County, IA and was a 1965 graduate of Ford Dodge Senior High School. He then graduated in 1967 from Iowa Central Community College. He joined the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and attained the rank of tech sergeant. Thomas was assigned to the Strategic Air Command and was deployed to Greenland and Italy until his discharge in 1987. From there he dwelled in Denver and Peoria, AZ. Thomas was a longtime companion of Le Lacey who brought three three children into the relationship -- Jennifer Lacey, LeAnne Shumaker and Vincent Lacey. He was gathered away by the heavenly host in Peoria, AZ at the age of 57 on Dec. 6, 2003. Rev. Harry Imlay officiated the funeral rites. The remains sleep for all time in Fulton Township Cemetery in Moorland, IA.

Grange Cemetery in Honey Creek, IA - Courtesy Rose Marie Brown

Daughter Marie Alice Phelps (1929-2016) was born on May 16, 1929 in Bayard, Guthrie County, IA. On June 24, 1948, she was joined in matrimony with World War II veteran Eugene John Buelt (Oct. 25, 1923-2011), son of Theodore and Emma (Soppe) Buelt. They bore five children together -- David John Buelt, Peggy Terveer, Vickie Buelt-Colpitts, Kathleen Wilmot, Steven Lynn Buelt and Jeffrey Scott Buelt. During the war, Eugene served in the U.S. Navy. The Buelts made their dwelling-place in Carroll County and then on June 1, 1964 moved to Council Bluffs, IA, with an address of 3237 Fourth Avenue. In time they relocated again to Crescent, IA. They were plunged into mourning at the death of newborn son Steven on Sept. 18, 1960 at St. Anthony Hospital and then 15-year-old son David in 1964. Sadly, at the age of 87, Eugene died in Midlands Living Center on July 11, 2011. The spirit of death whisked her away at age 86 in Crescent, Pottawattamie County on April 18, 2016. Their remains sleep side by side in Grange Cemetery in Honey Creek, IA. 

• Grandson David John Buelt (1949-1964) was born in 1949. He grew up in Carroll County and then on June 1, 1964 moved with the family to Council Bluffs, IA. He was a student at Wilson Junior High School, a member of Explorer Post 27 of the Boy Scouts of America and belonged to Our Lady, Queen of Apostles Church. On the fateful day of Nov. 17, 1964, he was found hanging by a noose in their home basement and was unresponsive. Emergency crews tried to use a resuscitator at home. He then was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival at the age of 15. An obituary was printed in the Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, saying "Dr. Arthur L. Sciortino, county medical examineer, was investigating the cause of death." Officials ruled out suicide and, as the noose was padded, believed the boy "had applied the noose to become light-headed for 'kicks,' then had passed out... David's history  book was open on a desk in his basement room, where he apparently had studied the night before." His requiem mass was held in the family church, led by Rev. John F. Hart, and followed by burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

• Granddaughter Peggy Buelt wed Roger Terveer. Evidence suggests that they make a residence in Council Bluffs.

• Granddaughter Vickie Buelt married (?) Colpitts. Later, she was a companion of Monte Lee "Biff" Lockerby (Oct. 7, 1942-2012). Biff was a star athlete in high school and Drake University and then boxed at the welter-weight with the Midwest Golden Gloves. He then went on to work for the family's company, Lockerby Construction, focusing on building and refurbishing residences in Council Bluffs. He died from congestive heart failure on Oct. 4, 2012.

• Granddaughter Kathleen Buelt entered into marriage with (?) Wilmot. 

• Grandson Jeffrey Scott Buelt tied the marital cord with Soraya ( ? - ? ).

Blanche King Courtesy Stephanie Woods

~ Daughter Blanche Ellmetta (Flanigan) King ~

Daughter Blanche Ellmetta Flanigan (1896-1994) was born on April 17, 1896 in Defiance, Shelby County, IA.

Blanche attended high school and then taught in the rural schools of Laurel and Colo as a young woman.

On the Thursday afternoon of June 1, 1916, when she was 20 years of age, Blanche tied the knot with 24-year-old Charles "Ross" King (1894-1977) of Colo, New Albany Township, Story County, IA. The nuptials were held at the bride's home, officiated by Rev. W.M. Baker of the Central Church of Christ. In announcing the happy event, the Marshalltown Evening Times-Republican said that Blanche "has lived in the city most of her life. Since graduating from high school, she has been teaching in the rural schools. Mrs. King was born and reared in Colo and later attended Ames where she graduated in 1915." 

The known children of this family were Ruth Marie King, Charles Clifton King and Mary R. Arlene Thompson.  

In later years Courtesy Stephanie Woods

The newlyweds settled on a farm near Ross's hometown. When the federal census enumerations were made in 1920, 1930 and 1940, they were living in Colo, with Ross generating a living as a farmer.

At the death of Blanche's father in 1927, she and her sister Ethel Phelps traveled to attend the funeral rites. She held a membership in the Colo Clover Leaf Club and United Methodist Women's Circle.

Ross died in 1977, bringing to a close their marriage which had spanned six decades.

Blanche outlived him by 17 years. In about 1990 she relocated from Colo to State Center. She suffered a stroke at the age of 97 and passed away in State Center Manor on Feb. 12, 1994. Her obituary was published in the Des Moines Register.

Daughter Ruth Marie King (1917-2005) was born on Aug. 20, 1917 in Colo, Story County, IA. She was a 1934 graduate of Colo High School and then obtained further education at the American Institute of Business in Des Moines. Ruth never married. She went on to a 41-year career with Fischer Governor Company in Marshalltown. She held memberships in women's groups and is known to have traveled to 40 different countries. She played the organ in her free time and enjoyed dinners at Stones with her friend Mary Cline. She lived in Urbandale later in life and in about 2001, burdened with Alzheimer's Disease, was admitted to reside in Karen Acres. There, she died at the age of 87 on April 18, 2005. Pastor James Roth led the funeral rites, followed by burial in Colo Cemetery. She was pictured in her obituary in the Des Moines Register.

Son Charles "Clifton" King (1918-2006) was born on Aug. 6, 1918 in Colo, Story County, IA. He was a 1935 graduate of Colo High School and then studied at Iowa State University. On Oct. 9, 1937, when he was 19 years of age, he wed Marjorie Virginia Wilson ( ? -1993), a native of Rhodes, IA. The wedding ceremony was held in State Center, IA. The trio of children they bore together were Larry Wayne King, Richard Eugene King and Karen Sackett. With their home in Colo, Clifton was self-employed over the years as a farmer and an electrician. Said the Des Moines Register, "Cliff was a member of Sons of the American Revolution, was a 4-H leader (4-H member while in high school) and attended the first Story County 4-H Fair. He enjoyed genealogy, word search books, watching TV (RFD channel) and loved talking to people." Their address in 1961 was 1818 Pleasant Street. Sadly, suffering from heart problems, Marjorie passed away at the age of 75 on Sept. 6, 1993, in the Marshall County Care Facility. As a widower, Clifton lived in Toledo and Montour, IA. At the age of 88, while in the Sunny Hill Care Center of Tama, IA, he died on Oct. 28, 2006. The Register published an obituary with his photograph. His service of committal was held at the Colo United Methodist Church.

• Grandson Larry Wayne King (1942-2008) was born on Nov. 20, 1942 in Marshalltown. He was a 1961 graduate of Colo High School and went on to serve in the Iowa National Guard during the Vietnam War. Eventually he attended mechanic training School. On May 28, 1983, he married Audrey Lacina ( ? - ? ). Their wedding was held at Le Grand Friends Church. They produced an only son, Ryan King. Over the years the Kings dwelled in Marshalltown, Albion and finally in Montour for good. Said an obituary,"Larry was employed with Ken Wise Buick, Lenharts Garage, Harkers in Marshalltown, Lacina Company, and was the owner of Kings Castle Auto Service. He was a firefighter with the Montour Fire Department. He enjoyed 4 x 4 mud drags and watching monster trucks and NASCAR with his son." Sadly, while in Iowa Hospice, Larry died at the age of 65 on Aug. 21, 2008.

• Grandson Richard Eugene King wed Marilyn. They planted themselves in Marshalltown, IA.

• Granddaughter Karen King ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). She was an alumna of Iowa Methodist School of Nursing and early in her career was employed by Iowa Methodist Hospital. On Sept. 2, 1961, she was joined in wedlock with Robert Nelson Sackett ( ? - ? ), son of John E. and Marjorie Sackett of 2100 Chautauqua Parkway. Rev. O.J. Rundus officiated the nuptials, conducted at Calvary Evangelical United Brethren Church. Karen's bridal photograph was printed in a wedding announcement in the Des Moines Register. Robert was a graduate of Iowa State University. At the time, he was planning to teach electrical engineering at his alma mater under a National Science Foundation Fellowship. The pair relocated to Plymouth, MN. 

Daughter Mary R. Arlene King (1930-2020) was born on Jan. 10, 1930 in Colo, Story County, IA. She was an alumna of Color High School where she achieved the status of valedictorian. She then went on to study for a career in health care at Iowa Methodist School of Nursing. She obtained a masters degree in nursing from Drake University. Mary married Wayne Tilden Thompson (April 24, 1926-2018), a native of Jewell, IA and the son of Lewis and Myrtle (Wicks) Thompson. They remained together for an extraordinary 64 years of time. The pair's two offspring were David Thompson Sr. and Elizabeth Thompson. During World War II, Wayne had served in the U.S. Army Air Forces and attained the rank of corporal. He was deployed to the China-Burma-India Theatre of War. For 55 years, she was employed at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center as supervisor of nurses in the operating room. She served as treasurer of the alumni association of Iowa Methodist and help prepare 50-year anniversary books for a number of its classes. When time allowed, she enjoyed dogs, flowers, tending her garden, horses and rabbits as well as gathering family genealogy. Wayne also was a graduate of AIB and devoted his career to accounting and fiance with the U.S. Post Office in Des Moines. He retired in 1984 and liked to bowl, fish, golf and listen to country music. Circa 2005, the Thompsons dwelled in West Des Moines, IA. Sadly, Wayne died at the age of 92, on Dec. 7, 2018, as a patient in Taylor House Hospice. Mary died at the age of 90 in heer home on July 28, 2020. Funeral services were conducted at St. Mark Lutheran Church. Interment was in Resthaven Cemetery. She was pictured in an obituary in the Des Moines Registry in which the family requested that any memorial contributions be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa or the family church.

• Grandson David Thompson ( ? - ? ) was born on (?). As of 1991, he was employed with Brown Engineering Company. On June 15, 1991, he wed Kathleen (Barthuly) Buss ( ? - ? ) of Urbandale, the daughter of Wes and Babe Barthuly of Lincoln, NE. At the time of marriage, Kathleen worked for ACME Printing. She brought two stepsons into the second marriage -- Anthony Buss and Ryan Buss. Together, they produced two more children of their own, David Thompson Jr. and Stephanie Thompson. As of 2020, their residence was at Champions Gate, FL.

• Granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Thompson (1960-2022) was born on March 19, 1960. Said an obituary, "She graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing, and worked in the Methodist ICU for 15 years. She enjoyed garage sales and spoiling her beloved dog Sophie Lynn. Beth found the most joy in caring for people; cooking dinner for her parents, making deviled eggs for all of the big holidays, planting flowers with her mother on Mother’s Day, and attending the family reunions." She was the mother of James Thompson, Emily Thompson and Amy Thompson. She resided in West Des Moines in 2020. Death swept her away at the age of 62 on Sept. 17, 2022. Funeral rites were held in St. Mark Lutheran Church of West Des Moines. She was laid to rest in Resthaven Cemetery.

Eva Crawford Courtesy Stephanie Woods

~ Daughter Eva Wilma (Flanigan) Crawford ~

Daughter Eva Wilma Flanigan (1899- ? ) was born in May 1899 in Defiance, Shelby County, IA.

As a young woman, she lived in Gilman, Marshall County, IA. 

When she was age 28 and he 36, on Feb. 4, 1927, Eva entered into marriage with farmer William Lester "Will" Crawford (Feb. 20, 1891-1977), at the time also a resident of Gilman. He was the son of John Davidson and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Crawford and originally hailed from Madison Township, Poweshiek County, IA. Their ceremony was held in Gilman by the hand of Rev. J.A. Caskey.  

The known offspring born into this family were Dr. Carl L. Crawford, Donald Crawford, John R. Crawford and Joan R. "Jo" Svendsen.  

Will and Eva Crawford - Courtesy Stephanie Woods

The United States Censuses of 1930-1950 show that the Crawfords settled long-term in Chester Township, Poweshiek County, IA, and that William continued his labors as a farmer. In 1930, Eva's divorced mother and William's bachelor brother Walter lived in their household. The mother remained under their roof throughout the 1930s and into the early 1940s.

Sadly, William died at the age of 86 on June 11, 1977. 

Eva endured as a widow for another 11 years. She was whisked away into eternity by the angel of death on July 13, 1988. Her remains were lowered under the sod of Melbourne Memorial Garden to sleep for all time next to her spouse in Marshall County, IA. 

Son Dr. Carl L. Crawford (1928-1997) was born on Oct. 26, 1928 in Grinnell, Poweshiek County. He was a 1946 graduate of Gilman High School. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of New Mexico. Early in his career, he was a science and history teacher at Bridgewater and Klemme, IA. In 1957, they relocated to Macon, GA where he was employed by Geigy Pharmaceutical. On Nov. 22, 1959, he was united in matrimony with Macon native Joe Ann Simmons (June 28, 1924-2011), daughter of Fred and Josie Simmons. The marriage held fast over the ups and downs of 37 years. One known daughter of the couple was Connie Custer. Joe Ann was a 1942 graduate of A.L. Miller High School and attended the University of Georgia. She went on to join the staff of McKesson & Robbins Pharmaceuticals. In 1965, Carl received his doctorate in medicine from the Medical College of Georgia. He practiced medicine in Americus and Warner Robins, GA, with Joe Ann as his office manager and accompanying him on house calls and nursing home visits. Then after becoming board-certified in family practice, served from 1968 to 1988 as a staff physician with Hallmark Nursing Home. With an interest in military service, he was a member of the Air Force Reserves, attained the rank of colonel and was a staff physician at the dispensary of Robins Air Force Base in 1988 an d 1989. His memberships included the American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, Georgia Academy of Family Physicians and Rotary Club of Warner Robins. In leadership circles, he was president of the Peachbelt Medical Society and the Ocmulgee Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, chairman of the advisory board of the Salvation Army and a board director of the Houston County unit of the American Cancer Society. He also belonged to the Air Force Association and the All Saints Episcopal Church, with them both holding seats on its vestry. Joe Ann held a membership in the Warner Robins Women's Club and served a term as president of the Peachbelt Medical Auxiliary. Their final years were spent at Warner Robins, GA. Carl died there at the age of 68 on July 12, 1997. His funeral rites were conducted in Central Baptist Church. Joe Ann outlived her husband by 14 years. Death plucked her away at the age of 87, in Warner Robins, on July 19, 2011. Their remains repose for all time in Parkway Memorial Gardens in Warner Robins. 

• Granddaughter Connie Crawford (1961- ? ) was born in about 1961 in Augusta, GA. She married Scott Custer ( ? - ? ). Their trio of children were Gregory Custer, Melanie Custer and Kate Custer. They lived in Warner Robins, GA in 1997 and in Kathleen, GA in 2011. 

Son Donald Crawford (1931- ? ) was born in about 1931 in Chester Township, Poweshiek County, IA. He entered into marriage with Shirley ( ? - ? ). They dwelled in Manton, CA in 1997 and in Auburn, CA in 2014.

Son John R. Crawford (1936- ? ) was born in about 1936 in Chester Township, Poweshiek County, IA. He grew to manhood helping his father on the family farm. He tied the marital cord with AnnaLee ( ? - ? ). Their homeplace in 1997 was in Rhodes, IA and in 2014 in Baxter, IA.

Daughter Joan R. "Jo" Crawford (1937-2014) was born on March 15, 1937 in Grinnell, Chester Township, Poweshiek County, IA. On March 2, 1958, in Melbourne, IA, she wed Marshalltown native Richard H. Svendsen (Feb. 17, 1934-2013), son of Harry Julius and Rose Effie (Ingledue) Svendsen. Their union endured for a remarkable 55 years. Together, they produced a brood of three children -- Randell Svendsen, Debra Svendsen and Steven Svendsen. Richard was a 1953 graduate of Green Mountain High School and during the Korean War served in the U.S. Army. The couple were farmers in rural Green Mountain and Beaman regions for 44 years until retirement in 2001. Jo held part-time employment as a postal clerk in both Beaman and Lincoln. They then relocated to Conrad, IA and sold seed products for Mycogen. They held a membership in the Gladbrook Chapel United Methodist Church, with him serving as a trustee, and she with its Chapel Volunteers and United Methodist Women. He belonged to the Farm Bureau, Beaman Lions Club, American Legion, board of directors of the Beaman Cooperative and the Heart of Iowa and at one time was a trustee of Grundy County. Sadly, Richard died on Nov. 18, 2013. Joan only lived for another six-plus months. She surrendered to the angel of death at the age of 77, in Conrad, IA on June 7, 2014. They are interred in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Green Mountain, IA.

• Grandson Randell Svendsen was joined in wedlock with Donna. They put down roots in Marshalltown. Their five children are believed to be Rebekah Svendsen, Luke Svendsen, Jacob Svendsen, Lydia Svendsen and Leah Svendsen.

• Granddaughter Debra Svendsen entered into matrimony with Alan Benoit. The pair moved to Menomonie, WI. Two children borne of this union were Erin Benoit and Jena Benoit.

• Grandson Steven Svendsen was united inmarriage with Judith. They planted themselves in Clive, IA. They are the parents of Abigail Svendsen, Nicole Svendsen and Rachel Svendsen.