Andrew Jackson Baker

Andrew Jackson Baker

PARENTS: George W. Baker and Margaret Reager

BIRTH: 6 Jun 1832, Bakersville, Marshall Co., VA

OCCUPATION: Andrew Jackson Baker was admitted to the bar in 1855 and entered practice at Winterset, Madison County, Iowa.

BIOGRAPHY:  Andrew Jackson Baker was a veteran of the Civil War, Attorney General of both Missouri and Iowa and author of a book on Constitutional Law. Two of his daughters published books.  He wrote a five page letter to his children in the early 1900s telling of his family.  He tells of the immigrant John Baker and Elizabeth Sullivan and of his descent from them. His mother was Margaret Reager who was born about 1799 and died in 1873 in St. Louis at the home of Andrew Jackson Baker.
(Furnished by Anne Rast)

BIOGRAPHY:
"Recollections and sketches of notable lawyers and public men of early Iowa belonging to the first and second generations, with anecdotes and incidents illustrative of the times," by Edward Holcomb Stiles, 1836-, Published: Des Moines, Homestead Pub., 1916.

Andrew J. Baker was one of the early lawyers of Appanoose County, who became distinguished. He was born in Marshall County, Virginia, in 1832. The family subsequently, in 1883, removed to Butler County, Ohio, and in 1848, to Burlington, Iowa.

His early education was acquired in the common schools, and at Furman's Academy in Butler County, and after he came to Iowa in Howe's Academy, now the Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant. He was a member of the first class formed in that institution. He taught school for two or three years, and then commenced the study of law under and in the office of C.B. Darwin, a distinguished lawyer of Burlington, was admitted to the bar in 1855, and entered the practice at Winterset, Iowa. He there became the law partner of H. J. B. Cummings, afterward a member of Congress from that district, and continued the practice until the commencement of the Civil War.

[At the time of the Civil War] he organized a part of Company E, of the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry and became its First Lieutenant, serving and participating in its different battles until he was obliged to resign on account of disability in 1863. His record as a soldier is an excellent one, distinguished by exalted courage.

At the close of his military service, he removed to and entered upon the practice at Lancaster, Schuyler County, Mo. Prior to the war he was a Democrat in politics, but on the occurrence of that event, he joined the Republicans. In 1868 he was chosen as one of the Presidential electors on the Republican ticket, and in the same year was elected to the Legislature of Missouri, and was recognized as one of its ablest members. He took a leading part in submitting an amendment to the Constitution, repealing what was known as the "iron clad" oath. He was classed as a liberal Republican, and was opposed to the disfranchising amendment to the Constitution.

In 1869 he was elected Attorney-General of the State of Missouri on the ticket headed by B. Gratz Brown, the liberal Republican candidate for Governor. This gave him the title of General, which stuck to him throughout his life. He discharged the duties of that office to the end of the term with signal ability.

In 1875 he removed to Centerville, Iowa, and entered the practice, in partnership with Francis M. Drake, who subsequently became Governor of the State, under the firm name of Baker & Drake. In 1884 he was elected Attorney General of Iowa, and at the end of that term was re-elected. He performed the duties of that high office in a manner highly honorable to himself, and satisfactory to the people.

From the time of his election as Attorney General of the State, he became a resident of Des Moines, forming a partnership with Judge Charles A. Bishop and Alvin A. Haskins.

In 1892 he returned to and resumed the practice at Centerville, in partnership with his son, Clarence A. Baker, where he died in 1911.

He was not only a learned lawyer, but a legal writer of note. He was the author of the "Injunction and Abatement Laws in Iowa," and of "Bakers's Annotated Constitution of the United States."

I became acquainted with him soon after he came to Centerville, which was in my judicial district. His career was a successful one; as beneficial to the commonwealth, as it was honorable to himself. He was rather stout and not above the medium in height, as I recollect him. His integrity was unquestioned and his character without a blemish. He was a man of kindly ways and accommodation disposition.
(Furnished by Anne Rast)

RECOLLECTIONS: Andrew, in a letter he wrote, stated that his mother Margaret's brother, Leonard, married Mary Uhlen Baker, half sister of George Baker.

RESEARCHER: Anne Rast of Longview, TX, a great granddaughter of Andrew Jackson Baker was interested in genealogy and family history.  She shared her information about the Baker family with others.

RESIDENCES: St. Louis, MO in 1873

DEATH: 23 Apr 1911, Centerville, Appanoose Co., IA

BURIAL: Apr 1911, Centerville, Appanoose Co., IA, Oakland Cemetery
(Source: FindAGrave)

OBITUARY: In Memoriam Andrew Jackson Baker
Companion Lieut. Andrew J. Baker was born on a farm near the town of Bakersville, [Marshall Co.,] then the State of Virginia, now West Virginia, on June 6th, 1832, and died at Centerville, [Appanoose Co.,] Iowa, on April 23rd, 1911. He was the son of George and Margaret Reager Baker, who, in 1848 migrated to Burlington by wagon, the subject of this article being at that time about sixteen years of age.

Mr. Baker studied law and in 1856 was admitted to the bar at Chariton.

At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted at Mt. Pleasant in Company "E" of the 17th Iowa Infantry and was mustered into the United States service on the 5th of April, 1862, at Keokuk, Iowa, as First Lieutenant of the company. He served in that regiment in its many campaigns, participated in the hard fought Battle of Luka, but in January 1863 he was forced to resign on account of ill health.

He settled at Lancaster, Mo., after the war and was elected Representative from Schuyler county to the Missouri Legislature, and in 1868 was a Grant elector. In 1869 he was elected Attorney General of Missouri and served in that office
for two years.

In 1875, Mr. Baker and his family came to Centerville, Iowa. From January 1883 to January 1889 he served as Attorney General of the State and after the termination of his services as Attorney General, he formed a partnership with Col. E.C. Haynes in the law business and in recent years he has been in partnership with his son, Clarence A. Baker, under the firm name of Baker & Baker.

Mr. Baker is survived by his wife [Sophia Jane Parker, whom he married, 19 Aug 1858 at Winterset, Madison Co., IA] and eight children.

Companion Baker in private life was a faithful and honorable citizen as he had been a sterling soldier. He was industrious, intelligent and capable. He was an unobtrusive man. He had warm personal friends and no enemies. He was a man of exemplary habits and good morals. Companion Baker's memory will ever be respected and his passing away is a great loss to his fellow citizens of southern Iowa and his own city of Centerville where he had lived so many years.

S. H. Harper
Sam'l Mahon
C. W. Vermillion
(Source: Papers of his daughter Ethel Louise Baker - furnished by Anne Rast)

FINDAGRAVE: Memorial#  7661823

Andrew Jackson Baker & Sophia Jane Parker

Allen G. Efaw

Allen G. Efaw

PARENTS: Jacob Efaw and Mary Southhard

CHILDREN: 9 children, six boys and one girl living at the time of the death of Allen G. Efaw.
(Furnished by Richard E. Henthorn)

OBITUARY: A. G. EFAW DEAD - Pneumonia the Cause of His Unexpected Death Yesterday Morning.
Centerville [IA] people learned with surprise and deep regret yesterday of the death of A. G. Efaw, which occurred at 5:00 o'clock in the morning [26 May 1901, Centerville, IA] at his home on East State street after a short illness with pneumonia fever. Mr. Efaw was janitor at the court house which position he had held for many years and almost everyone in the city knew and respected him for his quiet unassuming ways and his good character. He had formerly been janitor at the First M. E. church and for several years was janitor at the High school when it was located on the square. He had lived here for twenty-three years and previous to his coming to this city was engaged in farming. His wife and several children survive him.

Mr. Efaw had been sick for nearly two weeks but had not been considered dangerously ill. Even Saturday night his family were not alarmed about his condition and his physician thought his patient was doing as well as could be expected.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the family residence and interment will be made in Oakland cemetery. Rev. A. V. Kendrick, pastor of the First M. E. church of which the deceased was a faithful member, will conduct the services. The casket will be open at the home during tomorrow forenoon and those desiring to view the remains are requested to call at that time as the casket will not be open at the funeral service.

Allen G. Efaw was born in Chilicothee, Ross county, Ohio, January 21, 1835. He remained at this place about six years and then moved with his parents to Columbus, Ohio, remaining there seventeen years, and then emigrated to Vermilion county, Indiana, and there lived with his brother, Bennett Efaw, who is now a resident of this city, about six years then moving to Paris, IL., and remained there three years. Then the two brothers moved to Monmouth, IL., and there he married Miss Melissa Jane Parish, February 3, 1867 remaining there until 1873 when he and his family moved to Peoria, IL., where they remained about five years, then moved to Centerville in 1878 and have resided here from that time until his death.

To Mr. and Mrs. Efaw were born nine children of whom six sons and one daughter are living. The sons are: Edward, Fred, Dexter, Senter, Chester and Bennett and the only daughter is Mrs. Addie Mackey, all being residents of this city although Edward and Senter are employed in another state. One of Mr. Efaw's brothers, Bennett Efaw, recently moved to this city from Nuckolls county, Kansas, and his youngest brother, Anderson Efaw, lives in Missouri. His only sister, Mrs. Maria Miller, resides at Monmouth, IL.
(Source: Centerville Daily Citizen, May 27, 1901, Centerville, IA)
(Source: FindAGrave)

FINDAGRAVE: Memorial# 140113829

8 March 2016

Lehigh Dakan

Leigh Dakan

PARENTS: Ebenezer Dakan and Elizabeth Sheffer

OBITUARY:
DAKAN - Lehigh DAKAN, a farmer located on section 17, Union Township, moved to the farm on which he now lives in the spring of 1876. His farm consists of one hundred and twenty acres, paying $8.65 per acre. He built a house 22 x 28 feet, with a wing 12 x 16 feet; dug a well, erected out buildings, put up a windmill, and set out an orchard of one hundred trees. He has added to his farm until it now contains two hundred and eighty acres.

Our subject was born March 17, 1840, in Ohio. He is a son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth (SHAFFER) DAKAN, who had five children.

Our subject lived at home, until about twenty years of age, when he enlisted in Company E, Thirty-eight Ohio Infantry, and was in the Army of the Cumberland, under Gen. Thomas, and remained in the army until May, 1864. He was in the battles of Mill Spring, Murfreesboro, the siege of Vicksburg and other engagements. He served under his original enlistment until April 4, 1863, and was discharged at St. Louis, Mo., and was then appointed captain of Company K, Mississippi Marine Brigade, by Edwin M. Stanton, then Secretary of War. He served in this capacity until May, 1874, when he was discharged at Vicksburg, Miss.

Upon his return home he went to farming, coming to Harrison County [Iowa] in 1876.

Politically Mr. DAKAN is a Republican, "first, last and all the time."

He was married March 29, 1868 to Adaline LINCOLN, daughter of Thomas and Rachel (KAY) LINCOLN, natives of Ohio, who had seven children.

Mr. and Mrs. Dakan are the parents of four children -- William L., born April 29, 1869; Nellie A., December 22, 1870; Harry L., July 22, 1874, and Pearl, September 27, 1885.
(Source: 1891 Harrison County Iowa History, page 364, 365)
(Source: FindAGrave)

DEATH: 15 Feb 1909, Logan, Harrison Co., IA, buried in Logan Cemetery.

FINDAGRAVE: Memorial# 39537107
25 February 2016

John Fremont Dakan

John Fremont Dakan

PARENTS: William Dakan and Angeline Texas Ashley

RESIDENCES: Harris Grove, IA; Mitchell Co., KS; Norton Co., KS; Chase Co., NE; Beaver City, NE.

MARRIAGE: Married to Amanda Elizabeth Sorey [prior to Feb 1890] and to Amanda Ellen (Moore) Sorey [17 Sep 1899]

RELATIONSHIP: Amanda Ellen Moore was the widow of William A. Sorey.  William was the brother of Amanda Elizabeth Sorey.  Amanda Elizabeth Sorey was the first wife of John Fremont Dakan. John Fremont Dakan married, second, the widow, Amanda Ellen (Moore) Sorey.
(Furnished by Richard E. Henthorn)

MARRIAGE:
John F. Dakan and Amanda [Ellen (Moore)] Sorey
License number 110. Issue date 9/14/1899; Marriage date 9/19/1899.
(Source: The Norton Co, KS Marriage Registration (Book D pg 110))
(Source: FindAGrave)

CHILDREN: John Fremont Dakan and Amanda Elizabeth Sorey had six children.  Three died in infancy.  [From his obituary]
(Furnished by Richard E. Henthorn)

OBITUARY:
John Fremont Daken, son of William and Angeline Dakan was born at Harris Grove, [Harrison Co.,] IA., May 31, 1856 and passed away at the Oxford Hospital [Oxford, Furnas Co., NE] October 2, 1950 at the age of 94 years, four months and two days.

He lived in Iowa until the spring of 1879 when he went to Mitchell county Kansas. Living there a year he returned to Iowa where he lived until April 1886, when he moved to Norton county, Kansas.

He was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Elizabeth Sorey at Blair, Nebr. To this union six children were born. Everett S. living at Baldwin Park, Calif., and Elsie Verna and Homer G. who with three children who died in infancy, preceded him in death.

After living in Norton county for two years Mr. Dakan moved to Chase county, Nebr., where the family lived until Aug. 1893, when he and the family moved to Beaver City, Nebr., which has since been his home.

His first wife passed to the Great Beyond Oct., 2, 1898.

On Sept., 17, 1899 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Amanda Ellen Sorey, formerly Miss Amanda Ellen Moore. To this union six children were born; Thelma Copeland of North Platte; Blanche Irdine Leitner of Traer, Kans., William L. Dakan of Kansas City; Veda Guffy of Fort Morgan, Colo.; Nellie Uehlin of Caldwell, Ida. and Wayne D. Dakan of Sacramento, Calif.
[Note: After the death of his first wife he married the widow (Amanda Ellen Moore Sorey) of his first wife's brother.]

His second wife passed away Sept. 27, 1949 at the family home in Beaver City.

Mr. Dakan united with the Methodist church late in life and was a faithful witness for his Lord to the last. He was a loving father and loved by every one who knew him.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, October 4 at the Methodist church with Rev. T.E. Smith and Rev. George Goodwin officiating. Mrs. Gene Shafer and Mrs. Irma Fleming sang My Glory on the Cross, Asleep in Jesus and Rock of Ages, accompanied by George Shafer, Jr. Pall bearers were Mearl Shellenbarger, William Boop, C.O. Lamb, Carl Smith, Henry Allen and Byron Courtright. Honorary pallbearers were S.J. Price, W.S. Fleming, O.J. Carr and Will Smith. Interment was made in Mt. Hope Cemetery.
(Source: Times-Tribune, Beaver City, Furnas Co., NE dtd Oct 12, 1950 - shared on FindAGrave by James Moore)
(Source: FindAGrave)

BURIAL: Block 7, Lot 14, Space 2
(Source: FindAGrave)

FINDAGRAVE: Memorial# 108985780
21 February 2016

John Woodman Carmichael

John Woodman Carmichael

PARENTS: Joshua Carmichael and Nancy Okey

AKA: Woodman, age 1, in 1860 census of Monroe Co., OH

NAME-CONFLICT: Woodman John Carmichael
(Source: FindAGrave)

RESIDENCES: Stafford, Monroe Co., OH and from 1919 Guthrie Center, Guthrie Co., Iowa.

OBITUARY:
John Woodman Carmichael was born [10 Jan 1859] near Stafford, Ohio, and passed away in Guthrie Center, Iowa at age of 73 years, 17 days [27 Jan 1934]. He was the second son of Joshua and Nancy Okey Carmichael.

On September 9, 1888 he was married with Emma Hall of Washington County, Ohio. To this happy union were born four sons and four daughters. The wife, two daughters and four sons survive, two daughters dying in infancy. Also one sister, Mrs. Martha Wilson, Alliance, Ohio survives. The sons and daughters who mourn the passing of their father are: Mrs. Guy Bosier, Mrs. Guy Beck, Thomas K., William F., and Harry all of Guthrie Center, Iowa, and George, Savannah, Missouri also ten grandchildren and one great grandson. When a young man Mr. Carmichael united with the M.E. church at Stafford, Ohio and was a firm believer to the end.

In 1919, the family moved to Guthrie Center [Iowa] where he has since made his home. (after the death of his mother)

For the past three years he has been an invalid, but was always patient, cheerful and enjoyed so much to visit with friends and neighbors who called to see him.

Funeral services were held Thursday at 2:00 P.M. in the Christian Church, conducted by Rev. Clifford V. Pence, assisted by Rev. Winkleman pastor of the Baptist church. Interment was made in Union Cemetery.
(Source: The Guthrian January 25, 1934, Guthrie Center, Iowa - furnished by Janet Downing)

FINDAGRAVE: Memorial# 22280717 and 22278711

13 February 2016

Andrew Jackson Baker

Andrew Jackson Baker

PARENTS: George W. Baker and Margaret Reager

OCCUPATION: Andrew Jackson Baker was admitted to the bar in 1855 and entered practice at Winterset, Madison County, Iowa.

BIOGRAPHY:  Andrew Jackson Baker was a veteran of the Civil War, Attorney General of both Missouri and Iowa and author of a book on Constitutional Law. Two of his daughters published books.  He wrote a five page letter to his children in the early 1900s telling of his family.  He tells of the immigrant John Baker and Elizabeth Sullivan and of his descent from them. His mother was Margaret Reager who was born about 1799 and died in 1873 in St. Louis at the home of Andrew Jackson Baker.
(Furnished by Anne Rast)

BIOGRAPHY:
"Recollections and sketches of notable lawyers and public men of early Iowa belonging to the first and second generations, with anecdotes and incidents illustrative of the times," by Edward Holcomb Stiles, 1836-, Published: Des Moines, Homestead Pub., 1916.

Andrew J. Baker was one of the early lawyers of Appanoose County, who became distinguished. He was born in Marshall County, Virginia, in 1832. The family subsequently, in 1883, removed to Butler County, Ohio, and in 1848, to Burlington, Iowa.

His early education was acquired in the common schools, and at Furman's Academy in Butler County, and after he came to Iowa in Howe's Academy, now the Wesleyan University at Mt. Pleasant. He was a member of the first class formed in that institution. He taught school for two or three years, and then commenced the study of law under and in the office of C.B. Darwin, a distinguished lawyer of Burlington, was admitted to the bar in 1855, and entered the practice at Winterset, Iowa. He there became the law partner of H. J. B. Cummings, afterward a member of Congress from that district, and continued the practice until the commencement of the Civil War.

[At the time of the Civil War] he organized a part of Company E, of the Seventeenth Iowa Infantry and became its First Lieutenant, serving and participating in its different battles until he was obliged to resign on account of disability in 1863. His record as a soldier is an excellent one, distinguished by exalted courage.

At the close of his military service, he removed to and entered upon the practice at Lancaster, Schuyler County, Mo. Prior to the war he was a Democrat in politics, but on the occurrence of that event, he joined the Republicans. In 1868 he was chosen as one of the Presidential electors on the Republican ticket, and in the same year was elected to the Legislature of Missouri, and was recognized as one of its ablest members. He took a leading part in submitting an amendment to the Constitution, repealing what was known as the "iron clad" oath. He was classed as a liberal Republican, and was opposed to the disfranchising amendment to the Constitution.

In 1869 he was elected Attorney-General of the State of Missouri on the ticket headed by B. Gratz Brown, the liberal Republican candidate for Governor. This gave him the title of General, which stuck to him throughout his life. He discharged the duties of that office to the end of the term with signal ability.

In 1875 he removed to Centerville, Iowa, and entered the practice, in partnership with Francis M. Drake, who subsequently became Governor of the State, under the firm name of Baker & Drake. In 1884 he was elected Attorney General of Iowa, and at the end of that term was re-elected. He performed the duties of that high office in a manner highly honorable to himself, and satisfactory to the people.

From the time of his election as Attorney General of the State, he became a resident of Des Moines, forming a partnership with Judge Charles A. Bishop and Alvin A. Haskins.

In 1892 he returned to and resumed the practice at Centerville, in partnership with his son, Clarence A. Baker, where he died in 1911.

He was not only a learned lawyer, but a legal writer of note. He was the author of the "Injunction and Abatement Laws in Iowa," and of "Bakers's Annotated Constitution of the United States."

I became acquainted with him soon after he came to Centerville, which was in my judicial district. His career was a successful one; as beneficial to the commonwealth, as it was honorable to himself. He was rather stout and not above the medium in height, as I recollect him. His integrity was unquestioned and his character without a blemish. He was a man of kindly ways and accommodation disposition.
(Furnished by Anne Rast)

RECOLLECTIONS: Andrew, in a letter he wrote, stated that his mother Margaret's brother, Leonard, married Mary Uhlen Baker, half sister of George Baker.

RESEARCHER: Anne Rast of Longview, TX, a great granddaughter of Andrew Jackson Baker was interested in genealogy and family history.  She shared her information about the Baker family with others.

RESIDENCES: St. Louis, MO in 1873

OBITUARY: In Memoriam Andrew Jackson Baker
Companion Lieut. Andrew J. Baker was born on a farm near the town of Bakersville, [Marshall Co.,] then the State of Virginia, now West Virginia, on June 6th, 1832, and died at Centerville, [Appanoose Co.,] Iowa, on April 23rd, 1911. He was the son of George and Margaret Reager Baker, who, in 1848 migrated to Burlington by wagon, the subject of this article being at that time about sixteen years of age.

Mr. Baker studied law and in 1856 was admitted to the bar at Chariton.

At the outbreak of the Civil War he enlisted at Mt. Pleasant in Company "E" of the 17th Iowa Infantry and was mustered into the United States service on the 5th of April, 1862, at Keokuk, Iowa, as First Lieutenant of the company. He served in that regiment in its many campaigns, participated in the hard fought Battle of Luka, but in January 1863 he was forced to resign on account of ill health.

He settled at Lancaster, Mo., after the war and was elected Representative from Schuyler county to the Missouri Legislature, and in 1868 was a Grant elector. In 1869 he was elected Attorney General of Missouri and served in that office
for two years.

In 1875, Mr. Baker and his family came to Centerville, Iowa. From January 1883 to January 1889 he served as Attorney General of the State and after the termination of his services as Attorney General, he formed a partnership with Col. E.C. Haynes in the law business and in recent years he has been in partnership with his son, Clarence A. Baker, under the firm name of Baker & Baker.

Mr. Baker is survived by his wife [Sophia Jane Parker, whom he married, 19 Aug 1858 at Winterset, Madison Co., IA] and eight children.

Companion Baker in private life was a faithful and honorable citizen as he had been a sterling soldier. He was industrious, intelligent and capable. He was an unobtrusive man. He had warm personal friends and no enemies. He was a man of exemplary habits and good morals. Companion Baker's memory will ever be respected and his passing away is a great loss to his fellow citizens of southern Iowa and his own city of Centerville where he had lived so many years.

S. H. Harper
Sam'l Mahon
C. W. Vermillion
(Source: Papers of his daughter Ethel Louise Baker - furnished by Anne Rast)

7 February 2016

Stevens, William M.

William M. Stevens

WILLIAM M. STEVENS, the son of D.T. and Sarah Stevens, was born in Appanoose  County, near Centerville, Iowa, Dec. 18, 1854, and died Sept 5, 1938 aged 83 years, 8 months and 18 days.
     
[He] Came to Missouri 20 years ago. He married Sept 18, 1881 [sic, 1887 listed elsewhere] to Sarah Conger. To this union were born, one son, Clyde Stevens.  Survived by the son, wife, two grandsons, 1 brother, R.M. Stevens of Brewster Washington.

Buried Lakeside Cemetery.
(Source: unknown newspaper, probably dated, Friday, 9 Sep 1938, provided by Chariton Co., Mo., Historical Society in Salisbury to Joyce Posey)

Moon, Cleo Margaret (Hanthorne)

Cleo Margaret (Hanthorne) Moon

Cleo Margaret Moon was born February 19, 1904 in [Eagle City], Dewey County, in the Oklahoma Territory to William Parker and Emmaretta (Richardson) Hanthorne. She died at Lamoni Nursing and Rehab. Center in Lamoni, Iowa on July 25, 2000.

She was the youngest of eight children. Her next older sister, Ruth, and Cleo helped each other go to college. Cleo attended college in Chickasaw, Oklahoma, with an English degree at the Oklahoma College for Women. She received her M.A. degree at the University of Oklahoma. After teaching in her home state for a while she moved to Lamoni, Iowa and became a high school instructor. There she taught high school English, acted as librarian, directed plays, and taught hand sewing.

Cleo arrived in Lamoni by train and spent her first night in the home of Mrs. Lou Blair on 10th street. She later roomed there. For several years Cleo's mother lived with her in what is known as the Gold house in west Lamoni. Cleo's mother said that those years were the happiest in her life. She was active in the Mite Society, a group of women who quilted together one day a week.

Cleo held a B.S. in Library Science from Columbia University in New York City. She became librarian at Graceland College transforming a meager collection of books into a viable academic library. She was instrumental in planning the Fredrick Madison Smith Library building and presided over the human chain that moved thousands of volumes from the second floor of Briggs Hall to the new library. For twenty-three years she held the position of librarian at Graceland. Even after retirement she continued to make frequent walking trips to Graceland and the library where she worked on a part time basis.

During the Christmas season in 1944 Cleo married Willard Charles Moon and left Graceland in the spring of that year. During a period of twelve years she lived an activity-filled life in which, among other things, she involved herself in the business of raising and selling parakeets. When she gave up the parakeet business a short time before returning to Graceland she started selling Frankoma pottery. She was asked several times during those twelve years to return to the college but she said she was not yet ready. She was enjoying herself, and it was not until she felt a need for cultural association that she returned in 1956 as a teacher of Creative Writing and Cataloger for the library.

Cleo and Willard made their home on North Walnut Street across from what is now the elementary school building. Later they moved to an apartment building, created by Willard, and decorated by Cleo, at the corner of Main Street and Walnut. The attractive decor was brought to the attention of the Des Moines Register and was featured in the Sunday newspaper. Her husband bought her a shop adjoining their home where she sold pottery and other gift items, including pottery from student artists at Graceland College.

Cleo became best known as a poet. She was a primary contributor to the body of Graceland poetry. A collection, "The Bell Tower's Eye" was published and many of these same poems were reprinted in the volume, "Threads of Blue and Gold" commermorating Graceland's first 100 years. Her close observation of human experience, her understanding of human emotion, and her sensitivity for language served as a catalyst for her poetic gift. Many of Cleo's inspirational poems have been set to music as hymns of the RLDS Church or as Graceland standards. Several of the finest hymns in "Hymns of the Saints" articulate her profound religious vision and have inspired the hundreds who have sung them. A residence house for Graceland women, Hanthorne House, has been named in her honor. She was named poet laureate of Graceland, and conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters. Her memorable words, which themselves have become an important part of Graceland's heritage and tradition, have embodied the thoughts of all of those who, through the years, have built on Graceland's hill.

Preceding her in death were her father in 1917; mother in 1941; four sisters; three brothers; and her husband, Willard, on April 12, 1995.

In her last years Cleo made her home at the Lamoni Nursing and Rehab. Center. She is survived by Willard's daughter, Sadi Negaard and husband, Leland, of Independence, Missouri, and their family: Doris Negaard, Kristen Negaard, Kerri Wade and husband, Eric, one great grandchild, Brooke; nephews, Dale Moon and wife, Frances of Lamoni and Donald Conkling of Dorchester, Nebraska; niece Wanda Bain and husband, Harold, of Climax Springs, Missouri; great great niece, Muriel Crownover of Santa Rosa, California; special friends, Clara Morrell and Marie Hawley both of Lamoni; plus many members of the Graceland alumni family who hold her memory and contributions in affectionate regard.
(Source: Written by Sadi (Moon) Negaard - furnished by Muriel Crownover)


BURIAL:
Cleo Margaret (Hanthorne) Moon
Born: February 19, 1904, Eagle City, Oklahoma Territory
Died: July 25, 2000, Lamoni, Iowa
Funeral Service: Slade-O'Donnell Funeral Home, Lamoni, Iowa
Date and Time: July 29, 2000, 10:00 a.m.
Officiating: Evangelist Les Gardner and High Priest Barbara Higdon
Organist: Richard Clothier
Soloist: Alma Blair, "Help Us Express Your Love, Oh Lord," lyrics by Cleo Moon
Bearers: Hale Collins, Bruce Graybill, Jerry Hampton, Marie Hawley, Robert Johnson, Dale Moon
Honorary Bearers: Christy Christenson, Delmar Goode, Leslie Kohlman
Interment: Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni, Iowa

Conger, Benjamin Cortis

Benjamin Cortis Conger

HONORS: Benjamin Cortis Conger, 1840, was an Honor Guard for President Abraham Lincoln as he lay in state at Springfield, Illinois. (Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. I, p. 39a & 41 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)

MILITARY: Washington P. Conger enlisted for the Civil War from Center, Illinois on 18 Sep 1864 in Co. H, 146th Illinois Infantry, as did both his brothers, Benjamin Cortis and David H. The latter was killed while in service, 28 Nov 1867 [sic]. Washington was mustered out of service, 8 Jul 1865, at the close of the war. (Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. I, p. 502 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)

AKA: According to records of Elmer Cortis Conger, the middle name is not, Cortez. (CFA I, p. 41)

RESIDENCES: As a boy he lived at Wyanet, IL. He moved to Marshalltown, IA. He moved to Nebraska in the mid-1870's. (CFA I, p. 41)


ANNIVERSARY: 59TH ANNIVERSARY - HARBINE COUPLE CELEBRATED HAPPY EVENT LAST SUNDAY - They have resided in Jefferson County for the past Forty-One Years.

Mr. And Mrs. B. C. Conger of Harbin celebrated their fifty-ninth wedding anniversary at their home in that city last Sunday. A large number of relatives and friends were gathered to assist them on this joyful occasion and the day was one long to be remembered by all present.

Mr. Conger was born in Pennsylvania; in 1861, he united in marriage to Miss Altana Hand of Marshalltown, Iowa. To this union seven children were born, four of which are still living., three daughters and one son, they are Mrs. John Sisler and Mrs. Thomas Rand of Fairbury, Mrs. L. Oaks of Beatrice and E. C. Conger of Edgar.

Mr. and Mrs. Conger are old settlers here, coming to Jefferson County 41 years ago from the state of Iowa.

There were eighty guests at the Conger home last Sunday, including the children, their families and relatives, the W. R. C. and the G. A. R. of Plymouth. All present enjoyed a bountiful dinner which was served from 12 to 4, the bride and groom of fifty-nine years and their children were served from on table while their grand children and great grandchildren, occupied another table. They were the recipients of many valuable and useful presents.

Mr. And Mrs. Conger are a very spry old couple at the age of 80 years. The guests departed wishing them many more years of happy wedded life. (Source: GAZETTE-Vol. 49 No. 9, Oct 1920, probably in Harbine or Beatrice, NE - Furnished by Diane (Sisler) Kupar)


OBITUARY: BENJAMIN C. CONGER

Benjamin Cortis Conger was born at Wilkesville, PA. March 17, 1839. He passed away at his home in this city at 4am December 25, 1928. His age was eighty-eight years, ten months and twenty-three days. He was a son of Calvin Conger and Aranda Horton Conger.

While a small boy, he moved with the family to Wyanet, IL., where he grew to manhood. He was married, at Marshalltown, IA., to Miss Altana Hand in 1861. They resided at Wyanet for a few years, then moved to Marshalltown. Some years later, they moved to Jefferson county, Nebraska, where they remained for forty-two years. Most of that time they lived on a farm. The last ten years of that period were spent in Harbine. Ten years ago, they moved to Beatrice and this city has been their home continuously since that time.

He served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, enlisting in 1863 at Wyanet. He had the unusual experience of serving as a guard over the body of Abraham Lincoln when it lay in state at Springfield. He also accompanied the body to its last resting place.

He leaves his aged wife, Mrs. Altana Conger; four children, Mrs. Sarah Sisler of Fairbury, Mrs. Emma Oakes of Beatrice, Mrs. T. C. Rand of Beatrice, and Elmer Conger of Edgar, Nebraska; four brothers and sisters, Mrs. Susan [Moran] and Will Conger of Princeton, IL., Washington Conger of Marshalltown, IA., and Mrs. Mattie Sharp of Waterloo, IA.; nine grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Mr. Conger was a life long member of the United Brethren church. He was a good Christian man. He was a kind and loving husband and father, always thoughtful of the welfare of his wife and children. He was especially patient during his long period of illness.

Mr. Conger was a hard working man. He shared the experiences that were common among the pioneers a half century ago. Many friends living in the communities where he was best known, join sympathetically in the sorrow caused by his death. His last illness covered a period of about seven weeks.

The funeral service was held at the home, Thursday afternoon, December 27. Rev. C. O. Stuckenbruck had charge of the service. He was assisted by Rev. C. W. Olewine. Music was furnished by Mrs. H. Baker and Mrs. M. S. Calvin. Interment was in Evergreen Home cemetery.

"A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home,
That never can be filled."
(Furnished by Diane (Sisler) Kupar)

Conger, Tacy (Barr)

Tacy (Barr) Conger

BIRTH-DEATH: She died on 25 Dec 1881 at the age of 84 years, 4 months, 14 days according to her obituary. Birth date calculated, Abt. 11 Aug 1797.

CENSUS: Head of household in the 1856 census of Wapello Co., IA.

PENSION-CHILDREN: When Tacy Conger applied for her widow's pension in 1857 she claimed that her children were: Benjamin P., Enoch, John B., Zachariah S., and Samuel M. However, in the 1845 cenus there were 3 other Conger children, relationship not given. They may have been Benjamin's. He was 55 when he married Rebecca Blanchard in 1872.
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 238 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)

AKA: Tacey in her obituary

OBITUARY: Death of Mrs. Conger.
At her home near County Line, Dec. 25th, 1881, of paralysis, occurred the death of Mrs. Tacey Conger, aged eighty-four years, four months, and fourteen days. In the death of the subject of this sketch Jefferson County, [IA] loses another of its pioneers, so many of whom have departed within the past few years.

Mrs. Conger's maiden name was Tacey Barr. She was born in Philadelphia in 1797 and lived there until 1816, when she was married to Zacharia S. Conger, a young man of Morristown, NJ, who had been honorably discharged at Philadelphia after service in the recent War of 1812. Mr. Conger was five years her senior. The young couple married on the 3rd of July, and the following day they turned their faces westward.

They journeyed until they reached Indiana. Here they stopped in what is now Dearborn County, until 1842, when they removed to this state arriving soon after the Indian treaty was made permitting white settlers in this part of the country.

The fall of 1845 brought a sad bereavement to Mrs. Conger in the death of her husband. This event occurring before the land sales, it devolved upon Mrs. Conger to make the purchase of a claim, which she did with the means at her disposal, securing a tract of land in the eastern edge of Wapello County. In the fall of 1860 she met with another breavement in the death of three sons, all occurring within a period of three months.

During the latter years of Mrs. Conger's life she was much afflicted with ill health.

She is survived by two sons, one Benjamin, living here, the other Enoch, living in Oregon.

The funeral occurred December 26th, when her husband's remains were disinterred from the pioneers grave where they had rested for thirty-six years, and the remains of both were interred in the Dunn graveyard, in Des Moines township, where lie their sons and other members of the family.
[Note: It is not clear if Des Moines Twp. is in Wapello Co., or Jefferson Co., IA. REH]
(Source: The Fairfield Tribune, Fairfield, IA, Jan. 12, 1882, page 3, col. 4 - The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 238 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)


PROBATE: Tacey's heirs were: Benjamin P., 64; Enoch, 61; and children of her son John B.: Joseph A., 1851, Sarah Graves, 1853, James Marshall, 1854, Louisa, 1858, John Isaac, 1861 and a Sarah Carver. Tacey, 1856, [daughter of John B.] had drowned at the age of 14 on 17 Jul 1870.
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 238 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)


PROBLEM: According to the obituary of Tacy (Barr) Conger she lost 3 sons within three months in the fall of 1860. CFA II, p,. 238 lists them as: Henry, 1841; Francis, 1845; John, 1847. Was Frances (Francis) a son of Zacharia Conger who died in Sep 1845? Who was the father of John Conger?


QUESTION: Where did Tacy Barr die? From the obituary it is not clear whether she died in Jefferson Co., IA where Fairfield lies or in Wapello Co., IA, to the west, where the Ottumwa lies. CFA II, p. 238 lists the death place as, Wapello Co., IA.

McBratney, Charles D.

Charles D. McBratney

ADOPTION: As an infant he was adopted by Thomas and Margaret McBratney.

CHURCH_AFFILIATION: As a youth he joined the Methodist Church at Camp Point, IL

ORGANIZATIONS: Knights of Pythias Lodge of Milton, [IA]


OBITUARY: Charles D. McBratney
Wednesday morning, Aug. 5, 1942 occurred the death a man who has been for many years active in the affairs of Milton [IA].

Born in Clayton, Ill., June 30, 1871, Charles McBratney was 71 years, 1 month and 5 days old at the time of his passing. While still an infant, he was adopted by Thomas and Margaret McBratney, who reared him as their own son.

In 1895 he came to Iowa and worked as a carpenter until 1900 when he served for two years as janitor of the schoolhouse. In 1900 he began working for the Rice-Roland Hardware firm. After C. E. Rowland moved to California, he continued to work for the new firm of Rice until 1912 when he started a long period of service as custodian of the Milton public school. His 16 years of association with the youth and teachers of the community made "Charley" familiar to all. He cheered the culprits who were being punished, repaired torn clothing, tacked on heels and soles and was an enthusiastic router at all competitive and practice games. The teachers soon learned that "Charley" was their friend and they, too, took the trouble to him.

The first World War caused a shortage of manual training teachers and "Charley" had a new office conferred upon him. From 1916 to 1919, he was custodian, manual training teacher, and secretary of the school board. He also had three buildings instead of one to keep in order.

When the new building was completed in 1928, "Charley" retired to operate the Standard Oil station and to follow the trade of shoe repairer. The students now all had a new loafing place "Charley" station. Later, he moved his shoe repair shop to the old electric shop and served his old friends there. In all these years, he told so many lies that he erected his own monument. Memory of him will remain long in the community and with those who have gone elsewhere.

He was married March 31, 1897, to Bertha Henthorn. Two children blessed his home, Mrs. Cecil Deal of Ottumwa, and Paul of Milton.

While still youth, he joined the Methodist Church at Camp Point, Ill. He was a member of the K. P. Lodge of Milton.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his widow, his two children, and a foster sister, Dr. Rosemary A. Ziegler, of Pasadena, Calif., seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. His foster parents and one foster sister, Mrs. G. A. Underwood, preceded him in death. He is gone but his memory is still with us.

Funeral services were held Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Milton Methodist Church in charge of the pastor, the Rev. J.C. Behrens. Internment was in Sunnyside cemetery at Milton.
(Source: Record Republican August 13, 1942, [location unknown] - posted to the Internet by Rich Lowe)

Atkins, David C.

David C. Atkins

RESIDENCES: Milton, IA

OCCUPATION: 40 to 45 years in the produce business in the area of Milton, IA

CHURCH_AFFILIATION: Member of the Methodist Church, Milton, IA

OBITUARY:
David C. Atkins, a pioneer Milton [IA] man, died at his home in the central part of town last Thursday afternoon, after suffering a long illness. Mr. Atkins was 72 years of age, and had spent his entire lifetime in Milton or vicinity. He was the father of Postmaster M.E. Atkins and Marvin Atkins, and of Mrs. Beryl Gilchrist, all of Milton. These with his aged widow survive him.

Mr. Atkins was born on a farm south of Milton in 1859. For forty or forty-five years he was in the produce business, with headquarters in Milton. He drove over a wide area of this part of the state, as a huckster to promote his produce establishment. About three years ago, he retired, due to failing health. He had never been in good health at any time since his retirement. His surviving helpmate was Miss Lillian Henthorn, whom he married forty-seven years ago. This highly respected couple had a host of friends in this section, who knew them for the hospitable home which they maintained, and to which a wide circle of friends were always welcome.

The funeral services were held at the Methodist church last Saturday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. F. Gilbert, of Cantril. Rev. Gilbert was a former pastor of Mr. Atkins' the latter having been a member of the Methodist church in Milton since the pastorate of Rev. J. Wesley Potter, many years ago. Pallbears were six business men of Milton; A.R. Norman, C.E. Epperly, Warren Sherwood, J.A. Luman, O.E. Rowland and Frank Hoskins. Interment was at the Milton Sunnyside cemetery, with Burnetts in charge. (1931)
(Source: unknown - posted to Internet by Fran Hunt)

Stevens, William Murray

Sarah E. CONGER
Born - 12 Aug 1859 IA
Died - 28 Feb 1949
Bur. - Feb 1949 Sumner, Chariton, MO
Note - Sarah E. Conger

RELATIONSHIP: Sarah E. Conger married her first cousin, William Murray Stevens. Their common ancestor was their grandfather, Moses Conger. The father of Sarah E. Conger was George Washington Conger the brother of the Sarah Conger the mother of William Murray Stevens.

RESIDENCES: As of Feb 1915, Sarah Stevens of Sumner, MO

sp- William Murray STEVENS
Born - 18 Dec 1854 Centerville, Appanoose, IA
Mar. - 18 Sep 1881 Chariton, MO
Died - 5 Sep 1938 Chariton, MO
Bur. - Sep 1938 Sumner, Chariton, MO, Lakeside Cemetery
Son of Delarmer Theodore STEVENS & Sarah Anne CONGER
Note - William Murray Stevens

Problem: How was his middle name spelled, Murray, Murry, Murrary?

Problem: A birth date of 18 Dec 1854 has been listed. CFA II, p. 430 lists, Abt. 1860. He probably wasn't born in the same year as his brother Eli.

MARRIAGE-CONFLICT: 18 Sep 1887 according to CFA II, p. 430

MARRIAGE: LDS record page 5481 - Sarah E. Conger married William M. Stevens, 18 Sept 1881, Chariton Co., Mo.. (d/o George Washington Conger)
(Furnished by Joyce Posey)

RELATIONSHIP: William Murray Stevens and his wife, Sarah E. Conger, were 1st cousins. Their common ancestor was Moses Conger.

OBITUARY:
WILLIAM M. STEVENS, the son of D.T. and Sarah Stevens, was born in Appanoose County, near Centerville, Iowa, Dec. 18, 1854, and died Sept 5, 1938 aged 83 years, 8 months and 18 days.

[He] Came to Missouri 20 years ago. He married Sept 18, 1881 [sic, 1887 listed elsewhere] to Sarah Conger. To this union were born, one son, Clyde Stevens. Survived by the son, wife, two grandsons, 1 brother, R.M. Stevens of Brewster. Washington.

Buried Lakeside Cemetery.
(Source: unknown newspaper, probably dated, Friday, 9 Sep 1938, provided by Chariton Co., Mo., Historical Society in Salisbury to Joyce Posey)

Brown, Sylvanas

PROBATE: Probate record for Sylvanas Brown, father of Mary Catherine (Brown) Conger, wife of George Washington Conger.

481.0 Sylvanas Brown, died intestate, 30 Mar 1857 [or 1859], Appanoose Co., Iowa. Mary A. Brown was the administrator of the estate.

Estate inventory, was 40 acres of land, situated in Section 13, Township 67, Range 18, appraised at $200.00. One yoke of oxen, one wagon and one cow. The estate was insolvent. Paper dated 2 Nov 1866, by S.M. Moore, Co-Judge.

The land was subject to a Life Dower for Mary A. Brown, who was entitled to 2/3 undivided. Paper dated 6 Aug 1866.

$187.72 was allowed to the widow and five children under 15 years old, for one year from the death of the deceased. Certified 15 Jun 1866 by S.M. Moore, Co-Judge.

There was a petition to sell the real estate dated 23 Jun 1866. And, Mary A. Brown sued John Brown et al. for her 2/3 share, filed 6 Aug 1866.

Expenses, $64.00, (including funeral, court costs, etc.)
[Note: Apparently, Eliza C. Conger and her husband, George Conger had an interest in this case. REH]
(Source: Appanoose Co., Iowa, Probate Records on LDS film, 1689942, #410 - read and extracted by Joyce Posey)

Conger, Kenneth Arthur

Kenneth Arthur Conger

OCCUPATION: Fork lift operator

MILITARY: U.S. Army 1951-1953 in the Korea area; 6 years in the Army Reserves; held the rank of Sergeant at the time of discharge.


OBITUARY: Kenneth Conger
BUFFALO, Iowa -- Services for Kenneth Arthur Conger, 72, Buffalo, [IA], will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Runge Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park, with military honors conducted by Davenport American Legion Post 26.

Visitation is 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the mortuary.

Mr. Conger died unexpectedly Saturday, Dec. 16, 2000, at Genesis Medical Center East Campus, Davenport.

He was born Nov. 11, 1928, in Adair, [IA], the son of John and Mary (Kerr) Conger. He married Betty J. Bernauer on Sept. 28, 1951, in Davenport.

Mr. Conger was an Army veteran of the Korean War.

He had been employed at International Harvester in East Moline prior to his retirement.

He enjoyed playing bingo, cards and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball fan.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; his children and their spouses, Kenneth (Allen) and Cathy Conger, Davenport, John and Margaret Conger, Buffalo, Chris Conger, Buffalo, Dona and Nola Conger, Davenport, Brian and Christine Conger, Davenport, and Lisa and Gerald York, Grand Junction, Colo.; 18 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; sisters, Elsie Dooley and Hazel Powers, both of Davenport; and brothers, Lonnie Conger and Dale Conger, both of Davenport, Geral Conger, Benton, PA., and Marvin Conger, Davenport.

Mr. Conger was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Sue, in infancy; his parents; a sister, Helen Banks; and two brothers, George and Clyde Conger.
(Source: unknown newspaper, undated, included a photograph - published in The Conger Confab, March 2001, typed by Richard E. Henthorn)

Conger, Benjamin Cortis

BENJAMIN C. CONGER

Benjamin Cortis Conger was born at Wilkesville, PA. March 17, 1839. He passed away at his home in this city at 4am December 25, 1928. His age was eighty-eight years, ten months and twenty-three days. He was a son of Calvin Conger and Aranda Horton Conger.

While a small boy, he moved with the family to Wyanet, IL., where he grew to manhood. He was married, at Marshalltown, IA., to Miss Altana Hand in 1861. They resided at Wyanet for a few years, then moved to Marshalltown. Some years later, they moved to Jefferson county, Nebraska, where they remained for forty-two years. Most of that time they lived on a farm. The last ten years of that period were spent in Harbine. Ten years ago, they moved to Beatrice and this city has been their home continuously since that time.

He served as a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, enlisting in 1863 at Wyanet. He had the unusual experience of serving as a guard over the body of Abraham Lincoln when it lay in state at Springfield. He also accompanied the body to its last resting place.

He leaves his aged wife, Mrs. Altana Conger; four children, Mrs. Sarah Sisler of Fairbury, Mrs. Emma Oakes of Beatrice, Mrs. T. C. Rand of Beatrice, and Elmer Conger of Edgar, Nebraska; four brothers and sisters, Mrs. Susan and Will Conger of Princeton, IL., Washington Conger of Marshalltown, IA., and Mrs. Mattie Sharp of Waterloo, IA.; nine grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Mr. Conger was a life long member of the United Brethren church. He was a good Christian man. He was a kind and loving husband and father, always thoughtful of the welfare of his wife and children. He was especially patient during his long period of illness.
Mr. Conger was a hard working man. He shared the experiences that were common among the pioneers a half century ago. Many friends living in the communities where he was best known, join sympathetically in the sorrow caused by his death. His last illness covered a period of about seven weeks.

The funeral service was held at the home, Thursday afternoon, December 27. Rev. C. O. Stuckenbruck had charge of the service. He was assisted by Rev. C. W. Olewine. Music was furnished by Mrs. H. Baker and Mrs. M. S. Calvin. Interment was in Evergreen Home cemetery.

"A precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home,
That never can be filled."

Tags: Obituary, Conger

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