Thursday, January 28, 2010

Knights of Pythias

The Weekly Citizen - 29 April 1871
--------------------------
  The order of the "Knights of Pythias" is becoming so widely spread and prosperous that the public have a remarkable curiosity to know some thing of its character and purposes.  The ritual was first written and the order worked during the war, as a bond of union between army soldiers. After the war closed it was re-written, modified, and thrown open to the people, and has spread rapidly, particularly in the last two years, and in the Eastern States. Its work and intent are very similar to those of the Masonic order. Founded on friendship, with the ... tale of Dainon and Pythias as their example, the members aim to relieve the suffering, ... the misfortunate, care for the sick, bury the dead and give sympathy and material aid to the widows and orphans of each other.
-----------------------------------
  For more information and history see the websites of The Order of the Knights of Pythias and the Pythian Sisters.

Jerome News - 8 April 1871

The Weekly Citizen - 8 April 1871
--------------------------------

1871 District Methodist Conference

The Weekly Citizen - 25 November 1871
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Rev. John L. Loughridge of Jerome In Attendance

Sunday, January 24, 2010

William Jennings, 1810-1869

Biographical and Genealogical History 
of Appanoose and Monroe Counties, Iowa 
[Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1903, Page 445] 
-------------------------------------------
  William Jennings, who was the father of our subject [Edward T. Jennings], was born in Covington, Kentucky, and died in Johns township, Appanoose county, in May, 1869; he married Christina Shultz, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Johns township May 16, 1874. They were married in Adams county, Ohio, and there began their home life. Mr. Jennings was a gunsmith by trade and followed this calling all of his life. In July of 1854 he left Ohio and took up his residence in Johns township, Appanoose county, where he and his wife remained the balance of their lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Past and Present of Appanoose County, Iowa
Edited by L. L. Taylor
[Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1913, page 405]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  William Jennings, of Kentucky, married Christina Shultz, of Pennsylvania. In the summer of 1854 they left their home in Ohio and coming to Appanoose county, settled in Johns township, two miles south of Plano.
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William Jennings' Family
  William Jennings was born in 1810 in Convington, Kentucky, and died in May 1869 in Johns Township, Appanoose County, Iowa. He married in Adams County, Ohio, Christina Shultz who was born c1815 in Pennsylvania and died 16 May 1874 in Johns Township, Appanoose County, Iowa. The moved from Ohio to Johns Township in Appanoose County in July 1854.  To this union four children were born:
  [1] Edward T. Jennings was born in 1838 in Adams County, Ohio.  He married 7 October 1869 in Appanoose County, Iowa, Josephine Van Dorn who was born 12 March 1844 in Van Buren County, Iowa, daughter of Abraham S. Van Dorn and Minerva J. Vito, died 21 August 1899 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa.  Four children were born to this union: Lena Jennings (1875), Lizzie Jennings (1878), Mary Elizabeth Jennings (c1878), and Unknown Jennings. 
  [2] Edmond Jennings was born in 1838 in Adams County, Ohio. He married 17 November 1861 in Appanoose County, Iowa [Book 2, Page 98], Nancy Jennings.
  [3] Margaret Jennings was born 15 May 1843 in Adams County, Ohio; died 6 December 1901 in Appanoose County, Iowa; and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, in Appanoose County, Iowa.  She married 3 October 1889 in Appanoose County, Iowa [Book 10, Page 148], as his third wife, James J. Mann who was born 26 June 1823, died 23 January 1892, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.
  [4] Maria Jennings was born in 1856 in Appanoose County, Iowa, and died c1880 in Appanoose County, Iowa [Book 1, Page 6]

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Edward T. "Ned" Jennings

Biographical and Genealogical History 
of Appanoose and Monroe Counties, Iowa 
[Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1903] 
Pages 445-446
-----------------------------------------------------
EDWARD T. JENNINGS
  It is not too much to say that in this commonwealth of the free and independent the man who performs faithfully the duties that fall to the lot of the American citizen is the peer of any proud and hide-bound aristocrat who ever pranced in the royal purple before the admiring gaze of serf-born foreigners; and at the end of a long life of conscientious and active effort he may well view with satisfaction and contentment the work of his hands. In this list of worthy and honored citizens we include with perfect right the name of Edward T. Jennings, who is one of the leading farmers of Appanoose county, and resides near the town of Plano.

  William Jennings, who was the father of our subject [Edward T. Jennings], was born in Covington, Kentucky, and died in Johns township, Appanoose county, in May, 1869; he married Christina Shultz, who was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Johns township May 16, 1874. They were married in Adams county, Ohio, and there began their home life. Mr. Jennings was a gunsmith by trade and followed this calling all of his life. In July of 1854 he left Ohio and took up his residence in Johns township, Appanoose county, where he and his wife remained the balance of their lives.
  One of the children of the above parents was Edward T. Jennings, whose birth occurred in Adams county, Ohio, September 13, 1837, and his youth was passed in the varied activity of most boys reared in the first half of the last century. At the very beginning of the war of the Rebellion he enlisted in the Fifth Kansas Cavalry under Colonel H. P. Johnson, who recruited a company in Iowa. He was afterward transferred to the Sixth Kansas and saw much of the stern reality of war in Missouri, Arkansas and other western states. He was taken prisoner at Fort Smith, Arkansas, and for over a year endured confinement in the southern war prison at Tyler, Texas. He was among those who were engaged in chasing the Price raiders, and did considerable guerrilla fighting. After he was released from the prison he returned to Appanoose county. He first lived on a farm two miles south of Plano, and in 1892 removed to his present nice home just south of Plano. There he conducts his farming interests very profitably.
  Mr. Jennings was married in 1869 to Josephine Van Dorn, who was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, March 12, 1844, and died August 21, 1899; her parents removed to Appanoose county in 1856. Of the four children of Mr. and Mrs. Jennings two are still living and keep house for Mr. Jennings--Lena and Elizabeth. Mr. Jennings lives over again the scenes of the Civil war among his comrades in the Grand Army of the Republic post at Centerville. He actively supports the principles of the Republican party, and has shown his interest in education in his community by serving for twenty-five years as president of the school board.
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Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas
Volume I - 1861-1865 [Leavenworth, Kansas: Bulletin 
Co-Operative Printing Company, 1867, Page 410]
-----------------------------------------
Sixth Regiment Kansas Volunteers-Cavalry-Company B
  Edward T. Jennings: Date of Enlistment, 12 August 1861; Date of Muster, 12 August 1861; Remarks: Assigned to Co. M, April 8, 1865; prisoner of war, captured at Muzzard Prairie, Arkansas, July 27, 1864.
---------------------------------------------
The Battle of Massard Prairie by Dale Cox
[Bascom FL: William Cox, Publisher, 2008, Page 96]
-------------------------------------
  Edward T. Jennings, Company B, 6th Kansas Cavalry, is identified as one of the Union soldiers captured at Massard Prairie.
------------------------------------------------
U.S. Civil War Records on Ancestry.com
--------------------------------
  U.S. Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles: Edward T. Jennings, Enlisted 8 Dec 1861, Rank: Private, State Served: Kansas, Was POW? Yes, Survived the War? Yes, Service Record: Enlisted in on 12 Aug 1861. Mustered out on 08 Apr 1865 at DeVall's Bluff, AR., Sources: Report of the Adjutant General of the State of Kansas.
  Kansas Civil War Soldiers: Edward T. Jennings, Rank: Private, Company B, Date Enlist: 12 Aug 1861, Date Muster: 12 Aug 1861, Remarks: Assigned to Co. M, April 8, 1965; pris'r of war, capt'd at Muzzard Prairie, Ark., July 27, 1864.
  Kansas Civil War Soldiers: Edward T. Jennings, Rank: Private, Company M, Section: POW, Date Enlist: 12 Aug 1861, Date Muster: 12 Aug 1861, Remarks: Mustered out April 8, 1965, DeVall's Bluff, Ark.
  U.S. Civil War Soldiers, 1861-1865: Edward T. Jennings, Side: Union, Regiment State/Origin: Kansas, Regiment Name: 6 Kansas Cavalry, Regiment Name Expanded: 6th Regiment Kansas Cavalry, Company: B, Rank Out: Private, Rank Out Expanded: Private, Film Number: M542 Roll 5.
  Civil War Pension Index: General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934:  Edward T. Jennings, State Filed: Iowa.

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Census Records on Ancestry.com
--------------------------
--1860 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll M653_311, Page 467, Image_3
--1870 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll M593_375, Page 452A; Image_17 and Image_18.  
--1880 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T9_326, Page 499.3000, ED 17, Image_3.
--1885 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA1885_144, Image 23
--1895 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA1885_287, Image_9 and Image_10
--1900 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T623_416, Page 3A, ED 17, Image_5
--1905 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA-75, Image_11
--1910 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T624_390; Page 5A, ED 20, Image_1402.
--1915 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Johns Township, Roll IA1915_20, Image 546
--1920 U.S. Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T625_477; Page 4B; ED 23; Image_328
--1925 Kansas State Census, Ford, Ford County, Roll KS1925_49, Image_4

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Jerome Jottings - 7 July 1881

The Appanoose Times - 7 July 1881
---------------------------
  Ed. Times: -- Perhaps a few items from Jerome may be of interest to some of your readers. If you think so please accept the following:
   Owing to the recent rains the farmers are a little behind with their corn plowing. Grain of all kinds is looking well, and the propsect is good for an abundant harvest.
  June 12th was a very pleasant and enjoyable day at Jerome. It was the annual Children's Day of the M. E. Church. Arrangements had been made during the previous week to make the occasion one of interest and profit to all. The church had been tastefully decorated with evergreens, flowers, appropriate mottos and cages of birds which added much to the enjoyment of the day. The morning exercise and address on the origin and design of "Children's Day" by the Pastor, B. M. Boydston. In the afternoon short addresses were made by Messrs. A. C. Stone, John Dukes, John Moss and Martin Davison. Vocal and instrumental music were interspersed through the other exercises. All seemed to enjoy the occasion and wish for many returns of this day for the Jerome S. School. Our summer school closes Thursday, July 1st. Mr. John Moss, the teacher, has given entire satisfaction, we believe, and efforts will be made to obtain his services for the winter term.
  Messrs. Newt Moore and George O'Neal , have gone into the western part of the state to look for new homes. We are sorry to have them leave us.
  Mr. Lewis Morris is building himself a fine residence to be completed in a few weeks. Messrs. Buck and Wilson are the contractors.
  Mr. Noah Stoner will also build soon after harvest.
  We noticed the genial countenance of your fellow townsman, James Hamilton, in the congregation of last Sabbath. We presume he rides out for his health as he frequently comes this way of late.
  Rev. A. Kershaw and wife, of Albia, are visiting with Peter Sidles, father of Mrs. Kershaw. Their many friends will be glad to welcome them among us.
  J. H. Hard, former pastor of this work, with his family, will be the guests of Mrs. John Pendergast a few days this week.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Rev. B. M. Boydston, 1851-1902

Rev. B. M. Boydston 
Served the Jerome Methodist Episcopal Church 
1880-1881
--------------------------------------
Knoxville Express [IA] - 21 May 1902
Posted on IAGenWeb.org by James Quigley 8/17/2003
---------------------------------------
  Died at his home in Lone Tree, Iowa, Monday May 12 [1902], Rev. B. M. Boydston, aged 51 years.
  Rev. Boydston was born in Greene County, Pennsylvania, in 1851, and came with his parents to Iowa, who settled in Knoxville in 1856. He united with the M. E. church at the early age of 15 years, and from his youth up has been a faithful follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. His high school education was completed in Knoxville, after which he held a position as teacher in the same school.
  In 1872 he entered the Iowa Wesleyan University, at Mount Pleasant. After pursuing the course he entered the Boston Theological Seminary in 1876, and entered the ministry in 1880. He was united in marriage Aug. 24, 1881, to Miss Melvina J. Bradley of Centerville, Iowa. Their union was blessed with the following children: Mrs. H. B. Miller, Albert W. and David P., all of who with their mother survive their husband and father.
  Deceased was a brother of Mrs. H. Cunningham and County Treasurer George L. Boydston of Knoxville, and has many old friends in this county who mourn his death.
  The funeral was held at Lone Tree on Wednesday, May 14.

Monday, January 18, 2010

William Donald Wagoner, 1911-1993

The Modesta Bee [CA] - 1 February 1993
------------------------------
William D. Wagoner
Aug. 13, 1911 - Jan 26, 1993
  William Donald Wagoner, 81, of Manteca died Tuesday at Doctors Hospital, Manteca.
  Mr. Wagoner was a native of Jerome, Iowa, and lived in Manteca 26 years. He was a retired maintenance engineer.
  He is survived by his children, Linda Temple of Anaheim, and Donna Reeves and Tommy Wagoner, both of Texas; sisters, Pearl Winkler of San Berardino and Mae Partain of Lucerne Valley; and several grandchildren.
  A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. today at East Union Cemetery, Manteca. Visitation is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at P. L. Fry & Son Funeral Chapel, Manteca.
----------------------------
  William Donald Wagoner was born 18 August 1911 in Iowa, son of Lewis Wagoner and Mary E. Jennings, died 26 June 1993 in Manteca, San Joaquin County, California, and was buried in Union Cemetery, Manteca, San Joaquin County, California.  He married 16 November 1935 in Stanton, Texas, Ozella Myrl Hodges who was born 21 October 1910 in Texas, daughter of Captain A. Hodges and Theodoshia E. Kolb, died 18 September 1988 in Beeville, Bee County, Texas, and was buried in Mount Olive Cemetery, Big Spring, Howard County, Texas.  To this union were born one son and two daughters.
----------------------------------
--1920 United States Federal Census, Johns, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll T625_477; Page 4B; Enumeration District 23; Image 328 on Ancestry.com.  

Robert Henry Purdy, 1916-1987

Ocala Star-Banner [FL] - 9 March 1987
-------------------------------
  Fort McCoy -- Robert Henry Purdy, 70, Fort McCoy, died Saturday [7 March 1987] in Fort McCoy.
  He was born [27 October 1916] in Jerome, Iowa and came here from San Mateo, Calif. five years ago.
  Mr. Purdy was a retired airline mechanic with United Airlines and member of Fort McCoy United Methodist Church.
  Survivors include his wife, Lilly M. Purdy, Fort McCoy; three step-sons, Paul Erickson, Minnetonka, Minn., Leonard Erickson, Milan, Ill., Richard Erickson, Kansas City, Mo.; 2 stepdaughters, Ruth Mock, Pleasant Valley, Iowa, Sharon Frank, Moline, Ill.; three brothers, Francis Purdy, Newton, Iowa, David Purdy, Kansas City, Kan., Donald Purdy, Sunterville, Iowa; a sister, Ellen Anderson, Moline, Ill.; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Thomas S. Owen, 1909-1972

Sarasota Herald-Tribune - 18 December 1972
--------------------------------
  Thomas B. Owen, 63, 608 51st Ave. Terrace W., Bradenton, died Sunday at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Born in Jerome, Iowa, he came to this area from Centerville, Iowa, two years ago. He was a retired feed and grain sales manager and belonged to the Non-Denominational Church of Centerville.
  He leaves his wife, Ethel Owen; four brothers, Hobart Owen of Gary, Ind.; Richard Owen of Glennville, Iowa; Kenneth Owen of Jerome, Iowa; and Donald Owen of Maryland; and a sister, Miss Dorothy Owen of Centerville, Iowa.
  Funeral services and burial will be at a later date in Centerville, Iowa. Edwards Funeral Home of Palmetto is in charge of local arrangements.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, 1883-1951

1951 Yearbook 
of the Iowa-Des Moines Annual Conference
of the Methodist Church
-------------------------------------------------
Rev. Jeremiah Homer Krenmyre
Served Jerome Methodist Church 
1909-1910 & 1911-1912
  Jeremiah Homer Krenmyre, the son of Jesse and Sarah Pratt Krenmyre, was born in Farmington, Iowa, on April 15, 1883, and passed from this life at his home in Woodward, on April 9, 1951, after an extended illness. He was married May 7, 1908, to Edla Hetzel. Besides his regular ministerial work, he spent much time in lecturing and in the leadership of youth. In 1948 he asked for retirement having given thirty-nine years of fruitful ministry to the Methodist Church. Surviving him are his wife and one son, Lewis J. of Knoxville. Funeral services were held in Woodward with interment in the cemetery of that place.
--------------------------------------------------
Muscatine Journal - 16 August 1918
-------------------------
Call Krenmyre to Wesleyan
  The Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of North English has been called to Iowa Wesleyan College to take up the field work of the school, acting in the capacity of president of the institution until someone is found to take the place recently left vacant by Dr. Edwin A. Scholl.
  Rev. Krenmyre is a graduate of Iowa Wesleyan finishing in 1913 and while in school he was one of the leaders among the students winning special distinction by being the only man in the United States to take part in every intercollegiate debate in his school and to win them all unanimously. He became an organizer of the National Forensic Fraterity, Pi Kappa Delta and has served as a national officer for five years. Since leaving school he has been a loyal supporter of the school and was a staunch worker in the endowment campaign.
  Rev. Krenmyre will immediately begin a campaign that will reach every high school graduate in Southeastern Iowa, and the prospects are bright for the largest freshman class in the history of the school.
------------------------------------------
Iowa City Press-Citizen - 20 November 1920
------------------------------------------
  Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, of North English, has been visiting old Johnson county friends, coming hither in his auto. He is serving in a dual capacity in the Iowa county town, being pastor of the Methodist church, and superintendent of the city schools.
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Oxford Leader - 10 February 1927
------------------------------
Broadcasts Sat. Nite, Speaks Here Sun. Nite
  Professor J. H. Krenmyre, vice president of Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, will preach at the Methodist church next Sunday night at 7:30 o'clock.
  Mr. Krenmyre is well known in Oxford and Tiffin and no doubt a large crowd will be present to hear him. 
  Saturday night, February 12, at 6 P.M. the lecture, "Abraham Lincoln, the Man," will be broadcast by J. H. Krenmyre, vice president of Iowa Wesleyan College.
  So many requests have come to WOC for outlines of the life of Lincoln that the outline of this lecture with bibliography will be mailed to all who request it.
  Mr. Krenmyre has been giving this lecture for eighty years on the lyceum and chautauqua platforms and before high schools and will dedicate it to the thousands of boys and girls in our high schools.
  The lecture is not an attempt to eulogize Lincoln, but a frank and careful study of "Lincoln, the Man."
-----------------------------------
Gravity Independent - 7 April 1938
-----------------------------------
Every Mason Meeting
  The annual "Every Mason in Lodge at the Same Time," order has been sent out and the date is next Tuesday evening, April 12.  The Constitution is the subject to be considered. An appropriate program will be held here. Every member of this lodge who can do so is ordered to be present. Rev. J. H. Krenmyre of Corning, of the state speakers staff, will be present and give the principal address.
  Refreshments will be served.
  Masons of this vacinity not members of the lodge here, are urged to come to this meeting.
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Adams County Free Press - 24 June 1948
-------------------------------------
Rev. J. H. Krenmyre To Retire From Ministry
  Friends here will be interested in the information that Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, who served as pastor of the Corning Methodist church from 1937 to 1939, plans to retire from the ministry June 12. Rev. Krenmyre is now serving the Sheldahl-Slater congregations, near Des Moines, at the present time. He has served as a Methodist minister for nearly 41 years, having began his ministry work in September, 1907.
  His first charge was in the Keosaukqua area where he had seven churches, driving 62 miles to complete his circuit.  During his ministry seven churches have more than doubled their membership under his leadership.
  During his ministry he has served two terms as mayor of the town in which he lived. For three years he was superintendent of the school at North English, Ia. Here the church membership numbered over 300 before the end of his fifth year as pastor. There were over 430 boys and girls in the school and at the end of his pastorate every boy and girl in the school belonged to some church.
  He was one of the founders and editor of the magazine for 15 years of what has grown to be the largest college social fraternity in the world. He has spent unbelievable time on the lecture platform and says that the old chautauqua days are  pleasant memories. During his college days he set a record in intercollegiate debate that has never been equalled. He has made plane trips as far east as New York on lecture tours.
  Rev. Kremayre served for 25 consecutive years as either chairman or secretary of the conference board of education. He is at present one of the trustees of the Methodist hospital in Des Moines and one of the directors of Wesley Foundation of Iowa.
  In his younger days he was interested in athletics, especially baseball, and now owns one of the three oldest baseballs in the world. When pastor of Woodward he coached the baseball team for one year.
  At present Pastor Krenmyre is district counselor for church school officers and Mrs. Krenmyre is counselor of children's work.
  He plans to spent much time, after retirement, writing. He will publish a collection of poems in the near future.
  Rev. Krenmyre purchased an acreage at Woodward a number of years ago and plans to live there when he retires. 
---------------------------------------------
Early Leaders in Lambda Chi Alpha
The Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, Theta Kappa Nu, Iowa Wesleyan
Founder, Board Member 1924-1939
"Dad" Krenmyre, a spellbinding orator, was the only man to serve as an active member for the entire life of Theta Kappa Nu. He developed the ritual and edited the Theta News for its first decade. He developed the academic programming of Theta Kappa Nu, including a program of graduate scholarships that are continued today by our Educational Foundation. "Dad" was instrumental in the smooth union of the two fraternities and served the general fraternity as Associate Historian from the merger until his death in 1951.
---------------------------------------------
The Mt Pleasant News - 10 April 1951
--------------------------
Rev. Krenmyre, IWC Grad, Dies
  Woodward, Ia. (INS) -- Funeral services were planned tomorrow afternoon for the Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, 67, of Woodward who died at his home Monday following a lengthy illness.
  The Rev. Mr. Krenmyre, known as "Dad," would have been 68 next Sunday. He was graduated from Iowa Weslyan College at Mt. Pleasant and was one of the four founders of Pi Kappa Delta, national forensic fraterity.
  He later was one of the founders of Theta Kappa Nu which merged in 1940 with Lambda Chi Alpha.
  A widely known authority on Abraham Lincoln, the Rev. Mr. Krenmyre retired from the ministry in 1948 after achieving recognition as an authority on rural church methods.
  Survivors include his wido and one son.
-----------
  Editor's note: Rev. Krenmyre resided in Mt. Pleasant for a period several years ago while he was vice-president of Iowa Wesleyan College. For many years while he was serving pastorates, he was a frequent visitor o the Iowa Wesleyan campus.
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Burlington Hawk-Eye Gazette - 10 April 1951
--------------------------
Minister Dies
  Woodward, Ia. (AP) -- Rev. J. H. (Dad) Krenmyre, 67, widely known Methodist minister, died at his home here Monday after a long illness. He was a 1913 graduate of Iowa Wesleyan college, was grand chaplain of the Iowa IOOF and past grand chaplain of Iowa Masons. Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Woodward Methodist church.
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Williamsburg Journal-Tribune - 19 April 1951
--------------------------
Obituary of Rev. Krenmyre
  The Rev. J. H. Krenmyre, a native of Farmington, former Methodist pastor at Agency and former pastor and superintendent of schools at North English died at Woodward Monday, following a long illness.
  The funeral was at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 11 in the Methodist church at Woodward. The Rev. Mr. Krenmyre known as "Jerry" and "Dad" would have been 68 years old on Sunday, April 15. He was graduated from Iowa Wesleyan college in 1913 at the age of 30 and his wife graduated the following year.
  While at Mt. Pleasant he became one of the four founders of Pi Kappa Delta, national forensic fraternity and in 1924 he helped found Theta Kappa Nu, of which he was elected life historian.
  After being ordained, his first pastorate was the Keosauqua Methodist circuit from 1907-1909. Because of the shortage of teachers in North English during World War I he served as head of the schools there in addition to his pastoral duties. In 1926 the Rev. Mr. Krenmyre was made vice president of Iowa Wesleyan college.
  He retired from the ministry in 1948. Mrs. Krenmyre survives as does a son, Lewis, of Knoxville and two sisters. 

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Rev. Paul H. McBeth, 1870-1943

1943 Minutes of the Dakota Annual Conference
of the Methodist Church
-------------------------------------------
Rev. Paul H. McBeth
Served as an Associate Pastor in Jerome 1892-1893
-------------------------------------------
  The Rev. Paul McBeth entered the Dakota Conference in 1901 on trial, was admitted into full membership and ordained Deacon in 1903. He was ordained Elder in 1905. He served the following charges in the Dakota Conference: Miller, 1901; Faulkton, 1903; Woonsocket, 1905; Alexandria, 1908; was conference evangelist in 1911; Superintendent of the Missouri Valley District of the Black Hills Mission in 1912; Assistant Superintendent of the Dakota Anti-Saloon League in 1913; of the Iowa Anti-Saloon League in 1915; he became Supernumerary in 1927. He retired in 1928.
-------------------------------------------
Moravia Union - 30 September 1926
------------------------------
  P. H. McBeth, widely known prohibition worker and Field Secretary of the Anti-Saloon League of Iowa, will be brought to Moravia next Sunday in connection with law observance and law enforcement problems.
  Mr. McBeth has been scheduled as the principal speaker at the Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday morning and the United Brethern Church Sunday evening. Rev. O. J. Fix and Rev. O. O. Hobson expect a record attendance at their respective churches to hear Mr. McBeth.
  First hand information about the propaganda and campaign of the Wet forces in this state in the furtherance of liquor interests, and also the steps being taken by the church and other anti-liquor factors to thwart these efforts will be discussed by Mr. McBeth. He will also outline prohibition enforcement conditions in the state.
  Mr. McBeth has been in the prohibition work for twenty years and was a leader in Iowa when the saloon was abolished.
  The meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend the services.
-------------------------------
Paul H. McBeth's Family
  Paul H. McBeth was born in March 1870 in Jackson, Van Buren County, Iowa, son of William McBeth (1839-1917) and Hannah L. Ingram (1840-1900), died in 1943, and was buried in the Glendale Cemetery, Polk County, Iowa. He married 20 September 1895 in Moulton, Appanoose County, Iowa, Olive Swan who was born in January 1875 in Iowa, daughter of Jesse Swan and Anna Tutwiler, died in 1960 and was buried in the Glendale Cemetery, Polk County, Iowa. 
  Eleven children were born to this marriage: (1) Miles W. McBeth, born May 1896 in Iowa and died 31 July 1918; (2) Iva M. McBeth, born October 1899 in Iowa; (3) Juanita M. McBeth, born c1901 in Iowa; (4) Edith M. McBeth, born 9 June 1903 in South Dakota and died 3 April 1988; (5) Paul McBeth, born 4 February 1905 in South Dakota and died in July 1980 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa; (6) John H. McBeth, born c1907 in South Dakota; (7) Robert Raymond McBeth, born 11 January 1910 in South Dakota and died 30 September 1985 in Ventura, California; (8) Josephine McBeth, born 20 May 1908 in South Dakota and died in November 1972; (9) Unknown McBeth; (10) Genevieve McBeth, born c1913 in Iowa; and (11) James S. McBeth, born c1915 in Iowa.
-----------------------------------------
  Sources:  "All About Me" family history file posted 19 December 2007 by Arlene Maher on RootsWeb's WorldConnect Project; U.S. and Iowa Census Records on Ancestry.com: 1870, Jackson, Van Buren, Iowa; 1880, Keosauqua, Van Buren, Iowa; 1885, Keosauqua, Van Buren, Iowa; 1900, Yellow Springs, Des Moines, Iowa; 1910, Alexandria Ward 2, Hanson, South Dakota; 1915, Des Moines, Polk, Iowa; 1920, Des Moines Ward 4, Polk, Iowa; 1925, Des Moines Ward 5, Polk, Iowa; 1930, Des Moines, Polk, Iowa; California Death Index, 1940-1997, Social Security Death Index, and South Dakota Births, 1856-1903, on Ancestry.com.
------------------------------------

Paul H. & Olive B. McBeth Gravestone
in Glendale Cemetery, Polk County, Iowa
[From Iowa Gravestone Photo Project]

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Rev. Kermit C. Gladfelder, 1923-2007

The Daily Iowegian - 26 February 2007
---------------------------------------
  Pastor Kermit Gladfelder, age 83, of Centerville died Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville.
  He was born the son of Frank and Lilly (Hiner) Gladfelder on Feb. 28, 1923 near Moravia. He received his education in a Rural Appanoose County country school and later graduated from Vennard College in University Park.  Kermit served his country during WWII with the U.S. Army in Japan and was honorably discharged In December 1946.  
  On June 19, 1948, Kermit was united in marriage to Rosalie Zimmer in Centerville.
  He farmed for 17 years in Appanoose County and then in 1965, he become a Pastor in the United Methodist Church. He first served the Methodist Churches in Mystic, Jerome, Numa and Cincinnati, then was transferred to Attica where he served Attica Olive Chapel and Zion. Years later, he moved to State Center, where he served the Manerva Wesley Chapel Congregations and finally, moving to Correctionville, to serve the Methodist churches of Correctionville and Cushing. He retired after serving over 23 years in the ministry.
  He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Keith Gladfelder; and sister, Maxine Kaster.
  Kermit is survived by his wife, Rosalie Gladfelder of Centerville; sons, Timothy "Joel" Gladfelder of Moravia and Thomas Michael Gladfelder and his wife, Lisa of Eudora, Kan.; daughters, Fonda Sue Wettestad and her husband, James of Ankeny, Elaine Marie Heusinkveld and her husband, Michael of Sheldon; brother, Kester Gladfelder of Wapello; three grandchildren, Chas and Aaron Haworth and Allison Gladfelder.
  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. at the Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church in Centerville with Robert Pick officiating. Burial will follow at the Main Station Cemetery near Moravia.
  Visitation will be held on Monday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
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2007 Yearbook of the Iowa Annual Conference
of the United Methodist Church
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Rev. Kermit Clair Gladfelder 
Served the Jerome Methodist Church c1965-1970
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  Kermit was born on February 28, 1923 near Moravia, Iowa, the son of Frank and Lilly (Hiner) Gladfelder. He received his education in the rural Appanoose County Schools and later graduated from Vennard College in University Park, IA. He received a license to preach in the United Methodist Church from Garret Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, IL.
  Kermit served with the US Army in Japan during World War II. It was at this time that his love for foreign missions was born. He was honorably discharged on December 8, 1946. On June 19, 1948 he married Mary Rosalie Zimmer in Walnut City, Iowa.
  After farming for 17 years he became pastor of 4 small United Methodist Churches in Appanoose County. One of his greatest challenges in answering God's call to the ministry was education. Only the Lord could provide the faith for an adult, married, Iowa farmer, who had not attended high school, to enroll in Bible College, commute 95 miles a day, 4 days a week, and continue a full-time farming operation. He enjoyed witnessing through foreign missions in 8 countries. Kermit retired in 1988 following 23 years of service. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his family.
  Kermit died February 23, 2007 of complications from Alzheimers Disease at age 83. Memorial services were held February 27, 2007 at Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church in Centerville, IA with Robert Pick officiating. Burial was in the Main Station Cemetery near Moravia, IA. He is survived by his wife, Rosalie of Centerville, IA; sons, Joel of Moravia, IA and Thomas of Eudora, KS; daughters, Fonda Wettestad of Ankey, IA and Elaine Heusinkveld of Sheldon, IA; brother, Kester of Wapello, IA; and 4 grandchildren.

Rev. Elias Handy, 1860-1934

1934 Yearbook 
of the Iowa-Des Moines Annual Conference
of the Methodist Episcopal Church
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Rev. Elias Handy
Served Jerome and Mystic 1892-1896
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  Elias Handy, son of William and Elizabeth Handy, was born in West Bromwich, Staffordshire, England, March 21, 1860. He entered into the life with God, at Boone, Iowa, Thursday, March 1, 1934.
  He was dedicated to God, in infancy, by pious parents. At the age of nine years, he was received in a class of children into memberhsip with the Methodist church, in Dudley, England. He was licensed as an Exhorter, by the Dudley Circuit, in 1877; and as a Local Preacher, the year following. His religious experience began under the preaching of the American Evangelist, Dwight L. Moody, in Dingley Hall, Birmingham, England. He knew God by a personal knowledge and felt called to devote his life to the work of the Christian ministry.
  His education was in the Dudley Schools, where he took the required studies and passed the examination entitling him to a Teacher's Life Certificate, good throughout Great Britain. For three years, he served as Head Master in the Oskamoor Mills Schools. On account of failing eyesight, he gave up teaching, and came with his family to Ontario, Canada, where he spent five years on a farm in Glengarry county, and two years in Maitland and Irofquois, in the employ of the Grand Trunk Railway.
  Coming to the United States with his family in 1890, he supplied the Lebanon Circuit. In 1891, at Muscatine, he joined the Iowa Conference, on trial; and was returned to the same charge. He was ordained as a Local Deacon, by Bishop Cyrus D. Foss, at that Conference. He was admitted into full connection, at Mt. Pleasant, in 1893. His ordination as an Elder took place at Ottumwa, in 1895, by Bishop Randolph S. Foster. He served the Mystic charge four years; Newton circuit, three years; he was elected Professor of Pedagogy in Iowa Wesleyan college, 1902--serving a charge and doing his work in the college at the same time. In 1904, he graduated in Iowa Wesleyan college, receiving his degree of A.B., at the same time he was honoured by Cornell College conferring upon him the degree of Master of Arts. By a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees he was elected to the Chair of English in 1904, which he very gracefully declined, believing that his life work and his duty called him to the ministry of the Gospel rather than teaching.
  He served What Cheer charge three years; Washington, two years; Grinnell, five years. Bishop Edwin H. Hughes, transferred him to the Des Moines Conference, and he was stationed at Atlantic, 1912-16, he had the labor of building a church and entertaining the Conference; Creston, 1917-20; Corydon, 1921; Carroll, 1922-24; Valley Junction, 1925-26; Elliott, 1927-28. His health breaking through the exposure incident to his work, he was retired in 1929. His entire ministry had been that of a successful preacher, a popular pastor, a faithful and zealous worker for the Church of God, a booster for the town and community where he lived. He made friends for the Kingdom of our blessed Lord wherever he was appointed, and won many souls for God.
  He appeared to the best advantage in his domestic circle which he called and loved as home. On July 17, 1882, in the Wesleyan church, in Dudley, England, Reverend Henry Scholfield united him in marriage with Miss Anna Maria Southall, of Dudley. Five daughters and four sons were born to this happy union. One son, died in infancy. All the rest have received special training educationally above High School. At his death the family who mourned his departure, consisted of his widow, Miss Alice Elizabeth , a teacher in Boone; Rev. W. S. Handy, pastor at Goldfield, Northwest Iowa Conference; Donald J. of Norwood, New York; Miss Mary Louisa, at home; Mrs. Dillon Manchester, of Leon, Iowa; Mrs. D. C. Henry, Missionary of Sayo, Africa; Mrs. Frank Hanson, Peoria, Illinois; and Walter Newton Handy, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
  Brother Handy and his good companion were privileged on July 17, 1932, at Boone, to celebrate the fiftieth Anniversary of their wedding. It was a most joyous occasion to all concerned.
  The funeral services for Brother Handy took place from First Methodist church, in Boone, and were in charge of the family pastor, Rev. Frank G. Bean. A goodly company of ministers of the Conference were present. The funeral liturgy of the church was read; while the "Pastoral Symphony" from the "Messiah" was played by the organist. The Superintendent of Boone District offered prayer. Rev. William A. Longnecker, of Sigourneyh, a fellow classmate in the Conference, paid a beautiful tribute to his memory. At its close the body was by six of his brother ministers borne to a shady nook and laid to rest in the beautiful Linwood Park cemetery, East, Boone, Iowa. 
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Anna Maria Southall Handy
  Mrs. Anna Maria Handy, widow of the late Rev. Elias Handy, died Wednesday night, September 5, 1934, at the home in Boone, Iowa. She fell in the morning, fracturing her hip, suffered greatly all day and passed away in the evening. The funeral was held on Friday afternoon, in charge of Rev. Frank Bean, assisted by Rev. C. M. Edmundson, and the interment was made beside her husband in Linwood Park cemetery, East Boone.
  Ann Maria Southall, daughter of William and Emma Eliza Southall, was born in Dudley, England, October 9, 1859. In her childhood she became a member of the King Street Methodist Church of Dudley. On July 17, 1882, she was married to Elias Handy. Their first home was in Oakamoor, England. In the spring of 1885, they emigrated to Canada, and spent the next five years in Ontario, the first three years, on a farm in Glengarry county, the last two in Maitland and Iroquois. During these last years Mr. Handy was in the employ of the Grand Trunk railroad.
  In August 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Handy and family came to Iowa, and Mr. Handy entered the Iowa Conference. During the past 44 years, Mrs. Handy shared the fortunes of the parsonage and served the churches along with her husband. Her devotion to the Kingdom of our blessed Lord never wavered; a true mother in every sense of the word; a woman fitly described in the last chapter of the book of Proverbs. Of the eight children who grew to maturity, all but two are college graduates, and these two have had three years of special training in their chosen fields of service.
  Since his retirement in 1929, they have made their home in Boone, Iowa, where she endeared herself to many friends, who shared the closing days of her life with earnest friendship and kindly regard. Hers, was truly a life well spent.