Jerome School Students 1946-1947

Younger Class Room

  Mrs. Helen Murphy, Teacher; Robert Rotisky, Betty Zemo, Marion Zemo, Betty Hardy, Jerry Moore, Eleanor Radosivich, Bruce Clark, Donald Ervin, Unknown, Joe Clark, Mary Trall, Bill Hawkins, Unknown, Ray Nichols, Clifford Agan, Bobby Vruble, Richard Zemo, ?? Cochran, Jackie Fry, Wendell Agan, Larry Sedgwick, Davy Ponsetto, ?? Cochran, Roger Clark, Johnny Ponsetto, James Vruble, Joey Ponsetto.  Identity of persons transcribed from Memories of Jerome, Iowa, with corrections.

Older Class Room

  Top Row: Jimmy Ewards, Mary Hawkins, Boyd Cochran, Betty Vruble, Billy Fry,  Ernestine (Deputy) DalPonte (Teacher).

  Middle Row: Jackie Vruble, Frankie Zemo, Phyllis Vruble and Billy Don Dooley.

  Bottom Row: Wesley Nichols, Margaret Ann Massa, Norman Hefner, Vera Scott, Rowena Rash and Virginia Sedgwick.

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the Older Class Room photo with the names of the students to The Jerome Journal by Margaret Ann Massa Hagan of Texas. 

Dominic & Anna Giacomelli Massa

Massa Home in Jerome from Rear - February 1965

  Dominic R. Massa was born 24 August 1889 in Mathi, Turin, Italy, son of Frank Massa and Frances Gagliano, died 7 February 1970 [SSDI] at the Golden Age Manor in Centerville, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery following funeral services at the Johnson Funeral Home with Father Richard Steinemann officiating.  Dominic married 1 September 1912 in Italy Anna Giacomelli who was born 28 February 1892 in Italy, daughter of Joe Giacomelli and Catterina Tiancometta, died in October 1977 [SSDI] at Illini Hospital Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.
   He came to the United States and Appanoose County in 1913 and became a naturalized citizen [Appanoose County, Iowa, Naturalization Records, Book 8, Page 85].  On 8 June 1917 he completed his World War I Draft Registration in Centerville.

  He spent his life, until he retired, as a coal miner.  They made a trip back to Italy in 1950 arriving back in New York on 19 September 1950 from Genoa, Italy, aboard the ship Saturnia.  When Anna died, she had 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Left to Right: Joe, Frank & Anna Massa holding Barney

Probably Taken Late 1918

  Five children were born in this family:
  [1] Frank Joking "Chesco" Massa was born 19 June 1913 in Mathi, Italy, died 13 August 2000 at Mercy Hospital, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, [SSDI] and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery. Frank married 26 January 1936, in Numa, Appanoose County, Iowa, Jessie Margaret Clark who was born 21 June 1916, daughter of John Clark and Suzie Barker, died 12 June 1979, [SSDI] and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  
  Three daughters were born of this marriage: (a) Margaret Massa who married Kenneth Hagan, (b) Irene Massa who married Billy Main, and (c) Helen Massa who married Paul Tharp.  At the time of his death, he had 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
  Frank received his education in the Jerome school. He worked for forty-two years as a coal miner, the majority of the time at the New Gladstone Coal Company seven miles west of Centerville as one of the owner-operators until it closed in July 1971. He also worked at the Rathbun Fish Hatchery and for the city of Centerville mowing the Centerville City Park.  He was an active member of the 18-80 Club in Centerville.
  [2] Joeking J. Massa was born 14 January 1916 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 17 May 1991 at Illini Hospital, Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois, [SSDI] and was buried in Roselawn Memorial Estates, East Moline, Illinois.  He married 9 August 1941 in Unionville, Missouri, Florence Bernice Rhodes who was born 9 April 1914 in Plano, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of Charles Rhodes and Ella Blanche Swan, died 17 July 2009 at Rosewood Care Center, Moline, Rock Island County, Illinois, [SSDI] and was buried in Roselawn Memorial Estates in Moline, Illinois. 
  Four children were born of this marriage: (a) Charles D. Massa who married Mary Lou, (b) Ellagene Massa who married Mr. Rosenberry; (c) Joan Massa who married Don Strunk; and (d) Connie Massa who married Robert Jacobs.  At the time of Bernice's death, she had ten grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren.
  Joe received his education in the Jerome School and graduated in the Class of 1931-1932. Joe was a member of International Harvester Retirees and was a board member of the Silvis Heights Water Corporation for twenty-five years. He enjoyed gardening and taking his grandsons fishing. 
  Bernice was a member of the First Baptist Church of East Moline. Her faith was quiet, but constant and strong. She was an accomplished seamstress. Along with sewing and altering for her children and grandchildren, she did altering for friends. Her other hobbies included crocheting, embroidering and reading poetry from her many poetry books. She had been a 4-H leader when her children were young and was in a Bunco club with neighbors for over forty years. Bernice was a wonderful cook and had favorites of her children. Her special candy bowl was always nearby for all visitors to her home. 
  [3] Barney Massa was born 24 March 1918 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, and died 15 February 1982 in Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois [SSDI].  He married in 1942 in Missouri Anna Victoria Wiemers who was born 14 June 1919 in Moline, Illinois, and died 23 March 1983 in East Moline, Illinois [SSDI]. 
  Four children were born of this marriage: (a) James Massa, (b) Judith Ann Massa, (c) Jerry Alan Massa and (d) David Michael Massa.
  While living in Rock Island County, Illinois, he enlisted 12 February 1942 at Camp Grant in Illinois into the Warrant Officers, United States Navy.  After his military service he became developed his own business as a concrete mason in the Quad Cities.

Dominick Massa holding Joe, 

Frank standing in back, Barney standing in front,

and Anna Massa

Probably taken in Summer of 1919

  [4] Edward Eugene Massa was born in 27 January 1921 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa; he received his basic education in the Jerome School from which he graduated in the Class of 1938.  After graduation he entered the U. S. Navy, became a Seaman First Class, was awarded the Purple Heart, and died on 11 October 1943 when the U.S.S. Wahoo, the submarine on which he was serving, was sunk in the La Perouse Strait in Northern Japan by a combination of air attack and depth charging. 
  [5] Frances Massa was born in 1926 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was married 2 August 1947 to Edward C. Jacobs. [Both are living.] One son was born of this marriage: William Edward Jacobs. 

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  The Massa family was enumerated in the 1920 U.S. Federal Census, the 1930 U.S. Federal Census and the 1925 Iowa State Census -- pages 46-47-48 -- for Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa. 
  Appanoose County, Iowa, Massa Probate Records: (1) Dominic Massa, Estate, Frank Massa - Administrator, Filed 17 March 1970, Book 31, Page 233, Probate #9733.0, Roll #188, Frame #2732, Box #380; and (2) Jessie Margaret Massa, Estate, Frank J. Massa - Administrator, Filed 2 April 1985, Book 40, Page 51, Probate #12411.0, Roll #219, Frame #1211, Box #480.

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the three photographs above to The Jerome Journal by Ella Gene Massa Rosenberry of Indiana.

Capt. Elijah E. Harvey ------------------- Company B, Sixth Kansas Cavalry

 History of Butler County, Kansas

Lawrence, KS: Standard Publishing Company, 1916

Pages 420-421

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  Capt. Elijah E. Harvey was a soldier of two wars, the war with Mexico and the great Civil war. In the latter he was captain of Company B, Sixth Kansas cavalry. His company was enlisted in Appanoose county, Iowa, and they were assigned to the war on the border of Kansas and Missouri through the war, and was honorably discharged.

  After the war was over, he returned to his home in Appanoose county, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile business at Bellaire, Iowa, and Unionville, Mo. Following financial losses in these places he decided to go west, and in October, 1872, in company with several other families, we left Numa, Iowa, and came, by wagon train to Butler county. We were three weeks on the road and, like Abraham of old, brought with us our flocks and our herds, seeking "a land flowing with milk and honey."

  We reached our destination in October, and first settled in a two-story, frame house on what was the the Smith claim in Bloomington township. My father began his work, as a pioneer preacher of the Church of Christ, during our stay in this house. Some of his first preaching was done in the home of J. C. Riley. Father went wherever he was called, and preached in private houses, school houses, halls, churches or groves as time, season and circumstances permitted. The outdoor meetings were held in groves, and were notable gatherings where the brethren and sisters came from all over the county, and sometimes from adjoining counties, with well filled baskets of fried chicken and other good things, such as could be obtained in these early days, to spend a day of worship, under the whispering trees of the groves, which William Cullen Bryant so fittingly designated as "God's First Temples." "Dunn's Grove," near the mill of that name, at Douglass was one of the most popular places for such gatherings. My father was a pioneer in spirit and loved the broad prairies, the flowing streams, the shady groves and the blue skies of Sunny Kansas.

  In the spring of 1873 he moved into his own house, built of native lumber, on his claim in Logan township on Muddy Creek, and started in to wrest from the soil a living for himself and his family. His farming was mostly done by proxy for he was no farmer, his preaching was the work of his heart. 

  He was in the truest sense a soldier, and served his country well; he was known in Grand Army and political circles as Captain Harvey, and his sword and sash have graved the forms of more than one marshal of the day in civic and political parades. He was a good citizen and served as registrar of deeds of Butler county through two terms; but the greatest battles of his life were those fought against unrighteousness, under the command of the "Prince of Peace." His work in Butler county resulted in the establishing of Churches of Christ at El Dorado, Augusta, Douglass, Leon, Haverhill, and Benton in Butler county. He did not confine his labors to that locality, but ministered to the churches in Winfield, Udall, Wellington, Belle Plains, and Eureka. In El Dorado, he baptized many people, among who I recall Mrs. John Betts, Mrs. N. F. Frazier, Mrs. Dan Bronson, Mrs. Josh Lambdin, Mrs. Donnelly, Mrs. M. I. Morgan, Mrs. John Shelden and Charles Selig. He was held in high esteem by men of affairs of all creeds and shades of faith and by those who accepted no visible church fellowship. Like all men who accomplish good work for humanity, he had at times, heart aches over the unkind acts of false friends and unjust criticisms, from those who did not see from the same view point; but, through it all he kept himself pure and honorable in life and deed, a man generous to those in need, sympathetic with youth, open handed, sincere, hospitable and forgiving.

  He died at Wichita, Kansas, May 7, 1906, at the ripe age of four score years, and his body rests in the Hillside Cemetery at El Dorado, where so much of his life work was done. His soul is returned to God, who gave it and whom he served. The old stone church on North Main street, El Dorado, is his memorial, more than the stained glass window in the new Church of Christ on Central avenue, which bears his name. He rests from his labors and his works do follow him.

Emma Harvey Johnson

Barney Massa, 1918-1982

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

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  Services for Barney Massa, 63, of 300 Kennedy Drive, East Moline, who died Monday [15 February 1982], will be 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline.

  The Rev. Charles DeWitte of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Colona, will officiate. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Estate.

  Visitation is until 4 this afternoon and 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home.

  Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

  He had been a cement finisher 35 years and also had been employed at Centennial Contractors, Colona.

  Mr. Massa was born in Jerome, Iowa. He married Anna Wiemers in 1942 in Missouri.

  He was a veteran of World War II and a member of Cement Masons, Local 544.

  Survivors include the widow; a daughter, Mrs. Judy Coopman, Rapids City; sons, James, Colona, Jerry, Rapids City, and David, Coal Valley; five grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Frances Jacobs, East Moline, and brothers, Frank, Centerville, Iowa, and Joe, Silvis Heights.

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Funeral Card for Anna Weimers Massa

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary and funeral cards to The Jerome Journal by Charles Massa. 

Anna Giacomelli Massa, 1892-1977

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

-----------------------

  Mrs. Anna Massa, 85, of 205 9th Ave., Silvis, formerly of Centerville, Iowa, died Friday at Illini Hospital.

  Services will be 1 p.m. Monday at the Johnson Funeral Home, Centerville, Iowa. Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery, near Centerville.

  Visitation will be 7 to 9 tonight at the funeral home where a rosary will be recited at 7 tonight.

  Anna Giacomelli was born in Italy. She married Dominick Massa in Italy. He died in 1969.

  Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Ed Jacobs, East Moline; sons, Frank, Centerville, Joe, Silvis, and Barney, East Moline; 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren.

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary to The Jerome Journal by Charles Massa. 

Arthur Barney Felkner, 1892-1990

  Arthur Barney Felkner was born on March 24, 1892, the second son of John and Mary Kingsberry Felkner.
  Barney was a man who lived life fully and abundantly. The grandson of an early settler in Johns Township, Barney knew hundreds of people in Appanoose County and liked them all. Even as a young man he was known for his good nature and generosity.
  Barnery never attended high school or college. He left the classroom in the little country school across the road at the end of fifth grade to help his father with the farming. Over the years he farmed first with his father and brothers, then in partnership with his brother Jim, and finally with Jim and nephew Paul. He loved the Century Farm which was his home from birth to death, and found pleasure in the changing seasons, the growing crops, and the wild life around him. Once Barney trained a team of four baby crows, which came at Barney's whistle to perch on his shoulder or on a stepladder on the lawn.
  As a young man Barney began to call square dances and to act as auctioneer for the box suppers that were customary fund-raisers for the country schools and churches. At the age of 90 he still called the "do-si-do's" at the nursing home while his young friends danced to entertain the residents.
  During World Ware I Barney served with the 88th Heavy Artillary in southern France; after the war he became an early member of the American Legion and retained those close ties throughout his life.
  In 1947 Barney married Nancy VanDeVenter at Atchison, Kansas. Nancy and Barney loved to dance or travel. Barney also bowled for many years, often bowling on two teams every week. At the age of 80 he bowled a 287, which stood as a record for the local bowling alley for many years.
  Barney also worked at the Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair for 47 years, serving as the superintendent for 25 of those years.
  During World War II Barney served on the Appanoose County Selective Service Board for 6 1/2 years, being chairman for four of those years. He received several citations from Presidents Roosevelt and Truman for this service.
  In 1972 Nancy Felkner suffered a stroke which kept her confined to a nursing home until her death in 1979. During those years Barney visited the home daily, keeping Nancy company and "helping out the old folks," in his own words. He organized square dance parties and Hot Dog Days; wheeled residents when they needed a bit of help, and cheered up anyone who came along. Even after Nancy's death, Barney returned often to visit and serve his friends.
  Following eye surgery in 1985, Barney could no longer live alone, but even after his move to the Extended Care Center of the hospital, he continued bowling until he was 96 years old. He remained a cheerful friend until deteriorating health resulted in his death on September 6, 1990.
  Barney Felkner is survived by his loving nephew Paul who cared for him for many years, and by his niece, Margaret Jarnagin of Des Moines. Others who celebrate the long, happy and blessed life of Barney Felkner include Myrtle Felkner and Chester Jarnagin, Barbara and Steve Gardner, Joan Felkner, Bill and Natalie Felkner, Tom and Debbie Jarnagin, Ted and Rita Jarnagin, and his great-great nieces and nephews Dianne Clarke, Emily Felkner, Scott, Todd and Brad Jarnagin and Sheila Jarnagin. Remembering him fondly are also a host of friends and distant relatives who thank God for the life of this happy, active, thoughtful and generous friend. 

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the above obituary to The Jerome Journal by Myrtle Felkner of Centerville, Iowa. 

Jerome School Students 1922-1923

Daily Iowegian - 22 August 2002

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the above newspaper clipping to The Jerome Journal by Ella Gene Rosenberry of Indiana.

Jerome School Class 1931-1932

Jerome School Class 1931-1932

  Front Row (left to right): Joe Massa, Helen Purdy and Kenneth Owen.

  Second Row (left to right); Harold Main (Principal), Anna Starcevich, Carl Smith, Margaret Anderson.

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this school picture to The Jerome Journal by Ella Gene Massa Rosenberry.

Joeking J. Massa, 1916-1991

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

--------------------------

  Joeking J. Massa, 75, of 505 8th Ave., Silvis, died May 17, 1991, at Illini Hospital, Silvis.

  Services are 1:30 p.m. Monday at Schroder Mortuary, Silvis. Burial is in Roselawn Memorial Estates, East Moline. 

  Visitation is 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. today. Memorials may be made to the Heart Fund.

Joeking J. Massa

  Mr. Massa was born Jan. 14, 1916, in Jerome, Iowa, the son of Dominick and Anna Giacomelli Massa. He married Florence Bernice Rhodes Aug. 9, 1941, in Unionville, Mo.

  He was a member of International Harvester Retirees and was a board member of the Silvis Heights Water Corporation for 25 years.

  He enjoyed gardening and taking his grandsons fishing.

  Survivors include the widow; daughters, Ellagene Rosenberry, Elkhart, Ind., Joan Strunk, Centerville, Iowa, and Connie Jacob, Bettendorf; a son, Charles D. Massa, Silvis; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Francis Jacobs, East Moline; and a brother, Frank Massa, Centerville. 

--------------------------------------------

  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary and picture to The Jerome Journal by Ella Gene Massa Rosenberry. 

Bernice Rhodes Massa, 1914-2009

Quad City Times - 18 July 2009

------------------------

 SILVIS, Ill. — Florence Bernice Massa, 95, died Friday, July 17, 2009, at Rosewood Care Center, Moline. She lived in Silvis Heights, Silvis, for 60 years.

  Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2009, at Schroder Mortuary, Silvis. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memorial Estates, Moline. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, East Moline, or to Rosewood Nursing Home.

Florence Bernice Rhodes Massa

  Florence Bernice Massa was born April 9, 1914, in Plano, Iowa, to Charles and Ella Blanche (Swan) Rhodes. Bernice graduated in 1922 from Promise City High School in Promise City, Iowa. Before her marriage she was a domestic for a family in Centerville, Iowa. On August 9, 1941, she married Joeking Massa in Unionville, Missouri. He died in May 1991. She was a member of First Baptist Church, East Moline. Her faith was quiet, but constant and strong.
  Bernice was an accomplished seamstress. Along with sewing and altering for her children and grandchildren, she did altering for friends. Her other hobbies included crocheting, embroidering and reading poetry from her many poetry books. She had been a 4-H leader when her children were young and was in a Bunco club with neighbors for over 40 years. Bernice was a wonderful cook and had favorites of her children. Her special candy bowl was always nearby for all visitors to her home.
  Bernice is survived by children, Charles ( Mary Lou) Massa, Silvis, Ellagene Rosenberry, Elkhart, Indiana, Joan (Don) Strunk, Centerville, Iowa, and Connie (Bob) Jacob, Bettendorf, Iowa; grandchildren, Mark (Lisa) Massa, John (Gina) Massa, Kristin (Rob) Davis, Mike (Barb) Rosenberry, Donna (John) Hoogenboom, Jill (Greg) Churchill, Gloria (Kyle) Gordon, Darrell (Jeri) Strunk, Colleen (Jonathan) Greko, and Rob (Denise) Jacob; 21 great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Rowan, Centerville, Iowa, and Coy (Tom) Sorak, Ottumwa, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews both locally and out-of-town.
  Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joeking, brother, Charles, and sisters, Ilene (Mike) Strunk, Ruth Humphreys, and June Leach.
  The family wishes to thank the Rosewood staff for the wonderful and loving care they g ave Bernice and Heartland Hospice for excellent and loving care they provided.

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Editor's Notes

  Her husband, Joeking Massa, was born 14 January 1916 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Dominick Massa and Anna Giancomelli, died 17 May 1991, and was buried in Rose Lawn Memorial Estates, Moline, Illinois. 

Jerome School Students

Students in Front of Old School Building in Jerome

Early 1900s - Year Unknown

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this photograph to The Jerome Journal by Keith Owen of Colorado [former Jerome area resident].

Jerome School Play 1934-1935

Cast of School Play 1934-1935

Jerome Public School
[Click Picture to Enlarge]

  Tall girl on far left is Marie Stoner.  Bride and groom may be Maxine Anderson and Junior Kennell. Girl to the back and right of bride is Frances Massa. Girl in front row facing left is Phyllis Hawkins. Girl in dark dress, sixth from the right is Dorothy Hamm.  If you can identify others in this picture, please note them in a comment below. 

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this photograph to The Jerome Journal by Phyllis Hawkins Cain of Papillion, Nebraska. 

Jerome School Students - May 1935

Grades K-1-2 - May 1935

Jerome Students

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  Front Row: Junior Kennel (?), Unknown, Unknown, Richard Brown, Unknown.

  2nd Row: Barbara King, Deloris Rash, Leroy Moore, Pam Dooley, Unknown, Phyllis Hawkins, Gay Moore.

  3rd Row: Unknown, Billy Mincks, Jimmy Dooley, Freeman Squires, Unknown, Unknown.

  Back Row: Unknown, Winifred Sedgwick, Marie Stoner.

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this photograph to The Jerome Journal by Phyllis Hawkins Cain of Papillion, Nebraska. 

Jerome School Students - Fall 1937

Grades 3-4-5 - Jerome School

September 1937

------------------------------

  Front Row: Barbara King, Unknown, Jimmy Dooley, Phyllis Hawkins, Marjorie McElvain, Frances Massa, Billy Mincks.

  2nd Row: Freeman Squires, Gay Moore, Unknown, Unknown.

  3rd Row: Unknown, Tony Yonavich, Unknown, Marie Stoner.

  4th Row: Unknown, Unknown, Winifred Sedgewick, Shirley Johnson.

  Top: Miss Cleo Baughman, Unknown.

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this photograph to The Jerome Journal by Phyllis Hawkins Cain of Papillion, Nebraska. 

Jerome School Students

Grades 6-7-8 - Janet Cathcart, Teacher

Year Unknown

Jerome Students - Janet Gillespie, Teacher
Year Unknown

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of these two school pictures to The Jerome Journal by Keith Owen of Colorado [former Jerome area resident].

Thomas Grocery Store - 1912

Thomas Grocery Store

Frank Thomas with Charlotte and Edward

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  The Editor appreciates the contribution of this photograph of the Thomas Grocery Store to The Jerome Journal from Keith Owen of Colorado [former Jerome area resident].

Robert Kingsbury, Jr.

The History of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878, Page 580]

------------------------------------------

  Robert Kingsbury, Jr. farmer, Sec. 26; P.O. Centerville; born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1823; son of Robert K. Sr., who was born in the same county in 1802, and died there in 1858. Robert was employed upon his father's farm until 24 years of age; in 1848, he came to this country, landing in New York June 13; went to Cleveland, Ohio, for one month; thence to Xenia, Ohio, where he engaged in railroading, firing on the Little Miami R.R.; aferward ran a stationary engine for a time; then as an engineer running a switch engine for three years, receiving $4.25 per day. On February 26, 1850, married Miss Sarah Mills, a native of his birthplace; she was born Jan. 1, 1828; with her mother came to this country in 1836; they remained in New York, where her mother died three months after landing; she came to Springfield, Ohio.  In February, 1864, Robert Kingsbury enlisted in Co. K, 184th Ohio V.I.; did guard duty at Fort Bridgeport and Chattanooga; mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio, in September 1864. In September, 1866 they came to Iowa, having in 1853 purchased 180 acres of land where he now lives; owns 220 acres valued at $25 per acre. Have six children: W. D., born June 11, 1852; George, May 26, 1865; Mary, Jan. 7, 1858; Robert, Jr., Oct. 6, 1861; Jennie, Aug. 8, 1865; and Maggie, Aug. 8, 1868; lost two children-- Sallie, born in February 1854, died at Xenia, Ohio, in January, 1856; Martha, born Dec. 23, 1850, died Dec. 12, 1877.  Has held office as secretary of the School Board, member of A. F. & A. M., No. 133, of Bellair. Republican; members of the M. E. Church.

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  The Editor appreciates the contribution of the above biographical article to The Jerome Journal by Myrtle Felkner of Centerville, Iowa.  Her husband's grandmother was Mary Kingsbury, daughter of Robert Kingsbury Jr., who married John C. Felkner, as his second wife.  His first wife was Martha Kingsbury, Mary's sister, who died in childbirth. 

Felkner & Stone Generosity to Miners

Moulton Tribune - 9 February 1894

------------------------

  The miners of this place (better known as Gladstone) have been in a starving condition for the past week on account of not enough work to keep soul and body together, so yesterday Mr. John Felkner, a rich farmer living close to this place made a proposition to let the miners take their choice out of his pen of fattening steers if the merchant, C. E. Stone, would give them sacks of flour, which was agreed to.
  The steer was butchered and drawn in lots and the flour equally divided among thirty families, and the scene was a pitiful one indeed. Everything passed off in orderly manner, and the Messrs. Stone and Felkner have the everlasting gratitude of the community in their assistance in driving the wolf from the door of these people."

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  The Editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this article to The Jerome Journal by Myrtle Felkner of Centerville, Iowa.  The John Felkner in the article was the grandfather of her husband, Paul Eugene Felkner.

Lora Alice Carter Stone, 1911-1994

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary

------------------------

  Lora A. Stone passed away Monday, August 1, 1994 at the age of 82 years, 9 months and 5 days at the Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, [Lucas County], Iowa. She was born October 26, 1911 at Dannebrog, [Howard County], Nebraska, the daughter of [Ambrose Geohegan] Miles and Cora [Alice] (Meader) Carter.

  She was united in marriage to Edgar W[alter] Stone [on 29 May 1936 in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska], and he preceded her in death on October 9, 1985 [in Iowa with burial in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa]. Also preceding her in death were her parents; two brothers, Raymond and Dale; and seven brothers-in-law, Allen Harrison, Fred Ludwig, Richard Epp and Carl, Raymond, Ernest and Lee Stone.

  Lora is survived by her son, Harold and wife, Sharon of Powersville, Missouri; two granddaughters, Wanita and husband, Mike Gibbs of Promise City, Iowa, and Annette and husband, Mike Finlay of Loraine, Illinois; one grandson, Pete Stone of Allerton, Iowa; four great-grandchildren, Trenna Toni and Tyler Gibbs and Nicholas Stone and little friend, Sherry. Also surviving is one sister, Bertha Harrison of Fresno, California; sisters-in-law, Viola Carter of Pocatello, Idaho; Opal Ludwig of Browning, Missouri; Etta Stone of Elm Creek, Nebraska; Rosella Stone of Elm Creek, Nebraska; Margaret Epp of Kearney, Nebraska; Evelyn Stone of Lake Tahoe, California; and Babe Copass of Cozad, Nebraska; one brother-in-law, Roy Stone and wife Florence of Centerville, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

  Lora was raised near Erickson, [Wheeler County], Nebraska and attended school at Erickson and Kearney, [Buffalo County], Nebraska. She and Edgar spent all of their married life engaged in farming, first in Nebraska, later in Missouri and finally settled in Iowa. She had continued to live on the farm they shared near Sewal [Wayne County, Iowa] until the time of her death.

  Lora's special joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to work in her garden and spent her winters at the quilting frames. She shared her handmade quilts with her family and has kept them all warm.

  Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 3, 1994, at 1:30 p.m. from the Randolph Funeral Home, Seymour, [Wayne County, Iowa], with Rev. Susen LeBlanc officiating. The hymn "In The Garden" was played. Pallbearers were Pete Stone, Michael Gibbs, Mike Finlay, Sam Stone, Ronald Ludwig, Wayne Ludwig and Dean Ludwig. Interment was in the Jerome Cemetery, [Appanoose County, Iowa]. A memorial was established to a Scholarship Fund at the University of Utah. 

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Notes for Lora A. Carter Stone

--1920 U.S. Federal Census, Clear Creek, Wheeler, Nebraska; Roll T625_1003, Page 1A; ED 268; Image 564 on Ancestry.com. 

--1930 U.S. Federal Census, Kearney, Buffalo, Nebraska; Roll 1267; Page 20A; ED 26; Image 368.0 on Ancestry.com. 

--SSDI: Lora A. Stone, SSN: 484-84-0584 issued Iowa (1974), Born 26 Oct 1911, Died 1 Aug 1994, Last Residence: 50060 Corydon, Wayne, Iowa, USA

Notes for Edgar Walter Stone

--1910 U.S. Federal Census, Achilles, Rawlins, Kansas; Roll T624_453; Page 6A; ED 151; Image 267 on Ancestry.com. 

--1920 U.S. Federal Census, Wood River, Dawson, Nebraska; Roll T625_983; Page 11A; ED 116; Image 986 on Ancestry.com.

--1930 U.S. Federal Census, Grant, Buffalo, Nebraska; Roll 1267; Page 2A; ED 18; Image 184.0 on Ancestry.com. 

--SSDI: Edgar Stone, SSN: 507-14-8143 issued Nebraska (Before 1951), Born 5 Oct 1910, Died Oct 1985, Last Residence: 52589 Selma, Van Buren, Iowa, USA

Notes for Edgar & Lora Stone's Families

--OneWorldTree on Ancestry.com. 

--Unnamed Anonymous GEDCOM File on Ancestry World Tree Project.

--Carter & Damewood GEDCOM File posted 18 July 2007 by Judy Damewood.

William Robert Hefner, 1906-1986

Seymour Herald - 2 October 1986

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  William Robert Hefner, Bill as he was known to his family and friends, was born November 19, 1906 at Jerome, Iowa, the son of William and Elizabeth Forsythe Hefner. He passed away September 26, 1986 at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Centerville, at the age of 79 years, 10 months and 7 days.

  Bill was united in marriage to Harriett Hart September 6, 1930. To this union two children were born. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in September of 1980.

  Bill spent most of his life farming in the Jerome area except for two years when he worked on a milk route in Detroit, Michigan.

  He was a member of the Jerome United Methodist Church.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Harriett, in February of 1984.

  Bill is survived by his two children; Mrs. W. E. (Colleen) Henderson of Des Moines, Iowa and Norman Hefner of Seymour, four grandchildren; Jill Pearson of Des Moines, Iowa, Mark Hefner of Centerville, Iowa, Roma Snook of Chariton, Iowa and Henry Hefner of Seymour, and six great grandchildren. Also a sister Lena Burkett of Des Moines, Iowa and a host of other relatives and friends.

  Bill was a kind and loving father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed by all who knew him.

  Services were held Monday, September 29, 1986, at 10:30 a.m. from Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with the Rev. Don Bardole, officiating. The hymns "Going Down The Valley" and "In The Garden" were sung by Dick Strope with Iris Merritt pianist. Pallbearers were Paul McElvain, James McElvain, Barney Mallett, Wilbur Rupalo, Kenneth Owen and Carl Hamm. Interment was in the Jerome Cemetery.

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Card of Thanks

  May we take this method of thanking our neighbors and friends for their kind expressions of sympathy in our recent bereavement. These expressions have been deeply appreciated. Special thanks to the Golden Age Manor Nursing Home and the staff.

  --The Family of William Hefner

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Gravestone of William R. and Harriett M. Hefner

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 7, Block 23, Lot 9