Seymour's Old Settlers Celebration

The Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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Excerpts from Keepin' In Touch by Vickie

  Our weekend weather for Old Settlers couldn't have been much better. With a bit of a breeze, the warm temperature didn't seem so bad, especially if you could stay in the shade.

  Our annual celebration is a very good example of donation of time and talent by many volunteers. If it weren't for the work of so many people, the entire event just couldn't happen. There are just so many people involved, it would be nearly impossible to name them all. People observing our community just can't say enough good comments about how well Seymour does at putting our celebration together. So "Job Well Done" to ALL involved!

  2012 will be our 3rd effort of an All School Reunion for Old Settlers to be the second Saturday of July which will be July 14th weekend. The Harl Reunion now coordinates with Old Settlers each year, so members of that family can enjoy several attractions while in the area.

  Plans are already in the works for next year's celebration. Mark your calendars for July 13-15, 2012 Old Settler's/All School Reunion and suggestions, ideas and volunteers WELCOME!

  I think the McElvain family coordinates their reunion with Old Settlers, so several of that family (Harold's kids and families) gathered at the local cabins and enjoyed the weekend together.

  Somehow Seymour people always enjoy out of town guest who like our town. College friend of Caleb Housh says Old Settlers is his favorite weekend of the year. Simple pleasures of life are some of the most enjoyed.

  Olivia Power told her grandmother, Jill Housh, that Old Settler's is her "FAVORITE holiday of the year!"

70th Annual John & Christina Rigler Harl Reunion

The Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  Descendants of John T. and Christina Rigler Harl met at the Seymour Community Center Sunday, July 10, for the 70th annual Harl Reunion.

  Arthur Bryant asked the blessing on the potluck dinner. Following the dinner, President Lynn Holdeman conducted the business meeting. Reports were given by family members and for family members who could not be present. Family photos and memorabilia were shared and displayed.

  New officers elected to serve for the 2012 Harl reunion are Ray Cook, president; Don Bryant, vice president; and Elaina Tuttle, secretary-treasurer. Tentative date for the 2012 reunion is Sunday of the Seymour Old Settlers celebration.

  Twenty eight persons registered for the day. They were Don and Millie Kerr of Bella Vista, Ark., Don and Sue Bryant of Jackson, Tn., Dr. Neil and Darlene Harl of Ames and their guests, Dick and Faye Mullenix of Red Oak, Arthur and Mary Jane Bryant of Indianola, Dennis and Elaina Tuttle and Sherry and Randy Middlebrook of Corydon, Brian and Lynn Holdeman of Madrid, Carolyn Wickam, Ray and Shirley Cook, Henry, Barbara and Ruth Adams, Devon, Heather, Ashlynn and Landen Sharp, and Wendy and Rich Choponis of Seymour.

Newton Robert Scott, Private, 36th Iowa Infantry

Letters Home from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War

Newton Robert Scott, Private, 

Company A, 36th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

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  These letters are part of a collection written by Newton Robert Scott, Private, Company A, of the 36th Infantry, Iowa Volunteers. Most of the letters were written to Scott's neighborhood friend Hannah Cone, in their home town of Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, over the three year period that he served as Company A's clerk. The final letter, describing the long-awaited mustering out in August of 1865, was written to his parents.

  Scott's letters to Hannah are filled with rich details of the war and the living conditions in the Union camps in Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas. He tells of the terrible diseases that took a heavier toll than Confederate bullets, and the soldiers' frustration and impatience with the politicians in Washington.

 

  Newton Robert Scott

  Not only do we get a clerk's detailed account of the activities of Company A and the "boys of Monroe County," we also get a glimpse into the emotions of a 21-year-old farm boy uprooted from his family, friends, and sweetheart. In spite of his obvious education and proper upbringing, his polite prose sometimes gives way to impatience and sarcasm as he acknowledges Hannah's accounts of the many fairs, socials, and weddings taking place at home. Indeed he must endure the most embittering news of all when he is told that his sweetheart, "darling Hattie" has forsaken him to marry another. 

  Even though Scott & his comrades prayed for a Confederate surrender before their three year enlistment was completed, they were to serve the full term and were sent home five months after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

  The story does not end here. A year after returning home Scott married Hannah, his faithful correspondent, with whom he raised nine children. Newton and Hannah lived long, productive lives. Hannah raised her family and died of heart failure at 69. Newton was a mail clerk for the railroad for 41 years. He died a peaceful death at 83.

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  Above text and picture from the website of Letters Home from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War written by Linda Proudfoot.  The website was developed by Bill Proudfoot, a librarian at West Valley College in Saratoga, California.

Forty-Plus Descendants of Jason Lawrence and Cecil McElvain Gathered for Weekend Reunion

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  The descendants of Jason Lawrence and Cecil McElvain gathered for a weekend reunion. There were forty three for dinner Sunday at Walden Park Clubhouse in Corydon.

  Attending were Paul and Helen McElvain, Terry and Janice McElvain of Centerville, Chris and Kaley McElvain and Adalynn of Homestead, Ia., Bonnie and Hugo Keyner of Tuscon, Az., John and Marcella McElvain of Council Bluffs, James and Melinda McElvain and Skylar and Austin of Corydon, Dave and Shelly and Savannah McElvain Seymour, Brady McElvain of Cedar Falls, Chase and Tia McElvain of Corydon, James and Virginia Berner of Waukee, Steve and Jodie Welsh and Branden and Taylor of West Des Moines, Kenny and Pam McElvain of Liberal, Ks., Brad and Stacey McElvain and Elliott and Alex of Holt, Mo., John and Christie Nowak of Topeka, Ks., MJ and Jeanie McElvain of Ames, Heather Spangler and Annabelle of Cedar Rapids, Melissa and Adam Blank of DeWitt, Ia., and Cindy Inman of St. Louis, Mo.

Franklin Baptist Church Open House Well Attended

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  A large number of persons attended the open house at the Franklin Baptist Church of Livingston in Franklin Township, Appanoose County, IA, Sunday afternoon, July 10.

  The church has recently been renovated and restored using as much of the original church as was possible with era specific renovation where needed.

  During removal of the old floor covering, the original baptistery was discovered and was opened for display during the open house. The bell, which is housed in the bell tower, was rung at the beginning of the event. The pews used in the building were gifts from the Numa Christian Church when it closed several years ago. Gifts of a 1913 era pump reed organ and a communion table which were used in the 1860s Heartland Church from north of Ottumwa were given by Richard and Faye Mullenix of Red Oak. The Mullenixes were present at the open house. Mrs. Mullenix played hymns on the organ during the afternoon and at times accomanied her husband and Don and Art Bryant as they sang.

  Plans are for the building to be used for church activities and other events in the future.

Jerome UMC Bluegrass Music/Barbeque

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  There will be bluegrass, gospel music and a barbeque Sunday, July 17. A free will donation will be taken.

  On the menu will be pulled pork and beef, potato salad, baked beans, chips, salad, cookies, melon and drink.

  The music will be bluegrass gospel music by the Exline family, Jerry Vinden and family, Tasha Irving and Fine Line Bluegrass.

Jerome Cemetery: New Section, Block 20, Lot 12 -- Clarence Ridgeway & Mae Bell (Brinkley) Porter

Jerome Cemetery - New Section

Block 30, Lot 12, Row 4

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  Clarence Ridgeway Porter was born 31 August 1888 in Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Charles E. Porter and Louise Addie Ridgeway, died 26 June, 1974, in Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa, and was buried 29 June 1974 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following funeral services at the Liggett-Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  He married 15 March 1911 in Appanoose County, Iowa, Mae Bell Brinkley who was born 17 May 1889 in Franklin Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of Charles Brinkley and Laura Mae Farmer, died 10 June 1966 at St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 12 June 1966 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following funeral services at the Liggett Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  Three children were born to this marriage: Velma Marie Porter, Charles W. Porter and Joe C. Porter.

 Gravestone of Clarence R. & Mae Bell Porter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Back of Gravestone of

Clarence R. and Mae Bell Porter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Children of Clarence R. Porter & Mae Bell Brinkley

Benton Courier - Arkansas - 19 March 2007

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Velma Marie Porter Shook Panyk, 1912-2007

  Velma Marie Panyk, 94, of Benton died Saturday, March 17, 2007. She was born May 15, 1912, in Centerville, Iowa to Clarence and Maebelle Porter.

  Mrs. Panyk was a medical aide and a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 25 years.

  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

  Survivors include two sons, George Phillips of Benton and Robert Phillips and wife, Jane, of West Point, Calif.; two daughters, Imajean Ruth Welch and husband, Don, of Washington and Marietta Perman of Kenosha, Wis.; and 11 grandchildren.

  Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ashby Funeral Home of Benton.

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Ad-Express/Iowegian - May 1992

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Charles W. Porter, 1914-1992

  Charles W. Porter, 77, of Rockford, formerly of this area, died at his home Sunday, May 24, 1992.

  He was born Aug. 19, 1914, in Exline, to Clarence and Mae Brinkley Porter. He married Eunice E. Geringer in Des Moines Dec. 26, 1934. She survives.

  Also surviving are nine sons, Jimmie (Mary) of Rockford, Clarence (Julie) of Littleton, Colo., Charles L. of Marengo, Ill., Harold (Bonita) of Rockford, Clyde (Judy) of Rockford, Michael (Sharon) of Rockford, Richard of N. Little Rock, Ark., Steve (Cathy) and Jeffery, both of Rockford; two daughters, Barbara (Jim) Shelton of Rockford and Kathy (Robin) Cleayssen of Machesney Park, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Joe; a sister, Velma of Arkansas.

  He was preceded in death by a son, Raymond LeRoy.

  He was a Rockford resident since 1939 moving from Mystic. He was a machinist and welder at George D. Roper for 22 years. He had also worked at Greenlee Tool, retiring in 1977.

  Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 1992, at New Milford Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until 1 p.m. at the Fred C. Olson Mortuary.

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Daily Iowegian - 11 July 1996

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Joe C. Porter, 1916-1996

  Joe C. Porter, son of Clarence and Mae Belle (Brinkley) Porter, was born October 5, 1916 in Exline, Iowa. He passed away Sunday, July 7, 1996 at the Marion Health Center in Sioux City, Iowa at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 2 days.

  He was married to Lois Marshall on February 14, 1939 in Unionville, Mo., and to this union two children were born, Tommy Lee and JoEllen.

  Joe was employed in trucking and farming in the Udell and Iowa Falls area. He and his wife have traveled extensively since retiring in 1989. He attended the First Baptist Church when he was younger.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; and a son, Tommy Lee Porter.

  Survivors include his wife, Lois of Yuma, Az.; his daughter, JoEllen Porter of Caroline, Wis.; a sister, Velma Panyk of Benton, Ark.; plus numerous coursins and other relatives.

  Funeral services were held Friday, July 12, 1996 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Mystic with Rev. Carl Heien officiating. The hymns "Whispering Hope" and "In The Garden" were sung by Sharon Heien, accompanied by Clara Swab, pianist.

  Pallbearers were Kermit Brinkley, Garner Cleaver, Erman Long, Sr., Joe Maddaleno, Milo Snider and Larry Spurgeon. Interment was in the Highland Cemetery in Mystic.

  A memorial was established to the cemetery in his memory. Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour was in charge of arrangements.

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  The editor is sincerely appreciative of the contribution of the above obituaries to The Jerome Journal by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.

Mae Bell Brinkley Porter, 1889-1966

Seymour Herald - June 1966

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May Porter, 76 of Seymour Dies

  Mrs. Mae Porter, 76, of Seymour passed away at the St. Joseph hospital at Centerville, Friday after a short period of hospitalization.

  Surviving are her husband, Clarence; a daughter, Mrs. Velma Shook of West Union, Wis., two sons, Charles of Rockford, Ill., and Joe of Iowa Falls; eight brothers and sisters, John and Charles Brinkley of Promise City, Merle Swan of Seymour; Goldie Shriver of Centerville; Raymond Brinkley of Davenport; Anna Reed of Clearfield; Ida Gray of Ottumwa and Roy Brinkley of Rockford, Ill.

  Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Liggett Funeral home at Seymour. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

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Mrs. Porter Had Long Illness

  Funeral was Sunday at Liggett Funeral home for Mrs. Clarence Porter, 76, who died at St. Joseph hospital Friday where she had been a patient four days. She had been in failing health for several years and was a patient at Chariton and Corydon nursing homes before entering the hospital.

  She is survived by her husband, a retired rural mail carrier; one daughter, Mrs. Velma Shook of West Union, Wisc., two sons, Charles of Rockford, Ill., and Joe of Iowa Falls, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cor Swan of Seymour and John and Charley Brinkley of Promise City are among her surviving sisters and brothers.

  Rev. Sidney Sloan of Centerville and Rev. Vera Riley of Seymour officiated at the funeral and burial was in Jerome cemetery. Mrs. James Anderson Jr. sang the requested hymns, accompanied by Mrs. Harlie Merritt. Palbears were Milo Snider, Clinton Swan, Kenneth Swan, Lloyd Brown, Perry McKee and George Phillips.

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Mae Brinkley Porter

  Mae Bell Brinkley Porter was born in Franklin township, Appanoose county, Iowa, May 17, 1889. She was the oldest of nine living children of Charles and Laura Farmer Brinkley. As her brothers and sisters, Ida, John, Myrle, Roy, Charley, Goldie, Raymond and Anna, were five or six years younger, she was needed as chore boy by her father to help him with the cattle, make fence and many other things such as loading a ton of loose hay on a wagon hay rack to take to town from time to time.

  Since her mother helped put in the field crops, Mae prepared the meals and took care of the younger children.

  Mae's Grandmother Brinkley acted as a mid-wife at a time of the stork's arrival and instructed her granddaughter, Mae. She was called to come to many neighbors' homes to help with the housework or duties and like her grandmother, she became a very efficient helper at a time when a new baby came into the home.

  Early in her life she was a very helpful citizen in her community. In her childhood years, she was so busy there wasn't much time for day school. However, her keen mind had taught her a multitude of essential things of life.

  On March 15, 1911, she united in marriage with Clarence R. Porter, and to this union three children were born: a daughter, Velma; a son, Charles; and a son, Joe.

  Mae was the grandmother of 16 and had 16 great-grandchildren. After her own children were of school age, she was elected as director of Masters School in Bellair township. During her tenure of 13 years, she was instrumental in bringing the poorly-organized, porrly-equipped school to a state standardized school. She helped organize a PTA which cooperated in buying the necessary equipment for the school.  Later, directors allowed beginner teachers to be employed and by so doing, destroyed the good credentials of the Masters school district.

  Early in life she united with the Methodist Wesley Chapel Church. Incidentally, the frame structure church burned own and was never rebuilt.

  Left to mourn her passing are her husband, children, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. She was a loving mother, a kind and helpful, loving companion.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituaries by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.

Clarence Ridgeway Porter, 1888-1974

Seymour Herald - 4 July 1974

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  Clarence Ridgeway Porter, son of Charles and Addie Porter, was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, Aug. 31, 1888, and died June 26, 1974, at Eldora, Iowa.

  On March 15, 1911, he was united in marriage to Mae Brinkley.  She passed away June 10, 1966. To this union were born three children, Velma Shook of Benton, Ark., Charles Porter of Rockford, Ill., and Joe Porter of Iowa Falls.

  In early life Porter farmed and taught school. Later he was a rural letter carrier at Mystic and served 36 years until retirement. In 1961 the Porters moved to Seymour.

  He was active in school and church work and was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren church of Seymour. He was a good neighbor and always willing to help others.

  He is survived by his three children, 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Louise Porter of California, Gladys Wailes of Centerville and Grace Rose of Cincinnati.

  He was married to Edna Kinney Aug. 3, 1968, and she died in 1969.

  Funeral was Saturday, June 29, at the Liggett-Randolph Funeral home in Seymour with interment in Jerome cemetery. Grandsons were pallbearers.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituary by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.

Jerome Cemetery: New Section, Block 18, Lot 8, South Half -- Edgar Walter Stone & Lora Alice Carter

Jerome Cemetery - New Section

Block 18, Lot 8, South Half

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  Edgar Walter Stone and his wife, Lora Alice Carter, are buried in the South Half, Lot 8, Block 18 of the New Section [Row 3] of the Jerome Cemetery.

  Edgar Walter Stone was born 5 October 1910 in Achillis, Rawlins County, Kansas, son of Samuel Stone [1879-1941] and Clara Maude Burns [1882-1932], died 9 October 1985 at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Wayne County, Iowa, and was buried 12 October 1984 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following memorial services at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  He married 29 May 1936 in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, Lora Alice Carter.

  Lora Alice Carter was born 26 October 1911 in Dannebrog, Howard County, Nebraska, daughter of Ambrose Geohegan Miles Carter [1869-1944] and Cora Alice Meader [1869-1970], died 1 August 1994 at the Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa, and was buried 3 August 1994 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following memorial services at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.

Gravestone of 

Edgar Walter and Lora Alice (Carter) Stone

in Row 3 of the Jerome Cemetery

Back of Gravestone of 

Edgar Walter and Lora Alice (Carter) Stone

in Row 3 of the Jerome Cemetery

Nettie Crouch Stoner, 1897-1987

Seymour Herald - 8 September 1987

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  Funeral services for Nettie Stoner, 89, were held Sept. 2 at 1:30 p.m. from the Randolph Funeral Home, Seymour, with John Lewis officiating. Hymns "Nailed to the Cross" and "Accepted in the Beloved" were sung by Ed Kerwin, accompanied by Bernace Kerwin.

  Pallbearers were: Larry Stanton, Steve Sprouse, John Wright, K. E. Owen, Bob Schaffner and Paul McElvain. Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery. There was a memorial to the Wayne County Home Health Aide Agency.

  Nettie Crouch Stoner, daughter of Alfred B. and Mary Clayton Crouch, was born at Rawlins, WY, Nov. 14, 1897, and died at the Wayne County Hospital, Corydon, Aug. 31 at the age of 89 years, 9 months, 17 days.

  When she was a child, the family moved to Iowa where she met and married Elmer H. Stoner May 5, 1921, at Walnut City. The couple farmed in the Jerome area for many years. After moving to Seymour, she worked in restaurants and babysat as long as her health permitted. She remained in her own home until the last six months which she spent in the Seymour Care Center.

  The Stoners had three children: Esther Blance, Dorotha Marie and Vera Colleen.

  As a young woman she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was affiliated with the Gospel Church.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer H.; her parents; one daughter, Vera Colleen who died in infancy; brothers: Lloyd, Arthur B. and Clarence Crouch; two sisters: Lottie and Dorotha; and one son-in-law, Virgil Ellis.

  Survivors include daughters: Blanche and husband Ed Horne, Allerton; Marie and husband Jim Stanton, Seymour; three grandchildren: Connie and husband Steve Lucas, Casa Grade, AZ; Larry and wife Mary Stanton, West Liberty; and Marlene and husband Steve Sprouse, Centerville.

  Also surviving are one sister, Katie Stoner; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Crouch and Lillian Crouch; three great-grandchildren, Beau Sprouse, and Lucas and Caitlin Stanton; and John Wright whom she cared for as a child.

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Additional Sources of Information

  Myers/McCorkle/Stier Family Tree posted and owned by juliestier_1 on Ancestry.com.

  1900 US Census-NE-Merrick-Central City-District 136-Image 7 on Ancestry.com.

  1910 US Census-IA-Appanoose-Lincoln-District 21-Image 3 on Ancestry.com.

  1915 Iowa Census-Appanoose-Lincoln-Image 217 on Ancestry.com.

  1920 US Census-IA-Appanoose-Franklin-District 22-Image 9 on Ancestry.com.

  1925 Iowa Census-Appanoose-Lincoln-Image 31, 32 and 33 on Ancestry.com.

  1930 US Census-IA-Appanoose-Lincoln-District 17-Image 6 on Ancestry.com.

  SSDI on Ancestry.com: Nettie Stoner, SSN 484-22-2016 issued Iowa (Before 1951), born 14 Nov 1897, died Aug 1987, Last Residence: 52590 Seymour, Wayne, Iowa, USA.

Edgar Walter Stone, 1910-1985

Seymour Herald - 26 September 1985

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  Edgar Stone was born October 5, 1910 at Achillis, Kansas, the son of Clara Burns and Samuel Stone. He passed away October 9, 1985 at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon at the age of 75 years and 4 days.

  As a very small boy the family moved to Summer, Nebraska where they lived for a year before buying at Amherst, Nebraska where he received his schooling and was living when he married Lora Carter at Grand Island, Nebraska. They spent a few years there farming during the depression. In 1940 he rented his uncle Charley Burns farm at Jerome, Iowa and worked at the mine. In 1968 they bought their present farm and have resided there since.

  Preceding him were his parents, a baby sister, and three brothers, Carl, Raymond and Lee.

  Edgar leaves his wife Lora, son Harold and wife Sharon, three grandchildren; Wanita and Michael Gibbs of Promise City, Iowa; Annette of Canton, Missouri; and Peter stationed at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina; and one great granddaughter Trenna. Also two brothers Roy of Multon [Moulton], Iowa and Ernest of Elm Creek, Nebraska, two sisters Opal Ludwig of Browning, Missouri and Margaret Epp of Kearney, Nebraska and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

  Services were held on Saturday, October 12, 1985, at 1:30 P.M. from the Raldolph Funeral Home in Seymour with Corliss Fry, officiating. Organ selections "The Old Rugged Cross" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" were played. The pall bearers were Michael Gibbs, Ronnie Ludwig, Larry Ludwig, Dean Ludwig, Jerry Ludwig and Sam Stone.

  Interment was in the Jerome Cemetery at Jerome, Iowa.

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Additional Resource Information

  "Family Tree of Edgar A Stone" on OneWorldTree on Ancestry.com. 

  1910 US Census-KS-Rawlins-Achilles-District 0151-Image 1. 

  1920 US Census-NE-Dawson-Wood River-District 116-Image 21 and 22.

  1930 US Census-NE-Buffalo-Grant-District 18-Image 3.

  SSDI on Ancestry.com for 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.

William W. Baxter & Elizabeth R. Rodgers Family

  William W. Baxter was born 27 February 1868 in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, son of William Baxter [1830-1897] and Helen McNeil [1835-1878] and died 31 August 1958 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. He married 7 September 1902 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, Elizabeth Russell Rodgers who was born 13 February 1881 in Huntsville, Randolph County, Missouri, daughter of John R. Rodgers [1844-1925] & Grace Goldie Liddell [1858-1923] and who died 16 October 1964 in Havana, Mason County, Illinois.
  William and Elizabeth moved to Jerome in 1901 and lived in Jerome until 1921 when they moved to Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.  William was a miner. Elizabeth was still a member of the Believers Church in Jerome at the time of her death.

William W. & Elizabeth R. Baxter

  To this union thirteen children were born:

  (1) Helen "Ellen" Baxter was born 19 January 1901 in Seatonville, Bureau County, Illinois, died 11 January 1990 in Graytown, Missouri, and was buried in the Floral Hill Mauseleum, Kansas City, Missouri.  She married in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, in 1926, Carl Dewey Whitney who was born 31 March 1898 in Norborne, Carroll County, Missouri, son of Reason Oscar Whitney and Nettie Stouffer and died 26 August 1972 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.  Their last residence was in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri.

  (2) Grace Baxter was born 3 September 1903 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 21 August 1916 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 22 August 1916 in the Jerome Cemetery.  [Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 on FamilySearch.org: Source Film Number: 1673930]

  (3) William Robert Baxter was born 3 August 1905 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 11 December 1960 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, and was buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Illinois.  He married 20 April 1925 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, Goldie Belle Lance who was born 11 January 1902 in Breeds, Fulton County, Missouri, the daughter of Charles Henry Lance [1871-1941] and Minnie Mae Anderson [1873-1962], and died 14 December 1967 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.  Three children were born to this union:  Joyce Baxter, Phillip Clair Baxter and William Charles Baxter.

  (4) Margaret Alice Baxter was born 8 February 1907 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 5 March 1974 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, and was buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. She married Lloyd A. Wright [1901-1964]. [Iowa Births and Christenings, 1830-1950 on FamilySearch.org: Source Film Number: 1007186 and Social Security Death Index on Ancestry.com]

  (5) John Robinson Baxter was for 25 November 1908 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 12 March 1952 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, and was buried in the Springdale Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.  He married Goldie J. Bath who was born 8 February 1913 in Dunfermline, Fulton County, Illinois, daughter of William Bath and Myrtle Politt, and who died 20 November 2006 in East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois.  Three children were born of this union.

  (6) Ruth Evelyn Baxter was born 9 November 1910 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, married 19 December 1958 in Oklahoma J. D. "Blacky" McKinney who preceded her in death, died 21 December 1997 at the Prairie View Care Center in Lewistown, Fulton County, Illinois, and was buried in White Chapel Memory Gardens [ORC Lot 125, Section C, Space1 ] in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.

  (7) Lucile Esabell Baxter was born 18 May 1916 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 7 February 1917 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 7 February 1917 in the Jerome Cemetery. [Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 on FamilySearch.org: Source Film Number: 1673930]

  (8) Neil Rodger Baxter was born 9 December 1917 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa; died 10 February 2004 at Graham Hospital Extended Care in Canton, Illinois; and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery.  He married 5 January 1969 in Bryant, Fulton County, Illinois, Mary Ellen Lacefield who was born 28 August 1928, died 24 June 2000, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. 

  (9) Ulah Maxine Baxter was born 20 March 1920 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 1 July 2011 in East Peoria, Tazewell County, Illinois, and was buried in White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.  She married on 1 October 1938 in Fort Madison, Lee County, Iowa, Stanko Matayo who was born 13 November 1914 in Illinois, died 9 October 2001 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, and was buried in White Chapel Memory Gardens.

Neil and Maxine Baxter as Children

  (10) Kenneth George Baxter was born 16 April 1922 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, died 20 April 1983 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, and was buried in the Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois.  He married 28 December 1947 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, Margaret J. Collie who was born 25 February 1920 in Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois, daughter of John C. Collie and Allie Westerfield, died 16 September 2003 in Winter Haven, Polk County, Florida.

  (11) Keith Malcomb Baxter was born 16 April 1922 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, died 29 February 1960 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, and was buried in the White Chapel Cemetery, Canton, Fulton County, Illinois.  

  (12) Shirley Jeanette Baxter was born 11 November 1923 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois; died 13 March 1997 in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada, and was buried in Parkview Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois.  She married 18 May 1947 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, Earl A. Davis who was born 10 December 1917 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois, son of Charles A. and Pearl Simpson Davis, and died 6 January 2001 at the Life Care Center in Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada.

  (13) Dorothy Jane Baxter was born 25 May 1925, in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, died 13 October 1925 in Canton, Fulton County, Illinois, and was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, Fulton County, Illinois. 

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  The Baxter Family Tree on Ancestry.com, posted and owned by JeepGirl2010, and the Martin Family Tree on Ancestry.com, posted and owned by charlesmartin86, provided much of the above basic information and pictures on the Baxter-Rodgers Family, supplemented by information from obituaries, census records, the Social Security Death Index, vital records on FamilySearch.org and gravestones in the Jerome Cemetery.
  Scotland Births and Baptisms, 1564-1868 - Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland [FamilySearch.org]:  William Baxter, male, born 27 Feb 1868, at Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, son of William Baxter and Hellen Mcneil, Indexing Project (Batch) Number: C11662-1, System Origin: Scotland-ODM, Source Film Number: 6035516.
  1871 Scotland Census on Ancestry.com: Wm Baxter, 4, son of Wm and Ellen Baxter, living at 2 Simpson's Land in Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland.
  1881 Scotland Census on Ancestry.com: William Baxter, 14, coal miner, son of William and Mary Baxter, living at 27 & 28 Balquhatson Rows, Slamannan, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
  New York Passenger Lists, 1820-1957 on Ancestry.com: William Baxter, age 19, male, miner, Place of Origin: Scotland, arrived 12 May 1887 on State of Nebraska, departed Glasgow, Scotland and Larne, Ireland.
  Iowa Marriages, 1809-1992 [FamilySearch.org]:  William Baxter, 34, born 1868, married 7 Sept 1902, Appanoose County, Iowa, Elizabeth Rodgers, 22, born 1880, Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M02551-5, System Origin: Iowa-EASy, Source Film Number: 1007180.
  1900 US Federal Census, Illinois, Bureau County, Hall Township, District 12, Image 79 and Image 80 on Ancestry.com.  Elizabeth Rodgers, 18, born Feb 1882 in Illinois, single, listed with her parents.

  1910 US Federal Census, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, Roll: T624_390, Page 8B, Enumeration District 21:  William Baxter, 42; Elizabeth Baxter, 29; Ellen Baxter, 9; Grace Baxter, 6; William Baxter, 4; Alice Baxter, 3; John Baxter, 6/12.
  Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 on Ancestry.com.  1915 Iowa State Census, Appanoose County, Lincoln Township, Post Office Jerome, Roll: IA1915_16: Card 161: Wm Baxter, 47, Miner, born Scotland, in Iowa 14 years, in US 28 years; Card 162: Elizabeth Baxter, 33, born Missouri; Card 163: Ellen Baxter, 14, born Illinois; Card 164: Grace Baxter, 11, born Iowa; Card 165: Wm Baxter Jr, 9, born Iowa; Card 166: Alice Baxter, 8, born Iowa; Card 167: John Baxter, 6, born Iowa; and Card 168: Ruth Baxter, 4, born Iowa.

  1920 US Federal Census, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, Roll: T625_477, Page 6B, Enumeration District 24:  William Baxter, 51; Elizabeth Baxter, 38; William Baxter, 14; Alice M. Baxter, 12; John R. Baxter, 11; Ruth E. Baxter, 9; Neil R. Baxter, 2. 
  1930 US Federal Census, Illinois, Fulton County, Canton, District 13, Image 18 on Ancestry.com: William and Elizabeth Rodgers Baxter family. 
  1930 US Federal Census, Missouri, Jackson County, Kansas City, District 227, Image 209 on Ancestry.com: Carl D. Whitney and Helen (Baxter) Whitney.

Jerome Cemetery: New Section, Block 18, Lot 8, North Half ---- Grace and Lucille Baxter

Jerome Cemetery - New Section

Block 18, Lot 8, North Half

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  Grace and Lucille Baxter, daughters of William W. and Elizabeth Russell Rodgers Baxter, are buried in the North Half, Lot 8, Block 18 of the New Section [Row 3] of the Jerome Cemetery.

  Grace Baxter was born 3 September 1903 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 21 August 1916 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 22 August 1916 in the Jerome Cemetery.  [Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 on FamilySearch.org: Source Film Number: 1673930]

  Lucille Esabell Baxter was born 18 May 1916 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, died 7 February 1917 in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 7 February 1917 in the Jerome Cemetery. [Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990 on FamilySearch.org: Source Film Number: 1673930]

Gravestone of Lucille & Grace Baxter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Rowena Mae Rash Robinson, 1936-2011

The Knoxville Journal-Express - 30 June 2011

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  Knoxville — Funeral services for Rowena Robinson of Knoxville were held on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Brent Hanna officiating. Burial followed in the Sandyville Cemetery.

  Musical selections of “Old Rugged Cross” and “How Great Thou Art” were shared by Jim Kidder. Casket bearers included Josh Wells, Steve Mincks, Dennis Robinson, Todd Rider, Tim Neef and Seth Wells. Honorary casket bearers were; Richard Mincks, Dean Robinson, Chad Christensen, Nick Neef and Josh Gettler.

  Rowena Mae Robinson was born on Feb. 11, 1936 in Centerville, Iowa, the daughter of Wayne Rash and Mary (Rotisky) Rash.

  She graduated from Seymour High School and went on to attend Iowa Wesleyan College in Mt. Pleasant. While in High School, Rowena was very active in basketball even winning the state championship one year with her team. She was united in marriage to Donald “Robbie” [DeWitt]* Robinson, [son of Cash Robinson and Ava Ruth Glasgow]*, on Oct. 22, 1966, in Omaha, Neb. Rowena worked at the VA Hospital in the Medical Administrative Services unit for 33 years until her retirement in 1991.

Rowena Mae Rash Robinson

  She loved being an exhibitor at the fair, entering her crocheting, needlework, flowers and baked goods and winning many ribbons and awards. Rowena and Donald enjoyed traveling and wintered in Texas for many years.

  Rowena passed away on Friday, June 24, 2011 at Trinity Center at Luther Park in Des Moines at the age of 75 years [4 months and 13 says]*.

  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robbie, and a sister, Genevieve Mincks.

  Survivors include her son, Todd (Shanna) Robinson of Des Moines; step-children, Dennis Robinson and Jean (Tim) Neef of Knoxville; 5 step- grandchildren, Dean Robinson of Knoxville, Darci (Josh) Gettler of Urbandale, Chad Christensen of Ankeny, Nick Neef of Ankeny, Alyssa Frantz of Des Moines; 1 step-great-grandson, Tait Gettler and a sister, Deloris Darrah of Seymour.

  [For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Hospice. Online condolences may be left at bertrandfuneralhomes.com.]*

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*Additions in [ ]s from The Seymour Herald, 30 June 2011, and/or “Descendants of DeWitt Clinton Glasgow” on FamilyTreeMaker.com User Home Pages.  Photo from Bertrand Funeral Homes website.

Ruth Evelyn Baxter McKinney, 1910-1997

Peoria Journal Star - 23 December 1997

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  LEWISTOWN -- Ruth E. McKinney, 87, of 175 Sycamore Drive, formerly of Canton, died at 2:25 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, 1997, at Prairie View Care Center.

  Born Nov. 9, 1910, in Jerome, Iowa, to William and Elizabeth Rodgers Baxter, she married J. D. McKinney on Dec. 18, 1958, in Oklahoma. He preceded her in death, as did four brothers and seven sisters.

  Surviving are one brother, Neil R. Baxter of Lewistown, and one sister, Maxine Matayo of Canton.

  She owned and operated several taverns in Oklahoma for many years.

  She is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Canton.

  Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. The Rev. James McCracken will officiate.

  Visitation will be 30 minutes before services at the funeral home.

  Burial will be in White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton.

  Memorials may be made to Prairie View Care Center or to her church.

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  Social Security Death Index on Ancestry.com:  Ruth E. McKinney, SSN 331-01-2691 issued in Illinois before 1951, born 9 Nov 1910, died 21 Dec 1997, Last Residence: 61542 Lewistown, Fulton, Illinois, USA.

Elizabeth Russell Rodgers Baxter, 1881-1964

Unidentificed 1964 Newspaper Obituary

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  CANTON -- Mrs. Elizabeth R. Baxter, 83, of 313 N. 7th St., Canton, died Friday morning [16 October 1964] in Havana Nursing Home, Havana, after a long illness.

  She was born Feb. 13, 1881, in Huntsville [Randolph County], Mo., a daughter of John and Grace Liddell Rodgers and was married to William Baxter in Centerville, [Appanoose County] Iowa, Sept. 6, 1902. He died in 1958.

Elizabeth Russell Rodgers Baxter

  Surviving are two sons, Neil of Canton, and Kenneth of Peoria; five daughters, Mrs. Maxine Matayo of Canton, Mrs. Helen Whitney of Kansas City, Mo., Mrs. Ruth O'Neil of McKinney, Okla., Mrs. Margaret Wright of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Mrs. Shirley Davis of Los Angeles; 19 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; two brothers, John Rodgers of Oglesby and William of California; three sisters, Mrs. Grace Ruckman of Chicago Heights, Mrs. Alice Clark of Utica, and Mrs. Barbara Briddick of Oglesby.

  Seven children, three brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

  She was a member of the Believers Church in Jerome, Iowa.

  Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday in Murphy Memorial Home, the Rev. Orville L. Wright officiating. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be at the funeral home after 4 Sunday afternoon.

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  Obituary and picture from The Baxter Family Tree on Ancestry.com posted and owned by JeepGirl2010.

William Robert Baxter, 1905-1960

Unidentified Newspaper Obituary - December 1960

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  Funeral services for William R. Baxter, 55, of 1421 S. Lammers St., who died at $:15 (sic) a.m. Sunday at Proctor Hospital where he had been a patient since Nov. 19, will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Davison Funeral Home.

  The Rev. K. Richard Schliepsiek of Christ Lutheran Church will officiate. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery.

  Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. today.

William Robert Baxter's

High School Graduation Picture

  Mr. Baxter formerly operated the Hideaway Tavern on Laramie street for eight years before ill health forced him to retire in May of this year. 

William and Goldie Baxter in front of the 

Hideway Tavern on Laramie Street in Peoria, Illinois

Earlier he had been a machinist at the Keystone Steel & Wire Co. for 10 years. He was a member of Peoria Aerio 265, FOE, and Abingdon Lodge 185, AF&AM, at Abingdon. Born in [Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County] Iowa Aug. 3, 1905, he was a son of William and Elizabeth Rodgers Baxter, and married Goldie B[elle] Lance [born 11 January 1902 in Breeds, Fulton County, Illinois; died 14 December 1967 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois] in Peoria April 20, 1925.

  Surviving are his wife; his mother; one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Collins; two sons, Phillip [Clair] Baxter [born 17 February 1932; died 4 November 1994 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois] and William [Charles] Baxter [born 4 July 1939; died 28 June 1969 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois], all of Peoria; five sisters, Mrs. Helen Whitney of Kansas City, Mo., Mrs. Margaret Wright of Oklahoma City, Okla., Mrs. Maxine Matayo of Canton and Mrs. Shirley Davis of Los Angeles, Calif.; two brothers, Neil Baxter of Canton and Kenneth G. Baxter of Normal; and six grandchildren. Four sisters and two brothers preceded him in death.

William Robert and Goldie Belle (Lance) Baxter's

Gravestone in Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Illinois

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  The above obituary and pictures are from the Baxter Family Tree on Ancestry.com posted and owned by JeepGirl2010.

Ulah Maxine Baxter Matayo, 1920-2011

Peoria Journal Star - 4 July 2011

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  Canton, Illinois - Maxine Matayo, 91, formerly of Canton, died at 9:15 p.m., Friday, July 1, 2011, at Rosewood Care Center in East Peoria.

  Born March 20, 1920, in Jerome, Iowa, to William and Elizabeth Rodgers Baxter, she married Stanko Matayo on Oct. 1, 1938, in Fort Madison, Iowa.

  Surviving are one daughter, Janice (Ron) Skinner of East Peoria, one son, Stanko Kent (Marsha) Matayo of Bella Vista, Ark., one daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Bill) Watkins of Russellville, Ark., seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanko, on Oct. 9, 2001; by one son, David, on March 30, 1980; and by five brothers and eight sisters.

  She was a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses in Canton.

  There will be a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 6 at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton. There will be no visitation.

  Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

  Memorials may be made to the Jehovah's Witnesses, 1566 E. Ash St., Canton, IL 61520.

  Online condolences may be posted at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the above obituary to The Jerome Journal by Gary Craver of Centerville, Iowa.

SHS Class of 1946 - 65th Reunion in 2011

  The Seymour High School Class of 1946 held their 65th Reunion at the SHS Alumni Banquet on May 28, 2011.  Twenty-three students graduated in 1946 from SHS as shown above in their class picture.  Fifteen members of the class are deceased.  Of the eight living members of the class, four attended the Reunion and also enjoyed fellowship on Friday evening over dinner at the Continental Hotel in Centerville.  The four members attending are pictured below from left to right: Quentin DeVore, Newton, Iowa; Phyllis Hawkins Cain, Papillion, Nebraska; Jean Whitmore Ray, East Moline, Illinois; and Raymond Shubat, Kissimmee, Florida.  Phyllis Hawkins Cain, daughter of William Earl Hawkins and Lora Geneva Patrick, was born in Jerome, attended the Jerome School through ninth grade and attended Seymour High School for three years, graduating in 1946.

  The other four living members of the Class of 1946 are Dorothy Gilmore Bankston, Bonnie Smith Young, and H. Ray Mabee who all live in California; and Marjorie Van Dyne Snyder who lives in Granger, Iowa.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of the above pictures and information to The Jerome Journal by Phyllis Hawkins Cain of Papillion, NE.