Harry F. and Myrtle Banks

  This article was transcribed with permission from pages 135-136 of Appanoose County, Iowa (1986) compiled by the Appanoose County Historical Society, Centerville, Iowa.

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  Harry F. Banks was born November 30, 1896 in Appanoose County, Centerville, Iowa, and died February 9, 1984 in Detroit, Michigan.  His father, Frank T. Banks, born in 1871 and died in 1938, was a substantial landowner there and one of eight children of Wesley Johnson Banks who was born in 1875 (sic) and died in 1913, coming to Appanoose County with his wife, Nancy Wells Talbott, in 1854. Harry's mother, Lottie D. Streepy, born in 1876 and died in 1956, was the daughter of Isaac Freeland Streepy and Mary Jane Reynolds, highly regarded residents of Appanoose County and life-long members of the Methodist Church. Harry's grandfather, Wesley Johnson Banks, a member of "Iowa Society of the Sons of the American Revolution" died and buried in Oakland Cemetery, Centerville, where special services honoring him were held May 23, 1981. A Democrat, he believed in the pure and simple Jeffersonian principles and not going off after false gods of latter-day democracy.  Of the 46 known Banks descendants, great-grandson Raymond Hughes wtill lives on the Frank Banks' farm southwest of Centerville, where Harry, an only child, grew up to Manhood, and where his parents lived, died and also were buried in Oakland Cemetery.  The Banks family were of fighting stock like great-grandfather William Banks, a Revolutionary War hero who was born in 1762 and died in 1839.

  Harry Banks, a 1916 graduate of Centerville High School, class president, football and baseball athlete, also possessed a fighting spirit, studying electrical engineering, accounting, salesmanship and business management at Alexander Hamilton Institute, and after a year in retail selling, enlisted and served in World War I as instructor in Army aviation and also during World War II managed a Shell plant in Janesville,k Wisconsin.  Returning from Army service in 1919, Harry, in partnership with his father in the grain, livestock and farming business until 1921, started his career in automotive sales which began at a General Motors dealership in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as retail salesman. Two years later, he joined G. M. Corporation as a district representative for Buick in the Chicago zone, and in 1932, was appointed as Buick/Oldsmobile/Pontiac sales representative in Milwaukee, a post he held until 1945 when he was transferred to Detroit as a Zone manager there.

  Harry Banks was married October 13, 1945 to Myrtle D. Paap, daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. August H. Paap, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Farmington, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, where Myrtle's father was the pastor.

  After coming to Detroit as a zone manager, Harry Banks was appointed assistant sales manager for Oldsmobile and transferred to the Lansing office until 1949, subsequently taking important positions in Detroit and Memphis, becoming regional manager in 1952, a Detroit assignment he held until his retirement in 1961. A distinguished automotive career spanning 35 years with General Motors brought satisfaction in the knowledge of selecting and training men and then seeing them in responsible positions afterward.

  In 1962, Harry Banks managed a leasing business for an Oldsmobile dealership, and having a genuine concern for the customer and a positive attitude which favorably affected sales, his programs devised and implemented so successfully over 30 years nationwide, he became an example of how well those plans and thoughts on living in general worked.

  "For success, attitude is equally as important as ability."

  "Lack of will power and drive cause more failures than lack of ability and intelligence."

  If those sayings sound familiar, you might have read them in Dr. Joyce Brothers' "How to Succeed in the People Business," or seen them in Forbes magazine, next to quotes by Shakespeare, Andrew Carnegie and Socrates.  Harry and his wife, Myrtle, were members of Indian Village Lutheran Church, because they felt that church work and attendance cultivates a feeling of responsibility and love for one another and showing faith by actions. Harry was also a 50-year member of Iowa Elks Lodge and the patriotic Freemasons, and he believed in creating peace forces instead of armed forces.

  Always concerned for the safety of G.M. personnel in his charge, Harry kept an equally watchful eye on the security of his home, Whittier Towers.  A resident for 38 years, Harry improved the Whittier's grounds, walk railings and made other safety suggestions. He even nurtured a flock of pheasants in the Whittier Park, to the delight of many of his fellow residents.  A man of ideas and action, a dear friend, a beloved husband and one of the kindest and gentlest topflight managers ever connected with the auto industry, Harry Banks is being missed as he could not rally from injuries which he suffered after a fall early this year, when he died February 9, 1984, at the age of 87.

Wesley Johnson Banks Family History

  This article was transcribed with permission from page 136 of Appanoose County, Iowa (1986) compiled by the Appanoose County Historical Society, Centerville, Iowa.

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  It was 1865 when Wesley J. Banks and his wife, Nancy (Talbot) Banks left their home in Greencastle, Indiana and set out for Centerville, Iowa.  They had three young sons, the youngest being only eighteen months old.  The family was six weeks enroute.  Wesley had been to Centerville several times previously to visit his brother, John, an early Appanoose County Sheriff.

  Wesley, a Mexican War soldier was the son of an American Revolutionary War soldier, William and his wife, Elizabeth (Brown) Banks.

  After settling in Appanoose County on a farm near Jerome, Wesley and Nancy had six more children.  Four of these children died at early ages and along with their parents are buried at Oakland Cemetery in Centerville, Iowa.  Five boys grew to manhood in this county: James, William, Dan, Tom and Frank.

  James, father of Elmer and Ethyl, died at an early age.

  William migrated west to Kansas and later to Colorado.

  Dan married Eliza Jane (Horn) and they had one daughter, Julia.  Dan worked for a number of years in Kansas but returned to Appanoose County to care for his aging father, Wesley J. who was bedfast on eight years prior to his death in 1913.  Dan and his family lived on the farm which is now owned by John Vidas east of Streepyville. Dan and Eliza's daughter Julia married Bruce Watts of Moravia and they farmed the home place until 1931; they moved to Ottumwa and had two children both of whom are deceased.  Bruce Watts died in 1992 and Julia lives in Ottumwa.

  Tom Banks married Eva Criswell of Jerome and they had one daughter, Lennie.  Tom was a farmer and worked in the City Gardens where the Golden Age Manor now stands. Lennie married William Dwight Hughes and they had five children, all raised in Appanoose County: Harold, Raymond, Marje, Wayne and Glenn.

  Frank Banks married Lottie Streepy. They own the farm east of Streepyville now owned by Raymond Hughes. They had one son, Harry who grew to manhood in Centerville, served in World War II and later became associated with General Motors in Detroit.

  Raymond Hughes is the only descendant of Wesley J. Banks living in Appanoose County.

Obituary: Frank Talbert Banks

  Frank Talbert Banks was born 28 August 1871 on a farm west of Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa,  son of Wesley J. Banks and Nancy Wells Talbot, died 26 October 1938 at his farm home near the Streepy corner southwest of Centerville in Appanoose County, and was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Centerville.  He married 19 December 1894 to Lottie Delilah Streepy who was born 19 July 1876 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter to Issac F. Streepy and Mary Jane Reynolds, died 27 June 1856 in Centerville, and was buried in Oakland Cemetery in Centerville. They had one son, Harry F. Banks who was born 30 November 1896, died 9 February 1894 in Detroit, Michigan.  Harry married 13 October 1845 in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, Myrtle D. Paap who was born c1905 in Wisconsin and died in DetrSoit, Michigan. 

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Unidentified Centerville Obituary - 26 October 1938 

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Frank Banks Is Taken By Death Due Heart Stroke

Well Known Farmer Southwest of This City 

Died Without Warning at 8:00 A.M. Today

  Frank Talbert Banks, for the past 40 years a well known farmer near the Streepy corner southwest of Centerville died suddenly this morning at his home of heart failure.  With no intimation that he was suffering, except what he thought was an attack of indigestion last Wednesday, Mr. Banks died almost without warning this morning.  He had risen early, had done his chores as usual, had eaten breakfast and then, while feeding the chickens had said that he felt a bit ill and went into the house.  He was sitting in a chair by the kitchen stove when he died at 8 a.m.  Doctors were called but death had taken place when they arrived.

  Mr. Banks was 67 years of age, and seemed in apparent good health.  He was born west of Centerville on what is now the Geo. McDonald farm, and grew to young manhood there.  He was the son of Wesley J. Banks, Mexican War veteran and pioneer resident of the county.  In death today he is the last of a family of eight children.

  On December 19, 1894 he united in marriage with Lottie Streepy, daughter of Isaac F. Streepy, and for a time they farmed south of Streepy on the Cincinnati road where an oil station new stands at the first curve to the southwest. Then they spent a short time with the elder Mr. Banks following his wife's death and 40 years ago settled on the present farm.

  One son, Harry Banks, now of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, survives.  He was reported on his way here today.  Mr. Banks was of cheerful disposition and was well known not only in his rural vicinity, but in Centerville and other parts of the county as well.  He had a host of friends to all of whom news of his sudden death comes as a shock and a deep sorrow.  Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced upon the arrival of the son. 

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  Obituary transcribed from the Hughes Banks Collection compiled by Linnie Banks Hughes and donated by Raymond Hughes to the Genealogical Collection of the Drake Public Library in Centerville.   Other information may be found in the OneWorldTree at Ancestry.com. 

Eva Jane Criswell & Thomas Wesley Banks

  Eva Jane Criswell was born 29 April 1865 near Numa in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John Vance Criswell and Mary Ann Brannen, died 20 June 1943 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  She married 17 February 1892 in Appanoose County, Iowa, Thomas Wesley Banks.  Thomas was born 30 May 1861 in Washington Township, Putnam County, Indiana, son of Wesley Johnson Banks and Nancy Wells Talbot, died 25 April 1935 at his home south of Centerville in Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.

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Unidentified Centerville Obituary - April 1935

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  Thomas Wesley Banks, son of Wesley J. and Nancy Talbot Banks, was born in Putnam county, Indiana, May 30, 1861; died at his home south of town Thursday, April 25, 1935, at the age of 73 years, 10 months, 25 days.

  At the age of four years he came to this county with his parents and has resided in the county ever since.

  On February 17, 1892, he was united in marriage to Eva J. Criswell and to this union two children were born, a son, dying in infancy, and a daughter, Mrs. Dwight Hughes of Centerville. Besides the wife and daughter he is survived by one brother, Frank T. Banks, and by five grandchildren, other relatives and a host of loving friends.

  Funeral services were held Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m. at the Methodist church conducted by the Rev. Frank A. Wilder and burial was at Jerome, Iowa.

Card of Thanks

  We wish to thank our many friends for their kindness and sympathy, and for the beautiful flowers, during the sickness and death of our husband, father and brother.

  --Mrs. Eva Banks

  --Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Hughes and family

  --Mr. and Mrs. Frank T. Banks 

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Unidentified Centerville Obituary - April 1935

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Thomas Banks Is Called To Death

Aged Farmer and Long Time Resident South of Centerville

Succumbs After Long Illness

  Following ill health during the recent winter Thomas Wesley Banks, age 72, long time farmer and resident south of Centerville, died at 8:45 p.m. yesterday.  In death he is survived by his wife and one daughter, Mrs. Dwight Hughes, and one brother, Frank Banks, all of Centerville.

  Mr. Banks had lived the major portion of his life in this vicinity and was widely known, his death bringing sorrow to a host of friends and relatives.

  Funeral services are to be held from the Methodist Episcopal church of this city at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28.  Burial will be in the Jerome cemetery and the Rev. Frank A. Wilder, Methodist pastor will officiate. Complete obituary announcements will be published later.

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Unidentified Obituaries - June 1943

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Mrs. Thomas Banks

  Eva J. Criswell, daughter of John V. and Mary Ann Criswell, was born April 29, 1865, and passed away at her home Sunday, June 20 at 6:30 a.m. at the age of 78 years, 1 month and 22 days.

  She united in marriage with Thomas W. Banks on February 17, 1892.  Two children were born to this union, a son dying in infancy and a daughter, Mrs. Dwight W. Hughes of this city.  Mr. Banks preceded his wife in death April 25, 1935.

  She is survived by 5 grandchildren, Harold, serving in the U. S. Coast Guard, Raymond of Beloit, Wis., and Marjorie, Wayne and Glen of Centerville.

  She joined the Numa M. E. church in 1885, and later transferred her membership to the M. E. church of Centerville.

  She was a member of the Golden Links Sunday School class and was a women of splendid character whose death is mourned by a wide circle of friends and relatives.

  Funeral services were conducted at the Miller Funeral Home at 2:30 Wednesday, June 23, 1843 by the Rev. Lester Greenwood and burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

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Card of Thanks

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  We wish to thank all our friends and neighbors for their many kind deeds and beautiful floral offering during our bereavement.

  --Mr. and Mrs. Dwight W. Hughes and family

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Mrs. Thomas W. Banks

  CENTERVILLE--Mrs. Thomas W. Banks, 78, of Centerville, died suddenly with a heart attack at 6:30 a.m. Sunday in her apartment at 112 North 15th Street, where she had lived for five years. She had been as well as usual until last week.

  She arose about 6 a.m. Sunday and was preparing to take a bath when she fell to the floor in the bedroom.  She was a member of the Golden Links Bible class of the First Methodist church and had been a resident of Appanoose county her entire life.  She was Miss Eva Criswell before her marriage.  She was born near Jerome April 29, 1865, the daughter of John V. and Mary Ann Criswell. She was the last survivor of her father's family. She was married to Thomas Wesley Banks February 17, 1892.

  Her husband died April 5, 1935. She was also preceded in death by one son, who died in infancy. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Dwight Hughes, 621 West Washington street, Centerville, and five grandchildren. The body was brought to the Miller funeral home.

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Mrs. Banks Funeral

  CENTERVILLE--Funeral services for Mrs. Thomas W. Banks of Centerville, who died suddenly at 6:30 a.m. Sunday at her home at 112 North 15th street, were held at the Miller funeral home at 2:30 p.m. today in charge of the Rev. Lester Greenwood, new pastor of the First Methodist church here. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

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Thomas Wesley Banks and Eva Jane Criswell

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

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  These obituaries were transcribed from the Hughes Banks Collection compiled by Linnie Banks Hughes (1894-1982) and donated by Raymond Hughes to the Genealogical Collection of the Drake Public Library in Centerville, Iowa. 

Ida May Criswell Johnston

  Ida May Criswell was born 8 January 1860 in Numa, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John Vance Criswell and Mary Ann Brennen, died 19 April 1927 in Centerville, Appanoose county, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  She married 8 October 1913 in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, William Johnston of Kansas City who was born c1863 in England, son of Thomas Johnston (born Ireland) and Julia Ann Walsh (born Ireland),and who had first married Ida May's sister Casander "Cassie" Criswell who died in 1912.

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Unidentified Obituary - April 1927

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Death Takes Mrs. Wm. Johnston

Well Known Resident of City Died Tuesday Afternoon

From Paralysis -- Burial Thursday

  Mrs. Wm. Johnston of 515 East Clark street, died after an illness of six and a half months, caused by apoplexy.  She had a stroke October 6th, and the second April 16th at 2:30 p.m. from which she never regained consciousness, death coming at 2:55 Tuesday.

  She leaves to mourn her death a husband, Wm. Johnston, a brother, Frank Criswell of the home residence, a sister, Mrs. Thos. Banks of Drake avenue and Mrs. M. E. Crist of Seymour, all at the bedside at the time of her death.

  Mrs. Johnston was a daughter of J. V. and Mary Ann Criswell, of Numa, Iowa, where she was born Jan. 8th, 1860.  Died April 19, 1927, aged 67 years, three months and 11 days.

  She joined the Methodist church when young and has been a faithful member ever since, but being in poor health has not attended of late.  She moved to Kansas City about 1890, was married there in 1913, moved back to Iowa in 1924 and has lived at the home residence in Centerville since, where she died.

Marriage License for William Johnston & Ida May Criswell

Department of Records, Jackson County, Missouri

Certificate Number:  1913K0059929

  Funeral services will be preached at the home by Rev. Schwartz of the Methodist church at 10 a.m. on Thursday.  Burial will be at Jerome cemetery beside her parents and sisters who preceded her in death. 

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery

Footstone in Jerome Cemetery

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  Census Record:  1920 US Census, Kansas City Ward 11, Jackson, Missouri; Roll: T625_928; Page 6B; Enumeration District: 176; Image: 14 on Ancestry.com.

  Census Record:  Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925, 1925 Census, Roll: IA1925_1591, Line 26 and 27, Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa.

  Death Records, Appanoose County, Iowa, Book 4, Page 56:  Ida May Johnston, born January 8, 1860, Numa, Iowa; age 67 years, 3 months, 11 days; father, J. V. Criswell (born Wheeling, WV); mother, Mary Ann Brannon (born Pennsylvania); housewife, died April 19, 1927, Centerville; buried April 21, 1927, Jerome. 

Carrie Brannen Criswell Jones

  Carrie Brannen Criswell was born 7 March 1856 in Appanoose county, Iowa, daughter of John Vance Criswell and Mary Ann Brannen, died 17 October 1913 at the University Hospital in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Appanoose County, Iowa.  She married 19 September 1875 in Appanoose county, Iowa [Book 6; Page 307], William I. Jones who was born c1853 and died 1897.  In 1885, William I. Jones, 32, farmer, and Carrie B. Jones, 28, keeping house, were living in Bellair [Block 3, Lot 4, 68-18-14], Bellair township, Appanoose county, Iowa.

Missouri Death Certificate for

Carrie Brannen Jones

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Iowegian - October 1913

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  Carrie B. Criswell was born March 7, 1856, in Appanoose county, Iowa, and died in Kansas City, Mo., October 17, 1913.

  She was married to William Jones in September, 1876, he dying in 1897.

  She was a great sufferer for a long time before her death, but bore all patiently.  She was a member of the M. E. church for more than thirty years.

  She leaves three sisters and one brother to mourn her loss, i.e. Mrs. Mary Crist of Seymour; Mrs. Thos. Banks, of near Cincinnati; Mrs. Ida Johnson and Frank Criswell of Kansas City, Mo.

  Funeral services were held at the M. E. church in Jerome Sunday at 11:00 o'clock, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Moore.

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Carrie Brannen Criswell Jones

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery

Robert Franklin Criswell, 1852-1934

Iowegian - March 1934

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  Robert Franklin Criswell, son of John V. and Mary Ann Criswell, was born in Belmont county, Ohio, Oct. 10 1852, the family coming to Iowa when he was a small child and settled on a farm northeast of Numa, Ia., where he spent the greater part of his life.  For the past seven years he has made his home with his sister, Mrs. Thos. Banks at who home he passed away, Thursday, March 1 at 11:20 a.m., at the age of 81 years, four months and 18 days. He is preceded in death by four sisters. Besides his sisters the only other near relatives are a niece, Mrs. Dwight Hughes of near Centerville, and three nephews, Ray Crist of Seymour, Iowa, Clyde Crist of Richland, Kansas, Bert Crist of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and cousins and friends.

  Funeral services were from the Miller Funeral home Saturday, Mch 3, Rev. F. A. Wilder officiating. Interment at Plano.

The Farmer School in Lincoln Twp

  The Farmer School was located in the center of School District #6 in the southeast corner of Lincoln Township west of Numa.  This information relates to the school around 1945-1946 and was sent to the editor by Richard Inman of Hamilton, Ohio.  It originally came from Donald Inman of Bonner Springs, Kansas, who was a student in the Farmer School in the mid-1940s.

The Farmer School Building

Farmer School Teacher: Helen Burkhiser

Donald Inman, Dorothy Hibbs, Eleanor Barkley, 

Kenneth Inman , and Jimmy Condra

Farmer School Students

The Farmer School Song

You ask what school I like the best

  Farmer, 'tis Farmer

It's better for than all the rest

  Farmer, Oh, Farmer

The pupils do their work each day

  And after work, there's time for play

I'll always go there if I may

  Farmer, Yes, Farmer

The Farmer School Poem:  If

If you can keep your head when those about you

  Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

  But make allowance for their doubting too,

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

  Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,

  And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise.

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,

  If you can think--and not make thought your aim,

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

  And treat these two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

  Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

  And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools.

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

  And risk it to one turn of pitch-and-toss

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

  And never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

  To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

  Except the Will which says to them "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

  Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

  If all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

  With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

YOURS is the Earth and everything that's in it,

  And--what is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

-- Rudyard Kipling 

School Motto:

There are many spokes in the wheel of success!

School Colors:  Red and Violet

School Flower:  Violet

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School Year 1945-46

  Our school started Mon. Aug. 27.  There were seven of us. Sonya, who started to school this year, Jimmy in second grade, Donald in third, Eleanor and Dorothy in sixth, Larry in seventh, and Kenneth in the eighth.  We were happy to have Joann join us in February. She was in the fifth grade.

  Some Highlights of the Year

  We had our program and candy supper Oct. 25.  Some of the things we remember about our program are how cute Sonya looked dressed up in her witch's costume.  Donald and Jimmy the two "brave" boys who Sonya scared.  Dorothy, very natural and business like, as the teacher who was talked out of punishing her mischievous pupil Donald.  Eleanor, who was very charming, as the aunt who was frightened by a mouse in her nephew's pockets.  Larry, as the high pressure salesman and also the very "fine" looking bum.  Kenneth, as the mischievous nephew, but perhaps what we remember about him most were his biscuits made from his own recipe.

  In November came Thanksgiving vacation. 

  We had a program and a Christmas tree in December.  All of our parents came.  We thought our tree looked very pretty as we used colored electric lights on it.  We had a week's vacation at Christmas time.

  In February, we celebrated Valentine's Day with a party and a Valentine box.  One of the highlights of this party was a Treasure Hunt with candy hearts and candy bars as the treasure.

  On April 4th we celebrated Mrs. Condra's birthday.  We each one brought something for dinner. We had sandwiches, pork and beans, potato salad, deviled eggs, fruit salad and an angel food cake with happy birthday written on it in pink letters.

  Our next event was a weiner roast.  We had it the Friday before Easter.  We went to the woods, built a fire, and toasted weiners.  Everyone ate until they were full.  Then the boys ran and played in the woods while the girls picked flowers.  We have our plans all made for the biggest event of the year--the last day.  We plan to go to the park in Centerville and have a picnic dinner.  After dinner we plan to attend the show at the Majestic Theater. 

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  Larry Gatrel was a student at the Farmer School 1943-1946; Jeanette Condra was the teacher at the Farmer School during this period; Larry believes that the above summary of the school year 1945-1946 was written by Jeanette Condra. 

John Franklin Hagan

Iowegian - May 1930

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  John F. Hagan son of James and Elizabeth Hagan was born in Lincoln township, Appanoose county, Ia., Dec. 5, 1863 and has resided in this county the greater part of his life, living for a number of years at Jerome.  He entered the coal mines at an early age and has made it his chosen occupation until his tragic death in the mine at Benld, Ill., May 1, 1930 at the age of 66 years, 4 months and 26 days. Benld has been his home for more than 15 years.

John F. Hagan in driver's seat of ice wagon in

Kansas City, Kansas, in his younger years.

  He is survived by one brother William Hagan of Jerome, Ia., and two sisters, Mrs. Ada Crouch of Kalispell, Mont., and Mrs. Emma Ogle of Jerome, the other sister Mrs. Belle Hawkins, of Jerome, died April 19, 1917 leaving her husband, two daughters and three sons, there are also three other nephews and one niece and other more distant relatives and friends.

John F. Hagan with his dog

  The funeral service was held at the Methodist church in Jerome at 3 p.m. Monday, conducted by the pastor Jas. A. Wilson and burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

  The sister from Kalispell, Mont., and her son from Waterloo, Ia., were present and also a number of old friends from different parts of the country.

John Franklin Hagan's Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

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John F. Hagan's Illinois Death Certificate and Supplement

  John F. Hagan died of a fractured skull caused by a fallen clod accident while working in Coal Mine No. 2 at Sawyerville, Illinois on 1 May 1930.  He lived in Benld, Illinois, at the time.  Below are the Certificate of Death and Supplemental Report filed in the State of Illinois. 

Obituary: Henry Wilson

Semi-Weekly Iowegian - March 1906

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  Henry Wilson was born in Muskegon county, Ohio, Dec. 5th, 1816, died at his home in Jerome, Iowa, Mar 2nd 1906, aged 89 years, 2 months, 29 days.

  When young he moved with his parents to Knox county, Ohio, was there married to Mary Hall in June 1837. To this union seven children were born, five of whom survive him.

  In 1848 he moved to Mason county, Virginia, from there to Iowa in 1855, locating at the home where he lived until death called him away.  Here he and his faithful wife endured the hardships of pioneer life.  Always a hard worker yet never too tired to help his neighbor, or visit the sick and assist those in need.

  Although he had been in poor health for years he never entirely gave up work.  He was active and fearless in the right, an honored and upright man whose virtues endeared him to all who knew him and whose memory will long be cherished by children and friends.

  As long as health permitted he was a regular attendant at church and always seemed to enjoy the services. During an illness a few years ago, he said to his pastor, "I do not fear death.  I'm ready to go when called."

  Funeral services were held at Jerome, March 3rd 1906, conducted by Rev. Geo. Blagg. The remains were laid away in Jerome cemetery where his wife and on daughter lay. His wife died Sept. 2 1897. His daughter, Mrs. Harriet Hamilton, died Dec. 16, 1900.  His eldest daughter Nancy A. having been laid away in Ohio before they moved to Iowa.

  The children who are left to mourn his departure are Mrs. Martha Fuqua, David F., John H., and Peter Wilson, Mrs. Ellen Dooley and sons, Walter and Bert and Clyde Dooley and family.

James Larimer Moore, 1891-1905

Semi-Weekly Iowegian - July 1905

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  JAMES LARIMER MOORE

Death of Fourteen Year Old Boy Brings Sadness to Home

  Well a week before, James Larimer Moore, aged 14 years, 23 days, died Sunday, July 23, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Moore, near Jerome, of peritonitis.  He was taken sick on Monday, after getting chilled, and grew worse till it was seen he could not recover. Though stricken down at such a promising time of life, and so unexpectedly, he fully realized his condition and his last moments will ever linger in the memory of the bereaved family as a consolation to them, so brave and resigned was he.  He had been a member of the Methodist Sunday school at Jerome, was a boy popular with school mates, and a comfort in the home.  He leaves a sister and three brothers, Essie, Harry, Danny and Byron. The funeral was conducted by Rev. Geo. Blagg, of the M. E. church, Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. John Larimer and Mrs. D. S. Larimer of Chillicothe, Ill., attended the funeral. 

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  James Larimer Moore was born 30 June 1891 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Lincoln Moore and Mary Larimer, and died at home on 23 July 1905.  Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery.

Jerome School Students - Around 1900

The two pictures below are of Jerome School students taken around 1900 by a professional photographer from Centerville. If you can identify any of these students, please tell the editor either through an email or comment on this blog. Thanks for your assistance!

Younger Students - Around 1900

Older Students - Around 1900

Second Row - Sixth From Left: Kathryn Hawkins

Second Row - Ninth from Left: Cadd Hawkins