Joseph Ira Sidles, 1894-1947

The Seymour Herald - 16 January 1947

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Final Rites For Joe I. Sidles

  This community was shocked Wednesday night, January 8, by the death of Joe I. Sidles who had passed away following an illness which lasted only a few days.

  Masonic funeral services were held at the Church of Christ conducted by Mr. Howard Clement, a lecturer from the Consistory in Des Moines. Mr. Line Buck, soloist from the Consistory, sang "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Crossing the Bar" and "Peace Perfect Peace," accompanied by Mrs. Irene McNabb of the Seymour O.E.S. Chapter. Others from the Consistory were: Messrs. Abramson, Lindbloom, Shriver, Johnson and Hoschar.

  Flower bearers were from the Seymour Chapter O.E.S. and were Mesdames Burchett, Dorr, Hammond, Morrow, Johnston, Liggett, Donald and Collins.

 Pallbearers were from the Myrtle Lodge 355, A.F. & A.M. of Seymour: Messrs. Banning, Lord, Johnston, McNabb, Donald and Collins.

  Joseph Ira Sidles was born at Jerome, Iowa, on August 10th, 1894 and departed this life on January 8th, 1947, at the St. Joseph's Hospital in Centerville, Iowa, after a brief illness.

  He was graduated from the Iowa Wesleyan Academy at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, in 1915. He left the business school there to enter the army in the First World War, serving in the Field Artillery until January, 1919. For years, he has been the chaplain of the Seymour American Legion.

  On July 31, 1920, he was united in marriage with Janice Armstrong of Seymour, who survives him. A son, Robert, died at birth in 1923. Others who mourn their loss include three sisters, two brothers, five nephews, four nieces, several cousins, and a host of friends.

  He was made a Mason in 1922 and remained a loyal worker until the end. In 1942 he joined the Consistory in Des Moines. He was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and was its Worthy Patron for the last fourteen years.

  Relatives and friends from a distance attending the funeral included:

  Relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Sidles and sons Jim and Pete from Jerome, Mr. George Sidles of Numa, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sidles of Mt. Pleasant, Harry Sidles of Ames, Virginia Sidles of Des Moines, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Diebert of Sac City, Mrs. Guy Streepy of Udell, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Williams, Mrs. Charles Booth of Libertyville, Mrs. Ted Stewert of Douds, Mr. L. A. Arnet of Milton, Mr. G. G. Bowers, Fairfield, Mrs. Roy Mills, West Wood, New Jersey, Mrs. Eugene Orr, Austin, Minn., Miss Georgia Sidles, Sioux City, Iowa, Mrs. Etta Condra and Merrill Condra of Numa, Mr. Lue Armstrong, Decatur, Ia.

  Friends: Mr. and Mrs. Mansel Webb, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Frank Reid, Ottumwa, James McClaren, Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Retherford, Mr. Dan Cunningham and Mr. Glenn Curtis of Chariton, Mr. James Barlow of Sigourney, Mr. Elby McReynolds of Marshalltown, Mr. and Mrs. John Hickie, Mrs. Lydia Bollman of Jerome, Mr. James Crouch of Wheaton, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Fred Donald of Corydon, and N. L. Johnson, Des Moines.

Card of Thanks

  We wish to express our thanks and appreciation to all who extended sympathy and kindness to us in the loss of our husband and brother. We wish especially to thank the O.E.S. Chapter and the Successful Workers class for the lovely dinners.     -The Family

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The Seymour Herald - 16 January 1947

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Resolution of Respect

  Whereas: Brother Joe I. Sidles, a worthy and loyal member of Myrtle Lodge No. 355, A.F. & A.M., has been taken from our midst by the most worshipful and mighty God, and

  Whereas, Myrtle Lodge No,. 355, A.F. & A.M. will sorely miss this departed brother, Joe I. Sidles, not only from this lodge but through his friendship, and association, therefore --

  Be it hereby resolved by Myrtle Lodge No. 355, A.F. & A.M., that we express our sympathy to his family in his passing from our midst.

  Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be delivered to his widow, a copy to the Seymour Herald for publication, and a copy spread upon the records of this lodge.

  Committee:  C. O. BANNING, E. W. McNABB, BURDETTE STAMPS

Charles Lyle "Pete" Dickerson, 1927-2003

  Charles (Pete) Dickerson, age 76, of Centerville, died Wednesday, November 19, 2003 at Mercy Medical Center, Centerville.

  He was born April 8, 1927 at Haven, KS, the son of Aaron and Blanche Dickerson. He graduated from Haven High School in 1945, then served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he received his BA in Political Science from Pittsburg College, Pittsburg, KS, he then taught at a Junior High in Wichita, KS. He received his MA of Fine Arts in History from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa. He married Ruth Ann Houser Felkner December 22, 1967, and she survives. He taught for over 30 years teaching at Muscatine Community College and then Indian Hills Community College retiring in 1990. He loved reading, music and showing his horses. He was an active Democrat and a member of the First Methodist Church, Centerville.

  He is survived by his wife Ruth Ann of Centerville, three children, Robin Salsberry of Windsor Heights, Iowa, Kelly Greenlee and her husband David of Raleigh, NC, and Randy Felkner of San Francisco, CA; three grandchildren, Allyson Greenlee, Landon Salsberry, Reid Greenlee; two brothers, Dale and Manard Dickerson of California, three sisters, Lila Stelter and Charlene Heim both of Haven, KS, and Sharon Perry of Witchita, KS.

  Preceded in death by two brothers, Ken and Aaron, and his parents.

  Funeral services will be held 10 AM Saturday, November 22, 2003 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Laura Riley officiating. Friends may call all day Friday with the family present from 6-8 PM at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, Centerville. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery, west of Centerville. A memorial has been established to Drake Public Library and may be left or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Centerville, Iowa 52544.

Gerald G. Davison, 1928-2004

  Gerald Davison, age 75 of Centerville, died Friday, January 16, 2004 at Mercy Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. He was born in rural Moulton, Iowa to Roy and Regina (Crow) Davison on March 22, 1928. He attended Beetrace Co. school northwest of Moulton.

  Gerald was united in marriage on December 25, 1948 to Evelyn Taylor at the Udell Brethern manse in Udell, Iowa. The two farmed northwest of Moulton until they moved west of Numa and farmed until moving to Centerville in 1967. After moving to Centerville he began his employment with Appanoose County Secondary Road Dept., where he worked 22 years before retiring in 1990 as the truck foreman.

  He is survived by his wife Evelyn, two sons: Harold and his wife Beth of Chaska, MN and Donald and his wife Debra of Centerville; five grandchildren, Michelle Reed and her husband Harry of Chariton, Melanie Maass of Creston, Deanna Moorman and her husband Bill of Centerville, Destry Davison of San Francisco, Ca., Danielle Davison of Centerville; seven great grandchildren; one sister, Behtel Ballanger of Coatsville, MO; a brother-in-law, Fred Earl Taylor and his wife of Ottumwa; two sister-in-laws, Camielle Davison of Centerville, and Esther Davison of Hubbard, Iowa. Gerald was preceded in death by one son Jerald Gene; his parents; two brothers, Lloyd and Richard.

  Graveside service will be held at 2 PM Monday, January 19, 2004 at the Jerome Cemetery with Pastor Gale Bellinger officiating. Friends may call Sunday from noon until 8 PM with the family present from 6-8 PM at the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, Centerville. 

  A memorial has been established to the Jerome Cemetery or the Davison Great Grand Children Educational Fund and may be left or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Centerville, Iowa 52544 or send condolences at www.thomaslangefuneralhome.com.

Gerald Gene and Evelyn Mae (Taylor) Davison

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 4, Block 30, Lot 11

Charlotte Eleanor Bear, 1917-2005

  Charlotte Eleanor Bear, 87, of Centerville, died Thursday, May 5, 2005 at the Golden Age Care Center.

  Charlotte was born December 16, 1917, the only child or Frank and Anna Neal (Cathcart) Bear, who farmed near Plano, IA. She graduated from Centerville High School in 1935 and lived and worked in Centerville all of her life. Her love of plants and flowers, combined with her creative abilities, led to her life's work in several Centerville floral shops, including Watson Floral and Stagner Floral.

  Throughout her life, Charlotte enjoyed many interests, among them needlework, gardening, cooking, fishing, ceramics, reading, and staying in touch with her many friends and family. She had a deep appreciation for the natural world, especially birds and wildlife.

  Charlotte is survived by her cousins, Ella Hendershot, Newton; Jim Feaster, Dallas, TX; Linda Medland, Newton; Cheryl Cathcart, Corrales, NM; Kerry Cathcart, Jerome; Jean Rose, Stow, OH; Tom Bear, Centerville; Nevella Shepard and Deloris Bohm, Centerville; James Bear, Albuquerque, NM; and Donald Baker, New York, NY. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and many aunts and uncles.

  At Charlotte's request, graveside services are being planned by the Thomas Lange Funeral Home. Interment will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Jerome Cemetery.

  A memorial has been established to the Appanoose County Conservation Board, or to the Jerome Cemetery Association and may be left at or mailed to the Thomas Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544.

Carl Hamm, 1896-1973

  JEROME -- Carl Hamm passed away at his home Monday evening after having trouble with an injured leg for the past few weeks. Private funeral service was held at the Miller-Wehrle Funeral home in Centerville Wednesday afternoon. Burial was in Jerome Cemetery.

  Hamm was 76 and had lived in Jerome 42 years. His survivors are his wife, Belle; four daughters, Mrs. Kenneth (Frances) Owen of rural Centerville, Mrs. George (Margaret) Jones of Bettendorf, Mrs. Kenneth (Dorothy) Moore of East Moline, Ill., and Mrs. Laverne (Phyllis) Disney of Phoenix, Ariz.; one son, Carl Jr. of Phoenix, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves three sisters and two brothers. 

Gravestone of Carl E. and Belle Hamm

in the Jerome Cemetery

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  Transcribed from an unidentified 1973 newspaper obituary.

1902 Postcard Mailed From Jerome

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this postcard by Marion Zemo of Centerville, Iowa, whose brother purchased it on eBay.

Franklin Baptist Church in Livingston

Seven Generations Have Worshiped in Franklin Church

-- Now 100 Years Old

  Although a celebration and homecoming are planned for summer or fall, the 100th anniversary of Franklin Baptist church in Franklin township, Appanoose county, is today, April 12 [1962]. The church stands about seven miles southeast of Seymour and once was part of the town known as Livingston.

  The history of the church was prepared and sent to The Herald by Mrs. Clara Hatfield, 804 W. Jackson, Centerville.

  (Clyde Pettit of Seymour says that three of the founders of the church were his grandparents, Noah and Judy Pettit, and his father, J. H. Pettit. Other descendants of the founders live in the Seymour area.)

  A meeting was called at the home of Peter Angle April 12, 1862, for the purpose of organizing a church. The home of Peter Angle was about 3 1/2 miles west and 1/2 mile north of where the church now stands. This was also used for their place of worship until May 17, 1864, when it was changed to the E. O. Smith home.

  The constituent members were R. G. Chapin, Peter Angle, Noah Pettit, Judy Pettit and J. H. Pettit. R. G. Chapin was appointed deacon and Noah Pettit, clerk. It was moved and carried that his organization be called "The Franklin Baptist Church."

  Feb. 1, 1863, J. W. Bolster accepted the call as the first pastor, conducting a revival meeting in which many souls were saved.

  In 1866, L. G. Parker was the first preacher ordained to preach from this organization. The place of worship was also changed to the home of L. G. Parker in 1880.  ...years later the Livingston school house was built and it was used for the place of worship.

  Feb. 8, 1880, the congregation appointed a committee consisting of Bros. Allen Pettit, R. A. Huxtable, and L. G. Parker to make plans to erect a church and dedicate it to God's service.

  Mr. and Mrs. E. O. Smith sold and deeded to the trustees 1 3/4 acres of ground for the sum of $50. The trustees were as follows: L. G. Parker, Allen Pettit, R. B. Wilkinson, I. W. Stevens, E. O. Smith, R. A. Huxtable and George Noe.

  Rev. E. A. Spring, being pastor at this time, agreed to preach for $375. One hundred of this was to be paid in house rent, coal, wood, pork, lard, flour and such things as were needed to supply his family.

  Feb. 5, 1881, the group met in the new church for its business and covenant meeting.  On Feb. 17, 1883, the building committee was discharged. Rev. C. Lippit was pastor.

  These are among the families who assisted in the good work:  Angles, Pettits, Stevens, Wilkinsons, Melsons, Parkers, Bells, Albers, Bales, McCabes, Condras, Smiths, Chapins, Noes and others.

  Some of the pastors were: J. W. Holster, L. G. Parker, Turten, Archer, Benton, Sutton, E. A. Spring, C. Lippit, S. H. Gum, A. E. Clemens, William Beard, G. W. Smith, J. F. Catlin, Stevenson, R. F. Legrand, Isaac Cochran, A. W. Miller, Pete Thomas, H. Robison, Glenn Reed, Fred Dieiderick, W. M. Cleeton, Glade Yost, Caleb Ball, Sidney Sloan, John Ver Steegt, Virgil Baily, Edwin Cline, Glenn Hall, Eugene Boyer, and Kermitt Gladfelder, who is present pastor.

  Men who have been deacons include Peter Angle, R. G. Chapin, J. W. Stevens, Allen Pettit, William Condra, R. B. Wilkinson, Peter Bales, W. A. Fox, John Barr, E. R. Bell, A. B. Crouch, Ray Leonard, John M. Jones, Gaylon McAnelly, John Reed, John Hibbs, James Fisk, Connie Clinkenteard, Harry Wray and Forest Elliott, Edgar Fisk, Eddie Steeth and Roger Lewis are now acting deacons.

  Clerks have included Noah Pettit, Lane Angle, R. G. Chapin, J. W. Stevens, J. H. Pettit, Nickolas Angle, A. L. Davidson, S. N. Bell, R. B. Wilkinson, J. C. Putnam, E. R. Bell, Della Bell, C. H. Boden, Luella Draper, Helen Stoner Burkhiser and Clara Kimm Hatfield, present clerk. Luella Draper was church clerk for 37 years.

  During these 100 years other denominations have used the church for their place of worship. Since 1862 the seventh generation from Peter Angle is worshipping with this congregation now. It has been 80 years since the church building was built.

  A number of preachers were ordained from this church and a number of weddings have been solemnized in the church. A girl who was a member of this church and her husband are now missionaries in Japan.

  "I believe I am correct in saying that a Thompson was head carpenter when the church was built," Mrs. Hatfield writes. "Many changes have taken place. The greatest is the changing of kerosene lamps to electricity."

  "If you name is not listed as an officer, do not feel bad because some of the more humble had as much to do with making this a success as the officers have. And may we all say this verse as a prayer in all humbleness and sincerity: Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in they sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  Psalms 19:14."

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  Transcribed from a newspaper clipping from The Seymour Herald of 12 April 1962 included in the Scrapbook of Louise Harl - Item #9 on the FHL Film #1007930. 

Town of Livingston in Franklin Township

Coal Mine, Brick Kiln were Big Businesses of the Town

By Linda Ballanger

  Approximately eight miles west of Cincinnati is a site where a church and a cemetery are the only remaining parts of an old town. This town was called Livingston and at one time was quite a busy place.

  Livingston was located in Franklin township. Its settlers, unlike most any other place in the area, were from New York.

  The town of Livingston was named after one of the first persons to ever stake a claim in Franklin township, Livingston G. Parker.

  Included in the town of Livingston were two stores, a lumber and grist mill, a coal mine, a brick kiln, a post office, (at different times) two blacksmith shops, a school, a church and a cemetery.

  The cemetery was surveyed and plotted in 1857. The land was donated by E. O. Smith and was surveyed and plotted by his brother, Dr. Daniel Smith, and John Wilson Angle. A bit of irony occurred when history revealed that Dr. Smith and Mrs. Angle were the first two to be buried in the cemetery.

  Quite some time before the church was built a Baptist society was formed in the vicinity of Livingston in 1855. The organizing members of the society were Benjamin Barney and wife, L. G. Parker and A. E. Stevens and wife, Levi Wafford and wife. The first meeting was held at the home of Mr. Parker. His home was at the north edge of Livingston. Later, on April 12, 1862, a meeting was called at the home of Peter Angle for the purpose of organizing a church. From the start a congregation was formed. The Angle home was also used as the place of worship for the congregation until it was changed to the E. O. Smith home nearer to town. L. G. Parker was the first ordained minister. In 1865 the schoolhouse was built and was used as the place of worship. In 1878 there were sixty members.

  A Union Sabbath school was maintained in Livingston at the schoolhouse. H. I. Halladay was superintendent; E. O. Smith, Assistant; Charles Landers, Secretary; James Murphy, Librarian. Teachers were E. O. Smith, Mrs. Nancy J. Parker, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Halladay, R. B. Bilkinson and Mrs. Helen Wood. The average attendance was 39, however, at one time there were over 50 who attended the school.

  At this time there are two of the original houses from Livingston still left. One is at the north edge of town where B. B. Parker, the son of L. G. Parker, lived and the other is at the south edge of the town and was built by C. S. Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Ballanger now live in the house that was inhabited by the Parkers. It has been remodeled since that time. Mr. and Mrs. W. Ray Ballanger live in the house at the south edge of town. This house is just like it was during the time the old town was thriving except for the addition of a back porch, running water and a partition that was torn....

  The Livingston Post Office was located where Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lowe now live. E. O. Smith was the first post master. It was then moved across the road and L. G. Parker was the post master. Later it was moved to the south edge of town and was in part of the general store.

  The Livingston coal mine was located south of the house where B. B. Parker lived and was operated by him and his father. The coal mine did quite a big business. It served people from Seymour, Genos, St. John and the surrounding area. There would be eight to ten teams and wagons come at a time for coal. The Parkers mined over 20,000 bushels of coal a year and it seemed that just as soon as wood stoves would burn out the people would buy coal stoves and come to the Livingston mine to get their fuel.

  East of the coal mine was a brick kiln. This also was quite a business. Even today in the spot where the kiln was located the ground is covered with bricks. Several times the bricks have been cleaned up to where it was thought there were no more but every time more bricks have worked up out of the ground.  B. B. Parker operated the kiln. Many of the brick homes in Seymour were built from brick from this kiln.

  The two stores were located across the street from one another near the south edge of town. The store  on the east side of the main road of Livingston then (which incidentally is different from the main road there now) had been in business for several years before the second store was built across the road from it. A Mr. (-)inker was the first owner that can be remembered by persons who lived there. He sold the store to a Mr. Bales who operated the store for a while before he moved to Kansas. A. W. Fox then took over the store and rented it to William Ruby who ran the store for two years.

  The second store was built and first owned by C. S. Robertson in 1882. He also built the house to the west of the store. G. W. Beer then took over the store and the post office was moved to this store while Beer operated it. It was sold to Roy Gray and then burned. A. Hughes rebuilt with a cement building and sold to John Ackley. It never did business after that. 

  North and west of the Beer store was a lumber and grist mill. People would bring their timber to the mill to have it sawed for their homes, etc., and could also bring wheat and other grains to have them ground.

  The first blacksmith shop was at the bottom of the hill on the road going west from town. It was on the west side of the creek that ran the mill. A Mr. Colton and John Bales ran this shop. At this time John Bales and his mother Mary lived at the top of that hill in a big brick house. Later John Ackley moved into the big brick house and started the blacksmith shop just west of the house on top of the hill.

  At the south edge of town there was a Woodman Hall where the Woodman Lodge met and where dances, meeting, and other get-togethers were held.

  At one time L. G. Parker also published the first Republican newspaper in the county, the Appanoose Republican. This was during the years 1858-1859. The ratio of democrats to republicans at that time was about three to one.

  It might be interesting to note here some of the first persons to live in Livingston and some of the businesses they ran. 

  Livingston G. Parker and his father-in-law, Benjamin Barney, came to this area in 1853 and staked their claims. Parker had been in school in Ohio and returned there after staking his claim in order to finish his schooling. The following year he and his family returned here to his land. The town of Livingston was named after this Pioneer.

  L. G. Parker and his wife had five sons: One, Benjamin, lived across the road from his father and along with his father operated the coal mine. Benjamin also operated the brick kiln.

  The town doctors were a Dr. Davison, in 1870, Dr. E. H. Jones in 1882 to 1884 and a Dr. Nye who was there for a short time in the 1890s. For a short time in 1883 there was a dentist and a photographer.

  The carpenter that built the church in 1880 was William Thompson. He lived about a mile from Livingston. His assistant was Loren Hawkins from Cincinnati.

  O. E. Smith lived on the road west of the town at the top of the first hill on the south side of the road. He was the donor of two acres of land for the church, school and cemetery. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. L. G. Parker were sisters. The new part for the cemetery was bought in 1930 and John Ackley was the first person buried in it.

  Other families who had played parts in the growth and success of the church were Allen Pettit, Mrs. Minerva Bell, R. B. Wilkinson, Frank Corder, Noah Pettit, Nathan Stanton, J.H. Pettit, S. N. Bell, Peter Bales, R. A. Huxtable, James Murphy, J. A. Wilson, William Condra, W. A. Fox and many others.

  Other teachers in the school system besides the ones named before were Lollie Stanton, Bell Dorman, George Gorsuch, Mrs. Gilbert Horn, Miss Angie Horn (it was during the time she was teacher that there were about 50 students), Mary Lynch, Mrs. Hayes, Miss Ella Callen, Miss Lillie Heneman and Walter Phillips.

  Joe Glasser, from New York, lived about a mile and a half west and north of town. He was a cabinet maker and built the coffins for the dead of Livingston.

  Ministers for the church, just to name a few, were Rev. L. G. Parker, Rev. Lippit, Rev. Sutton who lived in Seymour, Rev. Wm Beard, Rev. S. H. Gunn who came from St. John every two weeks, and Rev. Lennie Clemens.

  There were others who were quite instrumental in making the town the successful and prosperous place it was during its time. It is hoped we haven't overlooked too many here. A special thank you is extended to Mrs. Winnie Harl of Seymour and Mrs. Clara Hatfield of Centerville, both ladies who were residents of Livingston when it was a thriving town. Mrs. Harl was a very young girl at the time the church was built and can remember the day it was dedicated in February of 1881.  Other information was also obtained from "The History of Appanoose County in 1878" and an atlas loaned to us by ...inson of Sewal, Iowa.

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  Transcribed from a newspaper clipping in Louise Harl's Scrapbook - Item #9 on the FHL Film #1007930. 

Marcia Edna Stoner Crouch, 1890-1952

  Marcia Edna, eldest daughter of Samuel and La Anna Stoner, was born June 9, 1890, near Jerome, Iowa, and passed away at the St. Joseph's hospital in Centerville Sept. 16, 1952, at the age of 62 years, three months and seven days.

  She was united in marriage to Lloyd R. Crouch Jan. 1, 1914.

  The deceased was preceded in death by her father, mother and brother, Robert.

  She is survived by her loving husband, sister, Ethel Stoner, and brother, Elmer, of Seymour.

  After her marriage she and her husband moved to a farm seven miles southeast of Seymour where they have lived ever since.

  She confessed in the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as set forth in the Gospel of St. John, chapter 5, verse 24, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life; and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life."

  Also in the Epistle to Ephesians, chapter 2, verses 8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any should boast."

  She united with the Methodist church at Jerome when a young woman, later transferring her membership to Simpson Chapel in Franklin Township.

  Mrs. Crouch was a kind and considerate neighbor, being ever ready to help in case of need.

  She also leaves 10 nieces and nephews and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

  Funeral services were conducted in the Jerome Methodist church Sept. 19 at 3 p.m., with the Rev. W. M. Cleeton officiating. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

  Mrs. James Anderson, Jr., sang "In the Garden" and "At the End of the Road," accompanied at the piano by Mrs. Harley Merritt.

  Pallbearers were Everett Burkhiser, Arthur Stoner, R. B. Stoner, Floyd Crouch, Doyle Davis and Jim Stanton.

  Flower bearers were Mrs. Everett Burkhiser, Mrs. Arthur Stoner, Mrs. Floyd Crouch, Mrs. Doyle Davis and Mrs. Virgil Ellis.

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Card of Thanks

  I wish to thank all my friends and neighbors for their thoughtful deeds and expressions of sympathy during the illness and death of my beloved companion.  --Loyd Crouch

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  Transcribed from a newspaper clipping in Louise Harl's Scrapbook - Item #9 on the FHL Film #1007930. 

The Jerome School in 1908

Students of the Jerome School in March 1908, and their teacher, Mr. Phillips, lined up outside the frame schoolhouse. This building, located near the cemetery was later destroyed by fire.

Left to right -- Lower Row: Loran Shontz, Elmer Stoner, James Cathcart, Peter Sidles, Clifford Crouch, Bill Cathcart.

Second Row: Mary Sidles (partial), Orpha Sidles, Georgia Sidles, Edna Bollman, Gracie Baxter, Maurine Sidles, Elsie White, Theodore Sedgwick, Wm. Hawkins, Paul White, George Hunter.

Top Row: Joe Sidles, Marsha Stoner, Ethel Stoner, Katie Crouch, Dora Wales, Charlie Canfield.

Teacher: Sam Phillips

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Pictures were copied from Memories of Jerome 1989. Identities for the second picture are from a clipping in the Scrapbook of Eloise Louise Walker Harl on the FHL Film #1007930, Item #9.

Shirley Jannet Baxter Davis, 1923-1997

The Peoria Journal Star [IL] - 16 March 1997

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  CANTON -- Shirley J. Davis, 73, of Las Vegas, formerly of Canton, died at 4:58 a.m. Thursday, March 13, 1997 at her residence.

  Born Nov. 11, 1923, in Canton to William and Elizabeth Rodgers Baxter, she married Earl A. Davis on May 18, 1947, in Canton.  He survives.

  Also surviving are one stepson, Charles of Peoria; one stepdaughter, Charlene Rusterholz of Peoria; one brother, Neil Baxter of Lewistown; two sisters, Maxine Matayo of Canton and Ruth McKinney of Lewistown; three step-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. Four brothers and six sisters preceded her in death.

  Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel.

  Memorials may be made to South Side Mission or to the Salvation Army.

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The Peoria Journal Star [IL] - 11 January 2001

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  PEORIA -- Earl A. Davis, 83, of 3047 Comitan Lane, Las Vegas, Nev., formerly of Peoria, died at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2001, at Life Care Center in Las Vegas.

  Born Dec. 10, 1917, in Peoria to Charles A. and Pearl Simpson Davis, he married Dorothy Davis. He later married Shirley J. Baxter on May 18, 1947, in Canton. She died March 13, 1997 in Las Vegas.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers and four infant grandchildren.

  Surviving are Susan Lee of Las Vegas, with whom he made his home; one son, Charles (and Sue) of Peoria; one daughter, Charlene (and Rusty) Rusterholz of Peoria; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leslie (and Evelyn) and Robert, both of Peoria; and two sisters, Ruth (and Bill) Van Etten of Peoria and Alma Simpson of Grass Valley, Calif.

  He was a World War II Army veteran.

  He owned and operated several grocery stores in California.

  Services will be at noon Saturday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, where visitation will be two hours before services. The Rev. Gene Mace will officiate. Burial will be in Parkview Cemetery. 

  Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. 

Ruth Evelyn Baxter McKinney, 1910-1997

The Peoria Journal Star [IL] - 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 was a member of 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.