Genevieve Catherine Rash Mincks, 1924-2010

Tributes.com - 11 November 2010

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  Genevieve Catherine Mincks was born June 29, 1924 to Wayne Ora Rash and Mary Pearl Rotisky Rash in Jerome, Iowa. She passed away at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Iowa on November 4, 2010, at the age of 86 years, 5 months and 4 days. 
  Genevieve attended school through the 10th grade in Jerome, and graduated from Seymour High School in 1943. 
  On April 24, 1943 she was united in marriage to George Richard Mincks of Jerome. A daughter Mary Catherine and son Steven Richard were born to this union. Together she and Richard farmed and raised livestock for 67 years in Wayne and Appanoose counties. Genevieve also worked in Steve’s clothing store, The Executive Edition, in Centerville for several years. 
  Genevieve was a member of the Seymour United Methodist Church, teaching the Glad Hand Sunday School class for 50 years. She was active in the church, serving as UMW President, Memorial Committee Treasurer, Methodist Youth Fellowship Sponsor, and sang in the church choir. 
  Genevieve had many hobbies including sewing, quilting, crocheting, gardening and canning. She enjoyed square dancing, traveling to Colorado, camping and following the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) rodeo series. 
  Genevieve was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Mary Rash, and brother-in-laws Eugene Darrah and Don Robinson. She is survived by husband Richard; daughter Mary and husband Gary of Bella Vista, Arkansas; son Steven Mincks and Bill Williams of Seymour; grandsons Duane Couchman, Troy and wife Melanie; great-grandson Keith Couchman; sisters Deloris Darrah and Rowena Robinson; brother-in-law William Mincks and wife Donna; nieces Darla Wells and husband Josh, Dian Rider and husband Todd, Jane Turner and husband Brian, and Susan Pitcher; nephew Todd Robinson; great-nice Laura Turner; great nephews Nathan Wells and wife Andrea, Nolan Wells, Seth Wells and Andrew Turner. 
  Memorial contributions may be made to the Seymour United Methodist Church. 
  VISITATION: Tuesday, November 9, 2010, 6:00-8:00 PM, Randolph Funeral Home, Seymour, IA 52590
  FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, November 10, 2010, 10:30 AM, United Methodist Church, Seymour, IA 52590

McElvains Make "Big Change"

The Seymour Herald - 4 November 2010

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  I was reared on a Centennial Farm. It was several years after I moved from it that it earned that prestigious designation.  My brother Paul McElvain and his wife Helen were living there then.  The year was 1991. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship recognized at that time the family of McElvain had owned and been stewards of Iowa land for over 100 years.

  In 1868 our great grandfather W. D. McElvain and his family left Illinois and bought land and settled in Appanoose County, Iowa. There they spent their remaining years. Part of W. D.'s land holdings passed down through three generations, finally to Paul.

  Paul told me he always enjoyed being a farmer and even though he had a small farm, by today's standards, he was a good farmer. These headlines attest to that fact:

Local Hog Producers Have Good Year

[The above headline accompanied a story and picture 

of Paul's family in 1954.]

  He and Helen successfully reared five children. He loved spending his years in the country on his farm. He often expressed his desire to never leave the farm, just as his grandfather had wished.

  But, the years have a way of taking a toil. Arthritis and severe macular degeneration have caused a once strong, active man to become unable to do the farming and even caused the sale of their car, as neither Paul nor Helen can drive now.

  So what can retired farmers do when time and health issues have caught up with them: When it is no longer safe or wise to remain on an isolated farm?

  Recently Paul and Helen put their house on the market after agreeing to move into town to an assisted living development.

  Try to imagine their feelings when family members reasoned with them that changes must be made. Helen was more in favor of change. She felt she had lived through enough winters out there in that isolated rural area. But Paul still didn't want to make the big change. A daughter, Bonnie, from Arizona has made many dozens of trips to visit and help them. She did it willingly, but still it caused her to give up some of her usual activities and time with her husband and friends there in Arizona.

  Paul did finally agree to move. He really resigned himself to the inevitable and to Helen's wishes.

  Bonnie has kept me apprised of the situation there in Iowa. She was there when the move was made from the farm to town September 28 of this year. They are settled in a small apartment. And, she reports they are loving it! The food is good, there are activities, transportation can be arranged for doctor appoint-ments, medications are delivered and other conveniences are provided. They even went to church, a usual Sunday occurrence for them, their first Sunday in their new surroundings. A first cousin once removed is an ordained minister. She comes to this development and conducts a church service. She not only is a relative, but is also a friend, having grown up with Paul and Helen's children in the same neighborhood.

  It seems these farmers have adjusted to this uprooting very quickly. Ever since I've been here at Wind Crest I've wished they were in a similar place. Their's is much smaller, with only 40 apartments, but I believe it is the right place for them.

  It saddens me that soon the family's claim to the title of Centennial Farm will be no more, but I know it has to be. How fortunate my brothers and I were to be reared on that precious and wholesome land. I am so thankful Paul and Helen have found a safe and happy place now.

Marge Inman - October 7, 2010

Samuel C. Van Ness, 1819-1897

The History of Appanoose County, Iowa

Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878

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  Vanness, S. C., farmer and stock-grower, Sec. 16, P.O. Seymour; born in Lycoming Co., Penn., in 1819; his father was of Holland descent, and his mother of English; they were married in New Jersey; his father was a blacksmith;p moved to Pennsylvania; thence to Columbiana Co., Ohio; were early settlers, and so poor that they wore wooden shoes; thence to Trumbull Co., Ohio; returned to Pennsylvania, where his parents died--his father at the age of 86 years, his mother at 84. In December, 1842, he married Miss Mary Cronk; she was born in Trumbull Co., Ohio (afterwards Mahoning Co.), in 1823; her parent, Isaac C. and Margaret (nee Deal), were born in Pennsylvania; they moved to Ohio, where her father died, the family moving to Indiana. In 1857, came to this county; owns 340 acres of land, valued at $30 per acre. Have five children living, lost one--Madison M.,  born in 1845, died in May, 1848; Addison M., born in 1851; Canfield B., in 1853; William C., in 1855; Peter M., in 1856, and Abraham L., in 1863. The father of Mrs. Vanness, Isaac Cronk, was a lawyer; admitted to the bar, and practiced in Mahoning Co., Ohio; a highly educated man; for many years taught school, but from ill-health left it for other pursuits. Republican; have been members of the Baptist Church in Livingston for twenty-five years.

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  Note: Samuel C. and Mary (Cronk) Van Ness are buried in the Wright-Thommason Cemetery in Vermillion Township, Appanoose County, Iowa.

Houx-Kinney Wedding - 23 October 1902

The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette - 18 October 1902

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  Invitations have been received here by friends and relatives to the marriage of former resident and highly respected citizen, Mr. John S. Houx, which will take place October 23, at 11 o'clock, Jerome, Iowa. The bride, Miss Effie Kinney, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse G. Kinney. Mr. Kinney is one of the most prominent and wealthiest of the farmers near Jerome. The groom, Mr. Houx, is well known and liked in Cedar Rapids, where he was born and lived until recently. He was for many years a newsdealer here, and is now established as a confectioner in Colorado City, Col. After his wedding he will go west immediately with his bride to their future home.

David Lawrence Is Heart Attack Victim

Daily Iowegian - 5 August 1963

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  David Lawrence, evangelist, who was 68, died suddenly in the St. Joseph Hospital Saturday, August 3, 1963, at 6:15 p.m. He had been ill for two days.

  Last Wednesday evening a newsman had talked with David at his home at 205 South Twelfth street during an interview with his mother-in-law, Mrs. Anna Norris, who was 100 years old Saturday. At that time he told of feeling indisposed but thought it was a case of indigestion. He had, however, had a cardiograph made.

  Evangelist Lawrence was born in Treherbert, Wales, July 22, 1895, and was the son of David John and Gwen Griffith Lawrence.

  During World War I he served in the Royal Medical Corps with the British Army. For 10 years following the war he served with a group of Christian Evangelists known as the "Pilgrim Preachers," who toured the Isles.

  Mr. Lawrence came to the United States in 1917, returned to Wales in 1928, then came back to the States in 1929.

  On February 17, 1929, he was united in marriage with Edna Norris in Numa, Iowa. They have lived in Centerville for 30 years.

  During World War II he worked in Christian canteens for service men in various cities of the United States. From 1947 through 1950 he led a group of young men  known as "The Gospel Messengers on Tour." He had been a minister for 49 years and during that time served the Gospel Chapel in Centerville until his passing.

  He had been in charge of a radio program "The Gospel Hour," over KCOG for 14 1/2 years.

  Preceding him in death are his parents, one sister and one brother. Survivors include his widow, two sisters, Miss Margaret Lawrence and Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Rees, of Philadelphia, Pa.; and one brother, Dr. Tom Lawrence of Hartford, Conn.

  The body is at the Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home where funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 7, at 2 p.m. Dave Horn of Denver, Colo., and John Horn of Atchison, Kans., will officiate.

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Evangelist David Lawrence, 1895-1963

History of Appanoose County, Iowa

[Dallas, TX: Taylor Publishing Company, 1986]

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  Evangelist David Lawrence was born July 22, 1895, in Treherbet, South Wales, the son of David John and Gwendolyn Griffiths Lawrence. He was one of our children -- two sisters, Margaret Lawrence and Elizabeth Ann Rees, and a brother, Dr. Tom Lawrence.

  He was married to Frances Edna Norris on February 17, 1929, at Numa, Ia.

  During World War I, he served in the Royal Medical Corps with the British Army. For ten years following the war, he served with a group of Christian Evangelists known as The Pilgrim Preachers, who toured the British Isles.

  Mr. Lawrence came to the United States in 1927, then returned to Wales in 1928, then came back to the states in 1929, the year he was married to Miss Norris.

  Mr. Lawrence said two of the most memorable moments in his life was when he was converted to God in 1914, in Wales, and when he became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1933 in Appanoose County, Iowa. He was always proud and happy to be a citizen of the United States.

  During World War II, he worked in Christian canteens for service men in various cities of the United States. From 1947 through 1950, he led a group of young Christian men known as "Gospel Messengers on Tour." He had been a minister for 49 years, and during that time served the Gospel Chapel in Centerville, Iowa, until his death.

  He had been in charge of a radio program, "Gospel Tidings" over radio station KCOG since its inception in 1949.

  David Lawrence died August 3, 1963, and was buried in Jerome, Iowa, cemetery.

Celebrate Golden Wedding Anniversary

The Seymour Herald - 17 February 1944

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  Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Loofburrow of Promise City celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sunday, Feb. 13th in their home in Promise City.

  Mr. Loofburrow was born in Wayne county and Mrs. Loofburrow, the former Mish Wales, was born 1/4 mile east of Philadelphia church and lived there until her marriage on Feb. 13, 1894. Four sons were born to this union who are Orval of Sedalia, Mo.; Forest of Long Beach, Cal.; Kenneth of Quincy, Ill.; and Elvin of the U.S. Navy.

  The sons and their families were unable to be present on this occasion, but several niece and nephews and their families came and served a lovely dinner. Those present were: Clyde Close and wife and son Teddy; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Sharp, Mr. and Mrs. Davie Workman, Mrs. Essie Loofburrow, Mr. and Mrs. Muriel Loofburrow, Mr. and Mrs. Forest Workman and Mr. and Mrs. Earnest Sharp and sons. Other callers during the day were: Mrs. Richard McIntire, Mrs. Effie Spence, Miss Lessie Morris, Mrs. Clarice McMurry, Mrs. Lulu Long, Mr. and Mrs. Coe Laverty, Miss Ruth Lee and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Coats. They received a number of nice presents besides their son Kenneth, sent a large bouquet of red carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Davie Workman sweet peas, and Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Workman's beautiful potted cyclamen and carnations and snap-dragons from friends in Promise City of which they were very appreciative. Mrs. Earnest Sharp and Mrs. Helen Loofburrow each brought a lovely cake which deserved mention.

  This occasion was also the 36th birthday of their youngest son, Elvin who is an officer in the Navy and is on a ship on the west coast which will sail about March the 1st. All present enjoyed the day and left wishing them many more wedding anniversaries.

JEROME - 20 April 1944

The Seymour Herald - 20 April 1944

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  Mrs. J. W. Day of Centerville spent the weekend with her daughter, Mrs. J. G. Morris and family.

  Mr. and Mrs. Dougal Forsyth of Mystic spent Sunday at the Wm. Hefner home.

  Billy Mincks spent Friday at home as the Centerville school had one day for Easter vacation. He returned to Centerville for Saturday where he is employed in the Parker Clothing Store.

  Miss Audrey Morjur of Plano spent Easter Sunday at the J. W. Workman home.

  Richard McElvain of the U.S. Navy stationed in Lawrence, Kans., was a weekend visitor with his mother, Mrs. Cecil McElvain and family.

  Mrs. Roy Glenn and Miss Susie Sidles attended the silent auction sale in Promise City on Friday night.

  Mrs. Effie Houx of Cedar Rapids furnished a flower for the Methodist church on Easter Sunday in memory of her mother, Mrs. J. G. Kinney.

  Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Moore and daughters, Helen Lu and Mary Anna, moved to Seymour last Thursday. Mrs. Anna Snodgrass will occupy the house they have just vacated.

  Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Moore and small son of Davenport, have spent the past week at the Carl Hamm home and with other relatives.

  Mrs. Veil returned to her home in Selby after spending the winter at the home of her daughter, Mr. and Mrs. A. F. Hawkins. Mrs. Hawkins accompanied her to Des Moines by bus and returned the next day.

  Billy Hawkins of Seymour is sick at the home of his grandfather here.

  Miss Margaret Felkner of Des Moines spent the weekend at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Felkner.

  The Easter service and program was well attended in spite of it being a rainy Easter.

JEROME - 6 April 1944

The Seymour Herald - 6 April 1944

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  The township trustees are meeting today (Monday) in the Miner's Hall.

  Wayne Moore of the U.S. Army is home for a 15 day furlough. He is the son of D. E. Moore.

  Shirley Carpenter returned to her home in Promise City last Wednesday after spending several days with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Glenn.

  W. R. Hefner and family and Howard Hart attended the McMurry funeral in Promise City on Sunday afternoon.

  Burdette Workman who is working in the Tri-Cities spent the week end at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Workman.

  L. J.Norris is up and about after a long illness following the flu.

  The family night supper held at the Methodist church on Friday night was largely attended. Rev. Greenwood of the Methodist church of Centerville gave a very inspiring address. His five children furnished music.

  The Roy Glenn family spent Sunday at the Lloyd Stevens home near Seymour. They were accompanied by their daughter, Mrs. Iris Homes.

  Wm. Henderson was hauling phosphate from Moulton last week.

  W. R. Hefner had their house wired for electricity last week and were connected to the I.S.U. line that passes their home on last Friday. It is reported the I.S.U. will soon furnish other homes with electricity.

  Mrs. Eleanor Carpenter and daughter, Shirley, were supper guests at the parental Roy Glenn home, Sunday.

  Officials from the Miners' Union office in Albia were in Jerome on Friday looking after the Miner's Hall here. Since it is no longer used it has been sold to Mike Ponsetto.

  Joe Nichols has gone to Kansas City to seek employment.

  Rudolph Buyans received word from their son "Rudy" last week. It was written December 5 and arrived here March 27. He is in prison in Germany. He reported everything all right and all packages sent from here had been received. He said with that and the Red Cross packages received, he was having all he needed. He is working on construction work.

  Phyllis, Betty, and Mary Margaret Hawkins of Seymour attended the family night supper here on Friday night and spent the weekend at the Wm. Hawkins home.

JEROME - 30 March 1944

The Seymour Herald - 30 March 1944

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  Mrs. Maurine Streepy of Udell spent last week with her sister, Miss Susie Sidles.

  John Padovan of Numa was a business caller here on Wednesday.

  Mrs. Iris Holmes was visiting on Sunday at the Roy Glenn home.

  Mr. and Mrs. Joe Nichols and two children, Ida and Sharon Kay, spent Sunday in Confidence with Mrs. Nichols' parents, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes.

  Howard Hart spent Sunday with his daughter Mrs. W. R. Hefner and family.

  Mrs. Wm. Hefner, Miss Susie Sidles and Mrs. Maurine Streepy attended the five cent dinner at the Methodist church in Mystic last Thursday.

  Shirley Carpenter of Promise City is visiting her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Glenn.

  The W.S.C.S. meets this Thursday for an all day meeting with a co-operative dinner.

  Mr. and Mrs. Ray Evans have as their guests their daughter and husband from Chicago to spend the week.

  Mrs. Roy Glenn and Carol and Shirley Carpenter spent Sunday at the Rowe home near Sewal.

  Friday night, March 31, the family night service with a co-operative supper at 7 o'clock will be held at the Methodist church. Rev. Gatewood, pastor of the Methodist church in Centerville, will be the guest speaker following the supper hour.

  Several families from here attended the farm bureau box social in Centerville last Tuesday evening the proceeds were given to the Red Cross.

JEROME - 23 March 1944

The Seymour Herald - 23 March 1944

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  Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Mincks and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mincks attended the quarterly conference in Mystic last Tuesday night.

  Peter Sidles and Kenneth Owen attended a meeting for school improvement held in Chariton last Tuesday.

  W. R. Hefner and Kenneth Owen were elected to the school board at last Monday's election. They were re-elected as they had served before.

  Miss Cadd Hawkins, R.N., returned from duties in the St. Joseph hospital on Friday.

  Joe and Neil Nichols returned Thursday from Washington state where they had been working on a government project for a few weeks.

  In spite of the rainy evening 45 attended the Lincoln township Farm Bureau social held in the Jerome school on Tuesday evening. Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Harris and Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hornady were host and hostess and served refreshments.

  John Morris was absent from school last week with the measles.

  Mrs. J. G. Morris spent Saturday and Sunday in Centerville with her mother Mrs. John Day.

  The school children are collecting paper and rags for the scrap drive.

  The Red Cross drive has not yet been completed in this community.

  L. J. Norris is able to be about the house after a recent illness.

JEROME - 16 March 1944

The Seymour Herald - 16 March 1944

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  Mrs. B. J. Owen moved to Centerville last Wednesday to the new home she purchased on 12th Street.

  Richard McElvain of the U.S. Navy stationed in Lawrence, Kan., spent the weekend of March 5th at home.

  The nutrition meeting of the farm  bureau held at the school house on last Wednesday evening was largely attended.

  The St. Patrick Day tea given by the W.S.C.S. last Thursday was well attended. A splendid program was given in charge of Mrs. Forrest Workman and Mrs. James Felkner, Mattie Arbogast of Numa was a guest speaker.

  Harold Hart of the U.S. Navy left last Tuesday night for Chicago after several days spent here. He is a musician, 1/c and will be stationed in Chicago for awhile.

  Mrs. Cameron, who makes her home with the Ray Evans family, has been quite poorly. Her knee was injured from a fall.

  L. J. Norris has been bedfast for several days but is some improved. He had flu and is slow recovering.

  Miss Susie Sidles and Mrs. Ralph Radosovich are collecting Red Cross funds in Jerome.