Clarence C. Bollman, 1868-1942

Centerville Iowegian and Citizen
29 October 1942

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  Clarence C. Bollman, son of William N. Bollman and Elizabeth Ann Kinney, was born March 24, 1868, in Lincoln township in Appanoose county.  He united in marriage with Anna A. Sedgwick in May 1894.  To this union was born one child, Edna Marie, who passed away in 1915.  The wife, Anna, departed this life in 1936.

  He married Lydia Hickie in Dec. 1937. He spent his entire life in Appanoose county and passed away at the St. Joseph’s hospital in Centerville on Oct. 15, 1942 at the age of 74 years, after a short illness.

  A few days before his death he accepted the Lord Jesus as his own personal savior.

  Funeral services were held from the Methodist church in Jerome Saturday at 2:30 p.m. with W. W. White officiating.  Music by David and Edna Lawrence with Zelda Workman at the piano.  Burial was at the Jerome cemetery.

Jerome Cemetery Gravestone of 

Clarence C. and Anna A. Sedgwick Bollman

Row 6, Block 20, Lot 5

Anna Sedgwick Bollman, 1876-1926

Centerville Daily Iowegian – 15 September 1936

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MRS. BOLMAN (Sic) IS TAKEN BY DEATH

Widely Known and Long Time Resident of Jerome

Succumbs to Long Time Illness

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  Mrs. Anna Bollman, well known and widely loved resident of Jerome, and wife of C. C. Bollman, died at her home there yesterday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock, from complications following many years of ill health. Her death brings sorrow to a host of relatives ande friends as Mrs. Bullman (sic) had been a life long resident of Appanoose county and had lived in Jerome for a long period of time.

  Mrs. Bollman was 59 years, 11 moths (sic) and 26 days old, and had been in semi-invalidism, since a nervous breakdown 21 years ago, when her only child, a 19 year old daughter, Edna died.  During recent years her frail health had been complicated and led to her death yesterday.

Moved to Jerome

  She was born near Griffinsville and lived with her parents there until eight years of age, when she moved to Jerome, where she spent practically the entire remainder of her life. Two years following her marriage some 43 years ago she and her husband lived for a time at Concord, the Concord church being on their farm. They then returned to Jerome, buying a farm, which is located at the edge of town and have lived there since.

  In death she is preceded by her daughter, and father and mother.  One sister, Mrs. Vera Owen, of Jerome survives, in addition to five brothers as follows: R. F. Sedgwick of Centerville, T. R. of St. Louis, W’m of Des Moines, Owen of Jerome and Theodore of Jerome.

  She was a member of the Believer’s church and a woman of splendid character.  She will be remembered as having written some poetry and other writings for the Iowegian, which were widely read.  Funeral services will be held from the Gospel Hall in Jerome at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday with David Lawrence officiating.  Burial will be at Jerome.

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Centerville Daily Iowegian – 19 September 1936

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  Mrs. Anna Bollman, wife of Clarence Bollman, departed this life to be with Crist, on Monday, Sept. 14.  For more than three and a half years she has suffered greatly from arthritis, palay and weakness, but her last illness was of only three days duration and the end came peacefully in their home at Jerome

  She has rested in Christ as her Savior for many years. The day before her death, in conversation she said: “What comforts me is “He died for me’.”

  She was the daughter of Benjaman (sic) and Katherine Sedgwick and was born Sept. 19, 1876. She would have been sixty years of age in a few days.

  She was united in marriage with Clarence Bollman, May 27, 1893.  One child, Edna, was born, who fell asleep in Jesus 21 years ago, at the age of 19 years.

  Her husband, five brothers, Tom, Owen, Will, Ben and Theodore, one sister, Vera, and many nieces and nephews are left who feel their loss deeply.

Gravestone of Clarence C. and Anna A. (Sedgwick) Bollman

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 6, Block 20, Lot 5

Anna Sedgwick Bollman, 1876-1926

Centerville Daily Iowegian – 15 September 1936

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MRS. BOLMAN (Sic) IS TAKEN BY DEATH

Widely Known and Long Time Resident of Jerome

Succumbs to Long Time Illness

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

  Mrs. Anna Bollman, well known and widely loved resident of Jerome, and wife of C. C. Bollman, died at her home there yesterday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock, from complications following many years of ill health. Her death brings sorrow to a host of relatives ande friends as Mrs. Bullman (sic) had been a life long resident of Appanoose county and had lived in Jerome for a long period of time.

  Mrs. Bollman was 59 years, 11 moths (sic) and 26 days old, and had been in semi-invalidism, since a nervous breakdown 21 years ago, when her only child, a 19 year old daughter, Edna died.  During recent years her frail health had been complicated and led to her death yesterday.

Moved to Jerome

  She was born near Griffinsville and lived with her parents there until eight years of age, when she moved to Jerome, where she spent practically the entire remainder of her life. Two years following her marriage some 43 years ago she and her husband lived for a time at Concord, the Concord church being on their farm. They then returned to Jerome, buying a farm, which is located at the edge of town and have lived there since.

  In death she is preceded by her daughter, and father and mother.  One sister, Mrs. Vera Owen, of Jerome survives, in addition to five brothers as follows: R. F. Sedgwick of Centerville, T. R. of St. Louis, W’m of Des Moines, Owen of Jerome and Theodore of Jerome.

  She was a member of the Believer’s church and a woman of splendid character.  She will be remembered as having written some poetry and other writings for the Iowegian, which were widely read.  Funeral services will be held from the Gospel Hall in Jerome at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday with David Lawrence officiating.  Burial will be at Jerome.

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Centerville Daily Iowegian – 19 September 1936

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  Mrs. Anna Bollman, wife of Clarence Bollman, departed this life to be with Crist, on Monday, Sept. 14.  For more than three and a half years she has suffered greatly from arthritis, palay and weakness, but her last illness was of only three days duration and the end came peacefully in their home at Jerome

  She has rested in Christ as her Savior for many years. The day before her death, in conversation she said: “What comforts me is “He died for me’.”

  She was the daughter of Benjaman (sic) and Katherine Sedgwick and was born Sept. 19, 1876. She would have been sixty years of age in a few days.

  She was united in marriage with Clarence Bollman, May 27, 1893.  One child, Edna, was born, who fell asleep in Jesus 21 years ago, at the age of 19 years.

  Her husband, five brothers, Tom, Owen, Will, Ben and Theodore, one sister, Vera, and many nieces and nephews are left who feel their loss deeply.

Gravestone of Clarence C. and Anna A. (Sedgwick) Bollman

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 6, Block 20, Lot 5

Anna Sedgwick Bollman, 1876-1926

Centerville Daily Iowegian
15 September 1936

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MRS. BOLMAN (Sic) IS TAKEN BY DEATH

Widely Known and Long Time Resident of Jerome

Succumbs to Long Time Illness

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

  Mrs. Anna Bollman, well known and widely loved resident of Jerome, and wife of C. C. Bollman, died at her home there yesterday afternoon at 2:15 o’clock, from complications following many years of ill health. Her death brings sorrow to a host of relatives ande friends as Mrs. Bullman (sic) had been a life long resident of Appanoose county and had lived in Jerome for a long period of time.

  Mrs. Bollman was 59 years, 11 moths (sic) and 26 days old, and had been in semi-invalidism, since a nervous breakdown 21 years ago, when her only child, a 19 year old daughter, Edna died.  During recent years her frail health had been complicated and led to her death yesterday.

Moved to Jerome

  She was born near Griffinsville and lived with her parents there until eight years of age, when she moved to Jerome, where she spent practically the entire remainder of her life. Two years following her marriage some 43 years ago she and her husband lived for a time at Concord, the Concord church being on their farm. They then returned to Jerome, buying a farm, which is located at the edge of town and have lived there since.

  In death she is preceded by her daughter, and father and mother.  One sister, Mrs. Vera Owen, of Jerome survives, in addition to five brothers as follows: R. F. Sedgwick of Centerville, T. R. of St. Louis, W’m of Des Moines, Owen of Jerome and Theodore of Jerome.

  She was a member of the Believer’s church and a woman of splendid character.  She will be remembered as having written some poetry and other writings for the Iowegian, which were widely read.  Funeral services will be held from the Gospel Hall in Jerome at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday with David Lawrence officiating.  Burial will be at Jerome.

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Centerville Daily Iowegian 
19 September 1936

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  Mrs. Anna Bollman, wife of Clarence Bollman, departed this life to be with Crist, on Monday, Sept. 14.  For more than three and a half years she has suffered greatly from arthritis, palay and weakness, but her last illness was of only three days duration and the end came peacefully in their home at Jerome

  She has rested in Christ as her Savior for many years. The day before her death, in conversation she said: “What comforts me is “He died for me’.”

  She was the daughter of Benjaman (sic) and Katherine Sedgwick and was born Sept. 19, 1876. She would have been sixty years of age in a few days.

  She was united in marriage with Clarence Bollman, May 27, 1893.  One child, Edna, was born, who fell asleep in Jesus 21 years ago, at the age of 19 years.

  Her husband, five brothers, Tom, Owen, Will, Ben and Theodore, one sister, Vera, and many nieces and nephews are left who feel their loss deeply.

Gravestone of 
Clarence C. and Anna A. (Sedgwick) Bollman

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 6, Block 20, Lot 5

Joel Lesley (Joe) Cousins, 1889-1975

Centerville Iowegian – 15 April 1975

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   Joel Lesley (Joe) Cousins, 19 West Cottage, Centerville, died Tuesday, April 15, 1975, at the age of 86.

  Born October 27, 1889, in Ravannah, [Mercer county,] Missouri, he was the son of Charles and Nancy [Scott] Cousins. He was married to Estella Ellen Rash in Trenton, Missouri, December 2, 1908. She died September 4, 1969.

  In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and ten brothers and sisters.

  Surviving are two children, Mrs. Ocie Sedgwick, Centerville, and Leslie Cousins, Ottumwa; nine grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

  Mr. Cousins has been employed by the Milwaukee railroad for 47 years, and was section foreman at Jerome when he retired. He was a member of the Odd Fellows lodge.

  Services will be Friday, 1:30 p.m., at Johnson Home, with the Rev. Olen Adams officiating.  Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery.

Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery

Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa

Row 1, Block 31, Lot 1

Dailey Iowegian - 8  May 2014

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  Larry Milton Sedgwick, 75, of Exline, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the Continental at St. Joseph in Centerville. He was born the son of Theodore M. and Ocie (Cousins) Sedgwick Sept. 15, 1938 in Jerome. He attended Centerville Community Schools.

  After being honorable discharged from the U.S. Army, Larry returned to the Exline area to farm and drive trucks for Oscar Gavronsky.
  On Nov. 26, 1977, Larry was united in marriage to Patty Brown in Centerville. Larry loved raising horses and going to rodeos, any type of sale where he could find a bargain. He was a member of the Saddle Club and the Gun Club.
  He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Virginia Oden.
  Larry is survived by his wife, Patty Sedgwick of Exline; a daughter, Deborah Roberts and her husband, David of Eddyville; several nieces and nephews; and friends.
  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville with the Rev. Gerald Campbell and Dennis Doud officiating. Burial will follow in the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome. Visitation will be held today from 2-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
  Memorials may be made to HCI Care Services and may be left at or mailed to the funeral home. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Centerville has been entrusted with caring for the Sedgwick family at this time and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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Owen Sedgwick, 1879-1961

Daily Iowegian - 18 September 1961

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  Owen Sedgwick, 82, of Davenport and formerly of this community passed away Saturday at Davenport.

  Mr. Sedgwick was born Jan. 1, 1879 at Walnut City, Iowa, the son of B. F. and Catherine Sedgwick. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian.

  Surviving are two daughters, Kathryn Hymes of Davenport and Vera Stephenson of Burlington, four sons, Carol and Winifred of Davenport, Harold of Des Moines and Forrest of Shoup, Idaho; 12 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

  Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Hill and Fredricks Mortuary in Davenport. Graveside services will be held at the Jerome Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, with the Rev. Orval Walker officiating. For further information friends may call the Johnson Funeral Home.\

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution of this obituary to The Jerome Journal by Gary Craver of Centerville IA.

Ocie Cousins Sedgwick, 1910-1994

Daily Iowegian - 11 August 1994

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  Ocie Sedgwick, 84, of Jerome died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 1994, at the Centerville Care Center.

  She was born Feb. 5, 1910, in Newtown, Mo., the daughter of Joel Lesley and Stella (Rash) Cousins.

  She married Theodore Milton Sedgwick Jan. 2, 1926 in Jerome. He preceded her in death Nov. 15, 1960.

  Survivors include a son, Larry Sedgwick of Exline; a daughter, Virginia Oden, also of Exline; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

  She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Lesley Cousins.

  She worked at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital for 25 years. She was a member of the Grace Tabernacle Church and the Order of Eastern Star.

  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at the Lange Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

  A memorial has been established in the Grace Tabernacle Church and may be left at the Lange Funeral Home. 

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Ocie Cousins Sedgwick's Gravestone

in the Jerome Cemetery

Theodore Milton Sedgwick, 1895-1960

Daily Iowegian - 15 November 1960

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  Theodore Milton Sedgwick of 302 E. Wall St., passed away at 5 a.m. November 15 at the age of 65 years, 7 months and 8 days.

  He was born in Jerome, Iowa, April 7, 1895, the son of Benjamin F. and Catherine Thomas Sedgwick. He married Ocie Cousins January 2, 1926 who survived his passing along with a daughter, Mrs. Virginia Oden, Centerville; one son, Larry Sedgwick at home, two grandchildren and two brothers, Ben Sedgwick of Rock Island, Ill. and Owen Sedgwick of Davenport.

  He was a former resident of Jerome moving to Centerville about four years ago. He was a Veteran of World War I. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and three brothers.

  Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3 p.m. from the Johnson Funeral Home and burial in the Jerome Cemetery.

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Theodore Milton Sedgwick's Gravestone

in the Jerome Cemetery

Carroll E. Sedgwick, 1922-2008

Quad-Cities Online - 8 April 2008

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  Carroll E. Sedgwick, 85, of Kewanee, died Monday, March 31, 2008, at his home.

  Private services are Wednesday at First Baptist, Kewanee. Graveside services in Missouri were Thursday, April 3. Arrangements are by Schueneman-Tumbleson, Kewanee.

  He was born Dec. 19, 1922, in Jerome, Iowa, to Owen and Lillian Sedgwick. He married Delane Shults June 2, 1947. 

  He was in the Army Air Corps and served as a mechanic from 1942 to 1956.

  He worked at the Davenport Post Office as a mailman for 30 years.

  Surviving are his wife, daughters, Karen (Paul) DeRycke and Rhonda; four grandchildren; soon to be born great-grandchild; and sister, Katherine.

Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick, 1844-1935

Daily Iowegian - 16 July 1934
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B. F. Sedgwick At 90 Retains His Activity
Daughter Pays Tribute in Verse 
to Father of Well Known Family as He Reaches 90

  B. F. Sedgwick of Jerome was 90 years old Friday, July 13, 1934. The Sedgwick family of seven children are living, some in Appanoose county, and some elsewhere. While they attempted no regular family reunion for his 90th anniversary, some of them visited him and found him full of life and in excellent health and spirits. He has lived a temperate life, eaten regularly and not to heavily, and always has had his exercise. Since he has not been engaged in active farming he gets it by walking and by exercising about the home. He walks every day. If he cannot get outside he does it in the house. He walks, swings his arms and breathes deeply and always goes to the table with a good appetite.

  Born at Rice's Landing in Pennsylvania, July 13, 1844, he came to Appanoose county when abot 25 years of age and within a year was married to Catherine Thomas of the Concord church vicinity in the northwest part of the county. They lived there until the early eighties when they moved to the Jerome vicinity.

  Eight children were born to them, the oldest, Joseph, dying in infancy. The others are: Tom R. of St. Louis, Mo.; Anna, wife of C. C. Bollman of Jerome; Owen, living on the home place, a half mile west of Jerome where the father now resides; William of Des Moines, Iowa; Vera, wife of Sam J. Owen, living west of Jerome; B. F., grocer on West Van Buren street, Centerville; Theodore M. of Jerome. The wife died April 17, 1924. 

  As Mr. Sedgwick enters on the last decade toward his hundred years he shows every indication of being in condition to complete the century. He keeps himself interested in current events, can read the newspapers without glasses, and is alert to what is going on about him. His many friends congratulate him on his long and useful life and on the cheerful attitude he has carried into old age.

  The occasion of his 90th anniversary were celebrated by some verses written by his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bollman, which are very apt and contain both sentiment and history. They relate incidents in his eventful life and pay tribute to his character, as follows:


Ninety years old today, today,
Ninety years since your first birthday;
Why father dear, it seems strange to say
That you are ninety years old today.
Your step so firm, you eye so bright,
Your form not bent, your hair not white.
But thick and glossy and silvery gray,
And yet you are ninety years old today.


On your natal day you were far from here;
On Monongahala's banks so dear
Nestled, the home where you saw the light,
And your spirit awoke to life's delight.
On its banks did you play, on its stream did you lave,
And the mountains and hills o'er-shadowed its waves.
The old Alleghanies and Blue Ridge too,
You knew from childhood, and loved them too.


Of brothers and sisters, a merry thong,
Four older and four younger, no day was long;
With tasks and playtime and school and books,
And mountain and stream and shady nooks,
The child to youth, then to manhood grew,
'Twas then as now, Youth longed for the new.
So westward he turned in the prairies great,
And journeyed to this beloved State.


In six short months he had won him a bride,
Dearer than all in the East beside;
And mountain and stream and hill and dell,
Had lost their charm, for he loved her well.
More than fifty years they journeyed together,
In sunshine and shade, and stormy weather.


They welcomed their first born, a little son,
This sweet flower was plucked ere life had begun;
Nine short months and the gift was taken
Back to the Giver, but he shall awaken.
Five stalmant sons and daughters two,
Went from this home, to build anew.
'Tis a tale oft repeated, they have not won fame,
But when life called to battle, they answered their name.


At eighty thou wast left alone,
They mate was flown, they helpmate gone;
Ten long years hath the marble pressed
The grave of her you loved the best.
Thou are nearing the shore of an unknown sea,
To launch thy bark for eternity.
But we may be nearer, 'tis hid from our sight,
"My spirit may slip from its moorings tonight."


The life of man, how brief the span!
Swift as weaver's shuttle ran.
The fleeting years have winged feet,
They bear us on till death, we meet.
'Tis not a hopeless sorrow, no!
Christ the first fruits, a vanquished foe.
And all them that in Jesus sleep,
Shall wake in peace, no more to weep.

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Daily Iowegian - 26 February 1935

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B. F. Sedgwick, 90, Dies of Pneumonia; 
Funeral Thursday

Retired Appanoose County Farmer 

Ill Since Feb. 1 at Home West of Jerome

  Pneumonia, contracted Feb. 1, proved fatal to Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick, 90-year old Appanoose county farmer, who died at 8 p.m. Monday at his home west of Jerome, where he had lived 53 years. He resided with his son, Owen S., and family at his death.

  Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the home, with burial in Jerome cemetery beside Mrs. Sedgwick, who died 11 years ago.

Born in Pennsylvania

  Mr. Sedgwick was born July 13, 1844, at Rices Landing, Pa. When 25 years old, he came west and settled on a farm northeast of Plano, and a year later married Catherine Thomas. Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick moved to the present Sedgwick farm west of Jerome in 1882.

  Mr. Sedgwick had been in good health until the last year. He exercised by walking about the house, was keenly interested in current events and read daily without glasses.

Daughter Wrote Poetry

 The Iowegian published poetry written by his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bollman of Jerome, and dedicated to him on his 90th birthday.

  Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Bollman and Mrs. Vera Owen, of Jerome; five sons, Thomas R. of St. Louis, Mo., William of Des Moines, Benjamin F. Jr. of Centerville, and Owen S. and Theodore M. of Jerome; brother, Dr. Theodore of McKeesport, Pa.; half-sister, Mrs. Emma McGregor of Ohio; 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Gravestones for
Benjamin and Catherine Thomas Sedgwick

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 6, Block 29, Lot 6

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Early Grooms Marriages 
in Appanoose County, Iowa, 1846-1900
[Appanoose County IA Genealogy Society, 1986]
Sedgwick, Benjn. 21 to Catherine Thomas 16 
June 8, 1871 - Book 5, Page 285
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Note: Catherine Thomas who married Benjamin Sedgewick was a sister of Ellen Thomas who married George Sidles. Both families lived near Jerome. Catherine and Ellen were daughters of Asbury Thomas and Mary Bowers.

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Family Tree on Ancestry.com Posted by Carri5893

Family Group Sheet for Joseph Sedgwick (1811-1882) and Priscilla Rice (c1815-Bef1850). 

Father: Joseph Sedgwick, born 5 Oct 1811, Greene Co., PA; died 3 Mar 1882

Mother: Priscilla Rice, born abt 1815, Greene Co., PA; died bef 1850

Child: Thomas Sedgwick, born abt 1836, Greene Co., PA

Child: Samuel Sedgwick, born abt 1838, Greene Co., PA

Child: Sarah Sedgwick, born 1840, Greene Co., PA

Child: Elizabeth Sedgwick, born abt 1842, Greene Co., PA

Child: Benjamin Sedgwick, born abt 1844, Green Co., PA
Note: This Family Tree provides some ancestral information for Priscilla Rice.

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Census Records for Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick
and Catherine Thomas

--1850 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Jefferson, Greene, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_783; Page: 126; Image: 246.  [Ancestry.com. 1850 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1856 Iowa State Census, Independence, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA_48; Family Number: 60. [Asbery Thomas Family] [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

--1860 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Jefferson, Greene, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1114; Page: 506; Image: 275. [Ancestry.com. 1860 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1860 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Independence, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: M653_311; Page: 97; Image: 98. [Asberry Thomas Family] [Ancestry.com. 1860 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1870 U.S. Federal Census, Place, Independence, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: M593_375; Page: 443; Image: 187. [Asbury Thomas Family] [Ancestry.com. 1870 United States Federal Census, (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

--1885 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1885_144; Family Number: 7.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1895 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1885_287; Family Number: 92.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1900 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: T623_416; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 16.  [Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1905 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA_75.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1910 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: T624_390; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 21; Image: 1428. [Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1915 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1915_25; Image: 690 - Katharine Sedgwick; Image: 687 - B. F. Sedgwick; Image: 692 - T. M. Sedgwick.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]
--1920 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: T625_477; Page: 1B; Enumeration District: 24; Image: 344.  [Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

--1925 Iowa State Census, Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: IA1925_1952; Line: 22; Images: 10, 11 and 12.  [Ancestry.com. Iowa State Census Collection, 1836-1925 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

--1930 U.S. Federal Census, Place: Lincoln, Appanoose, Iowa; Roll: 641; Page: 3A; Enumeration District: 17; Image: 333.0. [Ancestry.com.  1930 United States Federal Census (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA]

Vera Edna Sedgewick Owen, 1887-1952

Daily Iowegian - 22 August 1952

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Vera E. Owen Taken by Death

  Mrs. Vera E. Owen, 65, of 209 So. 12th St., died Thursday morning at 9 a.m., August 21, at the home of her son, Kenneth of Jerome. She had been ill for over a year, following an unsuccessful operation for a brain tumor. She was a life long resident of Appanoose County, living on a farm west of Jerome throughout her married life until the death of her husband, Samuel J. Owen, in 1940. Since then she has made her home in Centerville. She is survived by a daughter, Dorothy, five sons, Tom of Louisville, Ky., Hobart of Crown Point, Ind., Richard of Glenwood, Kenneth of Jerome, Donald of Fort Wayne, Ind., and eight grandchildren. She also has five brothers living, Tom Sedgwick of St. Louis, Will Sedgwick of Des Moines, Owen Sedgwick of Davenport, Ben Sedgwick of Rock Island, and Theodore Sedgwick of Centerville. She was a member of the Christians who meet at the Gospel Hall here. Funeral services and burial will be at Jerome Sunday afternoon.

  By her request her family asks that no flowers be sent. 

Samuel J. Owen, 1874-1940

Daily Iowegian - 4 May 1940

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

Sam J. Owen is Called By Death; Prominent Man

Deceased Had Lived Entire Life in Jerome Vicinity

Community Leader There

  Following a year's illness Sam J. Owen, lifelong and prominent farmer of Jerome vicinity, died at St. Joseph hospital at 9:00 a.m. today, at the age of 65.

  Born and raised in Jerome vicinity, and united in marriage to a native township young lady, Mr. and Mrs. Owen were prominent for a long period of time in the life and activity in the west part of Appanoose county.

Ill For Year

  In failing health for many months Mr. Owen had become critically ill with the past two weeks and had been in the hospital here where every effort was made in his behalf. Mr. Owen was born in Lincoln township, Sept. 30, 1874. He united in marriage with Vera Sedgwick, Oct. 29, 1905. This well liked couple reared a family of six children and became capable and prosperous farmers of the county. Mr. Owen was active in religious work, in the Farm Bureau, in educational circles, and politically.

School Board Head

  He was a member of the Jerome school board for a period of 21 years, much of the time acting in capacity of chairman of the board. He was active in urging better farm to market roads and was a believer in the efforts of the Farm Bureau. As a member of the Gospel Hall Mr. Owen was active in his religious belief and lived a good Christian life. He had a great hose of friends and relatives to whom his death comes as a severe sorrow. He was a kindly man, a loving father and good neighbor.

Leaves Six Children

  In death he leaves six children as follows: Dorothy, of Iowa Wesleyan college at Mt. Pleasant; Tom of Meridan, Miss.; Hobart of Gary, Indiana; Richard of Des Moines; Kenneth and Donald at home. He also leaves two grandchildren, Stanley and Judith, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hobart Owen. One sister and two brothers survive and are Mrs. Wm. Hickman and Will and Elvin, all of Seymour.

  Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced. Tentatively it is expected that they will be held Monday. 

Children of Sam & Vera Owen

  Written by Dorothy Owen, the historian and keeper of memories of the Samuel J. and Vera Owen family and the first and only daughter in the family of six children: Dorothy, Thomas, Hobart, Richard and Kenneth.

  These children were second generation descendants of the early settlers of this county.  Whatever their destinies as such might have been they were greatly modified by unforeseen events.  They came to maturity in the midst of the Great Depression; which was soon followed by World War II; which was followed by a developing economy which seemed to go crazy with inflation and exploitation.  Here is a brief summary of what happened to these "Sons (and a daughter) of the Pioneers."

  Dorothy L. taught in Centerville Schools for 8 years, and at Iowa Wesleyan College, 4 years; served in WAVES, of the Navy; "for the duration" (World War II); and has been Librarian at Drake Public Library, Centerville, the past 28 years.

  Thomas S. chose a career in Agriculture, specializing in Animal Husbandry and Nutrition. He also served in the Navy -- as navigator on a "flag plane" -- attaining the rank of Lt. Commander. Late in life he married Ethel Allen Villon.

  Hobart S. became an industrail engineer (one of their first ones) with a subsidiary of U.S. Steel in Gary, Indiana. He married Kathryn Frogge and they have 5 children: Stanley, Judy, Linda, Thomas, and Pam.

  Richard E. enlisted in the Naval Air Force, and was plane Captain of a PBM (patrol bomber) "for the duration" (World War II). He married Carolyn Cook and they have 3 children: Samuel J., Kenneth C., and Jean. Living in Glenwood, Ia. he became a Real Estate Agent, a Contractor, and now a Restaurateur.

  Kenneth E. married Frances Hamm.  They have 2 children: Keith and Diana.  After the death of his father (Samuel J.) he became operator, and later owner, of the "home farm." He has also followed his father in community and public interests -- serving 3 terms in the State House of Representatives (1955-60), and one term as State Secretary of Agriculture (1965-66).  Since then he was been prime promoter and finally first Executive Director of the Rathbun Regional Water Association.

  Donald R. was also in the Navy "for the duration" (WWII); he became an electronics engineer; married Marilyn Murphy; they have 2 children: Paula Gale and Kelly. After some years in electronics with Magnavox, Spartan, and RCA he spent 18 years with Communications Satellite Corporation in various executive positions -- traveling over 2,000,000 miles to bring satellite communications to developing countries. They live in Fairfax, Virginia.

  All are still living, except Thomas S., who died in 1972. Dorothy L. and Kenneth E. are the only ones remaining in this county.  Kenneth has four grandchildren to carry on the line.

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  Text transcribed with permission from the Appanoose County Historical Society from Appanoose County Iowa, written by the people of Appanoose County, compiled in 1984-1985 by the Appanoose County Historical Society, and printed by Taylor Publishing Co., Dallas, Texas (1986).  

Samuel J. Owen & Vera Edna Sedgwick

  Samuel J. Owen and Vera Edna Sedgwick were married October 29, 1905 at the bride's home one-half mile west of Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa.  They were first generation descendants of the early settlers who came to this county in the 1850s -- his from Putnam County, Indiana -- hers from Pennsylvania and Virginia (now W. Va.).

Sam & Vera Owen

  Sam Owen was born September 30, 1874, in Lincoln Township, the youngest son of Thomas and Mary (Morlan) Owen. His grandparents were Henry and Belinda (Jones) Morlan (or Moreland). His great-grandparents were William and Abigail (Davis) Jones.  (Grandmother Belinda Carolyn Jones was born in Casey County, Kentucky in 1818.) His grandparents on the Owen side were John A. and Nancy Owen.  John died in Putnam County, Indiana, in 1853. Nancy came to this county with her four sons and one daughter: Owen, James, Greenbury, Thomas, and Nancy, around 1859.

  Vera Sedgwick was born April 10, 1887, the youngest daughter of Benjamin Franklin Sedgwick and Katharine (Thomas) Sedgwick. Her maternal grandparents were Asbury and Mary Ann (Bowers) Thomas of Concord vicinity. Katharine Thomas was the only grandparent born in this county (1854). On the Sedgwick side Vera's grand-parents were Joseph Sedgwick and Priscilla (Rice) Sedgwick of Rice's Landing, Pennsylvania.

Benjamin Franklin & Katharine Thomas Sedgwick Family

Vera, Tom, Ben Sr., Owen, Katherine, Bill, Anna & Ben

  "Sam and Vera" as they were known, made their home on an 80-acre farm three-fourths of a mile west of Jerome, bought from John Moore, which brought their land holdings to 280 acres. Around 1910 they professed belief in Christ "for time and eternity." They met regularly for church services with a small group of Christians sometimes called the "Believers," and lived a life of faith for all their years.  Their story is the story of the family farm in the first half of the 20th Century, and it's a good one. Sam saw the farming operation go from the ox-yoke to the tractor; but most of the hard work, in his day, was done by horses and man power. There were usually four to eight horses in the barn or pasture, well-trained and well-cared for.  He was an inventive engineer with a great respect for machinery. One of his first possessions was a fine, tall windmill over a fine, deep well. It must be nearly 90 years old now, and still runs, filling a cistern, which gravity feeds water to a stock tank, as needed. In the "summer kitchen" at their home, a stationary gasoline engine, with a crankshaft and series of pulleys, ran the washing machine, cream separator, and churn, and pumped water, which was piped to several places as directed. He was usually among the first to adopt new practices: diversified farming, rotation of crops, terracing and plowing on the contours, planting hybrid seed corn, raising alfalfa and soy beans. And he was always interested in community affairs, such as the school (he was usually on the School Board) and politics (he was a Democrat).

  Vera was beautifully supportive in every conceivable way. The garden orchard and farm yard provided a wealth of fruit and vegetables, including grapes, apples, peaches, pears, cherries, plums, strawberries in abundance.  Collecting and preparing these for food in season, and canning and preserving them for later use was a major activity; and there was always a fine flock of chickens in the henyard, contributing their part of the family table. Vera had many gifts, she was a great seamstress and a good portion of the family clothing was made by her. She was also a fine singer and pianist. Often the old farmhouse hummed with music, both vocal and instrumental, in which everyone had a part.

  They lived a happy, if strenuous life; raised six children, without catastrophe; and survived the great depression -- being loved and respected by many.  They were true positive thinkers before that phrase was coined. They would probably consider their children their greatest accomplishment. They hoped to endow them with an inheritance of good health, good character, and an education of their choosing. One son continues on the "home place" to carry on family traditions.

  Sam died in 1940, age 65. Vera followed him in 1952, age 65.

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery for
Samuel Owen and Vera Sedgwick

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  Text transcribed with permission from the Appanoose County Historical Society from Appanoose County Iowa, written by the people of Appanoose County, compiled in 1984-1985 by the Appanoose County Historical Society, and printed by Taylor Publishing Co., Dallas, Texas (1986).  First two pictures scanned from Memories of Jerome, Iowa 1989.