Oren E. Phillips, 1905-1993

Ad-Express/Iowegian - 17 August 1993

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  Oren E. Phillips, 87, of Centerville, died Sunday, Aug. 15, 1993, at the St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Centerville.

  He was born in Appanoose County, Nov. 19, 1905, the son of William E. and Etta Jane (Moore) Phillips.

  He married Nina Walker in Kemmerer, Wyo., Nov. 19, 1932. She survives.

  Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

  Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Delmer, James and Woodrow; and a sister Grace McQueen.

  He worked in the mines in Wyoming until 1947 when they moved to the Centerville area. He then farmed and worked on road construction. He was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18, 1993, at the Lange Funeral Home, with John Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery. There will be a visitation Tuesday evening from 7 to 8.

  A memorial has been established to the American Lung Association or the Gospel Chapel Church and may be left at the funeral home.

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Centerville Iowegian - 15 March 1968

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Divorce

  Judge Edward P. Powers today granted a divorce to Oren E. Phillips vs. Nina E. Phillipson the grounds of willful desertion. There were no children. The couple married Nov. 30, 1932 in Kemmerer, Wyo. 

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Gravestone of Oren E. and Nina E. (Walker) Phillips

in the Jerome Cemetery [Block 13, Lot 8)

History of Brethren [Believers] Movement

 History of Brethren Movement

By Robert L. Peterson

South Central Iowa

  Christian coal miners from Scotland immigrated to the coal mining area of southeast Iowa perhaps as early as 1885. They formed little assemblies and began to preach the gospel to fellow miners and farmers. Forbush and What Cheer were among the early assemblies; then Rathbun, Mystic, Numa, Jerome, Hocking, Melcher, and Williamson; then Centerville and Albia. By removals these pioneers or their descendants became the nuclei of assemblies in Des Moines, Eddyville, Ottumwa, and Davenport. The last named had an earlier history, on a different basis, but its later strength was largely due to influx from Centerville. At one time, the assembly at Ottumwa was the largest and most influential in the state of Iowa; it disbanded in the mid 1990s.

  The What Cheer Assembly was formed some time prior to 1888, making it the first or second in Iowa (see Berea). It quickly grew to a company of fifty or more Christians. When work in the mines ran out at What Cheer some of these brethren moved to Carbondale and Excelsior. They continued their Gospel activity and worked underground to pay expenses. When the mines closed in those places, they moved further afield into southern Iowa.

  Around 1890, a few of the coal miners from What Cheer came to Forbush to work in the mine there, establishing an assembly there. Among them were James Whittem, John Moffat, and W.A. Wilson. They worked in the mine during the winter months, saved their money, then rented tents to use for Gospel meetings during the summer, in many small towns. As people trusted the Lord, small meetings were started. A feature of the work in these towns were joint quarterly meetings consisting of  one-day ministry.

* * * * * * *

  When these towns lost population with the loss of industry, these assemblies moved to Centerville. They bought the Swedish Baptist Mission for meetings, calling it the Centerville Gospel Hall. In 1904, the old Methodist building on the corner of Main and Washington was purchased and became their meeting place until the present building was built in 1950, at 828 South 12th Street.

  The Centerville assembly was a fairly large group for a small town; it was a leader among several other assemblies in the area. Their Labor Day conferences were highlights of the year, with several hundred people in attendance. In the late 1990s, only a handful of adults were in the fellowship.

  Among those who worked and preached there were William Sommerville, John Moffat, W.A. Wilson, John McGee, John K. Wilson, John Hargrave, James S. White, W.W. White, and Thomas McCully. These men carried on for a long time before any of those giving their whole time to the Lord’s work arrived on the scene. Mr. Sommerville was a true shepherd and a good gospeller. John Moffat and W. A. Wilson were gifted men and spent their later years in full-time service. They were used in establishing the original testimony in Centerville in about 1897. W. W. White helped Mr. Moffat and others in tent work at Centerville, Numa, Jerome, and other places. The Welshmen David Lawrence and his brother-in-law were prominent in the assembly later; David Lawrence was an itinerant preacher who traveled often with Arthur Rodgers. John Lewis was another itinerant preacher who was associated with Centerville. George Jones is the current leading elder in the Centerville assembly, now called the Centerville Gospel Chapel.

* * * * * * *

  Williamson was an active mining town in South Central Iowa when its coal mine was in operation, but scarcely exists today. The assembly meeting at the Williamson Gospel Hall was started in about 1929. The group met first in the Williamson High School auditorium and had about 45 to 50 people in fellowship. Two years after the meeting was started, the group moved a building from Numa to Williamson for their fellowship. Mark Avitt’s truck was used to move the building. The Gospel Hall had a large sign on the outside with John 3:16 in bold letters.

  Most of the brothers in the assembly were coal miners. Some had moved from Albia and other area meetings when those mines were closed. The Williamson Gospel Hall closed in the mid 1950s after the Williamson mine closed.

  Speakers that helped in the meeting included David Lawrence, W.W. White, Albert Orcutt, James Stell, and David and John Horn.

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

  This excerpt from History of the Brethren Movement by Robert L. Peterson is taken from the web site of Emmaus Bible College.

William Wallace White, 1869-1949

  William Wallace White was born 9 September 1869 in Turtle Creek, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, son of John G. White and Catherine Smith.  He married 19 November 1890 at What Cheer, Keokuk county, Iowa, Florence Adella Sturdevant who was born 24 March 1871 in What Cheer, Keokuk county, Iowa, daughter of James K. Sturdevant and Susannah Walter who are buried in the Jerome Cemetery.  William died 3 May 1949 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa. Florence died 14 March 1954 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa.
  W. W. White was a coal miner who was active in the United Mine Workers of America serving as President of District 12 in Iowa in 1908 and working later as an international organizer of the union.  He was also an active leader and preacher in theBrethren [Believers] movement.
  To this union were born six children:
  1.  William Arthur White was born 28 December 1894/5 in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa and died 28 January 1977 in Miami, Dade County, Florida. He married 24 December 1914 in Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, Lucinda M. "Lou" Zugg who was born 29 December 1894 in Schuyler County, Missouri, daughter of Addison Sherman Zugg Jr. and Nancy Hetta Ayer, died 15 August 1984 at St. Luke's Hospital in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa, and was buried in Davenport Memorial Park, Scott County, Iowa.  He married, second, Cecile _____, a French Canadian who moved back to Canada after William died. William served in the Navy during World War I.
  2.  Mae Lois White was born 28 June 1897 in Appanoose County, Iowa, died 25 June 1961 in Midland, Midland County, Michigan. She married in Appanoose County, Iowa, on 4 July 1916 Charles Dewey Swan who was born 10 March 1898 in Bay City, Bay County, Michigan, son of Kirk Swan and Ida Robinson, died 1 August 1973 in Red Bluff, Tehama County, California.  To this union six children were born. 
  3.  Florence Elizabeth White was born in Washington Township, Keokuk County, Iowa, on 15 July 1900, died in October 1989 in Sterling, Logan County, Colorado, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Sterling, Logan County, Colorado.  She married in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, on 25 March 1922, Harlan Newton Barton who was born 11 November 1900 in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, son of William Joseph Barton and Viola Butler, died in April 1990 in Sterling, Logan County, Colorado, and was buried in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Sterling, Logan County, Colorado.  To this union were born two children.
  4.  Rufus J. "R.J." White was born 20 August 1902 in Iowa, died 18 December 1959 in Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.  He married c1927 Geraldine F.______ who was born 29 January 1905 in Missouri and died 21 December 1993 in Iowa.  Two sons were born to this union.
  5.  Faye Bertha White was born in Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, on 20 February 1905, died 16 July 1981 in New Sharon, Mahaska County, Iowa, and was buried in the New Sharon Cemetery in New Sharon, Mahaska County, Iowa. She married in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, on 14 June 1924 Roy Franilin Howell who was born in Moulton, Appanoose County, Iowa, on 24 February 1903, son of William Craven Howell and Sarah Elizabeth Mitchell, died 13 May 1986 in Bettendorf, Scott County, Iowa, and was buried in the New Sharon Cemetery in New Sharon, Mahaska County, Iowa. Two daughters and one son were born of this union.
  6.  Jessie Edward White was born in Jerome, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, on 13 August 1907, died 9 March in El Reno,m Canadian County, Oklahoma, and was buried in Little Rock, Arkansas. He married, first, Esther ______ and, second, Florence Irene McCarthy who was born in Stirling, Logan County, Colorado, and was buried in St. Joseph, Missouri.  One son was born of this second marriage.

William Wallace White and Florence Adelle Sturdevant

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Centerville Daily Iowegian and Citizen - 3 May 1949

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W. W. White Succumbs Today

  W. W. White, 79, long time resident of Appanoose County, died this morning at 4:00 a.m., at the St. Joseph hospital in this city.  Mr. White had been ill the past three years, and had been in the hospital for the past ten days.

  He was born in Lucerne County, Pennsylvania but came to Appanoose County when a very small child.  He lived in Numa twenty four years, and had  lived at 910 South 18th Street in Centerville for the past year.

  Surviving are his wife, Florence Sturdavent White, and six children: William A. White, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Mrs. Mae Swan, who has lived here the past year, helping care for her father; Mrs. Florence Barton, Sterling, Colorado; R. J. White, Des Moines; Mrs. Fae Howell, New Sharon; and J. E. White of Fairbury, Nebraska. Twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and three sisters, Mrs. Lizzie Watson of Centerville, who is now visiting in California; Mrs. Jane Green, Des Moines, and Mrs. Mary Butler, Des Moines, also survive.  

  His parents, one infant daughter, and three brothers preceded him in death. One sister, Mrs. Margaret Jones also preceded him in death on February 2, 1949.

  Funeral arrangements are pending arrival of relatives, and will be announced later. The body is at the Miller Funeral Home.

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Centerville Daily Iowegian and Citizen - 4 May 1949
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White Funeral Will Be Thursday

  Funeral services for W. W. White, long time Appanoose County resident, will be held Thursday, May 5, at 2:00 p.m. at the Miller Funeral Home.  Rev. David Lawrence will officiate, and burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery

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Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery for
William Wallace and Florence Adelle (Sturdevant) White
[Block 5, Lot 7]
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Iowa Unionist - 28 June 1907
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  W. W. White of Jerome, Iowa, vice president of the United Mine Workers, district No 13, was chosen by the recent convention of Iowa State Federation of Labor, as a delegate from that body to attend next year's session of the A.F. of L.  The choice is a good one. Mr. White is thoroughly posted on labor topics.

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The Mixer and Server - 15 July 1907
Official Journal of Two Unions
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  W. W. White of the United Mine Workers of America, vice president and resident of Oskalooa, Iowa, responded to the toast, "Organized Labor." Mr. White is a forcible speaker and he told the guests in word pictures of the life of a miner and what organization has done for that class of workmen and that he at 12 yearsof age, went to work in the mines, and that the unions are trying to keep other little children from going to work at such an early age, as the school is the proper place. Mr. White was elected to the next meeting of the American Federation of Labor as delegate to represent the Iowa State Federation of Labor.

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Des Moines Daily News - 27 March 1908
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W. W. White Now Heads Iowa Miners

  A slate of officers, headed by W. W. White for President, were elected by the members of District 13, United Mine Workers of America.

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The Centerville Daily Citizen - 15 April 1908
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Make But Few Changes in the New Mine Agreement
President White of the Mine Workers Is Optimistic
Shorter Work Day Pay Day

  Des Moines, April 15.--The joint scale committee of coal miners and operators yesterday adopted a resolution to be included in the new agreement which makes a five hor workday on the two pay days of each of each month. A number of other resolutions were adopted and the agreement is now complete except for the consideration of about a dozen of the resolutions of the expired agreement.ag

  The joint committee expects to have the new agreement complete by tonight or tomorrow noon and will be presented to the joint convention of miners and operators which has been called for tomorrow afternoon. As soon as the agreement is approved by the convention it will be put into force and operations at the mines resumed.

  The members of the committee feel that the matter will be entirely settled by the end of the week.

  "I feel sure that the agreement made by the committee, when completed, will be acceptable to the mine workers, said President W. W. White of the Iowa district of mine workers. "The terms and scale of wages, with a few minor changes are practically the same as they were in the agreement which expired March 31." 

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The Centerville Daily Citizen - 1 April 1909

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  Oskaloosa Herald: --The term of office of W. W. White, as president of the Iowa Mine Workers, expired today, and the gentleman and his family terminated their residence here, returning to their former home at Jerome. Mr. White has made many warm friends during his stay of a little over one year. They wish him success in his future undertakings on employment. Friends had hoped that Mr. White would locate in Oskaloosa but he returns  to Jerome where he has property interests.

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Centerville Daily Citizen - 14 April 1910

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There May Be Two Candidates

Thought Probable Another Appanoose County Man for Governor

  W. W. White, a well known labor leader in the state, is slated to head the party prohibition ticket to be named at the state convention to be held in Des Moines on April 26 and 27 says the Register and Leader.

  Mr. White has been an ardent advocate of temperance and has been a temperance lecturer before the labor organizations of the state. He is now in Washington, D.C., in the interest of national labor measurers but it is believed by the prohibition party leaders that he will accept the nomination. Because the party ticket failed to poll the required two per cent of the total vote cast at the general election two year ago, the names of the state candidates will have to go upon the official state ballot by petition.

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Centerville Daily Iowegian and Citizen - 5 April 1941

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  Will and Rufus White, of Des Moines; Mrs. Ray Howe, of Oskaloosa; Mrs. Harlan Barton, of Colyar, Kansas; and Jess White, of Denver, Colo., have been called here by the critical illness of their mother, Mrs. W. W. White, who is in St. Joseph's Hospital.

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Francis Marion Duncan, 1854-1918

The Semi-Weekly Iowegian - 17 June 1918

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NUMA NEWS

  Mr. Duncan, an elderly man hose home is in Jerome, but who was working here as night watchman at the Walker mine, drank carbolic acid, with suicidal intent Saturday afternoon. When discovered by Charles Fox, he was suffering with convulsions. A doctor was quickly summoned, who, when he arrived, pronounced him beyond recovery.  He was conveyed by auto to his home in Jerome and we have not yet learned if his rash net (sic) proved fatal. 

The Semi-Weekly Iowegian - 20 June 1918

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JEROME NEWS

  Frank Duncan, who has been working at the Fox mine, swallowed carbolic acid last Saturday afternoon. He was brought to his home in Jerome and a physician called. He passed away Sunday. He is survived by his widow and four children, Mrs. Edith Fry, Mrs. Hazel Ponsettoand Mae and Charles of Jerome. Funeral sevices were held Monday afternoon at the M. E. church, conducted by Reverend Lawton, pastor of the M. E. church of Seymour.

NUMA NEWS

  Mr. Duncan, the night watchman at the Walker mine here, who drank carbolic acid last Saturday afternoon, succumbed to the effects and died Sunday at 10:00 a.m.  His funeral and burial was at Jerome on Monday. He was about 65 years old and a member of the U. M. W. of A. of this place.

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Iowa Deaths and Burial, 1850-1990

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  Name: Francis Marion Duncan; Gender: Male; Burial Date: 17 Jun 1918; Burial Place: Jerome; Death Date: 16 Jun 1918; Death Place: Lincoln Tp., Jerome, Appanoose, Iowa; Age: 64; Birth Date: 14 Feb 1854; Birthplace: White, Indiana; Occupation: Coal Miner; Race: White; Marital Status: Married; Father's Name: John Duncan; Father's Birthplace: Ireland; Mother's Name: Emretta Ridgway; Mother's Birthplace: Germany; Indexing Project (Batch) Number: B75147-3; System Origin: Iowa-EASy; Source Film Number: 1673930; Reference Number: p 357 #181.

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  Source "Iowa, Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XVHM-9QH : accessed 24 Feb 2013), Francis Marion Duncan, 16 Jun 1918.

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Gravestone of

Francis Marion Duncan and Delila Ann McKern

Reavis E. Montgomery Beer, 1912-2013

Schmidt Family Funeral Home – 23 February 2013

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  Reavis Beer, age 100, of Centerville, Iowa, died Sunday, February 17, 2013, at Mercy Medical Center's Long Term Care in Centerville. She was born the daughter of Wayne and Charolette (Evans) Montgomery on blistery day of March 23, 1912 near Genoa, Iowa. She graduated from the Seymour Community Schools in 1931. 

Reavis Montgomery Beer

  On May 23, 1931, Reavis was united in marriage to Joe Ansel Beer in Centerville, Iowa. They first made their home near Jerome, Iowa where Joe farmed. She loved to cook and sew, and was asked to drive the tractor from time to time. They were both active in the Jerome United Methodist Church and were 4-H leaders for boys and girls clubs. In 1972, Reavis took a change of pace and opened a Merle Norman cosmetics store in Centerville. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa.
  She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Joe Beer on June 10, 1996; sister, Jenny Montgomery; brothers, Lyndol and Yule Montgomery; son-in-law, Robert Kauzlarich; and granddaughter-in-law, Linda Kauzlarich.
  Reavis is survived by: her daughter, Judy Kauzlarich of Centerville, Iowa; a son, Jim Beer and his wife, Beverly of Menlo Park, California; grandchildren, John Beer and his wife, Suzie, Marty Kauzlarich, Rebecca Clay and Kristy Demry and her husband, Tom; great grandchildren, Megan Beer, Nicki Salisbury and her husband, Scott, B.J. Kauzlarich and his wife, Katie Jo, Jesse Clay and Jessica Demry; and one great great granddaughter, Ava Salisbury.
  Funeral Services will be held at 10 am, on Friday, February 22, 2013 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa with Rev. Kay Singley officiating. Burial will follow in the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome, Iowa. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2013 from 2 pm until 6 pm with the family present from 4 pm until 6 pm at the funeral home.

Gravestone of Reavis & Joe Beer

in th Jerome Cemetery

New Section, Block 23, Lot 8

  Memorials can be made to the Jerome Cemetery and left or mailed to the funeral home. The Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Centerville has been entrusted with the arrangements for the Beer family and condolences can be sent at: schmidtfamilyfuneralhome.com

Lydia C. Huffman Phelps Bateman, 1844-1915

Semi-Weekly Iowegian - 3 December 1915

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  Miss Lydia C. Huffman was born in Clay Col Ind., April 12, 1844, and came to Iowa at the age of 23. She was united in marriage to H. Phelps in the year of 1869. To this union were born five children, Cebina, Eliza, Viola, Lee and Stella. Mr. Phelps died in 1901.  Mrs.. Phelps was again united in marriage to Wm. Bateman on July 5, 1906.

  Mrs. Bateman died Nov. 27, 1915, at Jerome, Iowa, at the age of 71 years, 7 months and 15 days.  She united with the U.B. church in 1871. She leaves to mourn her loss two children, Lee Phelps and Stella Dooley of Jerome, and three step children, Wm. Phelps and Mrs.Mary Zimmerman of Lineville and Maranda Allard of Leon, and one sister, Linda Treasure of Lineville.

  The funeral services were held at the M. E. church Mondayafternoon by Rev. George L. Roper.

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Card of Thanks

  We thank every one that has helped us in our trouble.

Members of the family.

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Gravestone of Lydia Phelps

in the Jerome Cemetery
New Section: Block 6, Lot 2

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  Iowa Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990:  Name: Lydia C. Bateman; Gender: Female; Burial Date: 28 Nov. 1915; Burial Place: Jerome; Death Date: 26 Nov. 1915; Death Place: Lincoln Tp., Jerome, Appanoose, Iowa; Age: 71; Birth Date: 12 Jul 1844; Birthplace: Ind.; Occupation: Housekeeper; Maritial Status: Divorced; Father's Name: Hoffman; Father's Birthplace: Ind.; Mother's Name: Hook; Indexing Project (Batch) Number 875147-1; System Origin: Iowa--EASy; Source Film Number: 1673930; Reference Number: p 265 #115.

The Johnstons Buried in Jerome Cemetery

  William Johnston was born in December 1862 in England, son of Thomas Johnston and Julia Ann Walsh.  His parents were born and married in Ireland, according to the 1925 Iowa Census.  William immigrated to the United States in 1889 and was living in Superior, Douglas county, Wisonsin, with his mother, Julia Ann, in 1900, where he was working as an electrician.
  Cassie Criswell was born 19 September 1863 in Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John V. Criswell and Mary Ann Brennon, married William Johnston in Kansas City, Wyandotte county, Kansas, on 20 October 1903, and died in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, on 18 September 1912, and was buried in the Jerome Cemetery (Old Section, Block 1, Lot 16) in Lincoln township, Appanoose county, Iowa.

Missouri Death Certificate for 

Cassie Criswell Johnston

  Ida May Criswell was born 8 January 1860 in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of John V. Criswell and Mary Ann Brennon, married William Johnston in Kansas City, Jackson county, Missouri, on 8 October 1913, died 19 April 1927 in Centerville, Appanoose county, Iowa, and was buried on 21 April 1927 in the Jerome Cemetery (Old Section, Block 1, Lot 16) in Lincoln township, Appanoose county, Iowa.

Jackson County, Missouri, Marriage Certificate

of William Johnston and Ida May Criswell

 Gravestone in Jerome Cemetery for
William, Cassie & Ida May Johnston 
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Source Information 

 Ida May Criswell Johnston's Death Record: "Iowa, Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XVHM-798 : accessed 20 Feb 2013), Ida May Johnson, 19 Apr 1927.

  1925 Iowa Census for Appanoose County, Iowa: Ancestry.com. Iowa, State Census Collection, 1836-1925 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007.

  Missouri Death Certificates:  Missouri Digital Collection http://www.sos.mo.gov/archives/resources/deathcertificates/

  Jackson County, Missouri, Marriage Records:  http://records.jacksongov.org/search.asp?cabinet=marriage

  "Kansas, Marriages, 1840-1935," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FWLC-D8M : accessed 20 Feb 2013), William Johnston and Cassie Criswell, 20 Oct 1903.

   Year: 1900; Census Place: Superior Ward 7, Douglas, Wisconsin; Roll: 1786; Page: 18A; Enumeration District: 0076; FHL microfilm: 1241786.

Mary Ann Brannon Criswell, 1820-1909

The Semi-Weekly Iowegian - 5 November 1909

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

IN COUNTY 50 YEARS - DIED AGE NINETY

Mrs. Mary Ann Brennen Criswell

Passed Away at Jerome at end of a Long Life

  To reach the ninetieth year is a privilege accorded very few, but such was the lot of Mrs. V. Chriswell, whose husband died in 1871, her death occuring Tuesday Nov. 2, at Jerome. Complications due to old age were the cause.

  Mary Ann Brennen was born May 20, 1820, in York county, Penn.  he was married to John V. Criswell March 29, 1847, and moved to Iowa in the early 50's, and has resided on the homestead in Lincoln township till two years ago when she moved to Jerome. She leaves a family of one son and five daughters, Mrs. Mary Crist, Seymour; Mrs. Carrie Jones, Jerome; Frank Criswell, Jerome; Miss Ida Criswell, Kansas City; Mrs. Thomas Banks, Bellair twp; Mrs. Wm. Johnston, Kansas City.

  Mrs. Criswell was a lovable woman, with many friends. She ws a member of the Presbyterian church in early life and affiliated with it in later years tho absence of a church from her vicinity prevented her maintaining active relations. The funeral was conducted Wednesday at 2:30 at the Methodist church, Jerome, by Rev. L. M. Beebe, pastor of the Presbyterian church at Seymour, and interment was at Jerome.

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Centerville Daily Citizen - 5 November 1909

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

  Miss Mary Ann Brennen was born in York county, Pennsylvania May 20, 1820. She was married to John V. Criswell March 29th, 1847, moved to Iowa in the early fifties and has resided on the homestead until two years ago.

  Her husband died in 1871 leaving a family of one son and five daughters all of whom are living.

  Mrs. Criswell moved to Jerome two years ago where she died on November 2nd, 1909, in her ninetieth year respected and loved by all who knew her.

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Card of Thanks.

  We want to express our sincere thanks to our many kind friends and neighbors for the heartfelt manner in which they expressed their sympathy in our sorrow at the loss by death of our Dearly Beloved mother.

  Mrs. Mary Crist, Mrs. Carrie Jones, Mr. Frank Criswell, Miss Ida Criswell, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Banks, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Johnston.

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Gravestone for
John V. and Mary Ann Criswell
in the Jerome Cemetery

Carrie Brannon Criswell Jones, 1856-1913

The Centerville Iowegian - 28 October 1913

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

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

  She was married to William Jones in Sept. 1876. He dying in 1897. She was a great sufferer for a long time before her death, but bore all patiently. She was a member of the Methodist church for over thirty years.
  She leaves three sisters and one brother to mourn her loss, Mrs. M. E. Crist, of Seymour, Mrs. Thos. Banks, of Cincinnati and Frank Criswell, of Kansas City, Mo.
  The remains were brought to Jerome for burial. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. L. C. Moore at the M. E. church Sunday morning at 11:00 o'clock.

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Missouri Death Certificate for

Carrie Brannon Criswell Jones

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Gravestone for 

Carrie Brannon Criswell Jones

in the Jerome Cemetery

Robert Franklin Criswell,1852-1934

Centerville Daily Iowegian and Citizen - 8 March 1934

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

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

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

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Iowa Death Record of Robert F. Criswell

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Name: Robert F. Criswell; Gender: Male; Burial Date: 03 Mar 1934; Burial Place: Jerome, Ia.; Death Date: 01 Mar 1934; Death Place: Centerville, Appanoose, Iowa; Age: 81; Birth Date: 10 Oct 1852; Birthplace: Ohio; Occupation: Farmer; Race: White; Marital Status: Single; Father's Name: John Criswell; Father's Birthplace: Ohio; Mother's Name: Mary Ann Brandes [Brannon]; Mother's Birthplace: Pennsylvania; Indexing Project (Batch) Numer: B75147-3; System Origin: Iowa-EASy; Source File Number: 1673930; Reference Number: p 26 #40. 

  Source: "Iowa, Deaths and Burials, 1850-1990," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XV41-PRF : accessed 18 Feb 2013), Robert F. Criswell, 01 Mar 1934.

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  Editor's Note: There is no gravestone for Robert Franklin Criswell in the Jerome Cemetery.  It is assumed that he is buried either in the Criswell family plot or the Thomas Banks' plot.

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Evelyn Mae Taylor Davison, 1929-2013

The Seymour Herald - 10 January 2013

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  Evelyn Mae (Taylor) Davison was born August 13, 1929 south of Iconium, Iowa.  She was the daughter of Fred and Alice (Murphy)Taylor. She attended Shanghai rural school south of Iconium and graduated from Moravia High School in May 1946. [She died 25 January 2013.]

  On December 25, 1948 she and Gerald Davison were married at the Udell Brethren Manse. He preceded her in death on January 16, 2004.  They and their sons farmed northwest of Moulton and west of Numa. They moved to Centerville in February 1967. She soon began her employment at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital as a CNA. Fourteen years later she transferred to the laundry department.  She retired from the hospital after 30 1/2 years to care for her husband as he went to Ottumwa then Corydon for dialysis.

   She had several hobbies; such as crewel embroidery, counted cross stitch, crocheting, sewing for herself and quilts for some of the great grandchildren and gardening as long as she was able. he crocheted tablecloth, doilies, a bedspread and numerous afghans-baby and adult.

  She is survived by her two sons, Harold (Beth) and Donald (Debra)of Centerville, 5 grandchildren: Michelle (Richard) Blythe of Chariton, Deanna (William) Moorman of Centerville, Destry (Susie) Davison of Austin, TX, Melanie Dunphy of Griswold, Danielle (Ryan) Hodges of Centerville. 11 great grandchildren: Jared and Austin Ritenour, Jacen Reed,and Alex Blythe all of Chariton, Emma and Jacob Maass of Griswold, Garrett, Madison and Drennan Moorman of Centerville, Presley and Tage Davison of Austin, TX, a brother Fred Earl (Annabeth) Taylor of Ottumwa, sister-in-law Bethel Ballanger of Coatsville, MO.

  Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald, a 10 year old son Jerald Gene, her parents, 2 sisters, Ruth Brown and June Young of Seymour and a cousin Floyd Green who lived his earlier years with the family.'

  Graveside service was held Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at Jerome Cemetery with Rev. Kay Singley officiating.  Visitation was Monday with the family at Thomas Funeral Home. Memorials may be given to Jerome Cemetery or Mercy Medical Center- Long Term Care which may be left at or mailed to Thomas Funeral Home - 23548 Hwy 5 - PO Box 125 - Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences and video may be shared at www.thomasfh.com.  

Gerald Gene and Evelyn Mae (Taylor) Davison's

Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 4, Block 30, Lot 11

Donna Maxine Cooper Rupalo, 1926-2012

From http://www.tributes.com

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  Donna M. Rupalo, daughter of Leo C. and Lennie M. (Hamm) Cooper was born November 12, 1926 in Mystic, Iowa. She passed peacefully from this life at the Mercy Medical Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa on January 13, 2012 at the age of 85.
  Donna graduated from Mystic High School in May of 1943 at the age of 16. She moved to Des Moines, where she lived in the Highland Park area, working for a local clothing store. She then attended Centerville Jr. College earning her teaching certificate, and later taught at the Swan rural country school. She became engaged to her only love, Walter Rupalo on January 16, 1947 later being married on May 22, 1947 at the Methodist Church in Centerville, Iowa.
  They made their home in Rock Island, Illinois, until February of 1952 when they bought their present farm on the south edge of Seymour. To this union three children were born; Duane, Beverly and Marilyn. Donna was a member of the Seymour Christian Church where she served as Secretary of the Board more than 25 years. During most of that time she was responsible for organizing dozens of courtesy meals for grieving church friends. As her eyesight and health failed the last few years, she missed the ability of attending church services and activities.
  Donna loved her family and spent most of her time seeing to their needs and planning for family gatherings. She particularly loved to host large family Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas Eve soup suppers. She took after her father believing there was no such thing as a small garden. She canned and froze vegetables so there would be plenty during the winter months. Donna was known as a wonderful cook and would take special orders for pie as she prepared for the many bake sales for the church. She also loved flowers and had a large variety growing in special spots around her yard.
  She took special enjoyment from her grandchildren and took pride in all their accomplishments. Whether it was a ballgame, school test, or job interview, she was always concerned regarding how they did and praised them. When she knew the grandchildren were coming she made sure to cook their favorites.
  Preceding Donna in death were her husband of almost 54 years, Walter Rupalo; her parents; her brothers, Charles Stanley Cooper, Dr. A. W.(Bill) Cooper, Dr R. E. (Dick) Cooper and Dr. Gary V. Cooper; her sister, Carol M. Cooper; a brother-in-law, Wayne Larson and a nephew, Bruce Cooper.
Survivors include son, Duane and his wife Sarah of Seymour, daughter Beverly and her husband Jerry Walsh of Bondurant Iowa and daughter, Marilyn and her husband Jeff Walsh of Pleasant Hill, Iowa, her grandchildren, Kelly and Deena Rupalo and Tyler, Shelby, Jay and Allison Walsh; brother, LeRoy and Joyce Cooper of Glen Carbon, Illinois; sisters Betty Larson of Des Moines and JoAnn and Jim Costello of Burlington, Iowa; sisters-in-law, Barbara Cooper of Seymour and Sharon Cooper of Centerville plus a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.