Seymour's Old Settlers Celebration

The Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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Excerpts from Keepin' In Touch by Vickie

  Our weekend weather for Old Settlers couldn't have been much better. With a bit of a breeze, the warm temperature didn't seem so bad, especially if you could stay in the shade.

  Our annual celebration is a very good example of donation of time and talent by many volunteers. If it weren't for the work of so many people, the entire event just couldn't happen. There are just so many people involved, it would be nearly impossible to name them all. People observing our community just can't say enough good comments about how well Seymour does at putting our celebration together. So "Job Well Done" to ALL involved!

  2012 will be our 3rd effort of an All School Reunion for Old Settlers to be the second Saturday of July which will be July 14th weekend. The Harl Reunion now coordinates with Old Settlers each year, so members of that family can enjoy several attractions while in the area.

  Plans are already in the works for next year's celebration. Mark your calendars for July 13-15, 2012 Old Settler's/All School Reunion and suggestions, ideas and volunteers WELCOME!

  I think the McElvain family coordinates their reunion with Old Settlers, so several of that family (Harold's kids and families) gathered at the local cabins and enjoyed the weekend together.

  Somehow Seymour people always enjoy out of town guest who like our town. College friend of Caleb Housh says Old Settlers is his favorite weekend of the year. Simple pleasures of life are some of the most enjoyed.

  Olivia Power told her grandmother, Jill Housh, that Old Settler's is her "FAVORITE holiday of the year!"

70th Annual John & Christina Rigler Harl Reunion

The Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  Descendants of John T. and Christina Rigler Harl met at the Seymour Community Center Sunday, July 10, for the 70th annual Harl Reunion.

  Arthur Bryant asked the blessing on the potluck dinner. Following the dinner, President Lynn Holdeman conducted the business meeting. Reports were given by family members and for family members who could not be present. Family photos and memorabilia were shared and displayed.

  New officers elected to serve for the 2012 Harl reunion are Ray Cook, president; Don Bryant, vice president; and Elaina Tuttle, secretary-treasurer. Tentative date for the 2012 reunion is Sunday of the Seymour Old Settlers celebration.

  Twenty eight persons registered for the day. They were Don and Millie Kerr of Bella Vista, Ark., Don and Sue Bryant of Jackson, Tn., Dr. Neil and Darlene Harl of Ames and their guests, Dick and Faye Mullenix of Red Oak, Arthur and Mary Jane Bryant of Indianola, Dennis and Elaina Tuttle and Sherry and Randy Middlebrook of Corydon, Brian and Lynn Holdeman of Madrid, Carolyn Wickam, Ray and Shirley Cook, Henry, Barbara and Ruth Adams, Devon, Heather, Ashlynn and Landen Sharp, and Wendy and Rich Choponis of Seymour.

Newton Robert Scott, Private, 36th Iowa Infantry

Letters Home from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War

Newton Robert Scott, Private, 

Company A, 36th Iowa Volunteer Infantry

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  These letters are part of a collection written by Newton Robert Scott, Private, Company A, of the 36th Infantry, Iowa Volunteers. Most of the letters were written to Scott's neighborhood friend Hannah Cone, in their home town of Albia, Monroe County, Iowa, over the three year period that he served as Company A's clerk. The final letter, describing the long-awaited mustering out in August of 1865, was written to his parents.

  Scott's letters to Hannah are filled with rich details of the war and the living conditions in the Union camps in Mississippi, Missouri, Iowa and Arkansas. He tells of the terrible diseases that took a heavier toll than Confederate bullets, and the soldiers' frustration and impatience with the politicians in Washington.

 

  Newton Robert Scott

  Not only do we get a clerk's detailed account of the activities of Company A and the "boys of Monroe County," we also get a glimpse into the emotions of a 21-year-old farm boy uprooted from his family, friends, and sweetheart. In spite of his obvious education and proper upbringing, his polite prose sometimes gives way to impatience and sarcasm as he acknowledges Hannah's accounts of the many fairs, socials, and weddings taking place at home. Indeed he must endure the most embittering news of all when he is told that his sweetheart, "darling Hattie" has forsaken him to marry another. 

  Even though Scott & his comrades prayed for a Confederate surrender before their three year enlistment was completed, they were to serve the full term and were sent home five months after Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse.

  The story does not end here. A year after returning home Scott married Hannah, his faithful correspondent, with whom he raised nine children. Newton and Hannah lived long, productive lives. Hannah raised her family and died of heart failure at 69. Newton was a mail clerk for the railroad for 41 years. He died a peaceful death at 83.

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  Above text and picture from the website of Letters Home from an Iowa Soldier in the Civil War written by Linda Proudfoot.  The website was developed by Bill Proudfoot, a librarian at West Valley College in Saratoga, California.

Forty-Plus Descendants of Jason Lawrence and Cecil McElvain Gathered for Weekend Reunion

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  The descendants of Jason Lawrence and Cecil McElvain gathered for a weekend reunion. There were forty three for dinner Sunday at Walden Park Clubhouse in Corydon.

  Attending were Paul and Helen McElvain, Terry and Janice McElvain of Centerville, Chris and Kaley McElvain and Adalynn of Homestead, Ia., Bonnie and Hugo Keyner of Tuscon, Az., John and Marcella McElvain of Council Bluffs, James and Melinda McElvain and Skylar and Austin of Corydon, Dave and Shelly and Savannah McElvain Seymour, Brady McElvain of Cedar Falls, Chase and Tia McElvain of Corydon, James and Virginia Berner of Waukee, Steve and Jodie Welsh and Branden and Taylor of West Des Moines, Kenny and Pam McElvain of Liberal, Ks., Brad and Stacey McElvain and Elliott and Alex of Holt, Mo., John and Christie Nowak of Topeka, Ks., MJ and Jeanie McElvain of Ames, Heather Spangler and Annabelle of Cedar Rapids, Melissa and Adam Blank of DeWitt, Ia., and Cindy Inman of St. Louis, Mo.

Franklin Baptist Church Open House Well Attended

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  A large number of persons attended the open house at the Franklin Baptist Church of Livingston in Franklin Township, Appanoose County, IA, Sunday afternoon, July 10.

  The church has recently been renovated and restored using as much of the original church as was possible with era specific renovation where needed.

  During removal of the old floor covering, the original baptistery was discovered and was opened for display during the open house. The bell, which is housed in the bell tower, was rung at the beginning of the event. The pews used in the building were gifts from the Numa Christian Church when it closed several years ago. Gifts of a 1913 era pump reed organ and a communion table which were used in the 1860s Heartland Church from north of Ottumwa were given by Richard and Faye Mullenix of Red Oak. The Mullenixes were present at the open house. Mrs. Mullenix played hymns on the organ during the afternoon and at times accomanied her husband and Don and Art Bryant as they sang.

  Plans are for the building to be used for church activities and other events in the future.

Jerome UMC Bluegrass Music/Barbeque

Seymour Herald - 14 July 2011

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  There will be bluegrass, gospel music and a barbeque Sunday, July 17. A free will donation will be taken.

  On the menu will be pulled pork and beef, potato salad, baked beans, chips, salad, cookies, melon and drink.

  The music will be bluegrass gospel music by the Exline family, Jerry Vinden and family, Tasha Irving and Fine Line Bluegrass.

Jerome Cemetery: New Section, Block 20, Lot 12 -- Clarence Ridgeway & Mae Bell (Brinkley) Porter

Jerome Cemetery - New Section

Block 30, Lot 12, Row 4

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  Clarence Ridgeway Porter was born 31 August 1888 in Appanoose County, Iowa, son of Charles E. Porter and Louise Addie Ridgeway, died 26 June, 1974, in Eldora, Hardin County, Iowa, and was buried 29 June 1974 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following funeral services at the Liggett-Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  He married 15 March 1911 in Appanoose County, Iowa, Mae Bell Brinkley who was born 17 May 1889 in Franklin Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, daughter of Charles Brinkley and Laura Mae Farmer, died 10 June 1966 at St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, Appanoose County, Iowa, and was buried 12 June 1966 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following funeral services at the Liggett Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  Three children were born to this marriage: Velma Marie Porter, Charles W. Porter and Joe C. Porter.

 Gravestone of Clarence R. & Mae Bell Porter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Back of Gravestone of

Clarence R. and Mae Bell Porter

in the Jerome Cemetery

Children of Clarence R. Porter & Mae Bell Brinkley

Benton Courier - Arkansas - 19 March 2007

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Velma Marie Porter Shook Panyk, 1912-2007

  Velma Marie Panyk, 94, of Benton died Saturday, March 17, 2007. She was born May 15, 1912, in Centerville, Iowa to Clarence and Maebelle Porter.

  Mrs. Panyk was a medical aide and a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 25 years.

  She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

  Survivors include two sons, George Phillips of Benton and Robert Phillips and wife, Jane, of West Point, Calif.; two daughters, Imajean Ruth Welch and husband, Don, of Washington and Marietta Perman of Kenosha, Wis.; and 11 grandchildren.

  Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Ashby Funeral Home of Benton.

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Ad-Express/Iowegian - May 1992

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Charles W. Porter, 1914-1992

  Charles W. Porter, 77, of Rockford, formerly of this area, died at his home Sunday, May 24, 1992.

  He was born Aug. 19, 1914, in Exline, to Clarence and Mae Brinkley Porter. He married Eunice E. Geringer in Des Moines Dec. 26, 1934. She survives.

  Also surviving are nine sons, Jimmie (Mary) of Rockford, Clarence (Julie) of Littleton, Colo., Charles L. of Marengo, Ill., Harold (Bonita) of Rockford, Clyde (Judy) of Rockford, Michael (Sharon) of Rockford, Richard of N. Little Rock, Ark., Steve (Cathy) and Jeffery, both of Rockford; two daughters, Barbara (Jim) Shelton of Rockford and Kathy (Robin) Cleayssen of Machesney Park, Ill.; 21 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a brother, Joe; a sister, Velma of Arkansas.

  He was preceded in death by a son, Raymond LeRoy.

  He was a Rockford resident since 1939 moving from Mystic. He was a machinist and welder at George D. Roper for 22 years. He had also worked at Greenlee Tool, retiring in 1977.

  Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 1992, at New Milford Cemetery. Friends may call from noon until 1 p.m. at the Fred C. Olson Mortuary.

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Daily Iowegian - 11 July 1996

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Joe C. Porter, 1916-1996

  Joe C. Porter, son of Clarence and Mae Belle (Brinkley) Porter, was born October 5, 1916 in Exline, Iowa. He passed away Sunday, July 7, 1996 at the Marion Health Center in Sioux City, Iowa at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 2 days.

  He was married to Lois Marshall on February 14, 1939 in Unionville, Mo., and to this union two children were born, Tommy Lee and JoEllen.

  Joe was employed in trucking and farming in the Udell and Iowa Falls area. He and his wife have traveled extensively since retiring in 1989. He attended the First Baptist Church when he was younger.

  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; and a son, Tommy Lee Porter.

  Survivors include his wife, Lois of Yuma, Az.; his daughter, JoEllen Porter of Caroline, Wis.; a sister, Velma Panyk of Benton, Ark.; plus numerous coursins and other relatives.

  Funeral services were held Friday, July 12, 1996 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Christian Church in Mystic with Rev. Carl Heien officiating. The hymns "Whispering Hope" and "In The Garden" were sung by Sharon Heien, accompanied by Clara Swab, pianist.

  Pallbearers were Kermit Brinkley, Garner Cleaver, Erman Long, Sr., Joe Maddaleno, Milo Snider and Larry Spurgeon. Interment was in the Highland Cemetery in Mystic.

  A memorial was established to the cemetery in his memory. Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour was in charge of arrangements.

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  The editor is sincerely appreciative of the contribution of the above obituaries to The Jerome Journal by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.

Mae Bell Brinkley Porter, 1889-1966

Seymour Herald - June 1966

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May Porter, 76 of Seymour Dies

  Mrs. Mae Porter, 76, of Seymour passed away at the St. Joseph hospital at Centerville, Friday after a short period of hospitalization.

  Surviving are her husband, Clarence; a daughter, Mrs. Velma Shook of West Union, Wis., two sons, Charles of Rockford, Ill., and Joe of Iowa Falls; eight brothers and sisters, John and Charles Brinkley of Promise City, Merle Swan of Seymour; Goldie Shriver of Centerville; Raymond Brinkley of Davenport; Anna Reed of Clearfield; Ida Gray of Ottumwa and Roy Brinkley of Rockford, Ill.

  Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Liggett Funeral home at Seymour. Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

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Mrs. Porter Had Long Illness

  Funeral was Sunday at Liggett Funeral home for Mrs. Clarence Porter, 76, who died at St. Joseph hospital Friday where she had been a patient four days. She had been in failing health for several years and was a patient at Chariton and Corydon nursing homes before entering the hospital.

  She is survived by her husband, a retired rural mail carrier; one daughter, Mrs. Velma Shook of West Union, Wisc., two sons, Charles of Rockford, Ill., and Joe of Iowa Falls, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mrs. Cor Swan of Seymour and John and Charley Brinkley of Promise City are among her surviving sisters and brothers.

  Rev. Sidney Sloan of Centerville and Rev. Vera Riley of Seymour officiated at the funeral and burial was in Jerome cemetery. Mrs. James Anderson Jr. sang the requested hymns, accompanied by Mrs. Harlie Merritt. Palbears were Milo Snider, Clinton Swan, Kenneth Swan, Lloyd Brown, Perry McKee and George Phillips.

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Mae Brinkley Porter

  Mae Bell Brinkley Porter was born in Franklin township, Appanoose county, Iowa, May 17, 1889. She was the oldest of nine living children of Charles and Laura Farmer Brinkley. As her brothers and sisters, Ida, John, Myrle, Roy, Charley, Goldie, Raymond and Anna, were five or six years younger, she was needed as chore boy by her father to help him with the cattle, make fence and many other things such as loading a ton of loose hay on a wagon hay rack to take to town from time to time.

  Since her mother helped put in the field crops, Mae prepared the meals and took care of the younger children.

  Mae's Grandmother Brinkley acted as a mid-wife at a time of the stork's arrival and instructed her granddaughter, Mae. She was called to come to many neighbors' homes to help with the housework or duties and like her grandmother, she became a very efficient helper at a time when a new baby came into the home.

  Early in her life she was a very helpful citizen in her community. In her childhood years, she was so busy there wasn't much time for day school. However, her keen mind had taught her a multitude of essential things of life.

  On March 15, 1911, she united in marriage with Clarence R. Porter, and to this union three children were born: a daughter, Velma; a son, Charles; and a son, Joe.

  Mae was the grandmother of 16 and had 16 great-grandchildren. After her own children were of school age, she was elected as director of Masters School in Bellair township. During her tenure of 13 years, she was instrumental in bringing the poorly-organized, porrly-equipped school to a state standardized school. She helped organize a PTA which cooperated in buying the necessary equipment for the school.  Later, directors allowed beginner teachers to be employed and by so doing, destroyed the good credentials of the Masters school district.

  Early in life she united with the Methodist Wesley Chapel Church. Incidentally, the frame structure church burned own and was never rebuilt.

  Left to mourn her passing are her husband, children, sisters and brothers, nieces and nephews, and a host of relatives and friends. She was a loving mother, a kind and helpful, loving companion.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituaries by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.

Clarence Ridgeway Porter, 1888-1974

Seymour Herald - 4 July 1974

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  Clarence Ridgeway Porter, son of Charles and Addie Porter, was born in Appanoose County, Iowa, Aug. 31, 1888, and died June 26, 1974, at Eldora, Iowa.

  On March 15, 1911, he was united in marriage to Mae Brinkley.  She passed away June 10, 1966. To this union were born three children, Velma Shook of Benton, Ark., Charles Porter of Rockford, Ill., and Joe Porter of Iowa Falls.

  In early life Porter farmed and taught school. Later he was a rural letter carrier at Mystic and served 36 years until retirement. In 1961 the Porters moved to Seymour.

  He was active in school and church work and was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren church of Seymour. He was a good neighbor and always willing to help others.

  He is survived by his three children, 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, three sisters, Louise Porter of California, Gladys Wailes of Centerville and Grace Rose of Cincinnati.

  He was married to Edna Kinney Aug. 3, 1968, and she died in 1969.

  Funeral was Saturday, June 29, at the Liggett-Randolph Funeral home in Seymour with interment in Jerome cemetery. Grandsons were pallbearers.

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  The editor sincerely appreciates the contribution to The Jerome Journal of the above obituary by Jo Porter of Denver, Iowa.

Jerome Cemetery: New Section, Block 18, Lot 8, South Half -- Edgar Walter Stone & Lora Alice Carter

Jerome Cemetery - New Section

Block 18, Lot 8, South Half

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  Edgar Walter Stone and his wife, Lora Alice Carter, are buried in the South Half, Lot 8, Block 18 of the New Section [Row 3] of the Jerome Cemetery.

  Edgar Walter Stone was born 5 October 1910 in Achillis, Rawlins County, Kansas, son of Samuel Stone [1879-1941] and Clara Maude Burns [1882-1932], died 9 October 1985 at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Wayne County, Iowa, and was buried 12 October 1984 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following memorial services at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.  He married 29 May 1936 in Grand Island, Hall County, Nebraska, Lora Alice Carter.

  Lora Alice Carter was born 26 October 1911 in Dannebrog, Howard County, Nebraska, daughter of Ambrose Geohegan Miles Carter [1869-1944] and Cora Alice Meader [1869-1970], died 1 August 1994 at the Lucas County Health Center, Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa, and was buried 3 August 1994 in the Jerome Cemetery, Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa, following memorial services at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa.

Gravestone of 

Edgar Walter and Lora Alice (Carter) Stone

in Row 3 of the Jerome Cemetery

Back of Gravestone of 

Edgar Walter and Lora Alice (Carter) Stone

in Row 3 of the Jerome Cemetery

Nettie Crouch Stoner, 1897-1987

Seymour Herald - 8 September 1987

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  Funeral services for Nettie Stoner, 89, were held Sept. 2 at 1:30 p.m. from the Randolph Funeral Home, Seymour, with John Lewis officiating. Hymns "Nailed to the Cross" and "Accepted in the Beloved" were sung by Ed Kerwin, accompanied by Bernace Kerwin.

  Pallbearers were: Larry Stanton, Steve Sprouse, John Wright, K. E. Owen, Bob Schaffner and Paul McElvain. Burial was in the Jerome Cemetery. There was a memorial to the Wayne County Home Health Aide Agency.

  Nettie Crouch Stoner, daughter of Alfred B. and Mary Clayton Crouch, was born at Rawlins, WY, Nov. 14, 1897, and died at the Wayne County Hospital, Corydon, Aug. 31 at the age of 89 years, 9 months, 17 days.

  When she was a child, the family moved to Iowa where she met and married Elmer H. Stoner May 5, 1921, at Walnut City. The couple farmed in the Jerome area for many years. After moving to Seymour, she worked in restaurants and babysat as long as her health permitted. She remained in her own home until the last six months which she spent in the Seymour Care Center.

  The Stoners had three children: Esther Blance, Dorotha Marie and Vera Colleen.

  As a young woman she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was affiliated with the Gospel Church.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer H.; her parents; one daughter, Vera Colleen who died in infancy; brothers: Lloyd, Arthur B. and Clarence Crouch; two sisters: Lottie and Dorotha; and one son-in-law, Virgil Ellis.

  Survivors include daughters: Blanche and husband Ed Horne, Allerton; Marie and husband Jim Stanton, Seymour; three grandchildren: Connie and husband Steve Lucas, Casa Grade, AZ; Larry and wife Mary Stanton, West Liberty; and Marlene and husband Steve Sprouse, Centerville.

  Also surviving are one sister, Katie Stoner; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Crouch and Lillian Crouch; three great-grandchildren, Beau Sprouse, and Lucas and Caitlin Stanton; and John Wright whom she cared for as a child.

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Additional Sources of Information

  Myers/McCorkle/Stier Family Tree posted and owned by juliestier_1 on Ancestry.com.

  1900 US Census-NE-Merrick-Central City-District 136-Image 7 on Ancestry.com.

  1910 US Census-IA-Appanoose-Lincoln-District 21-Image 3 on Ancestry.com.

  1915 Iowa Census-Appanoose-Lincoln-Image 217 on Ancestry.com.

  1920 US Census-IA-Appanoose-Franklin-District 22-Image 9 on Ancestry.com.

  1925 Iowa Census-Appanoose-Lincoln-Image 31, 32 and 33 on Ancestry.com.

  1930 US Census-IA-Appanoose-Lincoln-District 17-Image 6 on Ancestry.com.

  SSDI on Ancestry.com: Nettie Stoner, SSN 484-22-2016 issued Iowa (Before 1951), born 14 Nov 1897, died Aug 1987, Last Residence: 52590 Seymour, Wayne, Iowa, USA.