William Addison Hagan

The Seymour Herald - 28 January 1937

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William Addison Hagan

  William Addison Hagan, son of Elizabeth and James Hagan, was born Jan. 6, 1858, in Bellair twp., Appanoose county, Iowa, and departed this life at his home in Jerome, Iowa, on Jan. 20, 1937, at the age of 79 years, and 14 days.

  He was the second child of a family of six children, two boys and four girls.  His father, mother and two sisters, Callie and Mary Belle Hawkins, and one brother, John F., have preceded him in death.

William Addison Hagan with his horse and buggy

in front of his parents' home in the center of Jerome --

a second floor was later added to this house

  In 1871 he moved with his parents to Jerome where he spent the greater part of his life with the exception of brief periods of time when he was employed in the states of Nebraska and Washington.  

William Addison Hagan as a young man in Nebraska

  He went to Kalispell, Montana, in 1927 to stay with his sister, Mrs. Emma Ogle, after the death of her husband.  In 1929 he established a home for his sister in Jerome, where they have lived together for the remaining years of his life.

  In the earlier years of his life he and his father managed a grocery store and postoffice in Jerome.  He was later employed by the Hawkeye Lumber Co. for a period of several years, which was his last active work.

  He united with the M. E. church in early youth and was an active Sunday school worker during his stay in Nebraska, where he also served as Sunday school secretary.

  He was an upright and honest citizen, being highly respected and esteemed wherever he made his home.

William Addison Hagan with his horse

  He leaves to mourn their loss, two sisters, Mrs. Ada Crouch, of Kalispell, Montana, and Mrs. Emma Ogle of Jerome, several nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.  Due to failing health Mrs. Crouch was unable to be present at this time.

Emma Elizabeth Hagan Ogle, William Addison Hagan

and Ada Rebecca Hagan Crouch

William Addison Hagan with three nieces -

Phyllis, Mary and Betty Hawkins

William Addison Hagan

  Funeral services were held at the Jerome M. E. church Saturday afternoon at two o'clock conducted by the Rev. Francis B. Harris.  Burial was in the Jerome cemetery.

William Addison Hagan's Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

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Card of Thanks

  We desire to thank our neighbors and friends for every act of kindness and sympathy following the death of our brother and uncle, W. A. Hagan.

  -- Mrs. Emma Ogle, Mrs. Ada Crouch, Nieces and Nephews 

James Wesley (Dave) Workman, 1891-1968

The Seymour Herald - 4 July 1968

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

  James Wesley Workman, known to many as Dave, the son of Edison and Emma Diltz Workman, was born in Appanoose county Jan. 18, 1891, and passed away Monday, June 17, 1968, at the Davis county hospital in Bloomfield at the age of 77 years.

  On Sept. 23, 1915, he married Zelda Loofbourrow at the David Loofbourrow home near Jerome. She survives his passing, along with two sons, Forrest of Rock Island and Burdette of Moline, Ill., four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, three sisters, Mrs. Beula Luzadder of DeKalb, Ill., Mrs. Inez Fry of Centerville and Mrs. Gussie Baker of Lenora, Kans.

  Dave had been in poor health for several year because of a heart condition which  resulted in his passing. He lived his entire life in the Jerome community and spent most of his time farming. He was saved in 1953 and became a member of the Jerome Methodist church, attending as long as his health permitted.

  Funeral was Tuesday, June 18 at the Jerome Methodist church with burial in the Jerome cemetery.

  A memorial for the heart fund has been established. He will be missed by his many loved ones and friends.

CARD OF THANKS

  Our recent sad loss leaves us with grateful hearts toward neighbors and friends. Their conforting expressions of sympathy and thoughtfulness will always be remembered.

Mrs. J. W. (Dave) Workman

and family

Charles Lovell McGavran, 1883-1957

The Seymour Herald - 5 December 1957

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

  Charles Lovell McGavran, son of J. L. McGavran and Hattie Branch, was born Dec. 6, 1883, at Minneapolis, Kans.; and passed away at St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital in Centerville, Iowa, Nov. 21, 1957, at the age of 73 years, 11 months and 15 days.

  With the exception of his early childhood he lived his entire life in or near Seymour, Iowa.

  On Oct. 2, 1904, he was united in marriage to Bertha Etta Close who proceded him in death. To this union were born two sons, Kenneth of Des Moines and Keith of Ames, Iowa. 

  When a young man he was united with the Christian church of Seymour. During the past few years he had attended the Jerome Methodist church at Jerome, Iowa.

  On June 25, 1947 he was united in marriage to Ida Mincks, who with his sons, Kenneth and Keith; stepsons, Richard Mincks of Seymour and William Mincks of Cedar Falls, Iowa; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren survive his passing.

  He also leaves two brothers, Elvin and Earl of Seymour; six sisters, Mrs. Maude Lister of Plano, Iowa; Mrs. Nina Whitworth of Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Mrs. Chloe Vaverka of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Mrs. Alice Agnew of Wichita, Kans.; Mrs. Ruth Edwards and Mrs. June Drefke of Alamo, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends. A sister and a brother preceded him in death.

  The funeral services were held at the Jerome Methodist church Sunday, Nov. 24, 1957, at 2 p.m.  Burial was in the Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour.

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CARD OF THANKS

  We wish to express our heart-felt appreciation for the many acts of kindness, cards and floral offerings received during the illness and passing of our loved one. Many, many thanks to all.

The Charles McGavran family

Harriett Marie Hefner, 1912-1984 Fu

The Seymour Herald - 9 February 1984

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  Harriett Marie Hart Hefner, the daughter of Howard and Cleo Green Hart, was born April 28, 1912 in Wayne County, Iowa. She departed this life February 4, 1984 at St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville, Iowa at the age of 71 years, 9 months and 6 days.

  Harriet was united in marriage to W. R. Hefner September 6, 1930 at Centerville, Iowa. To this union two children were born.  They celebrated their Golden Anniversary September 6, 1980.

  She was a member of the Jerome Methodist Church and had been a resident of Jerome for 53 years. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge and a Past Noble Grand. She took a active part in Farm Bureau, 4-H and a member of Helping Hand Club.

  She was preceded in death by her parents.

  Harriett is survived by her husband, W. R. Hefner; daughter Colleen and husband William Henderson of Des Moines; son Norman and wife Bonadene Hefner of Seymour; two brothers Loran and wife Emma Hart of Portage, Indiana and Harold and wife Mary Jane Hart of Whittier, California. Also, grandchildren Mark and wife Marjorie Hefner, Henry Hefner of Seymour, Roma and husband Mark Snook of Chariton, Jill Person of Des Moines, also six great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

  Harriett was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be sadly missed by all.

  Services were held Monday, February 6, 1984, at 1:30 P.M. from the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with the Rev. James Schweizer, officiating. Hymns, "Going Down The Valley: and "In The Garden" were sung by Dick stropewith Mrs. Iris Merrill, pianist. Pallbearers were Paul McElvain, James McElvain, L.H. Mallett, Richard Bumgarner, Wilbur Rupalo and Kenneth Owen.

  Interment was in the Jerome Cemetery.

  There was a memorial to the Jerome Methodist Church.

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

Card of Thanks

  The family of Harriett Hefner wishes to thank neighbors, friends, and relatives for the many kindnesses expressed during our bereavement.The beautiful flowers, many cards, food brought to our home andthe memorials were all deeply appreciated. We extend our special thanks to dr. Owca and the staff at the St. Joseph Hospital. Also to the members of the rebekah Lodge for serving the family dinner the day of the services.

 Bill Hefner

 Colleen and William Henderson and Family

 Norman and Bonadene Hefner and Family

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Gravestone of William R. and Harriett M. (Hart) Hefner

in the Jerome Cemetery

Row 7, Block 23, Lot 9

Burma Shave Signs

  Editor’s Note:  In 2000-2001 I served as a District Governor of Rotary International [RI] under RI President Frank Devlyn of Mexico City.  He recently sent this email to friends about Burma Shave Signs in the USA.  If interested in learning more also see: (1) the Wikipedia article on Burma Shave,  (2) complete list of the Burma Shave Jingles, and (3) Grant’s Tribute to the Burma Shave Sign.

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

Hola Amigos:

  I remember these Burma Shave Signs as a kid driving with my father along the USA highways….Those of you who did not have a chance to drive on highways in the USA will not have a clue.  Do think of sharing with your family and friends who did get a chance to drive themselves, with their parents, etc. as many will remember these Burma Shave Signs.

  Burma Shave Signs...To My Old-As-Dirt Friends & Relatives. To qualify as "old as dirt" you need to recognize these. For those who never saw any of the Burma Shave signs, here is a quick lesson in our history of the 1930's, '40's and '50's.
  Before there were interstates, when everyone drove the old 2 lane roads, Burma Shave signs would be posted all over the countryside in farmers' fields.  They were small red signs with white letters. Five signs, about 100 feet apart, each containing 1 line of a 4 line couplet.... and the obligatory 5th sign advertising Burma Shave, a popular shaving cream.
  Here are more of the signs:

DON'T STICK YOUR ELBOW
OUT SO FAR
IT MAY GO HOME
IN ANOTHER CAR.
BURMA SHAVE

TRAINS DON'T WANDER
ALL OVER THE MAP
'CAUSE NOBODY SITS
IN THE ENGINEER'S LAP
Burma Shave

SHE KISSED THE HAIRBRUSH
BY MISTAKE
SHE THOUGHT IT WAS
HER HUSBAND JAKE
Burma Shave

DON'T LOSE YOUR HEAD
TO GAIN A MINUTE
YOU NEED YOUR HEAD
YOUR BRAINS ARE IN IT
Burma Shave

DROVE TOO LONG
DRIVER SNOOZING
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT
IS NOT AMUSING
Burma Shave

BROTHER SPEEDER
LET'S REHEARSE
ALL TOGETHER
GOOD MORNING, NURSE
Burma Shave

CAUTIOUS RIDER
TO HER RECKLESS DEAR
LET'S HAVE LESS BULL
AND A LITTLE MORE STEER
Burma Shave

SPEED WAS HIGH
WEATHER WAS NOT
TIRES WERE THIN
X MARKS THE SPOT
Burma Shave

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE
OF PAUL FOR BEER
LED TO A WARMER
HEMISPHERE
Burma Shave

AROUND THE CURVE
LICKETY-SPLIT
BEAUTIFUL CAR
WASN'T IT?
Burma Shave

NO MATTER THE PRICE
NO MATTER HOW NEW
THE BEST SAFETY DEVICE
IN THE CAR IS YOU
Burma Shave

A GUY WHO DRIVES
A CAR WIDE OPEN
IS NOT THINKIN'
HE'S JUST HOPIN'
Burma Shave

AT INTERSECTIONS
LOOK EACH WAY
A HARP SOUNDS NICE
BUT IT'S HARD TO PLAY
Burma Shave

BOTH HANDS ON THE WHEEL
EYES ON THE ROAD
THAT'S THE SKILLFUL
DRIVER'S CODE
Burma Shave

THE ONE WHO DRIVES
WHEN HE'S BEEN DRINKING
DEPENDS ON YOU
TO DO HIS THINKING
Burma Shave

CAR IN DITCH
DRIVER IN TREE
THE MOON WAS FULL
AND SO WAS HE.
Burma Shave

PASSING SCHOOL ZONE
TAKE IT SLOW
LET OUR LITTLE
SHAVERS GROW
Burma Shave

Do these bring back any old memories?
If not, you're merely a child.
If they do - then you're old as dirt.

Regards from your Rotary Amigo in Mexico City,

Viva Rotary!                                       

Frank Devlyn

Jerome in 1896

The Seymour Press – 13 February 1896

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JEROME, IOWA

  The enterprising and rapidly developing little city of Jerome is on the Milwaukee rail road, in Appanoose county and is rapidly springing into public notice and now has a population of 300.  It has several large and well stocked general stores and other branches of industry. There has been a great many buildings erected during the past year and several more are under course of construction. It is rapidly becoming one of the most prominent trading points in this section and with its excellent railway facilities it is destined to become one of the leading towns of this section of the Hawkeye state.  Surrounded by a country that will surely become a great agricultural and stock country, Jerome will certainly become a great business point.

WANTS

  Jerome wants 1000 settlers to locate within her limits or immediate vicinity, to enjoy the ozone and health-giving atmosphere of this salubrious climate and to engage in the various business enterprises.  She also wants an attorney, bank, harness shop and a grist mill and parties who have capital to invest should correspond with the postmaster of Jerome.

EDUCATIONAL

  Jerome has a fine school building erected at a cost of $5000, 80 x 60. The school the present year is in charge of Miss May White as principal and Miss Susa Heffner assistant, and their services are giving perfect satisfaction. There are 100 pupils attending now and the official staff is J. H. Martin, president; B. Sedevie, secretary and James Brick, treasurer; all respected citizens.

CIVIC SOCIETIES

  We find well represented the I.O.O.F. with M. Allen, N.G.; Jas. Rou, G.G.; W.S. Fox, secretary; Don Forsythe, treasurer.

CHURCHES

  We find here the M. E. church and it is the only one.  It is in good condition financially and has a very large membership. The leading and most popular hotel is the

JEROME HOTEL

And is the only eating house in the town.  It is a two-story frame building cost $2500 and is a metropolital hotel in every particular. It is owned and conducted by H. L. Hazelwood who is assisted by his accomplished wife. This hotel has about fifteen good rooms, a good dining room and sample room and a good place for traveling men to stop and their table is unsurpassed. Mr. Hazelwood has been in this city three years and was a native of Missouri and was raised on a farm in this county. Jerome can feel proud of her hotel and we enjoyed our stay very much here and should we ever visit this little city again we will surely take our meals at the Jerome.

  Among the business men of the town who are enjoying a lucrative patronage we find

M. ALLEN

Who is proprietor of the Farmers and Miners store and was born and raised in Centerville, the home of Gov. Drake and is personally acquainted with the governor and all his family.  He came to this city two years ago and begun the merchantile business to-day owns the largest store in the city. He owns a two-story building which is 20 x 80 with Odd Fellows’ hall above.  The clothing room is on the upper floor and on the right side of the store is dry goods and dress goods of all the different styles and prices and on the left had side is boots and shoes and gents’ furnishing goods. In the rear is queensware, groceries of every description and the butcher shop and kills none but the best meats and has all kinds of game in season.  Mr. Howry is practically a new man but is well liked by all in acquaintance. They also have a store at Gladstone mine No. 1 and it contains a complete stock of groceries and furnishing goods. They deliver goods to any part of the city and country. Mr. Allen is one of the old and esteemed citizens, and has all those necessary qualifications that go to make a successful business man and we are pleased to note that he is enjoying a constantly increasing patronage.

J. FORSYTH & CO.

  The leading and only exclusive drug company in the city of which D. W. Forsyth is the manager. It was established two years and a half ago and is well equipped with all the necessary fixtures for running a metropolitan drug store including prescription case and prescriptions are compounded with the best of care both day and night. They carry a complete line of all the most reliable patent medicines, school supplies, stationery, all kinds of drug sundries, wall paper, paints, oils and varnishes and everything usually kept in a first-class drug store. This firm has a store at What Cheer and at Mystic.

DR. J. H. DILLON

Graduate at Iowa City and is enjoying a very extensive practice. He was raised in Unionville, Mo., and came to this place a few years ago. His office is over the drug store and is well equipped, having all the necessary fixtures, a good library and he takes some of the leading medical journals and has a good set of surgical instruments. He is a careful student and when not out on professional duties he is studying medicine.

C.A. GAINS

Was born and raised in this county on a farm. He came to this city two years ago and started a store and is the youngest business man in the city, being only 24. His store room is large and filled with a complete line of merchandise and groceries and he has the largest line of boots and shoes in the city. Country produce is taken in exchange for goods at highest prices, employs a clerk and runs a free delivery.

JAMES HAGAN

Is the popular and accommodating postmaster of Jerome and makes a splendid official. He has been in the county since ’54, and is a carpenter by occupation and was one of the first men to go into business here, was appointed postmaster in April, 1888 and has held the position all the time since, excepting six weeks. The office contains about 200 boxes and other necessary fixtures. He carries a stock of groceries, stationery and confectioneries and takes in country produce. Mr. Hagan was township assessor four or five years and justice of the peace eight or nine years and is a notary public.

GLADSTONE COAL CO.

  A feature that Jerome fully enjoys is her coal mines and we find located here the Gladstone Coal Co. which was established in ’89 and is one of the oldest and most extensive coal companies in the county and has a capital stock of $40,000. The present officials are James Goss, President; Robert Marsden, superintendent; Peter Marsden, secretary and treasurer, and they are all old and highly respected citizens. Their shaft No. 1 is located one and three quarters of a mile east of Jerome and shaft No. 2 is at Jerome. It is well equipped with the best of machinery and has a hoisting capacity of 40 Cars of coal per day or 800 tons, and they work from one to three hundred men all the time, owing to its great demand, and it always finds a ready market and they get the highest price for it. The quality is superior to any other and is known as the Walnut Block and all is thoroughly screened and weighed on the Fairbank railroad scales after screening before leaving the city. They ship coal as far north as Edgerly, N.D. and as far west as the western portion of Kansas and all over Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota and find a ready market all along the line of the Milwaukee and wherever it is handled it has given the best satisfaction and they ship from 75000 to 100000 tons of coal per annum.  All their men are paid semi-monthly and everything runs smoothly to both miners and patrons by reason of its careful and conservative management. Peter Marsden, the secretary and treasurer, is a fine young business man and lives with his father, Robert Marsden, who resides at mine No. 1, and he is a great favorite among the miners and citizens of this city.

W. S. FOX

Is the local agent on the C.M. & St. P. and has been in the city six months and with the company six years. He is also agent for the Western Union telegraph company and U.S. express company. He is a very fine young man and is very popular and prominent.

BIG FOUR COAL COMPANY

  Is the oldest coal company of the city and was established here a number of years ago. They work about forty men, they have a hoisting capacity of twenty cars per day. It has a capital stock of $20,000 and is one of the most prosperous mines along the line. Wm. Oughton the superintendent, while he is yet a young man in years he is old in business and has many years of experience in the coal business.  W. L. Myers is the president and is a very prominent man. The company ships coal to South Dakota, Missouri and other states and it is giving perfet satisfaction.  Mr. Oughton owns a grocery store in this city which is 20x60 and also a fine residence, he informed the writer that the company was enjoying a very hearty patronage all over the state.

E. B. FULLER

  Is the proprietor of the only barber shop in the city and has been in this city one year. His shop is located first door west of the Jerome hotel and is well equipped with all modern fixtures. He also takes orders for fine tailor made suits. He is an experienced barber and when in need of a nice clean shave call on him and receive satisfaction. He is one of our most industrious and enterprising citizens and we were very much pleased to make his acquaintance.

G. W. PASS 
[GEORGE W. ROSS]

Is the leading blacksmith and has been here two years and was a blacksmith before the war. He was in the late war, enlisting in Co. B, Sixth Kansas Cav. and worked at his trade while serving.  His shop has all the necessary fixtures for doing all kinds of blacksmithing and makes a specialty of horse shoeing and repairing. He owns a good residence and is a very worthy citizen.

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

  Copy of original published article in the 13 February 1896 of The Seymour Press.

William Jennings Bryan VanDorn, 1899-1974, and Lora D. Mitchell VanDorn, 1900-1930

The Seymour Herald - 5 Sepember 1974

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WILLIAM BRYAN VAN DORN

  William Bryan Van Dorn, son of Douglas and Jennie Stewart Van Dorn, was born Dec. 8, 1899, in Appanoose county, Iowa, and died Aug. 29, 1974, at University hospital in Iowa City, Iowa, at the age of 74 years, eight months and 21 days.

  He was united in marriage to Lora Mitchell in 1918. To this union were born five sons and three daughters, Marshall Neil Van Dorn and Mrs. Pauline Wells of Des Moines, Mrs. Virginia Hyle (deceased), Robert Van Dorn of Longview, Texas, William Van Dorn of Cedar Rapids, Lloyd Van Dorn of Monouth, and twin boy and girl who died at birth.

  On Feb. 13, 1947, he was united in marriage to Goldie Sharp of Seymour. He became the father of Marvin Sharp whom he loved as his own.

  He spent all of his life farming in and around Wayne county. In 1947 he moved to Seymour and was employed at Godfrey's Pool Hall for many years and enjoyed working with the public and especially the young people.

  On April 6, 1974, he joined the Methodist church in Seymour and attended church as long as he health permitted. He was a good neighbor and always willing to help others. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife Lora, daughter Virginia, the twin babies, two brothers, one sister and three grandchildren.

  He is survived by his loving wife, Goldie, his six children, two sisters, Rachel Bone of Seymour and Ethel McClintick of Long Beach, Calif., five daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, 27 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren who he loved and enjoyed dearly and a host of friends and relatives.

  He will be sadly missed by all.

CARD OF THANKS

  We would like to thank all of the friends, neighbors and relatives for the kindness and sympathy shown in our time of sorrow. We would like to thank everyone for the food, flowers and cards. A special thanks to the women of the church for the lovely lunch served the day of the funeral. We would also like to say a special thanks to Rev. Ricks and his wife for their trips to the hospital for the wonderful service. Also thank you to Rev. Hickman for his visit to the hospital. Thanks to Mr. Randolph for the kind services shown to us.

    Mrs. W. B. VanDorn

    Mr. and Mrs. Neil VanDorn and family

    Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Wells and family

    Mr. and Mrs. Bill VanDorn and family

    Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd VanDorn and family

    Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sharp and family

    Mrs. Rachel Bone

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

William Bryan & Lora D. (Mitchell) VanDorn Gravestone 

in Block 5, Lot 8 of New Section of the Jerome Cemetery, 

Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa
---------------------------------------------

Children of William Bryan VanDorn & Lora D. Mitchell
Gravestone of Twin Boy and Girl Who Died At Birth

in Block 5, Lot 8 of New Section of the Jerome Cemetery, 

Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, Iowa
----------------------------------------------------------
The Seymour Herald - 16 January 1930
--------------------------------
LORA MITCHELL VANDORN

  Mrs. W. J. B. VanDorn passed away Sunday, January 5 at the St. Joseph Hospital in Centerville following an illness of several days. She underwent an operation several days ago.

  Mrs. VanDorn resided on a farm south of this city with her husband and family, and her death is a severe loss to her family. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Mitchell of this city adn had resided in this community practically all of her life, being at the time of her death 29 years, 8 months and 18 days of age.

  She is survived by her husband, six children, her parents and several brothers and sisters. The family has the sympathy of the entire community in their loss.

  Lora Mitchell VanDorn, daughter of L. P. and Retta Mitchell was born at Cincinnati, Appanoose County, Iowa, May 17, 1900, and passed away in St. Josephs Hospital, Centerville, January 5, 1930, at the age of 29 years, 7 months and 19 days. The major part of her life was spent in Seymour.

  February 10, 1919 she became the bride of Bryan VanDorn of Jerome. To them 6 children were born, Neal, Pauline, Virginia, Robert, William and Lloyd.

  When Mrs. VanDorn was 16 years of age, she united with the Baptist Church, and took an active part in the Sunday School and Church work until the care of a young family prevented her from doing so.

  Besides her husband and 6 children, who will miss her sorely she is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Mitchell, five brothers adn two sisters, also many friends whom she made during her short life.

  Funeral service was held at the home of her parents, at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, January 8. The remains were laid to rest in Jerome cemetery. Service at the home and grave were conducted by Elder G. A. Jeffrey.

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

CARD OF THANKS

  We wish to thank all those who in any way helped us at this time of the sad loss of our wife, daughter and sister. We thank all those who furnished cars.

      A precious one from us is gone

      A voice we loved is stilled

      A place is vacant in our home

      Which never can be filled.

      Mr. and Mrs. L. P. Mitchell and family.

      Mr. Bryan VanDorn and family.

Jason Lawrence McElvain ----------------------------- World War I Draft Registration Card

Jason Lawrence McElvain

World War I Draft Registration Card

From Ancestry.com

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

LETTER FROM LAWRENCE McELVAIN

The Seymour Herald – 14 November 1918

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

LETTER FROM LAWRENCE McELVAIN

Camp Pike, Ark., Nov. 5, 1918

Dear Mother and folks:

  How are all of you folks? I am, feeling fine, getting fatter all the time. I think I will soon pull down about 200 pounds.

  I worked from 8:30 until 12' to­day. I did not sit down to eat, breakfast, then walked to Belmouth this afternoon, that is about a three mile walk. I'll bet you folks up there are all busy. I believe I will be back to help you some before long. The news in the paper sure looks good. I believe I will be home by spring. I hardly believe I will leave this camp now altho I don't know. I might be moved this time tomorrow you never can tell. But I do not care for I am ready to go where Uncle Sam wants me to.

  I hardly believe I will eat my I Christmas dinner at home this year, but I may get to cook a big dinner for some of the boys. I believe I could cook turkey now and cranberries. I have made it a rule never to cook anything for the boys that I would net eat myself. Kemph and I are both particular, and we get along fine, we never use a pan or anything without examining it first. A cook has a lot of responsibility, we have to be so careful, we cannot waste anything that is worth anything, if we did we would be tried by court martial. Cooking is one of the most responsible jobs in the army I believe. One of the K, P's, said the other day that we ought to get $75 per month. But I am not working for money but for Uncle Sam.

  This is the best I can do this evening so I will quit for this time, hoping to hear from you soon.

  Your loving son and brother, Lawrence McElvain

Helen Shorts McElvain, 1922-2012

Daily Iowegian – 30 January 2012

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

  CENTERVILLE — Helen McElvain, 89, of Centerville, died Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012 at Golden Age Care Center in Centerville.

  She was born Nov. 1, 1922 in Centerville, the daughter of Ralph and Violet (Woods) Shorts.  Helen attended Centerville Schools and graduated from Centerville High School. She later earned her associate’s degree from Centerville Community College.

  Helen held numerous positions of employment throughout her working career. She worked as a secretary for both the CB&Q Railroad and Centerville Chamber of Commerce. Helen also worked at the Centerville National Bank. She dedicated many years working elections for the Appanoose County Republican Party.  

  She married Paul Vernon McElvain on Feb. 24, 1946 at the First Methodist Church in Centerville. After moving to the farm with her husband Paul, Helen was active in the YW Study Club, Farm Bureau, the Gideons, and was an active member of the Seymour Methodist Church.

Helen Shorts McElvain

  Helen enjoyed several hobbies, including traveling, singing, gardening, flowers, crafts, reading and church activities.

  She is survived by her husband Paul McElvain of Centerville; four children, Bonnie (Hugo) Keyner of Vail, Ariz., Terry (Janice) McElvain of Centerville, John (Marcella) McElvain of Council Bluffs and James (Melinda) McElvain of Corydon; son-in-law Arnt Hampton of McMinnville, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren, Jason (Wendy) McElvain of Centerville, Jeremy McElvain of Centerville, Jeff McElvain of Papallion, Neb., Chris (Kaley) McElvain of Homestead, Darcie (Dan) Feller of Council Bluffs, Jessica (Shawn) Panich of Evansville, Wis., Skyler and Austin McElvain of Corydon, Aaron (Gretchen) Hampton of Columbia, Tenn. and Kendall (Amanda) Hampton of Nashville, Tenn.; eight great-grandchildren, RJ and Alyssa McElvain of Centerville, Adalynn McElvain of Homestead, Cole Feller of Council Bluffs, Jessie, Luke and Marianne Hampton of Columbia, Tenn. and Emma Hampton of Nashville, Tenn.;  and a sister Lola Shorts of Centerville.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter Sandra Hampton.

  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Lange Funeral Home in Centerville with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. A visitation was held Sunday at Lange Funeral Home from 12-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-8 p.m. Sunday evening. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Jerome Cemetery.

  Memorials have been established to the Seymour Methodist Church and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544.

  Condolences may be shared at www.langefh.com.

Charles Rupalo [Kazimierz Rupalla],1893-1976

Charles Rupalo [Kazimierz Rupalla], 1893-1976

  Charles Rupalo (Kazimierz Rupalla), son of John Rupalo and Mary Helmen, was born in Jaworzno, Galicia Province, Austria, 2 March 1893, during the Austro-Hungarian Empire.  He was raised in this area which later became part of independent southwest Poland.  He departed this life at the Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, Wayne County, Iowa on 28 December 28 1976: aged 83 years, 9 months and 26 days.   

  At the age of 19 he came to America, naturalized at Ellis Island on 12 December 1912.  He settled in Appanoose County Iowa and spent a majority of his life coal mining.  At the age of 52 he left the coal mines and began farming near Numa in Lincoln Township, Appanoose County, IA.   

  On 8 September 1918, he was united in marriage to Maggie Gorman, making their home near Diamond, Iowa. Upon his retirement from farming in 1966, they moved to Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa to make their home. 

  Besides his widow, he is survived by six children:  Mrs. Wanda McFarland (Cecil) of Longmont, Colo., Walter Rupalo (Donna) of Seymour, Wilbur Rupalo (Fern) of Centerville, Mrs. Louise Newby (Kenneth) of Donnellson, Mrs. Carolyn Inman (Wendell) of Corydon, and Mrs. Eleanor Ferren of Austin, Texas.  Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild, one nephew, and three nieces. 

  Funeral was Thursday, 30 December 1976  at the Liggett-Randolph Funeral home in Seymour with Rev. Louis Schaffner officiating.  Milton Albertson sang requested hymns, accompanied by Mrs. Iris Merritt.  Pallbearers were Harold McElvain, Dan Jones, Roger DeVore, Dr. A.W. Cooper, Roger Park and Stanley Cooper. Burial was in Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour, Wayne County, Iowa. 

Card Of Thanks

  The Charles Rupalo family wishes to express sincere thanks to friends and neighbors for food, flowers and expressions of sympathy in the recent death of our father, husband and grandfather. 

Family of Charles Rupalo

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  Obituary of Charles Rupalo emailed to the editor of The Jerome Journal on 16 January 2012 by Lauretta Newby [lnewby@southslope.net], granddaughter, and edited by Bill Hawkins.

Bruce Clark & Ruth A. Cox Clark

Lange Funeral Home Obituary

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Bruce Clark, 1939=2011

  Bruce Clark, age 71, of Centerville, Iowa died February 10, 2011 at Mercy Medical Center in Centerville, Iowa.

  Bruce was born September 5, 1939 in Centerville, Iowa the son of William and Ruth Hixenbaugh Clark.  He graduated from Centerville High School.  He married Ruth Cox in 1958 in Clio, Iowa.  Bruce served in the United States Navy, retiring after twenty years of service.  After retiring from the service, he was a mechanic and drove a rock truck.  His hobby was collecting and restoring toys and was an avid enthusiastic collector. He was baptized at the United Methodist Church.  Bruce was a member of the Disabled American Veterans and the Fleet Reserve.

  He is survived by his wife Ruth, 3 children, Debra (Mark) Kauzlarich of Centerville,  Diana (Max) Baethke,  Owasso,  OK,  Richard Clark of Jerome,  Iowa,  5 grandchildren  Melissa (Clint) Hedrick of Edmond,  OK,  Brad (Lindsey) Kauzlarich of Oskaloosa, IA, Ashlee (Hardy) Gunsalus, Oklahoma City, OK, Sandi Kauzlarich of Centerville, Mariah Clark of Jerome; four great grandchildren; one brother Roger (Jill) Clark of Centerville.

  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother William (Joe) Clark.

  Visitation:  Sunday, February 13, 2011, 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

  Service:  Monday, February 14, 2011, 11:00 AM, Highland Cemetery, Mystic, IA.

  Special Services:  Graveside Military Services.

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Daily Iowegian - 21 February 2012

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Ruth A. Clark, 1939-2012

  CENTERVILLE — Ruth A. Clark, 72, of Centerville, passed away Thursday,  Feb. 16, 2012 at her home.

  Ruth was born Oct. 16, 1939 at Allerton, the daughter of Ernest and Elnor Michael Cox. Ruth grew up in Seymour and graduated from Seymour High School. She married Clyde Bruce Clark in Clio in 1958. For the next 20 years, Ruth spent her life as a Navy wife, moving from Coast to Coast. She enjoyed the moves to new places, especially meeting new people along the way.  During those years she made many lifelong friends. After Bruce retired from the Navy, the family settled in Centerville. For the next 25 years Ruth worked for Union Carbide, retiring from Curwood in 2004. She enjoyed caring for her home — always had some sort of project underway.  She loved her flowers and the colorful displays in her yard. Ruth loved her family, especially her grandkids. She was a member of the Drake Avenue Christian Church, Centerville where she was baptized in 1992.

  Ruth is survived by three children Debra (Mark) Kauzlarich of Centerville, Diana (Max) Baethke of Owasso,Okla., Richard Clark of Jerome, five grandchildren Melissa (Clint) Hedrick of Edmund, Okla., Brad (Lindsey) Kauzlarich of Oskaloosa, Ashlee (Hardy) Gunsalus of Englewood, Colo., Sandi Kauzlarich of Centerville, Mariah Clark of Jerome; four great-grandchildren, Logan Hedrick, Audrey Kauzlarich, Hudson Hedrick and Kellen Kauzlarich. Also surviving are six brothers and sisters William (Eleanor) Cox of Okarche, Okla., Marge Brandeburg of Delmar, Gene Cox of Peoria, IL, Tom (Linda) Cox of Unionville, Mo., Kathy (Gary) Lord of Tucson, Ariz. and Butch (Shirley) Cox of Ft. Dodge.

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

  Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 at Highland Cemetery, Mystic with Pastor Ken Mehrhoff officiating. Friends may call all day Monday with the family present from 6-8 p.m. at the Lange Funeral Home, Centerville. A memorial has been established to either Hospice of Central Iowa or Drake Avenue Christian Church and may be left at the funeral home.  Condolences may be left at www.langefh.com.