My McKee Family Tree

Circling Back to Family Search's Trees

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 28 Aug 2021 02:07:00 +0000

Just when I thought I had the whole tree book as complete as I could get it, I was pecking around on Family Search and started looking at their updated trees. Low and behold, researchers who are better ferrets than I am had several records that I had not been able to dig up on my own. I found more than a few marriage dates and places, added a new person via a new marriage record that I had missed, and discovered the St. Louis Military Separation File, which proved to be most helpful.

If you want to see the whole megillah, I've uploaded my RootsMagic database as a public member tree to Ancestry.com. I've included all of my notes and sources for each person in the McKee tree.

Questions? Please comment or email me at ptreme@gmail.com.

Long Time No Post!

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 02:35:00 +0000

I know it's been a long time since I've posted an update. I've been buried for the most part of the last five years in newspaper research. As a result, I have an updated family tree book. If you would like an electronic copy, please email me at ptreme@gmail.com.

The tree book is greatly expanded with lots of new people and more complete information on individuals as a result of the newspaper research. In addition to updating the book, I've also uploaded a public family tree to Ancestry.com. The public family tree has notes that include the results of my newspaper research. For example, if an individuals profile includes a note titled Obit, open the note and you'll see the transcribed obituary. I hope you enjoy the new public family tree.

Vincent Fletcher, Canada, 1929-1997

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 12 Dec 2019 00:22:00 +0000

I love Find A Grave. A good soul published the grave site details and a picture of the gravestone of Vincent Fletcher. See memorial 195643418. I've been missing a death date for him. The memorial shows the date 21 Apr 1997.

Vincent is the son of Percy Vincent and Mabel (Bradley) Fletcher. He married Many Winnifed McLees. Based on Mary's obituary, the couple had no children. Here are the links to Mary's obits and an extra article.

Obit 1
Obit 2
Article 1

From Mary's obits and the article, the couple seems to have retired to Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. So now I need to see if I can track down an obit for Vincent.

Jesse Lemuel "Lem" McKee 1890-1971 Missouri Michigan

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 13 Oct 2019 22:49:00 +0000

I'm still buried in newspaper research. Thus you have the lack of posting to this blog. I'm finding all sorts of interesting articles...not the least is this series of articles about Lem.

Greenville Sun, Greenville, Missouri, 24 May 1906, Page 6
Joe Huff Killed.
Williamsville citizens were startled last Monday morning at the news of Joe Huff having been shot down and almost instantly killed by a son of Jesse McKee. Huff and Jesse McKee engaged in a quarrel about some trivial matter and McKee's son took sides with his father and shot Huff down. McKee claims that Huff drew a club on him and was about to strike him and that his murderous act was in self-defense.
Coroner Sheets held the inquest Monday afternoon. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased came to his death by a gun shot wound produced by young McKee. The young man is only about 17 years old. He has been given a preliminary before H. Manns and held to await the action of the circuit court. Constable Edgar delivered him to the sheriff here Tuesday.

Pemiscot Press, Caruthersville, Missouri, 5 Jun 1906, Page 1
Kennett Democrat: Joe Huff was shot and instantly killed while engaged in an altercation with Jesse McKee, at Williamsville, Tuesday, the fatal shot being fired by a 16-year old son of McKee. The two men were quarreling over a woodpile which McKee claimed obstructed a pathway used by him.

Greenville Sun, Greenville, Missouri, 7 Jun 1906, Page 2
Bound Over.
Lem McKee, who is charged with the murder of Joe Huff, was given a preliminary trial before 'Squire Manns at Williamsville last Thursday. He was held to await the action of the circuit court. His bond was fixed at $10,000 and he was committed to jail for failure to give bond. His mothers, Mrs. Jesse McKee was held as an accessory. Her bond was fixed at $1000 which was promptly tilled. Attorney O. L. Munger has been retained by the defendants and Almon Ing represents the state.

Greenville Sun, Greenville, Missouri, 2 Aug 1906, Page 7
WAYNE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT DOCKET
List Of Cases To Be Tried At The August Term Of Circuit Court.
...
State of Mo vs. Lem McKee; murder.
...

Greenville Sun, Greenville, Missouri, 30 Aug 1906, Page 2
Circuit Court Proceedings, (Third Week)
...
State vs Lem McKee, murder, trial by jury and acquitted.
...

You just never can guess what information you'll run across when you start poking around. Lem went on to live an honorable life. He worked mostly as a carpenter, moving between the Williamsville, Missouri area and Pontiac, Michigan (as early as 1929). His obit--see below--says he lived in Detroit; however, I found him in Pontiac.

Piedmont Wayne County Journal-Banner. 11 Feb 1971, Page 2 Columns 4 and 5
J. L. McKee Rites Held in Williamsville
Jesse Lemuel McKee, the son of Jesse and Rosa Noble McKee, was born in Wayne County, Missouri, on January 6, 1890.
Mr. McKee was converted early in life and attended the Assembly of God Church for many years.
On November 1, 1913, he was united in marriage to Miss Lillie Grable. Mr. and Mrs. McKee made their home in Detroit, Michigan, where he worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors Corporation until his retirement. Mrs. McKee passed away on May 29, 1959. On December 21, 1960, he was married to Mrs. Nellie Mae Frazier who survives.
Other survivors include a step-daughter, Mrs. Gloria Salamore of Harvey, Illinois; two sisters; Mrs. Julia Hillis of Dexter, Missouri and Mrs. Alice Howard of Jackson, Missouri; three-step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Mr. McKee passed away at the Doctors Hospital, Poplar Bluff, Missouri, on February 4, 1971 at the age of 81 years and 21 days.
Funeral services for Mr. McKee were held in the Assembly of God Church, Williamsville, Missouri on February 7, 1971 with Rev. Lester Freeman officiating. Music was furnished by the church choir, with Mrs. Floyd Gurley at the piano. Serving as casket bearers were O. L. Holmes, William Cradic, Charles Tinker, Sam Willard, Gene Manns, and Donald Murray.
Interment was made in the Holladay Cemetery at Williamsville. Coder Funeral Home of Williamsville, in charge of arrangements.

Florence Huff or Florence Robbins, 1905-1992, Maine, Florida, Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 05:08:00 +0000

One thing that doing newspapers research has caused me to do is revisit the research for each person in my database. I'm making sure I've included every available record. I've uncovered a few mistakes and have found information added since the last time I looked, which has been a few years. Today I started looking at a person whose last name is either Huff or Robbins. I've got records that would indicate that both are possible. This puzzle started when I looked up Florence's marriage record.

Ancestry.com. New Hampshire, Marriage Records Index, 1637-1947 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011.
Name: Florence M Robbins
Marriage Date: 31 May 1930
Event Type: Marriage
Marriage Place: Portsmouth, Rockingham, New Hampshire
Birth Date: abt 1905
Age: 25
Gender: Female
Father's name: George Robbins
Mother's name: Harriet Lansing
Spouse Name: Frank A Anderson
Spouse Age: 27
Spouse Gender: Male
Spouse Father's Name: Joseph
Spouse Mother's Name: Julia Pierce
FHL Film Number: 2057170

Biddeford Journal, Biddeford, Maine 6 Jun 1980, Page 31

GOLDEN WEDDING - Frank and Florence Anderson of Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary May 31 at the home of her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Ernestine Huff of Jenkins Road, Saco. Fifty relatives and friends attended the surprise party which was given by the honor couple's children, Joyce Anderson of Yuma, Colo., Guy Anderson of Biddeford and Judie Lenhart of Greeley, Colo., and the Huffs. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were married May 31,1930, at Portsmouth, N.H. They have lived in Biddeford and Kennebunkport ever since. Their family also includes seven grandchildren and a great-grandchild.

If you look up Florence Huff on Ancestry and check the Public Member Trees, you'll find four trees under both the names Florence Huff and Florence Robbins, with both women marrying Frank Anderson. So it would appear that I'm not the only confused person.

Florence Huff's parents are William O Huff and Ivy M Clark.
Florence Robbins' parents are George M Robbins and Harriet M Lansing.

Here's the census layout.

1910 has a Huff entry.
Florence is with the Huff family in Lyman, York, Maine.
Her father William is married to Ivy in this census.
1920 has a Robbins entry.
Florence is with the Robbins family in Biddeford, York, Maine.
1920 has a Huff entry.
Robert (Florence's brother) is still with his father William O Huff.
William is married to Helen in this census.
1930 has a Robbins entry.
Florence is there in Biddeford, York, Maine.
1930 has a Huff entry.
William is a boarder in Biddeford and is listed as divorced. He has no children with him.
1940 has no Robbins entry.
1940 has a Huff entry. William is divorced and living with his son James.

It would appear that based on the census entries and subsequent records that Florence started life as Florence Huff, and for some unknown reason, becomes Florence Robbins between 1910 and 1920.

As an additional piece of information, in Florence's daughter Lillian Joyce's obituary, her mother is listed as Florence Robins.

So what happened is a puzzlement. If you have information to contribute, please post a comment to this blog post.

Joseph G. McKee, 1804-1884, Northern Ireland; Sparta, Randolph County, Illinois, United States

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Wed, 19 Dec 2018 04:07:00 +0000

Joe seems to be the first person in the McKee family who comes to the U.S. The question is: What is his first wife's name?

Based on research for Joe's brother, William, I know that William is in the Port/Mount Norris, County Armagh area as late as 11 May 1837 because of the birth of his daughter there on that date.

In 1834 I can find the following information:
http://www.igp-web.com/armagh/townlands/Kilcon.htm
Joseph McKee appears on a Kilcon Tithe Applotment (1834)...a hop away from Port Norris in Loughgilly and geographic coverage is Mountnorris, Armagh, Ireland
This Joseph is gone from Griffith's Valuation, which occurs later. In addition, this Joseph may or may not be my Joseph. Of note, I have a photocopied story that has Joseph stating that one of the reasons for leaving Ireland was rising rents.

By 1838, Joe is in Randolph County, Illinois. Here's the quotation that confirms his presence.
The Trails, Randolph County Genealogy Society, Vol 15, No 17, Page 33

At Joe McKee's house, Mrs. Eliza Stewart and Mrs. Martha McKee received on certification.

So I have a working theory that Joe and his wife (and possibly children) emigrated between 1834 and 1838.

The closest I can come to this date is this record on Ancestry.com are as follows:

Name:	Joseph McKee
Arrival date:	13 Jul 1830
Age:	22
Gender:	Male
Port of Arrival:	Philadelphia
Port of Departure:	Londonderry
Place of Origin:	Great Britain
Destination:	USA
Ship Name:	Ship Asia
National Archives' Series Number:	425
Microfilm Number:	45
List Number:	113

Name:	Martha Mackey
Arrival date:	13 Jul 1830
Age:	20
Gender:	Female
Port of Arrival:	Philadelphia
Port of Departure:	Londonderry
Place of Origin:	Great Britain
Destination:	USA
Ship Name:	Ship Asia
National Archives' Series Number:	425
Microfilm Number:	45
List Number:	113

If you look for Joe on Ancestry.com and check the families, they suggest that his wife's name is Elizabeth. They offer no source for the information that I've noticed. I have seen a Philadelphia arrival record that has a Joseph McKee entering with an Elizabeth McKee. But for the life of me, I can't locate that record. But again, even if I could find this record, I have nothing to say that this couple are the couple I'm looking for.

If you have anything to add to this thorny knot, I'd be happy to hear from you. Please leave me a message. In the interim, I'm going with Martha until I have info to the contrary.

Update: I've been pondering the question of Joe's wife's name for days and two things occur to me.

No reason exist to assume that Joe is married when he emigrates from N. Ireland. He's in his 20s and members of the McKee family (like many Scots-Irish families) tend to marry later.
I've never check the early marriage records for Randolph or surrounding counties to see if there is any record of Joe marrying post emigrating to the U.S., which based on the evidence I have is entirely possible.

So I've perhaps reasoned my way to a new line of research; that is, Joe marries the first time in the U.S. I'll update the blog if and when I make any startling discoveries.

John Karber, Gypsum, Saline, Kansas, 1892-1954

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 15 Nov 2018 19:57:00 +0000

I've been fumbling around with the John Karbers in Gypsum, Kansas. Two John Karbers are there born just a year or so apart. However, only one of them was married to Mary Velma Thompson. Needless to say the records are mixed and it has always been hard to tell them apart.

John Karber s/o Nicholas Karber and Elizabeth Berger

John Karber s/o Michael Karber and Anna V. Hoffman

I finally decided last night that I was going to tackle this knot and see what I could find.

The first record that confirmed that Mary Velma Thompson had actually married a John Karber was in the 1915 Kansas State census.

Kansas State Historical Society; Topeka, Kansas; Roll: ks1915_214; Line: 12
Name: John Karber
Census Date: 1915
Residence County: Saline
Residence State: Kansas
Locality: Gypsum
Birth Place: Kansas
Family Number: 79
Gender: Male
Age: 23
Birth Year: abt 1892
Race: White
Household Member(s): Name Age
John Karber 23
Velma Karber 24

With this entry, I had an approximate date range to start searching newspapers. Here are the entries I found that confirm the marriage. And boy did I luck up. One of the articles identified, John's parents.

The Gypsum Advocate, Gypsum, Kansas, 25 Oct 1979, Page 4
Do You Remember?
Taken from the files of The Advocate.
...
October 23, 1914--65 years ago
...
John Karber, son of Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Karber, south of Gypsum, and Velma Thompson, of Roxbury, were united in marriage last Thursday in Salina by Probate Judge Wilson.
...

The Democrat-Opinion, McPherson, Kansas, 30 Oct 1914, Page 8
Roxbury Notes.
...
Another wedding occurred last Wednesday. Miss Velma Thompson and John Karber were married at the Catholic Church at Salina. They are at home on the Matt Karber farm four miles southwest of Gypsum.
...

For the first time, I had definitive evidence that I was search for info on the John Karber who was the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Karber. But it turned out there was much more information to find. Here's the information about Velma and John's bitter divorce.

The Salina Evening Journal, Salina, Kansas, 7 Jun 1918, Page 1
KARBER DIVORCE DRAWS CROWD
Charges and Counter Charges Fly Thick in District Court.
The domestic troubles of John Karber and his wife, Velma Karber, both of Gypsum are being thoroughly aired in district court today before Judge Dallas Grover, where Karber is suing his wife for divorce.
Serious charges and counter charges are made against each by the parties, a large number of witnesses are in attendance from the Gypsum neighborhood and the case is expected to take the remainder of the day.

The Salina Evening Journal, Salina, Kansas, 10 Jun 1918, Page 1
BREAKS DOWN ON STAND
Condition of Mrs. Karber Forces Recess in Case.
The divorce case of John Karber, against Velma Karber, which has been on trial in the district court since Friday, bids fair to occupy the attention of the court for several days yet. The introduction of testimony by Mrs. Karker was started this morning, Mrs. Karber herself taking the stand as the first witness in her own behalf. The nervous excitement of the ordeal caused her to break down at ten-thirty this morning and a recess of court was taken to permit her to recover.

Western Kansas Journal, Salina, Kansas, 13 Jun 1918
SEND BOQUET TO MRS. KARBER
Woman in Divorce Case is Remembered by Friends.
Attorneys are arguing the Karber divorce suit before District Judge Dallas Grover today, the taking of testimony having been concluded at adjourning time last night.
The trial of this case, which began last Friday, has attracted a large crowd from Gypsum City, many coming as witnesses in the case. The parties are well known in Gypsum neighborhood. At the conclusion of the argument this afternoon Judge Grover took the case under advisement.
An interesting feature of today's hearing is the flowers given Mrs. Karber by a group of her friends, who surround her at each recess of court as the case proceeds.
To each of the floral offerings given her today was attached a card bearing these words:
"In loving sympathy of Mrs. Velma Karber. From friends."

The Gypsum Advocate, Gypsum, Kansas, 27 Jun 1918, Page 10
A decree of divorce was granted by District Judge Grover late yesterday to Mrs. Velma Karber from her husband, John Karber. The judgment was rendered on Mrs. Karber's cross petition. Mrs. Karber was given the custody of her three year old son.

And just to add a little salt to the wound, we have this tidbit.

The Gypsum Advocate, Gypsum, Kansas, 11 Jul 1918, Page 8
CARD OF THANKS
I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to all my friends and neighbors for their part in helping restore my darling baby boy to my arms again. May the Lord's richest blessings rest upon all of you.--Mrs. Velma Karber.

The baby boy was Paul Thompson Karber, Sr. b. 9 Dec 1915, Gypsum, Saline, Kansas d. 5 Nov 1978 Garden City, Finney, Kansas. You can find his memorial on Find A Grave (14806050).

I've posted this info all over the place for researchers to use and to correct entries on Find A Grave (due diligence since I made one of the original errors on Find A Grave by connecting to the wrong John Karber.)

Newspapers...What a good thing!

Gwendolyn Margaret Davies, 1920-1990, Alabama, Mississippi, California

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 03:50:00 +0000

One of the primary things you can find while doing newspaper research is information about marriages. Here's an example.

The San Bernardino County Sun, San Bernardino, California, 15 Sep 1943, Page 14
photograph
WEDDING CHAPEL at the First Presbyterian church in Santa Barbara was chosen by Miss Gwendolyn Margaret Davies and Pvt. Elmer Wayne Woodside, both of San Bernardino, as the scene of their marriage, which occurred Thursday, Sept. 2. Private Woodside is stationed at the Army Air base in Santa Maria.

The San Bernardino County Sun, San Bernardino, California, 15 Sep 1943, Page 14
Miss Gwendolyn Davies Is Now Mrs. Woodside
Miss Gwendolyn Margaret Davies, daughter of Mrs. Rhoda Willis Davies, 1133 Sepulveda avenue, and Pvt. Elmer Wayne Woodside, also of San Bernardino, were married in a quiet ceremony, performed the Rev. Dean F. Babbit Thursday, Sept. 2, in the chapel of the Santa Barbara First Presbyterian church. The chapel was decorated with gladioli.
The bride wore a blue-gray suit with black accessories. She was attended by her mother.
The former Miss Davies, who has made her home in San Bernardino for three years, attended school in Needles, while Private Woodside attended schools in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Long Beach.
The bridegroom, son of H. A. Woodside of Rialto avenue, is stationed at the Army Air base at Santa Maria. Mrs. Woodside will remain in San Bernardino, where she is employed in the diet kitchen at the county hospital.

Lots of times wedding articles can give you all sorts of hints about where people lived and worked and can give you a better date for the actual wedding.

Jose Guillermo "Billy" Ortiz, 1928-1999, New Mexico and Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 01:17:00 +0000

The type of item that sends a genealogist into over drive is finding out that somebody in your family was a horse thief or a cattle rustler. Well below we have an article documenting the exploits of an in-law--Jose a.k.a. Billy Ortiz--who is a bonafide cattle rustler. What a hoot!

The Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2 Dec 1954, Page 2
Student Faces Cattle Charge
Jose G. (Billy) Ortiz, Highlands University student and a resident of the San Juan Pueblo, was charged this morning with the theft of cattle from two Indians at the Pueblo.
Ortiz was arrested and charged by Hall Mullen, cattle board sanitary inspector, and Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. The complaint filed against the pueblo Indian stated that on or about October 30, at the San Juan Pueblo, he stole two head of cattle from Leandro Cruz and one head from Andres Montoyn.
Arraignment of Ortiz on the charges was scheduled for 3 p.m. today before U.S. Commissioner Dean Zinn.

Billy married Valerea Joyce Burck (a direct McKee descendent) 1 Apr 1950.

Harrison Reid "Harry" McKinley, 1892-1957, Illinois and Winconsin

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 29 Sep 2018 00:59:00 +0000

The original death info I had on Harry was that he died in Chicago, Cook, Illinois. I got this information from a family member...a person who is a reliable source. However, the source was in error based on the obit that I've found for Harry. Here it is.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 27 Nov 1957, Page 25
McKINLEY, Harry R., aged 65 years, of 2818 S. 71st st., beloved husband of Jennie, fond father of Kenneth McKinley, father-in-law of Gladys McKinley, grandfather of Robert McKinley, brother of Ralph of Tilden, Ill.; Olive Dickey and May Henderson of Marissa, Ill. Funeral services will be from the Finger Funeral Home, Marissa, Ill., Fri. afternoon at 2. Burial in Tilden cemetery, Tilden.

My three plus year newspaper adventure is paying off in so many instance. I've corrected the FAG memorial based on this new info.

Edward Everett Jones Update

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sat, 01 Sep 2018 03:57:00 +0000

Newspaper research is just plain frustrating. Just when you think you've done every search possible and you decide to try one last time, you hit pay dirt. Here's the additional info I've found on Edward Everett Jones and Mabel Estella Woodside.

El Paso Herald, El Paso, Texas, 19 Jan 1911, Page 11
41st DISTRICT.
Judge A. M. Waithall, Presiding.
...
Ed E. Janes vs. Mabel Jones, suit for divorce filed.
…

El Paso Herald, El Paso, Texas, 28 Oct 1911, Page 2
FORMER EL PASOAN ATTEMPTS OWN LIFE
Edward Jones Had Divorced Wife Living in El Paso
Edward E. Jones, a former resident of El Paso, who attempted to commit suicide Friday Morning at the Antler's hotel, at Clovis, N. M., is the divorced husband of Mrs. Mabel Jones, living at 718 North Santa Fe Street.
Mrs. Jones states that on Friday she received advice from Tom Davenport that her husband was in a critical condition from an attempt to take his life; in answer she telegraphed that she be advised from time to time of Jones's condition, but up to the present she has heard nothing further concerning his condition.
She says she can assign no reason for Jones's action and that, as far as she knows, theer could have been no reason except weariness of life.
Jones at one time lived in El Paso, having been a representative of the La Salle extension university of law at Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were divorced last January, she remaining here and he going to Utah and New Mexico in the interest of his busines. He is about 51 years old, and has a son about 7 years of age, who lives with his mother.

(Misspelled words are as they appear in the articles.)

So just when I think I've exhausted everything where Ed is concerned, I'm now going to be in pursuit of death info in New Mexico.

Edward Everett Jones b. 1861 Tennessee d. After 1911 Where?

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 30 Aug 2018 20:37:00 +0000

I'm still buried in newspaper research.

One of the hardest people in my tree to trace--Edward Everett Jones--is beginning to be a bit easier. My interest in him is his marriage to Mabel Estella Woodside. Here's the family group.

Edward Everett Jones
b. 1861 Tennessee
d. After 1911 Where?
m. 1 Mar 1902 in Crete, Saline, Nebraska
Mabel Estella Woodside
b. 16 Jan 1878 Coulterville, Randolph, Illinois
d. 15 Feb 1944 Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California (as Mrs. Charles Frank Shindler)

Children:
Perry Quincy Jones
b. 29 Apr 1904 Stillwater, Webster, Nebraska
d. 10 Aug 1995 South Pasadena, Los Angeles, California

Edward's Full Name

Edward's name is confirmed in a school record.
Ancestry.com. U.S., School Catalogs, 1765-1935 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
Name: Edward Everett Jones
Publication Year: 1884
Publication Place: Nebraska
School Name: Doane College
Residence Place: Crete

Marriage Information

Library and Archives of the Nebraska State Historical Society; Lincoln, Nebraska
Source Information
Ancestry.com. Nebraska, Marriage Records, 1855-1908 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017.

Name: Mabel Woodside
Gender: Female
Marriage Age: 24
Record Type: Marriage
Birth Date: abt 1878
Marriage Date: 1 Mar 1902
Marriage Place: Crete, Nebraska, USA
Marriage County Office: Saline
Spouse: E. Everett Jones

Name: E . Everett Jones
Gender: Male
Marriage Age: 41
Record Type: Marriage
Birth Date: abt 1861
Marriage Date: 1 Mar 1902
Marriage Place: Crete, Nebraska, USA
Marriage County Office: Saline

When you begin to search for Mabel, you find her in the 1910 federal census in El Paso, El Paso, Texas. So on the off chance that something was available in El Paso newspapers, I began to poke around in them. Here's what I found.

Sister-In-Law Sues Edward and Mabel over a Real Estate Deal

El Paso Herald, El Paso, Texas, 10 Jan 1910, Page 11
Suit on Notes.
Agnes E. Woodside has filed suit against Ed. E. Jones in the 41st district court to recover $400 on notes and for foreclosure on a vendor's lien on lots 11 and 12 in block 36, Highland Park.

El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas, 11 Jan 1910, Page 2
Suit on Notes.
Agnes E. Woodside vs. Mabel Jones et al, suit on note, was filed in the district clerk's office yesterday.

A Company Disavows Edward

El Paso Herald-Post, El Paso, Texas, 15 Mar 1911, Page 15
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that Mr. Ed. E. Jones is in no way connected with the Business Men's Protective Association, nor are we responsible for any statements or obligations he may make. J. G. Ingals, manager.
March 2, 1911.

Conclusion

So I'm no closer to tracking down Edward's vitals. I have at best the sketchy info shown in this post. I can't even "happen" upon him in a census. But at least I have more concrete information than I've had in the past.

If you've got info on Edward, I'd love to trade info with you. I've got loads of Woodside info. Comment on this post and I'll be happy to respond.

William Stewart...A bit of a breakthrough

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 19:39:00 +0000

Here are links to the prior posts for William Stewart and family:
https://alexandermckee.blogspot.com/2011/11/william-stewart-1854-to-before-1910.html
https://alexandermckee.blogspot.com/2016/08/ella-jane-mckinley-stewart-1863-1910.html

The breakthrough involves the death of William's son, Wesley James Stewart.

I've been buried in newspaper research for two or three years now and I've been updating all of the Find A Grave memorials with all that I find so that the information is in the public domain. I've just submitted an update for Wesley's Find A Grave memorial because I've located an obit for him. Here it is.

Iola Daily Register And Evening News, Iola, Kansas, 7 Jul 1922, Page 3
Mr. James Wesley Stewart passed away last evening at six o'clock at his home 508 East Monroe street after a lingering illness. Funeral services will be held from the home tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 o'clock with the Rev. E. W. Spencer officiating. Burials will be made in Highland.

This interesting thing is that a few days later a Card of Thanks is published that indicates that Wesley's father William is still living and I'm guessing he's in Iola, Allen, Kansas.

Iola Daily Register And Evening News, Iola, Kansas, 11 Jul 1922, Page 3
Card of Thanks.
--We wish to express our thanks to our friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy, also for beautiful floral offerings, during the sickness and death of our husband and son.--Mrs. W. J. Stewart, William Stewart and family, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Eshelman.

William's wife's death in Iola in 1910 lends additional support to the notion that William is in the Iola area.

I've search the Kansas State census and the U.S. Federal Census (1910, 1920) to see if I can pick up any trace of William in the Iola area but found nothing. I've also searched (and searched some more) for a trace of William in Iola newspapers using Newspapers.com. No luck other than the one mention noted above.

So, at this point, my working theory is that William Stewart lives past the 1922 death of his son Wesley when William is 67/68 and that he is living in the Iola area. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Ella Jane McKinley Stewart, 1863-1910, Illinois, Kansas

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 02:50:00 +0000

Update to Stewart post.

While browsing for info in Newspapers.com, I came upon an obituary for Ella. Here it is.

The Iola Register, Iola, Kansas, 8 Jan 1910, Page 3
Death at Sanitarium.
Ella Jane Stewart died early this morning at the Sutcliffe Sanitarium of tuberculosis. The body will be shipped on the evening Missouri Pacific to Tilden, Ill., for interment. The deceased was 47 years of age and had lived here for some time. Death at Sanitarium.

Find A Grave memorial = 142200676

Ella's youngest son, Wesley James Stewart, is living in Iola at the time. I'm assuming that Ella was living with him.

Ocie Lee (Nelson) Johnson, 1912-1982, Texas, Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 02:54:00 +0000

Ocie Lee Nelson (d/o Fred Walter Nelson and Cora Maude Burns)
b. 12 Jul 1912 Vasco, Delta, Texas
d. 29 Nov 1982 Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona
m. 25 Aug 1928 Texas
Vester Gale Johnson
b. 16 Aug 1908 Paragould, Greene, Arkansas
d. 1 Apr 1986 Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, 29 Nov 1982, Page 42
Ocie Johnson
Ocie Lee Johnson, 70, former manager of the Stouts Hotel in Gila Bend, died Nov. 27, 1982, at Phoenix Baptist Hospital.
Mrs. Johnson, 726 E. Mountain View Rd., retired as manager of the hotel in 1978 after 11 1/2 years. She was born in Vasco, Texas and moved to Arizona 53 years ago.
She is survived by her husband, Vester; daughter Barbara Neal; son, Norman; two sisters; a brother; and eight grandchildren.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. 7th St.

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, 27 Apr 1986, Page 34
Vester G. Johnson
Vester G. Johnson, 77, a retired hotel manager, died April 25, 1986, at a Phoenix hospital. Mr. Johnson, of Phoenix, was born in Arkansas and moved to Arizona 57 years ago from Cooper, Texas. Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Neal; a son, Norman; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today, with services at 2 p.m. Monday, at Hansen Mortuary, 8314 N. Seventh St.

Bessie Florence (McMillan) Orr, 1896-1988, Illinois and North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 02:29:00 +0000

Alfred Byron Orr
b. 22 Apr 1890 Mattoon, Coles, Illinois
d. 14 Jun 1960 Mount Vernon, Jefferson, Illinois
m. About 1911
Bessie Florence McMillan
b. 25 Oct 1896 Tilden, Randolph, Illinois
d. 25 Jul 1988 Charlotte, Mecklenburg, North Carolina

Child 1:
Francis Earl Orr
b. 12 Sep 1912 Illinois
d. 9 Dec 1995 San Jose, Santa Clara, California
m. About 1936
Mary Louise Morrison
b. 25 Feb 1916 Illinois
d. 12 May 1991 San Jose, Santa Clara, California

Child 2:
Florence Lee Orr
b. 1916 Illinois
d. 1 Sep 1950 Burlington, Des Moines, Iowa
m. About 1938
Merritt Lee Mitchell
b. 16 Dec 1915
d. 27 Jun 1969 Illinois

Southern Illinoisan, Carbondale, Illinois, 27 Jul 1988, Page 5
Bessie Orr
TILDEN -- Bessie F. Orr, 92, of Charlotte, N. C., formerly of Tilden, died Monday, July 25, 1988 in Charlotte.
Services will be at 11 p.m. Friday in Tilden Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Memorial may be made to the First Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Orr was a homemaker.
She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Belleville and the Order of the Eastern Stars in Quincy.
She was born Oct 20, 1895, in Tilden to Randall and Nancy (McKinley) McMillan.
Survivors include one son, Francis Orr of San Jose, Calif.; two grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
One daughter and three brothers preceded her in death.
Finger-Heil Funeral Home in Marissa is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Ann (Moore) Johnson, 1937-2002, Arkansas, Arizona

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 01:43:00 +0000

Norman Ray Johnson
b. 16 Nov 1932 Cooper, Delta, Texas
d. 28 Jun 2008 Peoria, Maricopa, Arizona
m. 30 Apr 1954 Phoenix, Maricopa, Arizona
Betty Ann Moore
b. 13 Dec 1937 Heber Springs, Cleburne, Arkansas
d. 1 Oct 2002 Peoria, Maricopa, Arizona

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, 15 Apr 1954, Page 18
Staff Sergeant Norman Ray Johnson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vester Johnson, 7514 N. Central is returning to the U. S. after serving in the air force on Okinawa for nine months. He is a bomber mechanic. During his stay here, Sergeant Johnson and Miss Betty Moore, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chester Moore, 2223 E. Harrison, will be married.

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, 4 Oct 2002, Page 34
Betty Ann Johnson, 64, of Peoria, died Oct. 1, 2002. Visitation from 5-8 pm on Sun., Oct. 6, 2002 at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th St., Phx., AZ. Services at 11 am on Mon., Oct. 7, 2002 at Hansen Chapel, 8314 N. 7th St., Phx., AZ 85020. Contributions to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flowers St., Phx., AZ 85014.

Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona, 16 Jul 2008, Page 24
Norman Ray Johnson, 75, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away June 28, 2008. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2008 at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6290 W. Northern Ave. Donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014.

Katheryn Mae (Hughes) McKee, 1904-1989, St. Louis, Missouri (and surrounding area)

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 16 Jun 2016 01:22:00 +0000

I let my doctor talk me into having a colonoscopy. The prep is brutal. So, I decided to treat myself to a short-term subscription to Newspapers.com. Yikes! Have they added lots of newspapers! A month may not be enough to do a complete examination of what's available. I'm going to try to start reporting some of what I'm finding starting with Katheryn, whose maiden name has eluded me for a long time.

Katheryn Mae Hughes
b. 30 Jun 1904 Illinois
d. 20 Dec 1989 St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri
m. Oct 1929
Lemuel Leslie McKee, Sr.
b. 9 Sep 1891 Willis Station, Perry, Illinois
d. Mar 1968 St. Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, St. Louis, Missouri, 18 Aug 1929, Page 50
Mr. and Mrs. A. O. Hughes of Kirkwood have announced the engagement of their daughter, Kathryn Mae Hughes, to Lemuel McKee of Maplewood. The wedding will take place in October.

More to come...

Marjorie Fletcher Robertson 1921-1989 England and Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 04:38:00 +0000

Marjorie Fletcher, the daughter of Percy Vincent Fletcher and Mabel Bradley, married M. E. Robertson per Percy's obituary. Here's what I've been able to track down so far.

Melvin Edward Robertson
DOB: 8 Nov 1924 (Where?)
DOD: 17 Sep 2007 Ontario, Canada (Click here for Find A Grave memorial)
DOM: 29 Mar 1944 (Where? Most likely Ontario, Canada)
Marjorie Fletcher
DOB: 26 Jun 1921 Stalybridge, Cheshire, England
DOD: 18 May 1989 Canada (Click here for Find A Grave memorial)

Click here to find Melvin's obituary online. The obituary includes a lovely photograph of Melvin and Marjorie and a complete list of family members.

I'm pursuing an obituary for Mabel Bradley Fletcher for confirmation of this info. However, without a complete date of death, it could take a while to track down the obit.

Obit for Percy Vincent Fletcher 1896-1960 England and Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 04:40:00 +0000

A kind Genealogy and Family History librarian at the Mississauga Central Library sent me the following obituary.

Toronto Star, Toronto, Canada, 15 Aug 1960, Monday, Page 24

FLETCHER, Percy Vincent -- At Sunnybrook hospital on Friday, Aug. 12, 1960 in his 65th years, Percy Vincent Fletcher. W.O.1, RCAF, retired, late of 514 Lake Shore Rd., Lakeview, beloved husband of Mabel Bradley, dear father of Marjorie (Mrs. M. E. Robertson) and Vincent: also survived by five grandchildren. Mr. Fletcher is resting at the funeral home of Skinner & Middlebrook, 128 Lake Shore Rd. E (at Ann St. and Port Credit). Services in the chapel Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. Interment Springcreek cemetery, Clarkson.

I knew about Marjorie, who was born in England. However, I didn't know about Vincent or the five grandchildren. I wonder if any of them happen to be interested in family history?

Note: W.O.1, RCAF = Warrant Officer 1, Royal Canadian Air Force

Kay Family Members in 1939 British Register

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 11:47:00 +0000

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I've found several family members in the 1939 British register that was taken just prior to World War II. One of the families was the James Taylor Kay family.

The register lists the following family members:

James T. Kay b. 22 Jul1892 working as general labourer cotton mill
Dinah Kay b. 18 Aug 1895 working at unpaid domestic duties
Child (closed record)
Child (closed record)
Child (closed record)
Jonas Kay b. 19 Jun 1934 at school
Child (closed record)

Because of the Dukinfield Cemetery and Crematorium records, I know that one of the closed records is for Agnes Eleanor (Kay) Gough b. fourth quarter 1924 and died 2 Jun 2007. Agnes was born in Stalybridge while Jonas was born in Ashton Under Lyne. So the question becomes who are the other three children. I did a search in Lancashire BMD and came up the following possible list of family members based on a location and a mother's maiden name of Smith:

James T. Kay b. 22 Jul1892 working as general labourer cotton mill
Dinah Kay b. 18 Aug 1895 working at unpaid domestic duties
Agnes Eleanor Kay b. Q4 1924 Stalybridge
Mary Kay b. Q4 1927 Stalybridge
Margaret Kay b. Q3 1930 Ashton Under Lyne
Jonas Kay b. 19 Jun 1934 Ashton Under Lyne
Edith Kay b. Q1 1936 Ashton Under Lyne

At the moment, the list of family members is just a possible working list. A few of the younger children may very well still be living. This meager start will need more work.

As always, if you have any questions or additional info you can provide, please add a comment to this post.

Alice Gillell is Alice Gillett...Ashton Under Lyne...1865 to 1915

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Tue, 16 Feb 2016 03:07:00 +0000

In the past, I've posted about the burial of Alice Gillell Dodd. In my latest, check of the records, I located a marriage record that indicates her name was Alice Gillett.

Alice married Robert Dodd in the first quarter of 1894 in Stockport, Cheshire, England.

With the probable correct spelling of Alice's maiden name, I now have a new line of research.

If you have info to add, please leave a comment for me.

Henry "Harry" Ibbotson 1886-1929 Ashton Under Lyne, England

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 06:53:00 +0000

Ancestry.com includes a notation for a will for Henry Ibbotson with the following text.

IBBOTSON Henry of 7 Spring Grove-terrace, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Lancashire died 22 Apr 1929 Administration Manchester 5 July to Sarah Ann Ibbotson widow. Effects (Pounds) 148 0s. 3d.

As you can see, the notation includes Henry's death date (22 Apr 1929). The other piece of information is the home address for the Ibbotson family.

After Henry's death (age 43), his widow can be found in the 1939 English register at 21 Greenfield Street, Audenshaw U.D., Lancashire, England. She is listed as Sarah A. Ibbotson, which means she has not remarried. In addition, the record includes information on sons Ernest and Alan Ibbotson. Two additional people--probable children--are closed records.

I've found no records for Sarah Jane (Dodd) Ibbotson after 1939 when she is 46 years old. Sarah may have remarried after 1939.

If you have additional information, please leave a comment.

The Three Poppies...Dodd's in World War I

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:20:00 +0000

In 2015, to commemorate the dead from World War I, ceramic poppies were placed around the Tower of London. Each poppy represented one dead Englishman from the war. Click here to see pictures. Three of those poppies were for members of the McKee family.

Poppy

Henry "Harry" Dodd (s/o Frederick William Dodd + Esther Middleton)
DOB: 21 Dec 1896 Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, England
DOD: 13 Aug 1917 France

http://www.stockport1914-1918.co.uk/d.php

Henry Dodd M.M.
Lance Corporal, 49482. 11 th Battalion, Cheshire Regiment. Killed in action 13 August 1917, aged 20. Born: Ashton under Lyne. Enlisted: Stockport. Son of Frederick & Esther, 173 Curzon Road, Ashton under Lyne.

Commemorated on the Menin Gate Memorial, Ieper, Belgium.

Award of the Military Medal published in the London Gazette, 14 August 1917. Announcements are normally made approximately three months after the particular act for which the medal is given.

Click here to see memorial on monument at Hurst Cemetery.

Poppy

Albert Dodd (s/o Albert Dodd + Mary Jane Hibbert Taylor)
DOB: 28 Dec 1892 Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, England
DOD: 22 Aug 1916 France
Albert's rank was Gunner and he is buried in Peronne Cemetery, Maricourt, Somme, France. Click here for more information.

Click here to see memorial on monument at Hurst Cemetery.

Poppy

John William Dodd (s/o Albert Dodd + Mary Jane Hibbert Taylor)
DOB: Dec Q 1895 Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, England
DOD: 22 Oct 1918 Germany
John's rank was Private and he died as a POW. His service number is 48500. John is buried in Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany. Click here for more information on John's service.

Albert and John wrote letter home and portions of their letters were published in a local newspaper.

http://ashtonpals.webs.com/1915page14.htm

(1915 Pg 14)

Published in the Reporter 25 Sep 1915
TWO ASHTON BROTHERS
Corporal J. W. Dodd, who is attached to the machine gun section of the 1/9th Battalion Manchester Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. Dodd, of 153, Burlington street, Ashton, and who, as announced in the Reporter last week, was wounded in the leg while fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula on August 7th, is making good progress. He is now in hospital at Plymouth, and writes on September 13th as follows: - "I have arrived in England. We are nice and comfortable, and have plenty of good food. I am able to walk a little today. I am going to have a piece of skin put on my leg, as the wound is to big to heal itself." The wound has not touched the bone, the bullet being buried in the flesh, according to a previous letter sent by Corporal DODD. A brother, Gunner ALBERT DODD, is serving with the Royal Field Artillery in France, where he has been engaged on active service for about ten weeks. In a letter to his parents he says: - "We are having it a bit quiet just now. I am writing this letter at one of our observation posts. I get 24 hours every eight days on the telephone. I have just been watching some of our shells bursting right in the German trenches. It is worth seeing. the other day we blew up one of their trench mortars and the men who were working it. We also dug one of their shells up that had not burst. It was about 9ft in solid hard clay." The observations post referred to by Gunner Dodd is a captive balloon, from which the effects of the British shellfire is seen, and the results telephoned to the battery below.

Percy Vincent Fletcher 1896-1960 England and Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Pam) — Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:24:00 +0000

I've continued to review entries in my database systematically. As a result, I have additional information on Percy Vincent Fletcher.

Percy Vincent Fletcher (s/o Arthur Fletcher + Agnes Dodd)
DOB: 25 Jan 1896 Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, England
DOD: 12 Aug 1960 Canada (Most likely in Mississauga, Peel, Ontario)

DOM: Jun Q 1919 St. Paul, Stalybridge, Cheshire, England

Mabel Bradley (d/o Samuel Eli Bradley + Mary Jane Cooper)
DOB: 7 Apr 1895 Bollington, Cheshire, England
DOD: 1978 Canada (Most likely in Mississauga, Peel, Ontario)

Mississauga is in the metro area for Toronto, Canada and I'm currently looking for obituaries for both Percy and Mabel.

The only child that they had that I'm aware of at this point is:
Marjorie Fletcher
DOB: 1921 Stalybridge, Cheshire, England
DOD: Unknown
DOM: Unknown

Percy served in the British Navy. His first date of service is 12 Mar 1912 aboard the Ganges. His last date of service is 19 Feb 1920 aboard the Vivid I. His service number is J16251. He is listed as an Iron Fitter.

Percy emigrated to Canada aboard the Athenia, arriving in Canada on 4 Jul 1926. He was followed by Mabel and Marjorie aboard the Doric, leaving Liverpool, England on 16 Apr 1927. Ship's records show that the last address for the Fletcher family in England was 20 Chorlton Street, Openshaw, Lancashire, England.

Percy and Mabel settled in Canada and lived their lives out there. For the latter part of their lives, they lived at 514 Lakeshore E, Mississauga, Peel, Ontario, Canada.

Both Percy and Mabel are buried in Springcreek Cemetery, Mississauga, Peel, Ontario, Canada. Look for the following Find A Grave memorials: 13934899 and 13934904.