Monday, November 30, 2009

Maggie Gorman Rupalo, 1901-1994

For an Unidentified 1994 Newspaper Obituary
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  Maggie Rupalo was born Nov. 12, 1901 in Jerome, Iowa, the daughter of Brown and Sally (Swroah) Gorman, the middle child of five children. She passed away Sept. 2, 1994 at the Wayne County Hospital, Corydon, after several years of failing health, at the age of 92 years, 9 months, 20 days.
  She was united in marriage to Charles Rupalo on Sept. 8, 1918 and to this union six children were born.
  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Charles; two brothers and two sisters.
  Maggie leaves to mourn her passing her six children: Wanda McFarland and her husband Cecil of Longmont, Colorado; Walter Rupalo and wife Donna of Seymour, Iowa; Wilbur Rupalo and wife Fern of Centerville; Louise Newby and husband Kenneth of Donnellson, Iowa; Carolyn Inman and her husband Wendall of Corydon and Eleanor Ferren of Austin, Texas. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
  Funeral services were held Tuesday, Sept. 6, 1994 at 10:30 a.m. from the Randolph Funeral Home, Seymour, with Pastor DeWayne Lawson officiating. The hymns "Abide With Me" and "The Old Rugged Cross" were sung by Milton Albertson, accompanied by Bernace Kerwin, pianist. Pallbearers were Dennis Inman, Duane Rupalo, Larry Newby, Dwayne Newby, Randy Rupalo and Charles Ferren. Interment was in the Southlawn Cemetery, Seymour. A memorial was established to the Seymour First Responders.
Card of Thanks
  The family of Maggie Rupalo would like to thank all their relatives and friends for their phone calls, cards, food, flowers, memorials and words of comfort.
  Sincere thanks to Dr. Wells and the staffs of the Wayne County Hospital and Corydon Care Center. Special thanks to Seymour First responders for their prompt and courteous response.
  Thanks also to Pastor Lawson and the ladies of the Seymour Christian Church for the luncheon following the service.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Rupalo and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Wendell Inman and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Rupalo and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Cecil McFarland and Family
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Newby and Family
Mrs. Eleanor Ferren and Family

Harold McElvain, 1919-1998

Daily Iowegian - 5 May 1998
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  Harold McElvain, 79, of Seymour died Sunday, May 3, 1998, at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon.
  He was born April 20, 1919, in Appanoose County, the son of Jason and Cecil (Kerr) McElvain.
  Survivors include his wife, Vaneta McElvain of Seymour; his children, Virginia Berner and her husband, James, Kenneth McElvain and his wife, Pamela, Marvin McElvain and his wife Jean Ann, Karen Vanderlinden and her husband Steve, and David McElvain and his wife, Shelly; his stepchildren, Betty Kraftovil and her husband, Todd, Barbara Wood and her husband, John, Robert Busby and his wife, Carol, and Marvin Busby and his wife, Renee; two brothers, Paul McElvain and Richard McElvain; a sister, Marjorie Inman; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
  Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour with the Rev. Erik Corley officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at noon today, Tuesday, with a visitation from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Interment will be in Southlawn Cemetery with military honors by Seymour American Legion.
  A memorial has been established to the Seymour First Responders.

Manuel Noah Buckallew, 1930-1977

Unidentified 1977 Newspaper Obituary
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  Lt. Col. Manuel N. Buckallew, 47, a retired lt. colonel of the U.S. Army, died in the army hospital in Sierra Vista, Ariz., Monday, September 26, 1977.
  Born April 7, 1930, in Hamilton County, Ia., he was the son of Noah and Laura Buckallew. The family resided in the Jerome and Seymour communities.
  He married Betty Hawkins in October, 1949. He was retired from the army in Huntsville, Ala., November 1, 1972. His last place of duty was the Red Rock Arsenal. He had served in Hawaii, Okinawa, and Taiwan.
  His parents preceded him in death. Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Buckallew of Huntsville, Ala.; two sons, Mark Buckallew, a student at the university in Jacksonville, Fla.; and Shawn Buckallew of Huntsville; and a number of brothers and sisters.
  The casket will arrive in Centerville late Friday night. Services will be Saturday, 2 p.m., at the Second United Presbyterian Church on Seventh Street in Keokuk. Chaplain Don Ripley of Ottumwa will officiate.  Full military rites will be conducted by a contingent from Ft. Sheridan. Burial will be in Keokuk National Cemetery.
  The Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home in Centerville is in charge of arrangement.
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Manuel Noah Buckallew's Gravestone 
in Keokuk National Cemetery, Keokuk, Lee County, Iowa

Marinda Alice Stoner McElvain, 1864-1947

Seymour Herald - 26 June 1947
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Services Held for Mrs. John McElvain
  Funeral services for Mrs. John McElvain were held at the Baptist church in Seymour Wednesday, June 18, at 2 p.m., Rev. W. M. Cleeton, pastor, officiating.
  Interment was made in the South Lawn cemetery.
  Music was furnished by Mrs. Lucy Hughes and Mrs. Reva Anderson with Miss Allie Clark at the piano.
  Flower girls were the granddaughters, Donna and Dorothy Hibbs, Marjorie McElvain, Mrs. Paul McElvain, Mrs. Stanley McElvain and Mrs. Marvelle McElvain.
  Pall bearers were five grandsons, Harold, Paul, Marvelle, Donald, and Stanley McElvain and Richard Mincks, a nephew.
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  Mirinda Alice Stoner, daughter of Noah and Catherine Stoner, was born near Jerome, Appanoose County, Iowa, on February 25, 1864. She passed away at the age of 83 years, 3 months and 20 days on Sunday, June 15, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ada McCabe, where she has made her home for the past two years, since the death of her husband.
  She was one of a family of 12 children, all having preceded her in death, except one sister.
  She was united in marriage to John B. McElvain on Nov. 19, 1891. To this union four children were born, three of whom survive her in death.  One son, Lawrence, passed away in 1942.
  She lived her entire life in Appanoose county with the exception of three years in Wayne county.
  She has been confined to her home for many years because of poor health and for teh past three years has been an invalid.
  Prior to her years of confinement, she was quite cheerful. She was an unselfish, loving mother, companion and friend.
  She is survived by her son George, and daughters--Mrs. Ada McCabe, and Mrs. Ruth Hibbs, all of Numa, her sister, Mrs. Ellen Van Dorn of Seymour; 11 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.
Card of Thanks
  We wish to thank all of our neighbors and friends for their kindness and floral offerings, during the illness and death of our mother.
The McElvain Family

Larry Joe Ponsetto, 1939-1977

Daily Iowegian - September 1977
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  Services for Larry Joe Ponsetto, 38, of 3804 Red Bud Road, Cedar Rapids, will be Saturday, 1:30 p.m., at First Lutheran Church in Centerville, with the Rev. Frederick H. Schauer officiating. Burial will be in Jerome Cemetery. The casket will not be opened. Visitation will be at the Johnson Funeral Home in Centerville Friday, 7 to 8 p.m.
  Ponsetto was a former resident of this community. He died Thursday, September 1, 1977, in St. Lukes Hospital in Cedar Rapids.
  Born in Centerville July 24, 1939, he was the son of LeRoy and Alyne Barnshouse Ponsetto. He was married to Margaret Ayers in Centerville October 12, 1957, and she survives.
  Also surviving are two children, Rick and Carol at home, his father, LeRoy Ponsetto and stepmother, Betty Ponsetto of Centerville; his mother, Alyne Price of Davenport; two brothers, Danny Ponsetto of Davenport and John Ponsetto of Newton; and a sister, Jackie Mulder of Bettendorf. He was preceded in death by a stepbrother, Corporal Vance Ponsetto, who lost his life in service.
  He was a salesman for the Westinghouse Corp. and was a member of the Cedar Rapids Lutheran Church. Memorials will be given to the cancer fund, and may be left at the funeral home.

Mary Ellen Wilson Dooley, 1858-1945

Daily Iowegian - 29 October 1945
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Mary Dooley of This City Dies; 87 Years of Age
  Mary Ellen Dooley, 501 South 21st street died today at 4:30 a.m. at the St. Joseph's Hospital, where she had been a patient since Friday night. Born October 14th at Jerome, Iowa, the daughter of Henry and Mary Wilson, Mrs. Dooley was 87 years, 15 days, old. She had lived in Centerville, since 1891.
  Preceded in death by her husband, Newton J. Dooley, she is survived by three sons: Clyde Dooley of Marseilles, Ill., Bert Dooley, of Centerville; and Walter Dooley of Rockford, Ill. Also surviving are seven grand children and six great grand children.
  Funeral services will be held Wednesday at two p.m. at the Johnson home, the Rev. H. E. Trimble officiating. Burial will be in Jerome cemetery.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Robert L. Stoner, 1888-1949

Seymour Herald - 22 June 1949
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  Robert L. Stoner, eldest son of Samuel and LaAnna Stoner, was born near Jerome Nov. 18, 1888, and passed away at the Veteran's hospital in Des Moines June 11, 1949, at the age of 60 years, six months and 24 days.
  He was united in marriage to Lottie Crouch May 5, 1921, who preceded him in death April 8, 1931. The deceased also was preceded in death by his father and mother.
  Mr. Stoner is survived by two sisters, Mrs. L. R. Crouch and Ethyl Stoner, and one brother, Elmer H. Stoner, all of Seymour; two nieces, Mrs. Blanche Ellis of Corydon and Mrs. Marie Stanton of Seymour. The deceased lived on a farm near Jerome until 1937 when he moved to Centerville where he lived until the time of his death.
  We are happy to say that during his last illness he confessed the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, accepting God's way of salvation as set forth in the gospel of St. John, chapter 5, verse 24: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth My word and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life and shall not come into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life," also in the Epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 2 and verses 8 and 9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of youselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
  Mr. Stoner served his country in the army during World War I. He was a kind and considerate neighbor, being ever ready to help cases of need and distress. He won a host of friends who mourn his loss.
  Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Jerome by the Rev. George T. Landis of Fayetteville, Pa. Pallbearers were Arthur Crouch, Clarence Crouch, Clement Davis, W. R. Hefner, Tom Owen and Kenneth Owen. Flower bearers were Mrs. Katie Stoner, Mrs. Louisa Crouch, Mrs. Ida McGavran and Mrs. Lillie Crouch.
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Iowa Graves Registration Services Form
  Robert L. Stoner, Serial No. 3227425, entered service 27 May 1918 at Centerville, Iowa, and was discharged 10 January 1919 at Camp Dodge, Iowa. Served as a Private in Company B, 37th Battalion, U.S. Guards. Charter Member  of American Legion Post, No. 180, Seymour, Iowa.

Walter Rupalo, 1922-2001

Daily Iowegian - 15 May 2001
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  Walter Rupalo, 79, of Seymour died Sunday, May 13, 2001.
  He was born Jan. 14, 1922, in Diamond, the son of Charles and Maggie (Gorman) Rupalo.
  He married Donna Cooper May 22, 1947, at the Methodist Church in Centerville. She survives.
  Also surviving are a son, Duane and his wife, Sarah; two daughters, Beverly Walsh and her husband, Jerry, of Bondurant and Marilyn Walsh and her husband, Jeff, of Pleasant Hill; a brother, Wilbur Rupalo of Centerville; four sisters, Wanda McFarland of Longmont, Colo., Louise Newby of Donaldson, Carolyn Inman of Seymour and Eleanor Ferren of Austin, Texas; brothers-in-law, Dr. A. W. Cooper and his wife, Barbara, of Seymour, Dr. R. E. Cooper and his wife, Sharon, of Centerville, Wayne Larson and his wife, Betty, of Des Moines, Stanley Cooper of Mystic, and Leroy Cooper and his wife, Joyce, of Glen Carbon, Ill.; sisters-in-law Carol Cooper of Centerville and JoAnn and Jim Costello of Burlington; six grandchildren; and other relatives.
  Preceding him in death were his parents; a sister-in-law, Fern Rupalo; and brothers-in-law Kenneth Newby and Gary Cooper.
  He served in the Army during World War II in France, England and the Philippines. After hs discharge in 1946 he worked for International Harvester in Rock Island, Ill., until 1952 when he and his wife moved to their farm near Seymour. He was a member of the Seymour Christian Church and also served as a city council member and was on the board of the Farmers Co-op.
  Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Seymour Christian Church with the Rev. DeWayne Lawson officiating. Visitation will begin after 1 p.m. today, Tuesday, at the Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in Southlawn Cemetery in Seymour.
  A memorial has been established to the Seymour Christian Church. 

Hobart S. Owen, 1913-1992

Daily Iowegian - 17 July 1992
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  Hobart Owen, 79, of Spirit Lake, formerly of this area, died Wednesday, July 15, 1992, at Dickenson County Memorial Hospital in Spirit Lake.
  He was born in Jerome on Feb. 10, 1913, to Samuel J. and Vera (Sedgwick) Owen.
  He was a senior system analyst for U.S. Steel.
  Survivors include his five children, Judy Owen of North Hollywood, Calif., Linda Polizotto of Indianapolis, Ind., Thomas of Monte Rio, Calif., Stanldy of Brea, Calif., Pamela Owen of Gainesville, Fla.; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren; a long-time companion, Lola Mourer of Spirit Lake; three brothers, Kenneth of rural Centerville, Donald of Centerville, Va., Richard of Glenwood; and a sister, Dorothy Owen of Centerville.
  He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Thomas.
  Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 4:30 at the Lange Funeral Home with Pastor John Lewis officiating. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 7 until 8. A memorial has been established and may be left at the funeral home.
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Hobart S. Owen's Gravestone in the Jerome Cemetery

Marion Clair Wailes, 1897-1980

Daily Iowegian - 21 June 1980
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  Marion Clair Wailes, 83, a retired farmer and life-long resident of Appanoose County passed away at the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Centerville Friday morning, June 20, 1980.
  Born March 23, 1897, in Appanoose County, he was the son of George and Francis Moore Wailes. He was a veteran of the Army of World War I. On Dec. 25, 1921 he married Gladys E. Porter. She survives.
  The Wailes farmed in the Plano and Jerome areas until they moved to Centerville in 1962. They lived at 538 North Eighth Street until their health failed and they moved to the Golden Age Manor.
  His parents, two sisters, Mary Newell and Nellie E. Lyon; four brothers, Artie, Hemmerly, Fred, and Leven and a nephew Stacy Wailes preceded him in death.
  Survivorss beside his wife Gladys include a sister, Mrs. Artie (Myna) Lyon, Yakima, Wash., nieces and nephews.
  Funeral services will be help Sunday, June 22 at 1:30 p.m. at the Miller-Wehrle Funeral Home in Centerville with Rev. Bill Ballard officiating. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery. A memorial to the Jerome Methodist Church has been established and may be given at the funeral home.

George Henry Moore, 1888-1965

Daily Iowegian - 4 October 1965
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  George Henry Moore, long-time resident of Mystic, Iowa, passed away Friday, October 1, 1965, at the Veterans Hospital in Des Moines at the age of 77 years, eight months and 18 days.
  Born in Rooks County, Kansas, January 13, 1888, he was the son of Albert and Millie Hibbs Moore. He is a retired farmer, Veteran of World War I, member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and World War I Veterans.
  He is survived by two brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Bessie Blair of Cincinnati, Ia., Mrs. Elsie Wakefield of Mystic, Chas. Moore of Harrisburg, Penn., Frank Moore of Carlisle, Ia.
  He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and a sister.
  Funeral services were held Sunday at 1:30 p.m. October 3, 1965, from the Johnson Funeral Home with Rev. George A. Sheils officiating and burial in the Jerome Cemetery.

Joe A. Beer, 1909-1996

Daily Iowegian - 13 June 1996
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  Joe Ansel Beer, 86, of Centerville, died Monday, June 10, 1996, at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines.
  He was born June 13, 1909, in Jerome, the son of Edward and Cora (Long) Beer. 
  He married Reavis Montgomery in Centerville. She survives.
  Also surviving are a son, Jim Beer and his wife, Beverly, of Menlo Park, Calif.; a daughter, Judy Kauzlarich and her husband, Bob, of Centerville; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
  He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Lloyd Beer; and a sister, Hazel Felkner.
  He farmed near Jerome and moved to Centerville in 1972. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church where he served as Steward.
  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 14, at the Schmidt-Duley Funeral Home in Centerville with the Rev. Jim Gubser officiating. Burial will be in the Jerome Cemetery in Jerome. Visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. today, Thursday, with the family present from 6 to 8 p.m.
  A memorial has been established to the Jerome Cemetery Fund and may be left at the funeral home.
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Gravestone of Joe A. Beer in Jerome Cemetery

Edward Potter Inman, 1893-1979

Daily Iowegian - 8 May 1979
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  Services for Edward P. Inman, 86, were held Monday, May 8, at Liggett-Randolph Funeral Home in Seymour, with the Rev. Ron Johnson officiating.
  He died suddenly at his home near Numa Friday, May 4, 1979.  Born April 23, 1893, near Livingston, Ia., he was the eldest son of Alexander and Larus Inman. With the exception of approximately five years in southeast Missouri and one year in South Dakota, he spent his entire life in Appanoose County as a farmer and coal miner.
  On November 28, 1917, he was married to Cleo O. Norris, and they were the parents of seven sons. His wife, Cleo, one son, Lazelle, his parents and three brothrs, George, Howard and Miles, preceded him in death.
  He was married August 20, 1960, to Mattie Tishaw. He is survived  by his wife, six sons, Byron, Wendell, Mildred, Arthur, Kenneth and Donald; one stepson, Thomas Craig; 16 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Loren and David; and one sister, Myrle Miller.
  Burial was in Jerome Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established at the Seymour Civic Center in Seymour.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

JEROME By Miss Susie Sidles

Seymour Herald - 20 March 1952
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  The Carl Wray family from north of Plano moved to the Homer Deputy farm southwest of Jerome. It was recently vacated by Richard Radcliff. Their two children have entered the Jerome school, in first and third grades.
  At the election for school board members last Monday John Cathcart was elected in the place of Leonard Wilson. The other school board members are Paul McElvain, Marshall Moore, K. E. Owen and Carl Hamm.
  Miss Patty Murphy of Davenport is spending the week end at home.
  The Richard Mincks family spent Sunday with the Charley McGavrans.
  The Paul Ervin family spent Sunday in Ottumwa with Mrs. Mary Ervin and family. They were accompanied there by Mrs. John Ponsetto, who went to see her husband at the St. Joseph's hospital. He has been confined there the past week for treatment and observation following an injury in the mine some weeks ago.
  The Youth Fellowship will meet Wednesday at the William Clark home.
  Mrs. Cecile McElvain returned to her home Wednesday after spending several days with her son, Paul McElvain, and family. She also was getting acquainted with her new grandson, John Ralph.
  Terry and Bonnie McElvain returned home Wednesday after spending a week at the home of their grandparents, the Ralph Shorts, in Centerville.
  Jackie Fry returned home Friday after spending several days in the hospital at Centerville following an appendectomy.
  Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hill and Daughter, Joan, and son, Larry, and Bill Ball and wife and son of Peoria, Ill., were all here last week end to celebrate their father's and grandfather's birthday. Mrs. Hill was the former Iva Fry. The birthday dinner was in Centerville at the Harold Fry home March 9.
  Mrs. Lester King and brother, Emmett Stiles, have returned home from a week in Davenport with Mr. King and Delbert, Jr., and Howard.
  Because of bad roads in the northern part of the state, Mrs. McWilliams was unable to come as guest speaker for the W.S.C.S. last Thursday so no meeting was held.
 The next meeting will be an all-day cooperative dinner and meeting March 27.
  Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Gates of Chicago spent Wednesday at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Mike Ponsetto. Mrs. Gates was the former Olga Nobile.
  The Rev. and Mrs. M. R. Gonzalez and Portia were supper guests of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Ervin Monday evening preceding the meeting of the nominating committee which was held later that evening. 

McGavrans Return From Extensive Trip

Seymour Herald - 13 March 1952
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  Mr. and Mrs. Elvin McGavran arrived home Monday morning after being away since Dec. 19. They spent the Christmas holidays in Denver, Colo., with their daughters, Betty Jeanne McGavran and Mrs. Dorothy Grant, and son, David.
  They then went to Westmorland, Calif., and visited Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Hall, also stopping in Los Angeles, Oakland and San Francisco before going to Seattle, Wash., where they visited another daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Londean, and Mrs. McGavran's sisters, Miss Adelaide Hughes and Mrs. Earl Farnsworth and her husband, and with the Wilbur, Burl and Robert McGavran families.
  They also called on Mrs. Dan Kingery in the hospital where she is slowly improving and can now walk some with crutches.
  On their return home they stopped in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, at the Charley McGavran home and at Chesterton, Ind., where they visited another sister of Mrs. McGavran's, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson. They also visited in Hammond, Ind., and Peoria, Ill.

Vic Vet Says ...

Seymour Herald - 6 March 1952
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JEROME By Miss Susie Sidles

Seymour Herald -6 March 1952
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  Mrs. C. E. Ervin went Friday to Washington, Iowa, where she will spend a week with relatives.
  Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mincks spent last Tuesday and Wednesday at the home of Richard's aunt, the Frank D. Jones family, in Des Moines. While there they attended the state basketball tournament. Mary Catherine and Seven visited with their grandparents, the Wayne Rashes, while they were gone.
  Others from here who attended the state games in Des Moines Tuesday were Mr. and Mrs. Otis Seals, Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Paul McCord, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Felkner, Mr. and Mrs. G. D. Mincks, Mr. and Mrs. Walter White and Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Workman and Mr. and Mrs. James Hileman. 
  Jerome and Lincoln Township are having the Red Cross drive at this time. Mrs. O. L. Fry, Mrs. Raymond Terry, Mrs. Delbert Foster, Mrs. Dewey Mattly, Mrs. Thomas Gatrel and Miss Susie R. Sidles are doing the work. 
  Mrs. Coe Batterson was consulting a doctor in Centerville Wednesday following a heart attack the night before.
  Twenty-four were present at the W.S.C.S. meeting Thursday at the home of Mrs. Joe Beer. Mrs. Beer and Mrs. Merle Looofburrow served a cooperative dinner.
  Mrs. Otto Felkner and Mrs. Gail Felkner gave a very interesting lesson and devotions, which were followed by a short business session.
  Mrs. J. G. Morris was appointed chairman of the nominating committee and she will be assisted by Mrs. James Hileman and Mrs. Joe Beer. The next W.S.C.S. meeting will be March 13 in the afternoon with Mrs. Florence McWilliams of Aredale as guest speaker. Mrs. McWilliams is the mother of Mrs. Paul Felkner.
  The Edward Butler family have moved from the Henry Stitzma farm south of town to the Hayworth farm just south of the Stitzma farm where he lived last year. The Stitzma farm is still unoccupied. 
  Jim Sidles of Iowa State College spent the week end at the parental Peter Sidles home.
  Judy Beer won a wrist watch on a magazine subscription contest sponsored by the junior high school in Centerville.
  M.Y.F. will meet March 5 with Dickie Felkner.
  Mrs. James Rotiski fell at her home last week and is in poor condition. It is believed she broke some ribs.  

JEROME By Miss Susie Sidles

Seymour Herald - 28 February 1952
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  Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Workman and Mrs. Gail Felkner and Dickie spent last week end with Burdette Workman and family and the Felkners with the Robert Felkner and Junior Carrie families. While in Moline they called on Mr. and Mrs. Harry Moore and Billy. Moore has been ill since early in January when he suffered a heart attack. He is some improved.
  Miss Colleen Hefner of Des Moines spent the long week end at the parental W. R. Hefner home.
  Mr. and Mrs. Steve Zemo of Davenport spent last week end with their family here and with Mrs. Tony Yonovich. Miss Cadd Hawkins of Centerville returned to Davenport with them to spend several days with the Hawkins families there.
  The George Jones families and Miss Phyllis Hamm of Davenport spent this week end at the Carl Hamm and K. E. Owen homes.
  There was a large attendance at the M.Y.F. meeting held at the home of Judy and Jimmy Joe Beer Wednesday evening.
  Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Ervin spent last Thursday in Unionville, Mo., on business.
  Miss Barbara Holland, R.N., of Mercy hospital in Des Moines, spent last Wednesday with her grandparents, the Joe Ponsettos.
  Sunday, Feb. 24, was layman's Sunday. The service was in charge of the W.S.C.S. president, Mrs. Charley McGavran. Music was furnished by Mrs. Richard Mincks and Rowena Rash. Bert Murphy represented the youth fellowship, H. L. Stark the church board, and Mrs. Paul Felkner, who is sponsor for M.Y.F., was also on the program. It was a very interesting service.
  Miss Leona Griffin of Muscatine spent Friday and Saturday at the Rev. M. R. Gonzalez home.
  The W.S.C.S. will meet Thursday at the home of Mrs. Joe Beer. It will be a cooperative dinner. Mrs. Joe Beer and Mrs. Merle Loofburrow (sic) are the hostesses. Mrs. Gail Felkner will lead in the devotional service and Mrs. Otto Felkner will have charge of the program.
  Mrs. Edd Beer returned Monday from Centerville where she had spent the week end with her sister and family, the Ray Scotts, and her brother, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Long.
  The Richard Radcliff sale was held Tuesday and they have moved their goods to their home in Seymour where they formerly lived.

Wesley Inskeep Severely Injured - 1947

Seymour Herald - 28 February 1952
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Do You Remember When...?
Five Years Ago - Feb. 27, 1947
  Wesley Inskeep was severely injured Wednesday of last week on the S. A. Martin farm southwest of Seymour. Inskeep and others with him had sought to start a tractor in a shed, but failed to make it run. They then used another tractor in an effort to pull the first tractor out of the shed. As it was pulled out backwards Inskeep sat on the machine that was housed. There was insufficient clearance and as the tractor was pulled through the door, Inskeep's head was caught between the steering wheel and the top of the door. He received a broken jaw and a very severe cut on the cheek.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Founding and Progress of Our Town

Seymour Herald - 21 February 1952
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The Pepper
Official Publication of the Seymour Public School
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The following was written by Carol Jones for civics class:
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  In years gone by there was a lone tree near what is now known as the John Shriver farm, and was the only tree to be seen for miles and miles. 
  Some people settled on land within a radius of three miles of this tree, thus naming the town: Lone Tree. When the tracks for the Rock Island railroad were laid in 1870, the first engineer on the train was named Seymour. As most of the people in Lone Tree came from Seymour, Ind., or had relatives living there it was decided to change the name from Lone Tree to Seymour. That is how Seymour got its name.
  When the business section of Seymour was first established the stores were built on Main Street, beginning at Luna Perkins' Gift Shoppe and going east to what is now th Standard Oil Station. They were built facing the south. Where our city park is now located was a lumber yard office and the printing office of The Lone Tree Press. Where the Standard Oil Station is now located was the drug store and Post Office operated by E. K. Clark, father of Alice Clark. Most of these buildings burned; it was then decided to build the business section on the square as it is today.
  At one time Seymour had three mines, The Old Occidental, The Big Jim, and The Sunshine. There were 34 Italian families, besides many boarders, who were working in the mines. In 1916, our population was 2800. After the mines closed most of the families moved to Joliet, and Cicero, Ill., thus making the decline in our population.
  We had two school buildings, the grade school which was located where our present school building is now situated, and the grade and high school building which was in the west part of town. The west building had only the first six grades and the high school. When the six grades were finished the pupils then went to the east building for seventh and eighth grades.
  Later a new grade building was erected which is the one we now attend, and the west building ws used for the high school. After P. H. Jarman became superintendent the high school was moved into our present school building and the old high school building was used for a gymnasium for a short time. It was then torn down.
  Later a gymnasium was added to our high school. Also added was a fine new football stadium. Seymour is not noted all over Iowa for its fine school system. We have seven buses bring in children from miles around to attend our school.
  In the earlier history of Seymour our light and power plant was run by steam boilers with coal. In 1938 the new light and power plant was erected and we now have a very modern plant, with the diesel engines which generate the electricity for the town.
  At one time Seymour had two telephone companies, the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and The Seymour Telephone Company. The mutual company was made up mostly of farmers who owned a share in the company and their telephones. This company later bought the Seymour Telephone Company. It has now grown into a fine telephone system. 
  Seymour has one theatre for entertainment and in the summer there are softball games and band concerts.
  Seymour has five churches: the Baptist, the Methodist, the Christian, the United Brethren, and the Assembly of God. Several years ago we had a Presbyterian church, but that is now the American Legion Hall.
  We have one medical doctor and one chiropractor. Years ago we had several other doctors but they have died or moved away, and our town is small and close to good medical facilities, none have come to take their places.
  We have our lodges, the I.O.O.F. and Rebekah's and the Masons and Eastern Stars.
  Seymour has good stores and is a good trading center.
  This all shows why I am proud and happy to say, "I am a resident of Seymour, Iowa."

SHS Senior of the Week: Betty Vruble

Seymour Herald - 21 February 1952
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The Pepper
Official Publication of the Seymour Public School
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By Mary Alice White
  Betty Vruble, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Vruble, has been selected as the senior of the week. She has one older sister, two younger brothers and three younger sisters.
  On a body of five feet, five and one half inches of height and one hundred and thirty pounds, are two blue-gray eyes and short, light brown hair.
  While her pet peeve is "two faced people," her most exciting time was when she had her first ride on the "Bobs."
  Betty first started to school at Jerome, where she also received her eighth grade diploma. Now in her senior year, Betty is completing a commercial course, but she has no definite plans for after graduation.
  Having many favorites, Betty has listed some of them as: movie--Two Weeks With Love, movie star--Jane Powell, song--Blue Bird Island, singer--Bing Crosby, orchestra--Guy Lombardo, pastime--reading, crocheting, and listening to the radio, food--ice cream, color--light blue, and season of the year--spring. In her opinion, the bus rides to and from school are the best things at S.H.S., and her favorite subject is shorthand. Why? Why--Because it receives the most attention, of course!
  During her four years of high school, Betty has spent four years in basketball, one year as class treasurer and one year each the girls glee club and mixed chorus. She also was homecoming queen attendant and was in the junior play.

Seymour Warriorettes Win State Birth

Seymour Herald - 21 February 1952
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  Seymour Warriorettes were overjoyed Saturday night when they defeated Troy in the district basketball tournament in Bloomfield because it meant a chance to participate in the state tournament in Des Moines next week.
  The Seymour girls made the grade by defeating Knoxville, 68-51, Thursday night, and downing Troy, 70-57, in the final round. Joy Liggett scored 50 points in the Knoxville encounter and racked up 62 points for Seymour against Troy.
  Scores by quarters in the Knoxville game were 16-10, 38-22, 52-39, and 68-51. Hawkins, Whitmore, Liggett, Stamps, Head and Young were the starters, as usual, but Shubat, B. Vruble and Vanderlinden also saw action.
  In the Troy game, quarter scores were 20-17, 34-27, 56-42 and 70-57. The usual six started, but when Stamps fouled out, Hawkins was moved to the guard court and Gill came in to take her place up front. B. Vruble also got into the game.

Manuel Buckallew Takes Officer Course

Seymour Herald - 21 February 1952
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  Manuel Buckallew of Independence, Mo., son of Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Buckallew of Seymour, left Tuesday for Fort Sill, Okla., for a 15-week officer basic course at the Artillery School. He is a second lieutenant in the Missouri National Guard.
  Buckallew is a graduate of the Seymour high school and is married to the former Betty Hawkins of Jerome. He has been employed as a chemist at the Missouri Portland Cement plant in Independence for almost two years.
  Mrs. Buckallew will remain in Independence for the present. She has employment there.

Radcliff Public Auction - 19 February 1952

Seymour Herald - 14 February 1952
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JEROME By Miss Susie Sidles

Seymour Herald - 14 February 1952
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  Mr. and Mrs. Billy Mincks of Cedar Falls spent last week end at the Charley McGavran home.
  Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Reisnor of Centerville spent Sunday at the C. E. Ervin home.
  Mrs. Guy Streepy of Udell is spending the week with her sister, Miss Susie Sidles.
  Mrs. W. R. Hefner and William Hefner, Sr., spent a few days last week at the Mervin Burkett home in Des Moines and with Miss Coleen Hefner.
  There was a large attendance at M.Y.F. when it met at the Bert F. Murphy home Wednesday evening.
  Mr. and Mrs. Paul Felkner went last week by plane to McAllen, Texas. There they would join her mother, Mrs. Alfred McWilliams, and Mr. McWilliams, of Aredale, Iowa, who have been spending the winter at McAllen, and from there go by car to Mexico City and other places in Mexico. Their daughter, Barbara, is staying with her grandparents, the James Felkners.
  The W.S.C.S. will have a Valentine tea Thursday afternoon in the social rooms of the church. Mrs. William Clark and Mrs. Richard Mincks are the refreshment committee and Mrs. Delbert Foster and Mrs. Forrest Workman have charge of the program.
  Dr. and Mrs. George E. Rinker of Oto and Mrs. Nellie Watts of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Miss Leola Rinker of Centerville visited Saturday with Miss Susie Sidles. The Rinkers and Mrs. Watts were here to attend the funeral of Purley Rinker in Centerville Thursday. The burial was in the Jerome cemetery.
  The people of this community were very much interested in the article in last week's Herald from Jackie Vruble about her trip with the A.I.C. team to Mexico City.
  The Rev. M. R. Gonzalez had the devotional period at 7 a.m. last week over KCOG, Centerville. The music was furnished one morning by Mary Catherine Mincks and Janice Workman and another morning by Mrs. Richard Mincks, Mrs. James Felkner was pianist for both occasions.
  Harry Dukes and Boyd O'Briant of Centerville were in the community Friday getting organized for the Red Cross drive.

S.H.S. Senior: Bonnadene Wilson


Seymour Herald - 7 February 1952
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The Pepper  
Official Publication of the Seymour Public School
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Senior of the Week
  Mr. and Mrs. Earl B. Wilson are the parents of the second senior of this week, Bonnadene Wilson. She has two younger brothers, two younger sisters, and one older sister.
  She started to school at Mumby school and later attended Jerome, Jefferson and Johnston in Davenport. She received her eighth grade diploma at Kniffin school.
  Bonnadene has light brown hair, blue eyes, is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs 96 pounds. Her nickname is "Bonnie."
  Bonnadene has a pet peeve and that is "People who think they know it all." Bonnie's favorites are: food--chicken and noodles; season of the year--fall; color--blue; movie--Show Boat; movie star--June Allyson; and book--The Littlest Rebel. Her favorite singers are Mary Ford and Les Paul, while her favorite song is The Little White Cloud That Cried. Bookkeeping is her favorite subject, her favorite pastime is reading; radio program--Mind Your Manners; sport--basketball.
  Friendliness of the students is what she especially likes around S.H.S. She only wishes we had more assembly programs.
  Bonnadene has participated in glee club four years, mixed chorus three years, junior play, class treasurer--senior year, homecoming attendant, and is on the annual staff.
  She is taking a commercial course, but doesn't have any definite plans after graduation.

Jackie Vruble Writes From Mexico City

Seymour Herald - 7 February 1952
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  Jackie Vruble, who played forward for the Warriorettes last year, is now a member of the American Institute of Commerce basketball team from Davenport. Girls on that squad are now in Mexico on a game tour, where Jackie wrote the following letter to the Herald.
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  "As a graduate of Seymour high school in 1951, I am now enrolled at the American Institute of Commerce at Davenport, Iowa, where I am taking a secretarial course.
  "As a former basketball player for Seymour high, I am now playing with the A.I.C. Stenos, who are now making their annual Good Will Tour through southern United States and Mexico.
  "We left Davenport Jan. 19 and our first stop was Kansas City where we encountered the Kansas City Dons. From there we traveled into the deep heart of Texas, where we made Dallas our headquarters for a week.
  "Aside from playing basketball in neighboring towns, we enjoyed many views of the interesting sights. Most of our time was spent in the state fair park where we were fortunate to view and visit the famous Cotton Bowl stadium.
  "During our stay in Dallas the weather was quite warm and pleasant, quite a contrast to the sub-zero weather of Iowa, as our local paper headlines read.
  "From Dallas we traveled down into Kendey, where we played the Kendey high school team.
  "Rising early the next morning we started on a 300-mile drive to Laredo, Texas. In Laredo we got our tourist cards and passed through the immigration custom bureau.
  "Since we stored our cars in Laredo, the last leg of our journey was made by bus.
  "During the 29-hour bus ride from the border to Mexico City, most of us saw our first mountains and some of the amazing and equally interesting sights of our lives.
  "Since we have been in Mexico City we have spent most of our time in preparation for our games to be played here. We have had the opportunity to visit a silver and leather goods factory, seeing how leather and silver products are made by the hands of the natives.
  "We are looking forward to many more interesting events, sightseeing and playing basketball during our stay in Mexico City.
  Sincerely yours,
  Jackie Vruble"

S.H.S. Senior: Dorothy Colleen Hibbs


Seymour Herald - 31 January 1952
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The Pepper  
Official Publication of the Seymour Public School
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Senior of the Week
By Mary Alice White
  Dorothy Colleen Hibbs, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harley Hibbs, is the first senior for this week. Dorothy has one older sister. She has blue eyes, light brown hair, weighs 106 pounds, is 5 feet, 6 1/2 inches tall and is 17 years old.
  While she has had loads of fun and many good times, Dorothy says that her most exciting was attending Hawkeye Girls State at Grinnell last summer.
  Dorothy began her school days at Farmer School, where she also received her eighth grade diploma. Now, in her high school days at Seymour high, she has spent two years as librarian, one year on the Pepper staff, two years in the girls glee club, one year as class secretary, and has served on the Tomahawk staff and as prompter of the junior class play.
  The friendliness between the teachers and students, along with the very good appearance of the high school are the two best liked things of Seymour high for Dorothy. However, she thinks that to improve the school, the trick is to improve the heating during cold weather.
  Now completing a commercial course, after her graduation Dorothy is planning on going to college.

JEROME By Miss Susie Sidles

Seymour Herald - 31 January 1952
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  Richard Radcliff, who purchased the farm of Earl Norman last spring, has sold it to Homer Deputy of Plano. The Radcliffs will move to their home in Seymour.
  Mr. and Mrs. Howard Sidles and sons, Mark and David, of Ames spent Sunday in the parental Peter Sidles home.
  Charles and James Morris returned home a few days ago from Liberal, Kans. They were accompanied home by their sister, Mrs. Roy Learning, and she then accompanied Charles to Des Moines where he received medical treatment. She returned to her home Friday.
  Miss Susie Sidles accompanied Mrs. J. E. Condra and son, Merrill, to Des Moines Sunday where they attended the Drake University commencement. Mrs. Louise Hunt, the former Louise Condra, was one of the graduates. The address was given by the Rev. Charles M. Houser of the Plymouth Congregational church of Des Moines and the music was furnished by the Drake choir.
  Mr. and Mrs. Richard Mincks entertained Mr. and Mrs. Charley McGavran Sunday honoring Mrs. McGavran on her birthday.
  Mr. and Mrs. Peter Sidles received word of the birth of a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Warren Streiff in Gnadenhutten, Ohio, Jan. 17. Mrs. Streiff was the former Virginia Sidles. They have given her the name of Patti Sue. They have two other daughters, Linda and Ann Elizabeth.
  The Lincoln township homemakers are meeting at the Jerome school house Tuesday, Jan. 29. Mrs. Walter White is the chairman.


S.H.S. Senior: Norman William Hefner

Seymour Herald - 24 January 1952
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The Pepper  
Official Publication of the Seymour Public School
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Senior of the Week
  Norman William Hefner is the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Hefner of Jerome.
  Norman started and finished grade school at Jerome. He has attended Seymour high school all four years.
  He is 17 years old, has brown hair and blue eyes, is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds.
  Chicken is Norman's favorite food. His favorite movie star is Allen Ladd, favorite singer Dennis Day, favorite orchestra Jimmy Dorsey and favorite song "Aba Daba Honeymoon." He says "Show Boat" is the best show he's seen.
  He doesn't say why but American problems is his favorite subject and track his favorite sport. He likes the radio program "Counter Spy" and is especially fond of western books.
  When anything happens around school, you usually see Norman there with his camera. You see, he is the school photographer this year and taking pictures is his favorite pastime.
  What does he like most about S.H.S.? The faculty. But to improve it he wished we had more movies.
  The activities he has participated in are: track four years, football one year, F.F.A. four years, glee club two years, mixed chorus two years, basketball three years, and operetta one year.
  He is taking an agriculture course in school but is undecided about plans after graduation.