Nizzi: You can contact the Leon, Iowa Library. Dick Priest does research for the requests they receive.. Actually, if you live in this house, you can go to Leon yourself -- to the Library and to the Courthouse to find land record info. The library's telephone # is 641-446-6332.. Maybe go to the Leon Museum and talk to Bob Bixby about its history.. It's fun to do your own research!! Nancee at [email protected] -------Original Message------- From: [email protected] Date: 12/16/2009 8:03:07 AM To: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: [IADECATU] [Decatur Queries:] OLD BRICK HOUSE WEST OF VAN WERT This is a Message Board Post. Reply to the message or author by clicking on The link below. *************************************************************************** MESSAGE: (#257343) OLD BRICK HOUSE WEST OF VAN WERT <http://iagenweb.org/boards/Decatur/queries/index.cgi?rev=257343> AUTHOR: Kim Nizzi DATE: 12/14/2009 at 14:06:06 Surnames: NIZZI We just bought a house west of Van Wert one mile. It is an old brick house. I Would love to have some history on this house if anyone knows anything. Like The year built, family name, if it was ever anything other than a single Family dwelling?? Whatever you know would be highly appreciated. Thanks so Much! Kim www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks Tracie, De Kalb must have been a 5-6 mile walk to Van Wert. Barry West -----Original Message----- From: Trace McB <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Tue, Dec 15, 2009 10:55 am Subject: Re: [IADECATU] [Decatur Queries:] OLD BRICK HOUSE WEST OF VAN WERT Barry, The house mentioned is roughly 1 1/2 to 2 miles north and roughly 5 miles east of the old West homestead. The brick house is located about 1 mile directly west of Van Wert on the tar/oil hard surfaced road at the "T" intersection. I hope this helps. I am still in the area often, as I have family that still resides in the area. :) TRACIE McBROOM Newton, IA --- On Tue, 12/15/09, Barry West <[email protected]> wrote: From: Barry West <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] [Decatur Queries:] OLD BRICK HOUSE WEST OF VAN WERT To: [email protected] Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 1:19 AM I wonder how close this house is to the old West farm mentioned last couple of weeks? I bet it has lived a lot of history. Barry West www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, December 21, 1911 HARRY PHILLIP BELL, son of HARRY and ADDIE BELL, was born at Lamoni, Iowa, June 5th, 1902, and departed this life at his home, 314 West Valley Avenue, Shenandoah, about 7:00 o'clock in the afternoon of Saturday, December 2, 1911, at the age of 9 years, 5 months and 27 days. He was the youngest of two sons; JOHN DAVID, his elder brother, surviving him. There survives him, therefore, a sorrowing father and mother, brother, a number of relatives and a large number of devoted playmates and friends. HARRY belonged to the fourth A grade in our local public school. He was also a member of the Champion Workers boys class, of the Christian Sunday school, and will be sincerely missed as a devoted student and Sunday school scholar. HARRY was an affectionate boy, passionately fond of his parents, relatives and playmates. He was forgiving by nature and never held a spite against anyone. He was ambitious and active, enjoyed out doors life and the many beauties of nature. He was trustworthy. He was a worker, always desirous of doing something or making something. Many little mementos are left behind in the home as a result of his active mind and adept hands. He was of a jolly and hopeful disposition. Just before he passed away he assured his mother he would be all right. A brief funeral service was conducted by Rev. F.D. Ferall at the home on West Valley Avenue, Tuesday afternoon, December 5th, at 2:30 o'clock. The interment took place in Rose Hill Cemetery. -------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, December 14, 1911 'Particulars of the Accident that Resulted in the Lad Losing his Life on December 2'. The following from recent issues of the Shenandoah Sentinel-Post gives further particulars concerning the sad death of HARRY BELL, son of HARRY P. BELL, of Leon, and a grandson of Mr. And Mrs. JOHN BELL, of this city, who was struck by an automobile at Shenandoah on Saturday, December 2, and so badly injured that he died a few hours later. Although our city has long been throbbing with automobiles, it had been singularly free from fatal accidents until Saturday evening when the immune was broken by the death of HARRY BELL, the youngest son of Mr. And Mrs. H.P. BELL. It was purely accidental -- a sudden combination of circumstances making it seemingly unavoidable, and no one is to blame. But all this does not lessen the horror of it -- the awful chill it sent through all hearts and homes of the city. A young life had been snatched by violence in a public place and on a beautiful street, and while people were aroused to the danger lurking there, profound sympathy was extended to the stricken parents. What anguish must have been theirs'. The smooth, new asphalt pavement makes an enticing playground for the boys and girls. Saturday was a beautiful day and a number of them were out on Center Street, with roller skates, lively and happy as school children can be on a Saturday afternoon. The scene of the accident was 10 to 15 feet south of the junction of Center and Sheridan, where Center slopes to the north. Between 2 and 3 o'clock, P.H. Stenger, deliveryman for the East Side grocery, started up Center, southward. HARRY and another boy were clinging close tail of the wagon or following close behind it. At the same time L.F. And A.C. Danner, father and son, were coming down Center in their automobile going north. HARRY let loose from the wagon just in time to fall beneath the auto. He did not see it and his skates threw him -- all this happening in an instant. His right leg was broken, his jaw broken in three places, his head cut and crushed. Blood flowed freely, leaving a pool on the pavement in which were several of the boy's teeth. The Danners stopped and picked the little fellow up and laid him on the parking. A doctor was phoned for, but just then Dr. Lynn Putman came along with his auto and took him to the office of Drs. Putman, Aldrich & Putman, where the injuries were dressed, the jaw wired up and the patient sent home. The doctors found the brain in tact and me might possibly have lived, but there were broken arteries and he died from internal hemorrhage a little before 7 o'clock. Mr. Stenger denies that he whipped the boys off his wagon -- did not know they were holding to it, and he would not have hit HARRY anyway, for he knew him and liked him. The little boy's parents are HARRY P. BELL and Mrs. ADDIE BELL, (formerly ADDIE CAMPBELL) and their home is 314 West Valley. Mr BELL is traveling for the Beach Stock Food Company but happened to be at home all last week. Their older son, JOHN, works with Gauss & Simmons. The funeral is set for 2 p.m. Tuesday at the home, conducted by Rev. Ferall, HARRY being a member of the Christian Church Sunday school. He was a bright little boy, loved by his schoolmates, and his age was nine years; would be 10 next June. The Danners are almost broken hearted over the sad accident, but say they do not feel that they are to blame as they were going slow and had no intimation that the boy would tumble under their car. It was all done so quickly that they had not time to prevent the accident. The following account of the funeral appeared in the Sentinel-Post December 8: Little HARRY BELL's grave was literally covered with flowers. Indeed these tributes of respect and sympathy were never so abundant at a child's funeral The sermon of Rev. Ferall, as indeed the whole service, was very touching. HARRY's mother, Mrs. ADDIE BELL, was prostrated with grief, unconsolable. This mother was wise beyond the usual, for she took out life policy in the Prudential on her two boys and now she receives back from the company about $200. To be sure, no amount of money could compensate her loss. HARRY was fond of his father and Saturday morning begged him to remain at home one more day, but that one day had not ended until the little boy was a mangled corpse. As for Mr. Danner, his grief amounted to torture. He could neither eat nor sleep. To think, he said, "that I have been so careful ever since we bought the car and then to be the first to take a human life." He was present when the doctors dressed the wounds and told them to spare no pains and he has done all he could to mitigate the accident. He has shown the noble part. --------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected] My opinion of whoever wrote this is that he was a crass and tactless idiot!!!!!! I can't imagine what the parents must have felt at reading this...

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, December 7, 1911 HARRY, the ten-year-old son of HARRY BELL, of Leon, was struck by an automobile at Shenandoah last Saturday afternoon and so badly injured that death resulted a few hours later. HARRY, with a number of other children, was out roller skating on the street and he caught hold of the back of a delivery wagon that was passing and was thus skating along the pavement. In some manner his hold was broken and he lost his balance and fell directly in the path of an automobile and the car passed over him. In a moment after the accident he was hurried by those near to the office of a physician. He was conscious and told who he was and where his father, brother, JOHN, and mother could be located. It was found that he had sustained two fractures of the jaw bone and a broken leg. He was placed under the influence of chloroform and an operation performed. The broken jaw bone was set and fastened together with silver wire and the broken leg cared for. The operation occupied something over two hours. The lad never regained consciousness after the operation and his death resulted at 7 o'clock that evening. The funeral was held at Shenandoah Tuesday of this week. Leon relatives and friends were grief stricken upon hearing the sad news. HARRY was a bright lad and loved by all who knew him. The sorrowing family have the sympathy of everyone. ------------------------------------------------ Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 30, 1911 WALTER MCCULLY was born April 13, 1832, at Ridgetown, Province of Ontario, Canada, where he grew up to manhood. In 1859, he located in Michigan. Four years later he removed to Illinois, and in 1867, he settled on a farm north of Davis City, Iowa. On that farm and in Davis City, he resided until his death. In August, 1860, he was married to Miss MARY J. DAVIS. She died May 29, 1893. October 21, 1894, he was married to Miss LIZZIE RABIDOU who now mourns his loss as his widow. He was a successful farmer, a steadfast friend, an effectionate husband, a good neighbor and an upright man. He died at Davis City, Iowa, November 24, 1911, aged 79 years, 7 months and 11 days. He was only sick a few days, disease, heart failure and pneumonia. Interment occurred November 25, conducted by Henry Reed. Many of his old friends and neighbors joined in sympathy with his bereaved widow and friends ------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

Just wanted to let you all know that I post EVERY article, be it obituary, or 'whatever else', to the IAGENWEB Boards on the Decatur County Web Site; you can go there, do a search and find any of them.. Thanks, Nancee -------Original Message------- From: Stacy Smith Date: 12/15/2009 1:40:37 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] Joseph Cash death Could someone email me the full obit of Joseph Cash. I must have missed It....we are sorta connected. Commodore Cash's wife was a McLauglin

I was away from home for a few days and this is one that I missed when it arrived. Now Dr. James Rowell was the mentor of my dad when he started dentistry in Leon. Dr. Jimmy's lovely wife was Grace Rowell who was a very talented painter. She gave my wife and me two lovely paintings for our wedding. She also gave me a painting of myself at about age two when I looked a lot like Red Skelton's "Mean Lil Kid." Then -- we moved to New York and were directed to Edgar Rowell, the son of Dr. Jimmy and Grace. He and his wife lived in Rye, NY quite close to where we lived. His wife Maude was a buyer at Saks Fifth Avenue while Edgar was the editor-in-chief of a newspaper supplement similar to Parade. (I can't remember its name.) His vision was excellent and I had never heard this story below until I read Nancee's entry. So he became healthy once again after the accident. We lost touch with Maude and Edgar shortly after we were transferred to Wash, D. C. ... jack Message: 1 Date: Fri, 11 Dec 2009 07:30:07 -0600 From: "Nancee Seifert" <[email protected]> Subject: [IADECATU] EDGAR ROWELL INJURED. To: <[email protected]> Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: Text/Plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, August 31, 1911 EDGAR ROWELL, son of Dr. And Mrs. J.W. Rowell, was severely injured Friday of last week about noon as he and Edgar Ketcham were riding up town from the depot on the wagon hauling the express matter from the southbound trains. The wagon was well loaded several baskets being piled on the vehicle. Edgar Rowell and Edgar Ketcham had clambered to the top of the baskets and were riding there. As the wagon was nearing the crossing at the M.A. Gammill corner on lower Main Street they caught up with a wagon loaded with melons. North of the crossing the express wagon turned around the melon wagon going on the west side and in doing so got on the sloping side of the street. As the wagon struck the downgrade the baskets slipped from the wagon throwing both of the boys out. Edgar Ketcham was not injured but Edgar Rowell struck the hard ground with great force spraining one wrist and bruising his face. Frank Smith, of the Marshall barn, was coming up the hill with a cab and Edgar got up and climbed into that rig. Those near did not realize how badly he was hurt at the time. Mr. Smith drove to the C.M. Ketcham home where the injured lad received necessary attention. A few hours later he was taken to the home of his parents. The sight of his left eye left him as a result of the unfortunate accident but at the present time is gradually returning. He was most painfully bruised and it will be some time before he has entirely recovered. ------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 11, 2009 [email protected]

I’ve been out of pocket for a few days and have now discovered this item. As you can see I am related to Joseph Cash via Mary E. Scott. Marie and I have discussed this relationship in the past. (Hi, Marie!) … jack Message: 5 Date: Sun, 13 Dec 2009 18:27:10 -0600 From: "Nancee Seifert" <[email protected]> Subject: [IADECATU] DEATH OF JOSEPH G. CASH To: <[email protected]> Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: Text/Plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, April 11, 1912 JOSEPH G. CASH was born in Perry County, Kentucky, March 11, 1835, and immigrated to Decatur County, Iowa, in the year, 1845. Thence he went to California in 1849, returning to Iowa in 1852. He was married to MARY E. SCOTT, November 13, 1856, and to this union were born six children, three sons and three daughters, namely: WILLIAM, COMODORE, JOHN, ZORA, NAOMI and IDA. (Rest of msg deleted – jes)

Could someone email me the full obit of Joseph Cash. I must have missed it....we are sorta connected. Commodore Cash's wife was a McLauglin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jack Scott" <[email protected]> To: "decatur county list" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 1:17 PM Subject: [IADECATU] Joseph Cash death I’ve been out of pocket for a few days and have now discovered this item. As you can see I am related to Joseph Cash via Mary E. Scott. Marie and I have discussed this relationship in the past. (Hi, Marie!) … jack

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1911 PATRICK FLYNN, a well known and highly respected farmer, passed away at his home 9 miles southeast of Leon, Iowa, Saturday morning, November 11, at 7 o clock, at the age of 80 years, 4 months and 21 days. Mr. FLYNN was born in Kerrygule, Waterford County, Ireland, June 20, 1831, and came to America, landing in Philadelphia, the year of 1843. He took up early railroad work. On the 11th day of January, 1864, he was united in marriage to Miss ELIZABETH WALLACE, his bereaved wife. In 1869, Mr. FLYNN purchased a farm and two years later he and his wife took up farming which he kept up successfully until the time of his death. To Mr. And Mrs. FLYNN were born 9 children; JAMES and JOHN FLYNN and two daughters, who survive and three grandchildren, MARTIN, ANNABELL and MARGARET ATKINS. Mr. FLYNN was a man of sound business judgment and sterling qualities and will be missed in this community. The funeral took place from St. Mary's Church, Woodland Township, at ten o clock, Monday morning, November 13th, high mass being celebrated for his repose by Rev. Father McGillin. --------------------------------------------------- Card of Thanks ~~ We wish to thank the friends and neighbors for their kindness and sympathy shown us in our late bereavement. -- Mrs. E. Flynn and Children ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1911 Tuesday J.W. WASSON traded his residence property in southeast Leon to CLAY HARRIS for the DODGE SEARS farm of 130 acres five miles northeast of Leon. Mr. WASSON already owns the SIM EVANS farm of 175 acres joining it on the north and this makes him a half section of land all in one body and within a very short distance of Leon. Mr. HARRIS will move from the farm to Leon as soon as he holds a sale. He will become an assistant to his father and brothers in the conducting of the monument works. Mr. and Mrs. WASSON will move to the farm just acquired as soon as Mr. And Mrs. HARRIS vacate. They will put the place in the best of condition and will make their home there. The exchange of properties seems one of special advantage to all parties concerned and is most satisfactory to them. The farm is an excellent one and is near Leon. It will make a splendid home for Mr. And Mrs. WASSON. Mr WASSON's property went into the deal at $3,700 and the farm at $75 per acre ------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

It took place in Oklahoma -- not Iowa.. Nancee -------Original Message------- From: Danny & Barbara Trammell Date: 12/15/2009 10:48:49 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] J.D. BEAVERS -- KILLED BY A NEGRO I had no idea that went on in Iowa. Barbara www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Barry,   The house mentioned is roughly 1 1/2 to 2 miles north and roughly 5 miles east of the old West homestead.     The brick house is located about 1 mile directly west of Van Wert on the tar/oil hard surfaced road at the "T" intersection.     I hope this helps.  I am still in the area often, as I have family that still resides in the area.  :)  TRACIE McBROOM Newton, IA    --- On Tue, 12/15/09, Barry West <[email protected]> wrote: From: Barry West <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] [Decatur Queries:] OLD BRICK HOUSE WEST OF VAN WERT To: [email protected] Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 1:19 AM I wonder how close this house is to the old West farm mentioned last couple of weeks?  I bet it has lived a lot of history. Barry West www.iagenweb.org/decatur ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Thanks, Larry, that makes a big difference! :-) That's quite a spread, with some beautiful photos...especially the last one! Barbara -------------------------------------------------- From: "Larry McElwee" <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 10:17 PM To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] [Decatur Queries:] OLD BRICK HOUSE WEST OF VAN WERT Barbara, My Bad (It's "Van Wert, Iowa Brick House")

Nancy:  Thank you again for printing this article.  I believe this is my Joseph Wasson. Keep 'em coming! Janette HE LIVES, HE LIVES, CHRIST JESUS LIVES TODAY! the Cousincollector From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> Subject: [IADECATU] TRADED FOR A FARM -- J.W. WASSON Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1911 Tuesday J.W. WASSON traded his residence property in southeast Leon to CLAY  

I had no idea that went on in Iowa. Barbara

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa November 16, 1911 W.I. WAMPLER was born June 16, 1860, in Monroe County, Indiana, and died November 6, 1911, at Leon, Iowa at the age of 50 years, 4 months and 20 days He was married to LIZZIE F. ADAIR at Lincoln, Nebraska, December 4, 1889. For a good many years they have made their home in Iowa and for the last few years at Leon. During their stay in this city Mr. WAMPLER had a position part of the time at the Clarinda plant. He was a hard working man and a good provider for his home. He was of a jovial disposition and made many friends. His sudden death was a shock to the community. The funeral services were held at the home in south Leon Thursday afternoon by Rev. J.S. Coffin of the Christian Church, and the remains were laid to rest in the Leon Cemetery. He leaves a wife, three brothers and five sisters to mourn his departure. ---------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 2, 1911 Automobile day last Thursday brought a snow storm and again the roads were in such condition as to interfere with the carrying out of the program as arranged. Rain twice before had prevented the holding of the celebration and we fondly hoped that the third time would be the charm but it did not so develop. The early morning was clear and fine with the sun shining brightly Soon cars began to arrive from every direction and when noon arrived over fifty cars were registered for the various events. But in the mean time it had clouded up and a drizzling rain turned to snow and the roads were soon in such condition that it was impossible to pull off the automobile events as announced. As soon as it began to storm many of the cars started to return home. Shortly after one o'clock the automobile parade occurred. It was not very lengthy as many of the automobilists could not be persuaded to drive their cars through the mud more than was necessary. Several beautifully decorated cars were in the parade and they attracted much attention. "Dolly Dimple," the mysterious stranger, for whose discovery a prize of $5 was offered was not located by anyone during the day. The weather only permitted the following events the prizes being awarded as here stated. For car coming longest distance, M.B. Loring, of Indianola, awarded pair of $3 automobile gloves. Car having lowest registration number, Carl Monroe, of Leon, prize awarded $5. Car having highest registration number, Frank Boyd, of near Grand River, awarded $5. A pair of automobile gloves were also awarded to Ray Whitley, of Allerton, who drove here from that place on October 5th through the mud to attend automobile day which was announced for that day and called off on account of rain. The committee on decorated automobiles awarded first prize of $8 to Dr. J.O. Woodmansee, of Leon; second prize of $4 to J.R. Bowsher, of Leon; and third prize of $3 to J.W. Laney, of Decatur. The decorated cars were certainly beautiful. Mr. Woodmansee's car was covered with a canopy and a seat arranged several feet above the driver's place. The doctor's little daughter, Miss Pauline, occupied the improvised seat and with reins formed of ribbons drove a stork placed upon the front of the car carrying a cherub suspended in a cloth from its bill. J.R. Bowsher's car was a complete mass of white flowers and was certainly beautiful. The J.W. Laney car was also prettily decorated. A cloth of bright colors covered the hood of the machine and streamers tastefully arranged trailed from there to all parts of the car. The drill by the Cavalry girls from Garden Grove and vicinity, was fine and was greatly enjoyed. The drill was held on the vacant ground on C.W. Hoffman's land just east of J. Hamilton's residence. The wet condition of the ground interfered with the drill greatly but the young ladies were game and carried out the drill anyway. A large crowd witnessed the pretty sight. Next year automobile day will very likely be held earlier in order to avoid possible bad weather. -------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 15, 2009 [email protected]

I wonder how close this house is to the old West farm mentioned last couple of weeks? I bet it has lived a lot of history. Barry West