Betty, one of our Listers, found this in the newspaper in Council Bluffs, Iowa and thought someone might be interested in it: OBITUARY - VIRGINIA A. COX Virginia A. Cox, age 64, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away December 3, 2009, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital Virginia was born December 18, 1944, in Leon, Iowa, to Charles and Margaret Crawford. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald Cox. Virginia is survived by her children, Barb (Stan) Chapin, Doug Cox, Cindy (Randy) Sage, Debra (Mike) Chapin; grandchildren, Candace (Jeff) Diamond, Brad Chapin, Randal Sage, great grandchild, Dylan Sage; sister, Norma (Dennis) Strurm; nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Sunday, from 3 p.m. Until 5 p.m., at Maher-Livingston Chapel with interment following at Garner Township Cemetery. Memorials are directed to the family.

Thanks everyone for letting me know you had received the articles I'd sent yesterday.. I talked with tech support of my ISP this morning and they couldn't find anything 'amiss'.. No messages waiting, etc... Well when I got home tonight, there were 30 of them.. Even had one to the List that came back undeliverable because my ISP had dropped the connection, etc... It's unusual for me to have only 2 messages come in 2 days -- so -- I had re-sent 2 of the articles, thinking they might go through, but they didn't.. Grand River Mutual, my ISP, seems to be having 'hiccups'.. Thanks for your patience, Nancee

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. Uncle JOE, as he was known far and wide, resided with his family at their country home north of Lamoni for about fifty-five years, his noble wife and he remaining faithful to the rearing of their family, all of whom are now men and women. Some sixteen years ago the mother died and the father continued to reside at the old homestead with his son, JOHN, and daughter, ZORA, until March, 1911, when he retired from business and moved with his son and daughter to Pawnee City, Nebraska, where he died on the morning of April 4th, from paralysis. He had not been well for the past few years but his death came unexpected by the family. There were at his bedside at the time of his death, his son, JOHN and daughter, ZORA, and his daughter and her husband, Mr. And Mrs. H.S. TENNANT. The other three children were hastily summoned by wire but the distance was too great and in their race with death lost. Mrs. J.P. HARDIN, of Oklahoma City, arriving only a very short time after her father's death, while W.H. CASH, of New Castle, Wyoming, and C.W. CASH, of Gregory, South Dakota, also arrived too late. Upon the arrival of all the children, appropriate home services were held from the late residence by the Rev. Mr. Stiffler, and the body was prepared for shipment to Decatur County, Iowa, for burial, and accompanied by all the members of the family, it was brought to Lamoni. There on Easter morning amid the flowers and songs of Easter the last sad rites of the church were conducted by the Rev. R.M. Shipman who delivered in fitting and beautiful words the sermon at the Methodist Episcopal Church of Lamoni, after which all that remained mortal of Uncle JOE CASH was laid to rest in the Lillie Cemetery in the family lot beside the wife and mother whose death had preceded his. Hundreds of relatives and friends and neighbors took the last loving look at him whom they had known so long in life and whom for his goodness and friendship and Christian life they all had learned to love and reverence. The deceased is survived by six children, by his brother, WM. CASH, of Decatur, and by one sister, Mrs. LOTTIE SELLERS, also of Decatur. The deceased was seventy-seven years old at the time of his death and leaves a host of friends in Iowa, Missouri and Nebraska to mourn his loss, aside from his bereaved family and relatives. May the great and loving God in all His wisdom see fit to transplant in the lives of others that Christian faith and Christian spirit which were possessed by him for whom we shall mourn. ---------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 13, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa December 7, 1911 ANDREW THORNTON, the young man arrested Tuesday evening of last week charged with attempting a criminal assault upon the person of Miss ANNA THOMAS, of Morgan Township, on the night of November 23, was sentenced last Saturday afternoon by Judge Maxwell to the state reformatory at Anamosa for an indeterminate term not exceeding his natural life and to pay the costs of the case. His appeal bond was fixed at $10,000. THORNTON was taken to Anamosa Monday by Sheriff J.E. Andrew and turned over to the prison authorities that evening. Justice was swift in this case. The attempted assault occurred about 8 o'clock on the evening of November 23 THORNTON, who had been out looking after a number of traps he had set for skunks, went to the home of Miss THOMAS, who lives alone, and removed a screen, thus entering a bed chamber. He secreted himself and when Miss THOMAS entered the room attempted the assault. The identity of the guilty person was in doubt for a few days but on Tuesday of last week Sheriff Andrew arrested young THORNTON, who soon after being taken in custody, confessed his guilt. ----------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 13, 2009 [email protected]

I'm getting them and thanks for your work Jean - Arizona Smile And The World Smiles Too -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Richard Albright Sent: Sunday, December 13, 2009 1:40 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] JUST CHECKING On Dec 13, 2009, at 5:05 AM, Nancee Seifert wrote: > Are any of you getting the articles I'm sending to the List? None of them are coming back to me the last 2 days.. Cyber world is such a strange place... Nancee All seems normal at my location, and thanks for all you are doing! Rick, Merced, CA= 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

Just wanted to remind everyone that you can not send attachments through the mailing list. They are automatically blocked. Remember to delete the previous message from the bottom of the email when you are replying to the list. It sometimes makes the email too long and then it has to be manually approved. Takes twice as long for your message to get through to the list. Thanks! Stacey Dietiker Mailing List Coordinator

I got 10 messages since the 10th. Larry L. McElwee Dodge City, Ks. [email protected]

They're coming through : ) Conni TX -------Original Message------- From: Nancee Seifert Date: 12/13/2009 2:34:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [IADECATU] JUST CHECKING Are any of you getting the articles I'm sending to the List? None of them are coming back to me the last 2 days.. Cyber world is such a strange place. . Nancee 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

I wish I could remember more about it - but when I married Steve Stewart in l974 I remember his father Jack Stewart (Stewart Funeral Home) telling of a time when embalming was done at the home. I saw some of the big containers that were used. Mary Cone Stewart ---- Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> wrote: > J. J. Farrell, in Inventing the American Way of Death, 1830–1920 (1980), > describes common funeral-related practices that prevailed through the > mid-to-late 1800s among people of European descent. Most people died at home > during this period, and funerals and burials were handled by the immediate > family and neighbors. After the death, women in the family would wash, dress > and prepare the body for burial. Men were responsible for making the plain > wood coffin or securing it from the local carpenter. Male survivors dug the > grave, and in some cases carved the grave stone. The wake was typically held > at home, followed by a committal service at grave-side. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Nancee's notes: It was also quite common for families who had loved ones die > during terrible winters, to wrap the bodies and put them in the barn or > other buildings, and wait until spring thawing to bury the body.. I can't > imagine knowing my loved one was dead, frozen, etc. In the barn..... People > then were a much, much sturdier stock; not so maudlin as we are now. I > believe it was the honorable thing for men to do, being pall bearers.. > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > As industrialization flourished, American cities grew more crowded, and > living spaces became smaller. When death occurred, many families did not > have the physical space for a wake in the home. D. C. Sloane (1991) cites > three other reasons for the expanding roles of undertakers in the late > nineteenth century: (1) the rise in popularity of embalming; (2) a longer > distance from the home to the cemetery necessitated someone to organize the > procession; and (3) families were concerned about ensuring that all the > formalities were followed. The National Funeral Directors Association was > established in 1882. The group decided to use the term funeral directors, > rather than undertakers, in an effort to portray a more professional image. > During the twentieth century, the role of the funeral director continued to > expand into areas previously held by the family and the clergy. > > > > -------Original Message------- > > From: Stacy Smith > Date: 12/08/09 06:28:04 > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [IADECATU] DEATH OF MIDA ALMA TEATERS > > Reading this, I wonder... > I never thought about it before, but why is it tradition for pall bearers to > > Be guys? Or is it just traditon in our family? > Anyone have any thoughts? > > 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

On Dec 13, 2009, at 5:05 AM, Nancee Seifert wrote: > Are any of you getting the articles I'm sending to the List? None of them are coming back to me the last 2 days.. Cyber world is such a strange place... Nancee All seems normal at my location, and thanks for all you are doing! Rick, Merced, CA=

Are any of you getting the articles I'm sending to the List? None of them are coming back to me the last 2 days.. Cyber world is such a strange place... Nancee

I have 2 post cards, one to Ernest Fry from Francis, from Wagner S.Dak 1948 (It is too faint to scan) and the one attached is to Miss Mary Fry c/o Ernest Fry from L.A. 1945 from Aunty Pants!!! If someone wants them let me know by Christmas or I'll probably put them on Ebay Laura

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1911 JOHN HOLDEN was born in Manchester, England, May 20, 1840, and died at his home in Leon, Iowa, Sunday morning, November 12, 1911, at 20 minutes past 3 o'clock, aged 71 years, 5 months and 23 days. Death came after a serious illness of only three days, but he had been in poor health for the past three years. He came from England with his parents and three brothers and two sisters when he was ten years old They resided at East Jaffrey, New Hampshire, until he was 19 years of age, then he, with his parents and two sisters and one brother, removed to Iowa, Decatur County where he has resided ever since. He served three years in the Civil War, having enlisted in 1861, in Co. B. Fifth Kansas Cavalry, from which he was honorably discharged on the third day of September, 1864. On the 22nd day of October, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss MARY ANNE MILLS, who still survives him. They lived on a farm in Hamilton Township for twelve years after they were married. In 1878, they moved to Leon where they have since made their home. In sickness and trouble and where misfortune came to others, Uncle JOHN was always ready with sympathy or help; was always kind to the little children with whom he was a great favorite. Funeral services were held at the M.E. Church, Monday morning at ten o'clock under the auspices of the G.A.R. Post, assisted by Rev. E.M. Hoff, Pastor of the Church, after which the body was laid to rest in the Leon Cemetery. ----------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 12, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1911 LUCY, youngest daughter of URIAH and MARY MITTEN, was born near Decatur City August 25, 1869, and departed this life November 18, 1911, at the hospital in St. Joseph, Mo. Although the deceased had been in poor health for some months her death was unexpected and came as a great shock to her relatives and friends. She was married to C.E. ROBERTS, October 17, 1893, at Leon, Iowa. She leaves beside her husband, one son, CLEO, age 17 years, an aged father and four sisters, Miss MANTIE MITTEN, of Leon; Mrs. FLORENCE MILLER, Des Moines; Mrs. ALICE STANLEY, of Springfield, Mo. and Mrs. IDA JENREE, of St. Joseph, Mo., also a large circle of friends to mourn her departure. The funeral was held from the M.E. Church in Leon, Sunday at three o'clock p m., conducted by the Pastor, E.M. Hoff, assisted by Rev. Coffin, of the Christian Church. The body was laid to rest in the Leon Cemetery. --------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 12, 2009 [email protected]

-------Original Message------- From: Nancee Seifert Date: 12/12/2009 8:04:58 AM To: [email protected] Subject: DEATH OF IRA WARNOCK Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, October 19, 1911 IRA WARNOCK, son of Mr. And Mrs. ALF WARNOCK, of Morgan Township, was killed By lightning during the storm last Sunday evening. The young man, who was About sixteen years old, was going along the road near the Elm Church and Not far from home when he was struck by a bolt and killed. His parents grew uneasy during the night when he did not return home and Telephoned about to the different homes near trying to find him. They were Unsuccessful, however. They did not learn of his sad fate until the Following morning about 9 o'clock when the body was found in the road by LEWIS WARNOCK, an uncle, who had started to drive to Lineville The young Man was a popular and industrious lad and his sad death is a heavy blow to His family and friends. The family returned to Decatur county about six Weeks ago from Oklahoma where they had been making their home for several Years and had again settled upon Mr. Warnock's farm. The funeral of the Young man was held Tuesday from the Elm Church near the home of the Warnock Family and but a short distance from the point where the lad met his death. ----------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 12, 2009 [email protected]

-------Original Message------- From: Nancee Seifert Date: 12/12/2009 8:19:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: LETTER FROM FORMER DECATUR COUNTY MAN -- E.E. DYE Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, September 21, 1911 Editor Journal: I recently returned from a visit with relatives and friends At Leon, and old Decatur County, which I enjoyed to the uttermost. I found A very erroneous impression prevailing generally throughout Iowa that South Dakota was a drought stricken and destitute country, and that its Inhabitants were on the verge of starvation. While it is true that a Portion of the newer part of the northwestern part of the state was very dry And some of the homesteaders who were not well established had to seek work Temporarily elsewhere, South Dakota as a state will rank high up among the Sister states this year in farm products, and Brule County in which Chamberlain is situated and this portion of the state generally has had an Abundance of rain during the latter part of the season. Corn is a bumper Crop, hay is being shipped by the car load to less favored regions, flax and Potatoes are immense, pastures are as green as in May and stock rolling fat Everywhere without feed further than that obtained from the native pastures. I also received many inquiries as to the registration for the Rosebud and Pine Ridge lands which commences October 2, and closes October 21. For the Benefit of my friends who are interested, will state that Chamberlain is the Nearest, most convenient and accessible point for registration, and will Also add that Chamberlain is the liveliest little city on this part of the Map. It is beautifully situated on the Missouri River. An immense cement Plant is being constructed here. Columbus College, the leading Catholic College of the northwest, is located here, also the Chamberlain Sanitarium, A large institution conducted along the same lines as the Famous Battle Creek Sanitarium. It also has a fine island park of over 1,000 acres Donated by the United States Government to the city for park purposes, and Is a progressive up-to-date city with city waterworks, electric light and Gas plant, and it is destined to become the leading manufacturing and Distributing city for the great country so rapidly developing to the west of Us. Chamberlain for the third time has been chosen by the officials at Washington as a registration point, which indicates the confidence the Officials have in Chamberlain's ability to take care of the crowds to their Entire satisfaction. Chamberlain's live commercial club will see that Everyone is properly provided for. There are 46,000 acres of land to be thrown open in Mellette and Bennett Counties in the rich corn, small grain and alfalfa producing belt of the State, and as this is about the last strip of Uncle Sam's rich domain likely To be thrown open to homesteaders for some time, it is an opportunity that Should not be passed lightly by. Only a nominal fee of 25 cents for registration is all that can be charged, And cheap excursion rates will be given to home seekers during registration. With kind regards to all Decatur County friends, I remain Yours truly, E.E Dye Chamberlain, S.D., Sept. 15, '11 ------------------------------------------------------ Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 12, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, September 21, 1911 Editor Journal: I recently returned from a visit with relatives and friends at Leon, and old Decatur County, which I enjoyed to the uttermost. I found a very erroneous impression prevailing generally throughout Iowa that South Dakota was a drought stricken and destitute country, and that its inhabitants were on the verge of starvation. While it is true that a portion of the newer part of the northwestern part of the state was very dry and some of the homesteaders who were not well established had to seek work temporarily elsewhere, South Dakota as a state will rank high up among the sister states this year in farm products, and Brule County in which Chamberlain is situated and this portion of the state generally has had an abundance of rain during the latter part of the season. Corn is a bumper crop, hay is being shipped by the car load to less favored regions, flax and potatoes are immense, pastures are as green as in May and stock rolling fat everywhere without feed further than that obtained from the native pastures. I also received many inquiries as to the registration for the Rosebud and Pine Ridge lands which commences October 2, and closes October 21. For the benefit of my friends who are interested, will state that Chamberlain is the nearest, most convenient and accessible point for registration, and will also add that Chamberlain is the liveliest little city on this part of the map. It is beautifully situated on the Missouri River. An immense cement plant is being constructed here. Columbus College, the leading Catholic college of the northwest, is located here, also the Chamberlain Sanitarium, a large institution conducted along the same lines as the Famous Battle Creek Sanitarium. It also has a fine island park of over 1,000 acres donated by the United States Government to the city for park purposes, and is a progressive up-to-date city with city waterworks, electric light and gas plant, and it is destined to become the leading manufacturing and distributing city for the great country so rapidly developing to the west of us. Chamberlain for the third time has been chosen by the officials at Washington as a registration point, which indicates the confidence the officials have in Chamberlain's ability to take care of the crowds to their entire satisfaction. Chamberlain's live commercial club will see that everyone is properly provided for. There are 46,000 acres of land to be thrown open in Mellette and Bennett Counties in the rich corn, small grain and alfalfa producing belt of the state, and as this is about the last strip of Uncle Sam's rich domain likely to be thrown open to homesteaders for some time, it is an opportunity that should not be passed lightly by. Only a nominal fee of 25 cents for registration is all that can be charged, and cheap excursion rates will be given to home seekers during registration. With kind regards to all Decatur County friends, I remain Yours truly, E.E Dye Chamberlain, S.D., Sept. 15, '11 ------------------------------------------------------ Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 12, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, November 23, 1911 ~~ Poems by John M. Phipps ~~ The following poems were written by John M. Phipps, of near Shenandoah, who is here at present visiting at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Gardner. Mr. Phipps will be 100 years old on the 14th day of next February: There are the ladies I'd like to Forget, I declare; They are the finest of all of the Flock; They are fairer than the Lilly, More blooming than the rose; They exceed the finest flower that In the garden grows. July like some pink or rose, That blooms in the month of June; Just like some music linsome Above that is newly set in tune, Now young ladies I'll give you Good advice. When you go to get married don't Hasten it on And never do you marry till you Are full twenty-one, And when he comes to see you, His love for to set, Then marry some good man your Love won't forget. Now since we have got to part, Pray give me your hand, May the Heavens protect you Where ever you be, Since hard fortune has proved Cruel on both you and me. -------------------------------------------------------- The second poem by Mr. Phipps follows: Friends, one and all, I am going to Give you a solemn call. Morality is laid aside, religion is Exhausted. The state of men have come to Rule, and conscience sits blasted. See the tax that we do pay, and Still they are not contented; The sheriff is coming every day And cannot be prevented; He'll seize our cattle and our corn And sell them at his leisure. The constitution is not well formed Men are all at leisure. See the officers we put in post; They are not men of merit. Go to the stores and dress them- Selves in costly clothes, No doubt, but on credit, see how They will stagger, strut, swell, Real an' cussin, No doubt, but they'll go down to Hell by swarms if not by dozens. -------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 11, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, October 5, 1911 MARY ANN, daughter of JOSEPH and MARY FREDRICK, was born in Bethlehem, Ohio, January 2, 1826, and departed this life September 30, 1911, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J.K. WILLIAMSON, at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 26 days. She had made her home with her daughter for the last eleven years. At the age of ten years she came with her parents to Brighton, Iowa. On May 19, 1842, she was married to JOHN KIRKPATRICK who died April 11, 1899. To this union ten children were born, five of these, JOSEPH, Mrs. SARAH BALDWIN, ELLA, THOMAS, and ROBERT being called away before the death of the parents. Those still living are W.A. KIRKPATRICK, of Des Moines, Mrs. ADA EVANS, of Chetopa, Kansas, Mrs. ELIZA VENDEL, of Almont, North Dakota, Mrs. EVA WILLIAMSON and Mrs. HARRIET WALLACE, of Leon. These together with seventeen grandchildren and nine great grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of a devoted mother. At an early age she became a Christian and identified herself with the Christian Church. She was faithful to her Christian duties unto the end, ever taking delight in the worship of the Lord and trying to do His will. She was loved and revered by her many friends, all of whom will cherish the memory of such a noble character. She waited anxiously for the call to enter into rest and "to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. For we know that if the earthly house of our tabernacle be dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens." The funeral service was held at the home of J.K. WILLIAMSON, two miles southeast of Leon, Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. J.S. Coffin, of the Christian Church, after which the remains were tenderly laid to rest in the Leon Cemetery. ------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 11, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, September 14, 1911 A message was received in Leon this Wednesday morning from Des Moines stating that Miss WILLIAN, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A BROWN, had passed away at the family home in that city at 1:12 o'clock. Miss WILLIAN had been ill for some months. The sad news is a great shock to the many friends of the family here, their former home. The sincere sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved family. ---------------------------------------------------- Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, October 5, 1911 OBITUARY - MISS WILLIAN BROWN WILLIAN, the youngest daughter of Dr. And Mrs. A. BROWN, was born in Leon, June 15, 1895, and died at the home of her parents in Des Moines September 13, 1911, aged 16 years, 2 months and 28 days. Death came after an illness extending over several months, but the end came unexpected. The family realized that her condition was critical but for some days she was thought to be improving. The day before her death she began to fail rapidly and the summons came early on the morning of the 13th. WILIAN spent the greater part of her life in Leon, going some years ago with her parents to Letts, near Muscatine, where the family resided for some time. From Letts she went to Des Moines with her parents, which city has since been her home. She is survived by her parents, one sister, Mrs. J.R. LINDSEY, of Des Moines, and two brothers, ART, of Des Moines, and MEL, of St Paul. WILLIAN was a member of the Methodist Church and was a faithful attendant at Sunday school until the condition of her health prevented further attendance. The funeral services were held from the home, 1820 Eighth Avenue, Des Moines on the afternoon of Friday, September 15th. The services were conducted by Rev. Evans, of that city. Six of her Sunday school classmates acted as pall bearers. The floral tributes were many. The bereaved parents, the sister, brothers and other relatives have the sincere sympathy of all in their sad affliction. ----------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 11, 2009 [email protected]