Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, August 10, 1911 W.A. RUSH, a former resident of this city, was shot and killed last Thursday at Sheffield by his wife. The news came as a great shock to his many friends in Leon. The Register and Leader in the issue of Friday published the following special telegram from Sheffield: "I've killed my husband," Mrs. W.A. Rush, is said to have told neighbors this evening. "I'm sorry, but I did it. He's down at the station now." A few minutes later Rush's dead body was found as his wife had said, lying on the floor of the ticket office of the Rock Island Station, where he was employed as the company's agent. There was a bullet wound through the heart The case is said to have been domestic trouble. Mrs. Rush later told her friends, it is claimed, that her husband had threatened her during the course of the interview that preceded the shooting but she did not say with what she had been threatened. Only one shot was fired, the bullet passing between the ribs on the left side of his body and entering his heart. Death came instantly. Up to a late hour tonight Mrs. Rush had not been arrested, although she is being detained at the home of James Haupt until a decision is reached as to what action can be taken. An inquest has not been held. Mrs. Rush made no effort to conceal the crime and talked calmly of the shooting. Mr. And Mrs. Rush always have been considered among the most respectable people of Sheffield. Both have been unusually popular and had many warm friends. Both have been members and workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church here, Mrs. Rush taking an aggressive part in religious work. She was 28 years old and quite pretty. Her husband was a few years her senior. In the Sunday Register and Leader appeared another telegram from Sheffield as follows: While a warrant has been issued it has not been served on Mrs. W.A. Rush of Sheffield, who is said to have killed her husband Friday evening after a quarrel, because her condition is considered critical by physicians and her mind is near a collapse. No arrangements have been made for the funeral, but brothers of the dead man living in St. Louis and Sedalia, Mo., have been notified. B.F. Clay, the father of Mrs. Rush, who lives at New Virginia, also has been notified. Mrs. Rush expresses deep regret for her act. ----------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected] My Notes: I wonder if she did a lot of target practice -- to fire the bullet right into his heart... Interesting that she seemed to be o.k. With shooting him -- and then suddenly is near a mental collapse................ (I have 2 more articles that I'll post that tell the 'whole truth'... Ha.)

Nancee, please continue posting the obits. I can tell by your frequent comments that you are moved by the personal nature of the articles. You are respectfully keeping their memories alive. As we are all "collecting dead relatives" [as I once heard the hobby of genealogy described], each of us is sort of hoping that you'll post that one elusive obituary we were eager to find. We are all enormously grateful for your tireless work on this board. Kathleen

Hi Kathleen: I certainly understand what you're saying -- when I read the newspaper microfilms, I look for upbeat, fun articles, but there don't seem to be many..In the older newspapers, they wrote about birthdays, parties, clubs, etc. But I'm not finding many now. I hope I'm not posting too many obituaries. Believe it or not, I always take them personally when I'm transcribing them. You'd think they were each one part of my family. My reason for posting them, is to help get information to those looking for ancestors. Every time I post one, I wonder how I can put their name in the subject line without saying "DEATH OF ---" I know everyone has to say, UGH... Regards, Nancee -------Original Message------- From: Kathleen Deao Date: 12/5/2009 5:14:38 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] JESSIE ARNOLD'S DEATH -- EXHAUSTION THE CAUSE Gotta say: these are the saddest obits. The articles are just not Written like that today. By the time the "facts" get into our Newspapers, they seem so "sanitized" that we don't get it that each person's death was heartbreaking for his family and friends. We are so Casual about the BMD of genealogy; it often takes a close loss to Remind us that there's so much more to each member of our extended Family. Wishing good health and happiness to all of you whose reminiscing I so Enjoy reading. Kathleen 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

Gotta say: these are the saddest obits. The articles are just not written like that today. By the time the "facts" get into our newspapers, they seem so "sanitized" that we don't get it that each person's death was heartbreaking for his family and friends. We are so casual about the BMD of genealogy; it often takes a close loss to remind us that there's so much more to each member of our extended family. Wishing good health and happiness to all of you whose reminiscing I so enjoy reading. Kathleen

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, July 13, 1911 Applications for registering farm names continue to come into the office of County Recorder Ira B. Officer. The following applications have been received since our last report: S.P. Hastings, Franklin Township, farm name, "Longview Farm". C.D. Mallette, Garden Grove Township, farm name, "Elmside Farm". Robert Palmer, Decatur Township, farm name, "Maple Grove Farm". F.P. Hamilton, Garden Grove Township, farm name, "Grand View Stock Farm". J.C. Fierce, Franklin Township, farm name, "Cedar Lawn Farm". D.P. Steckel, Fayette Township, farm name, "Evergreen Farm". S.P. Wiley, High Point Township, farm name, "Spring Dale Farm". ------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected]

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, May 18, 1911 Further particulars concerning the sad death of JESSIE ARNOLD, formerly of near Leon, which occurred near Egbert, Wyoming, have reached his brother RAY ARNOLD, of this city, and other relatives and friends here. From a letter written to S.A. Gates by Mrs. W.E. Porter, formerly of High Point Township, Decatur County, it is learned that the coroner's inquest resulted in finding that the young man, whose body was found lying in the snow within a half mile of his home, was not lost, but had died of heart failure caused by exhaustion. The letter of Mrs. Porter follows: Egbert, Wyoming, May 5, 1911. I will write a few lines this morning as I wish to write an account of JESSIE ARNOLD's death. On April 28th, JESSIE ARNOLD and his father in company with other men in this neighborhood went with nine teams to the mountains for wood and posts. They had been fencing Mr. ARNOLD's claim, fifteen miles north of Cheyenne. They got their wagons loaded with wood and posts and started back on Saturday morning, April 29. It rained on them and wet them through and it then turned cold and the rain turned to snow, and they were very cold. Among the party was a woman driving a team for Mr. Cook. She was his housekeeper. She got very cold and asked JESSIE to drive her team. Just through kindness, he did drive for her, and as he had pneumonia this winter, his father insisted on him taking his fur overcoat beside his own. Owing to the heavy loads they double teamed on some hills, and Mr. ARNOLD stopped and fed his team at noon, so JESSIE and Mr. Cook arrived at the cross roads about two hours sooner then Mr. ARNOLD. Mr. Cook asked JESSIE to go home with him, but JESSIE said: "No I will go on and have a fire for Pa. Pa will be cold." So he started to walk the two miles. His father drove home about four o'clock in the evening and it was a real blizzard. He supposed JESSIE had gone home with Mr. Cook and did not go to see until Sunday morning. He rode horseback to Mr. Cook's and he found he had not been there. He got the neighbors and they hunted all day and Sunday night and on Monday at 2 o clock p.m. Found him lying on his face with his arm under his forehead. There were tears frozen on his face and in his eyes. He was not lost, was not off the trail. The coroner found he died of heart failure, caused by exhaustion. He was only half a mile from home. While searching for him they found his father's fur overcoat where JESSIE had hung it in an old dry well as it and his own made such a load to carry. His father drove near him Saturday night and rode by him several times while searching for him. The snow covered him. Sunday evening his father became snow blind and sat up all night Sunday through such an agony of suspense and pain with his eyes Mrs. Myrtle Bledsoe went to Cheyenne on Monday and was with her mother. She was not told about JESSIE until they found him. They brought his body to Egbert on May 3 and buried him in Burns May 5. It is very sad, Mr. And Mrs. ARNOLD are both taking this trouble so hard. All their neighbors were kind. The ones in Cheyenne buying flowers, carnations. Henry Bledsoe accompanied the body to Egbert and they buried him at Burns, seven miles west of Egbert. The people at Egbert sent flowers also, and all tried to help them all they could. The father and mother are both better now. ---------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected]

How sad...it's almost as if we were there. Thank you Nancee for a view of their lives in those 'laid back, easier times'. -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Nancee Seifert Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2009 2:49 PM To: [email protected] Subject: [IADECATU] JESSIE ARNOLD'S DEATH -- EXHAUSTION THE CAUSE Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, May 18, 1911 Further particulars concerning the sad death of JESSIE ARNOLD, formerly of near Leon, which occurred near Egbert, Wyoming, have reached his brother RAY ARNOLD, of this city, and other relatives and friends here. From a letter written to S.A. Gates by Mrs. W.E. Porter, formerly of High Point Township, Decatur County, it is learned that the coroner's inquest resulted in finding that the young man, whose body was found lying in the snow within a half mile of his home, was not lost, but had died of heart failure caused by exhaustion. The letter of Mrs. Porter follows: Egbert, Wyoming, May 5, 1911. I will write a few lines this morning as I wish to write an account of JESSIE ARNOLD's death. On April 28th, JESSIE ARNOLD and his father in company with other men in this neighborhood went with nine teams to the mountains for wood and posts. They had been fencing Mr. ARNOLD's claim, fifteen miles north of Cheyenne. They got their wagons loaded with wood and posts and started back on Saturday morning, April 29. It rained on them and wet them through and it then turned cold and the rain turned to snow, and they were very cold. Among the party was a woman driving a team for Mr. Cook. She was his housekeeper. She got very cold and asked JESSIE to drive her team. Just through kindness, he did drive for her, and as he had pneumonia this winter, his father insisted on him taking his fur overcoat beside his own. Owing to the heavy loads they double teamed on some hills, and Mr. ARNOLD stopped and fed his team at noon, so JESSIE and Mr. Cook arrived at the cross roads about two hours sooner then Mr. ARNOLD. Mr. Cook asked JESSIE to go home with him, but JESSIE said: "No I will go on and have a fire for Pa. Pa will be cold." So he started to walk the two miles. His father drove home about four o'clock in the evening and it was a real blizzard. He supposed JESSIE had gone home with Mr. Cook and did not go to see until Sunday morning. He rode horseback to Mr. Cook's and he found he had not been there. He got the neighbors and they hunted all day and Sunday night and on Monday at 2 o clock p.m. Found him lying on his face with his arm under his forehead. There were tears frozen on his face and in his eyes. He was not lost, was not off the trail. The coroner found he died of heart failure, caused by exhaustion. He was only half a mile from home. While searching for him they found his father's fur overcoat where JESSIE had hung it in an old dry well as it and his own made such a load to carry. His father drove near him Saturday night and rode by him several times while searching for him. The snow covered him. Sunday evening his father became snow blind and sat up all night Sunday through such an agony of suspense and pain with his eyes Mrs. Myrtle Bledsoe went to Cheyenne on Monday and was with her mother. She was not told about JESSIE until they found him. They brought his body to Egbert on May 3 and buried him in Burns May 5. It is very sad, Mr. And Mrs. ARNOLD are both taking this trouble so hard. All their neighbors were kind. The ones in Cheyenne buying flowers, carnations. Henry Bledsoe accompanied the body to Egbert and they buried him at Burns, seven miles west of Egbert. The people at Egbert sent flowers also, and all tried to help them all they could. The father and mother are both better now. ---------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected] 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, May 18, 1911 JENNIE ETTA ACTON was born in Pleasanton, Decatur County, Iowa April 19, 1868, and died at her home in Leon, Iowa, May 14, 1911 at the age of 43 years and 26 days. She was the eldest daughter of JAMES and MARTHA ACTON, of Leon, Iowa. At the age of 17 years she became a member of the Baptist Church and has always cherished belief in the power of Christ to save. On the 16th day of August, 188? she was united in marriage to Harvey Harp. To this union five daughters were born as follows: Mrs. ETHEL JOHNSON, Mrs. EDNA VAUGHN, Mrs. ESTHER WOOD, all of Leon, Iowa and AGNES and HELEN HARP, still with their father. Besides these daughters and her husband, she leaves to mourn her departure a father, mother and one brother, VERNE A. ACTON of Atlantic, Iowa In the death of Mrs. HARP, the husband has lost a faithful and a loving wife and the children a loving mother. The sympathy of the community is extended them in this their lonely hour of sorrow. Funeral services were held at the home, the Rebekkas attending in one body. Rev. I. ? Co??, pastor of the Christian Church spoke, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Leon Cemetery. --------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected] note: This was incredibly hard to read, as the microfilm was scratched and very light. I highlighted it in pink and used a magnifying glass to read the words.. If you find errors, let me know.

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, May 11, 1911 MALINDA TONG was born March 3, 1828, in the State of Indiana, and died in Leon, Iowa, May 6, 1911, at the age of 73 years, 2 months and 3 days. She leaves to mourn her departure a husband and three children, Mrs. MARY EDMONDS, of Los Angeles, California; Mrs. IDA NILAND, of Atchison, Kansas; and CHARLES WILSON, of Olathe, Kansas. Mrs. BARNETT united with the Methodist Church in childhood and remained faithful to her trust until the last summons came. The funeral was held Monday at 10 o'clock a.m. at the late residence in Leon, conducted by E.M. Hoff, the pastor. The body was laid to rest in the Cemetery at Pleasanton, Iowa. ---------------------------------------- Card of Thanks ~ We wish to thank the friends and neighbors for their assistance and kindness during the sickness and death of our beloved wife and mother also for the beautiful flowers. O.P. Barnett, Mary Edmonds Ida Niland Charles Wilson ------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected]

Your right about the plat map showing the two cemeteries on either side.  Not too far from the West cemtery is an old Indian burial mound (now owned by the state, I believe).  My grandmother always thought that is why the plat maps showed two cemeteries.  TRACIE --- On Fri, 12/4/09, Barry West <[email protected]> wrote: From: Barry West <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. To: [email protected] Date: Friday, December 4, 2009, 9:24 PM DeKalb was built on the train line from Van Wert.  I believe there was a siding there for train cars to wait and maybe a small depot.  My father said the train rails were long gone when he was a kid.  The West farm and probably West school would have been close to the train siding.  There was a picture of women doing washing at DeKalb on ebay awhile back.  The Wests, Fierces, McKees, Redmans, and a few others were in the area.  My father didn't have much information on the Wests.  Patt Fulton was probably the lady that sent information to the Brunes.  I once heard that there was a fourth grave in the West cemetery.  Also, the West cemetery was shown on both sides of the road in early surveys, but was really on one side.  Lots of Wests in the McKee cemetery.  After Isaac West died his wife Florence (McKee) ran the farm and I believe it was a large farm.  She probably rented parts out.  My grandfather Clifton West was raised on this farm. Barry West -----Original Message----- From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 6:49 pm Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Hi Barry:  He said a lady (I'm assuming your mother?) had sent him all kinds of information and pictures.. The  West Cem./headstones (William & Elizabeth and son)  are directly in front of his home and he keeps it mowed and very nice... There is no longer a fence around it.  He's concerned about vandalism.. Yes, he seems quite protective! I turned on the charm and he was very nice.... I'm just full of hot air!! Ha..  He said he'd gotten an old map of the area  at the Iowa State Fair this year and wanted to have it framed.  He's quite thrilled to know all the history of his land. I didn't find any history of DeKalb at the Leon Library this afternoon... Nancee -------Original Message------- From: Barry West Date: 12/4/2009 8:36:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Nancee, I was back in Van Wert in March. I didn't stop at any cemeteries. My wife Lynn had her knee replaced and wasn't any mood for long walks. Did Mr. Brune say which West farm he owned. I'm thinking it was probably Isaac and Florence West's place. It could also be the original West place of William West or Charles West. I should have made it out to the state game reserve where I think was the original William West place was located. I talked to some turkey bow hunters at the Long Creek Motel in Leon that hunted the reserve. Thanks for the information. 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

I can just imagine this Mother's agony. What a sad report~! This J. M. CHASTAIN was John Meade Chastain. He and my Grandpa were first cousins. Linda Chastain, on this list, may be able to tell more about this side of the family. Linda, if you see this, I'd like a short outline on the family to add dates, etc. to my tree. Thanks! I thought Wayne and Worth Chastain, also sons of John and Eva were twins but the census records show otherwise. Any help appreciated!~ Jan Chastain Lund ----- Original Message ----- From: "Nancee Seifert" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: 2009-12-04 4:45 PM Subject: [IADECATU] DEATH OF RANE CLINTON CHASTAIN > Decatur County Journal > Leon, Iowa > Thursday, July 6, 1911 > > 'Little Son of Mr. And Mrs. J.M. Chastain, Jr., Met a Sad Death Monday > East > of Leon.' > > ----------------------------------- > > RANE CLINTON CHASTAIN, the baby son of Mr. And Mrs. J.M. CHASTAIN, Jr., > was > burned to death at the family home two and one-half miles east of Leon > Monday morning about ten o'clock. > > The little fellow's mother had just given him his morning bath and had > then > taken him to a room upstairs where she placed him on a bed for his nap and > then went about her work. Shortly after taking the baby upstairs she went > to the barn to get some cobs and when she returned smelled something > burning > and hurriedly going upstairs found the baby on the floor with the clothes > burned away and the little body terribly scorched. The baby had not gone > to > sleep as he had always done but had slipped from the bed and in some way > had > found some matches and had, in playing with them, started the flames which > caught his clothes and caused the horrible burns which resulted in his > death > a few hours later. > > The bed was burned in several places and the carpet was burned also in > spots > where the flames had been communicated from the burning clothes of the > babe. > The mother did not hear the child scream nor did their daughter, GOLDINE, > who was asleep on a couch down stairs, hear any outcry. > > Upon finding the baby Mrs. CHASTAIN gathered him in her arms and ran down > stairs and telephoned to Leon for doctors. Two physicians responded going > to the CHASTAIN home in an automobile and did all that was possible for > the > baby but the injuries were too great and the little fellow passed away > about > one o'clock. > > The father was at work in the hay field and having no one to send for him > until help was summoned by telephone, Mr. CHASTAIN did not know of the > terrible accident until after the arrival of the doctors. The funeral was > held Tuesday and the burial occurred at the Chastain Cemetery. The grief > stricken parents have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. > > RANE CLINTON CHASTAIN was born April 23, 1910, and departed this life at > the > home of his parents, Mr. And Mrs. J.M. CHASTAIN, Jr., July 3, 1911, being > one year, two months and ten days old. The funeral services were held at > the home on Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock, conducted by Rev. J.S. > Coffin, Pastor of the Christian Church. The text was selected from Matt. > 18:3-4, "Verily I say unto you except ye turn and become as little > children > ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore > shall humble himself as this little child the same is the greatest in the > kingdom of heaven." The floral offerings were very beautiful. A large > number of neighbors and friends were present to lend their sympathy and > kind > words in this dark hour of grief. The little body was laid to rest in the > Chastain Cemetery almost six miles southeast of Leon. Those from a > distance > attending the funeral were: Harry J. Yost, of Lamoni, Mr. And Mrs. S.F. > Williams, of Kansas City, Mo., brother and sister of the child's mother. > The entire community enters into sympathy with the parents and little > GOLDINE, the little daughter, in their loss. > -------------------------------------------------------------- > Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert > December 4, 2009 > [email protected] > > 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, May 11, 1911 ROBERT GOOD, for many years a resident of Leon, was found dead at his home in southeast Leon Wednesday morning about eight o'clock by City Marshal Lafe Mitchell. He was to have gone Wednesday morning to the home of James McMorris near Leon to do some plastering and had told neighbors the previous evening that he must get to bed early as he had to get up early the next morning to go out into the country to work. He was alone, Mrs. Good having left on the noon train Tuesday for a visit with her mother, Mrs. MANDY LEE at Cedar Junction, Kansas. Mr. McMorris came in Wednesday morning to take Mr. GOOD out to his home. He went to the house but could not raise him. He then went to the home of T.E. Wallace or his family had seen him. Finding that they had not he went to interview City Marshal Mitchell, who was at work not far away. Another effort to raise Mr. GOOD at home was made and then Marshal Mitchell who had gone to the GOOD home, finding all the screens fastened on the inside, decided that something must be wrong so he entered an upstairs window by using a ladder and found Mr. GOOD lying dead upon the floor in the west room near his bed. Dr. H.R. Layton happened by the house as they were investigating and was at the side of the dead man immediately. It was found that Mr. GOOD had been dead for some hours. Evidently soon after retiring he had been taken ill and had gotten out of bed and lighted a lamp and then fell upon the floor where he expired. Mrs. Good was at once notified by telegram of the death of her husband. Mr. GOOD was one of the most popular colored men in this section and enjoyed the friendship of all who knew him. --------------------------------- Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, May 18, 1911 ROBERT GOOD was born in Richmond, Missouri, in 1847, and died in Leon, Iowa, May 9, 1911, at the age of 65 years. In October of 1862, he enlisted as a private in Co. A. 18th Regiment United States Colored Infantry, and remained in the service until the close of the war and was discharged in December, 1865. In 1881, the deceased came to Leon where he resided to the time of his death. In 1901 (?) he was married to Mrs. LAURA MITCHELL, of Kansas City, Kan. Mr. GOOD enjoyed the good will and respect of the entire community. He leaves his beloved wife and a large circle of friends to mourn his departure. The funeral services were held at the late residence in Leon, on Saturday at 10 o'clock conducted by E.M. Hoff, Pastor of the M.E. Church. -------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 5, 2009 [email protected]

Nancee (et all) - The McKee Cemetary is labeled on Google Earth. It is at N40d 51' 52.79", W93d 51' 43.59". Looks like about a 3.5 Mile drive West of Van Wert. - Shirley At 12/4/2009 06:22 AM, you wrote: >Hi All: A few days ago, I ventured out west of Van Wert to try to find >McKee/Whittecar Cemetery, as it was a nice, sunny day.. Believe me when I >say, if you get lost in 'them-there' back roads, you might as well relax; >bring a lunch or snack.. Ha.. > >I had the map that is on the website cemetery page and had also stopped to >ask the post mistress where she thought it might be... I told her she should >have a map showing all the local cemeteries for all those asking directions >and she politely told me she didn't think the postal dept. Would think that >would be a good use of her time....... o.k.. > >As I drove around the gravel roads, I eventually ended up at Mr. Brune's >(Barry, he owns your West family property, of course...) He was quite nice, >but a little hesitant.. > >He asked me if I knew the history of DeKalb -- which I have very little >knowledge of... So, does anyone have stories they would like to share that >could be passed on to him?? > >I'm thinking I saw a book in the Leon Library on the History of DeKalb -- >but -- not sure.. >Anyway, will check when I'm there again today.. > >I am finally meeting Mary Stewart in person; she is part of our >Decatur group. We are meeting in Leon for lunch and more >exploring. Regards, 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

DeKalb was built on the train line from Van Wert. I believe there was a siding there for train cars to wait and maybe a small depot. My father said the train rails were long gone when he was a kid. The West farm and probably West school would have been close to the train siding. There was a picture of women doing washing at DeKalb on ebay awhile back. The Wests, Fierces, McKees, Redmans, and a few others were in the area. My father didn't have much information on the Wests. Patt Fulton was probably the lady that sent information to the Brunes. I once heard that there was a fourth grave in the West cemetery. Also, the West cemetery was shown on both sides of the road in early surveys, but was really on one side. Lots of Wests in the McKee cemetery. After Isaac West died his wife Florence (McKee) ran the farm and I believe it was a large farm. She probably rented parts out. My grandfather Clifton West was raised on this farm. Barry West -----Original Message----- From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 6:49 pm Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Hi Barry: He said a lady (I'm assuming your mother?) had sent him all kinds of information and pictures.. The West Cem./headstones (William & Elizabeth and son) are directly in front of his home and he keeps it mowed and very nice... There is no longer a fence around it. He's concerned about vandalism.. Yes, he seems quite protective! I turned on the charm and he was very nice.... I'm just full of hot air!! Ha.. He said he'd gotten an old map of the area at the Iowa State Fair this year and wanted to have it framed. He's quite thrilled to know all the history of his land. I didn't find any history of DeKalb at the Leon Library this afternoon... Nancee -------Original Message------- From: Barry West Date: 12/4/2009 8:36:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Nancee, I was back in Van Wert in March. I didn't stop at any cemeteries. My wife Lynn had her knee replaced and wasn't any mood for long walks. Did Mr. Brune say which West farm he owned. I'm thinking it was probably Isaac and Florence West's place. It could also be the original West place of William West or Charles West. I should have made it out to the state game reserve where I think was the original William West place was located. I talked to some turkey bow hunters at the Long Creek Motel in Leon that hunted the reserve. Thanks for the information. 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

After looking up satallite photos I know where the cemetery is.  It is on a road that I have always known as the "Mountain Road".  Go west out of Van Wert, follow the pavement.  You will come to a "t" intersection, you will see a nice Brick house to your left.  That house was part of the old stagecoach stop.  Turn left and follow the road (you will pass the Palmers, Jackson's, Hines, and Ramsey's).  There is another intersection about a mile down the road...do not turn there, keep going straight.  You will pass over a creek and there will be a house to the left.  I no longer know who lives there.  The land used to be owned by Senator Pree (what my mom & grandparents always referred to him as).  Continue on.  When the road begans to turn and go up the hill, start looking to the left as the driveway up to the cemetery was fairly hidden the last time I was down that way.  Unless the county has delivered gravel, the lane was mostly dirt/mud and is at a fairly sharp angle (careful, there may be "wash outs".    I hope this helps.  :) TRACIE --- On Fri, 12/4/09, Trace McB <[email protected]> wrote: From: Trace McB <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. To: [email protected] Date: Friday, December 4, 2009, 11:14 PM The man that you speak of own the old William West homestead (he lives in a Morton building type of house). The cemetery is part of his front lawn. I know this because my grandfather was the previous owner of the land.  Grandpa sold it a few years back.  A word of caution, the new owner is now putting up no trespassing signs and is not as friendly as he used to be.  I doubt he would be willing to allow someone on his land, and this is very upsetting to my family as that was part of the agreement when the land was sold to him.    He is not originally from the area- I believe he is from the Des Moines area.   This McKee Cemetery you speak about, can you tell me who might be buried there?  I believe I know where it is located, but I need a few landmarks.   Thanks,   Tracie  :) TRACIE --- On Fri, 12/4/09, Barry West <[email protected]> wrote: From: Barry West <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. To: [email protected] Date: Friday, December 4, 2009, 8:35 PM Nancee, I was back in Van Wert in March.  I didn't stop at any cemeteries.  My wife Lynn had her knee replaced and wasn't any mood for long walks.  Did Mr. Brune say which West farm he owned.  I'm thinking it was probably Isaac and Florence West's place.  It could also be the original West place of William West or Charles West.  I should have made it out to the state game reserve where I think was the original William West place was located.  I talked to some turkey bow hunters at the Long Creek Motel in Leon that hunted the reserve.  Thanks for the information. Barry West -----Original Message----- From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 6:22 am Subject: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Hi All: A few days ago, I ventured out west of Van Wert to try to find McKee/Whittecar Cemetery, as it was a nice, sunny day.. Believe me when I say, if you get lost in 'them-there' back roads, you might as well relax; bring a lunch or snack.. Ha.. I had the map that is on the website cemetery page and had also stopped to ask the post mistress where she thought it might be... I told her she should have a map showing all the local cemeteries for all those asking directions and she politely told me she didn't think the postal dept. Would think that would be a good use of her time....... o.k.. As I drove around the gravel roads, I eventually ended up at Mr. Brune's (Barry, he owns your West family property, of course...) He was quite nice, but a little hesitant.. He asked me if I knew the history of DeKalb -- which I have very little knowledge of... So, does anyone have stories they would like to share that could be passed on to him?? I'm thinking I saw a book in the Leon Library on the History of DeKalb -- but -- not sure.. Anyway, will check when I'm there again today.. I am finally meeting Mary Stewart in person; she is part of our Decatur group.  We are meeting in Leon for lunch and more exploring.    Regards, 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 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

Nancee, I was back in Van Wert in March. I didn't stop at any cemeteries. My wife Lynn had her knee replaced and wasn't any mood for long walks. Did Mr. Brune say which West farm he owned. I'm thinking it was probably Isaac and Florence West's place. It could also be the original West place of William West or Charles West. I should have made it out to the state game reserve where I think was the original William West place was located. I talked to some turkey bow hunters at the Long Creek Motel in Leon that hunted the reserve. Thanks for the information. Barry West -----Original Message----- From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 6:22 am Subject: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Hi All: A few days ago, I ventured out west of Van Wert to try to find McKee/Whittecar Cemetery, as it was a nice, sunny day.. Believe me when I say, if you get lost in 'them-there' back roads, you might as well relax; bring a lunch or snack.. Ha.. I had the map that is on the website cemetery page and had also stopped to ask the post mistress where she thought it might be... I told her she should have a map showing all the local cemeteries for all those asking directions and she politely told me she didn't think the postal dept. Would think that would be a good use of her time....... o.k.. As I drove around the gravel roads, I eventually ended up at Mr. Brune's (Barry, he owns your West family property, of course...) He was quite nice, but a little hesitant.. He asked me if I knew the history of DeKalb -- which I have very little knowledge of... So, does anyone have stories they would like to share that could be passed on to him?? I'm thinking I saw a book in the Leon Library on the History of DeKalb -- but -- not sure.. Anyway, will check when I'm there again today.. I am finally meeting Mary Stewart in person; she is part of our Decatur group. We are meeting in Leon for lunch and more exploring. Regards, 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

Thanks Nancee. I remember my great-grandparents, Claire's mother & father, very well and remember how their eyes would fill with tears when we talked about the loss of "Claire Boy" -- always the little boy. His brother, my grandfather Donald, died in California in 1974. His sister, Gladys (Binning) died just a few years ago, (2002), at the age of 103. She'd lived in 3 centuries having been born in 1899, and except for a few years of her life had lived in Van Wert. It's good to have this obituary and I do appreciate your effort in getting it to me. I'd never seen it. -Sherry > [Original Message] > From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Date: 12/4/2009 4:28:03 PM > Subject: [IADECATU] DEATH OF CLARENCE ALBERT PRICE > > Decatur County Journal > Leon, Iowa > November 16, 1911 > > CLARENCE ALBERT PRICE, youngest son of Mr. And Mrs. IRA F. PRICE, was born > January 22, 1902, and died of diphtheria November 3, 1911, being at the time > of his death 9 years, 9 months and 11 days old. > > On November 4, the beloved body was tenderly laid to rest in the Van Wert > Cemetery. CLAIRE, as he was familiarly called, had lived all his life with > his parents on their farm in Franklin Township, Decatur County, Iowa, where > death occurred. He was an exceptionally bright, manly boy and in him rested > the fondest hopes of all who knew him best. The sorrow caused by his death > is very profound in the hearts of all his school mates and young friends. > The father, mother, brother and sister who remain are bearing this the > heaviest burden ever laid upon humanity with Christian fortitude, believing > as they do that > > By and by when all life's lessons > Have been learned, > When sun and stars forever more > Have set. > The things which our weak judge- > ment here have spurned, > The things over which we grieved > With lashes wet. > Will flash before us all of life's > Dark night, > As stars show best in deepest tints > Of blue. > And we shall see how all God's > Plans are right, > And how what seemed proof was > Love most true. > ----------------------------------------------------------------- > Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert > December 4, 2009 > [email protected] > > 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

The man that you speak of own the old William West homestead (he lives in a Morton building type of house). The cemetery is part of his front lawn. I know this because my grandfather was the previous owner of the land.  Grandpa sold it a few years back.  A word of caution, the new owner is now putting up no trespassing signs and is not as friendly as he used to be.  I doubt he would be willing to allow someone on his land, and this is very upsetting to my family as that was part of the agreement when the land was sold to him.    He is not originally from the area- I believe he is from the Des Moines area.   This McKee Cemetery you speak about, can you tell me who might be buried there?  I believe I know where it is located, but I need a few landmarks.   Thanks,   Tracie  :) TRACIE --- On Fri, 12/4/09, Barry West <[email protected]> wrote: From: Barry West <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. To: [email protected] Date: Friday, December 4, 2009, 8:35 PM Nancee, I was back in Van Wert in March.  I didn't stop at any cemeteries.  My wife Lynn had her knee replaced and wasn't any mood for long walks.  Did Mr. Brune say which West farm he owned.  I'm thinking it was probably Isaac and Florence West's place.  It could also be the original West place of William West or Charles West.  I should have made it out to the state game reserve where I think was the original William West place was located.  I talked to some turkey bow hunters at the Long Creek Motel in Leon that hunted the reserve.  Thanks for the information. Barry West -----Original Message----- From: Nancee Seifert <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Fri, Dec 4, 2009 6:22 am Subject: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Hi All: A few days ago, I ventured out west of Van Wert to try to find McKee/Whittecar Cemetery, as it was a nice, sunny day.. Believe me when I say, if you get lost in 'them-there' back roads, you might as well relax; bring a lunch or snack.. Ha.. I had the map that is on the website cemetery page and had also stopped to ask the post mistress where she thought it might be... I told her she should have a map showing all the local cemeteries for all those asking directions and she politely told me she didn't think the postal dept. Would think that would be a good use of her time....... o.k.. As I drove around the gravel roads, I eventually ended up at Mr. Brune's (Barry, he owns your West family property, of course...) He was quite nice, but a little hesitant.. He asked me if I knew the history of DeKalb -- which I have very little knowledge of... So, does anyone have stories they would like to share that could be passed on to him?? I'm thinking I saw a book in the Leon Library on the History of DeKalb -- but -- not sure.. Anyway, will check when I'm there again today.. I am finally meeting Mary Stewart in person; she is part of our Decatur group.  We are meeting in Leon for lunch and more exploring.    Regards, 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 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

Hi Barry: He said a lady (I'm assuming your mother?) had sent him all kinds of information and pictures.. The West Cem./headstones (William & Elizabeth and son) are directly in front of his home and he keeps it mowed and very nice... There is no longer a fence around it. He's concerned about vandalism.. Yes, he seems quite protective! I turned on the charm and he was very nice.... I'm just full of hot air!! Ha.. He said he'd gotten an old map of the area at the Iowa State Fair this year and wanted to have it framed. He's quite thrilled to know all the history of his land. I didn't find any history of DeKalb at the Leon Library this afternoon... Nancee -------Original Message------- From: Barry West Date: 12/4/2009 8:36:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [IADECATU] TRIED TO FIND MCKEE CEMETERY.. Nancee, I was back in Van Wert in March. I didn't stop at any cemeteries. My wife Lynn had her knee replaced and wasn't any mood for long walks. Did Mr. Brune say which West farm he owned. I'm thinking it was probably Isaac and Florence West's place. It could also be the original West place of William West or Charles West. I should have made it out to the state game reserve where I think was the original William West place was located. I talked to some turkey bow hunters at the Long Creek Motel in Leon that hunted the reserve. Thanks for the information. Barry West

Decatur County Journal Leon, Iowa Thursday, July 6, 1911 'Little Son of Mr. And Mrs. J.M. Chastain, Jr., Met a Sad Death Monday East of Leon.' ----------------------------------- RANE CLINTON CHASTAIN, the baby son of Mr. And Mrs. J.M. CHASTAIN, Jr., was burned to death at the family home two and one-half miles east of Leon Monday morning about ten o'clock. The little fellow's mother had just given him his morning bath and had then taken him to a room upstairs where she placed him on a bed for his nap and then went about her work. Shortly after taking the baby upstairs she went to the barn to get some cobs and when she returned smelled something burning and hurriedly going upstairs found the baby on the floor with the clothes burned away and the little body terribly scorched. The baby had not gone to sleep as he had always done but had slipped from the bed and in some way had found some matches and had, in playing with them, started the flames which caught his clothes and caused the horrible burns which resulted in his death a few hours later. The bed was burned in several places and the carpet was burned also in spots where the flames had been communicated from the burning clothes of the babe. The mother did not hear the child scream nor did their daughter, GOLDINE, who was asleep on a couch down stairs, hear any outcry. Upon finding the baby Mrs. CHASTAIN gathered him in her arms and ran down stairs and telephoned to Leon for doctors. Two physicians responded going to the CHASTAIN home in an automobile and did all that was possible for the baby but the injuries were too great and the little fellow passed away about one o'clock. The father was at work in the hay field and having no one to send for him until help was summoned by telephone, Mr. CHASTAIN did not know of the terrible accident until after the arrival of the doctors. The funeral was held Tuesday and the burial occurred at the Chastain Cemetery. The grief stricken parents have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. RANE CLINTON CHASTAIN was born April 23, 1910, and departed this life at the home of his parents, Mr. And Mrs. J.M. CHASTAIN, Jr., July 3, 1911, being one year, two months and ten days old. The funeral services were held at the home on Tuesday afternoon at three o'clock, conducted by Rev. J.S. Coffin, Pastor of the Christian Church. The text was selected from Matt. 18:3-4, "Verily I say unto you except ye turn and become as little children ye shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." The floral offerings were very beautiful. A large number of neighbors and friends were present to lend their sympathy and kind words in this dark hour of grief. The little body was laid to rest in the Chastain Cemetery almost six miles southeast of Leon. Those from a distance attending the funeral were: Harry J. Yost, of Lamoni, Mr. And Mrs. S.F. Williams, of Kansas City, Mo., brother and sister of the child's mother. The entire community enters into sympathy with the parents and little GOLDINE, the little daughter, in their loss. -------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert December 4, 2009 [email protected]