Hi! I have a couple of obituaries for people who died in Keokuk in 1905 and 1906. Unfortunately, neither the obits nor the death certs give a name of a funeral home. In other obits I have Ryan and DeJong funeral homes were mentioned. Does anyone know if either of these facilities was operating in 1905/6? Were there any others in Keokuk in 1905/6? Thanks for any help you can offer! Kara

Sharon, A quick look in the History of Lee County, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, West Point Township, page 854, I found the following: Carsteus, A.W., blacksmith, West Point. Carsteus, Alexander, retired, West Point. Carsteus, Diedrick, blacksmith, West Point. I realize the spelling isn't exactly the same, but I wouldn't be surprised if they aren't one and the same. I don't see any of your other names in the index. I also didn't find any of the surnames listed in either the 1887 or 1914 Lee County history books. Hope this helps in some small way, Mary Sue

In regard to recent submissions by Carol Sallie and Nancy on the Skyles family, I have the following information already typed into the computer and would be more than happy to share: Thomas W. Skyles obituary John Milles Skyles obit Thomas W. Skyles 96th birthday Mrs. Susan I. (Skyles) South obit Marda Skyles and Miss Eddie marriage in Colorado Skyles Reunion 1813 Thomas O'Briaen obit, father of Mrs. Frank Skyles Mrs. Nancy (Skyles) Snively, dau of Ben Skyles, obit Mary Sue

SURNAMES: WURSTER, CARSTENS, LINNEMAN I am looking for any information on the family of Balthaser Wurster, who was born in either 1814 or 1817 in Bavaria and died in West Point, Lee County, IA, in 1879. He was a cooper by trade. He married three times and had the following children: Anna b. 1840, OH m. ?? Whitlad, 1858 Elisabeth b. 1843, Lee Co., IA m. Charles Kinkel, 1863 Marie, aka Maria, Mary b. 1846, IL m. Ernst Linneman, 1866 Wilhelmina Catherina b. 1847 , IL d. 1863 Christina, aka Christine b. 1850, Lee Co., IA m. Alexander W. Carstens, 1879 Charles William twin b. 1853, Lee Co., IA d. 1876 Frederika twin b. 1853, Lee Co., IA m. Julius Bauer, 1897 First wife: ????; second wife: Elisabeth Roth; third wife: Catherine ? I am especially anxious to discover the identity of Balthaser's first wife, from whom I believe I am descended, and the descendants of children Anna Whitlad, Marie Linneman, and Christine Carstens. Any and all help very much appreciated. Sharon Dyrkacz Oak Ridge, NC

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10240 Surname: BRITTON, WILSEY, COTTON, WILSON, KEMP, HANCOCK, CRINER, GLASFORD ------------------------- Died 12 Feb 1924 MRS. BERTHA E. BRITTON-- Born in New Boston Oct 5, 1862, the deceased has been a life long resident of Lee county and has many friends throughout this territory who will be grieved to learn of her passing. For the past 33 years the family has resided in Fort Madison. Mrs. Britton was the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. John W. Wilsey. In 1886 she was married to John F. Britton, who, with the following children, survive. Byron of Macon, Mo.; George E, John D. Mrs. E.F. Wilson, and Mrs. J. Robert Kemp of Fort Madison. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary A. Hancock of New Boston and Mrs. Charles Criner of Fort Worth,Texas and one brother, William Grasforth (sic- Glasford)survive. The deceased was a woman of charming personality and was a patient sufferer throughout her long illness. NOTE: her parents were John Warren Wilsey and Nancy D. Cotton

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Pensions Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeePens/10003 Surname: GRISWOLD, SKYLES ------------------------- Certificate No. 323933 Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington D.C., January 15, 1898 JAMES GRISWOLD *Married: yes- Magnola Griswold--Magnola Skyles *when, where, & by whom-1866 Jefferson Tp, Lee co,Iowa, Minister Episcopal Church named Page * what record of marriage exists--marriage Record Lee co,Ia. *children living- Edgar born March 8, 1867; Eva April 10, 1869; Gracie July 6, 1871; May Aug 2, 1873; Simeon July 1st, 1875; Victor July 2, 1877; WmH. Oct 2, 1879; Donald Sept 13, 1881; Bessie Aug 3, 1883; Gladys Dec 6th 1886;Jimmie Jan 20, 1890. Signed: James Griswold -date of reply July 5th, 1898 NOTE: James Griswold enrolled 11 Dec 1861 at Kankakee, Ill in Co. E, 53rd Regiment of Ill. Volunteers. Mustered into service as Private 28th Dec 1861 at Ottawa Ill. Served during battle of Pittsburgh Landing.

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Wills Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeWill/10010 Surname: BERGMEIER ------------------------- 1873 will: BERNARD BERGMEYER of Fort Madison I---to wife Anna Catherine Bergmeyer---all my estate---appoint her sole executrix. 25 Oct 1873 His Bernard X Bergmeyer Mark Regular Oct. Term 1874--will was proven 7 Oct 1874. Wm. Wilson, Clerk Circuit Court Will was opened, read & filed April 18, 1874

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Wills Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeWill/10009 Surname: GRISWOLD, ONDERDONK, MOON, MILLER, PENNINGTON ------------------------- LAST WILL & TESTAMENT OF SALLY GRISWOLD-Book B--Will book @ Fort Madison,Lee,IA; probated April `12, 1899--will dated Jan 18,1896 I give to my son ,Henry Griswold, $100.00, the clock, and the dictionary. To my son, George Griswold, my gold spectacles & $100. To my daughter, Almira Moon, my brown rocking chair, the table encyclopedia, and 1/2 of my wearing apparel, my bedding, tableware, furniture, etc. that has not been otherwise disposed of & also $100. To my daughter, Mary Miller, my woolen shawl, my crocheted skirt, one half of household goods not otherwise disposed of & also $100. To my granddaughter, Carrie Pennington, my featherbed, my pair of large pillows, and remainder of my money & credits not to exceed $100. To my son, James Griswold, the large family Bible and the secretary and the contents thereof. If there should be any money or property after these various bequests, it shall be equally divided between the parties herein mentioned except James Griswold.

Kara, Yes it does help. Thanks very much. Regards, Bill ----- Original Message ----- From: Kara Townsend <ktown@mn.mediaone.net> To: <IALEE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: April 08, 2001 1:21 AM Subject: Re: [IALEE] Samuel T. Russell, b. 1884 > Hi! According to the South Lee County Iowa Marriages book 3, Sarah Russell > (b. Ireland, age 24, d/o Hugh Russell and Sarah Cochrane) married William > John Hull (b. Ireland, age 24, s/o John Hull and Mary Johnson) on June 14, > 1902 in Keokuk, Lee Co., IA. James A. Dodds was the pastor from the 2nd > Pres Church and witnesses were Hugh Russell and John Hull. I found no > other related Russells in the book. I hope this helps! Kara > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Mallory <wmallory@up.net> > To: IALEE-L@rootsweb.com <IALEE-L@rootsweb.com> > Date: Saturday, April 07, 2001 4:14 PM > Subject: [IALEE] Samuel T. Russell, b. 1884 > > > >I'm seeking information on the family of Samuel T. Russell, b. 15 Sept > 1884, Rathfriland, County Down, IRELAND. His parents were Hugh Russell and > Sara Cochrane. he came to America 1889/90 landing in New York city. He > proceeded to Keokuk, IA, where he lived abt. 75 years. Any help would be > appreciated. > >Regards, > >Bill Mallory > > > > > >==== IALEE Mailing List ==== > >The American History and Genealogy Project - a great source > >http://www.ahgp.org/ > > > >============================== > >Join the RootsWeb WorldConnect Project: > >Linking the world, one GEDCOM at a time. > >http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com > > > > > ==== IALEE Mailing List ==== > Family History Resource Page > http://w3.trib.com/~dsaban/family.htm > > ============================== > Search over 1 Billion names at Ancestry.com! > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/rwlist1.asp >

Linda, Thanks for the info. It does help. Regards, Bill ----- Original Message ----- From: Linda Hayes <linhayes@interl.net> To: <IALEE-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: April 07, 2001 11:25 PM Subject: RE: [IALEE] Samuel T. Russell, b. 1884 > Buried in the Sandusky Cemetery, Montrose Township, Section 36, Lee Co., > Iowa. Cemetery is located on the Mississippi River Road between Montrose > and Keokuk, Iowa. > > Samuel T. Russell, 1884-1966 > Betty K. Russell, 1914-1990 > Harold F. Russell, 1906-1981 > Ella S. Russell, 1886-1980 > > I hope this is of some help to you. > > Linda > > -----Original Message----- > From: Bill Mallory [SMTP:wmallory@up.net] > Sent: Saturday, April 07, 2001 4:13 PM > To: IALEE-L@rootsweb.com > Subject: [IALEE] Samuel T. Russell, b. 1884 > > I'm seeking information on the family of Samuel T. Russell, b. 15 Sept > 1884, Rathfriland, County Down, IRELAND. His parents were Hugh Russell and > Sara Cochrane. he came to America 1889/90 landing in New York city. He > proceeded to Keokuk, IA, where he lived abt. 75 years. Any help would be > appreciated. > Regards, > Bill Mallory > > > ==== IALEE Mailing List ==== > The American History and Genealogy Project - a great source > http://www.ahgp.org/ > > ============================== > Join the RootsWeb WorldConnect Project: > Linking the world, one GEDCOM at a time. > http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com > > > ==== IALEE Mailing List ==== > Visit Rootsweb - great sources! > http://www.rootsweb.com/ > > ============================== > Shop Ancestry - Everything you need to Discover, Preserve & Celebrate > your heritage! > http://shop.myfamily.com/ancestrycatalog >

First, I'd like to apologize for my response to Carol that went to all of you. Secondly, I'd like to take a moment to let you know of the death March 22, 2001 of Mildred Drollinger Corsbie. She was my great aunt and a wonderful lady. She died at age 98 in Ft. Madison. She had been predeceased by her sister, Pauline Drollinger, who was our family's historian for decades and is a name some of you are probably familiar with if you've done research on the Drollinger/Bullard/Wilson family names in Iowa. Nancy oregongirl@earthlink.net http://home.earthlink.net/~oregongirl/

Carol, Forgive me if we've correspondended before, but my email system has crashed twice in the last 2 years, taking my address book with it each time. I notice that you're researching the Conlee - Skyles families (among others). Those are among my families too. I'm descended from Susan Nancy Skyles (1782-1859) Hugh Wilson (1780-1847) and my mother's Conlee family. I've looked in my computer files didn't notice your name as a past correspondent, but I foolishly left many of my correspondence in my email files didn't transfer them over. So if we have chatted in the past, I apologize for not having a record of it. If we haven't talked before, I'd love to share info stories. Nancy Nancy oregongirl@earthlink.net http://home.earthlink.net/~oregongirl/

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Wills Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeWill/10008 Surname: WILSEY, RAMSEY ------------------------- RUFUS WILSEY W2: We the undersigned, jointly and severelly bind ourselves, our heirs & executors, to the Judge of the County Court of Lee county, Iowa, in the penal sum of one hundred dollars upon this condition that if the undersigned DAVID RAMSEY who is about being appointed executor of the estate of RUFUS WILSEY, Sen., deceased, shall faithfully discharge the duties imposed on him by law, according to the best of his abilities, then this bond to be void; otherwise in full force. Dated this 12 day of May A.D. 1864 *signed David Ramsey *L.G. (his mark) Wilsey Approved 1864 Robert A. Russell, Judge of County court. Lee,Ia. NOTE: Rufus Wilsey d: June 24, 1862-aged 69 yrs & 3 mo & 15 d's; tombstone located in Burch cemetery, Charleston twp, near New Boston, Lee,IA.

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10239 Surname: SWINDERMAN, McCORD, BOSSLER, GRISWOLD, PEZLEY, SAWYER ------------------------- "Democrat" Mrs. Amanda Swinderman of Charleston, Ia., widow of Casper Swinderman, died Thursday afternoon Feb. 16, 1922 at the home of her niece, Mrs. C.A. Bossler near Keokuk, Ia. She was visiting and had a stroke while there. Mother of 9 children: Mrs. Simeon Griswold and Mrs. Mary Pezley of Fort Madison, Ia.; Lawrence, William, Walter, Frank, Edwin, of Charleston, Ia.; Joseph and Charles of Carthage, South Dakota. Also survived by 26 grandchildren. She was the daughter of JOSEPH S. & MARTHA SAWYER McCHORD, natives of Ohio, who in 1853 came to Iowa to a farm near Montrose, Ia., where she was born May 3, 1854. On March 3, 1875, she married Casper A. Swindrman. Her husband died Jan.8, 1922. Funeral services held at both Keokuk, Ia. and Charleston, Ia. Buried Charleston, Ia. cemetery.

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10238 Surname: SWINDERMAN, MC CORD, GRISWOLD, PEZELY ------------------------- Montrose Journal, Jan. 19, 1922 --CASPER A. SWINDERMAN, a prominent citizen of Charleston, Lee County, Iowa, died at his home in Charleston on Sunday, Jan 8, 1922, aged 73 years and 2 days after a short illness of about one week from the effect of a stroke of paralysis. Casper Swindrman was born at St. Louis, Mo. and as a child moved with his parents of LaSalle co,Ill., where he received a good education in the Public School of that day. He came to Iowa in 1870. Located at Sandusky, Lee County and conducted a butcher shop furnishing meat for the U.S. Government to the workmen on the Des Moines Rapids Canal and in 1877 he moved to Charleston Township and rented a farm which he later purchased and since has purchased adjoining farms until at the present time he was owner of 431 acres of well imporved land and about two years ago he left the farm and with his wife moved to Charleston. He was a republican in politics and religously Catholic, was a member of Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has held office of School Treasurer and Township Trustee until time of his death. Casper Swinderman was married to Miss AMANDA McCHORD in 1875 who was a native of Lee County, Iowa, who survives him besides the following children, 7 boys and 2 girls: Lawrence J., William, Walter, Frank and Edward of Charleston; Joseph and Charles of Carthage, South Dakota and Mrs. Sim Griswold and Mrs. Harry Pezley of Fort Madison and 26 grandchildren; two brothers and a sister: Wm. of Maryville, Kansas, George of Boise, Idaho and Mrs. John Smith of Bellingham, Washington are left to mourn their loss. The family were all at home except his son Joseph when he passed away. Also his brother William was here to help care for him. The funeral sermon was conducted at his residence Tuesday at 2 pm by Rev. DeBerg of the Presbyterian Church at Donnellson. The pall bearers were Joseph Wahrer, John Lowenberg, Adam Hopp, J.H. Vermazen, Eli Scott and L.A. Bassett. He was interned in the Charleston Cemetery in a metallic vault. The sympathy of the whole neighborhood is extended to the bereaved wife and children who have lost a kind husband and a loving father.

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10237 Surname: NEUWEG, HUESER ------------------------- Democrat-under City Briefs-Wednesday, Feb 8, 1899 Henry Neuway (sic--NEUWEG) of West Point, Ia., died Wednesday, age 86 years. Had lived in Lee co.,Ia. over 50 years. Survived by 8 Children--one daughter, Mrs. Barney Hueser, lives in Fort Madison,Iowa

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10236 Surname: GRISWOLD, ONDERDONK ------------------------- IN MEMORIAM--Departed this life at his home in Jefferson township, Lee co., Iowa, May 14, 1884, William Hurd Griswold, aged 80 years. Mr. Griswold was born in Fairfield,Herkimer county, New York, April 8th, 1804. He came to Iowa in the spring of 1850, dwelling on his farm in Jefferson Township in 1852, which was his home until his death. He was the father of ten children, six of whom are still living; he also had fifty grandchildren and three great grand children. He was a consistent, thorough, earnest member of the Protestant Episcopal church, and was confirmed, with his wife, who survives him, in 1888 (sic). The funeral services were held in St. Barnabas church, Montrose (of which he was one of the founders, giving freely of his money and aid in its erection.) Together with a Requiem Celebration of the Holy Sacrament according to primitive custom and the use of the Catholic church for ---years. Highly esteemed by all his neighbors and friends, his course well and nobly run, he fell asleep in Jesus.......

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10235 Surname: HUESER, BERGMEIER, DECKER ------------------------- "Weekly" 6 Mar 1912 Fort Madison,Iowa pg. 5, col 4 --Mrs. MARY ANNA (BERGMEIER)HUESER, one of Fort Madison's oldest residents, died at her home, 1428 4th street, at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, March 3, 1912, at the age of 76 years, death resulting from tuberculosis. Deceased was born in Germany, coming to this country 59 years ago. She was a prominent member of the St. Mary's Catholic church and the Rosary Society of that congregation. There survive her three sons: Barney, Henry and Joseph and one daughter, Mrs. Kate Decker, all of this city. Funeral from St. Mary's church at 9:00 am Wednesday. Rev. Peter Kern officiating. Intermane at Gethsemane.

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10234 Surname: HUESER, NEUWEG, SIMPSON, BRITTON, DECKER, PRUELLAGE ------------------------- The Evening Democrat 12 Mar 1937 pg. 10, col 1 ---BARNEY HUESER, 78, 1534 Ave. E., died Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock at his home. He had been ill since last Christmas. Mr. Hueser, a retired employee of the Atlee Lumber co., was born in Fort Madison Nov. 7, 1858. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Neuweg in St. Mary's Catholic church here Oct 28, 1885. Mr. Hueser was a member of the St. Mary's church and of the St. Joseph's Society of that church. Surviving are his widow; four sons, Leo and Leonard Hueser, Fort Madison; Henry Hueser, Omaha, Neb.; Ben Hueser, Knowville, Ia; four daughters, Misses Mary and Nora Hueser; Mrs. Omar Simpson and Mrs. George Britton, all of Fort Madison; one sister, Mrs. Kate Decker; an aunt Mrs. Anna Pruellage and three grandchildren, all residents of Fort Madison. Funeral Services Saturday moning fro St. Marys Catholic church at 9 o'clock. Rev. J.J. Schoenfelder officiating. Intermant will be in Gethsemane cemetery. The body was taken late today to the home from the Weisbruch Funeral home. Rosary services will be conducted at the home at 8:30 o'clock tonight.

Posted on: Lee Co. Ia Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/LeeObits/10233 Surname: GRISWOLD, SWINDERMAN, DOVIN, WILHELM, PARDUE, VERMAZEN, MAXFIELD, WARDLOW ------------------------- Died 15 Sept 1938 --SIMEON GRISWOLD, 61, 2810 Ave. K, an engineer on the Santa Fe railroad, died Thursday afternoon at 4 o'clock soon after attempting to reach the Santa Fe hospital in an ambulance. Death was due to a heart attack. He had been ill only one hour. Mr. Griswold was born in Jefferson township, Lee co. October 9, 1876. He had been a resident of Fort Madison 40 years and during the past 36 years has been employed as an engineer on the Santa Fe road. He was married to Geneva M. Swinderman in Charleston, Iowa in September, 1898. Mrs. Griswold preceded him in death November 9, 1934. Mr. Griswold was a member of the Santa Fe Ave. Methodist church, Claypoole lodge No. 13, A.F. & A. M. Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, and was chief Engineer Division No. 391. Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Magnolia Griswold, Montrose, Iowa; three sons: Frank, Howard and Morris Griswold, all of Fort Madison; three daughters: Mrs. George Dovin, Fort Madison; Mrs Vernette Wilhelm, Fort Madison; Mrs. Nick Pardue, Belen, New Mexico; four brothers, Victor Griswold, Fort Madison; Don Griswold, Clarinda, Iowa; Kenneth Griswold, Maywood, Los Angeles, Calif., and Hurd Griswold, Charleston, Iowa; four sisters, Mrs. James Vermazen, Creston, Iowa; Mrs. Eva Maxfield, Montrose, Iowa; Mrs Charles Wardlow and Miss Bessie Griswold, Montrose; six grandchildren, Myron, Richard, Simeon and Patrick Griswold, Patsy Lee Pardue and Beverly June Wilhelm. Funeral services Sunday afternoon at 2:30 from Santa Fe Avenue Methodist church, Rev. John S. Ellis, officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood cemetery. There will be Masonic services at the grave by Claypoole lodge. The body will be at Clements chapel until 9 o'clock Sunday moring when it will be taken to the residence.