I've "rescued" an old photograph of Mr. & Mrs. John S. TUFTS and their son Ben TUFTS which was taken at the Petefish Studio in Scott City, KS. The photograph is dated Jan 1900 and indicates that John is 65 years old, his wife "Mother" is 57 years old, and Ben is 14 years old at the time. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding this family: Benjamin Rankin TUFTS was b. 11 Jan 1886 in Manitowoc, WI to parents John Irving Sedgefield or Sagefield TUFTS (1835-1906) and Ellen Corosan or Corisan RAMSDELL (1842-1934). Ben was one of 10 children born to this couple including, Ellen; Mary Florence; John Irving; Eliza Sylvia; Addie Agnes; Frederick James; Edna M.; Georgia Ellen; Jessie Myrtle; and Benjamin "Bennie" Rankin TUFTS all born between 1861 and 1886. Benjamin married Edith A. TERRY (1887-1974) in 1908. Benjamin died 8 Apr 1958 in Everett, WA and is buried in the Sunnyside Cemetery in Coupeville, WA. Benjamin's Mother Ellen was born in Wardsboro, VT and died in Coupeville, WA and his father John was born in St. John New Brunswick, Canada and also died in Coupeville, WA. John Irving Sedgefield or Sagefield TUFTS was the son of Moses James TUFTS (1799-1886) and Elizabeth Jane HAMILTON (1799-1864). His father Moses was also married to Eliza Jane CROZIER previously. John and his two wives had a total of 8 children including, Margaret Louise; Andrew Crozier; Eliza Jane; Sarah Ann; Hannah Albee; James Hamilton; John Irving Sagefield; and Eliza Jane TUFTS, all born between 1821 and 1841. Census records provide the following details: 1880 census of Manitowoc Rapids, WI: John TUFTS, age 44 Ellen TUFTS, age 37 Mary TUFTS, age 19 John TUFTS, age 17 Elisa TUFTS, age 15 Addie TUFTS, age 13 Frederick TUFTS, age 11 Edna TUFTS, age 9 Jessie TUFTS, age 2 1900 census of Valley, KS: John S. TUFTS, age 65, born May 1835, married 42 years, born Canada, parents born Canada/Ireland, to USA 1852 Ellen C. TUFTS, wife, age 57, born Jul 1842, married 42 years, 7 children/5 living, born VT, parents born VT Bennie R. TUFTS, son, age 15, born Jan 1885, born WI, a Cattle Herder 1910 census of Coupeville, WA: Ben R. TUFT, age 23, married 1 year, born WI, parents born ME/VT, an Odd Jobs Carpenter Edith TUFT, wife, age 22, married 1 year, no children, born WA, parents born NY/MI 1920 census of Prairie, WA: Ben R. TUFTS, age 34, born WI, parents born ME/VT, a Farmer Edith A. TUFTS, wife, age 32, born WA, parents born NY/MI 1930 census of Prairie, WA: Benjamin R. TUFTS, age 44, married at age 23, born WI, parents born ME/VT, Farming Edith T. TUFTS, wife, age 42, married at age 21, born WA, parents born NY/MI 1940 census of Prairie, WA: Ben R. TUFTS, age 54, born WI, a Farmer Edith P. TUFTS, wife, age 52, born WA I am hoping to locate someone from the family so that this wonderful old photograph can be returned to the care of family. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me. Thanks, Shelley

I've "rescued" an old autograph album that belonged to Myrtle or Myrta (no last named identified) who lived in Hancock, KS in the late 1880's. The album includes entries by her Grandmother, Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, and two Aunts including one specifically identified as Fannie MOORE. Another Aunt is identified as "Aunt Mada" and her sister is identified by the name "Lucy". I'm hoping that these are enough clues to find her full name and see the album returned to her family. There are 23 entries from others not identified specifically as family members, though some maybe, I'm just not sure. Entires come from the following locations: Hancock, KS (Lane County) Imperial, KS (Finney County) Terryton, KS (Finney County) Loyal, KS (Finney County) Eminence, KS (Finney County - originally Garfield County) Pueblo, CO Scott or Scott City, KS (Clark County or Scott County) Crystal Lake, KS (Finney County) Surnames in the album include: TURNER WIKOFF BAY MEEKER DAVIS HADLEY MILLER HARPER LOOMIS SIMPSON BEATTY CARPER KERR SAYRE FLEMING SEVERICH SWAB ROBERTS DAMITZ I'm hoping to locate someone from Myrtle or Myrta's family so that the album can be returned to their care. If you are a member of this family or if have a clue to her identity or any of these families I'd appreciate you contacting me. Thanks, Shelley

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: helfrich4 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/80.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Can you tell me what you know about Catherine so I can cross reference with my records? Do You know when / where she was born? I think I found Roy Helfrich in my records - b. 24 Feb 1884 to Joseph Milton Helfrich & Mary Olivia Baker. Does that fit with the information you found? Not sure though where Catherine fits in. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: laurasgeni Surnames: Helfrich, Helfrick, Stern Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/80.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am interested in the information you have. I'm researching the Sterns and I believe the Matriarch was Catherine Helfrich/Helfrick but other than 1 confirmed census in PA in 1870 and a marriage notice for one of her sons (with either her correct last name or an utter butchering of Helfrick) the Helfrich line is a mystery to me. I had assumed they didn't leave PA but in the 1930 census, in Scott Co, there is a Roy (Ray?) Helfrick living next door to one of my Sterns, Ollie, and a couple doors down from another of my Sterns, Harry. I assume that's not a coincidence. [email protected] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dmlara60 Surnames: Hancock, Wood, Kenyon Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/76.2.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have received a tremendous amount of information from my great uncle Larry Kenyon, Julia Marie Wood Kenyon's (adopted) son. I appreciate your help Jacque. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dmlara60 Surnames: Wood, Kenyon Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/76.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thank you Jacque Wood. I only have a personal tree. I have never signed up for full access. I didn't even remember signing up for a personal family tree in 2004. Since I have received many more answers. I truly appreciate the info you gave me regarding my Great Gma Marie. I try to sign in every once in a while to update with new info but I am pretty much an amateur. Lol! Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: RobertRice19 Surnames: Wiser Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/97/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have a postcard photo of the above person. He is about a year old. Probably taken about 1910. Can any one help me find this family? Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board. <br>

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: dmlara60 Surnames: Kenyon, Cutler Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/76.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Sybil (Cutler) Kenyon was married to John Thomas Kenyon. They had 3 children, Oliva, Francis (Bud) and Thomas Leford Kenyon (my grandfather). Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: 13KimBaker Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/95.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: This obituary appeared in the Scott City (Kansas) News Chronicle on June 30, 1960, page 1. I am not related to this family and have no additional information. __________ Services Friday for Mrs. Handy Funeral services were Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock for Mrs. George S. Handy, who died Tuesday of last week at the age of 86. The services were from the Weinmann Funeral Home in charge of Rev. H. D. Wade, pastor of the Pilgrim Holiness church. Interment was in the Scott County cemetery. Pallbearers were A. J. Handy, J. L. Handy, Cecil Louthan and Morris Louthan. Josephine Montagriff was born Aug. 4, 1873 in New York City. She came to Chase, Kansas at the age of 3 [? 8?] to live with her foster parents. At the age of 12 she joined the Baptist church. On Aug. 31, 1893 she was united in marriage to George S. Handy who survives her in a marriage of almost [illegible] years. They lived in Stafford county, then Comanche county and Meade county before coming to Scott City in 1949 where she became a member of the Pilgrim Holiness church. Mrs. Handy died at the home of her nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. James Handy with whom she and her husband have made their home the past two years. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: 13KimBaker Surnames: Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/95.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: This obituary appeared in the Scott City (Kansas) News Chronicle on Thursday, November 5, 1964, page 1. I am not related to this family and have no additional information. ______________ G. S. Handy Dies Monday George Samuel Handy, a resident of Scott City 13 years, died Monday at the age of 97. Funeral services were yesterday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Weinmann-Price Funeral Home in charge of Rev. Kenneth Owen, and interment was in the Scott County cemetery. Pallbearers were A. J. Handy, J. L. Handy, Morris Louthan and Cecil Louthan. Mr. Handy was born Aug. 24, 1867 in York, Ill. He came to Rice county, Kansas in 1874. In 1893 he was married to Josephine Montagriff in Rice county, and they farmed there until 1941 when they retired and moved to Scott City. Mrs. Handy died June 20, 1960. Since that time Mr. Handy had made his home with a nephew James Handy and family. He was a member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: fdennis701 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Was my Great Great Grandfather. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: acchamness Surnames: Minnich, Harkness, Crozier Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/96/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Looking for info on the birth family of Myrtle Delmer Minnich, born 20 Aug 1886 in Nebraska, and adopted between 1886 and 1894 by Martin and Lucinda C. Minnich. We believe the adoption took place in or near Hastings, NE. Myrtle moved with her adoptive family to Scott County, KS and was married twice (Harkness and Crozier), but members of her birth family or their representatives were able to locate and contact her in the 1940's regarding settlement of an estate in SLC, Utah. Myrtle declined to re-establish contact and subsequently disposed of any mementos she may have had of her birth family. She passed away in 1971, having never discussed details of her adoption with her children or grandchildren. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: karihavasu Surnames: Handy Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/95/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Seeking Obituary for George Samuel Handy He died 2 Nov 1964 & is buried in Scott County Cemetery. Would also like to obtain obituary of his wife Josephine. Josephine is also buried at Scott County Cemetery. Her dates are 1873-1960...do not have specifics Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: sherrywhite18 Surnames: Helfrick Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/80.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I am of the Helfricks decendents but I cannot get past my gggrandfather who came from Russia/Germany in 1891. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: r_a_green Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/94/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Historic Atlas of Kansas Counties, an abridged atlas of county and city maps from 'The Official State Atlas of Kansas, Everts & Kirk, 1887'. The Historic Atlas of Kansas Counties (Zone 1-12) Atlas is a complete set of 1887 Kansas county maps. Each of the 12 Zones consists of a series of 8-10 bordering county maps making up all 106 Kansas counties. Each Zone Atlas contains high resolution scanned images of vintage 19th century county and city maps that are presented in Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). Individual Zone CD's are available as well. In addition to all 106 Kansas county maps, there are nearly 800 city and village maps on this CD. City maps and plans are often more detailed and include the names of many original property owners, businesses, municipal buildings, etc. Please note: some small city and village map plans include street and lot detail only. Maps include the following 19th century features: * roads, railroads and canals * cities, towns and villages * post offices and government sites * one-room schoolhouses, churches and cemeteries * rivers, streams and ferries * racetracks, fairgrounds and picnic groves * industrial sites, furnaces and mills * early homesteads and farms - and much more The Historic Atlas of Kansas Counties may be an invaluable aid to Genealogists, Historians and researchers in search of 19th century Kansas places and place names. These early maps often contain many places that no longer exist or that have been obscured over time; the location of property owners, businesses, churches and cemeteries may assist genealogical researchers interested in Kansas history. The Adobe Acrobat Reader for MS Windows is needed to view, zoom, pan and print from the PDF map images contained in this atlas, and is included free on each CD. No other software is necessary. Read a complete review of this and other 19th century materials: http://home.comcast.net/~r_a_green/review.html Good luck in your research! Rich Green Historic Archaeological Research http://www.har-indy.com Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

I've "rescued" an old photograph of E. L. ROBBINS, R. L. TINKER, and Fannie TINKER, and Violet ROBBINS which was taken at the Mrs. C. H. Jones Studio in Del Norte, Colorado. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1890's with the two couples appearing to be in their teens or 20's at the time it was taken. In addition to their names, someone has also written "Ed - Sandy's brother" and "Violet wife" on the back of the photograph. Based on limited research I was able to gather information regarding these two couples as follows: Edward L. ROBBINS b. 14 May 1877 in Wheaton, KS to parents Hiram F. ROBBINS (b. 6 Oct 1844 in PA) and Mary E. MCMURRY (b. 10 Jul 1833 in Farmingdale, IL). Edward was one of the couple's 5 children including, Sanford L.; Welissa; Francis; Edward L.; and James E. ROBBINS all born in Wheaton, KS between 1868 and 1883. Edward married Violet Dorica FORCE (b. 8 Dec 1880 in Wheaton, KS) on 27 Sept 1898 in Wheaton, KS. Together Edward and Violet had 4 children including, Orville C.; Clarence E.; Myron F.; and Mary D. ROBBINS all born in KS between 1899 and 1909. Edward died in Scott City, KS on 1 Sept 1941. Violet D. FORCE b. 8 Dec 1880 in Wheaton, KS to parents Clarence Walter FORCE (b. 11 Jun 1855 in Momence, IL) and Margaret D. ALEXANDER. Violet died in Denver, CO on 14 Feb 1967. Robert L. TINKER was b. 1873 in AR to parents Francis M. TINKER (b. 7 Apr 1833 in Washington Co. TN) and Mildred Catherine ? TINKER (b. about 1837 in TN). The couple had 8 children including, William M.; Elizabeth; Harriett "Hettie"; Henry; Robert L.; Walter; Johnny; and Monta TINKER all born in AR between 1859 and 1883. Robert's father married a second time in 1885 to Martha THOMAS and had one additional child, Ida TINKER b. in Feb 1887 in AR. Census records provide the following information regarding the couples: 1880 census of Round Prairie, AR: Frank TINKER, age 46, a Farmer, born TN, parents born TN Catherine TINKER, wife, age 43, House Keeping, born TN, parents born TN William TINKER, son, age 20, Works on Farm, born TN Elizabeth TINKER, dau, age 18, born TN Hettie TINKER, dau, age 15, born TN Henry TINKER, son, age 9, born AR Robert L. TINKER, son, age 7, born AR Walter TINKER, son, age 4, born AR 1880 census of Lone Tree, KS: Hiram ROBBINS, age 37, a Farmer, born PA, parents born PA/NY Mary E. ROBBINS, wife, age 40, Housekeeping, born IL, parents born IL Sanfor A. ROBBINS, son, age 10, born KS Fanny ROBBINS, dau, age 8, born KS Edward ROBBINS, son, age 3, born KS Fany ROBERSON, c?, age 19, born IL, parents born IL + 1 servant/laborer 1900 census of Lone Tree Township, KS: Robert L. TINKER, age 28, born Nov 1871, married 3 years, born AR, parents born KY/OH, a Farmer Fanny R. TINKER, wife, age 28, born Oct 1871, married 3 years, no children, born KS, parents born PA/IL And living directly next door... Edward L. ROBBINS, age 23, born May 1877, married 1 year, born KS, parents born PA/IL, a Farmer Voilet D. ROBBINS, wife, age 18, born Dec 1881, married 1 year, 1 child/1 living, born KS, parents born IL Clarence E. ROBBINS, son, age 1, born May 1899, born KS James E. ROBBINS, brother, age 18, born Jun 1881, born KS, parents born PA/IL, a Farm Laborer 1910 census of Topeka, KS: Robt L. TINKER, age 38, married 13 years, born AR, parents born TN, a Farm Laborer Fannie R. TINKER, wife, age 38, married 13 years, 1 child/1 living, born KS, parents born IL Elmo R. TINKER, son, age 9, born KS 1910 census of Lone Tree Township, KS: Edward L. ROBBINS, age 33, married 11 years, born KS, parents born IL, a Farmer Violet D. ROBBINS, wife, age 29, married 11 years, 3 children/3 living, born KS, parents born IL Clarence E. ROBBINS, son, age 10, born KS Marion F. ROBBINS, son, age 8, born KS Orval C. ROBBINS, son, age 1 year + 1 month, born KS 1920 census of Denver, CO: Robert L. TINKER, age 48, born AR, parents born TN, a Real Estate Salesman Frances TINKER, wife, age 48, born KS, parents born IL, a Laundry Starcher James TINKER, son, age 18, born KS, a Real Estate Salesman 1920 census of Lone Tree, KS: Edward L. ROBBINS, age 43, born KS, parents born IL, a County Road Laborer Violet ROBBINS, wife, age 39, born KS, parents born IL Clarence ROBBINS, son, age 20, born KS, a Garage Laborer Myron ROBBINS, son, age 18, born KS, a Farmer Orville ROBBINS, son, age 10, born KS Mary ROBBINS, dau, age 2, born KS I am hoping to locate someone from one of these families so that the photograph can be returned to the care of a family member. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me. Thanks, Shelley

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: woojaq Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/90.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Dennis I posted the information you asked about in 2004. Mainly that Thomas Kenyon was John Thomas Kenyon. Also that J Marie was Julia Marie Wood (my aunt), and that she was NOT his child, but his second wife. What I posted was in the last 2 weeks, so will be in the archives. Look for 3 posts from me with the heading "Thomas Kenyon", and one from someone else giving you vitals on Tom. I'm sorry, but I have no further information on him. Most of what I sent you: memories of a child about "Uncle Tom". Sorry I didn't save my sent posts. Jacque Wood Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: kentuckboy97 Surnames: Kenyon, Griffith Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/90/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Jacque: I would like to have what information you have regarding Thomas Kenyon who had land in Scott County in 1920. My gr-gr-gr-grandfather, Joel Griffith, had 2 sisters who married 2 Kenyon brothers. The Griffiths and Kenyons were all from Kentucky originally, but settled in 1840 in what became Andrew County, in northwest Missouri, ca. 1840. Eunice Griffith married Rev. Samuel Kenyon and India Griffith, married Thompson Kenyon. Would like to know if Thomas Kenyon was any relation to the Kenyon brothers of Kentucky and Missouri. Thank you, Dennis. E-mail is: [email protected] Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: woojaq Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.kansas.counties.scott/76.2/mb.ashx Message Board Post: I have just been browsing the messages here on Scott Co, KS and ran across your post. Hope you're still checking it. Tom Kenyon was my uncle by marriage. The reply you received to your question was wrong. J Marie wasn't a child of Tom and his first wife. J Marie was Julia Marie (always called Marie)Wood, Uncle Tom's second wife. Do you already have your other questions answered? If not, what all do you need to know? I would be glad to share what I have, as little as it is. But I do have some interesting stuff to share. By the way, I will subscribe to the Kenyon mailing list for awhile and post some things on it in case you are there. If we don't cross paths here or the Kenyon mailing list, I am permanently on the Wood mailing list, and you can post a message there if you need to reach me. Regards Jacque Wood Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.

This bit of Aunt Marie's story is about how she met Uncle Tom and a little of their life together. Enjoy.... Jacque Wood After gradation, I decided to go to summer school at Emporia State Teacher's College. My mother's mother was a schoolteacher and Mamma hoped I would teach. Mamma always felt badly about her lack of education. She knew if her mother had lived that she would have been better educated, although she never criticized her father. She thought he did a good job taking care of all of them. When the summer was over I didn't get a school to teach, so continued on at Emporia for the winter and also the following summer. (She was the oldest female in the household, and had to quit school to help take over some of her mother's chores. JW) In the fall of 1924, I taught in a one-room schoolhouse over in Wichita County. I taught Arnold in the 7th grade, Norma in the 6th, and Tommy in 2nd. (Her siblings. JW) In the fall that year I attended a Teacher's Convention. When I arrived in Scott City by train I didn't have a way to get back to school and my home. A girl I know who said she knew a man who had a Buick, and she bet he would take me home (it was a Sunday). She asked him and it was Tom (Kenyon) who volunteered to take me. She went along but before he left he asked me if I wanted him to come to get me for a weekend. I had a friend, Hazel Schoonover, who had asked me to stay with her whenever I was in town. I liked her and her mother always made me feel so welcome. Tom & I went together that winter, and decided to get married and did so on March 29, 1925. I had given this a great deal of thought, since I was engaged to a professional baseball player. We were to have been married after my school was out. We had met at Emporia when he was in the minor league. (Later I followed his career in the Major Leagues until I didn't see his name anymore). His name was Calhoun Coyle. I had written a letter to him, breaking our engagement. The letter I received in return made me cry, and I kept it in my trunk for a long time. One day Tom got into the trunk and read the letter. Then I burned it. There were other obstacles - the difference in our ages for one. He also had three children: Olivia 15 years, Francis 12, and Tommy soon to be 10. Their mother had been dead for 5 years. I respected and cared a great deal for him. His love for children and the way he had kept the three together against all odds made me really love him. I fully expected to have a large family as my mother had, and wanted a man who would be a good father to them. I could not see following a baseball player around the country with children. Being a stepmother is not easy and we had problems, mostly caused by their mother's people and outsiders. This problem was resolved a few years later, when their mother's parents and I became good friends…I tried very hard to not be angry with them. It was so difficult for them, losing their only daughter and seeing another woman taking over. After being married for two years I decided to go to a school of Cosmetology. It was difficult not having my own money, and my disappointment in not having a baby became almost unbearable. It took me a year, however, to complete a six-month course. I would stay in school a few weeks, then come home and get everything lined out (food, laundry, etc.), then go back to school. I opened and operated a Beauty Shop for 53 years. I loved the work. Many times people would come in depressed, and would leave walking a little more erectly and proudly, although I doubt if they realized it. It was rewarding work. We had been married 8 years. I was 28 years old when God blessed us with a very special gift, our son Larry. He was born April 28, 1933, and has brought me pride and joy. He and his lovely wife Carol have given me three dear grandsons and a darling granddaughter. They in turn have delighted me with great grandchildren. When Larry was a few weeks old, I was playing and talking to him when he cooed. I was so thrilled and hurried to tell Tom. He really laughed and said, "Marie, all babies coo". I was indignant and replied - "Not this young". We had a little fox terrier dog named Tinker. One day when Larry saw Tinker, he waved his arms and said, "Tinker, Tinker". He was six month's old. When I told Tom that he laughed and said "Don't say that to anyone else. You just imagined it". Several nights later he and Tommy came home and Tinker was with them. Larry was sitting on the divan and waving his arms, said, "Tinker, Tinker". I will never forget the look on their faces. They didn't doubt me again. Larry never crawled; he just got up and walked when he was 11 months old. He also said some words and made short sentences at 11 months, such as "See the dog", "See the car", etc. He probably didn't crawl because I kept him in a play pen most of the time. We had oak floors then and they were cold. He was two years old when we had the terrible dust storms. They would come in a black cloud. The dust penetrated everything except the refrigerator. One storm lasted three days. We would just get something out of the refrigerator to eat. It was impossible to cook. One could not see their own porch light. I kept a handkerchief over Larry's nose and mouth. Many had dust pneumonia and lots of livestock died. We were in the Great Depression Era and many of us were fighting to keep from losing our homes. Since the crops were so poor, Tom's business was practically nil. I was giving shampoos and sets for 25 cents and perms for $2.95, and not doing much of either of them. I traded for chickens, milk, and even quilts. Hamburger was 2 lbs. For 25 cents. I bought day old bread and cinnamon rolls for 5 cents a package, coal was 25 cents a sack. We got behind on our payments on our home. We were paying $15.00 per month. The F. H. A. agreed to add what we owed to the principal if we could start paying the $15.00 a month. By that time the economy was beginning to improve. There were many foreclosures but we managed to keep our home. Oliva and Bernard lived in California. Their oldest son, Billy, was three and Gary about 6 months. (Larry was two) when she wanted to come home for a visit. Her in-laws argued that it was dangerous to bring those children to Kansas where there were tornadoes and dust storms. Oliva said, "I lived in Kansas all my life, and California for the past two years. In the past two years I have been in a forest fire, earthquake and flood". Thy had lived through a disastrous flood that had swept away the houses around them, but their little house was left standing. It was a miracle they were saved. While they were here visiting, there were a number of rabbit drives. The rabbits were eating what little crops were left and it was necessary to kill them. We went to one of the drives, but I didn't get out of the car. If I remember correctly - people holding hands would circle to a place located in the center with a wire fence enclosure. They would drive the rabbits into the enclosure, where they would then be killed. This was necessary for the survival of the people in this area. However, I could not stand to see the killing. I can still hear the screams of the rabbits, and would never go on another drive. Teddy (her youngest brother, JW) was born May 27, 1927. Mamma and Dad lived 25 miles out in the country. Their car was broken down when Mamma knew it was time for the baby to arrive. Dad sent Arnold by horseback to a neighbor to bring Mamma to town. Teddy was born in our home and I was thrilled to take care of him until Mamma was up and around. When Dad came in after Teddy was born the doctor said, "Mr. Wood, you have another "Little Splinter". --------------------------------- Don't be flakey. Get Yahoo! 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