Residents of Jefferson Township 1976 part 1 Virgil Beane was born January 15, 1910 in Prosser, Nebraska. His parents were William and Lizzine Teague Beane. He lived around College Springs in his early years and graduated from high school there. He moved with his parents in 1933 to Jefferson Township, section 14. He was active the Jefferson Center church, singing in the choir and in quartettes.
February 24, 1935, he and Isabel Varley were united in marriage. She was born on the farm where they now live, section 13. She attended the Prairie Gem No. 6 School, graduated from Stuart High School, and was graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Simpson College. She had just started her third year of teaching at Hasting when her mother died. She resigned her job and came home to live with her father. Their children are: Charlene, Charlotte Thompson, Cheryl and Lyle.
Virgil and Lyle farm together and raise Angus cattle and hogs. Lyle Beane was born March 9, 1950. He graduated from Menlo High School and was in the National Guard. His wife, Colleen Craun of Ocheyedan, was born December 11, 1951. She is a graduate of the Ocheyedan High School and was employed at the Bankers Life Co. in Des Moines before her marriage. Lyle and Colleen were married May 20, 1972. They have a son, Curt Everett, born January 25, 1975. They have built a new home on section 4. William Leslie Beane was born in Middletown, Missouri, March 15, 1879. His wife, Lizzie Ellen Teague, was born February 24, 1885, at Laddonia, Missouri. They were married April 8, 1906, and farmed in Vandalia, Missouri. Their children are: Harold, Guthrie Center; Virgil, Stuart; Dorothy Hutchinson, Council Bluffs; Claudine Morrison, Case; Paul, Tucson, Arizona; Reba Hunter, Webster City; and Helen Wiant, Ames.
When William was out of school he helped a farm family move their possessions to Louisiana. He spent several years there working as a farm laborer and later in the rice fields. He was supervisor of the black laborers and his job was to walk the levees and see that the workers were not loafing. Most of his life he farmed; sometimes he supplemented his income as a railroad laborer, carpenter, brick layer, and also worked in the wheat fields of Nebraska.
In 1933 they moved to the Harold Beane farm in section 14 (this farm was owned by Julius Peters for many years starting in 1873. He was in the Civil War and was with Sherman on the celebrated march to the sea). William and Lizzie continued to live here for over 40 years. William did his own farming until 86 years of age. When Lizzie broke her hip, he cared for her and their home. Lizzie died November 8, 1973, William at 96, August 6, 1975. Among their descendants are 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Carl I. Brandenburg, son of Clem and Alvina Brandenburg, was born north of Howe on a farm, February 13, 1910. His grandparents were Rufus and Clara Brandenburg and Christopher and Anna Horn. The Horns had come from Germany. Blanche Elizabeth Brandenburg, daughter of Charles and Emma Barnhouse, was born west of Menlo, north of the railroad bridge on Highway 6, July 17, 1917. Carl Brandenburg lived and farmed with his father and in 1933 he did patrol work on the road, fixing culverts. Many men worked their poll tax with him. In 1939, he and a cousin, Harry Horn, were working down by John Coffman’s farm on a culvert. About 4:00 they finished work and saw a bad looking cloud coming up. They rushed to get to the barn of John Coffman with their team and wagon and in minutes a tornado ripped across the culvert where they had just been working. The cloud lifted right across the road from the culvert. They recall seeing how the cloud lifted the water out of the river as it went over it.
Carl and Blanche were married April 8, 1939 and have since made their home in Jefferson Township. They lived one year upstairs with Clem and Alvina Brandenburg and then five years on the John (Jack) Hogan farm. In the muddy spring of March, 1945, they moved to where they now live.
The first history of this farm was recorded back in 1855. A deed was made to John D. McCall for $350.00. To older people this place is known as the Murphy farm. Murphy owned it for several years and was a big cattle feeder. People recall when the upstairs was used for a schoolhouse and Tom Rhody was one who went to school there. It is one of the oldest houses that was built in the early settlement.
This farm has been sold many times. In the 1920s it was sold to Frank Thurman for $250.00. He moved and for one year Royal McNelly’s family rented it. The next year Thurmans moved back but the depression came and they could no longer hold it. The farm was lost to Central Life Assurance Co. It was rented several years to Arthur Hadley, Pete Hogan, Ray Miller and Charles Defenbaugh families. In April, 1944 Brandenburgs bought the farm and moved the next spring. They rebuilt the barn in that year in 1947 they put in electricity.
In 1953 a twister went through and took the hog house and shop and they were hailed out. In 1956 a big black cloud came up and a tornado went through and took the barn, hog house, and windmill. It took many barns in the area at that time. They replaced the barn, hog house and hen house with new buildings.
Brandenburgs built an addition to the house and remodeled it in 1967 also building a double garage.
In 1958 concrete rock was discovered by the E. F. S. Schildberg Corporation and was quarried. They filled the holes back as the land had been, but left the last large hole so that it made a nice recreation area for boating and fishing, which is enjoyed greatly. Carl’s hobby in his early years was raising horses, but they have since been replaced by tractors. Blanche enjoys community activities, gardening, and helping out on the farm.
Carl and Blanche helped to raise Bill and Kenneth Brandenburg, cousins of Carl, after their mother died. They were the children of Ira Brandenburg. Leo Chance was born January 9, 1915, at Lovilia, Monroe County, Iowa. He died September 16, 1975. His parents were George W. Chance and Dolly Funke Chance. His wife, Ruth (Ubben) Chance was born March 6, 1921 at Cedar Point, Chase County, Kansas. Her parents were Dick Ubben and Susie Conyers Ubben.
They were married August 25, 1939 at Unionville, Missouri. Their children are: Phillip D., born July 11, 1941, Stuart; Patricia Ann, born June 25, 1944, Stuart; Dick Ubben, born December 18, 1947, Stuart; Susan Alene, born August 2, 1956, Greenfield; Jerry Lee, born December 24, 1957, Greenfield; and Larry Leroy, born August 17, 1962, Greenfield. Isaiah and Mary Hadley purchased this farm of 120 acres from Thomas Rhody and wife in 1914. Their family at that time was Arthur, 13 years; Freda, 11 years; and Emma, 9 years. Freda married Hazel Clayton in 1929.
In the early ‘30s Isaiah and Arthur rented the former Ed Smith 80 acres from Mrs. W. W. Walker of Macksburg. Later they bought both, making the farm as it is today. Isaiah passed away in 1941.
Arthur continued farming until 1953 when ill health forced him to leave it. It was farmed on shares until Donald Clayton purchased it in 1970. Arthur passed away in 1955 and his son Dale in 1962. The farm the Donald Claytons reside on consists of 340 acres, having been 360 before construction of Highway 25. The Claytons have two children, Deborah (Mr. Steven Lundy) of rural Stuart, and Gary, a senior at Stuart-Menlo High School.
Donald Floyd Clayton was born January 18, 1927. His parents were Floyd Frank Clayton and Mary Hoepner Clayton. His wife, Inez Norine Clayton, was born December 15, 1930. Her parents were John Kromrie and Ina Caltrider Kromrie. They were married July 11, 1948. Children: Deborah Dawn Clayton Lundy, born November 15, 1953; Gary Lee Clayton, born July 16. 1958. Winfield Coffman, born in Lincoln Township, Adair County, October 10, 1914, is the son of John and Mabel Low Coffman. He graduated from Stuart High School, class of 1933. He grew up on farms in Lincoln, Grove and Jefferson Townships, residing since 1941 on the present farm in Jefferson Township. Years ago the farm was known as the Tom Delaney farm. One sister, Arlene, passed away in 1957.
Bernice, born in Casey, Iowa, October 2, 1918, is the daughter of Bert and Golda Faessler. Her father passed away when she was 1 ½ years of age. Her mother passed away when she was 3 years of age. Later, with younger brother, Bert, she was adopted by Joe and Mary Winn, who farmed in Jefferson Township where the Lawrence Batehams now reside. She graduated from Greenfield High School, Class of 1935. She taught in rural schools in Adair and Guthrie Counties and is now teaching in the Menlo Elementary School.
Winfield and Bernice were married July 5, 1941 in Adel, Iowa, and have resided on the present farm since their marriage. Their daughter, Donna Jean, was born January 31, 1949, is married to Warren Chiesa and lives in Des Moines. Herb Cunningham was born February 25, 1910, at Menlo, Iowa. His parents were Elmer Cunningham, born March 5, 1886 at Marshall County, and Lena Cunningham, born January 30, 1888 at Menlo, Iowa.
Edna Cunningham was born August 14, 1911, at Norwalk, Iowa. Her parents are Earl Burkhead, born July 9, 1888, at Norwalk, and Myrtle Burkhead Crandall, born April 15, 1890, at Norwalk. Their children are Gary Dean, born September 20, 1941 at Earlham; Marcia Ann (Menefee), born February 22, 1946, At Dexter; and Betty Lynn, born July 17, 1951 at Dexter. They have since moved to Menlo, and son, Gary and family live on the farm. Darwin Daulton Family—I am from Texas. I went to college in Nebraska. Frances and I met in Texas. We were married in Madrid, Iowa, in 1963. I taught at McCool Junction, Nebraska, from 1963-1966. We moved to Iowa in 1966. We have lived in Madrid, Ankeny, and moved here in June, 1069. Francis is from Virginia. We have two children, Colleen, age 10, a fifth grader at Stuart-Menlo, and Kent, age 7, a second grader. We have lived in Adair County since 1964 and I am employed by the Stuart-Menlo School System. Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Delaplain and daughters, Janet and Donna, moved from Bayard, Guthrie County, to Adair County in March, 1955, to the Art Hadley farm, eleven miles north of Greenfield on highway 25. Our daughters attended the Community School at Menlo. Janet graduated in 1958, Donna in 1963. The year 1966 we purchased Mrs. Charles Barnhouse’s property in Menlo, and retired there. Francis E. Dickey has devoted his entire life to agriculture and livestock in Adair County. He was born November 6th, 1900. His parents were Abijah and Louise (McDaniels) Dickey, who were of Pennsylvania Dutch and Irish descent. He started farming for himself in 1923 and was married to Mary E. Garner November 5, 1924, her parents being John L. and Clara E (McGlothen) Gardner. They were Scotch and Irish by birth. Mary had taught school three years prior to her marriage, two years at Jefferson No. 9.
Our first mail carrier was Charlie Heath of Menlo. He bought his first car in 1924 and had no hard roads to travel.
In the spring of 1928, we moved to the 200 acre farm in sections 21 and 29, then the Joseph Varley farm, with our seven months old son, Eugene L. born August 6, 1927. A daughter, Maxine Helen, was born December 21, 1923, and a son, Kenneth W., was born September 29, 1934, our drought year. Our children were all born at home. In 1941, we bought this farm from Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, and took possession March 1, 1942, and July 3rd, 1942, had a total crop loss from hail.
We have had windstorms blow the roof off of buildings and twist the cattle shed.
We have added buildings, filled ditches, made the land more fertile, put in water and electricity in most of the buildings and lots, enlarged and modernized the house with the help of our children. In 1969, our son, Eugene, who has always worked with his father, moved on this place and we bought the Chase 80 acres and retired there.
The marriage of our son, Eugene, to Norma John Beeler, took place June 3, 1950. They have three children: Craig L., who was married to Nancy Bloomquist June 7, 1975, and daughters, Pamela Kay and Tammy Sue.
Maxine Helen was married to Elton Herr February 28, 1954, and they are living on their farm northeast of Fontanelle. They have two sons, Steve, who is in his third year at the Air Force Academy in Colorado, and Doug, attending Ryder School in Des Moines.
Kenneth was married to Shirley May Juhl, December 28, 1955. They have one daughter, Kenlyn Rena, and two sons, Timothy Wayne and Thomas Dean. They have the Adair Bowl and live in Adair. Pamela and Kenlyn will be high school graduates in 1976.
Our children hosted a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for us November 5th, 1974, at Grove Chapel Church. Gene L. Dickey has been engaged in general farming in Jefferson Township where he has lived all his life. He was born the 6th of August, 1927 at his parent’s, Francis and Mary Dickey’s home. He attended Jefferson No. 9 grade school and graduated from Menlo High School.
On June 3, 1950, he was united in marriage with Norma Jean Beeler. She was born May 21st, 1932 in Bancroft, Kossuth County, Iowa, her parents being Elmer and Nellie (Cox) Beeler. They lived in a trailer and farmed with his father for a time. While there, their son, Craig L., was born, on February 2, 1953.
In the spring of 1954, they rented and moved to the Emma Barnhouse 240 acre farm and lived there fifteen years. While there, a storm blew the barn and cow shed down and blew their car down the driveway. Their two daughters were born while here. Pamela Kay was born October 22, 1957, and Tammy Sue, February 28th, 1966. Both were born in the Dexter Hospital.
The spring of 1969, his father retired to the Chase 80 acres, section 32, and Gene and his family moved back to the home place of 200 acres in section 29 and 21 where he very ably took over the farming operations of both farms.
June 7th, 1975, their son, Craig, was married to Nancy Bloomquist, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Bloomquist. They live in Ankeny, Iowa, where Craig is employed with the John Deere Co. Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Drake moved to Jefferson Township, Adair County, in February, 1956, from Guthrie County to a farm purchased from Ed and Emma McCleary. They moved in 1971 to their present home formerly owned by Clarence and Daisy Christensen. Their son, Mike, is buying and now lives on the first farm with his family. Leonard was born October 14, 1922 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. His parents were Edgar W. (Ned) and Cecil (Marshall) Drake. He grew up on a farm near Dexter. Lois was born September 6, 1924, in Sioux City, Iowa. Her parents were Michael H. and Ella (VanPutten) White.
They were married March 16, 1947 in Dexter, Iowa. Their children, all born in Dexter, Iowa, are: Michael Leonard, born April 12, 1948, married to Kathleen Ann Miller March 21, 1970 at Menlo-children: Kevin Lee, Kerry Wayne, Mark Alan; Nancy Ellen, born June 25, 1949, married to Jay Randall Wood December 18, 1971, West Des Moines-children: Kimberly Jean, Jason Alan, Matthew Michael; Ruth Marie, born July 13, 1951 married to Thomas Anthony Strathman July 24, 1971 at Jefferson Center Church-Children: Jennifer Lynn, Stephanie Ann; Elizabeth Ann, born April 22, 1954, married to Michael George Joint August 21, 1972,m Menlo-children: Gregory Michael, Marshall Warren, Richard Dale and William Dean.
William and Elizabeth (Caldwell) Frost, the maternal grandparents of Mrs. Drake’s father, came to Adair County in 1871 and lived on the farm in Lincoln Township now owned by Max Powell. The Joe Geesman farm, located 8 ½ miles north of Greenfield on Highway 25, has been owned continually by the family for 80 years.
Joseph H. Geesman was born November 3, 1891, in Jefferson Township, Section 29, Adair County, Iowa. His parents were George and Anna Varley Geesman. His parents were George and Anna Varley Geesman. In 1896 the family traded a restaurant which they owned and operated in Casey for the original 80 acres which the farm buildings occupy; a couple of years later they purchased the 80 adjoining it on the west, next to what is now the Everett Guthrie farm, from Mr. Simmons, of Casey. On an acre in the northeast corner of the farm, Jefferson No. 9 School, Hillside, lay for many years. Three generations of Joe’s family attended school there-his mother, Anna Varley (who as a youngster lived on another farm in the district), Joe, and both of his children, Ruth Helen and Winn. His wife, Hazel, now deceased, taught at Hillside for a number of years, from 1915 to 1919, and again from 1951 to 1955.
When the Menlo school system was reorganized in 1955, Jefferson No. 9 school building was sold to Nell Wallace and moved to Greenfield where it was remodeled and converted into a lovely home. After Mrs. Wallace’s passing, the former school building was moved to its present location on a farm owned by Quentin Wakefield.
In 1950 when Anna V. Geesman Clouse passed away, the only child, Joe, inherited the farm. He has lived on the farm, all told, around 40 years, first as a youth, from 1896 to 1917, and then again with his wife, Hazel, from 1910 to 1970.
Joe recalls when his parents planted the evergreen grove in 1897, which still stands today, bordering part of the northeast corner of the yard. They hauled water from Turkey Creek, which runs across the north edge of the farm, to keep it thriving during the dry years.
Joe also remembers his parents telling of the “Big Hail Storm of ’91,” which occurred July 1st. His parents then lived on another farm in District No. 9, now occupied by the Gene Dickeys. The hail drifted so deep along the river that they, along with their neighbors, Charles and Don Lilly, were able, using the ice, to make home-made ice-cream 17 days later.
The farm home had occupied continually since 1896, until in 1970 when Joe’s wife, Hazel, passed on, he went to make his home in Greenfield with his son, Winn, and family.
For a short time in 1973 the Craig Plymessers, nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Lee Plymesser of Tustin, California, resided in the house.
Then Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Chapman (the former Tawana Jean Geesman, a granddaughter of Joe Geesman) and young son, Aaron, now of Creston, made their home there for a year until August of 1974.
For several years the farm land has been rented out. The Robert Sheeder family of Stuart now farm it. Hazel Laurette Wilkins Geesman was born on March 19, 1894 in Lincoln Township, Adair County. Iowa, and died on September 20, 1970. Her parents were Ida Fink Morgan Wilkins and William R. Wilkins. Hazel taught at Jefferson No. 8 and 9 in Jefferson Township.
Ruth Helen Geesman was born September 23, 1919. Winn Herbert Geesman was born August 24, 1922. Ruth and her husband, Lee Plymesser, have resided in California the past 31 years, and Ruth has taught the past 18 years in the Orange County schools at Tustin, California. Their two children are Jolee (Mrs. Mervyn Selvidge), temporarily of Tustin, California, born April 10, 1946, and Carla Wynn, born December 10, 1952, at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Winn H. Geesman have made their home in Greenfield since their marriage on October 16. 1949. Their children are Nathan, of Des Moines, born August 20, 1951; Tawanna Jean (Mrs. Stephen) Chapman, born December 28, 1955; and Valerie, born August 3, 1958. Carl E. Gilman was born January 1, 1918 at Earlham, Iowa. His parents were Henry Arthur and Dora (Ketelsen) Gilman. His wife was Ruth Mapes, born August 18, 1921. Her parents were Festus Agustus Mapes and Lois Mae Spear. Carl and Ruth were married November 15, 1941. Their children are: Milcena Mae McDowall, born December 9, 1943; Craig Eldon, born January 29, 1946; and Cary Elwin, born October 16, 1962.
They have remodeled their home in the last ten years. Carl raises Border collies and works his dogs in Dog Trials. They also raise ponies, purebred Shorthorn cattle and purebred Hampshire sheep which he always shows at State and County Fairs. They are active members in the Jefferson Center Church. Everett V. Guthrie was born January 5, 1913, in Walnut Township, Adair County, Casey, Iowa. His parents, Jesse J. Guthrie (born August 31, 1883) and Daisy M. McNally (born August 20, 1882) were married December 31, 1907. Grandparents were Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Guthrie and Mr. And Mrs. Felix McNally, all of Walnut Township, Adair County.
Luene Barnhouse Guthrie was born February 28, 1913, in Beaver Township, Guthrie County, Casey, Iowa. Her parents, Charles E. Barnhouse (born June 18, 1878 in Poweshiek County, Malcom, Iowa) and Emma E Mains (born November 2, 1877, in Guthrie County, Casey, Iowa) were married February 12, 1902. Grandparents were Thomas S. and Mary Barnhouse, Menlo, Iowa and Jesse P. and Sarah Mains, Casey, Iowa. The parents were prominent farm folks and well-known in the community in which they lived. The grandparents were early settlers and pioneer folks in Adair and Guthrie Counties.
Everett’s sisters are Geraldine (Mrs. Walter H. Petersen, Greenfield) and Cleopha (Mrs. Wayne Hager, Casey); and his brother is Lloyd L. Guthrie, Stuart. The Guthrie family are related to the late Dr. Nelle Noble, who, in 1905, was the first woman intern, at the Iowa Methodist hospital in Des Moines.
Luene’s brothers are Floyd M. (deceased, 1932 and Wayne E. Barnhouse, and her elder sister is Blanche (Mrs. Carl Brandenburg). All are neighbors residing in the Menlo area.
Everett and Luene became acquainted while attending Casey High School. He graduated in the Class of 1931 and she graduated in 1932. They were married January 9, 1935 by Pastor O. R. Jones of the Menlo Methodist Church, at the home of the bride’s parents. A never-to-be-forgotten date, as the roads had thawed out and guests arrived by horseback or horse and buggies or wagon. The bride’s father made a long journey to Casey by team and wagon, picked up the second cake, baked by Clara Croisant. The cakes, in perfect condition, arrived in time for the wedding in the afternoon.
The first year of marriage, Everett farmed with his father in Walnut Township. In 1936 they rented a 90-acre farm from Abe and Agnes Shelters of Casey. The first year no crop was raised due to drought. Many acts of labor were performed, such as stacking straw, assisting neighbors, to help pay the first rent note. Hogs sold for $3.60 per hundred weight, corn at 40 cents a bushel, eggs for 18 cents and cream for 45 cents. A period of four years was spent on this farm. A son, Lee, was born January 30, 1939.
In the year 1939, a farm of 218 acres, Section 31, Jefferson Township, was purchased just three days before Germany and England became involved in World War II. The farm was purchased through the Savings Bank, Durant, Iowa. Harry Brower of Greenfield was the real estate dealer; Herbert Stowell was the last owner of the farm, and the Fred Lyst family was the last tenants.
Their son, Lee, was one year old when the move was made to the new home in 1940. While living on this farm, two storms occurred. A hail and wind storm on July 2, 1942, destroyed crops and damaged buildings. The Guthries and son sought shelter in the cave nearby. The hailstones, the size of golfballs, broke out windows, hit the front room floor and bounced, hitting the ceiling, leaving soiled marks. Another storm struck August 6, 1956, and destroyed crops and damaged many buildings in the area.
The year 1950 found the family and Lee involved in an auto accident south of Dexter. Everett suffered a broken back, resulting in paralysis. Through an operation and self-determination, his health was restored well enough for him to return to the farm and perform the labor he loved.
A daughter, Janna Gay, came to gladden the Guthrie home on June 22, 1953. She received her education in the Menlo Community School, graduating in 1971, and later attended college at Creston, educated in secretarial work.
Lee spent his boyhood on his parents’ farm. He attended grade school at Jefferson No. 9 School, graduating from there, attended and graduated from Menlo Community School in 1957. He enlisted in the Air Force January 16, 1961, and spent four years in the service. While stationed in Denver, he met and married Freeda Pittman of Moab, Utah on August 7, 1964. They later moved back to a farm in Adair County. They are the parents of two daughters, Robin age 9, and Miriam, age 4.
Janna Gay met Daryl Nelson at Creston College and they were married September 22, 1974. They reside on a farm in Jefferson Township and operate a large farm in Grove Township. Her talent as a musician started at age seven. She appeared on Bill Riley’s TV Talent Shows. He encouraged her to keep on with her music.
Since moving to the present farm, extensive soil conservation practices have been applied through the years. Two ponds were built, tiling was done, deep gullies were filled, trees were removed for new cropland, crops were rotated, fences were repaired and machine sheds built. All buildings were new, except the house and barn, at the time of purchase of the farm. The house was remodeled in 1966.
In 1969 a farm of 240 acres, Section 19, Jefferson Township, was purchased from the Barnhouse heirs. Soil conservation practices were applied to this farm, the same as listed above.
Everett and Luene are members of the Jefferson Center United Methodist Church. They enjoy meeting with other groups in church activities, Farm Bureau, clubs, and visiting nursing homes and shut–ins.
Camping and fishing are their outdoor hobbies. They have visited all states except the New England area. In 1962 they and their daughter, Janna, attended the World’s Fair at Seattle, Washington.
Lee E. Guthrie of Casey was born in Casey, Adair County, Iowa, January 30, 1939. His wife, Freeda M. Guthrie, was born in Moab, Utah, June 4, 1941. Her parents were Emit T. and Hannah M. Pittman. Lee’s parents are Everett V. and Luene Guthrie. Their children are: Robin Lee Guthrie, born June 14, 1966, at Greenfield, Iowa; Marcia Lee Guthrie, born June 3, 1968 at Greenfield, Iowa; and Miriam Lee Guthrie, born August 28, 1971. Marcia passed away November 22, 1968.
Lee graduated from Menlo Consolidated High School in 1957 and worked for his parents on their farm until January, 1961, when he enlisted in the Air Force. His schooling in San Antonio, Texas, was as a physiological training specialist, specifically to instruct pilots in an altitude chamber. From there he went to Okinawa for eighteen months and took optional courses in parachuting, jungle survival and water survival. He finished the remainder of the four years at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado.
While in Denver he met Freeda Pittman at Calvary Temple church, and they were married August 7, 1964. They remained in Denver until December, 1965. At which time they moved back to Iowa, and a few months later purchased a farm in Jefferson Township.
Lee has various interests in wood working mental working, and photography, but his main interest besides farming is lay speaking at various churches and home Bible studies.
Freeda graduated from Grand County High School in Moab, Utah in 1959 and attended the University of Utah in Salt Lake City one year. After another year at Westminster College, a Methodist affiliated school in Salt Lake City, she moved to Denver, Colorado, planning to finish college there. Before resuming school, however, she met Lee Guthrie at Calvary Temple church and seventeen months later they were married, on August 7, 1964. They moved back to Iowa in December 1965, and in May 1966, purchased a farm in Jefferson Township. Freda’s main interest outside the home is missionary societies. Aldie B. Josephson of Jefferson Township was born January 9, 1917 at Stuart, Iowa. His parents are Jerry Josephson and Annie Petersen. His parents came to America from Denmark. His father’s brother is a college professor in Denmark. His mother was a midwife in Denmark. His granddad was a shopkeeper in Denmark, His brother was in a German concentration camp, and had one-half leaf of cabbage to eat for a day’s food. Aldie served in World War II in England. The railroads were bombed, so he didn’t get to travel to see the country very much. Aldie died April 9, 1975. Kenneth and Pauline Kingery live on the McNelly farm in Jefferson Township, Menlo, Iowa, which they purchased from Royal and Nora McNelly, September 1, 1960, and moved to it in February, 1961. The farm originally was owned by Royal’s father Douglas McNelly. The farm formerly consisted of 120 acres, but Royal sold the west 80 to Schildbergs, who bought it for the lime rock which was mined out.
The Kingerys have two sons living, and one who passed away in November, 1974. He resided in Redwood City, California. He was married; his wife and two children still live there. One son, Lawrence, lives in Santa Rosa, California and the other, Floyd, lives in Phoenix, Arizona.
Mr. Kingery is a carpenter by trade, but has retired. Since living here, some remodeling has been done. Merritt Ray Lewis was born November 3, 1911 in Jefferson Township. His parents were Jessie Ray Lewis and Edith Kirlin Lewis. Doris Lorraine (Westphal) Lewis was born February 5, 1923 in Summerset Township. Her parents were Oscar J. Westphal and Edna F. Elliot. They were married July 7, 1943 in the Methodist parsonage at Greenfield. Their children are: Ardith Lorraine, born September 9, 1949 at Dexter; Arnold Merritt, born April 16, 1951, at Dexter.
Farm History: Merritt Lewis now owns and resides on land in Jefferson Township (2 miles north of Howe) bought by his great grandfather, Jonathan B. McGinnis, in 1864. This land is a part of a parcel of 700 acres which J. B. McGinnis purchased when coming from Madison County. This land has been in the family ever since, making it one of the century farms of 1976. Merritt was born on-half mile from here and has always lived in the immediate community. The family includes his immediate community. The family includes his wife, Doris (Westphal), and daughter Ardith, son Arnold and wife, Patty (Nelson).
Jessie Ray Lewis, son of John and Lizzie Mallatt Lewis, was born in Stuart, Adair County, Iowa, August 24, 1885, and passed away at his farm home south of Stuart May 29, 1946 at the age of 60 years, 9 months and 5 days.
February 19, 1908 he married Edith Kirlin and they resided in the Stuart area. They had 8 children: one son died in infancy and Leila, age 17, died November 27, 1934. He is survived by his wife and children, Merritt of Stuart; Dale in Veteran’s Hospital, Oceanside, California; Eldon, in service; Aleta Viola, at home. Also three brothers, Schuyler of Stuart; Charles, of Kentland, Indiana; and John, of El Centro, California. He was the seventh child in a family of eight, all were boys. His father, mother and four brothers preceded him in death (Bert, Frank, Elmer and Fred).
He was united with the Fairview Christian Church. Rev. Ernest Smith conducted the service. Music was furnished by Mrs. George Porter, Mrs. Lester Jones, and Mrs. Dewey Chiles. Flower ladies; Mary Garland, Hazel Linn and Edith Watts. Casket bearers: Eugene Nelson, George Barnett, Elzie Beaman, Fred Watts, Wight Linn, and Ralph Garland. I.O.O.F. Lodge of Stuart conducted graveside services at Fairview Cemetery. Robert Elliston Linn was born March 21, 1929 in Jefferson Township. His parents are Jackson and Mildred (Pugh) Linn. His wife is Judith Arlene Krueger, born June 15, 1943, in Creston, Iowa. They were married February 26, 1967. They have two children: Christine Louise and Lee Matthew. They raise Hereford cattle. They are active in the Jefferson Center Church. Lyle Gene Livingston was born in Madison County, February 26, 1932, one of five children born to Blanche May Ham and Clarence Elwood Livingston. Gene attended country school in Madison County and then at the age of nine, his family moved to Adair County and he attended Grand River No. 7, and graduated from Zion High School. Gene served in the Army and was stationed in Korea. He is serving on the Adair County 4-H Committee, has been Jefferson Jumpers 4-H leader for seven years, and is director of the Pork Producers. He is also an auctioneer.
Gene was united in marriage to Carolyn Joy Woodson on February 12, 1956, at the Hebron Methodist Church, Grand River Township, Adair County. Carolyn was born in Summerset Township, Adair County, Iowa on July 1, 1936, one of five children born to Evelyn Alvina White and Marion Rowland Woodson. Carolyn attended country school at Grand River No. 9 and graduated from the Greenfield High School. She has been 4-H leader of the Jefferson Jolly Makers for five years and assistant Sunday School teacher for the High School at the Jefferson Center Methodist Church.
The first child born of this union was Jeffery Dee Livingston, born May 14, 1957. To make the family complete, Joy Jean Livingston was born February 20, 1960.
E. Guy White purchased this farm in 1910. He passed away May 6, 1966. Evelyn Woodson, daughter of Guy White, owned the farm until 1972. Gene and Carolyn Livingston moved to this farm March 1, 1956 and purchased it in 1972. Marvin Ludwigs live in Jefferson Township, Section 30. He was born at Menlo, August 21, 1936. Sandra Jean (Bechtol) Ludwig was born south of Adair, July 26, 1937. They were married on November 18, 1956 and their children are: Brenda Lee, born at Atlantic, July 16, 1957; Dawn Marie, born at Greenfield, Sept. 3, 1962; and Cindy Renee, born at Greenfield on December 23, 1964.
Jean Ludwig’s parents re Roy D. Bechtols of Adair in Summit Township. The Ludwigs bought these 80 acres in 1962 from Georgia Mae Egger and moved here in July from Casey. At this time Marvin worked in Des Moines and commuted to work. He quit in 1965 and rented more land and stared milking. He also has called square dances for several years.
Marvin Ludwig’s father is Vern Ludwig, whose father is Orie Ludwig of Ohio. Orie’s wife was Grace (Henecker) Ludwig from Kansas. Orie and Grace had seven children: Ellsworth, Elwood, Buelah (Warner), Elmore, Vern, Mildred (Betts deceased), and Viola (Messinger).
Grace died of the flu in 1918, at Miles City, Montana. The children’s Grandmother Nelson (Lydia) Ludwig went there and brought them back to Montieth, Iowa. Their father, Orie, returned and he and the family remained in the Menlo area. Orie is 90 years of age and a resident of the Community Care Center at Stuart. He received word this summer that his grandfather’s mill, which has operated since 1846 in the Toledo, Ohio, area, has closed and is undergoing Historical Restoration.
Vern Ludwig married Mildred Bantrup, daughter of Carl and Florence (Campbell) Bantrup. Carl lived on the farm where the Darwin Daulton family lived, in Jefferson Township. Vern and Mildred moved to Oklahoma, where their first child, a girl, was born and died at the age of 6 months. They later moved to the Menlo area with sons, Marvin, Ivan, and Darrell. The youngest son, Roger, was born at their present farm site about 4 miles south of Casey in Walnut Township, section 11, where they have lived about 30 years. The boys attended Walnut No. 6 school, 1 mile south of the farm. William McAtee was born in Greenview, Illinois on February 13, 1897, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward McAtee. He came to Earlham in 1911 and in 1921 was married to Mildred Russell, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Russell. Mrs. McAtee was born in Jolley, Calhoun County, Iowa on November 3, 1899.
The McAtees lived for one year where Eldon Sherman now lives, and for seven years on the Fred Whittum farm south of Jefferson Center Church, now owned by Louie Nelson. In 1930 they moved to their own farm south of Stuart in section 14 where they lived until retiring and moving to Stuart. The children are: Kenneth R., born November 15, 1924; Dale W. Born October 2, 1932; and Edith Geraldine, born February 28, 1922, who died September 14, 1934. James A. McClung was married to Willie Vida Brown. They came from West Virginia in 1908, to Tipton, Iowa. They lived most of their married life in Adair County. James passed away while the family lived on the John Kriens farm in Walnut Township. Mrs. McClung, Don and Charles moved one-fourth mile south of the Kriens farm where they lived until Charles sold the farm. He moved to Menlo. Mrs. McClung lives at the Stuart Care Center and Don lives in his trailer home in Jefferson Township, section 34. The McClungs were well known for their trucking. The children of James and Willie McClung are Sadie Delaney born November 1, 1909; Don, born July 6, 1914; Marguerite Sweeney, born February 24, 1917; Sam, born October 13, 1920; Charles, born September 9, 1923; and Carrie McNarry, born April 23, 1925. Allen L. McNelly was born in Stuart, Iowa, November 1, 1897. Mildred Davidson McNelly was born at Dale City, Iowa, March 6, 1900. Their children are: Ruth Maxine, born March 10, 1920, deceased, July 11, 1838; George Douglas, born September 16, 1921, deceased September 17, 1921; Marjorie Oleta, born August 6, 1923; Betty Ilene, born April 10, 1926 (all the above born in Adair County); Gary Allen, born October 25, 1938, and Marlene Kay, born May 25, 1944, both in Menlo. Royal McNelly was born at Coin, Iowa, June 27, 1895. His wife, Nora Reed, was born at Monteith, Iowa, May 11, 1900. They were married January 22, 1921, and are the parents of four daughters, one of whom died at the age of two years: Dorothy Bethune, born January 26, 1922, died April 24, 1924; Evelyn Irene Maas, born March 8, 1924 at Monteith, Iowa; Ruth Bernice Thornburg, born June 21, 1934, at Greenfield; and Beverly Ann Harmon, born December 24, 1935, at Greenfield.
His parents were Douglas McNelly, born July 28, 1867, and Betty McNelly, born May 17, 1864. Her parents were Lloyd Reed, born July, 1864, and Ruth Reed, born April 20, 1862, in Noble County, Ohio. All four parents are deceased.
The McNellys expressed a keen interest in their family, farm life, and participated in many activities in the community, always ready to lend a helping hand when and where needed.
Royal served for many years on the board of trustees. He served in World War I and is a member of VFW. Nora is a member of the Sunshine Club and the Auxiliary, at Menlo. She is a loyal worker in the Jefferson Center United Methodist church.
While residing on the farm, they celebrated their fortieth wedding anniversary in 1961.
The family farm was sold to Gary and Laurene Cunningham. In 1969 Royal and Nora moved to their new home in Menlo. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1971. Royal died January 19, 1975, and is buried at Stuart. Nora died January 31, 1976. John E. Morris was born April 23, 1926 in Walnut Township, Adair County, and was married August 7, 1955, in Greenfield to Grace Short, born May 14, 1932, at Casey, Guthrie county.
John’s parents are John H. and Faye Shell Morris, and Grace’s parents are William and Carrie Lundy Short. Their children are Rebecca Ann, born June 27, 1956; Dennis Eugene, born May 27, 1957; Jane Enid, born August 13, 1958; John Williams, born July 27, 1960; all were born at Greenfield. Transcribed from Adair County History 1976 by volunteer Mary Cochrane pages 125-152 |
