Emily Jane Allgood Gilchrist 1857 to 1925 and her family…

Emily Jane Allgood Gilchrist was a daughter of Sarah Blacketer Allgood Spracklin. She is not related to me but was related to the second family of Daniel’s because of Sarah.  I don’t think that Amarilla and Emily were close but I share this here because it is information I have about a connection to the Spracklins.

Emily was born on 6 May, 1857 in Rose Hill, Mahaska Co., Iowa to Charles Edward Allgood and Sarah Jane Blacketer. The family believes Emily was born in Iowa but the census says Indiana.

The family appears in the 1860 U.S. Census.

1627/1709, Edward Allgood, 31 years, farmer, 310, born Kentucky
Sarah 23, housewife, born Indiana
Emily Allgood, 3 born in Indiana
Phebe D. Allgood under a year, born in Iowa

Emily was the only surviving child from this family, as far as I can tell, John, James, and Phoebe died very young. Her father Edward Allgood has been difficult to research. I have their marriage and the 1860 census but that is about it. Sarah Blacketer married Edward Allgood on 25 December, 1852 in Rockeville, Parke Co., Indiana and they migrated to Iowa.

I have written about Sarah’s family in other past posts on this blog.  You can find them by finding the PAGE at the top of this blog about Daniel Spracklin. Open the page and there is a table of contents of the published posts on this blog.

Emily married William H. Gilchrist on 28 October, 1875 in Marengo, Iowa Co., Iowa. William was born 11 November, 1853 in Mahaska Co., Iowa and died 29 October, 1937.  Emily died 29 October, 1925 and both are buried in the Jackson Cemetery in Rose Hill, Iowa. Find a Grave has memorials for them and pictures of their tombstone.

Source: Marriage Index, Iowa County, Vol. D, 1875-1881 Film#988202, Iowa County Genealogical Society, Now in North English, Iowa. Marriage of Emily J. Allgood to William Gilchrist, Iowa Co. at Marengo. 

We find Emily and William in Mahaska Co., Iowa.  They are there in the 1900 census with six of their eleven (11) children:

Line 57, 102, 102, Gilchrist, William, Head, W, M, Nov, 153, 46, M, 25, born Iowa, father PA, mother Ohio, farmer, O, yes, yes, yes, $, F, 28.
Gilchrist, Emily J., wife, W, F, May 1856, 44, M, 25, 11 children born 7 living, born Indiana, parents born Indiana. yes, yes, yes.
Gilchrist, Leslie E., son, W, M, Dec. 1884, 15, S, born Iowa, at school, 3, yes, yes, yes.
Gilchrist, Birdie A., daughter, W, F, April 1887, 13, S, born Iowa, at school, 9, yes, yes, yes
Gilchrist, Sarah E., daughter, W, F, May 1889, 11, S, born Iowa, at school, 9, yes, yes, yes
Gilchrist, Edna W, daughter, W, F, July 1891, 8, S, born Iowa
Gilchrist, George J, son, W, M, April 1893, 7, S, born Iowa
Gilchrist, Louis E., son, W, M, Mar. 1897, age 3, S, born Iowa

Source: William Gilchrist Family, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, White Oak Twp., Mahaska Co., Iowa, SD#6, ED#80, Sht#5, enumerated 7 June, 1900 by Robert Doak. Dist 00. 

In 1910, William and Emily have migrated to Warren Twp., Keokuk Co., Iowa. We now have five of their eleven children:

Line 8, 220, 221, Gilchrist, William, head, M, W, 46, M1, 35, born Iowa, father born PA, mother Ohio, English, Farmer, home farm, _____, No, 0, yes, yes, R, F, 51
Gilchrist, Emily, wife, F, W, 52, M1, 35, 11 born, 7 living, born Indiana, parents born Indiana, English, occupation millinery, yes, yes.
Gilchrist, Leslie E., son, M, W, 25, S, born Iowa, English, Farmer, home farm, w, no, 0, yes, yes, 2, 2, 0, 0.
Gilchrist, Sarah E, daughter, F, W. 20, S, born Iowa,English, teacher, Public School, W, no, 0, yes, yes, N1.
Gilchrist, Edna W., daughter, F, W, 18, S, born Iowa, English, none, yes, yes, yes
Gilchrist, George I., son, M, W, 17, S, born Iowa, English, farm labor, home farm, w, no, 0, yes, yes, yes
Gilchrist, Louis E, son, M, W, 13, S, born Iowa, English, farm labor, home farm, w, no, 0, yes, yes, yes

Source: William Gilchrist Family, 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Warren Twp., Keokuk, Iowa, Dist#0058, SD#6, ED#58, Sht#9A, enumerated 26 and 27 April, 1910 by John E. [Braunie].

I could not find Emily and William in the 1920 U.S. Federal Census but I did find several of their children. Which I will present below in the overview of their family.

William and Emily are in the 1925 Iowa State Census living in Monroe, Mahaska Co., Iowa. This is the last census for Emily.  It has been very difficult to find William and Emily in the census for both federal and state.

Source: Emma (Allgood) Gilchrist Family, 1925 Iowa State Census, Monroe, Mahaska Co., Iowa. Line 23, Roll IA1925_1829. Gilchrist, William, Head, male, white, age 71, married. Gilchrist, Emma, wife, female, white, age 67, married, Gilchrist, Louis, male, white age 28, single.

William appears in the 1930 census widowed and with his son Louis.

Line 63, 20, 20, Gilchrist, William, Head, $700, R, no, M, W, 76 wd, no, yes, born Iowa, father born PA, mother Ohio, yes, none, not a veteran
Gilchrist, Louis, E. son, M, W, 33, S, no, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother Indiana, yes, laborer, railroad, 7877, W, no, 5, no.

Source: William Gilchrist Family, 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Rose Hill Town, White Oak Twp., Mahaska Co., Iowa, Dist#30, ED#62-30, SD#12, Sht#1B, enumerated 3 April, 1930, by Clarence Douglas. 

William and Emily had probably eleven (11) children of which four (4) died young:

Gilchrist Family, courtesy of B. Roufley, MT.

1. Ivy Esther Gilchrist b. 12 February, 1877 in Rose Hill, Mashaska Co., Iowa and died 16 October, 1964.  She married to a John Douglass born about 1875 in Iowa.

Source: Douglass to Gilchrist, Marriage Records 1880-1937, Mahaska Co., Iowa, 398 Hamilton-Osceloa 6123, D. G. Spracklin gave consent. D.G. is her uncle and brother to her mother. 

Ivy E. Gilchrist of Rose Hillborn about 1876, female, age 32, Marriage date 20, November, 1899, Mother Emma Allgood, Spouse John W. Douglass born about 1875, father John Wesly Douglass, Mother Mary M. Pettichord. Number 6123, D.G. Spracklin gave consent for marriage. John W. Douglass, White Oak Twp., Farmer, White, first, Geo. A. Ross, JP at Oskaloosa

John and Ivy were living in Nebraska in 1920. A complete census study would be in order but here is at least a start.

Line 62, 15, 17, Douglass, John W. Head, R, M, W, 45, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Kentucky, mother born Virginia, farmer, railroad, W, W.
Douglass, Ida E. wife, F, W, 42, M, yes, yes, born Iowa. father born Iowa, mother born Indiana
Douglass, Lottie, daughter, F, W, 14, S, yes, yes, yes, Iowa
Douglass, Bessie P., daughter, F, W, 12, S, yes, yes, yes, Iowa
Douglass, William J., son, M, W, 10, S, yes, yes, yes, Iowa
Douglass, Julius G., son, M, W, 7, S, yes, Iowa
Douglass, Julia, daughter, F, W, 7, S, yes, Iowa
Douglass, Frank, son, M, W, 11/12, S, Iowa

Source: John W. Douglass Family, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Andrews, Sioux Co., Nebraska, Dist#0247, SD#6, ED#247, Sht#9B, Ward #1772, enumerated _____by Glenn M. Zerbe.

2. Willie Daniel Gilchrist was born in Rose Hill and died 10 March, 1880.

3. Weidie Gilchrist was born in Rose Hill and died 2 January, 1881.

4. Amy Gilchrist died 7 November, 1881 Do we have twins?

5. David Edward Gilchrist was born 29 May, 1883 and died the same day.

6. Leslie Earl Gilchrist was born 8 December, 1884 in Mahaska Co., Iowa and died 9 July 1973.  He married to a Abbie M. Baughman born about 1892 in Iowa to Francis M. Baughman and Marthe M. Payton.

He was with his parents in the 1900 and 1910 census, see above.

Source: Return of Marriages in the county of Keokuk, Iowa, #9, Aug 8, 1902, Burley Roberts gives consent to the marriage of Leslie Gilchrist, Delta, Iowa, Laborer, age 28, white, first marriage, born in Mahaska to Wm. Gilchrist and Ema Allgood, Spouse Abbie M. Baughman, Delta, Iowa, 20 years, White, first, born Keokuk Co., Iowa to Francis M. Baughman and Marthe M. Payton, married in Sigourney, Iowa Aug. 8, 1912. Witnesses Mrs. Ethel Roberts and Burley Roberts. 

Leslie and Abbie appear in the 1920 U.S. Federal Census living in Warren Twp., Keokuk Co., Iowa.

Line 23, Fm, 136, 137, Gilchrist, Leslie, E. Head, R, M, W, 35, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother Indiana. farmer, vender, 137.
Gilchrist, Abbie M. wife, F, W, 27, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, parents born Iowa
Gilchrist, William F, son, M, W, 6, S, yes, born Iowa
Gilchrist, Robert L., son, M, W, 4 4/12, S, born Iowa
Gilchrist, Emily E., daughter, F, W, 11/12 S, born Iowa

Source: Leslie Gilchrist Family, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Warren Twp., Keokuk Co., Iowa, Dist#0061, SD#95, ED#61, Sht#7A, Ward 8101, enumerated 26 and 27 of January, 1920 by E. L. Root.

7. Birdie Anna Gilchrist was born 1 April, 1887 in Mahaska Co., and died 11 April, 1909 is buried in the Jackson Cemetery in Rose Hill. Find A Grave has a memorial with a tombstone photo. She married a Henry Gustavus Hedlund who was born 17 August, 1888 in Rose Hill, Mahaska Co., Iowa and died August 1979 in Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., Iowa. He is buried in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. Find A Grave has a memorial with a tombstone photo and links. He was the son of Andrew Hedlund and Christina Lausen.

Henry remarried to a Nell O. Wesby on 4 January, 1912 in Mahaska Co., Iowa. If I could find a marriage for Henry to Birdie I would feel better about this section. Here is the marriage for Henry to Nell.

Source:  Return of Marriages in the County of Mahaska, No. 118, 1/4/12, Andrew Hedlund gave consent for Henry Hedlund, Oskaloosa, Iowa, Farmer, 24 years old, white, born in Iowa to Nell Wesby of Fremont, daughter of John Westby, Jane [B____}. Witness was Ellen Hedlund and J. M. McClelland, Minister. He states it is his first marriage?

8. Sarah Emma Gilchrist was born 28 May, 1889 in Mahaska Co., Iowa and she died 22 February, 1978. She married on 13 November 1913 in Dickinson Co., Iowa to a Clayton Davis born about 1884. The name Sodie Emma was used in the marriage record.

Source: Return of Marriages in the county of Dickinson in Iowa. #300, Nov. 13, 1912, George Gilchrist gives consent for the marriage of Clayton Davis, Superior, Iowa, Farmer, age 29, white, first, born Herman, Nebraska to James M. Davis and [Clarie] Deaver, to Sadie/Sodie Emma Gilchrist of Superior, Iowa, age 24, white, Scotch-Irish, first, born Rose Hill, Mahaska, Iowa, to Wm. Gilchrist and Emma Jane Allgood, at Spirit Lake, Iowa November 13, 1913 (should be 1912), witnesses George Gilchrist, Edna Gilchrist and Edson M. Bell, Minister.

9. Edna Wildia Rill Gilchrist was born 11 July, 1891 in Rose Hill. She married a Walter Everhart Lenox on 14 April, 1915 in Emmet, Iowa. Walter died in 1950 and is buried in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, Mahaska Co., Iowa. Edna died in 1990 and is buried in the Forest Cemetery as well. Find A Grave has a memorial for both with links, photos and more.

Source:  Return of Marriages in the County of Emmet, Iowa, #3019, 4/14/15 Richard Carpenter gives approval of the marriage of Walter Lenox, 28 years, white, Terril, Iowa, Farmer, first, born, Polk City, Iowa to George F. Lenox and Carrie Griffin, Spouse: Edna Gilchrist of Estherville, Iowa age 24, white, born Rose Hill, Iowa to Wm. Gilchrist and Anna Allgood, married at Estherville, April 14, 1915, witnesses, Mrs. J.S. Coffin and Rev. J.S. Coffin and Mrs. M. E. Barrett. 

Edna and Walter were living in Lloyd Twp., Dickinson Co., Iowa in 1920.

Line 80, Fm, 73, 75, Lenox, Walter E. head, R, M, W, 31, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Minnesota, mother born Wisconsin, yes, farmer, general farm, OA, 71
Lenox, Edna W.R., wife, F, W, 28, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, parents born Iowa
Lenox, Cloyd B. son, M, W, 3 9/12 S, no, born Iowa
Lenox, Arline G., daughter, F, W, 11/12, S, no, born Iowa

Source: Walter E. Lenox, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Lloyd Twp., Dickinson, Iowa, Dist#0049, SD#11, ED#4, Sht4B, Ward of City, enumerated 15, 16, 20 of January, 1920, by Karl F. Clark.

Their son Cloyd V. Lenox was born 6 March, 1916 in Iowa and died 15 July, 1983 in Oskaloosa and he is also buried in the Forest Cemetery. Find A Grave has a memorial for him.  He married on 2 January, 1943 to a Bonnie M. Daniels born 28 April 1917.  They had a daughter names Linda who died and is buried in the Forest Cemetery with a memorial at Find A Grave and links to her husband.

10. George Iris Gilchrist was born 9 April, 1893 in Rose Hill. He married a Bessie Bell Goodge on 15 April, 1914, Emmet, Iowa. Bessie was born about 1896 to Sherman Goodge and Carline Slaight. They may have had: Alvin, Dale W, Clifford, Nellie Mae and Delmer. George died about 1990 in Solway, Beltrami Co., Minnesota and is buried in the Solway Cemetery there. Bessie died 1985 and is also buried in the Solway Cemetery. Find A Grave has a memorial for them.

In 1920 George and Bessie were living in Keokuk Co., Iowa. His brother Louis is with him.

Line 72, Fm, 12, 124, Gilchrist, George I. Head, R, M, W, 26, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother Indiana, yes, farmer, vendor, 125
Gilchrist, Bessie, wife, F, w, 22, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born England, English, mother born Iowa
Gilchrist, Dale W., son, M, W, 3 1/2, S, born Iowa
Gilchrist, Nellie, daughter, F, W, 2 1/2, S, born Minnesota
Gilchrist, Clifford, son, M, W, 0/12, S, born Iowa
Gilchrist, Louis E., brother, M, W, 22, S yes, yes, born Iowa

Source: George I. Gilchrist Family, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Warren Twp., Keokuk Co., Iowa, Dist#0061, SD#95, ED#61, Sht#6B, Ward 8051, enumerated 26 day of January, 1920, by E.L. Root.

George and Bessie attended the funeral of Charles Edward Spracklin in 1946, there are mentioned in the obituary for George’s uncle.

11. Louis Eugene Gilchrist was born 18 March, 1897 in What Cheer, Keokuk Co., Iowa and he died 1 December, 1982. He never married. In 1920 he is with his brother George and in 1930 he is living with his widowed father in Rose Hill, Mahaska Co., Iowa. He was also at the funeral of his uncle Charles Edward Spracklin in 1946 in Pine River.

So much more could be done on this family but I think this is where I will stop. It might be very interesting to seek out an estate file for William Gilchrist in October of 1937 in Mahaska County, Iowa to see if the children are listed and any other descendants.  Other documents like obituaries, more census work and final resting places could be sought.

The Family of Amos and Iva Heiss Spracklin….

Amos Earl Spracklin was a son of Reed and Julia Siler Spracklin.  He was born on the 28th of August, 1899 in Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa.

Amos Spracklin in 1919

He died on the 12th of December, 1983 in Jordan, Garfield Co., Montana. He is buried in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City Montana.

Amos & Iva’s Tombstone, Custer Co. Cemetery in Miles City

Amos married Iva Myrtle Heiss on the 26th of July, 1924 in Miles City, Montana.

Kafroth & Mary C. Heiss

Iva was born in Baldwin, Burleigh Co., North Dakota. She was the daughter of Kafroth Rodney Heiss, Jr. who was born 31 May, 1858 in Erie, Erie Co., Pennsylvania and died 6 December, 1928 in Warms Springs, Deer Lodge, Montana.  Her mother was Mary Katherine Unzen born 14 February, 1879 in Minnesota and died 20 June, 1973 in Miles City, Montana. She was the daughter of Joseph Unzen and Elizabeth Morris.

Joseph Unzen and Elizabeth are buried in the Saint Leo Cemetery in Yellow Medicine Co., Minnesota. Find A Grave has a photo of their tombstones and a memorial with links.  It is possible from the Find A Grave information that Joseph’s father was Nicholas Unzen born 2 August, 1788 in Germany and died 18 February, 1872 in Le Sueur Co., Minnesota.

Mary K. Heiss is buried in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City with her son Rodney. Find A Grave has a tombstone photo and memorial for both.  There are other Heiss buried there but the relationships are not clarified.

Kafroth’s father was Kafroth Rodney Heiss Sr. who died 12 August, 1858 in Fairview (probably a township), Erie Co., Pennsylvania. The mother was Mary Ann Long born in Fairview, Erie Co., Pennsylvania.  There is a memorial at Find A Grave for a Kafroth Heiss with no information and no tombstone.  There are other Heiss buried in the Fairview Cemetery in Erie County, Pennsylvania.

We find the family of Kafroth and Mary Heiss living in Wason Flats, Garfield County, Montana in the 1920 U.S. Census. The name is under Kafront R. Heiss. He is 71 years of age in this census. Wason Flats is east of Cohagen in Garfield County, Montana.

Source:  1920 U.S. Federal Census, Wason Flats, Garfield Co., Montana, School Dist#33, SD#2, ED#123, Sht #5B, enumerated on 21 February, 1920 by J. Budd Kaus. 

Line 76, Farm, 114, 114, Heis, Kafront R., Head, 1, 0, F, M, W, 71, M, all able to read and write, several in school, born Pennsylvania, parents born in Pennsylvania, yes, farmer, general farm, 110.

Heiss, Mary wife, F, 2, 41, M, born Minnesota, parents born in West Prussia

Heiss, Rose, daughter, F, W, 18, S, born Washington

Heiss, Arthur, son, M, W, 15, S, born Minnesota, maid, housework

Heiss, Iva, daughter, F, W, 13, S, born North Dakota, 

Heiss, Elizabeth daughter, F, W, 11, S, born North Dakota

Heiss, Roddy son, M, W, 9, S, born North Dakota

Heiss, Joseph son, M, W, 5, S, born North Dakota

Heis, Deloris, daughter, F, W, 2, S, born Montana

According to my information Kafroth and Mary had about nine children, including Iva:  Bob, Joe, Art, Rose, Delores, Ann, Rodney died 1961, Iva Myrtle and Elizabeth Susanna 1908 to 2001 who married Harley Grover Spracklin.

So I went back to 1910 and find Kafroth and Mary K. Heiss living in North Dakota.

Source: 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Menoken Twp., Burleigh, North Dakota, SD#2, ED#35, Sht#1A, enumerated on 18 April, 1910 by Ole Sather.

Line 1, 1, 1, Heiss, K. Head, M, W, 53, Married 12 years, born in PA, parents born in PA, English, Farmer

Heiss, Mary K. wife, F, W, 31, Married 12 years, 5 born 5 living, born Minnesota, parents born Germany, English, house farm

Heiss, Annie Mary, daughter, F, W, 10, S, born Washington

Hessi, Rosy Elmirel, daughter, F, W, 8, S, born Washington

Heiss, Arthur Floyd, Son, M,W, 5, S, born Minnesota

Heiss, Iva Mary, daughter, F, W, 3, S, born North Dakota

Heiss, Elizabeth Susanna, daughter, F, W, 1, S, born North Dakota

We have added a couple more children for Kafroth and Mary K. Heiss to the family group.  I am not finding them in the 1900 U.S. Census but it looks like they were in Washington State at that time.

Here are is another photo of Amos and Iva’s homestead, which is now owned by a daughter.

Amos’ Homestead near Jordan, 2003. It is probably torn down by now it was going to ruin and was dangerous.

In 1930 Amos is living near his father Reed and mother Julia.

Amos and Iva Spracklin and one of their girls, probably Margaret

Source:  Reed Spracklin Family and Amos Spracklin Families, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Sheldon Twp., Garfield Co., Montana, School Distr #41., Garfield Co., Montana SD2, ED 122, Sh#5a, Mar 22, 1930, #T625-971.

Line 3, 2, 2, Spracklin, Amos. E, Head, yes, M, W, 30, m, 24, No, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother, born Nebraska, yes, Farm, laborer, Farm, 2. 
Spracklin, Iva, M, Wife – H, F, W, 30, M, 24, no, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa and mother Minnesota. 
Spracklin, Margaret R, daughter, F, W, 3, S, no, born Montana
Spracklin, Alice, M, daughter, F, W, 1, S, no, born Montana

Line 7, 3, 3, Spracklin, Reed, A. Head, yes, M,W,, 61, M, 39, no, yes, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother born Indiana, Farmer, farm, 3.
Spracklin, Julia A, wife-H, F, W, 51, M, 29, No, yes, born Nebraska, father Indiana, mother Iowa
Spracklin, Roy, Son, M,W, 16 S, yes, yes, born Iowa
Spracklin, Everett, R, son, M, W, 19, S, no, yes, born Iowa
Spracklin, Forest, E, son, M, W. 12, S, yes, yes, born Montana
Spracklin, Clara L., daughter, F, W, 10 S, yes, yes, born Montana

Amos and Iva are residing in the Sawtell area of Garfield Co., Montana in 1940.

Source: Amos E. Spracklin Family, 1940 U.S. Federal Census, Sawtell (School District), Garfield Co., Montana, SD #3, ED 17-25, Sht# 1A, Enumerated April 24, 1940 by Donald M. Zimmerman. 

Line 6, 2, R, 4, yes, Spracklin, Amos L., Head, M, W, 40 , M, No, 44, born Iowa, all same house, farmer,, farm.
Spracklin, Iva, wife, F, W, 34, M, No 8, North Dakota. Spracklin, Margaret, daughter, F, W, 13, S, yes, 6, Montana, Spracklin, Alice, daughter, F, W, 11, S, yes, 5, Montana, Spracklin, Betty, daughter, F,W, 9, S, yes, 4, Montana, Spracklin, Bertha, daughter, F, W, 7, S, yes, 2, Montana, Spracklin, Dorothy, daughter, F, W, S, Montana, Spracklin, Helen, daughter, F, W, S, Montana.  

Amos and Iva in 1967 at Thanksgiving

Iva Heiss Spracklin passed away on November 24, 1969.

Mrs. Iva Myrtle Spracklin, 63, wife of Amos E. Spracklin, former Jordan area rancher, died Monday, November 24 at her home in Hamilton. Funeral services for Mrs. Iva Spracklin were held, Friday afternoon in the Chapel of Stevenson, Miles City Funeral Home with the Rev. Leland Rubesh of the First Presbyterian Church officiating. Music was under the direction of Mrs. Marian Pinkham. Mrs. Spracklin was born in Baldwin, N.D. on October 16, 1906, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. K. Heiss. As a young girl she moved with her family to the Cohagen area where they homesteaded. She received her schooling in Miles City. She was married to Amos E. Spracklin on July 26, 1924 at Miles City and following their marriage they moved to the Jordan area where they farmed and ranched. They retired from the ranch in 1964 when they moved to Hamilton and have made their home there since. Surviving are her husband of Hamilton and six daughters. Mrs. M. Roberts of Hamilton, Mrs. F. Bickel of Rock Springs, Mrs. D. Cole of Miles City, Mrs. B. Roufley of Jordan and Mrs. D. Euell of Bozeman and Mrs. Fishell of White Sulphur Springs. Also surviving are her mother Mrs. Mary K. Heiss of Miles City, and three brothers, Bob Heiss of Garden Grove, Calif., Joe Heiss serving in the U.S. Army and Art Heiss of Miles City; four sisters, Rose Pembrook of Lewiston, Idaho, Delores Rogers of Roundup, Ann Larson of Lewiston, Idaho, and Elizabeth Spracklin of Miles City; 25 grandchildren and seven great grand children. She was preceded in death by one brother, Rodney Heiss in 1962 and one daughter, Mary Ann Spracklin in 1923 near Jordan. Pall bearers were: Martin Derenburgen, Donald Weeding, James Rogers, Waldo Bentley, George Spracklin, Roy Spracklin, Thomas Billings, Pete Ronning and Bob Phipps. Burial was in the family plot in the Sunset Memorial Gardens in Miles City.”  Note: There were issues with the water table at Sunset and so the casket was moved to the Custer County Cemetery next to her husband Amos in Miles City, MT.

Amos lived fourteen more years beyond his wife and passed away on 12 December, 1983 at the age of 84 years old.

Obituary for Amos Earl Sprackin
“Amos Earl Spracklin, 84, longtime rancher of the Jordan area, died Monday at the Garfield County Hospital in Jordan of a long illness. He was born Aug. 28, 1899 in Calhoun Co., Iowa the son of Reed Spracklin and Julia Siler. Mr. Spracklin came to Montana with his parents in 1915 when he was a young man. They homesteaded on Lone Tree Creek, 19 miles west of Jordan. On July 26, 1924, he married Iva Myrtle Heiss at Miles City. They continued to ranch west of Jordan until 1964 when they moved to Hamilton. In 1974 he moved to Mill Iron where he lived until 1978 when he entered the rest home at Jordan where he lived until his death. Survivors included six daughters, Mrs. Clint (Margaret) Vial of Portland, Oregon; Mrs. James Roufley of Brusett, Mrs. Ferdinand  Bickel of Mill Iron, Mrs. Delbert ole of Alzada, Mrs. Jesse Euell of Bozeman and Mrs. Jacob Fowler of Hamilton; three brothers Clifford of Hamilton, LeRoy of Roundup, and Forest of Washington; one sister, Clara Monger of Lewistown; 27 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Iva on Nov. 24, 1969 at Hamilton. Funeral services will be held Friday, 2 p.m., in the chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home. Rev. Leslie Payne of the First Christian Church will officiate. Burial will be in the family lot of the Custer County Cemetery.”  source unknown, probably Miles City newspaper. 

Amos and Iva had the following children:

Amos and Iva’s Girls

1.  Mary Anna Spracklin, born 14 August, 1925 in Jordan, Garfield Co., Montana and died on the 15th of September 1925.  My understanding is that Mary is buried on the homestead property.
2. Margaret Rosailie Spracklin was born 18 October, 1926 in Jordan, Garfield Co., Montana and died 22 December, 2012, in Jordan. Margaret married about five times 1) Daniel L. Ward on 5 April, 1945 in Miles City. They divorced in 1961. Daniel was born 1911 and died 1963. 2) She married Alexander Kline on 17 November, 1961 in Roundup, Montana and they later divorced.  He was born about 1916. 3) The next was Ira Clayton Lewis on 1 February, 1964 in Vancouver, Washington. 4) Henry C. Roberts on and Margaret married on 20 December, 1967. Henry was born about 1906 and died 1966.  5) She married Clinton F. Vial on 5 April, 1974 in Vancouver. Clinton was born 1907 and died 1983 in Washington.  Margaret had several children from her first marriage. She is buried in the Pioneer Cemetery in Jordan, Montana. Find A Grave has a nice memorial for her but no tombstone photo at this time.
3. Alice May Spracklin was born on 9 December, 1928 in Brusett, Garfield Co., Montana and she died on the 28th of January, 2015 in Billings, Montana. She is buried in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City, Montana. Alice married a Ferdinand Herbert Bickel on 7 October, 1945 in Miles City. He died on 2 January, 1998 in Ekalaka, Carter Co., Montana. He is also buried in the Custer County Cemetery. Find A Grave has tombstone photos a memorial and links for this couple. Ferdinand and Alice had several children and a long married life together. Alice was married briefly before to a C. Yungk but it was annulled.
4. Betty Jean Spracklin was born 23 October, 1930 in Jordan, Garfield Co., Montana. Betty died on the 10th of February, 2013 in Miles City from a heart attack. Betty was married twice. She first married to a Henry Francis Stocker on 3 June, 1948 in Miles City and had several children with this man.  They divorced in 1960 and she remarried to a Donald Delbert Cole on 21 March, 1961 in Glendive, Dawson Co., Montana. Donald was born on 18 September, 1925 in Terry, Montana and died 7 April, 2000 in Miles City. Betty is buried in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Find A Grave has a memorial for her but does not have a tombstone photo at this time.

Betty Spracklin Cole

5.  Bertha Evelyn Spracklin born 27 July, 1932 in Jordan, Montana. Bertha was married on 18 September 1948 in Miles City to James Everetts Roufley.  They had four children together one son and three daughters. Update: Dec 1, 2023, I learned that Bertha died on January 28, 2022 and was buried in the Custer Co. Cemetery next to her husband Jim.

James was born 17 August, 1918 in Stanton, Mercer Co., North Dakota.

James with brother Harold

James fought in World War II in the Battle of the Bulge.

James Roufley after basic training Fort Ord.

He died on 12 July, 1991 and is buried in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City.

James Roufley’s Tombstone, Custer Co. Cemetery

James’ parents were James Franklin Roufley who died 2 February, 1972 and Ethel May Percy born 21 November, 1893 and died 21 September, 1978 in Miles City.  Ethel is buried in the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. James had a brother name Roy who died in 9 September, 1981 in Yellowstone Co., Montana.  Update: 12/4/2019 – A close descendant has informed me that Roy was not a brother to James but rather the grandson of Harold Roufley a brother (1916-1979). Other siblings were Margaret (1921-1984), Lloyd (1923-2002) and Dorothy (1928-1991).

Bertha and James settled on the land that was formerly Amos and Iva’s homestead.

6.  Dorothy Josephine Spracklin was born 1 January, 1935 in Garfield Co., Montana. She married twice first to a Jesse Bernard Euel on 21 Mary, 1951 and later to a Mr. Tucker.  Dorothy was living in Bozeman at the time of her mother and father’s deaths.

7.  Helen Marlys Spracklin was born on 23 June 1937 in Jordan, Garfield Co., Montana and died 6 April, 2014 in Spokane, Washington.

Helen Spracklin Fowler

Helen married three times.  The first was in April of 1955 she married a Leon W. Seniba. They later divorced in 1961.  Another marriage was to a Mr. Fishel.  She later married a Jacob E. Fowler born 8 March, 1934 and died 3 July 1981 in Miles City. Jacob and Helen had about seven children together.

Both Helen and her husband are buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton, Ravalli County, Montana. Jacob has a tombstone picture and memorial at Find A Grave.

If you would like more information about any of these individuals, just leave a comment and I will be happy to contact you.  As always please double check the information presented above.

Daniel Spracklin’s Children: Lydia Spracklin Ross and Family of Iowa…

Lydia Marie Spracklin was born 12 July, 1864 in Benton Co., Iowa to Daniel and Sarah Spracklin. She died 27 May 1931 in Somers, Calhoun Co., Iowa.

Lydia Spracklin Ross

Lydia married Thomas Jefferson Ross on 9th September, 1881 in Dayton Twp., Iowa Co., Iowa. Daniel had to give his permission.

Source: Marriage Record “D,” Iowa County, Iowa, Page 542 “D,” Iowa County Marriage Record.

Lydia and Thomas Ross’ Marriage.

Marriage Affidavit for Thomas J. Ross and Lydia M. Spracklin: 

I, Daniel Spracklin of Deep River do solemnly swear that I am acquainted with L. Thomas J. Ross and Lydia M. Spracklin in who are the parties for the Marriage of whom a License is applied for; that said Thomas J.Ross is of the age of twenty-one years and upwards, of sound contracting mind, and unmarried; that said Lydia M. Spracklin is of 17 years and upwards, of sound contracting mind, and unmarried; and that there is no legal impediment to said parties entering the marriage state, to the best of my knowledge, information and belief and I hereby give my consent to the marriage of my daughter Lydia M. to the above named Thomas J. Ross. Signed by D.D. Spracklin

Subscribed in my presence by D. Spracklin and by him sworn to before me this 9th day of September 1881, D.E. Evans Clerk Circuit Court.

This is follows by the marriage record:

Certificate of Marriage, Iowa County, Eleventh day of September, 1881, at Bride’s home. Signed by Thomas and Lydia and E. Rouze, Pastor. 

Thomas Jefferson Ross was born 17 January, 1849 in Ohio and died 27 May, 1931 the same day as Lydia.  They were both killed when a train ran into them. See article below for details about their deaths.

Thomas was the son of Joseph Ross born 1814 in Pennsylvania.  Joseph died 19 March, 1900. Thomas’ mother was Mary Jane Barr born 1836 in Ohio. She died 3 September 1898.  I do not know how Mary Jane Barr fits into the Barr family or is related to Amarilla Keller Barr’s family?

Joseph’s father was Robert Ross born 28 July, 1781 in Pennsylvania and died 22 February, 1843 in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio. The mother was Martha who was born 13 December, 1785 in Tuscarawas Co., Ohio  and died 2 March 1843. I am not sure of the Tuscarawas County for her birth, the county was not established till 1808.

Thomas Jefferson Ross had many siblings:

Robert born 1847 in Ohio.

Melinda born 1852 in Iowa. She married a Mr. Constant and had about two children

William born 1859 in Iowa.

George born 1859 in Iowa.  Maybe William and George were twins?

Amanda Elvira Jane born 1862 in Sigourney, Keokuk, Iowa.  Amanda married a Joseph Blackwell on 24 July, 1880 in Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa.  They had the following children: Bertha Bell 1879 to 1952 m. George Walter Worth and had three children, Lillie May Josephine b. 1881, George D. born 1886 and Charlotte Melinda 1888-1978.

Charles A. Ross b. 1871 in Iowa.

A Story about Lydia and Thomas Ross, unknown author

Thomas was born January 17, 1849 in either Illinois or Ohio. He hired on with Daniel Dare Spracklin in 1873. According to Lydia’s granddaughter, Doris Moeller, Thomas married Lydia Marie Spracklin at her father’s residence on September 11, 1881, by Pastor E. Rouze. Sometime after their marriage the couple moved to Ft. Dodge, acquired some land along the Des Moines River. Then they moved back east for a time, possibly to either Ohio or Illinois. However, not wanting to lose the Iowa property, they returned to Iowa. They sold this original property on November 25, 1887, they purchased part of the property they lived on until their untimely deaths in 1930. For their first home, Thomas built what was probably a sod home, unfortunately their first winter proved to be a severe one. It is told that Thomas apparently hadn’t sealed or insulated the walls enough near the top on the north side of the house, so it didn’t keep the cold out. To keep their infant from freezing to death, Lydia had to keep the child bundled on her bed. She had also tried placing pieces of packing boxes in the cracks to help keep out the cold. However, come next Spring, Lydia insisted that the walls be what she called “Back Plastered” so that she and her family never had to be that cold again. Over the years, the couple added to their property and during their married life together they had nine children, two daughters died in infancy and were buried in the Cedar Cemetery, Calhoun Co., Iowa.

1885 Iowa State Census Lydia and Thomas are living in Calhoun Co., Iowa.

Source:  T.J. Ross Family, 1885 Iowa State Census, Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Thos J. Ross, age 36, farmer, born in Ohio, Lydia M. Ross, age 20, keeping house, born in Iowa, Bertha L. Ross, born in Keokuk Co., Iowa, All living in Twp 88, Range 31, Section 36.

1895 Iowa State Census Lydia and Thomas are still living in Calhoun County and Lydia’s brother Reed is living with them.

Source:  T.J. Ross Family, 1895 Iowa State Census, Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., IA Roll #14, Dwelling #113, House 108, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

Thomas J. Ross, age 41, born in Ohio, farmer, Carmolite Religion, Lydia M., age 30 born in Benton Co., IA, Keeping House, Lillie, age 12 born in Keokuk Co., IA, Ray, age 7 born in Calhoun Co., IA, May, age 4, born in Calhoun Co., IA, Ivan, age 3, born in Iowa Co., IA, Reed A. Spracklin age 26, born in Benton Co., IA

1900 Lydia and Thomas Ross where continue living in Calhoun County, Iowa in Greenfield Twp.  This township is on the east side in the slightly darker area of the atlas, one row down.  This first atlas page of the county of Calhoun has towns and cities which may help to identify where people were living.

Calhoun Co., Iowa

Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa.

NOTE: Thomas’s land was in the lower right, southeast corner of Greenfield Twp.

Source:  1900 U.S. Federal Census, Calhoun Co, Greenfield Twp., SD#10, ED #25, Sht #4. 

Line 1, 43, 44, Ross, Thomas J., Head, W, M, June 1849, 31, M, 19 yrs, born Ohio, father born PA, mother born Ohio, farmer, O, yes, yes, no, O, M, F, 15. 

Ross, Lydia M, Wife, W, F, July 1864, 35, M, 19 yrs,  7 born, 5 living. born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother born Indiana, yes, yes, yes. 

Ross, Bertie L., daughter, W, F, Oct. 1882, 17, all Children are single, born Iowa,

Ross, Ray, B., son, W, M, April 1887, 13, born Iowa

Ross, May E., daughter, W, F, June 1890, 9, born Iowa

Ross, Irvin T., Son, W, M, June 1892, 7, born Iowa

Ross, Grace I., daughter, W, F, August 1896, 3, born Iowa

1910 the family was still in Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa.

Source: 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Calhoun Co., Greenfield Twp., Iowa, SD#10, ED#30, Sht 8, enumerated 4th May 1910, by ______. 

Line 13, 128, 129, Ross, Thomas, Head, M, W, 61, M1, 29, born Ohio, father PA, mother Ohio, farmer, general farm. 

Ross, Lydia M, Wife, F, W, 45, M1, 29, nine born, 7 living, born Iowa, father Ohio, mother Indiana

Line 15, 129, 130, Ross, Ray B., Head, M, W, 23, S, born Iowa, farm, general farm

Line 16, 129, 129, Ross, Iven T, son, M, W, 18, S, born Iowa

Ross, Grace I, daughter, F, W, 13, S, born Iowa

Ross, Elsie P, daughter, F, W, 7, S, born Iowa

Ross, Earl, E. D., son, M, W, 4, S, born Iowa

Things were changing and by 1920 and the family was getting smaller as the children grew up.

Source:  1920 U.S. Federal Census, Calhoun Co., Greenfield Twp., Iowa, SD#10, ED#36, Sheet 6B, enumerated Feb. 7 and 9th, 1920, by Carl E. Djoif. 

Line 43, Fm, 133, 120, Ross, Thomas J., Head, O, M, M, W, 70, M, born Ohio, father PA, mother Ohio. 

Ross, Liddie M, wife, F, W, 55, M, born Iowa, father Ohio, mother Indiana

Ross, Iven T, son, M, W, 26, S, born Iowa

Ross, Earl E., son, M, W, 13, S, born Iowa

1925 Iowa State Census included the nativity of the person.

Source:  T.J. Ross Family, 1925 Iowa State Census, Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa Roll 53AA, lines 6-9, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.

T.J. Ross, Head, 76 years old, value of home $2,850.00, mortgage $1200, insured on home $2500. Lydia Ross, wife, 60 yrs. Ivan Ross, son, 31 yrs., single. Earl Ross, son, 19 yrs., single. All were born in Iowa. T. J.’s father was Joseph Ross born in PA, his mother was Millie Barr, born in Ohio. Lydia’s father was Dan Sprecklin born in Ohio, mother was Sarah Blacketer born in Indiana. Religion: None for all of them.

In 1930 Iven is nearby his parents who are aging.

Source: 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Calhoun Co., Iowa, Greenfield Twp., ED#13-16, SD#5, Sht #1A, enumerated on April 2, 1930, by Myra P. Black. 

Line 1, 1, 1, Ross, Iven, Head, R, R, Yes, M, W, 37, M, 36, No, Yes, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother born Iowa, farmer, general farm

Ross, Alice, Wife-h, X, F, W, 37, M, 36, No, Yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother born Indiana. 

Line 3, 2, 2, Ross, Thomas J, Head, O, yes, M, W, 81, M, 33, No, Yes, Ohio, father born PA, mother Ohio.

Ross, Lydia M, Wife-H, X, F, W, 65, M, 17, No. Yes, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother born Indiana.

Thomas and Lydia had nine children of which two died young.  I have received the information about the family from various sources and each cousin has their own version of the members of Lydia and Thomas’ family.  All of the information and research below, needs to be verified with more census, marriage, death and other records.

Iowa County Map

1.  Bertha Lillie Ross was born 1 October, 1882 in Keokuk Co., Iowa and she died 21 November, 1964 at Fort Dodge, Iowa. She married on 10 November, 1904 to William A. Davis (Divis). She died September of 1964.  William was born 28 January, 1880 in Fort Dodge and died there on 21 July, 1945.

They appear in the 1920 U.S. Federal Census in Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa under the name William A. Davis. Webster County is northwest of Des Moines.

Source: William A. Davis Family, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Iowa, Webster Co., Fort Dodge City, Precinct 1, SD#10, ED#238, Sht. #10, enumerated on the 24th of January 1920 by Mrs. Lora V. Buckles. 

Line 39, Avenue G, 239,  204, 219, Davis, William A., Head, O, M, M, W, 38, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother born PA. Laborer, Oatmeal Mill, w. Davis, Lillie, wife, F, W, 37, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother born Iowa. Davis, Herlin, son, M, W, 13, S, yes, yes, yes, born Iowa. Davis, Paulia, daughter, F, W, 12, S, yes, yes, yes. Davis, Kyle, son, M,W, 8, S, yes, born Iowa. Davis, Icel, son, M,W, 9/12 S, born Iowa. 

They are living in Wahkonsa Twp., Webster Co., Iowa in January 1925.

Source: Wm. Davis Family, 1925 Iowa State Census, Line 30, 239, Davis, Wm. A. Head, M, W, 45, M, O, M, 2700, 1200, 1600, 45, 45. Davis, Lilian, Wife, F, W, 42, M. Davis, Herlin A, Son, M, W, 19, S. Davis, Paulia L., Daughter, F, W, 17, S. Davis, Kyle A, Son, MW, 13, S. Davis, Icel, R, Son, M, W, 5, S. 

They are in Elkhorn Twp. in Webster Co., Iowa in 1930.

Source:  William Davis Family, 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Elkhorn Twp., Webster Co., Iowa, ED#94-12, SD#2, Sht #3A, enumerated April 14, 1930, by Mrs. Amelia G. Churchill. 

Line 15, 45, 45, Davis, William A. Head, R, yes, M, W, 48, M, 23, No, Yes, born Iowa, parents born Ohio, yes, Laborer, brickyard, W, yes, No. Davis, Lillian, Wife-H, O, F, W, 46, M, 22, No, yes, born Iowa, Father born Ohio, Mother born Iowa, yes, Manager, gen farm, _yes, VVVV, 45. Davis, Paulia, Daughter, F, W, 22, S, No, yes, born Iowa. Davis, Icel, Son, M, W, 10, S, Yes, Yes, born Iowa.

They had the following children based on cousin research and the census, although the spelling of each name is not clear.

1. Harlan/Herlan A. Davis was born 28 February, 1906 at Fort Dodge, Webster, Iowa.

2. Paula L. Davis was born 12 October, 1907 in Somers, Calhoun Co., Iowa.

3. Kyle L. Davis was born 15 September, 1911.

4. Gale R. Davis was born 15 April, 1915. Note: I am not sure about this child.

5.  Icel Ross Davis born 15 April, 1919, died 31 August, 2000.

2.  Sarah Ross was born 27 July 1885 and died the same day in Calhoun Co., Iowa. Birth and cemetery records verify her life.  She is buried in the Cedar Township Cemetery in Calhoun Co., Iowa.

3.  Ray Virda Ross born 23 April 1888, in Cedar Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa and died 23 December 1957.  He married Barbara and they had Ralph Ross and Hazel Ross.

I found Ray and Barbara in the 1930 U.S. Federal Census living in Richland, Dickinson Co., Iowa.

Source:  Ray Ross Family, 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Richland Twp., Dickinson, Iowa,  ED#30-16, SD#1, Sht#2A, enumerated 5 April, 1930 by Elmina J. Liddle. 

Line 31, 30, 31 Ross, Ray, Head, O, R, Yes, M,W, 41, M, 28, No, Yes, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother Iowa, farmer, gen. farming, VVVV, yes, no, 28. Ross, Barbara, wife, F, W, 31, M, 17, No, yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother born Iowa. Ross, Hazel G. Daughter, F, W, 11, S, yes, yes, born Iowa. Ross, Ralph, Son, M,W, 10, S, Yes, yes, born Iowa. Johnson, Russel, nephew, M,W, 24, S, No, yes, born North Dakota, parents born Iowa. Laborer, farm, V1VV, W, Yes, No. 

4.  Mae Ermmavilla Ross was born 6 June, 1890 in Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa. She died 3 September, 1971 in Gilmore City, Humboldt Co., Iowa.

Mae married Robert Judson McVay on 10 December, 1913 in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa.

Source:  Certification By Marriage Record, McVay-Ross (Abstract) December 10, 1913, Record No. 14, pg. 433, Fort Dodge, Webster Co., IA 

Robert Judson McVay
age 24 at next birthday
Residing in Farnhamville, IA
Born in Farnhamville, IA

Mae E. Ross, 24 at next birthday
Residing in Somers, IA, born in Somers, IA

Date of Marriage: Dec 10, 1913, at Fort Dodge, IA
Marriage record in the office of the Webster County Clerk in Fort Dodge, IA
Marriage record No. 14 on pg. 433, Date Verified Sept. 5, 1973
Signed by Margaret Saiferlick?, Clerk

Robert McVay was born 23 February, 1890 in Farnhamville, Calhoun Co., Iowa and died 12 November, 1937 in Los Angeles, California. He is supposedly buried in the Reading Township Cemetery in Calhoun Co., Iowa. Robert is the son of George Washington McVay and Mary Louise Smith.

Robert and Mae appear in the 1920 U.S. Census in Union, Calhoun Co. Iowa.

Source: Robert McVey family, Lohrville Town, Union Twp., Calhoun, Iowa, SD#10, ED#46, Sht, 5B, enumerated on 28 January, 1920 by C. V. Hulse. 

Line 88, Elm Street, 129, 130, McVay, Robert J. Head, R, M, W, 29, M, yes, yes, all born in Iowa, parents born Iowa, Garage, town SM. McVay, May E. wife, F, W., 29, M, yes, yes, father born Illinois, mother Iowa. McVay, Max Ray, son, M, W. 1 7/12, S, born Iowa. Hall, Robert, roomer, M, W., 26, S, born Iowa, helper, elevator, W. 

On May 19, 1922 they divorced.

Mae McVay vs. R.J. McVay, Jacob Mccaulley Attorney

R.J. McVay, White 32 yrs old, American
Mae McVay, white, age 31, American
Date of Marriage Dec. 10, 1913
Cause of Divorce: Cruel and inhuman treatment
Date of Divorce – May 19, 1922, Iowa.
Divorce granted to Mae McVay

Filed May 19, 1922
A.J. Hunter, Clerk

They had the following children:

1. Robert McVay born about 1913.
2. Max Rae McVay was born 14 June, 1918 in Lohrville, Calhoun Co., Iowa, and baptized 12 August, 1932 in Gilmore City, Humbolt Co., Iowa. He died 11 January, 1996 in Los Angeles, California. He married June Anglia Hacket on 7 August, 1943 in Fairborn, Green Co., Ohio.  She was born 1 June, 1922 in Cedarville and died 12 September, 1971 in San Bernadino, California.  They had several children.
   • Max was a member of Mayflower till his death in 1996. A copy of his application is in the possession of the writer. Some of the information for the McVay family came from the application. Max also corresponded with Bertha Roufley in the 1980’s about the family history, that is how I recognized who he was. Mayflower General Number #050245, State No. 4559. Max went into Mayflower on the Goss lineage. I obtained a copy of his application when I visited the Mayflower Society in Plymouth, MA back in 2003.
3. Iona Pearl McVay born 20 March, 1920 in Lohrville. She married a Ernest J. Lindquist on 1 September, 1950 in Gilmore City, Iowa.

Mae remarried to a Ralph McLean Roberts on 25 January, 1924 in Gilmore City, Humboldt Co., Iowa. Ralph was born 13 November, 1894 in Gilmore City.  Ralph was married before and had two children:  Melvin Ralph Roberts (1916-1934) and Clarence Thornton Roberts (1918-1943 buried at sea).  Ralph McLean Roberts is the son of William Harris Roberts and Eva Jane Spalding.

Source:  Authenticated Record of Marriage, Roberts-McVay, January 25, 1924, Gilmore City, Humboldt Co., Iowa I Betty L. Vonderaar Smith am not the clerk of the District Court in Iowa she signs the form at the bottom. Full Groom Ralph W. Roberts, Gilmore City, Iowa, Farmer, 30 years, born Gilmore City, Father W. H. Roberts mother Eva J. Spalding, second marriage. Bride: May E. McVay, main name May E. Ross, resides Gilmore City, Iowa, 34 years, born Somers, father T.J. Ross, mother Lydia Spracklin, second marriage. Married Jan. 25, 1924 in Gilmore City, Iowa, Witness Mrs. A.J. Esperson, Lyman Beers, Certified by A. J. Esperson, Pastor, First Baptist Church, 11, day of October, 1982. 

Ralph and Mae appear in the 1940 U.S. Census:

Source:  1940 U.S. Census, Weaver Twp., Humboldt, Iowa, SD#8, ED#46-27, Sht #21, enumerated on April 9, 1940 by Mae J. McLaughlin. 

Line 19, 23, R, Roberts, Ralph M, Head, O, M, W, 46, M, No, H1, 9, Iowa 65, Same house, yes, yes, 1, 70, Farm Operator, farming, OA, 3, 52, No, 20. Roberts, Mae E, wife, 1, F, W, 49, M, No, H1, 9, Iowa, 65, no, no, no, no, H, 5, O, O, No. McVay, Iona, daughter, 2, F, W, 20, S, No, 1, 40, Iowa 65, yes, 1, 40, Stenographer, Life Ins. Co, PW, 24, 250, No. Hatting, John, laborer, X, M, W, 21, S, No, H2 10, Iowa, 65, R, Palo, Alto, Iowa, yes, 1, 70, laborer, farm, Pw, 52, 20, no. 

5. Iven Thomas Ross was born 21 January, 1892 in Calhoun Co., Iowa and he died 20 February, 1981 in Cedar Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa. Iven married Alice Mae Allbec on 7 September, 1929 in Iowa Falls, Hardin Co., Iowa. They had two daughters Doris and Carol. Alice was born 24 January, 1892 in Muscatine, Iowa and died 15 November, 1962 in Cedar Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa.

Iven and Alice are in Calhoun Co., in the 1930 Census:

Source: Iven Ross Family, 1930 U.S. Census, Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa, ED#13-16, SD#5, Sht#1A, enumerated on April 2, 1930 by Myra P. Black. 

Line 1, 1, 1, Ross, Iven, Head, R, R, yes, M, W, 37, M, 36, No, Yes, born Iowa, father born in Ohio, mother in Iowa. Farmer, general farm, VVVV, yes, No. 1. Ross, Alice, Wife-H, X, F, W, 37, M, 36, No, Yes, born Iowa, father born Iowa, mother Indiana. 

Alice and Iven are still in Calhoun Co., Iowa in 1940.  It appears that he may have taken over his parent’s farm.

Source:  Iven Ross Family, Greenfield, Calhoun Co., Iowa, SD#8, ED#13-16, Sht# 6B, enumerated April 1940, by Vigor Larson.

Line 77, 123, O, 1200, yes, Ross, Iven, T, head, M, W, 48, M, No. H1, born Iowa, Same h, Calhoun, Iowa, yes, 60, operator, Farm, OA, 52, 0, T, 113. Ross, Alice M, wife, F, W, 48, M, No, C3, born Iowa, no, no, no, no, H, O, O, No. Ross, Doris M, daughter, F, W, 7, S, yes, 2, born Iowa. Ross, Carrol J., daughter, F, W, 6, S, yes, 1, 1, Iowa

6. Deanie Ellen Ross was born 27 July, 1895 and died 7 March, 1897 in Calhoun Co., Iowa. She is buried in the Cedar Township Cemetery in Calhoun County per birth and burial records.

7. Grace Irene Ross was born 24 August 1896 in Cedar Twp.. She married a Walter R. Parker on 19 December, 1914 in Estherville, Emmett, Iowa (Iowa Select Marriages Index). Walter’s parents  were William Parker and Frances F. Smith.  She may have married a second time.

A Walter and Grace Parker are living in Lake City, Lake, Calhoun Co., Iowa in the 1920 Census,

Source:  Walter Parker Family, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Lake, Calhoun Co., Iowa, SD#10, ED#37, Ward 3, Sht#8B, enumerated 7 January 1920 by Mattie Sibley.

Line 85, 221, 226, Parker, Walter, Head, R, M, W, 36, M, yes, yes, born Illinois, father born Indiana, mother born Illinois, propt, restaurant, OA. Parker, Grace, wife, F, W, 23, M, yes, yes, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother born Iowa. 

8. Elsie Pearl Ross was born 10 July, 1902 in Greenfield Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa. She married a man named Booth and had several children. She is said to have married another time to an Earl Powell who died about 1982.

Elsie Pearl Ross, daughter of Lydia and Thomas Ross.

There is an Elcie Booth age 17 born in Iowa living with the family of William Booth in Lake, Calhoun Co., Iowa. She is listed as a daughter-in-law and above her is an Ezra Booth age 23, both are married.  The mother of Ezra is Sarah.  I think this might be Elsie but more research needs to be done to verify it.

Elsie is living in Twin Lakes, Calhoun Co., Iowa and is a housekeeper for a private family.  She is divorced.

Source:  Elsie Booth, 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Twin Lakes, Calhoun Co., Iowa, ED#13-28, SD#5, Sht #6A, enumerated April 14, 1930 by Mary Laird. 

Line 30, 1, 1, Powell, Earl, head, R, R, yes, M, W, 29, S, No, yes, born Iowa, father born Canada, mother born US. yes, Farmer, general farm, VVVV, O, yes, No, 81. Booth, Elsie, housekeeper, F, W, 27, Div., No, No, born Iowa, housekeeper, private family, 6V96, W, yes. Booth, Pearl, M, daughter, F, W, 9, S, Yes, Iowa. Booth, Darlene, daughter, F, W, 7, yes, Iowa. 

9. Earl Edward D. M. Ross was born 27 January 1906 in Cedar Twp., and died 11 January 1996 in Lake City, Calhoun Co., Iowa. He married to Pearl Mary Swettenham in 1932. She was born 4 July, 1889 in St. Louis, Missouri and she died 18 May, 1974 in Santa Anna, Orange Co., California.  She was the daughter of William T. Swettenham and Francie Clayson. He may have married a second time to a Louella M. Mills who died 26 April, 1981 in Santa Anna, California.

Earl appears with a Pearl in the 1940 Census in California.

Source:  Earl Ross Family, 1940 U.S. Federal Census, Twp. 3, Kern Co., California, SD#10, ED#15-47, Sht#14B, enumerated April 16, 1940, by Andrew Boue. 

Line 77, 2715, 314, 0, 2500, No, Ross, Earl, Head, M, W, 39, M, No, O, born Iowa, Riverside, Calif., yes, Salesman, Retail Appliances, Pw, 298, 68, 1, 52, 1500, No. Ross, Pearl, wife, F, W, 51, M, No, 5, 5, born Mo., No, No, No., H, 0, 0, No. 

Unfortunately, Lydia and Thomas Ross were killed by a train on the 27th of May, 1930:

“Somers Couple Killed by Train

T. J. Ross and Wife Victims of Accident – Great Western Passenger Train Hits Car on Somers Crossing – Special to the Messenger:

Somers – May 28 – Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Ross, pioneer residents living on a farm near Somers, were killed late Tuesday afternoon when a Chicago Great Western passenger train struck their automobile at the intersection of Main street and the Great Western Tracks here. Mrs. Ross, 65, was killed instantly. Mr. Ross, 51, died half an hour later in a doctor’s office where he was rushed for first aid. They were returning to their farm home northeast of Somers following an afternoon of shopping here. The couple was struck by the Omaha bound passenger train, No. 13 a short distance east of the depot at 4:45 p.m. Ross drove his light sedan onto the tracks from the north.

Car carried 30 feet – The train’s momentum carried the car thirty feet before the locomotive could be brought to a halt. Mr. and Mrs. Ross were catapulted from the car and into the ditch on the side of the tracks. Both received skull fractures and numerous cuts and bruises. The two were rushed to Dr. W. C. Kennedy’s office here. Kennedy said that Mrs. Ross had probably been killed instantly. Mr. Ross died a little later and the bodies were taken to an undertaking parlor at Calendar and from there to the farm home this morning. Witnesses of the crash report that Ross seemed confused by the proximity of the approaching train and halted the car at the center of the tracks. The engineer whistled repeatedly as soon as he sighted the car but was unable to stop the locomotive in time to avoid the collision. A coal shed on the northeast corner of the intersection may have obstructed Ross’s view of the stretch, it is believed.

7 Children Survive – Mr. and Mrs. Ross had lived in this community for forty-eight years. They are survived by seven of nine children, Ivan, living on the farm home; Roy, Estherville; Earl, Peoria, Ill.; Mrs. W. A. Davis, Fort Dodge; Mrs. Ralph Roberts, Gilmore City; Mrs. Walter Parker of Peoria, Ill, and Mrs. Elsie Booth of Rockwell City. Funeral services will be held at 1 o’clock tomorrow afternoon from the home and at 2:00 o’clock at the Methodist church of Somers, with the Rev. Wallace officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Cemetery.”

 Source:  Wednesday Evening, May 28, 1930, Ft. Dodge, Messinger & Chronicle, film dated May 1, 1930 to June 30, 1930, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, IA.

Source:  Death Certificate for Lydia Ross, Calhoun Co., Greenfield Twp., Iowa, Mrs. Lydia M. Ross, Female, White, married, Husband Thomas Jefferson Ross, age 65 yrs, 10 mos. 15 days, housewife.  Father Daniel Spracklin, mother Sarah Blacketer, Ivan Ross is the informant. Burial in Cedar Twp. Cemetery. Died May 27, 1931, comma, hit by train no. 15 on the Great northern, accidental, head injury. 

There are memorials at Find A Grave for Thomas and Lydia Ross but no tombstone photos.

Update 10/16/2015:  Here is a photograph of the Ross tombstone, done my a cousin and kindly shared with me.  I was digging around in my records and realized I had this so I add it to this post.  See photo below for a son of Reed and Julia.

Lydia and Thomas Ross, photos courtesy of P. Stoudt. 

The Calhoun Co., Iowa Cemeteries, book has a listing on pg. 3 not just for Lydia and Thomas but also for several of her brothers Virda and Reed’s children: Cedar Twp. Cemetery, published by the Iowa Genealogical Society, Des Moines, Iowa. This cemetery is located a 1/2 mile east of the town of Rinard.

Row 3, pg. 3 – Ross, Sarah dau of Thomas J. & Lyda M. B&D July 27, 1855
Deanie E. dau of T.J. & L.M., Died Mar 7, 1897 l yr, 11 mo, 19 da.

Row 13, Spracklin, Joelle E. Died Mar. 7, 1890 2 yr 9 mo 11 days a daughter of Virda Spracklin. 

Spracklin, Daniel G. 1870-1927.  This is Daniel Goss Spracklin, Lydia, Reed and Virda’s brother. 

Row 71 cont. page 19
Ross, Ivan T. 1892-1981
Alice M. 1892 – 1962
Ross, Lydia M. 1864 to 1930
Thomas J. 1849 – 1930

Spracklin, Son of R.A. & J.A. Died April 10, 1899 6 mo. 16 day
Willie son of R. & J. 1901-1902.

Son of Reed and Julia Spracklin

Again there is much more research to do on this family of Lydia and Thomas Ross.  I would not mind studying their land purchases and probate file.  Obituaries, cemetery research, deeds, probates, vital records and much more need to be collected to get a clearer picture of this large family. I did a great deal of the research on this family back in 2003 when I visited Iowa going to the State Archives and Iowa Genealogical Society.  So it has been awhile since I have visited the research on this family. I did not visit the western part of Iowa confining my trip to Iowa City, Marengo, and Des Moines.  I was in search of Daniel D. Spracklin’s life at that time and trying to connect him to his ancestors.

A Terrible Accident: Henry Spracklin is Killed, 1893!

Amarilla’s older brother was killed in a terrible accident on June 22, 1893.  I do not know how she took the news or whether she went to the funeral.  Henry had stayed behind in Iowa, while Amarilla had headed north to Minnesota.  He had left Iowa County by 1875 and was married by then (see below for information about the marriage).  Amarilla was in Minnesota and married by 1878.  So they were not close in location. 

Henry Franklin Spracklin was a full brother to Amarilla.  He was the oldest son and child of the first family of his father Daniel D. Spracklin and Elizabeth Keller.  Oliver and Mary had died young.  Amarilla and Henry were all that was left of this first family. 

In my post dated November 3, 2011 – Spracklin & Keller Connection, Amarilla’s Parents.  I outlined the four children that Daniel had with Elizabeth Keller before her death in 1859.

Daniel D. and Sarah Spracklin, the 2nd wife, were still living at the time of Henry’s death in Iowa County, Iowa. Let’s review the census both Federal and state to get a feel for what was happening in this family leading up to the death of Henry.

State census for Iowa at Ancestry are:  1856, 1885, 1895, 1905, 1915, 1925.   Any census taken before 1856 was specific to certain counties so you would need to study the list that Ancestry provides to get back further than 1856.  Their database covers 1836 to 1925. The Spracklin name is not easy to find in these census so you will need to use a variety of spellings and names in your search. 

I spent several days in the building below research the Spracklins and mostly Henry.  There are two offices for the State Historical Society one in Des Moines (main) and the other in Iowa City, Iowa. 

State Historical Society of Iowa – Iowa City

U.S. Federal Census 1880 – D.D. Spracklin Household, Dayton Twp., Iowa Co., Iowa, page 7, ED #211 #267 line 41.

Location: #69/63, Spracklin, Daniel (David), white, male, married, 50 years old, farmer, born in Ohio, father was born in England. and mother was born in Ohio. Spracklin, Sarah, white, female, 40 yrs, wife, keeping house, born in Indiana, father born in Virginia, mother born in Ohio. Spracklin, Lydia, white, female, 15 yrs., daughter, at school, born in Iowa. Spracklin Virdia, white, male, age 13, son, at school, born in Iowa. Spracklin Reed A., white, male, age 11, son, at school, born in Iowa. Spracklin, Daniel, white, male, age 10, son, at school, born in Iowa. Spracklin, George, white, male, age 7, son, born in Iowa. Spracklin, Charles, white, male, age 6, son, born in Iowa. Spracklin, Alfred, white, male, age 3, born in Iowa.

Note:  This census is probably the only on that features all of the 2nd family of Daniel D. Spracklin. 

Henry is not listed here and neither is Amarilla.  We do not find Henry till the 1885 Iowa Census.  He is not listed in the 1880 as far as I can determine and believe me I have tried.

Source:  Iowa State Census 1885,  The Henry Spracklin Family, Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa, Line 2, Roll IA 1885_239.

85, 72, Spracklin Henry, walnut at between 4 & 5th st., age 32, male, married, laborer, Ohio. Spracklin, Elisabeth, age 31, female, married, keeping house, PA. Spracklin Harry, age 7, male, Keokuk. Spracklin Maggie, age 6 female, Scott. Spracklin Eddie, age 5, male, Scott. Spracklin, Flora, age 3, female, Scott, Spracklin, John, age 2, male, Scott. Spracklin, Wilbur, 0, male, Scott.

Daniel is living in Iowa County with the family in 1885 – D.D. Spracklin Family, Dayton Twp., Iowa Co., Iowa Film #1021479, Iowa Co. Genealogical Society. 

 House #127, Family 127, Daniel D. Spracklin, Twp 78, Range 12, Section 19, Residing in Dayton Twp., 41 yrs. old, male, married, farmer, born in Ohio. Sarah Spracklin, residing in Dayton Twp., 40 yrs. old, female, married, housewife, born in Indiana. Read A. Spracklin, 16 yrs. old, male, born in Iowa. Dalia Spracklin, 14 yrs. old, male, born in Iowa. Peter G. Spracklin, 12 yrs. old, male, born in Iowa. Charles E. Spracklin  10 yrs. old, male, born in Iowa. Alfred M. Spracklin, 8 yrs.? old, male, born in Iowa. All residing in Dayton Twp. same range and section.

Note:  Some interesting spellings to note in this census:  Reed is spelled “Read,”  Dalia is probably Daniel.  Reed has been difficult to find in the census so use different spellings when searching for him and maybe one of his children. 

Unfortunately the 1890 US Federal census was mostly destroyed by fire in 1922 and nothing survived for Iowa.  So we cannot take a good look at Henry’s family and Daniel’s to compare for the year of 1890. 

By 1893 Henry had moved and was working at the Weyerhaueser-Denkmann mill in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa when a log slammed back on him.  The following article describes the accident and events. 

Source: The Davenport Democrat & Leader, Friday Evening June 23, 1893 front page column 1, Davenport, IA, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, IA

“A Workman Meets His Death In a Mill”

About the middle of the afternoon as H.F. Spracklin, a workman in the Weyerhauser-Denkmann mill, was shoving a plank into an edging machine, the plank became involved in the machinery in some manner so that it was hurled back, striking Spracklin in the breast and shattering his left arm. The man fell like a log, and although his fellow workmen ran to his assistance it was evident that nothing could be done to alleviate his sufferings. Physicians were telephoned for and it was deemed advisable to remove the injured man to Mercy hospital. This was attempted, in the city ambulance, but the injured man died en route, when the wagon was in the neighborhood of Fourteenth and Gaines streets. Mr. Spracklin lived a short distance north of the Orphans’ home. He leaves a wife and nine children, the eldest about 16 years of age, whom he supported by his labors. While it is not known that the family is threatened with destitution now that their paternal support is removed, it is plain that the death of the husband will bear heavily upon them.”

Henry had married Elizabeth Downey on 16 November 1875 in Keokuk Co., Iowa.  Elizabeth was born about 1854 in Cambria Co., PA.  Her parents were John Downey (1822 to 1912) and Margaret McGavery (1826 to 1872).  Elizabeth’s grandparents were Dennis Downey (b. 1798, Ireland) and Elizabeth Crilley (b. 1790 died 19 Aug 1880 in Loretta, Cambria Co., PA.  She is buried in the St. Michael’s Cemetery. 

Finding out what happened to Elizabeth after Henry’s death is a very interesting story which I will share in a future post. 

Source:  Keokuk County, Iowa, Marriages 187-1880, #1313, Nov. 16, 1875, pg. 49, State Historical Society, Iowa City, IA.

There was some confusion on the number of children Elizabeth and Henry had together.  One researcher had combined Henry’s kids with the his first son Harry who had 10 children.  The account above listed 9 children.  With a great deal of work on my part and on my cousin’s who is a great-grandson of Henry, we have been able to identify and get a better understanding of just how many children Elizabeth and Henry had.  I will discuss Henry’s and Elizabeth’s children in the next post.

I would like to thank my cousin Jerry Spracklin, who supplied some if not all of the research on this family.  I met Jerry and his family back in 2003 when I went to Iowa to do research.  If you wish to know more about this family of Henry and Elizabeth please contact me and I would be happy to connect you with Jerry.