The Death of Harry Spracklin, son of Henry Spracklin 1927.

The year 1927 would be a sad year for Amarilla because she lost several of her 1/2 siblings and a nephew. Daniel Goss Spracklin passed in August 1927 and Virda Huston Spracklin passed in November 1927.

On the 8th of August, 1927 Harry Spracklin, a nephew of Amarilla’s, died after being sick three weeks. He left a widow and seven children behind.

Spracklin
Harry LeRoy Spracklin, 51, passed away at his home, 731 1/2 West Second street, at 5:30 a.m. today following an illness of three weeks duration. The deceased was born January 4, 1876, at Sigourney, Iowa. He moved to Davenport with his parents when a small boy and has since resided here. Mr. Spracklin was a Spanish-American war veteran, and served in Cuba. He is survived by his wife, Frieda Spracklin; three sons, Le Roy, George and Harold, four daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Sievert, Bertha, Florence and Alice, all of Davenport; two sisters and five brothers. The body was taken to the Stapleton Funeral Parlors, from where services will be held Wednesday morning at 8:15 o’clock, with services at 3:30 at St. Anthony’s church. Interment will be made in Fairmont cemetery. 

It is not clear if Amarilla kept track of her older full brother Henry’s family.  Henry had died in 1893 from a tragic accident? I have featured Henry Spracklin’s story on this blog.  You can find him at the top of this blog on the PAGE devoted to his father Daniel D. Spracklin’s life. There you will find a listing of the posts published about Henry and his life.

Harry Leroy Spracklin was Henry and Elizabeth’s oldest child. He was born 1 June, 1876 in Sigourney, Keokuk, Iowa. Harry is buried in the Fairmount Cemetery in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa. The grave is unmarked just like his father’s.

Newspaper: The Davenport Democrat and Leader
Date: August 24, 1927
Page 17

Headline: The Spracklin Funeral

Article Excerpt:

The funeral of Harry LeRoy Spracklin was held this morning at 8:15 o’clock from the Stapleton funeral parlors with services at 8:30 at St. Anthony’s church. The Rev. J.J. Hopkins celebrated requiem high mass, pronounced the burial absolution, preached the sermon, and conducted the committal services at the grave in Fairmount cemetery.

The casket bearers were H. Sterling. W.A. Dohoney, H. Relider, Albert Steinecke, D. Pars, and D. Sievert.

We go back in time and take a look at the life of Harry L. Spracklin:

After the death of his father Henry in 1893, we find that Harry was living with his mother Elizabeth in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa. He continued to reside in Davenport till about 1897 per city directories of the time.

Spracklin, Elisabeth, age 41, Widow, Born in Pennsylvania, Keep House, Catholic
— Harry, age 17, Single, born in Scott Co., Cigar Maker, Catholic
–Maggie, age 16, Single, born in Scott Co., Catholic
–Flora, age 12, Single, born in Scott Co., Catholic
–Bessie, age 8, Single, born in Scott Co., Catholic
–Elmer, age 6, Single, born in Scott Co., Catholic
–Raymond, age 4, born in Scott Co., Catholic
–Elroy, age 2, born in Scott Co., Catholic

Source: Elisabeth Spracklin Family, 1895 Iowa State Census, Davenport Twp., Scott Co., Iowa, Microfilm #99, 4th Ward in Davenport, Line 23, Dwelling 6, House 6, State Historical Society of Iowa, Des Moines, IA.

Taking a look at the above information.  Several of the children are not listed:  Edward Oliver Spracklin born 1877, John Daniel Spracklin born 1884, Wilbur Spracklin born 1885.  Sophia died young.  This makes eleven children for Henry and Elizabeth Spracklin.

In 1900 Harry appears in the U.S. Army Register of Enlistments 1798 to 1914. He was no. 171 and he enlisted in Cuba.

Harry L. Spracklin, Enlisted 28 Matanzas Cuba, Lt/Bt, period 8 years, born Sigourney, Iowa, 26, eyes brown, hair, a, color, complexion fair, height 5 ft. 6 inch. 2 Cavalry, [H] 2 G 8 Cav, Date of discharge, 10.9,99, Discharged Feb 13, 08 at Fort Myer, VA, End of Ser, Cook, Good, [Ret etc.] page 62. 

The 1900 Military and Naval Population Census has Harry in Cuba at the Hamilton Barricks, Company F, Regiment [Sand], Cavalry, Sht #3, enumerated 6 June, 1900, [Ina S, Winna 18th & Sq. etc. Company F, Regiment [Sand], Cavalry, Sht #3.

Harry married Frieda H. Ackerman on 28 March, 1907 in Davenport.

Groom: Harry L. Spracklin
Residence: Davenport, IA
Occupation: Cigar marker
Age at next birthday: 30, Color: White, Race: Cauc
No. of Groom’s marriage: First
Place of birth: Sigourney, Iowa
Father’s Name: Henry Spracklin
Mother’s Maiden Name: Elisabeth [nee] Downey
Full name of the Bride: Frieda H. Ackermann
Place of Residence: Davenport, Iowa
Age at next Birthday: 20, Color: White, Race: Cauc.
No. of Bride’s first marriage: First
Place of Birth: Davenport, Iowa
Father’s name: Hercuam Jacob Ackermann
Mother’s Maiden Name: Anna [nee] Waller
Married at Davenport in the County of Scott, State of Iowa
March 28, 1907
Witnesses were [ ] Sophy Mec and Wm. Ackermann

Source: Spracklin & Ackermann Marriage, March 28, 1907 Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa, Iowa, Clerk of the District Court, Iowa State Board of Health, State Historical Society, Iowa City, IA.

We find Harry and Frieda living in Davenport, Iowa in the 1910 census:

Line 89, 607, 124, 188, Spracklin, Harry, Head, M, W, 33, M1, 3, born Iowa, father born England, Mother born PA, English, Cigar Maker, Shop, W, No, 0, yes, yes, R, H

Spracklin, Freda, wife, F, W, 22, M1, 3, 1 child alive, one living, born Iowa, father parents born Germany, English, none.

Spracklin, Dorothy, born Iowa, parents born Iowa.

Huppendorf, Fritz, Lodger, born Germany, parents born Germany, 1870, NA, English, Mason, House.

Rear March, Joe, Lodger, born Germany, parents born Germany, 1885, NA, English, Laborer, odd jobs.

Source: Harry Spracklin Family, Davenport, Iowa, SD#2, ED#134, Sht#7B, Ward part of 3, enumerated 19 April 1910, Henry Huss.

In the Iowa State Census for 1915 they are still in Davenport, Iowa

B866 – Harry Spracklin – Sex Male, Color White, Married, can read and write, age 38, P.O. 920 Vine, Ward 3 of Davenport, Cigar Maker, earnings $720, 8th grade, birth Iowa, Military Spanish, church Catholic, father born Iowa, mother Penn., 38 years in US, signed by Hy Huse

B868 Dorothy Spracklin age 6, Scott Co., 920 Vine – all the children at this address see below. Lutheran, parents born in Iowa, female, white, can’t read and write, years in US 6.

B867, Frieda Spracklin, age 27, 9th grade, born Iowa, church Lutheran, father and mother born in Germany, Female, White, can read and write, years in US 27.

B871, White, single, 5 years in US and Iowa, George Spracklin, age 5m, born Iowa, father and mother born Iowa, Male, White, Single, 5 mos in US.

B890 white, single, 2 years in US and Iowa, Herbert Spracklin, age 2, born in Iowa, Lutheran, father and mother born in Iowa, white, single, male, years in US 2.

B869 Leroy Spracklin, age 3, born in Iowa, Lutheran, father and mother born in Iowa, male, white, single, in us 2 years.

Source: Harry Spracklin, 1915 Iowa State Census, Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa, Cards #B866, B868, B867, B871, B890 and B869. 

On August 21, 1919 Harry L. Spracklin was issued a land Patent #039057 in Miles City, Montana: North half of Section eleven in Township eighteen north of Range thirty-vie east of the Montana Meridian, Montana, containing three hundred twenty acres. In Testimony Woodrow Wilson, Authority May 20, 1862 Homestead Entry, in Garfield Co., MT.  What happened to this land I do not know and would probably have to consult the courthouse in Miles City or the Scott County Registrar of Deeds to see what turns up.

Harry and Frieda Spracklin’s family is growing as shown in the 1920 census:

Line 36, 1509, Dwelling 33, House 36 – lines 30 to 43, Spracklin, Harry, Head 42 yrs. married, read and write, born in Iowa, parents born in Iowa. Occupation: cigarmaker.
Frieda, wife, 22 yrs., married, read and write. Born in Iowa, parents born in Germany.
Dorothy, daughter, 10 yrs. old, school, read and write, born in Iowa.
Leroy, son, 8 yrs., school, read and write, born in Iowa
Herbert, son 7 yrs, school, read and write, born in Iowa
George, son, 5 yrs. old, not in school, born in Iowa
Bertha, daughter 3 yrs. old, not in school, born in Iowa
Florence, daughter, 1 2/12, not in school, born in Montana?

Source: Harry Spracklin Family, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa, SD#2, ED#150, Ward 2 (part of), Sht# 2A, enumerated 2 January, 1920 by James M. Cunningham.

Things started to get a little rough for Harry and Frieda in the 1920’s. There son Herbert was killed in a tragic accident.

Coroner’s Jury to Investigate Spracklin Case
A coroner’s jury will investigate the case of Herbert Spracklin, age 6, living at 1509 West Sixth street who was crushed to death under the wheels of a Vander Veer park car last Sunday at West Second street and Western avenue. The inquest will be held at 7 o’clock tonight.

Source: “Coroner’s Jury to Investigate Spracklin Case,” Davenport Democrat & Leader, Feb 12/13, 1920, State Historical Society of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.

Herbert’s death

Their daughters Bertha and Florence were involved in a rape case, where they were part of a group of kids attacked by a man. A series of articles appeared in the Davenport Democrat and Leader newspaper in 1923 about this case.

Think Many Children Fell into Snare of Man Held by Police, Date: October 21, 1923
Page 15

Attacker of Little Girls to be Tried, December 22, 1923.

Farrell Bound Over on $5,000 Bond By Wells, October 24, 1923 Man Charged with Alleged Assault on 7-Year-Old Girl Asks $2,500 Bond, Page 14.

Headline: Mother Threatens to Kill Witness if Jury Finds her Boy Guilty Date: December 16, 1923, Page 15.

Farnell Found Guilty, Faces Life Sentence Jury Convicts Man Accused of Attacking 7-Year-Old Girl. December 16, 1923.

While the little girls were struggling with the court case, their father got into trouble with drunken driving. Harry was part of: Five Drunk Drivers Arranged in Court; Three Held for Jury, July 2, 1923, page 14.

In 1925 Harry and Frieda’s family appears in the Iowa State Census which has a great deal of information contained on this census.

119-128, 324, Spracklin, Harry L., head, M, W, 48, M, R, 20, 1, 8, yes, yes, born Iowa, father Henry Spracklin, born Ohio, mother Downey, Elizabeth, born Penna, 75, Iowa, marriage Iowa, yes, Army, No, yes, yes, Catholic.

Spracklin, Frieda H., wife, F, W, 37, M, 2, 2, yes, yes, born Iowa, father Ackermann, Herman, Germany 77, Waller, Anna, Germany, 76, married Germany, Catholic.

Spracklin, Dorothy E., daughter, F, W, 16, S, grade 9, 9 mos, yes, yes, born Iowa, farther Harry L. Spracklin, born in Iowa, 48, mother Ackerman, Frieda H, born Iowa, 37, marriage Iowa, Lutheran all children.

Spracklin, LeRoy H., son, M, W, 13, S, grade 6, 9 mos, yes, yes, born Iowa, father Harry L. Spracklin, born Iowa, 48, mother Ackermann, Frieda H, born Iowa, 37, married Iowa.

Spracklin, Geo. W., son, M, W, 10, S, grade 3, 9 mos, yes, yes, born Iowa, father Harry L. Spracklin, born Iowa, 48, mother Ackermann, Frieda H, born Iowa, 37, married Iowa.

Spracklin, Bertha S., daughter, F, W, 8, S, grade 2, 9 mos, yes, yes, born Iowa, father Harry L. Spracklin, born Iowa, 48, mother Ackermann, Frieda H, born Iowa, 37, married Iowa.

Spracklin, Florence M., daughter, F, W, 6, S, infant, father Harry L. Spracklin, born Iowa, 48, mother Ackermann, Frieda H, born Iowa, 37, married Iowa.

Spracklin, Harold L., son, F, W, 2, S, infant, born Iowa, father Harry L. Spracklin, born Iowa, 48, mother Ackermann, Frieda H, born Iowa, 37, married Iowa.

Source: Harry L. Spracklin Family, 1925 Iowa State Census, Davenport Ward 3, Scott Co., Iowa, Roll IA1925_1934, Line 1.

We are missing Alice born in May of 1925.  We have nine children for Harry and eleven for his parents Henry and Elizabeth.

In the next post, I will summarize Harry and Frieda’s family listing the children and what I know about them.

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.

Daniel Spracklin’s Children: Daniel Goss Spracklin 1870 to 1927

Daniel Goss Spracklin was a son of Daniel D. and Sarah Spracklin.  He was born 21 September, 1870 in Benton Co., Iowa. He died 8 August, 1927 in Calhoun Co., Iowa and is buried in the Cedar Township Cemetery in Calhoun County.

Daniel’s mother Sarah was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church circuit that covered the churches of Deep River, Bethel, Mt. Zion, Spring Dale, and Keswick in Iowa and Poweshiek County. Sarah was listed as a member and Daniel G. Spracklin’s baptism was listed on page 186. Source: FHL#1003429 Item 3. 

Daniel married on 29 January, 1907 to Susan Matilda Marrow.  She was born 23 August, 1869 in What Cheer, Keokuk Co., Iowa and died on 19 December, 1909 in Enid, Garfield, Oklahoma. Susan’s parents were John Marrow and Rebecca Kinder.

Daniel Goss Spracklin and Susan M. Lash, courtesy of a cousin – I am not convinced  this is Daniel Goss Spracklin and Susan. 11/11/23

Source: Iowa Marriages, 1809-1992, Family Search, Daniel Goss Spracklin born 1871 in Benton, Iowa, age 36, to Susan Morrow Lash born 1870 in Mahaska County age 37. Marriage took place on 29 January 1907 in Sigourney, Keokuk, Iowa. Daniel’s father was Daniel Dare Spracklin and his mother was Sarah Blacketer.  The bride’s father was John Morrow and her mother was Jane Kinder.  Daniel was single and the bride was widowed.  Source:  Marriage Records for Mahaska Co., Iowa, FHL#1005844, pg. 77

Susan had been married before to a Robert Louis Lash on 16 November, 1890 in Mahaska Co., Iowa ( Source: Marriage Records 1844 to 1939 Mahaska Co., Iowa FHL#985383). Robert was born 10 July, 1869 in What Cheer and he died 23 August, 1899. Find A Grave has a tombstone photo and memorial to Robert with links to several children.  He is buried in the Indianapolis Cemetery in Rose Hill, Mahaska County, Iowa.

Susan and Robert Nash had the following children:

1.  Jessie Orvil Lash born 31 March, 1892 in What Cheer, Keokuk Co., Iowa and he died 16 April 1969 near Deep River, in Poweshiek Co., Iowa.  Jessie is buried in the Goldenrod Cemetery in Deep River, Poweshiek co., Iowa.  Find A Grave has a tombstone photo and memorial to him.

2. Bessie Jane Lash was born 28 March 1894 in What Cheer and died 27 June 1912.

3. Fred Nesburt Lash was born 22 April 1898 in What Cheer and he died 17 January 1930 in California.  He is buried in the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery in Oakdale, Stanislaus Co., California. Find A Grave has a picture of his tombstone and a memorial with links at the website.

4. John Charles Lash was born 24 March 1900 in What Cheer and died the 17th of December 1940 in Hot Springs, South Dakota. He may have married several times and had several children.

In the 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Susan appears with her children living in Pleasant Grove, Mahaska, Iowa as a widow. She has Jesse, Bessie, Fred and John with her.  She is still there in 1895 per the Iowa State Census.

Going back to 1880 we find Daniel Goss Spracklin in the U.S. Federal Census living with his parents Daniel and Sarah and his siblings. He 10 years old.

In 1885 Daniel is listed under the name Dalia and he is 14 years old. In the 1895 Iowa State census Daniel is 24 years old and he is single.  In both 1885 and 1895 he is living with his parents in Dayton Twp., Iowa County, Iowa.

In the 1900 U.S. Federal Census Daniel G. Spracklin has a birth date of September of 1870 in Iowa. He is 27 years old and single. Daniel is with his parents and brother Charles.

Daniel and Susan Morrow Lash one child together.

5.  Opal Matilda Spracklin born 29 August, 1908 in Poweshiek Co., Iowa. She died February 1987 in Calhoun Co., Iowa. Opal married a Clarence Harrison Vote on 18 August, 1925 in Gilmore City, Humboldt Co., Iowa.

Opal Spracklin as a little baby

Clarence was born 8 August, 1888 in Somers, Webster Co., Iowa and died about 15 February, 1976. He was the son of John Martin Vote and Eleanor Amanda Hocket. Clarence had been married before to Lillian Cressinger. She was born 28 March, 1886 and died 10 April, 1920.  They had one daughter named Alberta Lillian.

Clarence and Opal appear in the 1930 U.S. Census.

Source: 1930 U.S. Federal Census in Somers Town, Cedar Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa.  Clarence is a truck driver for a dray line.  ED 13-6, SD#5, Sht#2A. Enumerated April 3-4, by Lela J. Wright.

Line 32, 38, 40, Vote, Clarence H, Head, 0, $2000, yes, M, W, 41, M, 20, No, Yes, born Iowa, father born PA, mother born Wisconsin, truck driver, dray line, no, 5.

Vote, Opal M., Wife of H, F, W, 21, M, 17, No, yes, born Iowa, parents born Iowa, and all children born Iowa.

Vote, Alberta L, daughter, F, W, 19, S, yes, yes, Iowa

Vote, Bernice A, daughter, F, W, 4 3/2, S, No, Iowa

Vote, Clarence, F, son, M, W, 3 2/12 S, No, Iowa

Vote, John D., son, M,W, 1 3/12 S, No, Iowa

Clarence and Opal are listed in the 1940 U.S. Federal Census living in Somers, Calhoun Co., Iowa,

Source:  1940 U.S. Federal Census living in Somers, Calhoun Co., Iowa, SD#7 ED#13-16, Sht#3A, enumerated 9 April, 1940 by Vesla M. Tripp. 

Line 35, 580, 200 yes, Vote, Dick. O. Head, M, W. 51, M, no 6.6. all born in Iowa, all same house, yes, yes, farmer, farming, 52, 0, yes

Vote. Opal, wife, F, W. 31, M, yes, H1, 9

Vote, Alberta, daughter, F, W, 29, S, no. H4, 30

Vote. Bernice, daughter, F. W. 14, S, yes, 8, 8, Egg [Cauller], Creamery

Vote, Clarence, Son, M, W, 13, S, yes, 5, 5

Vote, John, Son, M, W, 11, S, yes, 5, 5, 

We find Daniel in the 1910 U.S. Federal Census living in Enid, Garfield County, Oklahoma.  He is widowed.

Source:  1910 U.S. Federal Census, Enid Township, Garfield Co., Oklahoma, SD#1, ED#16, Sht #7 A, enumerated on 27 April 1910 by __________.

Line 32, 92, 92, Spracklin, Daniel G., Head, M, W, 39, Wd, all born in Iowa, father born in Ohio, mother born in Indiana, English, farmer, farm

Spracklin, Opal M., daughter, F, W, 2, S, yes, yes. 

Lash, Jessie O., step-son, M, W, 18, S

Lash, Bessie J., step-d, F, W, 16, S

Lash, Fred N., step son, M, W, 12, S

Lash, John C., step son, M, W, 10, S

Daniel has migrated back to Iowa by 1915 and is living in Deep River not to far from where his parents farm was located.  Daniel was not listed with the Estate Partition deeds for his father’s land but he did get his portion of the estate money at the final report in April of 1916.

Source: 1915 Iowa State Daniel G. Spracklin and his daughter Opal appear on the individual cards for that census. 

#54? D.G. Spracklin, age 44, Iowa Co., PO Deep River, Dayton Twp., occupation farmer, total earnings in 1914 $200. Common education 10 yrs. Born in Iowa, father born in Ohio and mother born in Indiana.

#55 Opal Spracklin 6 yrs. old, Iowa Co., PO Deep River, Dayton Twp., born in Iowa, father born in Iowa, mother born in Iowa, six years in Iowa.

In 1920 Daniel is in Iowa with a couple by the name of Gray.  The relationship of the Gray family, if any, to Daniel is unknown to me. Opal, his daughter, is living with Virda Huston Spracklin in Franklin, Jerauld Co., South Dakota. Virda is Daniel’s older brother.

Source: 1920 U.S. Federal Census,  Somers Town, Cedar Twp., Calhoun Co., Iowa, Precinct No. 1, SD#10, ED#32, Sht# 7B, enumerated the 19th & 20th of January, 1920, by William A. Thompson.

Line 95, 162, 165, Spracklin Daniel, Head, 0, M, M, W, 49, wd, born Iowa, father born Ohio, mother Indiana, laborer, steam railroad, W, 85.

Gray, Chauncey, Head, M, W, 58, M, born Illinois, father born New York, parents born New York, carpenter, house, W, house, W. Gray, Blanche A, wife, F, W, 54, M, born Wisconsin, father born Ohio, parents born Ohio. 

Much to my delight, Daniel and Opal appear in the 1925 Iowa State census together.

Source:  1925 Iowa State Census, Somers, Calhoun Co., Iowa, residence date 1 January 1925. Two pages. 

Line 137 Spracklin, Daniel G., Head, m, w, 55, W, 0, F, $500, $300, Born Iowa, Father Spracklin, Daniel D., born Ohio, Mother Sarah Blacketer born Indiana, married in Iowa

Line 138 Spracklin, Opal M., daughter, F, W, 16 S, Father Daniel Spracklin, born Iowa, Mother, Susie M. Morrow, born Iowa, married in Iowa. 

Daniel died the 8th of August, 1927 and he is buried in the Cedar Cemetery in Calhoun County, Iowa.

Daniel Goss Spracklin, photo courtesy of P. Stoudt

Source: Cedar Township Cemetery, Calhoun County, Iowa,  Published by the Iowa Genealogical Society, Des Moines, Iowa, page 13. 

Please double check the above information and if anyone knows where Susan or Opal are buried, I would like to know.

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.

Henry and Elizabeth Spracklin’s Family

Henry and Elizabeth had a big family and it is a bit complicated.  This is not my family line.  Any additional research that I have done on this family was to learn more about Daniel, the father, and to help my cousin Jerry in any way that I could.  He is the authority on the Henry F. Spracklin and Elizabeth (Downey) Spracklin family, so bare with me.

The children of Henry and Elizabeth (Downey) Spracklin, here I have 11 children:

1.  Harry Spracklin was born 1 June 1876, Sigourney, Keokuk Co., Iowa and died 8 August 1927 Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa, buried Fairmount Cemetery in Davenport, no stone.  He married Frieda H. Ackerman born about 1877 in Davenport.  She died about 1937 in probably Davenport.  Her death is a guess on my part and needs to be further researched.  Harry and Frieda had 10 children: Dorothy Elizabeth, Leroy, Herbert, George Wilbert, Richard, Bertha Sophia, Florence Margaret, Hanna, Harold Lester, and Alice Margaret. 

Harry was also killed when a tree fell on him.  As a result of his death, a guardianship was created using his Spanish-American War pension to cover expenses for most of his children.  This guardianship spanned 20 years and 3 guardians.  It is this guardianship that details the lives of his troubled kids.  I will go into more detail in a future post, here is the source information. 

Source:  Harry Spracklin Probate Packet #1543779, 1928 – 2nd Series, #12989-13048, 1928-1938, District Court, Scott Co., Iowa, FHL#1493218, Probate Index 1834-1958 FHL#1479397 Item 1. 

An obituary notice for Harry was located in the Davenport Democrat & Leader, July 1, 1927-8/31/1927, Monday Evening, August 22, 1927, State Historical Society, Iowa City, Iowa.

Spracklin: Harry LeRoy Spracklin, 51, passed away at his home, 731 1/2 West Second street, at 5:30 a.m. today following an illness of three weeks duration. The deceased was born Jan. 4, 1876, at Sigourney, Iowa. He moved to Davenport with his parents when a small boy and has since resided here. Mr. Spracklin was a Spanish-American war veteran, and served in Cuba. He is survived by his wife, Frieda Spracklin; three sons, Le Roy, George and Harold, four daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Sievert, Bertha, Florence and Alice, all of Davenport; two sisters and five brothers. The body was taken to the Stapleton funeral parlors, from where services will be held Wednesday morning at 8:15 o’clock, with services at 3:30 at St. Anthony’s church. Interment will be made in Fairmont cemetery.

2. Edward Oliver Spracklin born 22 April 1877 in Iowa and died before 1940 in Napa, Napa Co., California.   Edward was drafted and appears in the WWI Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards 1917-1918, National Archives M1509, Roll #1544334

Registration Card: #693, A98, Edward Oliver Spracklin, Montaque, Siskiyou, California, age 41, Born April 22, 1877, Employer: Warehouse, Standard Oil Co., Monteque, Siskiyou, California. Contact Mrs. Elizabeth Spracklin, Davenport, Scott, Iowa. Registrar’s Report 4-3-20.C. Height medium, build medium, eyes brown, hair black. Signed Sept 12, 1918 by Chas. E. Wright. Local Board in Yreka, Siskiyou, California.

Edward also obtained a land patent BLM Serical #CAS0007137, #747943 Record Accession/Serial, Mt. Diablo, CA. Siskiyou for 160 acres.

He is listed in the Veterans Home of California in the 1930 Census for Napa Twp.,  Napa Co., California, ED28-22 SD5, Sheet 5A, 241, Ancestry.com.

3.  Margaret Evalena Spracklin born 21 January 1881 in Davenport, died November 1965 in Florida. She married 26 August 1896 in Davenport to a David E. Parke and had 3 children: Ortha Raymond 16 Feb 1900 to 5 April, 1924 (Oakdale Memorial Park in Davenport) , Earl David b. Duluth, MN and Viola R. Parke. 

Source: Located in the “P” section, #15458 Parke, Earl E infant, Parke David father, Maggie Spracklin mother, Book 5, pg. 20.  Birth Registrations Iowa (Index), Scott Co., Iowa – Vols 1-5 1880-1897 FHL#1004408 and FHL#2070905.

Here is an obituary notice for Ortha:

Parke – Ortha Raymond Parke, passed away at his home in the Walsh Apartments at 6:40 o’clock this morning, after 18 weeks of illness. He was born in Davenport Feb. 16, 1900, and was educated in the Davenport schools, and has been employed as an usher at the Fort Armstrong theater. Surviving are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. David E. Parke, one brother, Earl David Parke of Duluth, Minn. and one sister, Miss Viola R. at home. The maternal grandmother, Mrs. J.S. Newton of Fairfield, Fla. also survives. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o’clock from Runge’s chapel, and interment will be made in Oakdale Cemetery. Source: The Davenport Democrat and Leader, Sept. 5, 1924.  Davenport newspaper pg. 23, April 5, 1924.

4. Sophia Spracklin born 23 January 1881 and died probably 1881 in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa.

Return of Birth: Child named Sophia, female in Davenport on Jan. 23, 1881 to Henry Spracklin born in Knox Co., Ohio. Elizabeth Downey born at Cambria Co., Pennsylvania, Mother’s residence 9 Street, father is a laborer, attendant Jane Gray, Dated Davenport 1881, Residence 951 East 14th St.  Another researcher either found at the Iowa Genealogical Society or State Historical in Des Moines.

Another source:  FHL#2070905 Births Scott Co., pg. 241 Skips 1906 to 1914 no Spracklins listed again #1682, 987 Sophia Spracklin Feb. 18, 1881.

5. Wilbur Spracklin born about 1885 in Muscatine Co., Iowa. 

6. Flora Spracklin born about 1883 in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa.

7. John Daniel Spracklin, born 7 August 1884. 

8. Elizabeth Ann Spracklin born 24 July 1886 in Davenport, died July 1986 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  She married a Charles Richard Madison Burford 10 September 1903 in Sola, Camaguey, Cuba. Charles the father was born 3 January 1878 in Lewis Co., Missouri and died August 1967 in Coral Gables, Miami-Dade, Florida. 

They had three children: 

1.  Lillian E. Burford born about 1916 in Iowa.

2.  Betty A. Burford, born about 1915

3. Richard Demmit Burford II, born 22 June 1920 Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa and died around 1983 at Fort Smith, Sebastian, Arkansas.  Richard married Catherine Blanche Lemberg and had 3 children:  1) Richard Demmitt Burford III, 2) Charles Frederick Burford, and 3) Catherine Blanche Burford.

9. Elmer George Spracklin born 15 September, 1888, in Davenport, died 6 July 1963 in Persia, Harrison Co., Iowa.  He is buried in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Shelby Co., Iowa.  Elmer married Ellen (Nellie) Bendon on the 28th of March, 1914 in Davenport.  Ellen was born about 1889 in Portsmouth, Shelby Co., Iowa and died around 1966 in Persia, Harrison Co., Iowa.  She is also buried in St. Mary’s.  Her parents were Simon Bendon (1843-1928) and Anastasia Agnes Wagner (1845-1928). 

A Tribute published in the pages of The Council Bluffs newspaper, Council Bluffs, Iowa – July 6, 1963.

Elmer Spracklin – Funeral services were held on Monday at 10am for Elmer Spracklin, 74, at his home in Persia with Father Wilwerding officiating. He died suddenly of a heart attack at his home Saturday morning. He had been a farmer and a trucker in the Harrison and Shelby County areas most of his life. Mr. Spracklin was born in Davenport. He is survived by his widow, Nellie, four daughters, Mrs. Ruth Ditzler of Council Bluffs; Mrs. Irene Pitt of Persia; Mrs. Margaret Peterson of Mondamin and Mrs. Francis Elias of Ute. Three sons, John and Max of Council Bluffs, Don of Valley, Nebr., A brother Elroy Spracklin of Michigan, a sister Mrs. Bessie Burford in Florida; 18 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Pallbearers were Walter Kuster, John Greiner, Woodrow Wilson, William Wilson, Murie Fitzgerald, Russell Ickes. Burial was at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth.

Elmer and Nellie’s family

Elmer and Ellen had 8 children:

1.  Ruth Spracklin born 13 April 1913 in Portsmouth, Shelby Co., Iowa and died Jul. 1981.  She married a Louis Ditzler born 3 January 1906 in Portsmouth and died Aug 1968 in Council Bluffs, Potawattamie Co., Iowa.  They had 3 children:  Marjorie, Ruth and Rita.

2.  Irene Spracklin born 19 March 1917 in Portsmouth and died February 1881.  She married an Owen Pitt born 20 April 1912 in Persia, Harrison Co., Iowa.

3.  John Edward Spracklin born 11 April 1919 in Portsmouth and died 25 Oct. 1991 in Omaha, Douglas Co. Nebraska.  He was buried in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  John married Gilda L. George born 11 April 1923 in Muscatine, Muscatine, Iowa and died 11 December 1989 in Omaha, Douglas, Nebraska.  She is buried in Council Bluffs.  John and Gilda had 10 children of which there are living descendants.

4.  Pauline Spracklin was born 25 October 1922 in Portsmouth and died June 1979 in Portsmouth and is buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Portsmouth, Shelby Co., Iowa.

5.  Margaret Spracklin was born 8 May 1924 in Portsmouth.  She married a Donald Fisher and also a Donald Peterson and had two children by Peterson.

6.  Maxmillio Spracklin was born 26 April 1926 in Iowa and died 22 March 1998 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  Max had two children but I do not know his wife’s name.

7.  Donald Spracklin born 28 Jan 1928 in Portsmouth, married Delores Chapman born 7 May 1932.  They had one child. 

8.  Francis Spracklin was born 5 September 1930 in Portsmouth and died 26 April 2002 in Council Bluffs.  She married Ronald Elias. 

10. Raymond Otha Spracklin born 17 Sep. 1890 in Davenport, died 17 Jan 1935 in Harrison Co., Iowa.  He is buried in the Lytle Cemetery in Harrison Co., Iowa.  He married Minne Hansen 5 July 1932 and they had one daughter: Donna Rae.

Ray was a Veteran of World War I.

Obituary of Ray Spracklin – Residents of this vicinity were greatly shocked Thursday afternoon Jan. 17, to learn that Raymond Spracklin had been fatally injured by a tree falling on him. He and his two step-sons Charlie and Donald Newland, had gone to the timber of Jim Foley, two miles sought of Persia, and were cutting a tree. They had planned to fall the tree north and had placed the wedge in the south cut of the tree. Mr. Spracklin hit the wedge, but instead of the tree tipping over it jumped off the stump to the north, causing the tree to fall south. Ray tried to get out-of-the-way but the limb hit him, fractured his skull and broke both legs, bruised his body. The boys went for help at once. Mr. Foley, who was the first come sawed the limb so it could be removed from his body. Mrs. Foley also helped till W. E. Becker came with his ambulance and took him to the Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs where he passed away at 7:30. Raymond Otha Spracklin was born Sept. 17, 1890 and died Jan. 17, 1935, at the Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs at the age of 45 years and 4 months. He was married July 5, 1932 to Minne Hansen. To this union one daughter was born, Donna Rae. He leaves to mourn his departure, his wife and daughter and seven step-children; Blanche of Council Bluffs, Anabelle, Dorothy, Charles, Mable, Donald and Kathryn all at home. He also leaves his mother, two sisters and several brothers. He was a loving father. His children’s comfort was his first thought. Funeral sevices will be held Saturday afternoon at the Latter Day Saints Church in Persia at 1:30 conducted by Elder Wm. Chambers of that church. Ray was well-known in this community, having spent part of his life here and his many friends will be grieved to learn of his passing.

This obituary was found in The Republican Newspaper of Harlan, Iowa on Thurs Jan 31, 1935.

11.  Elroy Franklin Spracklin born 23 January 1891 in Scott Co., Iowa and died 27 Oct. 1971 Thonotosassa, Hillsborough, Florida. He married Mary Dohoney 21 June 1913 in Davenport.  She was born about 1895 in Chicago and died 4 February 1920.  She is buried in St. Margueriite’s Cemetery in Davenport. They had four children. 

I hope I have presented this family as correctly as possible.  There is a lot more information to share.  There was a lot of research done in vital records, census, city directories, newspapers and more. If you would like to know more about these families please contact me.  Most of the information found was through the efforts of my cousin Jerry.  He gave me his permission to present this information to you.

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.