Klum, Mary Alice

KLUM, MCCOY, SPAULDING

Posted By: Don McCoy (email)
Date: 10/24/2005 at 12:52:35

Came in Covered Wagon Marks 95th Birthday

A woman who came to Centerville in a covered wagon will mark her 95th birthday at an open house at the nursing home of Mrs. Veral Barnes at 543 North Main Street, Friday, July 20, from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 7 to 9 p.m.

She is Mrs. Mary Klum, widow of the late J.N. Klum

Mrs. Klum was born in Sharpsville, Ind., July 20, 1861, the daughter of Douglas and Sarah Spaulding. The family came to Centerville in 1865 making the trip in a covered wagon.

They settled on a farm just west of Sunshine corner, purchasing that farm for $28 per acre.

On Nov. 3, 1878, she was married to J.N. Klum. After their marriage, they lived for five years with Mr. Klum's widowed mother west of Centerville on a farm across the road from the present L.E. Burgher farm.

SEVEN CHILDREN
They became the parents of seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom two sons and one daughter are living. They are Dick of Los Angeles, Robert of Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Fannie McCoy of Centerville. There are 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Klum has one sister, Mrs. W.C. McCarney, of Cape Girardeau, Mo., who is visiting here at this time. Mrs. McCarney, who is 90 years young, chartered a private plane to fly here for her sister's 95th birthday.

Mrs. Klum is probably best know as the mother of the late Henry Klum, who was born in Centerville, and spent his entire life here. He was the founder and co-owner of the O.K. Furniture Co.

Mr. and Mrs. Klum moved from Centerville to Shenandoah in 1902, where they lived until September, 1952. At that time, they returned to Centerville.

Mr. Klum died Dec. 3, 1942. Mrs. Klum lived at 424 East Van Buren until July 20, 1953, when she went to the home of Mrs. Veral Barnes at 534 North Main street to make her home.

Mrs. Klum's health is exceptionally good, considering her advanced age. She goes to the table for all her meals, is an avid reader, and keeps up on current events. She is greatly interested in the local, state and national news and happenings. Her greatest interest lies in her three surviving children, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Klum stated that she hopes to be able to cast her ballot for Eisenhower in this fall's election.