Chenhall, Stephen 1824-1903 & Jane Truran Family

CHENHALL, TRURAN, DAVIS

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 4/18/2023 at 21:36:21

Chenhall, Stephen 1824-1903 and Jane Truran family

This story was taken from page 371 of the Ireton Centennial Book (1882-1982). The story was transcribed for this BIOS by Beth De Leeuw of the Greater Sioux County Genealogical Society. Some research notes and children’ families were added by Wilma J. Vande Berg. This BIOS is an treasured excellent historical account of the family’s life from immigration until the deaths of Stephen and Jane Chenhall at Ireton IA.

Stephen Chenhall was born at Blackwater, Cornwall, England, 21 June 1824. He came to America by sailboat in 1842. He went directly to Mineral Point, Wi., where he joined his friends. While in England, he had worked in lead and zinc mines, and also had learned blacksmithing and carpentry. He worked in the lead and zinc mines at Mineral Point until the gold rush to Calif. He married Jane Truran in 1850, then joined a caravan bound for the gold fields. His bride remained with her parents, and Stephen panned gold until 1853. He accumulated about $3700 worth, and with his gold dust in a wide belt around his waist, he boarded a freighter for home by way of the Isthmus of Panama which he crossed on a mule. Arriving at the East Coast, he again boarded a freighter bound for Philadelphia, where he had his gold dust assayed and obtained cash. In addition to the dust, he also had gold nuggets that were given, in time, to his four oldest daughters—Annie, Mary, Elizabeth and Minnie.

When Stephen arrived at Mineral Point, Wi. with his money from his labor in the gold fields, he and his wife bought a hilly 400 acre farm on which they were to live and raise a family of 10 children. They were: Annie who married William Simons, Mary married Jim Parkinson, Elizabeth married Thomas Walker, Minnie Hitchcock, Georgana Thomas, Addie VanderHamm, James, John, Charles and Raymond.

The William Simons and Jim Parkinson families established their homes in Cherokee Co., Ia. Stephen came to visit them in the summer of 1878, and decided that he too, would move to Iowa. He lost no time in selling his farm in Wisconsin and buying a home in Sioux Co., Ia. Jefferson Knowlton had just received his Certificate of Ownership of his 160 acre claim and Stephen Chenhall bought the farm in Reading Twp. When the winter of 1878 came, Stephen and Jane and their two youngest children, Addie and Raymond, were living in the two-room claim cabin and Stephen had started to build their eight-room English style home, in which they lived for the remainder of their lives. Stephen passed away Jan. 1903 and Jane passed away Jan. 1914. They were lain to rest in the beautiful cemetery of the St. John’s Lutheran church, a mile from their home, near Ireton, Ia.

RESEARCH NOTES : added by Wilma J. Vande Berg
Upon searching for this family in the reports on Ancestry.com and Familysearch.org, noticed that there were some noticeable errors in the reported information that was submitted by others. The information in the family in this tree seems relatively accurate.

Stephen Charles Chenhall was born 21 Jun 1824 Blackwater, Cornwall, England and id 21 Jan 1903 Ireton IA. His wife was Jane Truran 1832-1914 Children as listed later in this narrative.

Found a Migration California Pioneer Index record stated that – Stephen Woolcock Chenall died 21 Jan 1903 Ireton IA, born 21 Jun 1824, parents Stephan and Ann Chenhall, wife Jane Truran married 21 Jul 1849 at Mineral Point Wisconsin, event date 1849, event place California. (This record was evidently produced after his death)

On the family search site lists marriage of (father) Stephen Chenhill on 6 Jun 1817 Cornwall England to Ann Davis which could be Ann’s maiden name.

1850 Census of Township 1, Tuolumne, California USA, Stephen Chanall, occupation miner, age 27 years, living in a household of other like miners.

1850 Census of Mineral Point Iowa, Wisconsin, Jane Shenall age 19 born about 1831 England

1860 Census of Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin Stephen Chenall was 36 years born England, a farmer, Real Estate and personal value of $5,500. Children Ann 6, May 4, Jane (3?), James 2 , John 2 mo.

1870 Census of Mineral Point, Iowa, Wisconsin Stephen Chenhall was 45 years born abt 1825 England, his real estate and personal value $13,000. Wife Jane Chenhall age 37 born England, Children – Ann 16, Mary 14, Elizabeth 12, James 11, John 9, Charles 8, Minnie 6, Georgeanna 4, Grace ?.

1880 Census of Reading Township Sioux County, Stephen Chenhall age 56, farmer born England, wife Jane age 47 born England, children James 21, born Wisconsin, John 19 born WI, Charles 18 born WI, Minnie 16 born WI, George 15 born WI, Addie 11 born WI, Raymond 4 born WI.

CHILDREN: Of Stephen and Jane Chenhall. Sources Obits from Sioux County Web page and family member trees ancestry.com.

1. Annie Chenhall born 20 Jun 1854 WI died 21 Nov 1939 Cherokee, IA married Wm E. Simons 1874
WI. Her husband William Eugene Simons born 4 Aug 1851 Mineral Point WI died 17 Jun 1938 Tilden, Cherokee, IA They had seven children – Eugene 1875, Myra 1876, Alvin 1878, Ross 1880, Merlin 1885, Caroline 1888, and Lovell 1891

2. Mary Chenhall born 6 Mar1856 WI died 1935 married James Parkinson. Family report on ancestry.com lists Mary Truran Chenhall born 6 Mar 1857 Wisconsin, died 6 Sep 1935 at Magrath, Cardston, Alberta, Canada. Husband was James Daniel Parkinson born 20 Jul 1848 WI died 24 Mar 1934 Margrath, Alberta Canada. Children were – Azalia 1875, Albert Lee 1879, Pearl 188- and Florene 1883.

3. Elizabeth Chenhall born 14 Jun 1857 WI died 1926 married Thomas H.Walker
From the Hawarden Independent, September 16, 1926, Ireton and Vicinity:
Death of an Ireton Pioneer Mrs. Elizabeth Walker, a pioneer of Ireton, passed away at her home here a few minutes after noon last Friday, Sept. 10th, following an illness of several months. Funeral services were held from the home at 1:30 and from the M. E. Church at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon with Rev. Wm. P. Webb, the pastor, in charge. Interment was made in Pleasant Hill cemetery. Elizabeth Jane Chenhall was born at Mineral Point, Wis., June 14, 1857, and so had reached the advanced age of 69 years, 2 months and 27 days at the time of her death. In 1878 she came to Iowa with her parents. She was united in marriage with Thomas H. Walker, Feb. 22, 1880, and this union was blessed with one daughter and three sons. The daughter passed away in infancy and one son, David, met death by drowning in 1901. Her husband preceded her in death 33 years ago when he was suddenly taken from the head of the family. She was converted in early childhood and at an early age she became identified with the church of her choice but later in life she became identified with the Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons, Charles of Philip, S.D. and Philip of Ireton.
From the Rock Valley Bee, September 17, 1926: MRS. ELIZABETH WALKER Mrs. Elizabeth Chenall Walker was born at Mineral Point, Wis., June 14, 1857, and came as a child to Sioux County with her parents, and homesteaded on a farm east of Ireton. In 1880 she became the bride of Mr. Thomas Walker. Four children were born to this union. Her life was marked by tragedies. The first child and only daughter passed away after a brief illness of Diphtheria in infancy. Thirty three years ago her husband was instantly killed at a railroad grade crossing east of Ireton while bringing lumber home for their new home. Eighteen years ago the son, David, lost his life while in the Sioux river at Hawarden. The two sons that remain to mourn the loss of a loving mother are Philip, of Ireton and Chas. Walker of Philip S.D. Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church. The remains were laid to rest beside those of her husband and children in the St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery east of Ireton.

4. James Chenhall born 28 Oct 1858 WI died 1905Alton Democrat of Jan. 21, 1905
James Chenhall an old and respected citizen died this week and was buried Tuesday. He leaves a wife and children. Ireton Weekly Ledger January 20, 1905 James Ephriam Chenhall was born near Mineral Point, Wis., Oct. 24th 1858. He came with his parents in 1878 to Sioux county and settled on the section on which he died. He married to Miss Minnie Walker of Mineral Point in 1885, of which union three boys were born, Mervyn, T., James LeRoy. and John Walker, aged now 17,13 and 5 years respectively. About the time of his marriage he moved onto the fine 400 acre farm and has resided there ever since Mr. Chenhall became a member of the M. E. church at Ireton about the time he came here with his parents and has been a consistent member and true man ever since, He leaves besides a sorrowing wife and family, his mother, Mrs. Stephen Chenhall, of Ireton and six sisters, Mr. Wm. Simons of Marcus., Mr. Parkinson, of Washta. Mrs. E. Walker, of Ireton Mrs. Thomas, of Springfield. S. D., Mrs Hitchcock, of Hawarden and Mrs. Vander Hamm of Ireton. Brothers John Chenhall, Chas. And Ray Chenhall (rest of article is ripped off and missing. )
Ireton newspaper, January 21, 1905 James Chenahall, about forty years old, died at his home four miles east of Ireton, Monday from pneumonia. He came to Sioux County with his parents when a mere boy and has since resided here. He was a brother of Mrs. Wm. Hitchcock of this city.
(James Chenhall was born 28 Oct 1859 WI, died 9 Jan 1905, married to Minnie Walker born 27 May 1860 died 1 Oct 1927. He was the son of Stephen Charles Chenhall 1824-1903 and Jane Truran 1832-1903. children were - Mervyn 1887, James 1891 and John W. 1899.)

5. John Truman Chenhall born 20 Apr 1860 WI died 1950
From a family report on ancestry.com lists John Truman Chenhall born 20 Apr 1860 Mineral Point WI died 23 Nov 1950 San Diego, CA. He married Avis C. Keen 1862-1950. They had children Edith Van Skike 1889-1982, Alta May Chenhall 1893-1977 and Raymond Chenhall 1896-1984.

6. Charles C. Chenhall born 24 Feb 1862 WI died 1939
From the Alton Democrat, January 14, 1938, Ireton news
Charles Chenhall, a former resident of Ireton, passed away at the home of his daughter in Tulsa, Okla., Tuesday, Dec. 28th. Funeral services were held at Tulsa last Wednesday afternoon. Charles Chenhall was born at Mineral Point, Wis., Feb. 24, 1862, and so was almost 76 years of age at the time of his death. He came to Reading township with his parents in the spring of 1878 and grew to young manhood on what was known as the Chenhall homestead. Later he moved to South Dakota, locating near Tyndall and it was there that he was married to Amelia Hennrich of Le Mars. Four children were born to this union, one of whom preceded his father in death. After his marriage he lived at Tyndall for a time and he then returned to Ireton where he farmed for a number of years. About 20 years ago he moved to Oklahoma where he has since resided. His wife preceded him in death. Three children survive him. They are Stephen Chenhall of Tulsa, Okla.; Miss Olive Chenhall of Tulsa, Okla.; and Frank Chenhall of Inola, Okla. All of his children were at his bedside when he passed away. He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. Wm. Hitchcock of Hawarden; Mrs. W. E. Simons of Marcus, and Mrs. W. R. Thomas of Springfield, S.D., and two brothers, John T. Chenhall of Ireton, who is now in California, and Raymond Chenhall, who is also spending the winter in California. Mr. Chenhall is well known to the older residents of Ireton where he lived for so many years. He was an honest, upright man in all dealings with his fellow men and many here learned with regret of his passing. (The same obituary was also published in the Hawarden Independent, January 6, 1938, Ireton news; and in the Sioux Center News, January 13, Ireton news)

7. Minnie Chenhall born 2 Sep 1863 died 1939, married Hitchcock
Hawarden Independent, July 13, 1939
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Wm. Hitchcock, who died very suddenly last Thursday morning from a heart attack, were held Saturday afternoon at 2:15 from the home and later at the Associated church, with the pastor, Rev. T. H. Harding officiating. During the services Mrs. A. E. Pereboom sang two solos with Mrs. Arol Sipes presiding at the organ. Burial was made in Grace Hill cemetery beside her departed husband. Minnie M. Chenhall was born at Mineral Point, WI, on September 2, 1863. She was married to Wm. Hitchcock on October 27, 1886, at Ireton, Iowa. After her marriage she and her husband came to reside at Hawarden, where, with a short time spent in South Dakota, they resided until the time of their deaths. Mr. Hitchcock preceded her in death on December 16, 1931. To this union one daughter was born, Olive E. Hitchcock, who died in 1904. Mr. & Mrs. Hitchcock took into their care the raising of a boy, Robert C. Williams. He grew to manhood and entered the service of the U. S. Marines and now resided at Sioux Falls, SD. She is survived by one sister and two brothers, Mrs. Anna Simons of Marcus, IA; John & Ray Chenhall, both of California, also a number of nephews and nieces. Mrs. Hitchcock has been an invalid for the past 20 years, suffering with a weak heat. She had lived alone for the past eight years. During the recent months she had intimated that her end was drawing near, and this came very suddenly on last Thursday morning at about 8:30 when her lifeless body was found in her home.

8. Georgaina Chenhall born 28 May 1865 died 1938 Mrs. W. M. Thomas
From the September 8, 1938 Hawarden Independent: Mrs. Hitchcock's Sister Dies
Mrs. Wm. Hitchcock received word Sunday of the death of her sister, Mrs. Wm. Thomas, which occurred that day at her home at Springfield, S. D., following a stroke which she suffered a week earlier. Mrs. Thomas had visited in the home of her sister in Hawarden on frequent occasions and had numerous friends here who are grieved at her death. This was the third death in Mrs. Hitchcock's family within the past few months. Besides Mrs. Hitchcock there is one other sister living, Mrs. W. E. Simons of Marcus, Iowa, and two brothers, John Chenhall of Ireton and Ray Chenhall, who until last spring was a resident of California. The funeral was held at Springfield Tuesday but owing to the condition of her health Mrs. Hitchcock was unable to attend. Poster's note: Mrs. William Thomas was nee Georgana (sometimes called Georgeanna or Georgia) Chenhall, the daughter of Jane (Truran) and Stephen Chenhall, early homesteaders east of Ireton (see Ireton, A Proud Heritage, 1882-1982). According to a well-researched family tree on ancestry.com, she was born on May 28, 1865 in England and died on September 4, 1938 in Springfield, South Dakota. That family tree lists the following children: Charles C. Thomas (1887-1977); Richard C. Thomas (1890-1977); Sampson Clark Thomas (1891-1964); Grace Gray Thomas (Mrs. Kirk Martin Dewey) (1898-1984); Jane Truran Thomas (Mrs. Raymond Gingerich) (1900-1988) and William C. Thomas (1900-?).

9. Adeline Chenhall 1869 WI died 1939 married Vander Hamm
Source: Hawarden Independent (4-6-1933) Born: August 25, 1868 Died: April 2, 1933
DEATH CLAIMS BELOVED WOMAN In the death of Mrs. Adaline Vander Hamm, who passed away Sunday, the community has lost one of the early pioneers. She was a woman who did her part in bringing out the beauties of culture from the raw, which she brought to bear on the family life, as well as community virtues of true motherhood and womanhood. Her ideals of right were always uppermost in every decision to be made. Her kindly Christian ways and character have borne fruit in the lives of her children and those with whom she came in contact. Her good influences will long continued and many will call her blessed. Funeral services were held from the home Wednesday afternoon and from St. John’s Lutheran Church where Reverend Harper preached a very touching sermon. The church was filled with relatives and friends of the departed and the beautiful floral offerings were evidence of esteem and respect in which she was held. Burial was made in St. John’s Cemetery beside the resting place of her husband. Adaline, daughter of Stephen and Jane Chenball, was born at Mineral Point, Wisconsin, August 25, 1868, and passed away at her home near Ireton April 2, 1933, at the age of 64 years, 6 months and 8 days. In March, 1878, the family moved to Sioux County where she has lived continuously since that time. She grew to womanhood on the old home farm and on May 22, 1888, was united in marriage with William Vander Hamm. To them were born six children. The youngest died in childhood while the others live within a few miles of where they were brought up. They are Mrs. Bertha Gandy, Mrs. Fern Johnson and Arthur, Elmer and Clarence Vander Hamm. There are six grandchildren. The husband and father died December 31, 1926. Since the death of her husband she continued to live on the farm with her son Arthur and where the other children and their families often came, feeling that it was still home. The deceased was one of a family of ten children and those surviving her are Charles Chenhall of Inola, Oklahoma; Ray Chenhall of Dexel, Missouri; John Chenhall of Ireton; Mrs. Annie Simons of Marcus; Mrs. Mary Parkinson of McGrath, Canada; Mrs. Minnie Hitchcock of Hawarden; and Mrs. Georgia Thomas of Springfield, South Dakota. Mrs. Vander Hamm experienced the severe hardships of pioneer life and later the easier circumstances that came as a result of frugality and industry. For many years she and her husband were regular and devout attendants of the services of the Presbyterian Church of Ireton. Some years ago, during the pastorate of Reverend Roy M. Smith, she was baptized by him in the Christian faith. Hers was a beautiful life, nobly lived. She had been in failing health for some time past and recognized the approaching end of her earthly journey. Those who knew her have the assurance that she was prepared into life eternal.

10. Raymond Chenhall born 1876-1944 of Denbigh ND. From a report on ancestry.com Raymond Chenhall born 8 Aug 1875 Mineral Point WI died 1 Oct 1944 at Wichita, Kansas. He was married to Edna May Lockwood 1887-1968. Their children were James Chenhall 1905, Harold Chenhall 1909-2005, June Elsie Chenhall 1914-1975.

OBITUARY OF STEPHEN CHENHALL
From the Alton Democrat of Jan 24, 1903
At his home four miles, west of Maurice on Thursday morning occurred the death of Stephen Chenall at the age of about three score and ten. Deceased had been sick with Brights disease for about five weeks and had been in poor health for a much longer time. He was one of the county's best known and respected citizens. He was an Englishman by birth and came to Sioux county fifteen years ago. He accumulated considerable of a fortune in lauds and money and was the father of a large family.
His children—four boys and four girls—are all useful citizens. He was a man of value and will be missed. His children are all married but one. A son lives in Missouri and one near Peterson. The rest are in the county. Funeral services are to be held Saturday at two.

Alton Democrat of Jan 31, 1903
The following additional particulars of the life and death of Stephen Chenhall whose demise was chronicled briefly last week are taken from the columns of the Ireton Clipper:
Stephen Chenall one of Sioux. county's pioneer settlers died at his home east of town Wednesday night; January 21 1903 after a sickness extending over a period of a year. The funeral was held from the family residence Saturday afternoon at two, o'clock—Rev. Gilbert of the Methodist church officiating. The funeral was one of the largest ever witnessed in this vicinity. Seventy teams followed the remains to their last resting place at the Lutheran cemetery, east of town (Ireton) which was a splendid testimonial of the regard in which he was held by his neighbors and friends. All the children were present at the funeral. Those present: from, a distance were Mrs. M. A. Truran a sister from Shellsburg Wisconsin and J. T. Chenall a son from Bedison Missouri,,
The deceased was born in Black water Cornwall England June 21,1824 and was seventy-eight years and seven months old when he died. He removed to America when eighteen years of age and was married to Miss Jane Truran fifty-three years ago next June in Lafayette county Wisconsin. Later they moved to Mineral Point, Wisconsin where the family was born and reared. Twenty-five years ago they removed to their present farm east of town where they have since resided Mr. Chenall was a frugal and industrious man and -made a success in life. He was a kind father and neighbor. His life was an open book to all. His best friends were those who, knew him longest. Besides a sorrowing widow the deceased leaves eight children as follows: Raymond and James Chenall, Mrs. Elizabeth Walker and Mrs. Addie Vander Hamm of Ireton, Mrs. Minnie Hitchcock of Hawarden, Mrs. Georgia Thomas of Springfield SD, Mrs. Annie Simons of Marcus and Mrs. Mary Parkenson of Washta.

OBITUARY OF JANE CHENHALL
Hawarden Independent, January 8, 1914
Jane Truran (Chenhall) was born in Cornwall, Eng., Oct. 1, 1832, and died at her home east of Ireton Jan. 2, 1914, being 81 years, 3 months and 1 day old. She was married to Stephen Chenhall, July 21, 1849. She came to this country when a child with her parents and settled in Wisconsin. Thirty-five years ago they came west and settled on the farm five miles southeast of Ireton, where she has resided ever since. Her husband passed away Jan. 21, 1903. Mrs. Chenhall is survived by nine living children, one James, having passed away in 1905. Those surviving are as follows: Mrs. E. A. Simons of Cherokee Co.; Mrs. M. T. Parkinson of Canada; Mrs. E. J. Walker; J. T. Chenhall and Mrs. Addie Vander Ham of Ireton; Chas. D. Chenhall of Oklahoma; Mrs. Minnie Hitchcock of Hawarden; Mrs. W. M. Thomas of Springfield, SD, and Raymond Chenhall of Denbigh, ND. When a young girl Mrs. Chenhall embraced Christianity and united with the Primitive Methodist Church and on coming to Ireton united with the Methodist Episcopal Church of which she has been a constant member. She was a woman of many excellent traits of character, a kind friend and a good neighbor. The funeral was held from St. Johns Lutheran Church Monday afternoon and was largely attended by friends and neighbors. The following from other places were in attendance: Philip Hewett of Mineral Point, WI; Mrs. Woodall of Sutherland; Mr. & Mrs. Woodall of Struble; Chas. Chenhall of Inola, OK; Wm. Hitchcock of Hawarden, and Mr. & Mrs. Simons of Marcus. Rev. Mark Masters, her pastor, had charge of the service and was assisted by Rev. Dr. Jackson. Six grandsons acted as pall bearers.