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James Nathaniel Gunn Family

Submitted by Nancy Streck

Family Group Sheet

Husband: James Nathaniel Gunn
Born: March 27, 1826 Lewisham Lake, Westminister, London, England
Married: March 20, 1853 St. George Hannover Square Church, Middlesex,
Westminster, England
Died: February 15, 1904 Wall Lake, Sac County, Iowa
Father: George Gunn
Mother: Sarah Voss/Vass

Wife: Elizabeth Lea
Born: May 29, 1833 Warwickshire, Birmingham or Lancaster, England
Died: March 22, 1911 Wall Lake, Sac County, Iowa in:
Father: Thomas Lea
Mother: Elisabeth Atherton

CHILDREN
1 Barbara Gunn
Born: July 27, 1854
Died: August 17, 1854 Coytesville, Bergen Co., New Jersey

2 Ernest James Gunn
Born: May 02, 1855 Coytesville, Bergen Co, New Jersey
Died: 1925 Wall Lake, Sac County, Iowa 
Married:July 04, 1881  Wall Lake, Iowa
Spouse: Helen L. Stevens

3 George Thomas Gunn
Born: March 04, 1857 Elgin, Illinois
Died: October 13, 1938 Wall Lake, Iowa
Married: January 03, 1889 Rosendale, Missouri
Spouse: Sadie Fothergill

4 "Lettie" Letitia Barbara Gunn
Born: February 14, 1859 Elgin, Illinois
Died: April 17, 1919 Chicago, Illinois
Married: June 27, 1881 Clinton, Iowa
Spouse: William A. Murdock

5 Alice Maude Gunn
Born: February 04, 1862 Clinton, Iowa
Died: June 06, 1927 Primghar, Iowa
Married:December 15, 1881 Sac County, Iowa
Spouse: Wm. F. Harmon
Married:March 25, 1889 Denison, Crawford Co, Iowa
Spouse: "Dave" David Waldhelm

6 Helen Mar Gunn
Born: February 14, 1865 Clinton, Iowa
Died: February 06, 1902 Wall Lake, Iowa

7 Jessie Elizabeth Gunn
Born: July 27, 1869 Clinton County, Clinton, Iowa
Died: September 20, 1949 Swallum hospital, Storm Lake, Iowa
Married: March 20, 1888 Jackson Twp., Crawford County, Iowa
Spouse: Albert Boger Waggoner

8 Alva A. Harmon
Born: May 29, 1882 Crawford County, Iowa
Married:
Spouse: Mary

Fact 1: 1981 Wrote to church in England for marriage record
Fact 2: lady in Paullina doing research
Fact 3: I wrote to lady in Paullina
Fact 4: Wrote Crawford & Sac Co for death record
Fact 5: Buried in Wall Lake Cemetery
Fact 6: Was a butler to the Lea family in England
Fact 7: Eloped to get married
Fact 8: Birth documented in Family Bible-Jesse Benson has
Fact 9: Birth documented in obit & 1900 census
Fact 10: Article in Crawford Co. History about James, George & Ernest
Fact 11: Look up probate of James when he died
Fact 12: Jessie Benson said James died of Pneumonia

Cause of death: Pneumonia

Notes
New Jersey Genealogical Society will do research for $.05 per word - (1981) Mrs. Betsy A. Errickson, RD 1, Box 182, Lambertville, NJ 08530

Excerpts from a letter from Theodore D. Tjossem, Arlington, Virginia - September 24, 1982

"Our records suggest that the James Gunn family was closely knit and child-centered. Close relationships were continued into adulthood. Maude's daughters were namesake to her sisters with my mother named for Letitia Gunn Murdock (Lettie) with whom she appears to have been quite close.

That James Gunn was a butler is affirmed by the church record of his marriage to Elizabeth lea and by stories told me of their origins. These are at variance to the understand given me in your letter. As related to me, James Gunn served as a butler in the Lea household (Lord and Lady Lea). The designation of Lord and Lady, I suspect, is not properly attributed but most likely derives from use of these terms of deference as they might have been used by a servant in an affluent household. Elizabeth's father is listed on the marriage certificate as a "miller" by occupation. According to my understanding, the marriage of James and Elizabeth was akin to an elopement. A check on these details is needed and should not be too difficult by visitation to the UK and search for records of the Lea family on site."

The Gunn's lived for a time in New Jersey where a daughter Barbara, was born and died there. Ernest was also born in Coytesville, NJ. They then moved to Clinton, Iowa and eventually to Crawford County, Iowa. Dad (Lea Waggoner) told me that James, the father; and sons Ernest & George came to Crawford Co. in a covered wagon and
mother, Elizabeth and daughters came to Fort Dodge by train later. This was in 1880.
James Gunn homesteaded 80 Acres of land in Crawford Co. It's located in Jackson Twp., Section 2 - T-85-N & R- 37-W, five miles south of Wall Lake and 1 mile North of the Breda paving (E-16) Ernest, a son of James farmed it after James and then Walter Campbell & Leticia "Lettie", a daughter of Ernest, bought it and then Clarence, son of
Walter Campbell, lived there. Walter Campbell now lives in a little town of Herring. (1981) We drove through there in 1981 and all that is left is an old run down corn crib or elevator and some old buildings.

I do have pictures of St. John's Episcopal Church in Clinton, Iowa, where the Gunn's attended and had their children baptized.

1870-71 - James Gunn is a carpenter at C & NW
1874-75 - George Gunn is a marble cutter res. S. 9th Ave W. of 3rd St.
James N. Gunn is a machinist res. S 9th Ave W. of 3rd St.
Thomas Lea - Miller Res. Camanche Ave & 14th Ave.

From Crawford County Farmers Directory - 1892
WALL LAKE (Sac Co.)
Blessington, I.F.
Brotherson, Detlef
Duffy, Edw.
Fleming, Jas.
Gunn, J.N. - My great grandfather
Irwin, Hiram H.
Irwin, R.M.
Keister, Jacob
Kelly, Wm.
Lorenzen, E.P.
Murphy, D.
Pfaunkuch, I.
Sherwood, Eliz'bth
Wildman, Jos.
(to index)

Autobiography of James Gunn
Breda, Iowa
March 16

Mr. Editor,
I was born in the City of Westminster within sight of Buckingham Palace, if it had been there at that time, on the 27th of March 1826. My wife was born in Warwickshire in 1833. We were married at St. George's Church, Hanover Square, Westminster, England on the 20th of March, 1853 and sailed from Saint Catherine's docks in April on the good ship London with 900 passengers on board, a sailing vessel and arrived in New York in May of the same year after a six week voyage.

We stayed on the Hudson River near Fort Lee until 1855 when I came to Elgin, Illinois. My wife followed in the fall. It was then hard times and a man had to move around in order to get a living, so, in October 1859, I came to Clinton, Iowa. At that time, the Chicago, Iowa and Nebraska R. R. had reached Mechanicsville. There was not a boxcar on this side of the river at Clinton and only 2 engines, namely the Poggy and No. 1- No. 3 was brought over from Fulton on the commodore while the ice was running, and landed on plank. I worked in Clinton indirectly and directly for the R. R. Company - now the C & N.W. RR - until 1881 when I came here, having in the mean time purchased this farm which my sons were working.

We have had 7 children of whom still survive Ernest J. Gunn, George T. Gunn both living here - Mrs. W. A. Murdock of Chicago, Ill., Mrs. David Waldhelm, Primghar, O'Brien Co., Iowa, and Mrs. A. B. Waggoner of Sac County, Iowa.

My daughter, Helen, now deceased, was a first class teacher in Crawford County for many years.

James N. Gunn
Wall Lake Blade - March 13, 1903

GOLDEN WEDDING
Mr. and Mrs. James Gunn have issued invitations announcing their fiftieth wedding anniversary on March 20. The guests will help them celebrate the event on the home farm in Crawford County, where this worthy couple still keep house.

Mr. and Mrs. James Gunn were married at St. George's Square Church, Westminster, England. They arrived in Clinton, Ia in 1859 and have always been residents of the state since that time. Mr. Gunn at one time entered the service of C. & N.W. R.R. Co., remaining with them, until 1881, when he retired with his family to a farm in Crawford county. 

Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gunn. E. J. & G. T., farmers in Crawford co; Mrs. W. A. Murdock of Chicago; Mrs. David Waldhelm of Primghar, Iowa; Miss Helen M. Gunn, deceased and Mrs. Albert Waggoner, of Odebolt.

Marriage Information
Wife: Elizabeth Lea
Married: March 20, 1853
Married St. George Hannover Square Church, Middlesex, Westminster, England in:
Marriage documented in family Bible that Jessie Benson has

Marriage Notes
Wife: Elizabeth Lea
Born: May 29, 1833 Warwickshire, Birmingham or Lancaster, England
Died: March 22, 1911 Wall Lake, Sac County, Iowa
Father: Thomas Lea
Mother: Elisabeth Atherton

Fact 1: Buried in Wall Lake Cemetery
Fact 2: Death documented from obit and memorial card
Fact 3: Birth documented on tombstone & obit
Fact 4: Article about James and she in Crawford Co. History
Fact 5: Look up probate of Elizabeth Lea when she died

Notes
Odebolt Chronicle - February

Mrs. James Gunn, aged seventy-seven, passed away at the home of her son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Waggoner of Wheeler township, last Friday. Burial was made in Te Wall Lake cemetery Sunday. The deceased was known to only a few of our people as she had made her home in Crawford county for a number of years and was only here upon a visit when stricken. She had been in ill health for a number of months.

Denison Review - March 20, 1911
Elizabeth Gunn
Elizabeth Gunn, widow of James Gunn, died at the home her son-in-law Albert B. Waggoner, of Wheeler Twp., Sac Co., and was buried Sunday at Wall Lake. She was born in England May 29, 1833 and was the daughter of Thomas Lea and Elizabeth Atherton.

Clinton Herald, Clinton, Iowa - April 6, 1911
MRS. JAMES GUNN, PIONEER, PASSES
Early Resident of Clinton Dies at Home of Son-In-Law, in Sac County.

Mrs. Elizabeth Gunn, widow of James Gunn, died at the home of her son-in-law, Albert B. Waggoner, of Wheeler township, Sac County, her funeral taking place last Sunday, following by interment in the cemetery at Wall Lake. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn were pioneer residents of Clinton, residing here from 1859 until 1881. Mrs. Gunn had a large
number of friends in Clinton, among the older residents, who will remember her well.

Mrs. Gunn was born in England, May 29, 1863, (date is wrong) and was the daughter of Thomas Lea and Elizabeth Atherton. James N. Gunn and Elizabeth Lea were married in London, England, in 1853, and started at once for America to make a home. Their first home was at Jersey City, N.J., where two children were born to them. In 1856 they moved to Elgin, Ill., which was their home until 1859.

They then moved to Clinton, where they lived until 1881, when they moved to Sac county, where Mrs. Gunn resided until the time of her death. Mrs. Gunn leaves two sons and three daughters: E. J. Gunn and George T. Gunn of Wall Lake; Letitia B. Murdock of Chicago; Alice M. Walthalm (spelling wrong) of Primghar; and Jessie E. Waggoner of
Odebolt. She also leaves fourteen grand-children and six great-grand-children.

Wall Lake Blade - March 31, 1911
Elizabeth Gunn aged 77 years, 9 months & 24 days, the widow of James N. Gunn, was buried form the M.E. church at Wall Lake, Sunday afternoon, march 26. Born May 290, 1833 in Lancaster, England and died March 24, 1911. She was the daughter of Thomas Lea & Elizabeth Atherton.

James Gunn and Elizabeth lea were wed in London, England, March 20, 1953 and came at once to America. Making their first home in New York City, then in Jersey City, where two children were born to them. Following the cry for the set in 1856 they moved to Elgin, Il, which was their home until 1850 they still felt the unrest that follows foreigners until a permanent home is made and moved to Clinton, Ia., where they settled. For 22 years that was their home.

In 1881 they moved to Crawford County, which had been the home ever since. Mrs. Gunn is survived by five children; E. J. Gunn, Geo. T. Gunn, Mrs. Letitia B. Murdock of Chicago; Mrs. Alice M. Waldhelm, of Primghar, Iowa and Mrs. Jessie E. Waggoner, Of Odebolt, fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She has been a loving mother and a true friend to all with whom she has been associated. The young people and children especially appealed to her.

The family wish to extend sincere thanks to the friends in Wall lake, who arranged so thoughtfully for their comfort and convenience to the singers and all who assisted in the many ways made possible on such an occasion.

Child: Barbara Gunn
Born: July 27, 1854
Died: August 17, 1854 Coytesville, Bergen Co., New Jersey

Notes
She died when she was only 21 days old in New Jersey. She was the first born. This information is in the old Gunn family Bible that Jessie Benson has.

Child: Ernest James Gunn
Born: May 02, 1855 Coytesville, Bergen Co, New Jersey
Died: 1925 Wall Lake, Sac County, Iowa

Notes
From History of Crawford Co, Ia. Vol II
Ernest James Gunn, who has been identified with the farming interests of Crawford Co. during this past 33 yrs. as born in Coitsville, (Coytesville), N.J., May 2, 1855, a son of James N. & Elizabeth (Lea) Gunn, both of whom were native of London, England, where the father was born March 27, 1826. The early education of Ernest J. Gunn was obtained in the public schools of Clinton, Ia., and for 13 yrs. he followed the trade of a marble cutter. In the fall of 1878 he came with his brother Geo. T. to Crawford Co. and subsequently purchased 80 A. of land in Jackson Twp from his father. On this property he has since continued to follow farming, meeting with that success that comes as a
result of earnest endeavor & well-applied diligence.

The marriage of Mr. Gunn took place July 4, 1882, when he was united to Miss Helen Stevens, a daughter of Dr. B. J. & Sarah (West) Stevens, the farmer of whom was born in Pa. and the latter in New York. Her parents had 13 children, of whom the (I must not have copied the rest of this)

To Mr. & Mrs. Gunn, two children have been born, namely: Letitia who became the wife of Walter Campbell and makes her home in Sac County and James F. who is farming in Crawford co.

In politics Mr. Gunn has always given his support to the Republican Party and in religion gives his allegiance to the Episcopal Church. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Masonic order in which he has attained the 32nd degree, and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He is recognized throughout the community as a man of genuine worth who has made the most of his opportunities.

James Gunn homesteaded 80 Acres of land in Crawford Co. It's located in Jackson Twp., Section 2 - T-85-N & R- 37-W, five miles south of Wall Lake and 1 mile North of the Breda paving (E-16) Ernest, a son farmed it after James and then Walter Campbell & Leticia "Lettie", a daughter of Ernest, bought it and then Clarence, son of Walter
Campbell, lived there. Walter Campbell now lives in a little town of Herring. (1981) We drove through there in 1981 and all that is left is an old run down corn crib or elevator and some old buildings.

Marriage Information
Wife: Helen L. Stevens
Married: July 04, 1881 Wall Lake, Iowa

Child: George Thomas Gunn
Born: March 04, 1857 Elgin, Illinois
Died: October 13, 1938 Wall Lake, Iowa

Notes
Uncle George & Aunt Sadie Gunn lived in Jackson Twp., Section 3 - SE 1/4 in Crawford County.

Crawford county history Vol. II p. 478 - Written after 1911
George T. Gunn
A well-cultivated and highly improved farm of 200 Acre situated on section 3, Jackson Twp. pays tribute to the careful supervision and excellent management of Geo. T. Gunn, who has resided on his present place for nearly a third of a century. He was born in Elgin, Il. Mar. 4, 1847, and is a son of James N. and Elizabeth (Lea) Gunn. The father's birth occurred March 27, 1826, in London, England, and the mother is also a native of England. They emigrated to the U.S. IN 1853 FIRST LOCATING IN jersey Heights on a place overlooking the Hudson R. There they remained for 2 years and then moved to Elgin, Illinois, making part of the journey from Troy to Buffalo, by canal boat. (This was the Erie Canal. In the World Book encyclopedia it says they charged 1-½ cents per mile in the early days of the canal. It was built in 1825.) They arrived in Elgin, Illinois in December 1856, and Mr. Gunn obtained employment in the harvest fields, working for 50 cents a day and walking two miles to and from his work. In 1858 he removed his family to Clinton, Iowa, where he was employed for the following 20 years, 19 of which were spent in the machine shops of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad. In 1880 he came to Crawford County, having the year previously purchased (1879) 160 Acres of land here. Unto him and his wife were born seven children of whom the following survive: Ernest J. & Geo. T., who live in Crawford co., Letitia B., is the widow of W. A. Murdock and lives in Chicago. She is President of the Ladies' Auxiliary of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers of American, which she organized and of which she has been Grand President since its inception. Alice M. is wife of D. Waldhelm and lives in Primghar, Iowa; Jessie married Albert Waggoner & resides near Odebolt. The deceased members of the family are Helen, who was a schoolteacher in Crawford for ten years and one who died in the infancy. The parents celebrated their Golden Anniversary in 1903. The father's death occurred February 15, 1904, he being survived by his widow who passed away on the home farm in Crawford co, March 26, 1911. Geo. T. Gunn attended the public and high schools of Clinton, Ia., supplementing the knowledge thus obtained by a course in a business college. During this time he worked at the marble cutter's trade for one year and for another year was employed in the railroad shops after which he was apprenticed for three years to the carriage and blacksmith trade at Clinton, at which he worked for four years. In the fall of 1878 he drove from Clinton to Westside, Ia., with his brother and engaged in farming for one year, subsequently moving on to his father's farm. About ten years later he purchased 80 A. of land to which he gradually added until he now owns 200 A of fine farmland.

On January 3, 1889 Mr. Gunn was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Fothergill, a daughter of John & Mary Grundon) Fothergill, both of whom are natives of Yorkshire, England.

In his political affiliation Mr. Gunn has always been a supporter of the Republican Party and in his religious view is a faithful adherent of the Episcopal Church.

Excerpts from a letter from Theodore D. Tjossem, 4737 Williamsburg Boulevard, Arlington, VA September 24, 1982

"More frequent and sustained contact with my family was by George T. and Sadie Gunn of Wall Lake. Uncle Goerge, as he was known to me, made numerous visits to our home and, on occasion, we visited them in Wall Lake. On one such occasion, I remember going to the home of Ernest Gunn, but I have no distinct recollection of him as a person. These events would have occurred in the period of 1920-27 and represent the majority of my contacts with and recollection of the direct descendents of James and Elizabeth Gunn with exception of course of my grandmother, Alice M. Gunn.

Of the Gunn brothers, George was best known to me. My recollection of him was that he was a very talkative, laughing, and intelligent person and one skilled in manual pursuits. His home (after retirement form farming) in Wall Lake was a landscaping showpiece. He constructed a sundial as a centerpiece for his flower garden. On one visit to Primghar, he brought as a gift to me a hickory bow and arrows which he had handcrafted. I recall, too, that he recaned the seats of the small 'English slipper chairs' given my grandmother by her parents. These chairs, I was told, were form the Lea family home and were brought from England by James and Elizabeth Gunn on their coming to the U.S. They remain with me today and with the same caning done by Uncle George."

Dad said when Uncle George & Aunt Sadie died Uncle Levy and Aunt Faye had to take care of buying the tombstones and the funeral arrangements as they had no children.

Marriage Information
Wife: Sadie Fothergill
Married: January 03, 1889 Rosendale, Missouri
Child: "Lettie" Letitia Barbara Gunn
Born: February 14, 1859 Elgin, Illinois
Died: April 17, 1919 Chicago, Illinois

Fact 1: October 17, 1981 Wrote to Cook County Court House for probate record
Fact 2: Bet. 1912 - 1916 Lived on Kedzie Avenue in Chicago
Fact 3: President of Auxiliary of Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers
Fact 4: 1919 Funeral held at St. Timothy's Eipiscopal Church, Chicago, IL
Fact 5: Buried at Forest Home Cemetery, Chicago, Il
Fact 6: 1879 Graduated from Clinton High School
Cause of death: nephritis and diabetes

Notes
Clinton School records show that Lettie B. Gunn graduated from Clinton High School in 1879.

Excerpts from letter from researcher in Clinton Co, Ruth Evans:
Marriage record rechecked for Letitia B. Gunn. Correction and additions to the copy of information you sent with your letter. Additions: Affidavit given by Jno. T. Harvey; first marriage of bride and her residence was Clinton.

Corrections: Marriage date was June 27, 1881; witnesses were O. Murdock and H. Bradley; minister was Jas. Trimble.

Excerpts from a letter from Theodore D. Tjossem, Arlington, Virginia - September 24, 1982
"Letitia Gunn Murdoch, as told me by my mother, (Ted's mother was Letitia "Lettie" Waldhelm Tjossem, daughter of Alice Gunn Waldhelm) was the founder and for some years President of the Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. She resided in Chicago on Kedzie Avenue. This address is different from that provided in your letter. (My letter to him) As my mother visited her in Chicago in the period 1012-16, the Kedzie Avenue address would correspond to that period. Apparently Letitia Gunn Murdock was beneficiary to a free rail pass by virtue of her office. This provided the means for the visits to Chicago and a trip to Coney Island, N.Y. My family album contains snapshots of the group taken at Coney Island. (I think I may have these same pictures.)

My mother was acquainted with Mort Lea as a result of these contacts. She referenced him often, but gave me no remembered indication of his origins or of his relationship to Letitia other than that he reside with "Aunt Lettie". No direct contact appears to have been maintained with him following Letitia's death."

Wm Murdock was a railroad engineer and gone a lot so Lettie started the organization for railroad wives. On the 50th anniversary of this organization they had spoons made with her picture on it. Mom had one of these. I don't know what happened to the spoon. We probably didn't notice it when we cleaned out her house.

Morton A. Lea and Lettie lived at 3331 W. Fulton St., Chicago, Il at the time of her death. In one newspaper clipping it says MURDOCK - Letitia B. Murdock, April 17, 1919, widow of the late W. A. Murdock, fond mother of Morton A. Lea. Funeral Monday, April 21, private services at her late residence, 3331 W. Fulton St. as 1 p.m. church services from St. Timothy's church. Central Park Ave. and Huron et. at 2 p.m. ; grand president of the G.I.A. to the B. of L. E.; member Crescent division No 1 G.I.A. to the B. of L. E.; Olive chapter, no 179 O.E.S.; Ladies' auxiliary to Columbia commandery, and McDowell circle, No. 83. ladies of the G.A.R. Interment at Forest Home.

Marriage Information
Husband: William A. Murdock
Married: June 27, 1881 Clinton, Iowa

Child: Alice Maude Gunn
Born: February 04, 1862 Clinton, Iowa
Died: June 06, 1927 Primghar, Iowa

Fact 1: 1889 Moved to a farm one mile west of Primghar, Iowa
Fact 2: 1920 Moved to Primghar
Fact 3: Bet. 1867 - 1880 Attended school in Clinton
Fact 4: She was pregnant when they got married
Cause of death: Bright's Disease

Notes
From a letter from Marian Towe Turner from Grand Prairie, Tex on November 2, 1981:

"Alice Gunn was confirmed by the Rt. Rev. Wm. Stevens Perry D. D. Bishop of "iona" or "iowa" on March 30,
1879 in St. John's Church, Clinton, Iowa. Looks like James Trimble, Rector"

also from Marian Turner:
"In Alice Gunn's autography book dated December 13, 1884, there's an entry from "your Loving cousin" Frank Sam. Gunn (S could be an L, but there's a period after it."

Also from Marian
"In that part of a letter from Richard to James N., he mentions his "son's" or Sam's" wife died, and he married his cousin, Belle.

Excerpts from a letter from Theodore D. Tjossem, Arlington VA - September 24, 1982
"David Waldhelm and Alice M. Gunn Waldhelm farmed and reared their family on a farm located one mile west of Primghar, Iowa. To them were born four children--Alice Maude (Nellie), Bruce, Letitia, (Lettie, my mother), and Jessie. I believe all were graduated from Primghar High School. Bruce married Maude Guetchow of near Gaza, Iowa and had one son, Russell; Jessie married "Sandy" Smith of Paullina, Iowa; Nellie married Severn "Sam" Towe of Paullina, Iowa an d had six surviving children--Alice Marie, Severn Lee, Marian Ellen, Robert Bruce, Donald D., and Larry. Letitia Elizabeth married Theodore L. Tjossem of Paullina and had one son, Theordore David. Bruce, Jessie, and my father expired of the flu in the epidemic of 1918.

My widowed mother returned to her parents and about 1920 purchased and made a home for them and myself in Primghar, Iowa. My mother was a rural school teacher (one-room school house) and, during her daily absences my care from 1920-27 was in the hands of my grandmother, Alice Maude Gunn. Under these circumstances, I came to know and love her dearly.

She captured my child's imagination with stories of her girlhood. Among these my favorite was one called "hazel nutting." In this story she told of how she, with her brothers Ernest and George walked to a grove of hazel trees situation in pastureland. The boys filled their pickets with nuts until they bulged, and then they stuffed their shirts causing them to appear very fat. This done, they filled grandmother's cupped apron. Then, the pasture bull appeared on the scene, and the frightened children ran dropping hazel nuts as they ran to escape. George's shirt was so full of nuts that he could not get back through the fence. He fell through as his shirt burst scattering all of the nuts he had collected.

Another favorite story was that of boating on the Mississippi. One of my grandmother's favorite pastimes, while living in Clinton, Iowa, was to row out on the river in the evening and catch the wake of river boats which drew them along as they sang songs.

Alice Maude Gunn had musical talent. She sang beautifully and played the piano. She initiated my piano lessons from her knee when I was 3-4 years old. These events suggest to me that James and Elizabeth Gunn held strong concern for and interest in the cultural and intellectual development of their children. The religious orientation of the Gunn family was Episcopalian.

David Waldhelm, Alice's second husband, was one of three brothers--Joseph, David, and Ernest. The Waldhelm family, I believe, had their base near Breda, Iowa. Currently, we have a little information on the Waldhelm family background as my grandfather did not read or write and left no records of his family. This is a weak point in my family's genealogical research."

I think Marian Towe Turner sent me Alice's Obit:
From Mrs. David Waldhelm's Obituary and News Clippings:
Suffered form Bright's disease
Funeral services were held from Congregational Church. Belonged to Eastern Star.
Attending:
Brothers - George Gunn from Wall Lake and wife Nellie Gunn (George's wife's name was Sadie)
Sister - Mrs. A. B. Waggoner & husband, son & two daughters from Odebolt (Probably Dad and Alice and Faye)
Niece - Geraldine Campbell from Wall Lake
Son - Alvin (some spelled it Alva) Harmon & wife and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nickolson of Geddes, S.D.

Obituary
Alice Maud Gunn, daughter of James N. and Elizabeth Gunn was born in Clinton, Iowa, February 4, 1982; died June 6, 1927. Mrs. Waldhelm grew to womanhood and attended school in Clinton, Ia., moving with her parents to Crawford Co. Here she was married to Will Harman, to which union one boy was born, Alva A. Harmon, of Geddes, S.D.

Married to David Waldhelm March 26, 1889, at Dennison (Denison) Ia. Came to Primghar right away and lived on a farm west of town, where they lived until seven years ago when they moved to town.

Four children were born to this union: Bruce and Jessie, deceased, Mrs. Helen Maud "Nellie" Towe, of Paullina, and Mrs. Lettie Tjossem, of Primghar.

Mrs. Waldhelm has been ill for the last few years and been confined to bed since April 8.

Besides her husband and two daughters, and eight grandchildren, there are surviving one brother George T. Gunn of Wall Lake, and one sister, Mrs. Albert Waggoner, of Odebolt, Iowa.

Mrs. Waldhelm was a member of the Relief Corps, Eastern Star and a member of the Episcopalian Church since childhood.

Mrs. Waldhelm leaves to mourn her death besides her family a host of real friends.

Husband: "Dave" David Waldhelm
Married: March 25, 1889 Denison, Crawford Co, Iowa

Child: Helen Mar Gunn
Born: February 14, 1865 Clinton, Iowa
Died: February 06, 1902 Wall Lake, Iowa

Fact 1: She was a school teacher
Fact 2: Never married

Notes
February 13, 1902 From Odebolt Chronicle
Miss Helen Gunn, of Jackson Township, Crawford County died suddenly last Thursday at Geneva, Illinois, where she was visiting relatives. Miss Gunn taught school in a number of districts of this county and had a wide circle of friends. She was an amiable and talented young woman, and her sudden demise was a shock to her relatives and friends. She had been in Chicago for several months and had gone to Geneva only a few days before her death. She was a sister to Mrs. A. B. Waggoner, of Wheeler Township.

Died February 15, 1904 Helen mar, Beloved daughter of James N. and Elizabeth Gunn Born February 14, 1866 and Died February 6, 1902.

Child: Jessie Elizabeth Gunn
Born: July 27, 1869 Clinton County, Clinton, Iowa
Died: September 20, 1949 Swallum hospital, Storm Lake, Iowa

Notes
Iowa State Census, 1895
Ida
Blame

Name: Jessie E. Waggoner
Age: 23
Race: W
Birthplace: Clinton Co Iowa

Excerpts Letter from Theodore D. Tjossem, 4737 Williamsburg Boulevard, dated September 24, 1982.
"Thereafter, my contacts with the Gunn's were in the context of large family reunions and family gatherings. These reunions were customarily held in the park at Storm Lake, Iowa. One large gathering was held at the farm home of your grandparents, Albert and Jessie Waggoner. This occasion is distinct in my mind for one reasons -- home made ice cream. It was made in a large wooden ice cream freezer turned by a crank. I was allowed to turn the crank. It seemed to take ages for freezing to occur, but when ready, it was delicious. "

Odebolt 1938 Half-Century Biographies

WAGGONER, MRS. JESSIE E.
Mrs. Jessie E. Waggoner of near Kiron, formerly Jessie Gunn, was born at Clinton July 27, 1869. She came to the Odebolt community in 1888. She lived in Ida county for four years and for the remainder of the years spent farming, they lived in Wheeler township, six miles south and one mile east of town.

She was married to Albert B. Waggoner March 20, 1888, in Jackson township, Crawford county. Eight children were born to this union, seven living today. Mrs. Waggoner is a member of the Women’s Relief corps.

September 22, 1949
Waggoner funeral today

Funeral services for Mrs. A. B. Waggoner who died Monday evening at Swallum hospital, Storm Lake, will be held Thursday (this) afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church. A complete obituary will follow next week.

September 29, 1949
Waggoner Rites Held

Funeral services were conducted at 2 o'clock at the Methodist church at Odebolt Thursday afternoon, September 22, 1949 for Mrs. A. B. Waggoner. The Rev. H. M. Burns officiated. Music was provided by Mrs. Ray Wardrop with Mrs. W. G. Horstman accompanying.

Interment was at the Odebolt cemetery. Pall bearers were William Sykes, Walter Schultz, Art Scott, James
Cowlham, Chris Sonksen & Glenn Boerner.

Jessie E. Gunn, daughter of James N. & Elizabeth Gunn was born in Clinton, Iowa, July 27, 1869. At the age of 12 years she moved with her parents to Crawford County. On March 20, 1888, she was united in marriage to A. B. Waggoner.

Eight children were born to this union, six of whom are living. Her husband, on son, Charles and an infant
daughter, Helen, preceded her in death. Surviving are Mrs. Will Nelson (Ruby) of Kiron, Russel of Mapleton, Mrs. Hobart Smith (Lettie) of Pocatello, Idaho; Mrs. Levin Anderson, (Faye) of Schleswig, Mrs. Vern Boerner, (Alice) of Odebolt, Lea of Arthur, 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a number of other relatives and a host of friends.

She lived all her life in the Odebolt community. Since her husband's death, she has made her home with her children.

She became a member of the Methodist church in 1901 joining the Epworth church in Wheeler township. She was a member there until the church was moved to Odebolt when she united with the Methodist church in Odebolt. She has been a faithful member since then. She was also a member of the Women Relief Corps.

She has been cared for at the Ida Grove & Storm Lake hospitals for the past three months. She passed away at midnight September 20, 1949 at Storm Lake at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 24 days.

St. John's Episcopal Church has records showing Jessie Elisabeth Gunn being christened on June 25, 1876 and was born July 27, 1869. I do have a copy of that.

Dad told me that Grandma Waggoner (Jessie Gunn Waggoner) went to Chicago and lived with her sister Lettie and went to school. This was probably between the years 1881 when Lettie was married and 1889 when Jessie was married. I could write to the Chicago Public Library to look in city directory and see if they can find her living with Lettie.

Husband: Albert Boger Waggoner
Married: March 20, 1888 Jackson Twp., Crawford County, Iowa

Marriage Notes
March 30, 1888 - Chronicle - Merry Marriage Bells
One of the most pleasant events of the season took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J. N. Gunn on the 20th inst., in the marriage of their daughter, Jessie E., and Albert B. Waggoner. About 65 guests were present, and giving the opinion of one of the favored few, they had a splendid time.

At seven o'clock the bridal party came forth from their seclusion and placed themselves under a canopy of flowers. The profusion of roses made one think of the beautiful month of June, rather than blustering March. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. W. Mahood, of Gowrie, assisted by Rev. A. Brown, of Wall Lake. The bride was tastefully arrived in white satin and nun veiling, enveloped in a fleecy could of lace. She was attended by her sister, Miss Helen Gunn, who appeared to great advantage in a costume of rose coor3ed satin and nun's veiling. The groom was supported during this trying ordeal by Mr. Gus. Wonders, of Carlisle, Pa. Among the guests present was Mrs. W. A. Murdock, of Chicago, sister of the bride.

List of presents:
Berry set, 1/2 doz. silver teach spoons, and carpet, James Gunn; feather bed, bolster, pillows, bedspread and silver spoons, Mrs. James Gun; large lamp and 1/2 doz. silver spoons, Helen Gunn; pair painted plaques, tambrouine (I'm not sure I have this spelled right-in the World Book encyclopedia it shows a word tambourlace which is a modern lace of needlework designs on machine-made net, resembling tambour embroidery) and cut glass bottle of perfume, Mrs. Harman; rolling pin, tooth-pick holder and cracker boat, Alva Harman; glass tea set, George Gunn; water set and hammered brass tray, E. J. Gunn and wife; box of handkerchiefs, Lettie Gun; gem pans and tooth-pick holder, Jimmie Gun; set of furniture, Henry Waggoner and wife; large lamp, James Waggoner and wife; set of dishes, Henry and Lincoln Waggoner; table cloth, Simon McCoy and Gun Wonder; butter dish and set of cups and saucers, Mr. and Mrs. Barry; large mirror, Agnes and Will Barry, glass water pitcher, Mr. Curtis and wife; cake stand and tidy, Mr. O'Brien and wife; glass tea set; Mr. Sherwood and wife; tidy and cake stand, Mrs. Cook and Mrs. Tongate; table cloth Mr. Rheder and wife; fruit dish, Clara Downy; pair Bohemian vases, Harry Lea: pair silver napkin rings, Frank Hawley; large lamp, Mr. Deiter and wife; cake stand, T. B. Stratford and wife; fruit stand, W. H. Mitts and wife; cream pitcher, Lena Mitts; pepper and salts, Mattie Saxton; bangle brush broom holder, Lizzie and Laura Pearson; painting, Mr. Neville and wife; pair towels, Mr. Foster and wife; pair towels, Mr. Lesher and wife; pair towels, John Grove; pair towels, Sadie Fothergill; of Rosendale, Mo.

From Chicago: Silver knives and forks, W. A. Murdock and wife; 1/2 doz. table napkins, Mort Lea; cut glass berry dish and celery glass, Mrs. Ponsonby; egg dish, Fanny Eason; toilet set, Mrs. Wandell; table clother, Mrs. Cherry; pepper and salts, Mrs. Coons.

From Huntly Grove, Illinois: Pair towels, Mrs. Fenwick; handkerchiefs, Emma Fenwick; sashay bag, Nellie Fenwick; pillow shams, Mr. and Mrs. heart.

Child: Alva A. Harmon
Born: May 29, 1882 Crawford County, Iowa

Notes
Excerpts from a letter form Theodore D. Tjossem, Arlington, Virginia - September 24, 1982

"I recall that, in the period of about 1923-24 my grandparents, mother and I traveled to lake Andes (Geddes) South Dakota to visit Alva and his family. I believe that his wife's name was Mary and that there was a daughter of the same name. He had, as I recall, two sons whose names I do not remember. At this time, Alva was farming near Lake Andes. Geddes, South Dakota sticks in my mind as his address, but I do not find Geddes listed on contemporary maps of South Dakota."

Marriage Information
Wife: Mary

 

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