FOLAND FAMILY

Northeast of Grand River, Richland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa
 
Written, compiled and submitted by Sharon R. Becker, September & October of 2013
Click on the small images for larger views.
 
Michael Jr. and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND Family

Michael FOLAND was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, on January 14, 1820, the son of Michael Sr. (1794-1834) and Catherine or Christina (ZIMMER/ZIMMERS) FOLAND. Catherine was the daughter of Michael (1738-1792) and Catharina ZIMMERS.

Michael's mother died around the year 1823 when he was about three-years-old. Michael Sr. married second to Catherine/Katherine SEMNER or SUMMER or SOMNER. Shortly after this marriage, the family moved to Rane County, Indiana.

There has been quite a bit of confusion with regard to Michael Jr.'s mother. Her name and the name of his step-mother have been interchanged in many genealogies and historical records. Michael's father, Michael Sr., died when he was fourteen-years-old. Because he lost both parents at an early age, his memory and recollection over the years probably wasn't much assistance in the matter. Michael and his step-sister, Phillepine "Phoebe" SEMNER were listed as orphans, August 18, 1834. John FISHER was appointed by the court as their guardian.

Michael's paternal grandfather, Johann "Valentine" FOLAND (1756 - 1811) served through the American Revolutionary War. It is believed that he served in the Virginia Regiment.

Michael FOLAND and Elizabeth SOWERWINE were married on October 16, 1842 in Delaware County, Indiana.

Elizabeth SOWERWINE was born November 23, 1822, Timberville, Virginia, the daughter of William "Christian" (1793-1871) and Maria (GOOD) SOWERWINE (1800-1838). After Maria's death, Christian married second to Catherine/Katherine SEMNER or SUMMER or SOMNER, the second wife of Michael FOLAND, Sr. and Michael's step-mother.

From the deed records of Delaware County, Indiana, Christian SOWERWINE and Catherine made out a guardian’s deed to Michael FOLAND, Jr. for the west ½ of the southeast quarter of Section 17, township 19 on August 6th of 1842. In this document, Christian states that he is the guardian of Michael FOLAND, Jr. who would have been twenty-two-years-old at the time and was preparing to marry Elizabeth SOWERWINE. When Michael FOLAND, Jr. married Christian’s daughter Elizabeth, Michael was not only Christian’s step-son but his son-in-law, too. According to Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND’s obituary, the combined family left Virginia, arriving in Indiana during the year 1836.

According to a deed on record in Decatur County, Iowa, Sherman and Ruth BOWERS of Delaware County, Indiana, sold 160 acres located in Richland Township to Michael FOLAND. Interestingly, Sherman BOWERS was a co-trustee of the Bowers Lutheran Presbyterian Church with Elizabeth’s father, Christian SOWERWINE.

In September of 1859, Michael and Elizabeth FOLAND left Muncie, Indiana with a covered wagon, three horses and a rig to come to Decatur County, Iowa. On their way to their homestead, the FOLANDS stopped and wintered at Dekalb near Short Creek where their son Isaac Randolph "Ike" was born the following spring on April 3, 1860. Once Elizabeth was able to travel, they completed the last 20 miles of their journey to settle on 160 acres of land which would be Michael and Elizabeth's home for the remainder of their lives. They built a log cabin where they lived until they built their new home around the year 1880. At the time, this was one of the finest residences in the county.
Michael owned and operated a hardware store and a harness shop in Westerville and a sorghum mill. When five of the FOLAND sons married, the newlyweds moved into what became known as the 'weaning house' and operated the mill until they had accumulated enough funds to purchase their own farmstead. [William and Sam FOLAND were the exceptions. ~ SRB ] Michael also built the Foland School located on the southeast corner of his farm until it was moved to the town of Kellerton around the year 1960/61 where it served as the music room for Grand Valley Community School.

During the Civil War, Michael served with Company A of the Third Battalion, Iowa Southern Border Brigade.

Elizabeth, who was well-known for her sweet disposition, died on August 25, 1896, and was interred at the Wheelis/Tennessee Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa. Michael died on April 18, 1904 and was interred beside his wife.
 
Michael Foland's Weaning House

A unique family tradition among Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND'S sons was the establishment of what came to be known as the 'weaning house.'

Some time prior to December of 1871, Michael Foland built a house-one large room with a lean-to kitchen located north of his farm, on the second ridge west of the Foland School. A sorghum mill was established just north of the 'weaning house,' and people came from miles around with their loads of cane to make their sorghum.

Of Michael and Elizabeth's seven sons, five of them moved into the 'weaning house' upon their marriage. They helped farm the land and ran the sorghum mill. When the son had accumulated enough funds to purchase his own farm, the resident family moved out and a newly married son moved in with his family.

William Henry "Bill" and Samuel "Sam" FOLAND were the only sons who didn't reside at the 'weaning house.' Perhaps this was because Bill had married in 1868 before the 'weaning house' was built. When Sam married in 1879, the 'weaning house' was already occupied.

Christian "Chris" FOLAND married Lucinda EDWARDS on December 25, 1871. They were the first to reside in the 'weaning house.' Chris and Lucinda's first child, Benjamin Franklin "Frank" FOLAND was born in the 'weaning house" on August 31, 1872. Shortly after Frank's birth, Chris purchased an 80-acre farm and moved out of the 'weaning house.'

John Valentine FOLAND married Minerva HOPKINS in December of 1868. With the 'weaning house' becoming vacant in 1872, they moved in with their children Kathryn "Rebecca" and Alva Albert. Their daughters were born at the 'weaning house' - Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" on April 15, 1873, and Jennie Anne on April 11, 1875. Around the year of 1877 John and Minerva purchased their own farm and moved out of the 'weaning house.'

Isaac Randolph "Ike" FOLAND married Martha Elizabeth "Betty" BOLES on August 7, 1881. They resided with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth for a while before moving into the 'weaning house.' Ike and Betty's first four children were born in the 'weaning house' - Charles Wilbert "Charley" on May 14, 1882; George Wesley on May 6, 1887; Leonard Luther on December 1, 1887; and Minnie Catherine on August 21, 1889. Ike and Betty bought an 80-acre farm in 1890 and moved out of the 'weaning house.'

Sanford Marion FOLAND married Martha A. GRIMM on December 12, 1887. With the 'weaning house' being occupied at the time, Sanford and Martha resided with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth. They moved into the 'weaning house' where their son Hollis was born on April 19, 1890. Hollis tragically died on September 7, 1892. The following year Sanford and Martha purchased an 80-acre farm and moved out of the 'weaning house.'

George FOLAND, the youngest of Michael and Elizabeth's ten children, married Celeste Jane LITTLE on January 23, 1893. Because the 'weaning house' was occupied, George and Celeste resided with his parents until the 'weaning house' was available for them to move in. After Elizabeth died on August 25, 1896, George and Celeste moved in to care for Michael during his declining years.

Lulu FOLAND, daughter of John Valentine and Minerva (HOPKINS) FOLAND, married George Washington GRIMM on December 19, 1886. George was the twin brother of Martha A. GRIMM who had married Lulu's uncle Sanford Marion FOLAND. Lulu and George were residing in the 'weaning house' with their son Elba Ervin at the time of their second son's birth, Vernie Clate GRIMM on October 5, 1899. Lulu and George subsequently purchased a farm in the "Tennessee" community and vacated the 'weaning house.'

Chris and Lucinda FOLAND'S daughter Laura Ann and her husband Leo McCONNELL eventually purchased the 'weaning house' for $25. The moved the building to the southwest corner of the Chris FOLAND farm and lived there during the two years they farmed this land. Laura and Leo were the last known residents of the 'weaning house.'

Frank FOLAND, son of Chris and Lucinda and the first FOLAND grandchild to be born in the 'weaning house,' moved onto the farm. The 'weaning house' was used as a smokehouse and later as a corncrib.

The 'weaning house' was still standing in the 1970's, although it was leaning a little hard to the east. It no longer stands.

Source: FOLAND, Wilma G. (RAMSEY). The Foland Family Record 1960
  
The Ten Children of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND
  
  
Mary Ann (Foland) and James Marion Bradshaw Family

Mary Ann (FOLAND) BRADSHAW was the eldest child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Mary Ann FOLAND was born May 30, 1843, Delaware County, Indiana. She married Oct. 6, 1864 to James Marion BRADSHAW (1845 - 1928). James, the son of Joel Jefferson III BRADSHAW (1819-1899) and his first wife Mary Miget (HUSTON) BRADSHAW (1818-1858). James was born April 17, 1845 in Illinois.

Mary Ann and James BRADSHAW moved to Illinois, then to Jefferson Co., IA; then on to Decatur County, Iowa. James had a restless nature, and the family moved to Kansas, settling on a farm in Osborne County in 1880. Mary suffered from a stroke in 1918 and partially recovered. In the winter of 1920, Mary and James traveled west to visit their daughter Minnie and her family where Mary suffered fatal stroke on January 21, 1920. While visiting his children in California, James suffered a stroke in the spring of 1927. Minnie brought him back to Kansas where his son Grover cared from him until his death on February 10, 1928. Mary Ann and James were interred at Victor Cemetery, Victor Township, Osborne County, Kansas. They were charter members of the Church of the Brethren that was built on their farm 12 miles from the town of Waldo, Kansas.

Mary Ann and James BRADSHAW were the parents of seven children:

1) Henry Francis BRADSHAW, born August 30, 1865, Westerville IA, died July 14, 1914, Waldo KS. Married March 6, 1887 to Agnes Ellen WINDER, born December 6, 1870, Troy, Kansas, the daughter of Daniel Boone (1831-1904) and Nancy Ellen (ILES) (1842-1910) WINDER; died February 8, 1955. Interments at Victor Cemetery, Victor Twp., Osborne County, Kansas, along with their infant, born and died July 16, 1911.

2) Ulrich BRADSHAW, born 1867, died 1869.

3) Hugh Delvis BRADSHAW, born 1870, Leon IA, died April 6, 1932, Merced CA.
Married Dec. 24, 1893, Osborne Co. KS to Mary Ann SLATER (1872 - 1956/7).

In 1897, Hugh and Mary Ann left Kansas, moving to Oregon where he worked in the lumber mills. In 1899, the family moved by covered wagon to Seattle, Washington, and in 1904 they moved again to Fresno, California, where Hugh was employed as a carpenter. Five months later, daughter Ethel came down with a severe case of scarlet fever and the family moved back to Seattle. Hugh worked on the first skyscraper in the Beacon Hill district of Seattle. A heart condition forced Hugh to move his family to Yakima Valley in Washington where he farmed for five years before moving again to Idaho where he farmed for two years. Hugh and Mary Ann moved to Merced, California, where he suffered a fatal heart attack while working in the field on April 6, 1932. Mary carried on at the farm with some help for a while before moving into town. She worked as a real estate agent, living in her own home and driving her car until she was past the age of 81. She suffered three strokes and eventually a fatal heart attack on September 30, 1956. Hugh and Mary Ann were interred in Merced, Merced County, California.

4) Minnie Belle BRADSHAW, born Sept. 27, 1872, Decatur Co. IA, died Oct. 9, 1945, San Diego CA.
Married in Kansas to Thomas Earl FOSTER (1871 - 1951).

Minnie and Thomas farmed for a while in Kansas before moving to Seattle, Washington, and then on to a homestead located on the Big Horn River in Montana where they raised alfalfa and Bermuda onions. In 1910, the family moved to California where Thomas worked as a carpenter. They retired to a ranch where they raised turkeys for market in San Diego, California. Minnie and Thomas were interred at Greenwood Memorial Park located in San Diego, San Diego County, California. Minnie and Thomas were the parents of three children.

5) Elizabeth Ellen "Libbie" BRADSHAW, born Sept. 27, 1874, Leon IA, died April 3, 1923, Pasco WA, interred City View Cemetery, Pasco WA. Married Dec. 25, 1898, Kansas, to Lemuel Nathaniel GOODELL (1879 - 1960). Lemuel was an engineer with the Northern Pacific Railroad. Libbie and Lemuel were the parents of two daughters.

6) Mary "Altena" BRADSHAW, born February 19, 1882, Covert KS died July 8, 1972/78, Sunnyside WA
Married March 29, 1902, Waldo. KS, to Franklin Abraham "Frank" WAGNER (1877 - 1952).
Frank was the minister of the Victor Church of the Brethren.

Franklin was called to the office of deacon with the Church of the Brethren in 1903 and the family resided in Arriba, Colorado, for four years. When Franklin was called into the ministry in 1910, the family returned to Kansas where Franklin was called into full ministry in 1915. In 1942, the family moved to Outlook, Washington, where Franklin served the church as a minister for four years before being called to as the minister and elder of the Outlook and Sunnyside churches, serving for 42 years until his death in 1952. Altena resided with her daughter Ruby and her family after Franklin’s death. Altena and Franklin were interred at Sunnyside Memorial Cemetery, Sunnyside, Yakima Co., WA. Altena and Frank were the parents of eight children.

7) Grover Cleveland BRADSHAW, born August, 1884, Covert KS, died April 22, 1949, Osborne Co. KS.
Married Dec. 25, 1904, Osborne Co. KS, Iva Lee MOYE (1886 - 1978).

Grover was a farmer for most of his life. The family moved to Waldo, Russell County, Kansas, in 1903 where Grover farmed and managed the Farmers Union Elevator off and on over the years. Grover, who was very civic-minded, served on the township board, district school board, and was the chairman of the Covert High School board for 23 years. He was a member of the board of the Farm Program from the time it was organized until his death. Grover served as deacon and Sunday school superintendent of his church, chairman of the district Sunday school board and president of the County Sunday school organization.

When his father James Marion BRADSHAW suffered a stroke, Grover and Iva took James into their home, caring for him until his death in 1928. Poor health caused Grover and Iva to sell their farm and move into Osborne, Kansas, where Grover managed the Farmers Union elevator until his death in 1949. Grover and Iva were interred at the Osborne Cemetery, Osborne, Kansas.

Grover and Iva Lee were the parents of four children.
   
 
 
William Henry "Bill" & Rachel (Ramsey) Foland Family

 William Henry "Bill" FOLAND was the second child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

William Henry "Bill" FOLAND was born in 1845, Delaware County, Indiana, the second child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND. He married Rachel RAMSEY (1845 - 1933) on September 14, 1868, Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

Rachel RAMSEY, the daughter of Thomas (1799 - 1872) and Anna (HOPKINS) (1807 - ) RAMSEY, was born in Clairborne (now Hancock) County, Tennessee on August 14, 1845.

Bill arrived in Decatur County, Iowa with his family when he was fourteen-years-old. Rachel arrived in Decatur County with her family when she was six-years-old. The RAMSEY family left Tennessee in 1850, taking a flatboat down the Tennessee River to Paducah, Kentucky. There, the flatboat was sold to secure passage on a steamer up the Mississippi to Alexandria, Missouri. They traveled overland with horses sixty miles to Drakesville in Davis County, Iowa, where they stayed the winter. The following spring, the family completed their journey, settling in Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

After their marriage, Bill and Rachel resided for a few months on the farm adjoining Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND’S homestead. Here Bill and Rachel’s first child Anna Elizabeth was born. Bill traded his team, wagon and harness as a down payment on forty acres and worked for Anderson EDWARDS at his brick kiln located northwest of Van Wert for 50-cents a day. Bill and Rachel’s home was a log cabin where the rest of their children were born. Several years later, Bill built a large nice home. This house burned down around the year 1956.

At the time of his death from mastoids on June 22, 1919, Bill had acquired 381 acres of land. After Bill’s death, Rachel purchased a home in Grand River where she resided until her death on June 12, 1933. Bill and Rachel were interred at the Wheelis (Tennessee) Cemetery, Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

William and Rachel were the parents of nine children:

1) Anna Elizabeth FOLAND, born June 22, 1869, Richland Twp. Decatur Co. IA, died Jan 1, 1923, Wamego KS., interment at Covert KS. Married 1907 to James Victor McKEE (1868 - 1938).

Anna and James farmed in Iowa and Missouri before moving to Osborne Co., Kansas around the year 1903. They later moved to Wamego, Kansas, where After Anna's death in 1923, James moved back to Missouri where he remarried and lived the remainder of his life.

Anna and James were the parents of three children.

2) Ellsworth FOLAND, born July 17, 1872, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA died aged 1 year, Sept. 5, 1872, interred Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA.

3) Elsie FOLAND, born June 23, 1873, Richland Twp., Decatur Co., IA died Feb. 7, 1961, Alton KS after breaking her hip.
Married March 3, 1901 Frederick Allen "Fred" BOYD (1878 - 1953).

Elsie attended the Brick School and Fred attended the Foland School in the “Tennessee” community of Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa. Elsie went to Kansas to teach school. There she married Fred BOYD who had moved to the IXL community near Natoma, Osborne County, Kansas. Elsie and Fred established their farmstead near Natoma where they raised their children. In 1938, they returned to Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa, residing there until moving to Alton, Kansas in 1943. Fred was interred at IXL Cemetery, Osborne County, Kansas, where his parents were buried.

Elsie and Fred were the parents of six children.

4) Emmett FOLAND, born Feb. 10, 1875, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA died Apr 4, 1961 at his home, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
Married Jan. 28, 1903 to Anna Elizabeth BRADSHAW (1878 - 1940).

Emmett attended the Brick School with the exception of one winter when he stayed with his grandparents, Michael & Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND, Jr., and attended the Foland School. Anna attended both the Brick and the Foland Schools.

Bill FOLAND built a house on 80 acres of his land which Emmett and Anna moved into and where they raised their family. Later Emmett bought 40 adjoining acres to the west where he moved the farmhouse in 1920. (NOTE: The house was still standing but abandoned in the 1980’s. It is now gone. – SRB) Anna fought a long battle with cancer which she lost on August 24, 1940. She is remembered for her kind disposition. Emmett remained on the farm with the couple’s son, Raymond. He raised broom corn and made brooms. He died at home in 1961 and was interred beside Anna at Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

Emmett and Ann were the parents of four children.

5) Michael FOLAND III, born April 8, 1878, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA died March 21, 1961, Denver CO
Married 1911, Indianola IA, Anna "Huldah" SMITH (1885 - 1968).

Michael FOLAND attended the Brick School in the “Tennessee” community of Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa. Hulda taught school in Warren, Clarke, and Lucas Counties in Iowa. After their marriage, the couple farmed in Decatur County, Iowa, for several years before moving to Denver, Colorado, where they resided until their deaths. Michael and Hulda were interred at Liberty Center Cemetery, Warren County, Iowa.

Michael and Hulda were the parents of three children.

6) Alzie FOLAND, born Feb. 3, 1880, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA died Feb. 4, 1881, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, interred Wheelis Cemetery.

7) Luster "Lus" FOLAND, born June 8, 1882, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA died June 3, 1973, Osceola IA
Married Oct. 13, 1909 to Nettie Margaret BURCHETT (1889 - 1971).

Lus attended the Brick School in the “Tennessee” community of Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa. Upon his marriage to Maggie, the couple farmed near Van Wert and later near Grand River before moving to a farm six miles southwest of Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa in 1932. Upon their retirement from the farm in December of 1957, Lus and Maggie moved to Osceola.

Lus died June 3, 1973 from complications after breaking his hip. Maggie died August 5, 1971 from cancer. They were interred at Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Clarke County, Iowa.

Luster “Lus” and Nettie “Maggie” FOLAND were the parents of eleven children.

8) Armina "Minnie" FOLAND, born Jan. 8, 1884, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Sept. 2, 1978, Osceola IA
Married Feb. 24, 1907 James Alvice "Jim" COLE (1886 - 1969) son of "Doc" COLE (1856-1937) and Candace Rebecca (ADAMS) COLE (1859-1932)

Both Minnie and James attended the Brick School in the “Tennessee” community of Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa. Minnie attended the Van Wert School during her last term. James attended his last term at the Westerville School. After their marriage, the couple resided for seven years on the farm where James had been born. They bought a farm one and a half miles west of Van Wert where they farmed until 1926. They lived near Grand River before moving to a farm located six miles east of Osceola, Iowa, in 1929 where they resided until retiring in 1949. The couple moved into Osceola and their son Donald moved to their farm. Minnie’s hobby was quilting.
James was born on January 23, 1886, and died July 5, 1969.
Minnie and James were interred Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Iowa.

Minnie and Jim were the parents of seven children.

9) Oda Grover "Odie" FOLAND, born Sept. 13, 1886, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA died April 21, 1896, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, interred Wheelis Cemetery.
 
 
  
 John Valentine & Minerva (Hopkins) Foland Family

John Valentine FOLAND was the third child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

John Valentine FOLAND was born in Delaware County, Indiana on November 3, 1847. In December of 1868, John and Minerva HOPKINS were married in Richland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa.

Minerva, the daughter of James Martin "Mart" (1825 - 1914) and Rebecca (BAKER) HOPKINS (? - 1861), was born on March 28, 1846 in Tennessee. She was the niece of James and Margaret (BAKER) RAMSEY.

After their marriage, John & Minerva resided in the “weaning house” until they purchased their home farm around the year 1877. John continued to purchase additional land until the farm was built up to 280 acres. In 1918, they purchased a home in Grand River, Iowa, where Minerva died from complications of diabetes on her birthday, March 20, 1921. In 1923, John and Minerva’s oldest daughter Rebecca moved in to care for John until his death six years later on October 30, 1929. He was buried on what would have been his 82nd birthday, November 3, 1929.

John and Minerva were interred in Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA.

John and Minerva were the parents of eight children:


1) Kathryn "Rebecca" FOLAND, born July 25, 1869, Clarke Co. IA, died August 9, 1952, IA.
Married March 25, 1888 Freeland E. EDWARDS (1857 - 1912).

After their marriage in 1888, Freeland and Rebecca resided on a farm located east of Grand River, Iowa, until 1908, when they moved to a farm near Garden Grove, Decatur County, Iowa. In 1910, the family moved to a 160-acre prairie farm in Perkins County, South Dakota, near the Black Hills. This move was quite an ordeal with the family arriving in Hettinger, North Dakota the first of March. Because the North and the South Grand Rivers were flooded with high water and there were no bridges, the family stayed in Hettinger, awaiting for the water to recede. When the family resumed their journey, sixteen miles outside of Hettinger they encountered a prairie fire coming toward them. Quickly they plowed a fire break to escape the flames. Late that night the family arrived at Freeland’s brother Joe’s [Rev. Joseph Hole EDWARDS] homestead. The family proceeded on to their homestead the next day.

The only building on the homestead was a one-room shack. The family was forced to live in a tent while they dug a well and constructed a house and other outbuildings.

Two years after arriving in South Dakota, Freeland’s health began to deteriorate. The family moved to Des Moines, Iowa in July of 1912 so that Freeland could see good doctors. He died of cancer on October 12th of 1912 at the age of fifty-four-years and was interred at the Young Cemetery located near Grand River, Decatur County, Iowa.

Rebecca and her four younger children – Harry, Vera, Raymond, and Leland – returned to the South Dakota ranch. In 1923, Rebecca came back to Grand River, where she resided with her father, John Valentine FOLAND, and cared for him until his death six years later. After her father’s death, Rebecca resided with her daughters, spending most of her days with her daughter Vera in Minnesota. Rebecca died on August 9th of 1952 at the age of 83. She was interred at Grand River Cemetery, Decatur County, Iowa.

Rebecca and Freeland were the parents of seven children

2) Alva Albert FOLAND, born Oct. 9, 1870 died May 21, 1943 at his daughter's home at DeKalb IA after a lingering illness.
A farmer, he married in 1891, Decatur Co. IA to Ella McCONNELL (1873 - 1915), the daughter of James and Molinda (BOHALL) McCONNELL.
Alva and Ella were interred at Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA.
Alva and Ella were the parents of eight children

3) Mary Elizabeth "Lizzie" FOLAND, born April 15, 1873, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died March 14, 1961, Osceola IA
Married Dec. 5, 1891, Decatur Co. IA to Edward Edgar "Edd" EMLEY (1870 - 1944),
the son of Thomas John EMLEY (1832 - 1910) and Hulda (MOSS) EMLEY (1932 - 1902)
Edd's sister Sarah Belle EMLEY married Samuel "Sam" FOLAND, John Valetine FOLAND'S brother.

Lizzie and Edd were interred at Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA.

NOTE: Aunt Lizzie was blind the last years of her life which was spent in a care facility, Osceola, Iowa. The first cousins photograph above was taken approximately six months before her death. Aunt Lizzie loved tangerines. When we were in Osceola on a Saturday shopping trip, we always stopped to see Aunt Lizzie and bring a bag of tangerines for her to enjoy. She was a gracious lady and a total delight. ~ SRB

Lizzie and Edd were the parents of five children.

4) Jennie Anne FOLAND, born April 11, 1875, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died June 25, 1944, Grand River IA
Married Charles Alvin "Charley" BOLES (1872 - 1951), Son of William and Sarah (GILMORE) BOLES.

Jennie and Charley joined the Mt. Zion Christian Church in the “Tennessee” community in 1895. After suffering from a stroke, Jennie was in poor health. She resided with her son Royal and his family where she died June 25, 1944. Jennie and Charley were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA.

Jennie and Charley were the parents of twelve children.

5) Ida Mae FOLAND, born May 10, 1878, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Jan. 9, 1967, Iola, Allen Co. KS. Interment Iola KS.

Ida Mae married 1st Henry CREES (1879 - 1970), son of John Frederick "Fred" CREES (1840-1923) and Margaret Emarine (KOGER) CREES (1850-1905). Ida and Henry later separated after the birth of their son, Ivan, and divorced. Perhaps the 1900 article in the Leon Reporter explains why Ida and Henry divorced?

Henry, a twin of Ettie (CREES) BUELL, married second to Lillian R. and they had a daughter, Helen Margaret CREES, born April 29, 1905, Wheeler Co. NE, died July 15, 1906.

Ida Mae and Henry were the parents of one son.

6) Lulu Elmira FOLAND, born Oct. 26, 1880, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Oct. 4, 1960, Decatur Co. IA.

Lulu married 1st December 19, 1896 George Washington GRIMM (1866 - 1915). George was the son of Lewis Washington GRIMM (1845-1928) and Sarah Jane (BRADY) GRIMM (1843-1911) who came to Decatur County, Iowa from Indiana. George's twin sister, Martha A., married Sanford Marion FOLAND, Lulu's uncle.

Lulu and George lived into the 'weaning house' at the time of their son Vernie’s birth in 1889. They later purchased a farm in the “Tennessee” community of Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa. Lulu and George were members of the Mt. Zion Christian Church. It has been said of Lulu that she lived a true Christian life.

Lulu and George were interred at Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA.

Lulu and George were the parents of five childen.

7) Carrie Belle FOLAND, born Jan. 6, 1884, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died age 8 months on Sept. 20, 1884, interred Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA. If there was a gravestone for Carrie, it is gone now.

8) Addie Ethel FOLAND, born on February 24, 1888, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died February 15, 1931, Decatur Co. IA
Interment Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA.
Married June 17, 1903, Decatur Co. IA Clyde Franklin COOPER (1882 - 1972), the son of Phillip Haines COOPER (1853-1932) and Cora (LEAS) COOPER (1864-1952).

The first Assembly of God meeting held in Grand River was in a tent which had been erected in the southeast part of town, September of 1915. Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison HAMILTON of Princeton, Missouri, and Rev. and Mrs. Walter HOWELL were the evangelists. . . . The first convert was Mrs. Addie COOPER in October of 1915.

Clyde was a farmer, homesteading land in Greeley County, Kansas near Paradise and Tribune, Kan. where their three oldest children were born. They made the trip from Iowa to Kansas several times in a covered wagon and lived in sod houses. The COOPER family eventually returned to the Tennessee community of Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa, in 1917, where they settled on a farm located northeast of Grand River that they had purchased in 1912. They were Christians of the Pentecostal faith.

Addie died on February 15, 1931, and was interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA.

Clyde married 2nd March 27, 1940 to Nellie V. (ROBBINS) DeLONG (1886-1980). Nellie had two sons, Glen and Mildred, from her first marriage. Clyde and Nellie made their home in Grand River. He worked in a produce and feed store. He attended the Grand River Assembly of God Church.

Clyde died on November 28, 1972, and was interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA. Nellie was interred at Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola IA.

Addie and Clyde were the parents of five children.
 



 

  

 

  
     
       
 
Christian "Chris" and Lucinda (Edwards) Foland Family

Christian "Chris" FOLAND was the fourth child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Christian "Chris" FOLAND was born in Muncie, Indiana on January 16, 1850. Chris married on December 25, 1871 to Lucinda EDWARDS (1851 - 1933), the daughter of Anderson EDWARDS (1832-1908) and Arminia (RAMSEY) EDWARDS (1826-1923) who came to Decatur County from Tennessee, mostly by river boat.

Upon their marriage, Chris and Lucinda FOLAND were the first to live in the "weaning house" where their first child Benjamin Franklin “Frank” was born August 31, 1872. They soon afterwards purchased an 80-acre farm, purchasing more land until they had built up the farm to 200 acres. Leo McCONNELL said that Chris wouldn't go to the field unless he could be there by 7 a.m, saying "Vell, Vell, to get the time."

Chris died of cancer on this farm May 13, 1918. After Chris’ death, Lucinda moved into Grand River, residing with her daughter Gussie and son-in-law E. Ray MORRELL until her death from diabetes July 7, 1933.

Chris and Lucinda were interred Wheelis (Tennessee) Cemetery located northeast of Grand River, Richland Township of Decatur County, Iowa. Chris' gravestone was engraved "Christopher Foland." No family records nor documents refer to him as "Christopher."

Gussie (FOLAND) and E. Ray MORRELL remodeled Chris and Lucinda's farm home and resided there. After Gussie's death in 1956, Ray remained on the property until he moved into a nursing home after suffering a stroke in 1968. Presently [2013], Chris and Lucinda's great-great grandson, Nick MORRELL, lives in the home with his family.

Chris and Lucinda were the parents of four children. They also raised a niece, Nellie WEST, whom the FOLANDS took into their home when she was seven months old.

1) Benjamin Franklin "Frank" FOLAND, born on Aug. 31, 1872, Grand River IA, died May 12, 1951, NE. Married on March 4, 1894 to Tersa Ann YOUNG, the daughter of Henry Harrison YOUNG (1833-1890) and Elizabeth (McCONNELL) YOUNG (1847-1910), the granddaughter of John Landis YOUNG (1795-1882) and Judith A. (GOLDSMITH) YOUNG (1800-1883). Tersa was born Aug. 30, 1875, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, and died Dec. 20, 1958, Lyman NE.

Michael FOLAND'S 'weaning house' was moved onto Frank's farm where it remained. It was utilized as a smokehouse and later as a corncrib.

Frank and Tersa farmed near Grand River, Decatur County, Iowa, until moving to Nebraska in 1927. They lived at Kimball, Henry, and later Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. Frank died following a bladder operation in 1951. Tersa then moved to Morrill, Nebraska, then in April of 1958 resided with her daughter Coyladean and her family at Lyman, Nebraska, where she died December 20, 1958.

Frank and Tersa were interred at the Young Cemetery east of Grand River.
Frank and Teresa were the parents of eleven children.

2) Armina Lavina FOLAND, born Aug. 25, 1873, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Dec. 6, 1875 aged 3 years, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, interred Wheelis Cemetery.

3) Laura Ann FOLAND, born July 21, 1879, near Grand River IA, died Oct. 1, 1963, Decatur Co. IA
Married March 16, 1902, Decatur Co. IA, Leo McCONNELL (1881 - 1970), the son of Frank Pierce McCONNELL (1852-1928) and Amanda Celesta McCONNELL (1848-1930)

Laura and Leo bought Michael FOLAND'S 'weaning house' for $25. The 'weaning house' was moved to the southeast corner of the Chris FOLAND farm, where they lived during the two years they farmed the Chris' land.

Leo was employed at many jobs and trades besides farming so the couple moved many times during their marriage. One of Leo's jobs was caring for race horses and working at the race tracks near Grand River and in California, Chicago, and Canada. Leo is fondly remembered for his stories, practical jokes and humor.

After Laura's death Leo was notably disconsolate the rest of his days, the last of which were spent in a nursing home.

Laura and Leo were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA. They did not have children.

4) Gussie Edna FOLAND, born Oct. 12, 1888, near Grand River IA, died Sept. 17, 1956, near Grand River IA
Married March 4, 1908 E. Raymond "Ray" MORRELL (1887 - 1972), the son of Henry Franklin MORRELL (1856-1930) and Maranda Cordelia "Rannie" (CARRIER) MORRELL (1856-1937)

When Ray’s mother and her friend were expecting their babies, they agreed to name their newborns after one another. As promised, the first born of the two infants was named “Maranda” in honor of Maranda Cordelia (CARRIER) MORRELL. However, when Ray was born, Maranda could not name her son “Elvona.” To keep her promise, however, she placed the initial “E” in front of her newborn son’s name, christening him “E. Raymond MORRELL.”

Ray taught school prior to going to Burlington, Iowa, where he was a mail clerk for the Burlington Railroad. The MORRELLS went to North Dakota where Ray built a sod house. After five unsuccessful years in North Dakota, Ray and Gussie, who was expecting a child, came back to Grand River. Ray taught at the Foland School where both he and Gussie had been former students. Ray then was Grand River's postmaster, retiring from this position in 1934. Ray and Gussie farmed her father Chris' homestead. Ray served eight years as the manager of the Grand River branch of the Decatur County State bank, retiring once again in 1953. Gussie and Ray's grandson, Nicolas "Nick" MORRELL, currently [2013] resides on the homestead (see photograph at the top of this webpage).

Gussie and Ray were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA.

Gussie and Ray were the parents of four children.
   
Gussie & Ray Morrell 		  
       
 
 
 Sarah Catherine "Cass" Foland

Sarah Catherine "Cass" FOLAND was the fifth child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Sarah Catherine "Cass" FOLAND was born February 5, 1851, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana. She married first on December 29, 1870 [1874 according to Lafe's obituary], Decatur Co. IA to Lafayette "Lafe" BRAMMER, the son of Alexander (1815-1890) and Elizabeth (MORGAN) BRAMMER (1815-1901).

Cass and Lafe, a veteran of the Civil War, resided on a small farm northeast of Westerville, IA. They did not have children but fostered a boy, Johnny MILES.

Lafe, who was born in Jackson County, Indiana, died June 11, 1888 of dropsy. He was interred at the Young Cemetery east of Grand River.

After Lafe’s death, Johnnie resided with Michael & Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND Jr. for two years. Then, for some unknown reason, Johnny went to the home of F. M. (Francis M., Lafe’s brother) BRAMMER. Johnnie and committed suicide.

Cass married 2nd 1891 to Joseph W. BROWN. No children were born of this marriage.

Joseph was born in 1846, Grassy Fork Twp. of Jackson Co. IN, the son of Isaiah BROWN (1811-1894) and Gartry (BRAMMER) (1816-1887). He was a brother of Harrison BROWN (1839-1911).

At some time Cass and Joseph moved to Osborne County, Kansas. Cass had an operation for gallstones. She died of complications from this surgery on December 2, 1899, at the age of 38. Cass was interred at Round Mount Cemetery, Osborne County, Kansas.

It isn't known where Joseph lived after Cass' death or when he died.
 
Samuel "Sam" and Sarah Belle (Emley) Foland Family

Samuel "Sam" FOLAND was the sixth child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Samuel "Sam" FOLAND was born in Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, on April 10, 1854. When he was five-years-old, the family arrived in Decatur County, Iowa with a covered wagon three horses and a rig. They settled on their homestead located east of the town of Westerville and northeast of what would later become the town of Grand River.

On Feb. 2, 1879, Sam married Sarah Belle EMLEY in Decatur County. Sarah was the daughter of Thomas John EMLEY (1830-1910) and Mahulda "Hulda" (MOSS) EMLEY, (1832-1902) who resided approximately 1/2 a mile (or less) directly south of the Wheelis Cemetery in Richland Township of Decatur County, Iowa. The EMLEY family settled in Richland Township in 1856, coming from Danville, Illinois. Sarah was born on September 11, 1860, Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

Of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND's seven sons, only two did not live in the 'weaning house' and run the sorghum mill. Those two sons were Sam and his older brother William Henry "Bill." Instead, Sam and Sarah Belle resided on the Cowan RAMSEY farm until they bought 75 acres east of the Foland School and Michael FOLAND’S homestead on February 24, 1886. Later Sam bought 80 acres located directly south of the original Michael FOLAND homestead.

In July of 1910, Sarah took ill. She was diagnosed with neuralgia of the heart. knowing that her demise was in her immediate future, Sarah wrote a letter to her family on July 15, 1910. Sarah eventually was forced to take to her bed and died eleven hours later on December 17, 1910 at the age of 50 years. She was interred at the Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa.

In The Foland Record, Wilma (RAMSEY) FOLAND wrote that Sarah "was a sincere Christian and loved by all who knew her."

Sam continued to reside on the home place, living with an extended family consisting of his sons and their wives as they married and began families of their own. Homer was taken under the wings of his much older sisters-in-law, Ollie (BROWN), Alice (JOHNSTON), and Mary (MILLER.) They helped raise him to become a strong and beloved man, respected by all who knew him. In essence, Homer was their child and they were his surrogate mothers.

Sam FOLAND was the first person in Richland Township to purchase a Model T in 1914. He practiced driving the new vehicle in the pasture north of his home.

Sam took great delight in his role as patriarch of a growing family and his pride shone through in all the family photographs. He was active in the Tennessee community, serving as treasurer of the Foland school for 27 years. He acquired land until his original 75 acres turned into a farm of 240 acres. After Sarah Belle’s death, Sam never remarried, living in the house he had built for her with his extended family until his death on October 24, 1932. Sam was interred beside Sarah at the Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Township, Decatur County, Iowa.

Sam and Sarah were the parents of four sons:

1) Arthur Alfred FOLAND, born Dec. 10, 1881, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Feb. 27, 1946, Los Angeles CA
Married Dec. 24, 1902 Ollie Mae BROWN, the daughter of Henry "Harrison" BROWN (1839-1911) and Martha Helen (HUKILL) BROWN (1844-1895).

Ollie was born Sept. 8, 1883, near Grand River IA, died Jan. 22, 1968, Joshua Tree CA. She was the granddaughter of Isaiah BROWN (1811-1894) and Gartry (BRAMMER) BROWN (1816-1887).

After their marriage, Arthur and Ollie resided with her father Harrison BROWN until his death. After Harrison’s estate was settled, Arthur and Ollie purchased 140 acres (east of Grand River and the Young Cemetery) where they built a new house. They sold the farm in 1919 and moved to Santa Rosa, California. They came back to Iowa in 1925 to repossess their farm. They moved back to California after renting the farm in 1932, settling in Los Angeles. The farm was farmed by Arthur's brother Harry for a time, then sold in 1950. The farm was later owned by Richard "Doc" and Teresa (JAMES) BOLES.

Arthur was employed by Milo Harding Company until his health forced him into retirement. Arthur suffered from muscular dystrophy or, as it is more commonly known, Lou Grieg’s disease, which caused his death.

Three of Arthur's children were 30-year employees of Milo Harding Company - Goldie, Norman and Carl.

After Arthur’s death, Ollie married second April 6, 1951, CA, to John Kerigan MALLORY (1880-1967) and resided in Joshua Tree, San Bernardino County, California, where she died on January 22, 1968. Ollie was interred beside Arthur at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Liberty Section, Glendale, Los Angeles County, California. Arthur and Ollie were the parents of four children.

2) Arba "Dale" FOLAND, born Jan 15, 1916, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died at the age of 2, May 5, 1918, St. Mary's Hospital, Rochester MN
Interment Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA

When Dale was about 2 1/2-years-old, he was in the barn lot with his father, Harry FOLAND. As the story has been handed down, Harry had an anvil in the yard that was sitting on a tree stump. When Dale attempted to climb up on the stump, he fell, pulling the anvil over on him. It landed in Dale’s kidney area. Harry and Mary immediately sought medical help but in those days injuries such as that were not recoverable, especially for toddler. Eventually pneumonia set in. Leaving Beulah with Alice and Ernie FOLAND, Harry and Mary took Dale to the St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, hoping for a miracle. Unfortunately, that miracle – penicillin – hadn’t been discovered yet. As Dale lay in his hospital bed, Mary did all she could to entertain her tiny son. On April 27, 1918, Mary traced Dale’s hand on a piece of paper and then dated the tracing. An age-old activity many mothers have done to entertain a small child. Dale died eight days later.

3) Ernest Everette "Ernie" FOLAND born Nov. 18, 1886, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died June 30, 1955 of muscular dystrophy, Leon IA
Interment Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
Married Jan. 29, 1911 Alice Myrtle JOHNSTON (1890 - 1977), daughter of Thomas Theodore JOHNSTON (1860-1929) and
Elizabeth Ann (HESS) JOHNSTON (1859-1908)

Ernie farmed with his father Sam and brother Harry on the home place. A few years after their marriage, Alice and Ernie moved into Grand River where they owned and operated a restaurant for several years. Alice and Ernie divorced in 1934. They did not have children.

4) Homer Lowell FOLAND
born May 20, 1898, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Feb. 4, 1963 of a heart attack in his sleep, Grand River IA
Homer was twelve-years-old when his mother died. His sisters-in-law,
Ollie, Alice and Mary, lovingly helped raise him to adulthood.
Married Feb. 1, 1920, Delphos IA, Pearle Velva BRAMON (1898 - 1969)
daughter of Fred B. BRAMON (1874-1948) and
Luella (YOUNG) BRAMON (1879-1960)
granddaughter of W.H. (William Hamilton) "Bill" YOUNG (1854-1939)
and Nervesta (EDWARDS) YOUNG (1855-1939)
great-granddaughter of John Dale YOUNG (1829-1909)
and Catherine (WARRICK) YOUNG (1836-1875)
great-granddaughter of Anderson EDWARDS (1832-1908)
and Armina (RAMSEY) EDWARDS (1826-1923)

Homer farmed the land with his beloved team of mules Bill and Dave for many years before he finally purchased a tractor. Bill and Dave originally belonged to Pearle's brother Cleo. When Cleo was preparing to move his family to Nampa, Idaho, Homer bought the mules, which solved the problem - no one in the family wanted to see the team sold off to a stranger.

Homer served his county and community well as director of the Foland School for fifteen years and later as treasurer. He held the office of Clerk for Richland Township and served on many farm committees and organizations, the A.A.A., Farmer’s Home Administration, Decatur County Tax Board of Review, and as a member of Decatur County’s Board of Soil Conservation. Homer was the first farmer in the area, if not southern Iowa, to plant Pioneer hybrid corn.

Pearle attended the Normal School, obtaining her teaching certification. She taught at the Comstock rural school in Decatur County and later went to work for Horace A. JOHNSTON and Albert SPRAY as a bookkeeper of the Ford Garage in Grand River. Here she met Homer FOLAND.

Homer and Pearle resided with Homer's father, Sam, on the farm. Later they purchased the farm from Sam and lived there, farming the land, until Homer and Pearle retired and moved (December of 1962) into a new home they built in Grand River.

Pearle served as the Sunday School superintendent of the United Methodist Church, Grand River IA, and was one of the church's organist. She sang alto with a quartet for many funerals. She was a charter member of the Women's Society for Christian Service, a world-wide organization of Methodist women. Pearle was also an accomplished seamstress.

Pearle took an active interest in photography and genealogy. Many of the photographs contained in this work have come from her photo albums. She also clipped out many obituaries of family members and friends and kept funeral cards from all of the services where she provided music either by singing or by playing the organ. Many of the obituaries in this work came from Pearle’s “obituary box” which her daughter Norma inherited and has maintained to the present day. Many of Pearle's photographs appear throughout this website.

Pearle was born on November 7, 1898, in rural Delphos, Ringgold Co. IA, and died on November 15, 1969, University Hospitals, Iowa City IA.

Homer and Pearle were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA. Homer and Pearle were the parents of one daughter.
       
       
       
       
   
     
Homer Foland		  
       
  
Henrietta "Ret" (Foland) and Andrew Thurman "Ang" Weldon Family

Henrietta "Ret" was the seventh child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Henrietta "Ret" FOLAND was born on December 27, 1856 near Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana. She married on June 11, 1876 Andrew Thurman "Ang" WELDON (1852 - 1928).

Andrew, the son of Thurman WELDON (1823, KY - 1852, IA) and Julia (McDANIEL) WELDON (1825, VA - 1908, IA), was born on the WELDON homestead, Decatur Co. IA, on May 22, 1852.

Andrew was three-months-old when his father died, leaving his mother Julia a widow with three small children. She moved in with her brother, Larkin McDANIEL who resided south of DeKalb on Long CREEK.

[NOTE: Weldon River was named in honor of Andrew's grandfather Andrew Jackson WELDON and his two uncles who had settled in Missouri then moved to Iowa.]

After their marriage, Henrietta and Andrew resided near DeKalb in Decatur County until they moved in 1916 south of Davis City. In 1922, the family moved to Leon, the county seat of Decatur County. Here, Andrew helped with court house official duties.

All who knew Andrew agreed that he possessed all of the essential elements of manhood – he was a sturdy pioneer, honest, fair-dealing, kindly, and helpful to those in need. Henrietta was considered by all to be a wonderful homemaker, lovingly caring for her garden and flowers.

Andrew died of diabetes on August 7, 1928, Leon, Iowa.

After Andrew’s death in 1928, Henrietta lived part-time with her son Harve and her daughter Nora the rest of the time. While at Nora’s home, Henrietta fell and broke her hip. She developed pneumonia, dying three days later on March 13 of 1940 at the age of 83 years.

Henrietta and Andrew were interred at Munyon Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA

Henrietta and Andrew were the parents of four children, three surviving to adulthood:

1) Nina Isabel WELDON, born Aug. 27, 1877, DeKalb IA, died Jan. 4, 1956, Weldon IA
Married June 29, 1898, Decatur Co., James Harrison MILLER (1863 - 1951), the son of Harrison MILLER (1842-1915) and Elizabeth "Jane" (McKEE) MILLER (1845-1921)

James and Nina farmed for two years north of Grand River, then moved into town when James was employed by the CB&Q Railroad. They moved to a farm east of Grand River around the year 1903, residing there until James’ death on December 22, 1951 from a kidney ailment. [James was born on April 26, 1863.]

Nina, a sincere Christian, spent her last years reading her Bible and writing letters of witness. She embraced the doctrine of the Pilgrim Holiness Faith. She partially recovered from a stroke she suffered in 1951.

After James’ death, Nina resided at the Frost Nursing Home in Leon for a while before moving to Fortune’s Homes, Weldon, Iowa, where she died suddenly on January 4th, 1956. Nina and James were interred at Munyon Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA

Nina and James were the parents of two children.

2) Nora Katherine WELDON, June 5, 1888, DeKalb IA, died July 10, 1955, Decatur Co. IA
Married April 27, 1909 Job Arthur BURNS (1872 - 1966), the son of John Denny BURNS (1848-1912) and Elizabeth "Betsy" (ROBBINS) BURNS (1848-1921)

Job Arthur BURNS married 1st to Estella May "Stella" LOVITT [born October 26, 1877, Taylor Co. IA]. Stella was expecting twin daughters when she was injured in a fall that ultimately caused her death, along with complications from childbirth, on December 7, 1904. Job and Stella’s twins, Lillian Louise and Della Mae, were born September 29, 1903. Della died of pneumonia on February 10, 1904 [interment at Clearfield Cemetery, Clearfield IA].

Lillian lived with her grandparents, John F. (1852-1926) and Elmira M. (?) (1857-1919) LOVITT, until 1910 when she went to live with her father and step-mother, Nora Katherine (WELDON) BURNS.

Nora and Job farmed northeast of Grand River, then moved to a farm near Barnard, Missouri, in 1920. They returned to Iowa, settling on a farm north of Leon. After enduring a long illness, Nora died in a nursing home, Weldon, Iowa, on July 10th, 1955. Job was born near Garden Grove, IA on November 18, 1872, and died at the Paul WATSON home, Leon, Iowa, on May 6, 1966. Nora and Job were interred at Munyon Cemetery, Decatur Co. IA.

Nora and Job were the parents of four children.

3)

4) Harve Thurman WELDON, born Aug. 25, 1891, DeKalb IA, died Dec. 25, 1978 of Parkinson's disease, Maryville MO.
Married 1st Dec. 16, 1914 Florence Belle SOUTH (1894 - 1931),
the daughter of George SOUTH (1869-1950) and Mary Elizabeth (DENTON) SOUTH (1869-1900)

Florence was born on Nov. 19, 1894, Macon Co. IL. The SOUTH family came to Decatur Co. IA, settling in Long Creek Township. Harve and Florence resided for a time in New Buda Township prior to moving to Nodaway Co. MO around the year 1925. Florence died March 10, 1931, Barnard MO.

Harve and Florence were the parents of three children.
     
 
Nina Isabel Weldon		      
 
Nora Katherine Weldon		    
Harve Thurman Weldon		  
       
 
Isaac Randolph "Ike" and Martha Elizabeth "Betty" (Boles) Foland Family

Isaac Randolph "Ike" was the eighth child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Isaac (Ike) Randolph Foland was born April 3, 1860, Decatur Co., Iowa near Short Creek where his parents spent their first winter in Iowa. When Elizabeth, his mother, was able to travel, the family made the final leg of their journey from Muncie, Indiana to their homestead in Richland Township.

Ike married Martha Elizabeth "Betty" BOLES on August 7, 1881. The daughter of William BOLES (1828-1895) and Sarah (GILMORE) BOLES (1837-1892), Betty was born west of Van Wert, Iowa, on January 11, 1863.

Ike and Betty lived with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth, for a while before they moved into the "weaning house." In 1890, Ike and Betty bought an 80-acre farm and moved there. Ike acquired land until he owned 245 acres. In 1923 they rented their farm out and moved into a home they had purchased in Grand River. They sold the farm in 1942.

Ike will be remembered for his gentle disposition; and Betty, for her sincere Christian life.

Betty died on July 15, 1943, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA. Ike died on September 13, 1945, Grand River IA. He was interred beside his wife at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River, Iowa.

Ike and Betty were the parents of six children:

1) Charles Wilbert "Charley" FOLAND, born May 14, 1882, Grand River IA, died Sept. 23, 1968, Creston IA
married March 30, 1909 Jennie S. WOODS (1892 - 1947), the daughter of John WOODS & Eliza Jane (PARKER) WOODS FOLAND

Jennie was born Oct. 5, 1892. Her mother married 2nd Sanford Marion FOLAND, Charley's uncle.

Charley and Jennie resided with his parents for two years, then purchased a portion of that farm where they made their home. Jennie suffered from a stoke in November of 1943 which left her in poor health. She died July 25th of 1947 of a heart attack. Following Jennie’s death, Charley sold the farm and moved into Grand River. He died September 23rd of 1968. Charley & Jennie were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River, Decatur County, Iowa.
Charley and Jennie were the parents of one daughter.

2) George Wesley FOLAND, born May 6, 1885, Grand River IA, died Dec. 4, 1967, Hazelton IA
Married Jan. 4, 1905, Fort Madison IA, Ollie May BRINER (1886 - 1949),
the daughter of William BRINER (1841-1918) and Sarah (McCONNELL) BRINER (1848/9-1933)
George and Ollie were interred at Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence IA.
George and Ollie were the parents of ten children.

3) Leonard Luther FOLAND,
born Dec. 1, 1887, Grand River IA, died Sept. 9, 1974, Osceola IA
Married Jan 1, 1908 to Dena Ruth JONES
Dena was born on Aug. 23, 1888, Decatur Co. IA,
the daughter of James and Minnie (DENHAM) JONES.
Leonard and Dena lived and farmed along the road going north out of Westerville to Hopeville.
Dena died on Sept. 29, 1973, Decatur Co. IA.
Leonard and Dena were interred at Grand River Cemetery.
Leonard and Dena were the parents of four children.

4) Minnie Catherine FOLAND
born Aug. 21, 1889, died May 1, 1905, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
Interred Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

5) Bertha "May" FOLAND
born Aug. 1, 1892, near Grand River IA, died Aug. 7, 1967, Grand River IA
Married Jan. 1910 William Robert WARRICK
son of Henry WARRICK (1840-1865) and Samantha (NEEDHAM) WARRICK (1867-1951)
grandson of Robert WARRICK (1809/10-1865) and Martha Jane (HATFIELD) WARRICK (1812-1903)

William Robert WARRICK was born on September 15, 1891, Decatur Co. IA. He lived his entire life of over 80 years within a 10-mile radius of Grand River. After his marriage to May FOLAND, the couple moved on to the BAILEY farm on the east bank of Sand Creek. Here, Phyllis Fern was born in 1910. Carl Wesley was born in 1914 when the family was residing on the BARR farm. During the winter of 1916-1917, they moved back to Samantha WARRICK’S farm on Sand Creek where Darl Kenneth was born. After a few more moves later, the family was residing on the old NEEDHAM farm where Bill was born in 1891. Bill inherited the 40-acre NEEDHAM homestead from his uncle Wes NEEDHAM.

Bill later purchased 200 acres adjoining this land. In 1964, Bill and May retired and moved into Grand River, renting the Sand Creek farm to their grandson Ronald STARK and his wife Rosemary (BROWN) STARK.

May died on August 7, 1967, Grand River IA. Bill died of leukemia on Oct. 10, 1971, Leon IA.
May and Willie were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA

May and Willie were the parents of three children.

6) Nina Ellen FOLAND, born Nov. 6, 1895, near Grand River IA, died May 29, 1970, Blooming Prairie MN
Married 1st Jan. 1, 1913 Albert LEEK
Albert was born July 14, 1888, Burt IA, and died Dec. 15, 1918 of pneumonia, Grand River IA.
Albert was interred at Grand River Cemetery

Nina and Albert were the parents of three sons.

Nina married 2nd Feb. 25, 1920 Chris P. OLSEN
Chris was born on Sept. 11, 1886, Varde, Denmark. He arrived in America during April of 1909. Chris and Nina farmed near Waltham, Mower County, Minnesota. They moved to Blooming Prairie, Minnesota around the year 1952.

Nina died May 29, 1970. Chris died on Nov. 28, 1972. They were interred at Blooming Prairie City Cemetery.

Nina and Chris were the parents of two children.
 
 
 
Sanford Marion Foland Family

Sanford Marion FOLAND was the ninth child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

Sanford M. FOLAND was born on July 25, 1863, Richland Township, east of Westerville, Decatur County, Iowa. Sanford married first on December 12, 1887 to Martha A. "Mat" GRIMM. Martha, born on January 6, 1866, Long Creek Township, Decatur County, Iowa, was the daughter of John Calvin GRIMM (1822-1896) and his first wife, Hannah Jane (RUSH) GRIMM (1837-1911). Martha's twin brother, George Washington GRIMM, married Lulu Elmira FOLAND, the daughter of John Valentine and Minerva (HOPKINS) FOLAND. Lulu was Sanford's niece.

After their marriage, Sanford and Martha resided with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND, as Lulu and George Washington GRIMM were residing in the 'weaning house' at the time. When Lulu and George moved onto a farm that they had purchased, Sanford and Martha moved into the 'weaning house' where their son Hollis was born.

In 1893, Sanford purchased an 80-acre farm and the couple established their homestead on this property.

Martha contracted the measles which claimed her life at age 36 years on March 29, 1902. Martha was interred at Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA.

Sanford and Martha were the parents of four children:

1) Infant Daughter FOLAND, died at birth, Oct. 4, 1888, Decatur Co. IA
Interred Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

2) Hollis FOLAND, born April 19, 1890, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Sept. 7, 1892, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA
Interred Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

3) Forrest Eldridge FOLAND, born June 16, 1894, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Feb. 2, 1971, Des Moines IA
Married Dec. 22, 1912 Cora Frances BOHALL (1894 - 1976), daughter of Joseph "Joe" & Lean BOHALL

Forrest and Cora started their life together near Grand River. They moved to a fruit farm located east of Des Moines in 1921. Forrest later was employed as a station engineer for K.R.N.T. [radio and television] for eight years prior to his retirement in 1959. K.R.N.T. began television broadcasting on July 31, 1955, and was owned by the COWLES family, publishers of The Des Moines Register, The Des Moines Tribune, and KRNT-radio. The COWLES also owned the KRNT Theater which sponsored many concerts and live-variety programs. The call letters “KRNT” represented the newspaper’s nickname “the R ‘n T.” In 1974 KRNT was renamed KCCI, Cowles Communications, Inc.

Cora’s grandparents, Joseph and Elizabeth BOHALL came to Decatur County by covered wagon in 1873 from Jackson County, Indiana, settling north of Grand River. Joseph BOHALL was a Veteran of the Civil War.

Cora was born in Grand River IA on Sept. 5, 1894, and died on June 11, 1976, Des Moines IA.
Forrest and Cora were interred Des Moines IA.

Forrest and Cora were the parents of two daughters.

4) Mabel Edna FOLAND, b. 30 Jun 1898, Decatur Co. IA, died May 16, 1964, Grand River IA
Married James David ACTON
James and Mabel farmed northwest of Grand River, IA.
James was born Nov. 5, 1895, Decatur Co. IA,
son of Silas ACTON (1851-1926) Mary (ALLEN) ACTON (1853-1916)
After James’ death May 22, 1961, Mabel and Goldie moved to Grand River, Iowa.
Mabel & James were interred Westerville Cemetery, Westerville, Decatur Co., IA.

Mabel and James were the parents of two children.

Sanford married second on November 29, 1905 to Eliza Jane (PARKER) WOODS (1867 - 1952), no children.

Eliza, born on March 3, 1867, Richland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa, was the daughter of Leminel and Dulcent PARKER, and the widow of Johnny WOODS.

After Sanford’s death on October 14, 1944, Eliza Jane resided with her daughter Bessie and her son-in-law Pete McCARL. She died in their home near Weldon, Iowa, at the age of 85 on November 24th of 1952. Sanford and Eliza were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River, Iowa.
 
  
George and Celeste Jane (Little) Foland Family

George FOLAND was the tenth and youngest child of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND.

George FOLAND was born April 21, 1866, Richland Twp. of Decatur County, Iowa, on the FOLAND homestead located east of Westerville. George and Celeste Jane LITTLE were married on January 23, 1893.

Celeste was born on September 26, 1871, Mercer County, Missouri. She was the second of six children born to Stephen Nolan LITTLE (1840-1922) and Samantha Ann (McKEE) LITTLE (ca. 1848- ). [Note: Some records give Celeste's birth year as 1870.]

With Sanford and Martha FOLAND living in the 'weaning house,' George and Celeste resided with his parents, Michael and Elizabeth FOLAND. Sanford and Martha bought their own farm in 1893, leaving the 'weaning house' vacant and ready for George and Celeste to move in. After Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND'S death on August 25, 1896, George and his family moved in with his father, Michael FOLAND, taking care of him during his declining years.

After Michael's death on April 18, 1904, George and Celeste purchased 160 acres of the original homestead.

George and Celeste rented out the farm in 1920 and moved to Osceola, Iowa so that their three youngest children, Nolan, Albert and Thelma, could attend high school there. During this time, Celeste died of pneumonia on February 27, 1923.

After Celeste's death, George sought employment with the railroad shops, Burlington, Iowa.

George moved back to the FOLAND homestead in 1929 and Nolan ran the farm operation.

George, who played the violin, suffered a stroke six weeks after a gland operation, dying on April 18, 1946 at Clarke County Hospital, Osceola, Iowa. He was buried on his 80th birthday.

Nolan later went to southeastern Colorado where he farmed and raised wheat for six years. George and Celeste's youngest son, Albert, assumed operation of the farm, residing there until he retired and moved to Osceola, Iowa. Albert sold the farm to Stanton BECKER, great-great-grandson of Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND, great-grandson of Samuel "Sam" FOLAND. Thus the farm has remained in the FOLAND family since Michael and Elizabeth first arrived and constructed a little log cabin on the property in the Spring of 1860.

George and Celeste were were interred at Grand River Cemetery, Grand River, Iowa.

George and Celeste were the parents of five children:

1) Hoyle "Van" Dorn FOLAND, born Nov. 20, 1894, FOLAND farm
Van fell from the hay mow which caused his death on Sept. 20, 1902.
Interment was made at Wheelis Cemetery, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA

2) Esther FOLAND, born May 24, 1900, FOLAND Farm, died Nov. 21, 1984, Lucas Co. Hospital, Chariton IA
Married Feb. 23, 1919 to Ralph Virgil PALMER
son of Samuel O. "Sam" PALMER (1871-1943) and Bertha P. (JONES) PALMER (1875-1960)

Ralph was born in Richland Twp., Decatur County, Iowa, on May 24, 1900. During World War I, Ralph was drafted and received 5 months of military training at Camp Dodge northwest of Des Moines, Iowa. The war was over before Ralph saw any action.

Esther and Ralph purchased a farm located 4 ½ miles northeast of Osceola, Iowa, where they raised black Angus cattle. They were members of Cavalry Baptist Church, Osceola.

Ralph died while tending to his garden on July 11, 1978, Clarke County, Iowa.

After Ralph's death, Esther moved to an apartment in Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa.
Esther died on November 21, 1984.

Esther and Ralph were interred Maple Hill Cemetery, Osceola, Clarke Co., IA.

Esther and Ralph were the parents of three sons

3) Nolan Paul "Nokie" FOLAND
born Feb. 5, 1904, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Jan. 7, 1987, Osceola IA
married Jan. 31, 1931 Wilma Gertrude RAMSEY,
daughter of John T. RAMSEY (1877-1949) and Lefa (BRAMMER) RAMSEY (1877-1984)

After his graduation from Osceola High School in 1925, Nolan returned to the Michael FOLAND original homestead and farmed the land with his father George from 1926 until 1929, when he went to Baca County, Colorado to farm wheat. He married Wilma Gertrude RAMSEY who had been teaching at rural schools in the Grand River, Iowa, vicinity.

Drought and severe dust storms forced Nolan and Wilma to sell out, returning to Iowa in December of 1935.

Nolan returned to Colorado, working fruit orchards and coal mines around Paonia, and at a lumber camp near the top of Black Mesa. He returned to Iowa in December of 1937 to work the EVANS farm near Grand River. In 1940, Nolan and Wilma moved to a farm located about three miles west of Van Wert. They purchased this farm in 1946, making it their home until Nolan and Wilma retired in 1980 and moved to Osceola.

Wilma, ever interested in family genealogy, completed two books in the late 1950’s – The EDWARDS-RAMSEY Family Record and The FOLAND Family Record. She also compiled three subsequent supplements for The FOLAND Family Record. A large portion of the FOLAND family information for these Michael and Elizabeth (SOWERWINE) FOLAND pages has been derived from Wilma’s books and research.

Nolan played the violin and harmonica. Wilma played the piano.

Nolan died on January 7, 1987, Osceola IA. Wilma was born near Grand River IA on September 17, 1908, and died on January 5, 1995, Osceola IA.

Nolan and Wilma were interred Grand River Cemetery, Grand River IA.
Nolan and Wilma were the parents of two sons.

4) Albert Lyman "Ab" FOLAND
born April 5, 1906, Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Nov. 18, 1997, Osceola IA, Inter. Grand River Cemetery.

Albert never married. He took over the farming operations on the FOLAND Homestead in 1929 until he moved to Osecola, Iowa a few years before his death. Albert spent a lot of time fishing with his first cousin Homer FOLAND and neighbor Roy CLAWSON.

Once, while fishing, Ab was upstream from Roy CLAWSON and sitting on the limb of a dead tree. Suddenly, without warning, there was a loud pop. Ab hollered out to Roy, “You thought I fell in.” Ab laughed, but not for long. Roy heard a second loud pop followed by a splash. Then Ab’s straw hat came floating down the river.

In his eulogy, Pastor Brian HARDEE said, “Albert lived a very simple life. Modern conveyances were not necessities to him. He didn’t own a computer. Why, the home place was without indoor plumbing even. He had a color TV but primarily because black/white was no long available. This is not in any way to suggest that he was a miser or a hermit. Albert never shied from company except perhaps eligible ladies, and he was generous with what possessions he had. It is just that Albert didn’t live for worldly things.

“I saw him smile many times, but two particular times I want to relate to you today. The first was a hot August evening I stopped by to see him and he was alone in the garden weeding his watermelons. It was a beautiful patch. He had counted them all and told me so. I wondered later if maybe he hadn’t named them as well. He was delighted to see the produce. Someone has told me he raised a good patch every year and had sold them at times. Another time he smiled was when we went out on a ride after a great blizzard a few years back. I had stopped by to visit Albert and our conversation had drug some. I asked if he would like to take a drive to see some of the snow drifts. His eyes lit up, he agreed and immediately began to scurry for his coat. While out on the drive he smiled and spoke of nature, storms, animals and the outdoors. It was only a car ride, but when I left Albert, he was satisfied, and so was I for having been with him.”

5) Thelma Elizabeth FOLAND
born 13 Mar 1908 Richland Twp., Decatur Co. IA, died Aug. 3, 1991, Huntington Beach CA
Married March 15, 1930, Des Moines IA, Harold Clifton SIMBRO

Harold was born Sept. 2, 1904, Des Moines IA, the son of Marshall A. SIMBRO (1879-1928) and Lettie (RIDGEWAY) SIMBRO. He served in the National Guard.

Thelma and Harold met in Des Moines where she was working. Harold and Thelma moved to Los Angeles in 1937 where he was a material review inspector at the Santa Monica Douglas Plant. Harold’s hobby was playing and tuning pianos. Thelma was active in the P.T.A. and sang in the Westchester Christian Church choir.

Harold died Jan. 20, 1969. Thelma & Harold were interred at Inglewood, Los Angeles Co. CA

Thelma and Harold were the parents of two sons.
  

Albert Lyman Foland
Thelma Elizabeth Foland
 
Genealogical Sources: Reflections of Grand River 1881 - 1981, Leon Journal-Reporter articles and obituaries; Down 100 Years; family documents & records; photograph albums and genealogical scrapbooks of Pearle Veva (BRAMON) FOLAND and Norma G. (FOLAND) BECKER

FOLAND, Wilma G. (RAMSEY). The Foland Family Record 1960; The Foland Family Record, Supplement One July 1960 to July 1965; The Foland Family Record, Supplement Two 1965 to 1971; The Foland Family Record, Supplement Three 1971 to 1982

Written, compiled and submitted by Sharon R. Becker, October of 2013
 
Family Album *** Decatur County IAGenWeb