Contributed by Laura Pinks
Hannah Jane (Wright) Ellsworth
Born: 9 May 1852 Wayne Twp., Knox Co., Michigan
Married: 23 Feb. 1881 Concord Twp., Hancock Co., Iowa
Died: 23 Sept. 1924 Hancock Co., Iowa
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Husband: Horace Herman Ellsworth
Born: 14 Jan. 1853 LaSalle Co., Illinois
Died: 21 Dec. 1933 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Father: Philander Stephens Ellsworth Mother: Henrietta Handon (Comstock) Ellsworth
1895 Iowa State Census
Herman H. Ellsworth
Residence: Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Age:41 Race: White Birthplace: IL Page: 158
1900 U.S. Federal Census Britt Town, Hancock Co., Iowa
Herin H. Ellsworth, W, M, Head, March 1853, 47, Married 19 years, IL, FB & MB PA, Auctioneer
Hannah Ellsworth, W, F, Wife, May 1853, 47, Married 19years, OH, FB & MB OH
Ella Ellsworth, W, F, Daughter, Feb. 1877, 23, Single, OH, FB IL, MB OH
Arthur Ellsworth, W, M, Son, Jan, 1882, 18, Single, IA, FB IL, MB OH
Harrison Ellsworth, W, M, Son, April 1888, 11, Single, IA, FB IL, MB OH
Lottie Ellsworth, W, F, Daughetr, Nov. 1892, 7, Single, IA, FB IL, MB OH
Dennis Kerus, Boarder, W, M, June 1861, 38, Single, PA, FB & MB Ireland, R.R. Laborer
Willaim A. Zetherberg, Boarder, W, M, Jan. 1880, 20, Single, MN, FB & MB Sweden, Telegraph Operator
Gus C. Lehnan, Boarder, W, M, Aug. 1875, 24, Single, B.__, FB & MB Germany, Telegraph Operator
William E. Williams, Boarder, W, M, FEb. 1863, 37, Single, WI, FB NY, MB VT, Carpenter
Peter Stahlen, W, M, Boarder, Sept. 1874, 25, Single, Norway, FB & MB Norway, Carpenter
Fred Mingo, Boarder, W, M, Dec. 1867, 32, Married 11 years, VT, FB Canada, MB VT, Carpenter
John Nang, Boarder, W, M, Sept. 1855, 44, Single, Canada, FB & MB Canada, French, Carpenter
George W. Thompson, Boarder, W, M, March 1853, 47, Married 12 years, PA, FB PA, MB NY, Carpenter
George Carter, Boarder, W, M, Sept. 1867, 32, Single, MI, FB & MB MI, Carpenter
1910 U.S. Federal Census Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa Pg. 7A
Horace H. Ellsworth, Head, W, M, 57, Married, Age at first marriage: 29 years, Born: IL, FB PA, MB ME, Auctioneer, General
Hannah J. Ellsworth, Wife, F, W, 56, Married, Age at first marriage: 24, 5 Children - 4 Living, OH, FB Canada-English, MB PA
Herman H. Ellsworth, Son, W, 21, Single, IA, FB IL, MB OH, Drainage Laborer
Lottie L. Ellsworth, Daughetr, F, W, 16, Single, Single, IA, FB IL, MB OH
1920 U.S. Federal Census Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa Pg. 10B
Horace H. Ellsworth, Head, M, W, 66, Married, IL, FB PA & MB PA
Hannah J. Ellsworth, Wife, F, W, 66, Married, OH, FB & MB Canada
1930 U.S. Federal Census Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa Pg. 10B
Clarence L. Hartzell, 45, Head, 3000, M, W, 45, Married, Age at first marriage: 29, IA, FB & MB NY, Owner Drag Line
Lattie L. Hartzell, Wife, F, W, 36, Married, Age at first marriage: 20, IA, FB PA, MB OH
Elaine G. Hartzell, Daughter, F, W, 14, Single, IA, FB & MB IA
Zola Hartzell, Daughter, F, W, 12, Single, IA, FB & MB IA
Betty J. Hartzell, Daughter, F, W, 10, Single, IF, FB & MB IA
Clarence J. Hartzell, Son, M, W, 6, Single, IA, FB & MB IA
Frances J. Hartzell, Daughter, F, W, 1 4/12, Single, IA, FB & MB IA
Horace H. Ellsworth, Father-in-law, M, W, 78, Widowed, PA, FB & MB PA
familysearch.org
Hannah Jane Wright
Born: 9 May 1852, Knox Co., Ohio
Death: 23 Sept. 1924
Father: William W. Wright Mother: Margaret
The Britt News Tribune, Wednsday, September 17, 1924 Pg.1, Column 5
MRS. H.H. ELLSWORTH CLOSES EYES IN DEATH
WIFE OF WELL KNOWN AUCTIONEER IN DEAD AFTER WEEKS OF SUFFERING
Had Lived in Britt for Forty-Six Years and Beared Family Here
Mrs. Hannah Jane Ellsworth, wife of the well known auctioneer H.H. Ellsworth, and who has been a resident of Britt for forty-six years, closed her eyes in death Tuesday noon, September 16th 1924. For several years her health has been very poor. Eight weeks before her death she was taken to her bed seriously ill from heart trouble and dropsey. Mrs. Ellsworth was only twenty five years old when she came to Britt. She lived to be 71 years, 4 months, and 7 days old - spending more than sixteen years of her life as a citizen of Britt. She was possessed of those kindly characteristics that mark the early pioneer, a socialbility of the home and an earnest desire to serve her family and her friends. A member of the Methodist church she lived a christian life doing good wherever she could. She will be greatly missed by her husband and family and a large circle of close friends.
Hannah Jane Wright was born in Knox County, Ohio. May 9th, 1853. She came west to town with her parents arriving in Britt in 1878. On Feb. 3, 1881, she was married to H.H. Ellsworth. This happy union was blessed with five children, Mrs. Ella Watzer of Sterling, Ill., Arthur A. Ellsworth, Harrison Ellsworth and Lottie Hartzell of Britt. One son George died in infancy. Besides the husband and children there are left to mourn six brothers, Andrew Wright of St. Cloud, Minn., David of Medford, MInn., Charles of Waseca, Minn., John of Mason City, Shannon and William of Britt: three sisters, Mrs. M.E. Wilson of Anita, Iowa, Mrs. Ella Jensen of Medford, Minn., Mrs. Frank Lewis of Dubuque and six grand children.
Funeral arrangements are announced foe 2:30 o'clock Thursday afternoon from the home. Rev. John Drake Wolcott, of the Methodist church will deliver the funeral oration. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery, Britt.
The Britt News Tribune, Wednsday, September 24, 1924, Page 5, Column 1 under "Local Happenings"
Relatives and friends from out of town attended the funeral of Mrs. H.H. Ellsworth Thursday afternoon were: Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hartzell, Algona; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Hartzell, Bancroft; Mr. and Mrs. Lester Stille, Klemme; Mrs. Ella Walzer, Sterling, Ill.; Mr. Chas. Wright, Waseca, MInn.; Mr. David Wright, Medford, MInn.; Mr. John Wright, Mason City; Mrs. Frank Lewis, Dubuque; Mrs. E.M. Jensen, Medford, Minn.
The Britt News Tribune, Wednsday, December 27, 1933, Page 1, Column 6
AN OLD TIMER BIDS FAREWELL
Was Sheriff, d eputy Sheriff, Leading Auctioneer in Hancock Co., for Many Years
Horace Herman Ellsworth, (familiarly known as Herm Ellsworth) has gone forth into the land from whence no traveler returns. he died at his home in Britt from the infirmities of old age at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, december 21, 1933. His birth is recorded as January 14, 1853, so at death he had attained an age of 80 years, 11 months, and 7 days. His birthplace was Vermillion, LaSalle County, Illinois.
Coming to Hancock County in 1878 he settled at Bailey's Grove, southeast of Britt. The new town of Britt was being established and in 1880 he moved to town. Miss hannah Jane Wright worked in the home of Philander S. Ellsworth (his Father) and it was there Herm made the acquantance of his future wife. They were married at Concord on Feb. 23, 1881; started housekeeping in Britt, reared their family here and lived happily through a long and useful life. Mrs. Ellsworth passed away on Sept. 23, 1924, since which time he has lived with his dughter, Mrs. Clarence Hartzell and son Art.
The children of H.H. and Hannah Ellsworth were Arthur and Mrs. C. L. Hartzell of Britt, Harrison another son , died July 7, 1925, and one died in infancy. Mr. Ellsworth is the last to die of a family of eleven children. Surviving grandchildren are Norman and Henry Ellsworth, Huxley, Iowa; Elaine, Zola, Betty, Bud and Frances Hartzell, Britt.
Mr. Ellsworth was crippled and found it necessary to go on crutches most of his life, but this did not keep him from being a hard worker and a useful man to his family, his town, his county, for he served as the first town clerk of Britt. In later years he acted as deputy sheriff, Sheriff, trustee and town councilman and was faithful in the performance of his duties. But perhaps he will be best remebered for his work as auctioneer and it was in this work that he earned the title of Colonel. As long as health would permit he pursued his work, covering a large territory - in fact at one time he cried sales in Hancock, Wright, Kossuth and Winebago counties as well was his reputation built up as an auctioneer.
Funeral service were conducted on Sunday afternoon at the home, the Rev. G. W. Eggleston preaching the sermon. Interment was in Everegreen cemetery, Britt.
Children:
a.) Ella H. (Ellsworth) Watzer, Born: Feb. 1877 Ohio
b.) Arthur Augustus Ellsworth, Born: 17 Jan. 1882 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, Married: Never, Died: 21 Feb. 1939 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
The Britt New Tribune, Thursday, February 23, 1939.g. 1, Column 6
Arthur Ellsworth Finishes This Life
Last week this paper chronicled the serious illness of Arthur Ellworth, well known life-long resident of Britt. Today we chronicle his passing. His death brought rest and peace to one who had spent many months in hospitals enduring the months of pain. Probably no one shall ever know the agony he withstood. Yet through it all he exhibited a patience seldom seen and all of his misfortunes and disabilities did not rob him of his cheerful disposition or make of him a mournful pa__________.
His outstanding charcteristic was his cheerfulness under all circumstances, and his way of seeing the sun behind the clouds and of letting one know that he expected it to shine out brightly tomorrow, was commendable.
Arthur Ellsworth was the first man that Lou Roberts spoke to when he came to Britt. Arthur was driving a bus at the time and met the night M. & St. L. train. He had been told to watch for Lou and fulfilled the job by making a friend.
Arthur Augustus Ellsworth was born a son to Herman and Hannah Jane Ellsworth at Britt, Iowa, on January 17, 1882. At death on February 21, 1939, he had reached an age of 57 years, 1 month and 5 days. All his life was spent here and had a wide acquaintance. His parents and one brother, Harrison, preceded him in death. The only living memeber of that family is his sister in Britt, Mrs. C. L. Hartzell, who had been carrying on a watchful vigil at his bedside at the hospital for the past two weeks. When he passed, Mr. Hartzell, Bud, Betty and Zola Hartzell were present. The survivors are one sister and her husband, five nieces and three nephews.
The funeral is being held this (Thursday) afternoon at the Wigton-Russ Funeral Home at 2 o'clock, the Rev. C. N. McMillan in charge. The body will lie in a grave in the family lot in Evergreen cemetery.
c.) Herman Harrison Ellsworth
Born: 23 Sept. 1886 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Married: 28 Feb. 1911
Died: 7 July 1925
Burial:
Wife: Lebertha Effaline (Stumpf) Ellsworth
Born: 19 Feb. 1890
Died:
Burial:
Father: George Henry Wihelm Stumpf Mother: Bertha (Peter) Stumpf
Children:
c1.) Henry Harrison Ellsworth, Born: 5 June 1912
c2.) Norman Albert Ellsworth, Born: 24 July 1913 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, Married: 4 Nov. 1944 Phoenix City, Alabama, Died: 1 Aporil 1974 Friday Harbor, Washington, Burial: Friday Harbor, Washington
Wife: Lola Inez (Williams) Ellsworth, Born: 1915 Telfair Co., Georgia
d.) George Ellsworth, Born: April 1888 Iowa
e.) Lottie Lu Ella (Ellsworth) Hartzell, Born: 14 Nov. 1893 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, Married: 19 Aug. 1914 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, Died: 25 July 1980 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa, Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Husband: Clarence LaVern Hartzell
Born: 10 Feb. 1885 Rockwell,
Died: 15 Aug. 1973 Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
Father:George W. Hartzell Mother:Lydia (Puls) Hatzell
The Britt News Tribune, Thursday, August 23, 1973, Pg. 2, Column 6 - 8
Hartzell last rites are held locally
Funeral services for Clarence Hartzell were held Saturday, Aug. 18 at 1;30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Britt. Rev. Howard Eldrenkamp officiated and burial was made in Evergreen Cemetery, Britt.
Marjorie Benzler was the organist for Alfred Champion who sang "How Great Thou Art" and "In The Garden". Ushers were Frank Johnson and Emmett Sheets, Casket bearers were Arthur Jass, Harols Jacobson, Maynard Holck, Kenneth Smith, James Trulson and Clarence Dahle, Honorary casket bearers were L.M. Brower, Tom Cosgriff, Henry Meyer, Dan Williams, Martin Cosgiff, Wm. Smith and Frank Whetstone.
Clarence Luverne Hartzell, son of George W. and Lydia Puls Hatzell, passed away at Westview Manor, Britt Aug. 15 following a lingering illness.
Mr. Hartzell was born Feb. 10, 1883 in Rockwell and was 88 years, 6 months and 5 days of age at the time of his death. He received his education in the Rockwell schools and had been a resident of Britt since the age of 13 years, moving here in 1898. He was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at an early age.
At the age of 80 years Mr. Hartzell retired from the freight and express business and had provided this service from 2 railroads which served Britt. Mr. Hartzell started the first truck line between Britt and Mason City. He was a volunteer fireman for 28 years and had served as the Chief for 8 years.
Mr. Hartzell had received a certificate of achievement being the first award given to an individual by the Britt American Legion Post #315 for outstanding service to his community for duties as a police officer.
He was married to Lottie Ellsworth, Aug. 19, 1914 at their present home in Britt. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 16, 1964 at an open house at the Britt Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lottie, Britt, 5 daughters; Elaine Hartzell of Britt, Zola Phy of Panorama City, Calif., Betty Klass of Fort Dodge, Frances Gast and Margy Darling of Britt, 1 son, Clarence Hartzell Jr. of Warsaw, Ind., 12 grandchildren, 11 great Grandchildren, 3 sisters, Mrs. Ralph Ludeke, Mason City, Mrs. Helen Stille of Klemme, and Mrs. Charles Van Zanten of Shelly, Mich., 1 aunt, nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, 1 great grandchild, 1 sister and 1 son-in-law.
The Britt News Tribune, Thursday, July 31, 1980, Pg. 2, Column 3
Lottie L. Hartzell, 86, dies; services
Lottie L. Hartzell, 86, of Britt passed away Friday afternoon, July 25, at the Hancock County Memorial Hospital in Britt. Funeral Service were held Monday, July 28, at 10:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church of Britt with Rev. Larry Vallery officiating. Services were held Sunday evening at the Carter Ewing Funeral Home by the Charity Rebekah Lodge No. 334.
The congregation, accompanied by organist Mrs. Ralph Hodson, sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Rock of Ages". Ushers were Robert Hiscocks and Gilbert Guenther.
Casketbearers were Kenny Smith, Jim Truison, Ivan Norstrud, Paul Kelly, Cliff Smith and Richard Wilson.
Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, with the Carter - Ewing Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Lottie L. Hartzell, daughter of Herman Horace Ellsworth and Hannah Jane Wright Ellsworth, was born November 14, 1893 in Britt and she was 86 years, 8 months and 10 days of age at the time of her death. She has lived in Britt all her life.
She was baptised and confirmed in the Christian Faith and was an active member of the United Methodist Church of Britt. She received her education in Britt schools and she was married to Clarence l. Hartzell August 19, 1914 in Britt. They had celebrated their 50th anniversary August 19, 1964 at an open house at the Britt Methodist Church. Her husband Clarence passed away August 15, 1973 and she has lived in the Kelly apartments since 1974. She was amember of the United Methoodist Womens Society, Charity Rebekah Lodge No. 334 of Britt, the VFW and American Legion Auxilaries, and with her husband they had operated a Freight and Express business in Britt for many years.
Lottie is survived by five daughters, Elaine Hartzell of Britt, Zola Phy and her husband Frank of Los Angeles, Ca., Betty Klass and her husband Thain of Fort Dodge, Fran Gast of Gritt, Marg Darling and her husband Eldon of Britt; one son, Clarence Jr. and his wife Marie Hartzell of Nappanee, Ind., 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren, two step grand daughters; six step great grandchildren; nieces; nephews, many realtives and many friends.
She was proceded in death by her parents, her husband Clarence L., three brothers, one sister, one son-in-law and two great grandchildren.
Children:
e1.) Elaine G. Hartzell
Born: 1915
Died:
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
e2.) Zola (Hartzelll) Phy
Born: 1918
Died: 1984
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
e3.) Hartzell Twins
Died: 1919
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa
e4.) Betty J. Hartzell, Born: 1920
e6.) Clarence L. Hartzell, Born: 1924
e7.) Frances J. (Hartzell) Gast
Born: 1928
Died: 1993
Burial: Evergreen Cemetery, Britt, Hancock Co., Iowa