CALDWELL, ROBERT
Robert was a negro barber in Silver City in the earlier days. He was one
of the business men who suffered a loss from the fire of 1891. He married
a widow with 2 little girls and they had a baby boy while they lived here.
He was a good barber, their family was neat and well behaved. The oldest
girl started to school here. All the children were cute and the
townspeople made a lot over them. “Nigger Bob” as he was known to all was
a good musician. He finally organized a Negro Minstrel Show and left here
to take it on the road. Mrs. Caldwell didn’t want to leave because she
said everyone treated them so well and they were making a good living.
"Niger Bob” was operating a Negro Barber Shop on the south side of the
square in Maryville, Mo. in about 1913. Roy Landon saw him there, and
visited with him while he again gave Roy an excellent shave. And during
World War I while Stella Pullman was doing war work she met and visited
with one of the Caldwell daughters in Omaha where she too was doing war
work.
CARLSON, GEORGE H.
George was born July 24, 1897 at Centerville, South Dakota. He came to
Silver City and became the Chevrolet Dealer. He continued in this business
as well as owning and operating the Carlson Garage until 1952. He had been
a director of the Silver City Bank for several years, also active in all
community life having served on the City Council, school board and
volunteer Fire Dept. He was an Insurance representative.
He married Gladys Burgoin, daughter of Wm. and Mae (Morse) Burgoin. They
were parents of 3 children: one dying in infancy at about the same time as
Gladys. The other children: Marian and Kenneth were small at the time of
their mother’s death.
He was married in 1930 to Gladys Kort, born January 2, 1898 in Scribner,
Nebr. Mrs. Carlson has been a wonderful mother to these children. She was
always interested in antiques. Mr. Carlson died Nov. 18, 1970. Mrs.
Carlson moved to an apartment in Glenwood, Iowa in 1976.
Marian Carlson and J. T. Fitzwater were married in 1945 and they lived in
Shenandoah, Iowa from 1952 until 1972. J. T. was manager of Farmers Coop
Exchange for 18½ years. In 1972 they transferred to Harlan, Iowa, with
Farmland Insurance Company.
Their oldest son, Jim graduated from University of Iowa in 1969 and
married Vicki Schrodt in 1975. He is associated with Acme Mail Advertising
Company of Omaha, Nebraska. They have a son and a daughter, Roger and
Lori.
Janet married John Hayes in 1966 and they live in Fremont, Nebraska where
John has been with DeKalb Ass’n. for 13 years. They have two sons, Scott
and Steven.
Phil spent 2 years in the Army, graduated from Colorado State in 1978, and
works with United State Geological Service in Cheyenne. He married Lori
Steiglitz in 1978 and both are now attending Graduate College at
Ui1iversity of Arizona in Tucson.
In 1977 J. T. and Marian purchased the Sears Catalog store in Harlan,
Iowa.
CARLSON, KENNETH (BUD)
Bud graduated from Silver City High School, attended VanSant Business
College in Omaha and was a partner in the Garage and Chevrolet business
with his father from 1948 to 1952. Bud has been in the banking business in
Silver City for 27 years. He is now Senior V.P. of the Mills County State
Bank (formerly the Silver City State Bank). Bud married Sept. 10, 1947 to
Shirley Heckman of Glenwood, Iowa. They have one daughter, Paula.
Paula married Steven Firbas of Omaha, Nebraska, on March 10, 1973. Steven
is Manager of Brodkey’s Jewelry at Midlands Mall in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
They have a daughter Elyssa Breanne, born July 12, 1979. They are residing
in Omaha, Nebraska.
CARLSON, WYVERN
This story begins with my grandfather, Henry Carlson who was born in
Charleston, Sweden, December 29, 1846. Henry at the age of 14 years came
to America and became a resident of Illinois. In July 1876, he married
Miss Anna Kidney and in November of the same year they moved to Nebraska
and settle on a Homestead south of Franklin. Here the family home remained
for 19 years. In 1895 the family moved to Stockton, Mo., where on May 31,
1896 Mrs. Carlson passed away. Mr. Carlson and the children shortly after
returned to the home south of Franklin, where he resided until his death.
Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Carlson one of whom died in
infancy. The surviving children were Harry Carlson and Mrs. Gus Mankhey of
Riverton; Albert S. Carlson of Franklin, Mrs. Lewis Overmiller of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, and Mrs. Willis Overmiller of Smith Center, Kansas.
In 1900, Mr. Carlson was united in marriage to Miss Emily White. Four
children came into the home, all of whom with the mother, survived the
father. The children are George Washington Carlson of Oskosh, Nebraska,
and Fannie, Margaret and Blanche Carlson of Franklin. Mr. Carlson was laid
to rest in Greenwood Cemetery.
My father George Washington Carlson was born at Franklin, Nebraska, and
departed his life near Shawnee, Kansas, January 26, 1943. On December 24,
1924, he was united in marriage to Alma 0. Billings of Kensington, Kansas.
In this union five children were born, Wyvern Leroy, Maurice, Delsie, Earl
Eldon and Donna Lee. Earl preceded his father in death. For several years
George worked for construction.
Wyvern Leroy was born at his home in Smith Center, Kansas, on February 28,
1926. Because of my father’s job I attended school in these states,
Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota, and Missouri. I entered the Navy on 1943
at the age of 17 in Farragut, Idaho. After the service I lived in Omaha,
Nebraska. Here I met my wife Alta May Jones in October of 1947. Mrs. Alta
Carlson lies in rest at Silver City Cemetery. Alta was born August 29,
1924, in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Alta was from English and Indian
background. She attended school in Council Bluffs. Her parents were Bertha
Green and Glenwood Jones. Alta was a member of the Silver City Order of
Eastern Star No. 536 and the American Legion Auxiliary. Of this marriage
three children were born, Nancy who preceded her mother in death, Randy
Leroy and Beth Irene Roberts. This family moved from Council Bluffs in
November of 1958 to Silver City. In 1961 the family purchased the Doris
Cafe which was later changed to Alta’s Cafe. The cafe was later sold to
Gordon and Polly Allen. Wyvern joined the Masonic of Silver City in 1969
and became Master in 1972. He also belongs to the American Legion in
Silver City. Wyvern now works for the railroad in Council Bluffs as a
engineer.
Randy Leroy Carlson was born on May 5, 1949 and attended school in Silver
City and graduated in Glenwood, Iowa. He joined the Navy in 1968 and is
now stationed at Philadelphia, Penn. Randy married Margaret Haggard on
April 8, 1972. Of this marriage three children were born, Michael, Rachel,
and Zackary.
(Refer to Terry Roberts History for Beth Carlson Roberts)
CARR, JOHN
In February of 1909 the John and May Carr family moved to the Silver City
community from their former residences near Malvern, Iowa. They had lived
their earlier years at Thurman, Iowa. The family settled at a rural
residence five and one-half miles north east of Silver City on a farm
owned by Frank Plumer, where they lived and farmed at the same residence
for twenty-six years, until their retirement in 1935 when they moved to
their home in Glenwood, Iowa.
This family had five children; Bonnie, Viola, Karl, Sylvia and Wanda.
Bonnie married George E. Burger and had three children, Thelma, Maxine,
and Grant. They lived in the community farming until George’s death and
Bonnie moved to Omaha, Nebraska.
Viola married Clarence McClary, having one child, Marjorie. They lived in
Silver City and he was employed by the U.S. Post Office as a carrier.
Clarence was deceased as a very young man in 1918. Viola married Allen
Soliday and had one child, Olive May. He was in farming in this vicinity
until retirement and they moved to Glenwood, Iowa.
Karl married Mary Seaton and had four children, Walter, Waunita, Warren
and Anna. They moved and resided entire married life to the area near
Tabor, Iowa. Karl married Eula (Sell) Schoening and had two children, Ward
and Wils. They farmed in the Tabor vicinity.
Sylvia married Ray Batten and had seven children, Marlin, Phyllis, Wilma,
Glen, Gaylen, Lois and Wayne. They were in farming and lived in the area
of Macedonia and Henderson, Iowa.
Wanda married Allen Aukland and had three children, Carol, Calvin, and
Jerry. They have lived and farmed entire life near Carson and Griswold,
Iowa and still live on their farm near Griswold.
Of the Carr family the deceased are Mr. and Mrs. Carr, Bonnie and George
Burger, Viola and Clarence McClary, Allen Soliday, Karl and Mary
Carr, Sylvia and Ray Batten.
CHILDS, SHERMAN
Sherman was born in 1881 and died in 1934. He was married to Mary Lubben,
also deceased. He operated the Goldapp Trucking Firm for a number of
years. They had 8 children; Albert F. married Irene Parman. he is
deceased, (see Parman history for Irene). Loran lives in Silver City, now
retired. Bill is deceased. Anna was Mrs. Allen McCoy (deceased). Celia is
now Mrs. Marvin Pullman (see Pullman history), and Adelphia is now Mrs.
Ronald Bryant of Silver City.
CHRISTENSEN, CARLTON
The family of Carlton L. and Kathleen Christensen (better known as Chris
and Kate) moved to Silver City in 1969 from Council Bluffs. We were
married in 1948. both of Danish descent. We have 5 children, Kristie born
1950, Ricki in 1951, Cynthia in 1952, Brett in 1953. and eleven years
later in 1964, Terry became the 5th one. The 3 girls are married and have
families. Ricki resides in Pacific Junction, Cynthia in South Carolina.
Kristie is in Silver City as are Brett and Terry. We have been blessed
with 6 grandchildren and are looking forward to more, when the boys
decide to get married.
Chris works at Union Pacific Railroad where he has been for the past 33
years.
We moved to Silver City because we wanted to get away from all the
confusion of city life, also to raise our family in a small town
environment, Silver City struck us as a nice clean town, quiet, peaceful
community, still close enough for Chris to commute, so we purchased the
home in which we still live and never regretted our decision about Silver
City. Our oldest son, Brett also owns a home here of which he is very
proud and so are we.
Our home has quite a historical background, it was. at one a time Hotel
for railroaders.
Chris’s grandparents came to the United States from Denmark, my parents
also are direct from Denmark. Chris’s father lives in Maryville, Missouri
with Chris’s brother. His father is 91 and has 108 direct descendants.
Our hobbies have been, mainly, working with the little leaguers and the
boys wrestling. At the moment our hobbies are refinishing all the wood
work in our home. plus some remodeling.
We love Silver City and Chris is looking forward to his retirement here
among the many loyal friends we have here. Our children and grandchildren
eagerly await all holidays that they can spend in Silver City with us. We
are happy here and hope it may continue to be so for many years to come.
CHRISTY, J. C.
J. Coll Christy b. 3/4/1840 in Fulton County, Illinois. came to Iowa with
his parents in 1865 and located near Patrick’s Mill on Silver Creek about
four miles south of the present site of Silver City in Mills County. In
1878 he commenced work for Hawkeye Insurance Co., in
1883 located in Silver City with L. W. Huffaker. In 1885 he was appointed
Postmaster under President-elect Cleveland, which position he filled with
satisfaction, retiring from office in 1889, on account of a change in
administration. He married Mattie Merry December 1885. Their daughter,
Beulah, graduated from high school, taught rural schools and later became
the telephone operator when Gertie Lacock resigned. Beulah’s pleasant
voice winning personality won her many friends. Mr. Christy passed away in
1898, Beulah in 1930 and Mrs. Christy in 1939.
CLAY, WILEY
Wiley Clay was born in Hillsville, Virginia on June 15, 1881, the son of
Albert Franklin and Susan Clay. He was married to Alice McFall of the East
Liberty community in February of 1907 at the parsonage in Silver City by
Rev. Jacobs. They farmed around East Liberty and homesteaded in Wyoming
around 1913. In 1923 they moved to Silver City where Wiley worked for the
railroad on the section gang until 1930. The family moved to a farm south
of Silver City and later lived in Council Bluffs and California before
returning to Silver City in 1941. They had seven children: Donald,
Clifford, Frank, twins Neil and Nellie, Max and Carol. All except Donald
graduated from Silver City High School.
Wiley died December 27, 1960 and Alice continued to live in Silver City
until 1963 when she lived with her daughter, Nellie Hummel, near Glenwood
until her death in October of 1972.
Donald married Ardis Keesee of Silver City. He died in 1971 and his widow
lives in Seattle, Washington. They had five children: Jeanne, Kenneth
(deceased), Jack, Ralph and Dick.
Clifford (Kip) married Maxine Parker. He died in 1976 in Redlands,
California where his widow still lives with her father, Paul Parker. They
had one son, Robert Lee. who died in 1947 at the age of 15.
Frank married Hazel Landis in 1930. He died in 1959 and she died in 1978.
They had three children: Francine, Jimmy and Julie.
Neil married Ruth Helmerson, and they live in Yucaipa, California.
Nellie married Frank (Hank) Hummel and he died in 1973. She now lives in
Sidney, Iowa. They have three children: David, Gloria and Tom.
Max married Adela Michaelson who died in 1974. He lives in Marina Del Rey,
California and has one daughter. Candace Lynn.
Carol married Byron Kiger of Glenwood. They have two daughters, Leanne and
Susan.
CLIPSON, CARLYLE C.
Carlyle C. Clipson, son of R.W. and Dora Clipson, was born March 15, 1898;
nicknamed “Jack” by Doc Moore. Jack attended Silver City Public School,
graduating in May 1916, then he worked with his Father, Painting and Paper
Hanging, also acting as the Rural Mail Carrier Sub. He became the full
time Rural Mail Carrier in 1919, retiring in 1963 after 43 years and 6
months.
Ruth Eleanor Stogdill, daughter of James and Frances Stogdill, was born
February 16, 1898. She attended Silver City Public School. Ruth was a
member of Woman’s Club, Methodist Ladies Aid Society and American Legion
Auxiliary. Ruth passed away on her birthday February 16, 1967.
Ruth and Jack were united in marriage in May 1917. They had seven
children: Dorothy Carlisle b. July 5,1918, Helen May b. December 15, 1919,
James C. b. September 1, 1922, Richard William b. June 11, 1924,Mary
Elizabeth b. July 22, 1927, Frances Carol b. September 30, 1930, John
Rollin b. August 15, 1933.
Dorothy C. graduated from Silver City Public School and attended Simpson
College at Indianola, Iowa for two years. She taught school in Iowa for
several years before moving to Los Angeles, California in 1944. Dorothy
married Dr. Joe A. Machacek October 18, 1947. Joe passed away October 7,
1955. Dorothy and Joe had two children: Leslie Jo b. June 18, 1949 and she
married Ritchie Cleveland on September 11, 1971 and they had two children:
Scott Philip b. January 25, 1978 and d. February 22, 1979; Carlee Michele
b. November 24, 1979. Donald Michael, second child of Dorothy and Joe, was
born September 11, 1950; he married Lisa Ann Ceporano and they have a
daughter Carrie Lorraine b. August 9, 1978. After high school graduation
Donald en1isted in U.S. Army, June 23, 1970 and was discharged January 18,
1972.
Helen May Clipson graduated from Silver City Public School, then attended
business schools in Grand Island and Lincoln, Nebraska. She worked for
U.S. Government in Washington, D.C. until 1943, when she moved to Los
Angeles, California. She worked for Aero Space Industries until March
1945, when she joined an Army Special Medical Unit. She was discharged in
October 1946 and returned to Aero Space. In August 1949, Helen went back
to Gov’t. work. She worked for the Commanding General of G-2 Intelligence
in Japan and Okinawa. Returning to California in April 1951, she went back
to Aero Space Industries. Helen was married to Ruby G. Bymaster February
15, 1954. They have one daughter, Suzanne b. July 22, 1960 and a grandson,
James Tyler b. November 24, 1979. Helen moved to Post Falls, Idaho in
1969, where she works for the state.
James C. Clipson graduated from Silver City Public School, where he was
nicknamed “Shadow”, because of his size. On July 10, 1942, he enlisted in
the U.S. Army Signal Corp, stationed in the South Pacific. He was
discharged November 3, 1945. Jim moved to Los Angeles, Calif., where he
married Geraline Theresa DeBell July 28, 1946. He enlisted in the
California National Guard, 40th Division, and was stationed at Fort Ord,
Calif. during the Korean Conflict. Jim and Gerry had three children: Larry
James Clipson b. December 31, 1948 and d. 1956; Theresa Marie b. September
17, 1950, she married James B. Janikowski and they have two children:
Stacey Ann and Anthony Ronald. The third child of Jim and Gerry is Gale
Ann b. April 26, 1955; she married Raymond Edward Callen on June 1, 1974;
they have two children: Jerry Raymond b. November 18, 1976 and James
Edward b. February 15, 1979.
Richard William Clipson graduated from Silver City Public School. He
enlisted in U.S. Naval Corps Reserve on October 31, 1942 and was
discharged November 1, 1946. On September 8, 1950, he was united in
marriage to Gelena Elaine Fisher, daughter of Charles Franklin and Frances
Fisher of Pacific Junction, Iowa. Dick and Gelena have three children:
Richard William II b. June 16, 1951, Craig Franklin b. December 28, 1955
and Frances Elaine b. July 6, 1962. Ricky graduated from Glenwood
Community School. He married Christine Susan Howser, daughter of Robert
and Wilda Howser of Glenwood; they have two children: Audra Lea and Jared
Franklin. Craig F., the second son of Dick and Glena graduated from
Glenwood Community School. While attending college in Idaho, Craig married
Sheri Ann Malm, daughter of Hilmer and Dorothy Malm of Priest River, Idaho
on April 3, 1976. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in May 1976. They have
two children: Jermiah Nathanial and Jason Daniel Clipson. Frances (the
youngest member of Dick and Glena’s) is a senior in Glenwood Community
School and resides with her parents.
Mary Elizabeth Clipson graduated from Silver City Community School and
attended Nebraska Weslyan University at Lincoln, Nebraska. She taught
school in Mills County for 7 years before moving to Los Angeles, Calif.
She returned home in 1961.
Frances Carol Clipson graduated from Silver City Community School, then
she worked in Omaha, Nebraska. On April 23, 1951 Frances passed away.
John Rollin Clipson graduated from Silver City Community School. He
attended Nebraska Weslyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska for two years.
He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, on March 1, 1953; stationed in
California, he was discharged in March of 1956. John worked into
Management of Retail Grocery Stores for 13 years. He attended U.C.L.A. and
started teaching in 1969 in the A.B.C. School District of Los Angeles. He
taught Vocational Education and Music Theory until returning to Silver
City in August 1978.
CLIPSON, HUGH FAMILY
Hugh William Clipson was born 18 August 1896 to Raoul William Clipson and
Dora Sidener Clipson of Silver City, Iowa. He graduated from the Silver
City High School in 1914; worked in the grocery and hardware store of
Silver City and Lyman as clerk; was also rural mail carrier. Being a part
of the Methodist Church he was active in Junior and Senior Epworth League;
was a Steward when the present building was dedicated. On the 31st July
1918 he married Gertrude Falwell of Blue Springs, Nebraska, a Silver City
school teacher. He presented himself for service in World War I on
Armistice Day 11th November 1918. He became a farmer, moving his family to
Lenox, Iowa in 1935. He and Gertrude served their Lord in the Presbyterian
Church there and Hugh was a township trustee. Hugh died 12 January 1978.
Gertrude owns the family farm and lives at the Lenox Care Center. They
have three children: Grace Marilyn, Joyann and Phyllis Gertrude; all
graduates of Lenox High.
Grace Marilyn born March 3, 1920, graduated l937~ graduated Simpson
College 1939. Taught primary grades and elementary music in New Virginia,
Sioux Center and Glenwood. Married Benjamin I. Gleckler on June 3, 1945, a
farmer and presently Cashier of Norwalk Cumming State Bank, Manager of the
New Virginia Office; active in the United Methodist Church, UMW, OES;
reared four children: Susan J., George W., Lois M. and Mary E.; all
graduates of Interstate 35 Community Schools. Susan Jane born September
10. 1949; graduated Iowa State University 197l.with B.S. in Home Economics
and music; married Fred Scott November 27, 1971, a Vietnam officer
veteran, Iowa State University graduate with B.S. in Animal Science,
presently Cow-Herdman Kent Research Farm, Muscatine, Iowa. Their children
are: William Theophilus February 20, 1973; Kathryn Elizabeth — January 21.
1975; Naomi Lois June 14, 1976; Tabitha April
22, 1978.
George William born October 3, 1951, graduated Northern Iowa Area
Community College, Degree in Agricultural Power Mechanics, graduated Iowa
State University 1978 with B.S. Degree in Farm Operation. married Susan
Stageman May 27, 1978 graduated Iowa State University with B.S. Degree in
Child Development; presently employed Christiansen Farm Inc. Ogden, Iowa.
Lois Marie, born April 6, 1956, graduated Iowa Wesleyan College 1978 with
B.S. Degree in music. taught Junior and Senior vocal music Lake City,
Iowa: married Craig Down June 16, 1979, who graduated from Iowa State
University with B.S. Agriculture Business, presently an agricultural loan
officer with the Brenton Bank and Trust Co. Vinton, Iowa. Mary Eva, the
youngest child of Grace and Ben, born January 31, 1961; a freshman
University Northern Iowa in Accounting.
Joyann, born September
28, 1922, graduated 1939, attended Simpson College 1940-41; employed as
secretary in Des Moines and Omaha; married Max Cochran March 18, 1945;
employed as secretary Dana College at Blair, Nebraska; presently secretary
University of Nebraska Library, Omaha; active in Presbyterian Church and
National Secretary Association. One son, William Hugh, born June 25, 1946;
graduated from Blair High School 1964 and from Univeristy of Nebraska
1968--B.S. Computer Engineering; married Marcia Can August 22, 1970 — a
graduate University of Nebraska, Medical Technician; William Hugh
presently a Design Engineer IBM Rochester, Minnesota; their children: Todd
Christian, March 17, 1974 and Eric William, November 23, 1976.
Phyllis Gertrude born
August 23, 1928, graduate Teacher training at Drake University 1946;
taught primary Grimes, Iowa; married Thomas Rittgers, March 27, 1948, a
farmer; Iowa State University graduate, B.S. Farm Management; presently
farm manager and rural appraiser for Hertz Management Inc. Nevada, Iowa;
active in Presbyterian Church, UPW, PEO: raised two sons Mark Thomas and
Hugh John, both graduates of Nevada High School. Mark Thomas born February
10, 1949; graduate of Clark Summit Baptist Bible College 1971 and married
Cheryl Gelatt June 12, 1971, a 3rd year student Clarke Summitt Bible
College. Mark employed variously in food retail; presently Junior at Iowa
State University majoring in Computer Science; their children are: Aaron
William October 23, 1974 and Rebecca Joy December 15, 1977. Hugh John
(second son of Phyllis and Tom) born December 30, 1950; married Diana
Meyers July 10, 1971; served in United States Army 1970-71; presently
employed as a truck driver for a firm dealing in Propane Gas and
Agricultural Chemicals; one child, Chad Jayson July 6, 1972.
CLIPSON, RAOUL WILLIAM
Raoul William Clipson (known in Silver City as Rollie or Rollin) son of
William Henry and Marintha Clipson, was born April 1, 1870 at Glenwood,
Iowa. With his parents, he moved to Clarinda, Iowa, then Climax Springs,
Missouri and at the age of sixteen years returned to Omaha, Nebraska to
follow the trade he had learned from his Father, Painting and Decorating.
Later he moved to Glenwood to become State Painter at the State School and
in 1890 to Silver City to establish his business and home. On December 18,
1894, he married Dora Mabel Sidener of a Pioneer Family. Their five
children were born, reared and educated in Silver City, all being
graduates of Silver City Public School. The children are: Hugh William
born August 18, 1896, died January 12, 1977 at Lenox, Iowa, married
Gertrude Falwell (see Hugh Clipson history); Carlyle C. born March 15,
1898, married Ruth Stogdill (see Carlyle Clipson History); an infant
daughter dying at birth November 18, 1900; Vivian born February 14, 1902,
married Oloff W. Coffey (see Coffey History); Bernice Dee born May 5,
1906. Rollie built his trade from a one-man, self employed business,
using, a horse and spring wagon to an eight man crew of workmen using
motor vehicles and a Retail Store in Glenwood, Iowa serving the
communities of Silver City, Glenwood, Mineola and Treynor. Mr. Clipson
often finished houses in other Iowa and Nebraska towns being solicited by
admirers of his work. He was affiliated with the Baptist Church of which
his parents were members but often worshipped with his wife and children
in the Methodist Church of which they were all members. He was a member of
the I.O.O.F and Knights of Pythias Lodges: served on the Silver City
Council and the Board of Education. In his younger years he was a member
of the Silver City Band and that band had a rating in several counties. He
liked his chosen town and worked to see it improve and progress. We
cannot leave “Rollie’s history, especially those younger years when he was
building his business and territory, without mentioning the family horse
and pet of the town; the horse that pulled that first spring wagon from
farm home to farm home. The horse was named “Dewey” after Admiral Dewey of
the Spanish American War, so one can presume that Dewey had a birthday
about that time. Dewey was a coach horse with direct Arabian ancestry. The
horse as a gift to Dora M. Sidener Clipson from her father, E. L. Sidener,
a breeder of fine horses. Dewey was a three gaiter and changed paces
easily on long trips, but he was also very susceptible to music. The
Albert Deitchler family who were neighbors of the Clipsons owned a player
piano; often the daughters would be playing it when Mr. Clip son would be
coming from work. As soon as they were in hearing distance, the horse
would dance on in home. His owner just would not use him in the Memorial
Day parades for Dewey insisted on keeping step with the music. Because of
failing health, Mr. Clipson purchased the Paint and Paper Store in
Glenwood and with his wife and two daughters moved there in February 1930.
The daughters assisted in the business. Mr. Clipson died September 21,
1930 and is buried in the Silver City Cemetery. The daughters and his wife
continued the business. They retained ownership until 1945. In 1946,
Bernice Dee returned from her home in Silver City to management of the
store that the women had sold and she is that manager in 1979. On High
School graduation in 1923, Bernice took Extension Courses for teaching
from State Teacher’s College at Cedar Falls, Iowa and Colorado State
University, Boulder, Colorado; taught seven years in Mills County Rural
Schools at Mt. Vernon, Sand Hollow and Excelsior. Her other interests have
been her Church as Sunday School teacher and Epworth League; she is a
member of the United Methodist Women, the D.A.R. and several social clubs.
CLIPSON, WILLIAM HENRY
William Henry Clipson, son of William Henry and Matilda Ann Barker Clipson,
was born at Lambeth Walk, Lambeth, England, near London, on January 5,
1841. The parents with their seven children came to the United States in
1853. After a short stay in New York City, the father bought extensive
land holdings near Catlin, Illinois, known as the Globe Farm Grand
Prairie. William Henry grew to manhood on this farm, and enlisted as a
Private in the Civil War, Co. A Volunteer Infantry, Illinois Twenty-first
Regiment on June 1, 1861, re-enlisting Feb. 27, 1864. He became an Aide to
General Grant and was captured by the Confederates on a mission of
carrying Secret Orders: was a prisoner of the Confederates for eighteen
months in the Andersonville Prison; was mustered out July 13, 1865. He
resumed his established trade of painting and decorating. He learned the
business basically when tradesmen boiled their own linseed oil, made
varnishes and shellacs from gums from the Orient, made stains from raw
clays, and colored their own paints from a white lead basis. After the
Civil War, Mr. Clipson moved to Mills County, Iowa, pursuing his trade in
and near the communities of Silver City and Glenwood. He did much of the
finishing work on the numerous Rural Schools that were being established
in every township. On June 8, 1869, he married Manntha Tipton of Glenwood,
whose family were pioneers from Ohio of direct English descent. The three
eldest of his ten children were born in Glenwood. “Billie”, as he was
affectionately known became State Painter at the Glenwood State
Institution. In 1875 the family moved to Clarinda, Iowa, in 1882 to Climax
Springs, Missouri where he pursued his trade, owned and operated a Hotel.
He also bought land in the area that was covered with hickory timber
which, (when his widow returned to Iowa), was sold to the Swift Packing
Company who used the wood in those years in furnaces for smoking meat.
Mr. Clipson died at Climax Springs on September 2, 1903 and is buried
there.
COBURN, JOHN S.
John S. Coburn was born August 8, 1846 at Carroll County, Kentucky. He
came to Ingraham Township in 1875 and married Stella Herrick on July 4,
1876. He was a stage driver between Denver and Fairplay, Colorado for a
while and also a farmer and engineer. They had four children: a son died
young, Ellory, Nellie and Will 0. He was identified with the growth and
development of the community and was a popular and respected citizen known
as “Uncle Jack”. He died April 26, 1928. Mrs. Coburn died December 9,
1915.
Ellory, was married and lived in Council Bluffs for many years. He had two
sons. Nellie graduated from Silver City High School and later taught for
several years. She married C. W. Sawyer, who was a successful jeweler in
Silver City. They had three children: Vandis died young, Kenneth and Max.
Will 0. was born April 7, 1886 in Silver City. He was a contractor and
builder. He married January 19, 1919, Henrietta Schultz. They had an
adopted son, Robert. Robert was an industrial engineer. He married and had
two children.
COFFEY, OLOFF WALTER
Oloff Walter Coffey, son of Walter and Katherine Norstadt Coffey was born
at the homestead of his grandfather, Frederick Norstadt on January 25,
1909 near Sidney, Iowa. The grandfather had homesteaded north of Waubonsie
State Park at the close of the Civil War, which service he had joined at
the age of fifteen as a Fifer in Co. D. Volunteer Army, Infantry of
Illinois. Arriving in Iowa he built a log house afterwards replaced with a
frame home, still standing. Oloff W. attended rural schools, moving with
his parents and sister, Mabel, at eight years of age to a farm south of
Pacific Junction, Iowa. His High School years were at Barlett, Iowa and
graduated from Pacific Junction in 1926. On graduation, he began farming
for himself and assisting his Father with his land. He married Vivian
Clipson of Glenwood, Iowa on December 15, 1932. The couple farmed for one
year on land south of Pacific Junction, moving to the old Spencer and Ezza
Pullman farm one and a quarter miles east of Silver City where they
remained for eleven years. In 1945, Oloff W. and Vivian purchased their
own farm north of Sharpsburg, Iowa, concentrating on a stock herd of
Hereford cattle. In 1974 they sold this herd and land to retire in
Glenwood, Iowa. Vivian was born in Silver City on February 14, 1902,
daughter of Raoul and Dora Clipson. She graduated from the Public School
there in 1919; obtained Teacher’s Training from the Extension Service
Division of the State Teacher’s College at Cedar Falls, Iowa, from the
Greeley State Teacher’s College, Greeley, Colorado, from State University
at Boulder, Colorado, also from the University of California. She taught
rural school for two years, Mt. Vernon; a coincidental circumstance, she
started Henry Jenkle at Mt. Vernon School as her Aunt lola Edmundsen had
started Henry’s father and her Sister Bernice Dee Clipson started his
brother, Ernest. Vivian taught in the Silver City Public School eight
years and was active in her Church. She entered business in 1930 with her
Father and Sister in the R. W. Clipson Paint and Paper Store at Glenwood
and remained active in it until she and her husband moved to a farm home
in 1933. Oloff W. and Vivian have a son, Olaf Clipson Coffey born May 5,
1934 at the farm home east of Silver City. He attended Rural Ingraham
Center School until his family’s removal to Taylor County. There, Olaf C.
attended Blue Grove Rural School. That being a very old established
community, with once a Christian Church on the Coffey land and the farm
home being an old stage coach stop between Omaha and St. Joseph, Missouri.
Olaf C. graduated from the Lenox, Iowa High School in 1951 and began
farming. In 1953 Olaf C. joined the National Guards at Corning, Iowa,
remaining in service six years, two of those in active service with the
National forces from 1956-1958 with the Rank of Specialist Third Class. He
married Marilyn Ann Wray of Prescott, Iowa December 25, 1955. Returning
from the service, Olaf C. bought a farm southwest of Lenox, Iowa, selling
it to take up the transport business, serving now as First- Line Driver
for Agr-Star Cooperative of Red Oak, Iowa; his home is in Glenwood. Olaf
C. and Marilyn Coffey have a son Steven Wray Coffey born August 19, 1957
at Lenox, who married Cynthia Ann Graalf of Glenwood on December 18, 1976;
they have one daughter, Brenda Lee born September 2, 1977; Brenda Lee’s
first home was the house in which her second Great-grandfather was born in
1870. Steven is associated with Doyle Floor Covering of Malvern, Iowa; his
home is in Glenwood. A daughter of Olaf and Marilyn, Suzanne Kae was born
at Lenox on January 14, 1961; married Daniel Allen Graalf of Glenwood,
Nov. 25, 1978. He is in the United States Navy as E-2-Boiler Technician,
the couple now at the San Diego Naval Base; their daughter Beth Ann was
born May 19, 1979. Daniel Walter, Olaf C.’s youngest son, was born
December 1, 1971 at Wheatland Ridge, Colorado, is a second grader in the
Glenwood schools. Oloff W., Vivian, Olaf C. and Marilyn are members of the
Glenwood United Methodist Church. Vivian is a National member of the D.A.R.
COINER, GEORGE A.
George A. Coiner was born in Ohio on September 15, 1841 and was the fifth
child of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Coiner. They afterwards moved to Illinois
where the father and mother both died of typhoid fever within a week, when
George was only ten years old. After his service in the Civil War, Mr.
Coiner came to Winterset, Iowa and was married in 1883 to Elizabeth
Bevercombe of Orient, Iowa where they lived for three years. They then
went to Kansas for a few years but soon came back to Iowa and settled on
the farm east of Silver City where they were to make their home for many
years.
On their journey back to Iowa from Kansas, they stopped at the John
Flanagan home at Ellsworth to ask directions. About two weeks later John
Flanagan came back to Mills County to settle on the Flanagan homestead.
Not long after this return, both Mr. Flanagan and Mr. Coiner were much
surprised to meet and to recognize each other from their very brief
encounter in Kansas and to learn that they were living in the same
community.
Mr. Coiner became ill at his home in July of 1916 and passed away three
weeks later on August 9, 1916. Mrs. Coiner and daughter Gladys went to Los
Angeles to make their home and she died there January 4, 1938. They raised
six children: Allie Mable (see Humston), Charles, Kathryn Maude, Arch T.,
Walter A., and Gladys Ruth.
Charles W. Coiner was educated at the Prairie Creek Country School and
Simpson College at Indianola. He farmed for a short time with his father
and then became interested in the west. He settled near Twin Falls, Idaho
where he was a successful farmer and sheep raiser for many years. He
married Sarah Olds of Portland, Oregon in 1909. They are the parents of
twin sons, Charles and Henry born in 1913 and a daughter, Gladys Ruth,
born in 1915. He moved his family into Twin Falls, and in 1950 he was
elected a representative from Twin Falls County to the Idaho Legislature.
His widow, Sarah, lives in a Twin Falls rest home, and his children all
farm in that area.
Kathryn Maude married Carl Wilson of Henderson in 1911. They lived on a
farm near Henderson for several years, but they have been living in
Malvern for a number of years. They were the owners and operators of the
Wilson Hatchery. In the early 1950’s they made a tour of Europe. Mrs.
Wilson is 91 and lives in her home in Malvern. Her daughter, Allie Bernice
Woodfill, lives next door and owns the George A. Coiner farm. Her other
daughter, Phyllis Loretta Conner Benton lives in Omaha. Both girls taught
in the Silver City High School at one time.
Arch T. was educated at Prairie Creek and later at Ames. He farmed the
homestead for a number of years. He finally decided to join his brothers
in Idaho where he was a successful farmer for about 25 years. He married
Zylpha Erskine of Prairie City, Iowa in 1918. She was a teacher in the
Silver City High School and was active in club and lodge work during their
residence in this community. They are survived by their son, Robert. He
and his wife, Betty, live on the farm near Twin Falls. Their daughter is a
nurse, and their son was drowned.
Walter A. also attended the Prairie Creek School and Ames. He farmed with
Arch for a while but soon decided to join his brother in Idaho. He was a
successful in farming also settling near Hansen, Idaho. He married
Marietta Detweiler of Twin Falls in 1926. He died in May of 1952 following
a tractor accident on his farm, and his wife, Marietta, still lives on the
farm. Their son, George, lives across the road and with his sons has an
extensive farm and livestock operation. Their daughter, Griette Sinclair,
is engaged in politics and her daughters are teachers.
Gladys and George Werner live in Los Angeles,
CONGER, DANIEL LAMPSON
Daniel was born on September 27, 1833 at Knox County, Ohio. He became a
carpenter at the age of 14. He went to Chicago and then came to Mills
County in 1857. He was an early carpenter in Glenwood where he built many
of the older business houses, and also did much of the work in the East
Liberty Church. He was a successful farmer in later years. He was married
to Caroline Wilderson on December 25, 1868. They were members of the
Universal Church. He died on March 17, 1919 and she on February 7, 1925.
They had four children; Mary, Amy, Charles and Leonard.
Mary died young. Amy was educated at Tabor and Lincoln and was a teacher
in Galesburg, Illinois Public Schools for many years.
Charles married Mary Haines and farmed near Silver City for many years.
They had several children; Joe (deceased), Nancy, Betty, Robert and
Eleanor.
Leonard graduated from Silver City High School and received higher
education at Tabor and Harvard where he received a Doctors degree. He was
head of the history department of Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois for
many years. He is retired. He married Ada Greenwood, also a graduate of
Silver City High School and Tabor College. She was a talented musician and
later became an authority on antiques and operated an antique shop. They
had several children.
CUSTER, SELA
Sela Custer was born October 13, 1854, Herkimer County, New York, and died
August 14, 1931 in Silver City, Iowa. He was the son of Alonza Bloomfield
and Margaret Bellinger Custer. He was the third of eight children born to
this couple. He came with his family to the Iowa City area and in 1877
they came to Mills County. Margaret Custer died April 28, 1880 and Alonza
married Mary E. Hughes on May 22, 1893. To this union one child, Lucy, was
born November 8, 1896. Lucy became Mrs. Floyd Kisby of Glenwood. Sela
Custer married Mariah Christo on January 19, 1880, and they homesteaded on
a farm one mile north of Silver City a few years after their marriage.
Four children were born to them: Guy, Lenna, Liva and Reno.
Guy, born November 25, 1880, began farming as a young man, and on January
31, 1906 married Emma Jane Davis of Oakland, Iowa. Together they
established their home one and one-half miles north of Silver City. Here
they lived until moving to Silver City in 1950. To this union one child,
Bonnie Louise was born on October 30, 1922. (see Clarence Bolte history)
Guy and Emma Custer were active in community activities, including
fraternal orders, church, school boards and local government. Emma died on
November 23, 1963. Guy died February 2, 1964.
Lenna, second child of Sela and Mariah Custer, married William Kisby and
they spent most of their years together farming near Pipestone, Minnesota.
One son, Clayton, was born to them. He has lived in St. Paul, Minnesota
with his wife, Minnie. He is now retired railroad mail handler. They have
1 son and two daughters, all married and with children. Both Lenna and
William Kisby are deceased.
Liva, third child of Sela and Mariah Custer, was born in 1889. She married
Owen Adams and they farmed east of Silver City for a number of years. Two
children, Harold and Florence were born to them. Harold marred Barbara
Chapman and they reside in the Wales-Red Oak area. They are the parents of
four children. Florence married and with her family, which includes four
sons, has lived in Illinois. Liva Custer Adams died November 11, 1927.
Owen Adams died in 1964.
Reno, fourth child of Sela and Mariah Custer, was born July 17, 1894. On
August 27, 1913 he married Bessie Jones. They farmed in the Malvern
community many years, and then farmed the family farm at Silver City until
Reno’s death on February 22, 1942. Two daughters were born to them. Velma
married Clyde Dickersbach of Malvern. She taught in the rural schools of
Mills County. They were the parents of one daughter. Velma died on January
3, 1951. Wilma Custer, their second daughter, married Floyd Smith of
Omaha. They have two daughters. After living in Iowa several years, the
Smith’s moved to Long Beach, California.
Return to Silver City Biographies
