DAMEWOOD, HAROLD
Harold Albert Damewood Jr. and Ellen Grace (Preston) Damewood moved to
Silver City from Council Bluffs, Iowa on September 1, 1959. Both having
been born and raised in Adams County, Iowa and attended schools there.
Harold entered military service in March of 1954 and was discharged in
March of 1956.
Harold and Ellen were married August 23, 1954 and one son (Ronald Lee) was
born January 18, 1956. Ronald attended grade school in Silver City and
then attended Glenwood Community Schools during Jr. High and graduated
from High School with the class of 1974.
Ellen served as City Clerk of Silver City during the years of 1966, 1967,
1968, and 1970, was appointed City Clerk again May 1, 1978 and is
presently serving as City Clerk.
The main family interest of the Damewood’s is traveling. All corners of
the U.S. have been visited and also Alaska and England.
DANIELSON, FRED
Fred Danielson was born in Denmark on April 7, 1842.
Fred came to America in the 1860’s and settled in Mills County, Iowa,
where he bought an 80-acre farm and ran a saloon along the stagecoach
route. He sold this farm to Albert McElree in 1879, and in 1881, he built
the first hotel in Mineola, Iowa. He sold the hotel and in 1892 built a
hotel in Silver City, Iowa, which is still standing and being used as a
grocery store today. Jim’s Country Market owned by Jim and Judy Goos.
In 1895 he moved to Emerson, Nebraska where he was engaged once again in
the hotel business. He passed away there in 1913.
Frank A. was born 1-22-1869 in Wills Co., Illinois. the son of Lewis and
Roxiann Decker. When a small child the family moved to Adair Co.,
Missouri, later years they came to Iowa and on to York, Nebraska. There
Frank met and married Addie D. Scotts 2-7-1890. Addie’s parents were Green
and Emmelene (Hunt) Scotts.
Frank and Addie continued to live at York 5 years and later moved to the
Silver City Community in 1895, coming back in a covered wagon.
Frank owned and operated the dray line but later moved back to the farm.
They had nine children: Ernest, (See History); Guy, Arch (See History);
Ethel (See Wilhelm); Harold (See History); Edith (See Glebe): Edna (See Bolte); and Gail (See History). William died in infancy.
Guy made his home with his parents. During the World War I he served with
the 88th Division in France. When he returned he farmed with his father.
He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W.
In 1958 they bought a farm three and a half miles north east of Glenwood,
where Guy and his parents lived until their death. Guy moved into
Glenwood, where he resided until his death June 17, 1976.
DARNOLD, F. JAY FAMILY
F. Jay Darnold was born in Taylor County, Gravity, Iowa. In 1930’s he
purchased a lot on old Wall Street. The section was officially platted in
small lots. It later became East Liberty.
On February 18, 1939 he married Bernice Yoder of Wellman, Iowa. We lived
on this lot ten years, then we purchased and moved up the hill known as
the C.C. Knight farm in Ingraham Township. They had purchased the land
from the government. The Century old brick house is being dismantled due
to deterioration of the old brick that were made on the farm. A new home
was built in 1972-73.
Jay passed away in 1976. Sons Floyd D. and Francis J. continue to operate
the family farm. Floyd married Linda Hopkins of Council Bluffs. They have
two Sons, David and Dean and daughter Doreen 4 months. Francis married
Connie Miller of Malvern. They have three sons, Kenneth Jay, Michael and
Allen and daughter Susan. Kenny, Mike, Allen and David are attending the
Forrest R. Chantry Elementary School in Malvern.
DECKER, ARCH P.
Arch P., son of Frank and Addie Decker, was b. 5-10- 1894 at Gresham,
Nebraska. He moved to the Silver City Community at the age of 3 and grew
up in this community. On 3-22-1916 he married Viva Hunt. They farmed for a
number of years and later he had a truck line. They have 7 children,
Mildred, Charles (deceased), Avis (deceased), Virgil, Jean, Lois and
Frank.
Mildred m. Melton J. Fitzpatrick. They had two children. Janice m. Pat
Diers. James m. Shirley — 2 children, Jim and Vickie.
Charles m. Vera Little 2 children, Delmar and Charlotte.
Virgil (see Virgil Decker History).
Jean m. Michael Mullins 4 children, Patrick, Michael (deceased), Katherine
(deceased), and Daniel. Patrick m. Roxarin.
Lois m. Mark Severance — 4 children, Daniel, Norma, Mike and Mark.
Frank m. Dixie Fisher of Pacific Junction, Iowa. They have made Silver
City their home. Frank works for United AG of Omaha and Dixie works at the
grocery store in Silver City. They have four children, Debbie. Frank Jr.,
Terry and Cindi. Debbie is married to Don Harbaugh and live here in Silver
City. They have one son, Jeremy. Frank Jr is currently serving in the U.S.
Army. Both Terry and Cindi are presently going to Glenwood Community
School.
Arch and Viva have 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
DECKER, CHARLES E.
Charles Earl Decker, son of Arch and Viva Hunt Decker, was born in Silver
City November 18, 1918. He attended school in Silver City. On February 28,
1940 he married Vera Isora Little, the daughter of George and Blanche
Kress Little of Missouri Valley, Iowa. Charles and Vera spent most of
their married life in Silver City. There were two children, Delmar Earl
born December 5, 1940 and Charlotte Elaine born January 29, 1943. Charles
entered the U.S. Navy in August 1944; he was sent overseas in January
1945. On February 28, 1945 he was killed in action while fighting in
Germany. Vera continued living in Silver City with Charlotte and Delmar.
(See Delmar’s family).
DECKER, DELMAR
Bonnie (Menschel) Decker is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Menschel
of Silver City. She was born on a farm north of Hastings, Iowa on November
2, 1942. When she was a year old they moved to Silver City. She attended
all of her grade school 1 thru 8 and 3 years of high school at the Silver
City public school. She has one brother, Dwayne Menschel of West Fargo,
North Dakota and two sisters, Kathy Hatcher of Council Bluffs and Betty
Gough of Silver City.
On October 3, 1959, she married Delmar Decker. He is the son Vera Mills
and the late Charles Decker. He was born on December 5, 1940 near Missouri
Valley. He attended schools at Silver City and Little Sioux, Iowa. He has
one sister, Charlotte Decker of Silver City and a step-brother Randy Mills
of DeSota, Iowa and a step-sister Gayle Batten of Mineola, Iowa.
They spent most of their married life in and around Silver City.
On September 26, 1966, Delmar went into the Army. He attended basic
training at Fort Bliss, Texas, AIT training at Fort Leonard Wood,
Missouri. He was sent overseas to Germany. He was stationed at the
Ludendorf Kasune in Korwestheim, Germany. They spent two years in Germany,
where their son Charles was born on July 2, 1968 at the United States Army
Hospital in Bad Canstatt, Germany.
From Germany they were sent to Fort Riley, Kansas where they were
stationed for five years. Delmar got out of the army on 9-24-1974. They
moved back to Silver City and on January 3, 1975 their daughter Joy
Mardell was born at Grape Community Hospital in Hamburg, Iowa. Joy was the
first 1975 New Years baby born in Mills County.
Delmar works for Thomas Bros. Trucking in Mineola, Iowa. Bonnie is a
housewife and works part time at the CO-OP station in Silver City.
Charles is 11 years old and a sixth grade student at the Northeast
Elementary School in Glenwood, Iowa. Joy is 5 years old and will start
school this fall.
DECKER, ERNEST
Ernest, b. 11-11-1890, the son of Frank and Addie Decker, m. Blanche
Soliday on 10-22-1911. He farmed in this community for a number of years
and later moved to Emerson. They had 5 children; Alvin, Mae, Margie, Lyle
and Robert.
Alvin m. Naomi Chapman. They have 2 children. Alvina m. Fred Lenz 3
children Debbie, Pam and Ronald. Connie m. James Clark---3 children, Kim,
Kevin and Jamey.
Mae m. Kenneth Hall. They have 2 children. Donald m. Ann Fleming — 3
children, Jeff, Greg, and David. Dixie m. John Elliott 2 children, Susie
and Boyd.
Margie m. Hobart Hampton.
Lyle m. Joyce Graner. 1 child, Glenda. Glenda m. Stewart Stacy. They have
2 children, Robert and Chris.
Robert m. Gloria. They have two children, Melanie and Mark.
DECKER, FRANK A.
Frank A. was born 1-22-1869 in Wills Co., Illinois, the son of Lewis and Roxiann Decker. When a small child the family moved to Adair Co., Missouri, later years they came to Iowa and on to York, Nebraska. There Frank met and married Addie D. Scotts 2-7-1890. Addie's parents were Green and Emmelene (Hunt) Scotts.
Frank and Addie continued to live at York 5 years and later moved to the Silver City Community in 1895, coming back in a covered wagon.
Frank owned and operated the dray line but later moved back to the farm. They had nine children: Ernest, (See History); Guy, Arch (See History); Ethel (See Wilhelm); Harold (See History); Edith (See Glebe); Edna (See Bolte); and Gail (See History). William died in infancy.
Guy made his home with his parents. During World War I he served with the 88th Division in France. When he returned he farmed with his father. He was a member of the American Legion and V.F.W.
In 1958 they bought a farm three and a half miles north east of Glenwood, where Guy and his parents lived until their deaths. Guy moved into Glenwood, where he resided until his death June 16, 1976.
DECKER, GAIL B.
Gail B., b. 6-22-1912, the son of Frank and Addie Decker, m. Violet
Schoening 8-28-1933. He farmed for a number of years and later he was a
heavy machine operator. They have 3 children, Julianne, Kathleen and
Deanna.
Julianna m. Myron Kruse (divorce). They have 2 children, Gail and
Victoria. Julianna now m. Edwin Dresher, 2 children, Rebecca and Edwin.
Kathleen m. James Droege. They have three children, Patricia Michael and
Lynn.
Deanne m. Steve L. Johnson. They have three children, Tina, Angela, and
Anthony.
DECKER, HAROLD V.
Harold V., b. 7-3-1901, the son of Frank and Addie Decker, m. Frances M.
Hayes on 8-4-1920. He farmed near Silver City for several years and later
moved south of Glenwood, Iowa. They had 3 children, Doris (deceased),
Drexel D., and Donna D.
Drexel m. Phyllis Timmerman 4-26-1947. In 1944 Drexel entered the U.S.
Army and served until 1972. They are living in Kansas and have three
daughters. Barbara A. m. Peter Georgiadis — 1 child, Mike. Beverly 1. m.
Joseph Cobb — 1 daughter, Jodi Marie. Belinda E. is living at home and
attending college.
Donna D. m. Earl J. Hatcher on 8-6-1944. They farmed a number of years and
he now works for International Harvester. They have 1 daughter, Cheryle.
Cheryle m. Richard L. Cape 2 children, Richard L. and Melissa D.
DECKER, VIRGIL
Virgil Wayne Decker was born November 20, 1927, near Silver City. He is
the son of Arch P. and Viva Hunt Decker. He has spent all his life in the
Silver City area.
On January 24, 1947, he was united in marriage to Alene McCoy in Council
Bluffs. Alene, who was the daughter of Harry and Fern McCoy, has also
always lived in this area.
To this marriage one daughter, Trudy Fern, was born on June 28, 1948, at
Council Bluffs. On April 16, 1967, Trudy was married to M. Lee Rhoades in
Council Bluffs. Lee was born in Tarkio, Missouri but was a native of
Council Bluffs. They have one daughter, Traci LeAnne, born May 31, 1968 at
Council Bluffs.
Lives and times of this family seem to cycle in twenty year spans — Alene
was a high school graduate in 1946,Trudy in 1966. Alene was born in 1928,
Trudy in 1948,and Traci in 1968.
As of this printing everyone resides and works in Silver City.
DEITCHLER, HARVEY
Harvey Deitchler was born in 1900 and died in January of 1962. He farmed
northeast of Silver City for many years. He owned and operated a pump and
windmill shop.
In 1924 he married Fae Haines. They moved to Silver City when she became
postmaster in 1934. They had two sons, Kenneth born in 1925 and Lee born
in 1929.
Kenneth married Juanita McGinnis in 1951. They have two sons. The oldest
is married and has four sons, and the youngest is single and lives in
Seattle.
Lee married Dixie Skinner in 1950, and they have two girls and two boys.
The girls are married and live in Maryland. Lee died in 1973 and Dixie and
the two boys now live in Glenwood, Iowa.
DERBY — In Silver City
1891-1906 (Orastus and Abigail)
1910-1940 (Edgar M. and Florence F.)
Orastus and “Abbie” Derby came from Sagertown Pa., to pioneer in Jamison,
Iowa, before semi-retirement in Silver City.
Third generation, moving away, soon learn the true meaning of Home Coming,
Reunions, Decoration Day Celebrations, and perpetual Alumni; with engraved
memories of teachers, schoolmates, and Bill Hammons
(Bell Ringer), for us: our aunts, niece and cousins.
Coasting on the schoolhouse hill; getting lost at Soldiers’ Reunions — we
remember people, thick as cornstalks. Campfire Girls with Leona Bays
enabled us to use techniques, making unpleasant tasks enjoyable. Good
Cheer Girls with Fern Skerritt, presented the four-fold Christian Life.
Sunday School picnics in Maddocks Grove. Saturday Sessions with Mrs.
Cater, during the Graded Junior League Course. Piano Recitals with Mrs.
Gait, held at Jim Burgoins. Max Bryant’s prank of tying our sash to the
seat. Precious Indian Relics mounted on the back of the organ; arrow heads
so common had been thrown back for others to discover. Herbs, Onion
Poultices and Goose-Grease, that made us well. That’s Silver City!
Orastus, having sold his government claim, and the additional eighty, he
had purchased at fifty cents an acre, moved to Silver City. Old and
care-worn at fiftyfour, Abbie, forty-four. Orastus had lived through nine
months bed rest with rheumatism; home remedies brought him through, but
especially a family’s loving care. Abbie and the children: William, Roy,
Florence. Ethel, and Verla cut trees and raised food to survive. The older
children, Edgar M., Anna and Lula, had married earlier. All echoed Orastus’
reaction as he came from Main St. — Stores chuck full of
staple foods No shortage!
Lumber yard, full of wood .... No more trees to cut!
Side walks everywhere No more walking in the mud!
Friends No more Indians to appease!
Kerosene Street Lamps No more darkness!
Excitement reigned as Edgar M. and family moved to Mills County, and Lulu
won prizes at the Fair for jellies, pillow top, and slumber rolls.
Everyone fond of her husband Bruce, a fine carpenter. (He built the Living
Room, south, on the Derby house). Sisters, Florence and Verla, used every
spare moment at their sewing chest. Ethel, always at Pap’s heels, was
handy when needed. Hearing, “Come wash the socks” was just too much! All
was peaceful after the dirty dripping socks were properly washed. Many
years later, granddaughter Ruth Norman exclaimed, “Imagine that, my
grandmother was once a little girl like me."
Orastus contracted to build a square frame home on South Main. He took on
new life, as they needed cash for canning sugar and school clothes. Prices
like this: Percale 7 cents Gingham 5 cents and Stockings l0 cents — Edgar
M., Florence F., and children came in aghast, as they saw the organ used
as a payment for building the house.
Walter and Elvira started schooldays at Grandpa’s. Otherwise the house was
too quiet. It was Verla who scrubbed Walter’s ears, many a time, and
combed Elvira’s hair. William had married Mae Burnham and lived in Belden,
Nebraska. Florence visited him, met and married John Greeno, eventually
settling in South Dakota. Verla worked in a canning factory at Glenwood,
mailed in her oration, graduating with her class 1902. Ethel cared for her
parents till the end, 1906.
As Walter stood in the barn yard, he saw, not a run-away, just a doctor
racing the stork. Elvira, Edgar C. and Georgia, returned from visiting
Uncle Roy, to find baby Floyd and a cranky hired girl. Edgar M. moved his
family into his father’s house. Georgia and Floyd stretched to see each
gas street lamp being lighted.
George Hornby (another veteran and pioneer) returned to Rhode Island in
failing health. Florence F. took Floyd and remained with her father till
he succumbed to dropsy.
School days were pleasant, as home teachers Emma Huffaker and Anna Plumb
helped us adjust from Osborne Valley; just as Gertrude FaIwell helped us,
following her predecessor. In summer Chautauqua was held on the school
grounds.
Only Elvira was spared to care for us during the 1918 Flu Epidemic; the
hardest part was, keeping Papa in bed. Our home newly wired, used every
electric bulb in the house.
Our parents stressed education. Homework, always assisted by Mama. Their
Wabash Sons Walter and Edgar C. came, as did Elvira and Floyd from their
farms; all came with their families, Georgia from Detroit to Decoration
Reunions. Since 1940, we pay tribute to both parents, reared in rugged
pioneer life.
DOVENSPIKE, JOHN
John was born 10-26-1882 near Barnard, Mo. son of David and Ruth
Dovenspike. He learned telegraphy under B.W. Thompson at Bedison, Mo. and
started working for the Wabash R.R. in 1902. A few years later he taught
Telegraphy for a short time at a Business College in Maryville, Mo., but
returned to the Wabash where he continued working until 1950.
He came to Silver City 1917 where he became active in community life,
serving on the School Board for 21 years, and the City Council for 22
years; also being a Past Master of the Masons and a Past Patron of the
Eastern Star.
He married in 1903 Grace Kidd. They have 2 children:
Eldon now Mrs. George Burgoin. (See George Burgoin History)
Wauneta graduated from Silver City High School and is now Mrs. Roy Gater.
She has 2 daughters: Frances married to Frank Brannen,
and Kathryn Gater.
Mr. and Mrs. Dovenspike are both deceased.
DRESLER, HENRY
Henry was born January 22, 1867 at Feddering, Germany. He came to America
when 6 weeks of age with his parents where they settled at Davenport,
Iowa.
He was a prominent man in Silver City where he was a painter and
interior decorator. He was a long time member of the school board, city
council, and commercial club and recorder. He had lived in Silver City 22
years
when he died January 21, 1913. He married Bertha Senn on May 19,
1891. They had 8 children: Charles, Hazel, Horace, Bryan, George, Helen,
Dean and Marie. All the children are deceased except Dean and Marie, who
live
in California.
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