Muscatine County, Iowa

ARDON
1901 – 1954


HISTORY OF A SMALL TOWN IN “76” TOWNSHIP
MUSCATINE CO. IOWA
by
HOWARD R. HEALEY, 1979

~ PART 22 ~

Transcribed, as written, by Beverly Gerdts. Submitted March 10, 2020

Page 690

1-6-36

MRS. FURLONG, 57 CALLED IN DEATH

Native of Ireland Succumbs To Two Month Illness; Rites
At Letts

     Mrs. Margaret Furlong, 57, a resident of Letts died in Bellevue Hospital at 9 a.m. today, after an illness of two months with nervous complications.

     She was born in County Carlow, Ireland, on July 12, 1878, the daughter of Margaret Whelan Nolan and Michael Nolan. She came to America in 1900. She was married to Joseph E. Furlong on May 2 1905 at St. Malachy’s Church, Ardon.

     Mrs. Furlong was a member of St. Malachy"s Church and Rosary Society. Her husband and one daughter, Monica, preceded her in death, Mr. Furlong on March 31, 1931 and the daughter on Sept. 2, 1913.

     Surviving are five children, James, Edward, Leo, Alice and Maurice beside a number of nieces and nephews.

     The body is being taken from the George M. Wittich Funeral home later this afternoon to the residence. Funeral services will be held at St. Malachy's Church, Ardon, on Wednesday with the Rev. J. M. Cash in charge. The Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Tuesday by the Rev. Mr. Cash. Burial will be in St. Malachy’s Cemetery.

1-7-36

JOHN REED DIES AT ARDON HOME

Week's Illness Proves Fatal; Funeral Rites Scheduled
Thursday

    John Reed of Seventy-Six township, well known resident of the Ardon community, died at his home this morning after a week's illness with a cold and complications.

    Reed was born Aug. 11, 1865, the son of Isaac and Susan Carson Reed, both natives of Ireland. He had resided in the Ardon community for many years. A brother Dayton, and a sister Mary, of Seventy-Six Township survive. His parents, two brothers, William and James, and two sisters, Mrs. Mattie Longstreth of Cairo, Neb. and Mamie preceded him in death, the latter dying when a child. The body is at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals, where it will remain for services at 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Dr. David I. Berger of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Page 691

1-8-36

MRS. FURLONG RITES CONDUCTED AT ARDON

    Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Furlong, 57, of Letts who died Monday at Bellevue Hospital were held today at St. Malachy’s Church of Ardon. The Rev. J. M, Cash read the mass, assisted by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. W. L. Hannon, the latter of Muscatine.

    Pallbearers were James Furlong, Leo Furlong, Edward Furlong, Clarence Furlong, Mark Nolan and Joe Daniels.

    Interment was in St. Malachy's Cemetery at Ardon.

1-8-36

REED SERVICES SET FOR 2 P.M. THURSDAY

    Funeral services for John Reed of Seventy-Six Township, whose death occurred Tuesday, will be conducted at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals at 2 p.m. Thursday instead of 2:30 p.m. as originally scheduled, it was announced today.

    The services will be in charge of Dr, David I. Berger of the First Presbyterian Church, with burial in Greenwood Cemetery.

1-9-36

JOHN REED FUNERAL SERVICE CONDUCTED

    Last rites for John Reed, well known resident of the Ardon vicinity who died at his home Tuesday, were conducted at 2 p.m. today at the Fairbanks Home for Funerals here by Dr. David I, Berger, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery.

    Pallbearers were George Eitman, Elmer Martin, Phillip Cashman, Edwin Healey, Guy Smith and Dr. J. G. Johnston. Mrs. R. L. Fairbanks and Mrs. Cashman served as flower attendants.

Page 692

1-27-36

CAR OFF RAILS; WRECK AVERTED

Flagman On Freight Flags Passenger Train To
Halt After Mishap

    A possible serious wreck was narrowly averted early Saturday night when an oil tank car on a freight train headed east into Muscatine left the tracks about five miles west of Muscatine, a short distance below the Lutheran Orphans Home.

    The car, nudging over into a deep layer of snow, brought the string of 86 cars to an abrupt halt but none of the crew was injured.

    A Milwaukee passenger train following soon behind was flagged to a stop by the brakeman of the incapacitated freight and forced to lay over for several hours before the track could be cleared.

    The main portion of the freight string, which was ahead of the tank car whose broken arch pin caused the derailment, was uncoupled continued on its journey.

    Members of the train crew conceded they were lucky that the derailed car did not go crashing over the steep grade at this point, probably pulling other cars along with it.

    The train had just passed beyond the overpass on County Road C and this point. From evidence of splintered ties, it appeared that the car had been experiencing trouble before it hit the trestle.

2-22-36

CASHMAN FACED DEATH BY FUMES

Former Corn-Hog Chairman In County Has Narrow
Escape In Accident

    William Cashman, Seventy-Six Township farmer, was congratulating himself today on the fact that he awoke in his own bed and not in more celestial surroundings.

    He was released Friday afternoon from Hershey Hospital after being rushed there Thursday overcome from fumes gentrated by a large engine on a corn grinder at the Cashman Brothers Farm.

    Dropping unconscious from the gaseous ordors, the chairman of the former county corn-hog administration was almost buried in corn before fellow workmen noticed his plight and rescued him.

    Medical aid was summoned and he was later taken to the Muscatine Hospital to recover from the effects of the fumes. He was still a bit shaky today, but outside of that apparently little the worse for his close flirtation with oblivion.

Page 693

6-9-36

USES PHONE FIRST TIME

    "I was afraid I couldn't do it, but oh, It was so much fun!"

    Thus spoke Miss Mary Reed in enthusiastic voice when describing her first telephone conversation at the age of 67 years. "I'm afraid now that I'll be calling up all the neighbors as an excuse to use the phone" she added.

    Miss Reed had never had occasion to use a telephone until Sunday noon, when her brother, Dayton, called her from their home in Seventy-Six Township. The Instrument was new to Dayton, too, as it had just been installed during his sister's absence. Miss Reed is convalescing after a recent illness at the home of Dr. and Mrs. J. G. Johnston, 219 West Seventh Street.

    "I was disappointed, though," Mary said, "because he hung up before I was half through talking."

    The elderly woman thinks the telephone is "a wonderful thing," and says she could hear much better than she expected. "Why, there's hardly anything to it, and I thought it would be so difficult to use," she said. But she approaches it somewhat timidly yet.

    Miss Reed's parents were natives of Tyrone County, Ireland, and emigrated to America in a sailing vessel in 1858. They located on the tract of land near Ardon where the family still resides.

Page 694

5-11-37

MISS BYRNE, MR. HARPER SET WEDDING

     Mr. and Mrs. James Byrne of Letts announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter, Agatha to Herschel Harper son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Harper of Muscatine.

     The wedding will be an event of Wednesday, June 2, at St. Mary's Church in Muscatine. The Rev, J. M. Cash, pastor of St. Malachy’s Church at Ardon, will officiate.

     Miss Irma Hickey has been chosen to serve as maid of honor, and Miss Mary Byrne, cousin of the bride, as bridesmaid. Frank Harper will attend his brother as best man. Clement Byrne and John Fifer will be ushers.

     Miss Byrne has taught in the Muscatine county schools for a number of years. Mr. Harper is engaged in farming near Muscatine, where the new home will be made.

     Several pre-nuptial parties are being arranged to honor Miss Byrne.

7-2-37

MRS. HEALEY, 60, SUCCUMBS AFTER EXTENDED ILLNESS

    Mrs. Elizabeth Healey, 60, died at her home, 407 West Seventh Street, at 11:45 a.m. today as a result of complications following an illness of a year.

    Born Feb. 7, 1877, near Lone Tree, the daughter of John and Eliza Beatty, she made her home in Seventy-Six Township for 36 years. She had been living in Muscatine for the past year. She was a member of the First Methodist Church of Muscatine and of Woodbine Camp of the Royal Neighbors.

    She was married in Rock Island Oct. 12, 1897, to John T, Healey who preceded her in death three years ago. Survivors include four daughters, Mrs.Clarence Lindle of West Liberty, Miss Grace Healey of Washington, D.C. and Mrs. Rolla Copley and Miss Florence Healey of Davenport; one son, Edward Healey of Detroit, Michigan; three sisters, Mrs. H. E. Betts of Longmont, Colo., Mrs. Carlos Briggs of Loveland, Colo, and Mrs. Cora Babbitt of Cedar Rapids; one brother, C. K. Beatty of New Era, and three grandchildren. A daughter, Mrs. Lillian Schauland, an infant son, a sister and two brothers preceded her in death.

    Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Ralph J. Wittich funeral home on West Third Street with Dr. L. L. Weis pastor of the First Methodist church, officiating. The body is at the funeral home, to remain there until the time of the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

Page 695

7-6-37

CHILDREN TO SHARE MRS. HEALEY ESTATE

    Children of the late Mrs. Elizabeth M. Healey are to share in her estate, according to provisions of a will, dated Feb. 3, 1937, filed in district court today.

    A son, Edward, is to receive an automobile; Bernice Copley, a piano and sewing machine; and all of the surviving children with the exception of Mable Lindle are to share in the silverware.

    The remainder of the property is to be sold and proceeds divided equally among the children.

9-1-37

PATRICK LYNCH OF SEVENTY-SIX TOWNSHIP CALLED

    Patrick Lynch, 67, life-long resident of Seventy-Six Township, died suddenly of a heart attack at his home at Ardon, in Seventy- Six Township at 5 p.m. Tuesday.

    He was born in September, 1870, in Seventy-Six Township and was a member of St. Malachy's Church of Ardon. Preceding him in death were his parents, Patrick and Catherine Hickey Lynch, and one brother.

    Surviving are three sisters, Mary and Margaret Lynch of Seventy- Six Township, and Kate of Muscatine, beside two brothers, John and Michael Lynch, of Muscatine.

    The body will be returned from the George M. Wittich Funeral Home to the residence at Ardon about 5 p.m. today. Funeral rites will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Malachy's Church in Ardon. The Rev. J. M. Cash of Wilton will officiate. Burial will be made at Ardon.

Page 696

9-3-37

PATRICK LYNCH RITES OBSERVED AT ARDON

    Last rites for Patrick Lynch were conducted at St. Malachy's Church at Ardon Thursday at 9:30 a.m., with the Rev. J. M. Cash officiating.

    Catherine Fuller, Josephine Dwyer and Gertrude Salek sang three numbers, "The Mass of the Dead," "Pie Jesu" and "O Mother of Sorrow," with Augustina Bisesi as the accompanist.

    Pallbearers were Andrew Healey, Michael Healey, Lawrence Byrne William Cashman, John Tomney and Matthew Foley.

    Burial was in the Ardon Cemetery.

4-27-38

O'TOOLE OF LETTS TO NOTE ANNIVERSARY

    Mr. and Mrs. James O'Toole who live north of Letts will celebrate their fifty-fourth wedding anniversary next Thursday, April 28. No special, plans are being made for the day, the event to be noticed quietly at their home.

    The couple was married in 1854 at St. Malachy's Church at Ardon The bride being Miss Magaret Ryan. They had eight children, all living except William, who died in 1920.

    The children include Mrs. Winifred Byrnes, Mrs. Mary Aull, Phillip, Francis, Gerald, Eddie and Emmett.

5-7-38

76 TOWNSHIP DEMOS PICK OFFICIALS
AND DELEGATES AT CONVO

    Seventy-Six township democrats held a caucus at the No. 4 school house Friday night, selected five delegates to the county a convention and filled out the following ticket of township candidates to be voted on at the June primary election:

    Trustee, 1939 term, E. E. Eichelberger, trustee, 1940 term, Phillip O'Toole; clerk, Leo Furlong; assessor, L. F. Byrne; committeeman, Lee Riggs; committeewoman, Arlene Eichelberger. Delegate: Frank Byrne, Elmer Eichelberger, Mike Healey, Lee Riggs and Ed Furlong.

Page 697

5-24-38

76 TOWNSHIP TEAM DOWNS BLOOMINGTON

    The 76 Bulldogs kittenball team trounced the Bloomington Best kittenball game 23 to 16 in a free scoring game at Weed Park Monday afternoon. The batteries were Edward Goldsberry and Harold Hintermeister for the winners and Simmons and Nelson for the losers.

    Outstanding hitters on the winning team were Jime and Harold Noll, Frank Whitely and James Healey.

6-6-38

BEATRICE HEALEY, BRIDE-ELECT, FETED AT SILVER SHOWER

    Miss Beatrice Healey from New York was honored at a silver shower Sunday it the home of Mrs. W. F. Noll, route 4. Miss Healey, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Healey of Ardon will be The bride of Thomas McKee of Wielding, W. Va. on June 19 in New York.

    Bunco was played during the afternoon with prizes going to the honoree and Mrs. Margaret Will. A tray luncheon was served following the games by the hostess assisted by Miss Irene Healey and Mrs. M, Healey. The bride-elect's tray had a miniature bride and bridegroom under a heart shaped bower on one side of which were lilies of the valley and on the other side a wedding bell. Gifts were presented Miss Healey in a basket tied with a peach bow by Tommy Noll, a cousin.

    Guests included in the courtesy were Mrs. L. A. Summers, Miss Eileen Summer and Miss Mary Byrne of Ardon; Mrs. Ed. Healey, Miss Irma Hickey and Miss Alice Furlong of Letts; Miss Kate Healey; Mrs. Walter Klink, Mrs. Mary Healey, Mrs. John Ryan, Mrs. Kate Ryan, Mrs. Herschel Harper, Mrs. Will Healey, Mrs. Ralph Will, Mrs. Joe Zybarth, Mrs. W. J, Byrne, the Misses Mary, Anita, Rose and Helen Byrne, Mrs. G. R. Howe, the Misses Irene, Loretta and Genevieve Healey and Miss Mary Margaret Noll of Muscatine.

Page 698

6-11-38

OFFICIALS SEEK IMPROVEMENT ON 76 TOWNSHIP ROAD

    A petition from Seventy-Six township trustees for improvement of the Hendrichs, Downer, Reed, Lynch road terminating at St. Malachy's cemetery, was received by the Muscatine County board of supervisors at its meeting Friday afternoon, but action was deferred until next week.

    The petition proposed that land-owners would be willing to advance the money needed for improvement of the south one a fourth miles of the road - estimated at $2,280 - with the understanding that they would be reimbused by the county.

    It is proposed that the improvement be included uner the 1939 work of the new three-year road improvement program for the county.

9-23-38

MRS. JOHN BYRNE DIES AT ARDON: FUNERAL FRIDAY

    Mrs. John Byrne, 83, a resident of Muscatine county for the past 61 years died at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at her home at Ardon following an illness of two months. Death was caused by old age and complications.

    Mrs. Byrne was born on Nov. 22, 1854 in Ballamaconey, County Wicklow, Ireland. She came to Chicago, 111. in 1872 and in 1877 settled in Seventy-Six Township, Muscatine County.

    Surviving are two sons, Joseph Byrne of Chicago and Hugh Byrne Red Cloud, Neb. and five daughters, Mrs. Margaret Healey of Ardon Mrs. Agnes Deam of Kansas City, Mrs. Marie Howe of Muscatine, Mrs. Anna Summers of Ardon and Mrs. Julia Noll of Muscatine. Thirty-two grandchildren and three great grandchildren also survive.

    Her husband, a son, Anthony, and two infants preceeded her in death.

    The body is at the Meyers Funeral Home where it will remain until 4 p.m. today, when it will be taken to the home at Ardon. Funeral services will be ehdl at 9*30 a.m. Friday from the St. Malachy’s Church at Ardon and burial will be at the St. Malachy's cemetery at Ardon. Father Brady of Wilton will be in charge of services.

Page 699

9-26-38

MRS. BYRNE FUNERAL SERVICES HELD AT CHURCH IN ARDON

    Funeral services for Mrs. John Byrne, 83, resident of Muscatine county for the past 6l years who died Tuesday afternoon at Ardon were held at 9130 a.m. today at St. Malachy’s church at Ardon with the Rev. James Brady, pastor of the church in charge.

    Singers from St. Mathias Church in Muscatine provided music and flower attendants were Miss Anna O'Brien and Mrs. Henry Christopherson.

    Other pastors in attendance at the service were the Rev. Leonard Burgman of West Point, la., and the Rev. Father Cash of Parnell, la.

    Pallbearers were John Tomney, Larry Byrne, Robert Wigim, Phillip O'Toole, Edward Furlong and Clarence Nolan. Burial was in the St. Malachy cemetery at Ardon under the direction of the Meyers Funeral Home of Muscatine.

9-30-38

MISS LYNCH, 80, SUCCUMBS AFTER YEAR'S ILLNESS

     Miss Mary Ann Lynch, 80, who had spent all but the last year of her life in Seventy-Six township, died at the home of her brother Michael Lynch, 115 Roscoe Avenue, at 7%Q7 p.m. Thursday after a year's illness. A complication of ailments caused death. She was a member of St. Malachy's Church at Ardon.

     Surviving are two sisters, the Misses Margaret Lynch and Kate Lynch and two brothers, John and Michael Lynch all of Muscatine. Her parents, Patrick and Catherine Hickey Lynch, two sisters and two brothers preceded her in death.

     The body is at the George M. Wittich Funeral home but will be taken to the residence at 115 Roscoe Avenue at 2 p.m. Sunday. The rosary will be recited at the home at 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

     Funeral rites will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at St. Malachy's church in Ardon, Burial will be in the Ardon cemetery.

1-4-38

MISS LYNCH FUNERAL RITES ARE OBSERVED

    Service for Miss Mary Ann Lynch, 80, longtime resident of Seventy- Six township were held at St. Malachy's church at Ardon at 9:30 a.m. Monday with the Rev. J. J. Brady, pastor of St, Mary's Church at Wilton, officating burial was in the Ardon cemetery.

Page 700

10-7-38

PAUL GOREY, 71, LIFELONG COUNTY RESIDENT, DIES

    Paul Gorey, aged 71, who had spent most of his life in Seventy- Six Township, died at Bellevue Hospital at 5:40 a.m. today after a five weeks illness with complications. Mr. Gorey, whose home was at 704 East Sixth Street, had lived in Muscatine for the pas several years.

    He was born Feb. 1, 1867 in Seventy-Six township and married Agnes O'Shaughnessy at Muscatine. He was a member of St. Mathias Church.

    Surviving are two sisters, Mrs. Marcelia Humphreys of Chicago and Miss Elizabeth Gorey of Muscatine and one brother, William Gorey of Muscatine. His wife, his parents, James and Elizabeth Azelford Gorey, six brothers, a sister and child preceded him in death.

    The body is at the George M. Wittich funeral home and the Rosary will be recited there at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Funeral rites will be held at 10 a.m. Sunday at St. Mathias Church with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. W. L. Harmon in charge. Burial will be in the Ardon cemetery.

10-10-38

PAUL GOREY RITES HELD FROM CHURCH

    Funeral services for Paul Gorey, 704 East Sixth Street, were ducted at St. Mathias Church at 10 a.m. Sunday with the Rt. Rev. Msgr. W. L. Hannon in charge. Burial was in St. Malachy's Cemetery near Ardon with the George M. Wittich Funeral Home in charge.

    Pallbearers were Frank and James Byrne, James O'Brien, Leo Furlong, Thomas Duffy, and Grant Dalton.

10-12-38

MRS. WIGIM HOSTESS AT PARTY CELEBRATING
DAUGHTER'S BIRTHDAY

    Mrs. Robert Wigim entertained at her home Saturday afternoon for her daughter, Ruth Ann, who was celebrating her 10th birthday anniversary.

    Games and contests formed the diversion for the afternoon hours with prizes going to Jane Adams and Marjorie Moran. Later the guests were seated at quartet tables where refreshments of ice cream, cake, and candied apples were served. Balloons were given as favors.

Page 701

11-19-38
MRS. L.E. DOWNER, LETTS RESIDENT, CALLED IN DEATH

    Mrs. Louis E. Downer, well known resident of the Letts Community, died at her home there about Is20 p.m. today after an extended illness. She had resided in the vicinity of Letts for many years. Surviving are her husband, a daughter, Miss Eula Downer, dean of girls at Muscatine high school, and a son, Cloyce Downer of Letts. Mrs. Downer was the former Miss Emma Belk of Grandview. Funeral plans are indefitie. The Hoffman Funeral Home of Muscatine is in charge of rites.

11-21-38

MRS. L.E. DOWNER RITES OBSERVED AT LETTS CHURCH

     Funeral services for Mrs. Louis E. Downer, 60, who died at her home at Letts Saturday afternoon, were held at 2 p.m. today at the Methodist Church at Letts.

     Brief private services at the home preceded the rites at the church. Dr. L. L. Weis, pastor of the First Methodist Church in Muscatine and the Rev. Benjamin R. Van Dyke, pastor of the Methodist Church at Letts, officiated. Burial was in the Grandview Cemetery under the direction of the Hoffman Funeral Home.

     Mrs. Downer was born June 3, 1878. She married Louis E. Downer March 15i 1899, in Grandview, and was a member of the Methodist Church at Letts and of the Eastern Star.

     Surviving are the husband; two children, Eula Downer of Muscatine and Cloyce Downer of Letts; two sisters, Mrs. George Weber, of Columbus Junction and Mrs. Katie Schweitzer, of Los Angeles, Calif.; three brothers, Arthur Beik, of Albany, N.Y., Harold Beik of Highland Park, Ill., and Paul Beik, of Grandview; a half-sister, Mrs. Mollie Hardman and two half-brothers, Charles Beik and John Beik, all of Grandview, and one grandchild, Doyle Reed Downer. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Beik, an infant child, Twyla Marie, and a half-brother, Frank Beik, preceded her in death.

Page 702

11-22-38

ATTENDANTS LISTED FOR SERVICES HELD FOR MRS. L.E. DOWNER

     Funeral services for Mrs. Louis Downer, who died at her home Saturday after an illness of several months, were held on Monday in the Letts Methodist Episcopal Church. The Dr. L. L. Weis, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Muscatine was in charge of the services and was assisted by the Rev. Benjamin R. Van Dyke pastor of the Letts Methodist Church. Burial was in the Grandview Cemetery.

     Mrs. Earl Smith gave a vocal solo, "Crossing the Bar," and Mr. and Mrs. Smith sang, "Sweet Hour of Prayer" and were accompanied by Mrs. L. M. Hildebrand.

     Pallbearers were E. C. Turkington, J. L. Hidenbrand, Ernest Lieberknecht, Chet McCabe, Ernest Meeker and Harold McCormac.

     Flower attendants were Mrs. Warren Baker and Miss Lucy Milligan of Muscatine, Mrs. H. Dayle Frame of Columbus Junction, and Mrs. Wilmont Hendrix of Letts. Ushers were George Bailey and Roscoe Eliason. A loud speaker was arranged in the church basement to accomodate the large crowd in attendance.

Page 703

1-30-39

MRS. E. WIGIM DIES SUDDENLY; RITES WEDNESDAY

     Mrs. Elizabeth Wigim, widow of Adam Wigim, died unexpectedly at her home, 210 Linn Street, while she slept Saturday night. Born in Ireland, Mrs. Wigim had been a resident of Muscatine for the past 31 years. She formerly resided in Seventy-Six Township.

     She was married to Mr. Wigim on July 4, 1893, in Muscatine, was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

     Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. W. A. Nickerson, of Little Rock, Ark.; one son, R. B. Wigim, of West Liberty; a sister, Mrs. Herman Winning, of Davenport; a brother, James Trueman, of Pueblo, Colo.; and four grandchildren, Richard and Ruth Ann Wigim, and Nancy Ann and William Nickerson.

     Her parents, Isaac and Mary Trueman, and two sisters preceded her in death.

     Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Ralph Wittich Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. David I. Berger, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating. The body will remain at the funeral home until the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery.

2-1-39

MRS. WIGIM SERVICES ARE CONDUCTED
AT WITTICH FUNERAL HOME

     Last services for Mrs. Elizabeth Wigim, 210 Linn Street, who died suddenly at her home Saturday night, were conducted at the Ralph J. Wittich Funeral Home at 2 p.m. today. Dr. David I. Berger, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiated. Mrs. Gertrude 3rannan presided at the organ. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery.

     Flower attendants were Mrs. Florence Grigg, Mrs. George Howe, Mrs. Helene Bartlett and Mrs. Carl Braun. Casketbearers were George Eitman, George Lowe, Frank Delaney, Dr. M. A. Barr, J. J. Legler, and R. E. Piatt.

Page 704

3-3-39

MRS. HUMPHREYS DIES IN CHICAGO:
PLAN RITES HERE

     Mrs. Marcella Gorey Humphreys, 70, of 6569 Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, former teacher in the Muscatine County schools, died in Chicago at 4 p.m. Thursday after an illness of three weeks with complications.

     Mrs. Humphreys was born Aug. 17, 1868, in Muscatine and taught in the schools of this county for many years before leaving for Chicago. She was married to Charles D. Humphreys in Muscatine. She was member of St. Ignatius Church of Chicago and also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters.

     Survivors include four daughters, Mary G. Humphreys, Elizabeth Humphreys and Irene Humphreys, all of Chicago, and Sister Mary of the Blessed Sacrament of Los Angeles, California, one sister Elizabeth Gorey, and a brother, William Gorey, both of Muscatine Her parents, James and Elizabeth Gorey, her husband and two children preceded her in death.

     Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at St. Ignatius Church in Chicago. Following the rites there, the body will brought to Muscatine and will arrive here Saturday afternoon to remain at the George M. Wittich Funeral Home until Sunday afternoon when it will be taken to St. Mary's Cemetery for burial. The Rt. Rev. Msgr. W. L. Hannon, pastor of St. Mathias Church, will officiate at the burial rites.

3-13-39

MRS. NOLAN, 6l, DIES SUDDENLY AT FAMILY HOME

     Mrs. Mary E. Seltzer Nolan, 6l, died suddenly at 9:4-0 p.m. Saturday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Schnedler, 706 Pine Street, as the result of a heart ailment.

     Mrs. Nolan was the daughter of Fred and Caroline Meyers Seltzer was was born Nov. 1, 1877, in Louisa County. When five years of age, she came to Muscatine County with her parents.

     She was married to Christopher Nolan, Jan 20, 1897, at Nichols by the Rev. Robert Nolan. With the exception of about five years, she had lived in Seventy-Six Township continuously since her marriage She became a member of St. Malachy's Catholic Church in 1901.

     Surviving are seven children, Mrs. Mervil Tommy of Letts; Hugh of Esterville, la.; Clarence of Muscatine, Mrs. Margaret Gage of Keota la., Mrs. Marie Snedler of Muscatine, Sister Mary Marjory of LaCross, Wis., and Christopher Mark, at home; three brothers, Jake Seltzer …

Page 705

MRS. NOLAN, 6l DIES SUDDENLY AT FAMILY HOME
(Continued)

… of Portland, Ore., Arthur of Glendale, Calif., and Martin of Des Moines, and 14 grandchildren. Her father, mother, two sisters and husband preceded her in death.

     The body was taken to the Meyers Funeral Home and remained there until 10 a.m. today when it was removed to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Snedler, 706 Pine Street. Funeral services will be conducted at St. Mary's Church in Muscatine Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock by the Rev. N. J. Peiffer, Burial will be in St. Malachy's Cemetery at Ardon, la. The rosary will be recited at the Schnedler residence this evening at 7:30.

3-14-39

REQUIEM HIGH MASS HELD FOR MRS. NOLAN

     Requiem high mass for Mrs. Mary E. Stelzer Nolan, who died Saturday night, was solemnized at St. Mary's Church at 9 a.m. today with the Rev. N. J. Peiffer, pastor, officiating.

     Pallbearers were Phillip Digney, Milton Eichelberger, Frank Byrne, Maurice Furlong, Leo Furlong, and Edward Furlong. Flower attendants were Dorothy Nolan, Alice Furlong, Helen Gage and Geraldine Gage.

     Burial was in St. Malachy's Cemetery at Ardon. The Meyers Funeral home was in charge of arrangements.

Page 706

12-29-39

ST. MALACHY'S CHURCH SCENE OF
FURLONGAND NOLL WEDDING

     St. Malachy's Church of Ardon was the scene of a pretty wedding at 9 o'clock Thursday morning when Alice Winifred Furlong, only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Furlong, became the bride of Theodore James Noll, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Noll. The pastor, the Rev. Richard J. Egan, officiated at the single ring ceremony. Red poinsettias and white chrysanthemums at the alter provided an attractive background for the ceremonty.

     Miss June Noll, sister of the bridegroom, served as bridesmaid while Maurice Furlong, brother of the bride, was best man. Little Patricia Nolan, cousin of the bride, was the ringbearer, Leo Furlong brother of the bride, and Edward Noll, brother of the bridegroom served as ushers, and acolytes for the mass were Joseph Summers and James Healey.

Nupitial Music Given

     Preceding the ceremony, Miss Augustine Bisesl at the organ played "0 Holy Night" and Patrick Minear sang "The Snow Lay On The Ground”. During mass Patrick Minear sang, "Ave Maria" and the Misses Helen, Monica, and Anita Byrne sange "Adeste Fidelis" and "Veni Amor”. Adeste "Marche Pontiticale" was used as the processional, and Gambrell's "Recessional March” as the bridal party left the church.

     The bride wore a gown of white satin fashioned with a short train and a fingertip veil, the halo of which was held in place by a band of seed pearls. The bride's bouquet was made of Johanns Hill roses, white chrysanthemums, and gypsophia tied with a white satin bow. The bride's only accessory was white prayer book used. by her mother on her wedding day. The bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Furlong, were the first to be married in the new St. Malachy's Church.

     Miss Noll was dressed in peacock blue, with her turban and Sandals of dubonnet. She carried a bouquet of pink roses, blue carnations and gypsophilia tied with a blue satin bow.

Ring On Satin Pillow

     Little Patricia Nolan, who carried the ring on a satin pillow, was dressed in accordion plaited white taffeta and she wore a wreath of rosebuds and white carnations. The bridegroom's mother wore a black crepe dress and a corsage of talisman roses.

     Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party was entertained at a breakfast given by the bridegroom's parents.

Page 707

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ST. MALACHY'S CHURCH SCENE OF FURLONG
AND NOLL WEDDING
(Continued)

Wedding Dinner Served

     A two course wedding dinner was served at the home of the bride's cousins, Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney. Mrs. Philip Digney assited in the serving. The home was artistically decorated in the chosen colors of the bride, blue and white. A three-tier wedding cake topped with a miniature bride and bridegroom was the center piece of the bride's table.

     The guests were the immediate families of the bridal couple. Those present were: Father Egan, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Noll, and sons, Edward, Harold and Virgin, Mr. and Mrs. James McElroy, and son Robert, James, Edward and Leo Furlong, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Digney, and Mr. and Mrs. John Tomney.

     Later in the day the couple left on a short wedding trip. The new home will be made on a farm near Ardon.

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