Pike Township Family Stories
MIRIAM RICHTER RENSHAW BANHAGEL
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, page 220Mr. and Mrs. Ira L. “Ike” Renshaw were married 14 November 1931 in Rock Island, Illinois. Ike’s parents were Marion and Rowena Renshaw. They lived just west of Nichols, and Ike was the youngest of ten children. Ike served as rural mail carrier after service in England and France during World War I. He trained for the Army in the Lone Tree park and was sent first to the Mexican border, later fighting in the trenches of France.
He was appointed rural mail carrier soon after World War I and served thirty years, until his death of 4 May 1950. His first route was 18 miles of roads which became endless mud at times, endless snow other times. The routes were later combines for a total of 78 miles with 156 mail boxes.
Miriam Richter was born in Nichols on Broadway street, 18 May 1907. Her father worked at the Foley elevator for 31 years. Miriam has one brother, LaVaughn “Juddy” Richter, who lives in Muscatine.
Ira and Miriam have one daughter, Jacqueline Renshaw Bell, who lives in Iowa City. Jackie has four children: Randy Bell of Jacksonville, Florida; Michelle Bell of Iowa City; Jeff Bell of Iowa City, and Lisa Sedlacek of Iowa City.
The Renshaws lived first on Main street next to the Methodist church, then on Short street. Eventually they moved to the “Brugman” house on High street. Miriam sold it and moved to the house where she lives now on Main street [1984].
Miriam Renshaw married Walter Banhagel from Atalissa. They lived on the farm in Atalissa before moving back to Nichols. Walter died in 1979.
Miriam has worked in Rice’s Café in Nichols and Carr’s Lunch Car in West Liberty. She has been receptionist at Snider Funeral home in West Liberty.
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Page created December 18, 2010 by Lynn McCleary