Pike Township Family Stories
THE RIPLEY FAMILY
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, page 347
By Alberta Metcalf KellyHarriette Belle Metcalf married George Llewellyn Ripley.
George Ripley was a grandson of Melinda Purcell Stretch and a son of William Ripley, who lived south of Nichols. They are buried in the Watkins cemetery.
Harriette was a sister of B. L. “Bert” Metcalf. She was known to many people in Nichols as Aunt Hattie.
George Ripley and Harriette Metcalf Ripley had six children: Grace Evelyn Ripley, died young; Nettie Mae Ripley, married Curtis William James; Bertha Melissa Ripley, married David Misel; Clayton Llewellyn Ripley; Ruby Dorothy Ripley, married Hershel Flannegan, and Harvey Milton Ripley.
Melinda Purcell Stretch (1801-1877) was the daughter of a soldier of the American Revolutionary War, George Purcell, an ensign in the 13th Virginia Regiment. George Purcell died in 1804. Melinda’s son, Marion Francis Stretch was the first soldier from Pike township to be killed in the Civil War. His grave is in Watkins cemetery.
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Page created December 31, 2010 by Lynn McCleary