Person Page - 77

     Lulu Myrtle Fildes married Frank W. Kelsey.² Lulu Myrtle Fildes was born on 12 Feb 1880 at Illinois.^3,4 She was the daughter of David M. Fildes and Leah Ann Morgan.^1,2 Lulu Myrtle Fildes died on 27 Feb 1916 at West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois, at age 36.⁵ She was buried at Shiloh Cemetery, near Samsville, Edwards County, Illinois. The inscription is "Lulu M. Kelsey, wife of Frank W., Feb. 12, 180 - Feb. 27, 1916."⁶
     Lulu is not listed with David and Annie Fildes in the 1880 census of Edward County, Illinois, but appears with her grandfather, Dennis G. Morgan. She is listed as a step-daughter Lulu Myrtle Shelby, age 20, single, with David and Leah Fildes in the 1900 census of Richland County, Illinois.

     Stella Fildes was born in Jul 1887.² She was the daughter of David M. Fildes and Leah Ann Morgan.¹ Stella Fildes died b Dec 1976.¹

     Vernon S. "Doc" Fildes was born c 1909.¹ He was the son of Vernon Sylvester Fildes and Lucille Smith.¹ Vernon S. "Doc" Fildes married Alberta (?) c 1928.¹ Vernon S. "Doc" Fildes may be the Vernon Fildes who appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died in May 1979 with the last place of residence listed as Bainbridge Island, Kitsap County, Washington. Vernon S. "Doc"'s SSN was issued in Illinois, and his birthdate is given as 22 Sep 1908.²

     Vernon Sylvester Fildes was born in 1881.⁴ He was the son of Edward Fildes and Sarah J. (?).^2,3 Vernon Sylvester Fildes married Lucille Smith, daughter of William Albert Smith and Nancy Ann Ridgely, c 1907.⁵ Vernon Sylvester Fildes was buried at Section J, Haven Hill Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁴ He died on 4 Feb 1939 at Richland County, Illinois.^4,6
     Vernon Sylvester Fildes appeared on the census of 20 Jun 1900 at District 21, Shelby Township, Edwards County, Illinois, as follows:
Fildes, Edward, b. Sep 1855, age 44, m. 24 yr, b. Illinois
, Sarah J., wife, b. June 1855, age 44, m. 24 yr., 3 children, 2 living, b. Illinois
, Charles, son, b. Dec. 1878, son, b. Illinois
, Vernon, son, b. April 1881, b. Illinois
, Sarah, mother, b. Sep. 1834, age 65, widow, 3 children, 2 living, b. Pennsylvania, parents b. England.³ He registered with the World War I Selective Service System on 12 Sep 1918 at Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois. He described himself as living at Parkersburg, age 37, born April 5(?) 1881, and his occupation was self employed physician in Parkrsburg. He was medium in height, medium in build, with brown eyes and had dark hair. His closest relative was Mrs. Lucille Fildes of Parkersburg..⁷
     This family is listed in the 1930 census, living on Elliott Street in Olney, Illinois. They were:
Fildes, Vernon S., age 49, first married at age 26, born in Ill., a Physician, General Practitioner
, Lucy, wife, age 47, first married at age 24, born in Ill.
, Vernon S., Jr., son, age 21, first married at age 19, b. in Ill.
, Alberta, Daughter-in-law, age 20, first married at age 18, b. in Ill.
, Bessie, Daughter, age 18, single. b. in Ill.
, Kathryn, Daughter, age 16, b. in Ill.⁵
     "Dr. V. S. Fildes, widely known Olney physician, is at the Olney Sanitarium in a very critical condition following a stroke suffered at his office on Market street Tuesday.
"It was indicated today that little hope is held for his recovery."⁸
     His obituary states:
     "Dr. Vernon S. Fildes, age 57, widely known Olney physician, passed away at the Olney Sanitarium Saturday afternoon. He had been in a coma since being taken to the Sanitarium last Tuesday noon, after suffering a stroke of apoplexy.
"Dr. Fildes, who was born in Edwards county, had been a practicing physician in Olney for about 17 years. He was a member of the Olney Moose lodge, of which he was a trustee, and also a member of the Olney Masonic lodge.
"Funeral services were conducted at the Porter-Schaub chapel Sunday afternoon, with Rev. Enoch C. Smith, pastor of the Elm Street Christian church, in charge. Many friends of Dr. Fildes crowded the chapel for the services to pay their final respects to the popular physician. Interment was at Haven Hill Cemetery, with George A. Shipley, Edward Nicholas, Alva Peters, Carl Fee, Robert Murray and Howard Brown as pallbearers.
"He is survived by his wife, Lucille, one son, Vernon S., Jr., of Olney, two daughters, Mrs. Catherine Fee of Olney, and Mrs. Bessie Englert, of Colorado Springs, Colo., his aged mother Mrs. Sally Fildes of Edwards county, and one brother, Charles Fildes, of Olney."^9,10

     Martha Annis Filer was born on 6 Feb 1851.¹ She married Moses Olds, son of Elisha Olds and Abigail W. Flint, on 24 Nov 1869.¹

     Elizabeth Fincher was the daughter of John Fincher and Martha Taylor. Elizabeth Fincher married Thomas Cox on 2 Nov 1722;
"Thomas Coxe of ye Township of New Garden In ye County of Chester & Province of Pensylvania, and Elizabeth Fincher Daughter of John Fincher of ye same ... 2, 9m Called November, 1722 ... In a Publick Meeting in Marlborough In ye County of Chester." John Fincher and Elinor Fincher signed below the bride and groom.¹

     Francis Fincher was born c 1626 at Worcester, England.¹ He married Elizabeth (?) s 1660.² Francis Fincher married Mary Achelly on 3 Jun 1678 at Worcester, England. She was of Worcester, England and the marriage date was recorded as "1678, 4th month, 3".^3,4 Francis Fincher died on 1 Jun 1684 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.⁵
     He and Mary Achelly were Quakers.⁶
     "In the Collection of The Sufferings of The People called Quakers, by Besse, are several accounts of Francis Fincher's hardships." In 1662 he and his Quaker Friends were arrested, retained, fined for being at a Quaker meeting. In 1670, “from Francis Fincher was taken all His Goods for a fine of 20 punds. They said Francis Fincher was taken on his knees in prayer and having heard that he was fined 20 pounds went to Justice Packington at Bowling Green to expostulate the case with him, whether he thought Prayer to God a Breach of the Law. Packington told him me might pray at home, and that he stood convicted on Oath of the informers. Francis, with Chirstian Boldness, exhorted him to Justice and Equity, which when Sands, the other Justice, who was also at Bowls, heard, he threatened Francis, that if he did not hold his tongue, he would send him where he would be loth to go. A short time after, the officers brought three carts to his House and carried away the best of his goods, took possession of the rest, and sold all, and within a few weeks after he was taken from his family (he having a wife and several small children) and comitted him to Worcester Gaol where he lay several months.
"Again in 1681, Francis Fincher was sent to Worcester Gaol having been taken praying in the street, being kept out of the meeting place by Constables."⁷
     "The marriages and children of Francis Fincher are taken from the Bennett Family History, compiled and published by Mary E. Bennett Durand and Edward D. Durand, Washington, D. C., 1941. 'Francis Fincher was twice married. His 1st wife was named Elizabeth (last name not known). She d. in 1676 in Worcestershire. This marriage may have taken place as early as 1660. Besse, in recording the persecution of Francis Fincher in 1670 says that he then had several small children. We do not know their names or dates of birth. Whether children of this marriage were living when Francis emigrated to Pennsylvania in 1683, and whether, if living, they also emigrated is not known.
"'The 2nd marriage of Francis Fincher was to Mary Achelly of Worcester City, 1676, 1st or 4th month, 3 day. She survived her husband and in 1689 at Philadelphia was married to Christopher Sibthorpe.' She was buried July 28, 1699 in Philadelphia, PA.
"Children of Francis and Mary Fincher, recorded by Worcester Friends Meeting of England;
"Mary - b. Jan. 28, 1680; d. June 18, 1680
"Francis - b. Jan. 15, 1681
"Samuel - b. Nov. 30, 1682; d. Jan. 2, 1683."²
     "Francis Fincher took Mary Achelly, to wife 3rd day of 4th month, 1678. In presence of
Wm. Pardoe,          Richd. Bott          Joyce Jefferyes,
Rob. Smith,          Alex. Beardsley,          Mary Pardoe,
Geo. Maris,          Job Waring,          Alice Maris,
Tho. Reeves,          John Love,          Millicent Hodgkins."⁸
     "Small wonder that Francis Fincher was glad to come to a land where Quakers were welcome. Records show that he was a First Purchaser from William Penn. In May, 1682 he had purchased 1,250 acres in the province of Pennsylvania (Samuel Hazard's Annals of Pennsylvania -- 1609 - 1682 -- Philadelphia, 1850. Appendix p. 639; Pennsylvania Archives, Vol. 1, p. 42).
"'First Purchasers' were entitled to both land in the country and 'liberty' land in the city of Philadelphia. The location of this city land is given in Welsh Settlements of Pennsylvania by Charles Browning, 1912, p. 438. In describing the early roads of PA, it mentions Fincher's land on Schuykill River. 'Fincher's land was bounded on the west by a street or road, the one to the ferry, and he also bought land bounded on the south by this road. That is, Fincher had 35 acres on the upper side of Market Street and across the street was the Haverford Friends' Burying Ground.⁹'"
     "Francis Fincher only lived one year after coming to America, but during that time he was active in the affairs of Pennsylvania. He was elected a member of the Pennsylvania Assembly from Philadelphia in 1684. At the session of the Assembly held at New Castle, Mar. 10, 1684, he was elected Speaker, but declined to serve. The record states "Francis Fincher, a member of the House, being chosen Speaker by major Votes of the House, he in modest manner was pleased to refuse that Choice, with humble acknowledgement of his own insufficiency for so great an undertaking." (Pennsylvania Archives, Votes and Proceedings of the House of Representatives of Province of Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, p. 46). He died three months later, [my bad copy is missing the day number but I am uncertain about the original] June, 1684. His wife, Mary, survived him and m. 2nd, Christopher Sibthorpe. She d. ca. 1699."⁹
     Francis Fincher, from Worcester, England, was granted a certifacte of removal dated "3 mo. 14, 1683" [meaning May 14, 1683] which was received at the Philadelphia Monthly meeting for registration at an unknown date.¹⁰
     "Francis Fincher came from Worcester in the year 1683. He was drowned going over a ferry ye beginning of ye 6 mo 1684 & was buried 6 mo 1784." [sic -- 1664]¹¹

     Francis Fincher was the son of Francis Fincher and Mary Achelly.¹ Francis Fincher died on 15 Mar 1681.¹

     John Fincher was born c 1679.¹ He was the son of Francis Fincher and Mary Achelly. John Fincher married Martha Taylor, daughter of Robert Taylor and Mary Hayes, b 1699 at Chester County, Pennsylvania.² John Fincher died c 1747. "The Will of John Fincher, of Londongrove, Chester County, Pa., dated 4 June 1746, proved November 24, 1747, mentions sons Jonathan and Francis; daughters Rebecca Bennett and Sarah Swain. He left a legacy to Thomas Cox 'living over the Susquehanna,' for £5 for the use of his daughter Rebecca, wife of James Fraiser. Executors: Friends Joshua Pusey and Nathaniel Pencock."³
This will is also abstracted by Martin⁴ where the date of the will is given as "4/5/1746".
     At a session of the Commissioners at Philadelphia the 18th 11th Month 1702, the followng record of some of the history of John Fincher's land was recorded. This record supports some of the family connections.
"John Fincher, who has quitted 455 Acres of his Land in the Welch Tract to the true Welch Owners, has the same quantity laid out by David Powel on which he is to have a Patent. Ordered that a Patent be granted to John Fincher for the said 455 acres, and 300 A's that are left of his former Tract, ye Title as Follows:
"The Prop'ry by L. and Rel. [Lease and Release], dated 15 and 16, 10 br., '81, Granted to Francis Fincher, of Worcester, Glover, 1,000 Acres, entered in the list 1,250.
"The Prop'ry by L. and Rel., dated 25 and 26 7br, '81, granted to Alex'dr Beardsly, of Worcester, Glover, 500 A's, who, by Indorsem't on the Release, dated 27, 8 mo., '83, sold the same to Fra. Fincher.
"In the right of s'd Fincher's Purchase there was laid out on Skuylkill 500 A's and in the Liberties 25 A's. and by a Warrant, dated 7, 2 mo., '85, the remaining 475 Acres together with 490 A's in right of Beardsley by a Warr't 2, 4 mo., '85, were laid out together; 11, 7 mo., '92, was granted to Mary Fincher, who deceasing, left her Estate to her Children, Armil, John, Joshua, Rebecca, now wife of Wm. Corker, and Sarah, Wife of Dan'll Flower, who, making a Partition of the Estate, the aforesaid Tract of 965 Acres (250 sold to John Bowater first deducted), the Remaind'r 715 fell to Josh. Fincher and his Brother John. Joshua, Wm. Carter and Rebecca, Daniel Flower and Wife Sarah, by a Deed, dated 19, 10 mo., released to the said John their whole Right and Interest in and to the Premises to John Fincher.
"The said Tract, falling within the Welch bounds, 'tis Ordered that there be confirmed of the same 500 Acres to John and 415 A's now laid out by David Powell in full, the said John to pay Rent, &c., for the said 300, but for the Remainder none, and therefore w't he has been out must be reimbursed. Ordered a Warr't to lay out 415 Acres with Allowance de novo and a Patent for the whole."⁵

     Mary Fincher was born on 28 Mar 1680.¹ She was the daughter of Francis Fincher and Mary Achelly.¹

     Alta Eveline Findley was born on 24 Aug 1880 south of Noble, Richland County, Illinois.^1,2 She was the daughter of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary Bowers.¹ Alta Eveline Findley married Charles E. Robertson on 4 Mar 1914 at Kenmare, Ward County, North Dakota.³ Alta Eveline Findley married Fred Henry Robertson on 19 Feb 1921.⁴ Alta Eveline Findley died on 11 Dec 1965 at age 85.² She was buried at Stickney, Aurora County, South Dakota.²
     On 28 April 1960, from Plankinton, South Dakota, Alta Robertson wrote to Sam Bunn for some advice on real estate prices because she was thinking of selling the place near Parkersburg. Since Sam had been "somewhat in that line of business" she thought he might have some good advice for her. She also wrote: "Saturday Fred will be gone a month and his only sister passed away last week. Now one brother is all that is left of the family. Don lives alone out one mile from Plankton where I live alone. Mary is 3 blocks from me. Jim, wife and 6 children live 8 miles north of Don. We are all near together so that makes it nice."⁵
     Her obituary states:
     "Word has been received of the death Saturday in Plankinton, S. Dakota, of Mrs. Alta E. Robertson, 85, a native and former resident of Parkersburg vicinity.
"Her husband, Fred R. Robertson preceded her in death in 1960.
"Surviving is a daughter Mary Scales and two sons Donald and James Robertson and seven grandchildren, all of Plankinton; sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Summerfield of West Salem of West Salem, Mrs. Helen Edinburn of Ames, Iowa, and Clara B. Moore of Parkersburg and several nieces and nephews. Many more distant relatives reside in this area.
"Services will be held in Plankinton Tuesday afternoon, with interment besied her husband."⁶

     Clara Belle Findley was born on 4 Nov 1895 at Edwards County, Illinois.¹ She was the daughter of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary Bowers.¹ Clara Belle Findley married Frank Girard Parker on 27 May 1914 at Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois.¹ Clara Belle Findley married Bert Moore on 3 Nov 1921 at Charleston, Illinois.² Clara Belle Findley died on 10 Dec 1989 at Burgin Nursing Home, Olney, Richland County, Illinois, at age 94.²
     Clara was without a name for several months after her birth. During this time the family called her "Sister". Then at the suggestion of a friend, her mother announced that the baby would be named Clara Alvord because the family thought so much of the Alvord family. Clara's sisters had a different idea and wanted the baby to be named Clara Belle for Belle Lewis, whom they admired. The sisters won and to emphasize that fact, Clara was for many years most often called Clara Belle, with emphasis on the Belle. Clara's grandmother wrote to Clara's aunt Julia that the baby had been named Mary, but the name was changed to Clara Belle.
     Clara graduated from West Salem High School, class of 1911.³
     I have this undated, unidentified clipping whjich may be from the Olney Advocate:
          "CARD OF THANKS
"I wish to thank the personnel of Richland Memorial Hospital and Weber Clinic for the care and understanding extended to me during my recent illniss. To Dr. F. J. Weber and Dr. Barrerea I am especially gratef;ul. I also wixh to thank those who remembered me in prayer, who sent flowers, cards, and other expressions of concern. May God bless you.
               Mrs. Bert (Clara B.) Moore.
     Her obituary states:
     "Clara Belle Moore, 94, Parkersburg, died 1:45 a.m. December 10, 1989, at Burgin Manor in Olney.
"Funeral services will be in West Salem with Bro. Arthur Ritchie officiating. Burial will be in Crest Haven Cemetery.
"Visitation will be 6 - 8 p. m. tonight (Monday) at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Parkersburg Christian Church.
"Mrs. Moore was born November 4, 1895 in Edwards County, the daughter of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary (Bowers) Findley. She married Frank Garland Parker May 21, 1914 and he died Dec. 21, 1915. A second marriage was to Burt Moore, Nov. 3, 1921 in Charleston and he died Nov. 1, 1966.
"She was a teller at the Parkersburg Bank for 26 years. She collected electric and phone bills at her home. Mrs. Moore was a member of the Parkersburg Christian Church.
"She is survived by several nieces and nephews."²

     Delbert Lee Findley was born on 16 Jul 1885 at Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.^1,2 He was the son of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary Bowers.¹ Delbert Lee Findley married Alice Elizabeth Dixon on 30 Nov 1916.^1,2 Delbert Lee Findley died on 21 Sep 1959 at Saint Louis, Missouri, at age 74.³ He was buried at St. Louis, Missouri.⁴
     Delbert was a graduate of Illinois State Normal University, Normal, Illinois.⁵
     His obituary states:
     "Delbert L. Findley, 74, a native of Richland County passed away Sept. 21 in St. Louis where he had made his home for many years.
"He had been a teacher in the St. Louis High School system some forty years, until his retirement a few years ago.
"He begain his teaching career at Seminary, then at Calhoun, going from there to Taylorville and Decatur, before going to St. Louis.
"Surviving are his wife Alice Dixon Findley, sons Delbert L. Findley, Jr., of Pittsburgh, Pa; and John A. Findley of Florissant, Mo., and five grandchildren.
"Sisters are Alta E. Robertson, Plankinton, S. Dak., Mrs. Helen B. Edenburn, Ames, Iowa, Mrs. Gertrude Summerfield and Mrs. Clara B. Moore of Parkersburg.
"Funeral services will be held in St. Louis Thursday with interment there."⁴

     Delbert Lee Findley Jr. was born on 20 Sep 1920 at St. Louis, Missouri.^1,2 He was the son of Delbert Lee Findley and Alice Elizabeth Dixon.¹ Delbert Lee Findley Jr. appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 15 Jun 1997 with the last place of residence listed as Grand Junction, Mesa County, California. Delbert Lee's SSN was issued in Missouri. Also, his birth date is given as 20 Sep 1920.³
     In 1980, Delbert had retired and was living at Phoenx, Arizona.⁴

     Fay Margaret Findley was born on 11 Jul 1915 at Edwards County, Illinois.^1,3 She was the daughter of James Marion Findley and Louella "Ella" Koertge.^1,2 Fay Margaret Findley married Merle Edwin Bechtel on 12 Dec 1943 at Baltimore, Maryland.³ Fay Margaret Findley appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 10 Dec 2000 with the last place of residence listed as Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland. Fay Margaret's SSN was issued in Maryland. Also, her birth date is given as 11 July 1915.⁴ She died on 10 Dec 2000 at age 85.⁴
     Fay worked for Social Security, 1936 - 1950, she was an elementary school teacher, media specialist, and librarian. In about 1978, Fay and Merle were retired and living in Palm Estates at Lorida, Florida.³

     Florence Gertrude "Trude" Findley was born on 13 Feb 1879 at Decker Township, Richland County, Illinois.¹ She was the daughter of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary Bowers.¹ Florence Gertrude "Trude" Findley married Lee A. Summerfield, son of John Henry Summerfield and Caroline Starckman, on 8 Aug 1906 at at the bride's parents, Richland County, Illinois.^2,3 Florence Gertrude "Trude" Findley died on 20 Nov 1969 at Richland County, Illinois, at age 90.³ She was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bonpas Township, Richland County, Illinois.³
     A part of the winter work for farmers was to get all equipment ready for spring and summer work. This included oiling and repairing all harness. Mary Findley related that since it was cold outside and leather takes oil better when a bit warm, Hugh had brought the harness into the house for this on the night Trude was born. Can you imagine all this mess added to the confusion and excitement of the birth of their first child!⁴ Lee and Trude lived on a farm east of Parkersburg for many years. After that, her home was in Parkersburg and later with her son at West Salem, Illinois.³

     Helen Blanche "Nell" Findley was born on 13 May 1883 near Noble, Richland County, Illinois.^1,2 She was the daughter of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary Bowers.¹ Helen Blanche "Nell" Findley married John Jackson Edenburn on 28 Mar 1909 at home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dollahon, Kenmare, Ward County, North Dakota.^2,3 Helen Blanche "Nell" Findley died on 18 Sep 1966 at Superior, Nuckolls County, Nebraska, at age 83.¹ She was buried at Perry, Dallas County, Iowa.¹
     Nell Edenburn lived at Ames and at Perry, in Iowa. She was a member of the Christian Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. For a time she cooked at a student housing unit and later bought a housing unit, which she still owned at the time of her death.
     Her obituary states:
     "Helen B. Edenburn Dies in Nebraska
"Word has been received of the deaths of Mrs. Helen B. Edenburn in Superior, Nebraska, Sunday night.
"She was the daughter of the late Hugh M. and Mary Bowers Findley of Parkersburg.
"Surviving are the following sons and daughters: H. Michael Edenburn, East Brookfield, Mass., Dr. John J. Edenburn, Dell Rapids, S. Dak., Mrs. Mary Guinn, Perry, Iowa, Mrs. Helen Enewald, Omaha, Nebr., and Mrs. Betty Mullet, Superior, Nebr. There are twelve grandchildren. Sisters are Mrs. Gertrude Summerfield of West Salem and Mrs. Clara B. Moore of Parkersburg.
"Services and burial will be in Perry, Iowa, time indefinite."⁴

     Hugh Marion Findley was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.² He was born on 23 Jun 1855 at Seymour, Jackson County, Indiana.³ He married Mary Bowers, daughter of Peter Bowers and Mary Brown, on 28 Feb 1878 at Richland County, Illinois.^1,3,4,5 Hugh Marion Findley died on 17 Sep 1927 at Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois, at age 72.^3,6
     "We were talking that day about the time my grandparents lived at Richland Farm and at Grandview. I've always been under the impression that Grandpa's taking over the management of Richland Farm enabled my parents to marry and start farming at Cedar Front, but I can't definitely say that was the case. They were married in 1911.
"Mrs. Bailey died in March 1914. I would suppose that Grandpa would have stayed on until Dime Savings and Trust Co. and Mrs. Roseberry got the estate settled. He probably had the house at Grandview built during that time.
"We moved to Daisy Dell in time for Lucile to start school in 1918. I was three that July and remember very little of that summer and fall. My grandparents were living at Grandview as far back as I can remember."⁷
     Although born in Indiana, Hugh grew up near Noble, Illinois. He was a member of the Masonic Order, Modern Woodmen, and the Christian Church.⁸
     His obituary states:
"Hugh Findley Dies
"Hugh Findley, highly respected citizen of Madison township died at his home in Parkersburg. Mr. Findley had been failing in health the past two years.
"He is survived by his wife, two sons, Delbert L. of St. Louis, Mo., and James M. of Olney, four daughters, Mrs. Lee Summerfield of Parkersburg, Mrs. Fred Robertson of Parkersburg, Mrs. John Edenburn, of Perry, Iowa, and Mrs. Bert Moore, of Parkersburg and thirteen grandchildren.
"The funeral services were held from the Christian church, Monday, conducted by Doctor Harry K. Frank. Interment at Walnut Grove cemetery."
Another clipping, reprinted under the same date, says:
"Monday morning at 10 o'clock, funeral services were held for H. M. Findley, a well known citizen of the community. Mr. Findley passed away Saturday night about 9:30 at his home here after having been bed fast for over two weeks and in poor health for some time, suffering from extreme nervousness and organic disease. Services were in charge of Dr. Franks, pastor of the Christian church of West Salem, and the Masonic Order of which he was a member, and Past Master. Burial was in the Dunkard cemetery, 5 miles east of this place. Mr. Findley was 72 years of age and had been a life long resident of this place. He has been a member of the Masonic Lodge here and a Modern Woodman for many years and a life long member of the Christian church. He has taken a great interest in the community in..est, was a director of the bank and has been a member of the county fair board. Mr. Findley leaves numerous friends, a wife... sons, four daughters and many other relatives to mourn his death."⁹

     James Marion Findley was born on 5 Jun 1890 at Richland County, Illinois.^1,2 He was the son of Hugh Marion Findley and Mary Bowers.¹ James Marion Findley married Louella "Ella" Koertge, daughter of Peter Christian August Koertge and Sarah Koehler, on 22 Mar 1911.^2,3 James Marion Findley and Louella were divorced in 1931.^4,5 James Marion Findley married Anne "Non" Kelly on 21 Nov 1931; she was of Chicago.² James Marion Findley died on 28 May 1956 at Parkersburg, Richland County, Illinois, at age 65.⁶
     He graduated on 17 Apr 1908 from West Salem Public High School, West Salem, Edwards County, Illinois. Apparently each graduate gave a speech. Jim's was titled "Influence of Associates."⁷
     Jim did many things. He farmed, taught school, kept store, wrote poems, and for 30 years was a railway mail clerk. He retired and spend his last few years in Parkersburg. Jim had a book of his poems printed, entitled "Short Poems". In one poem he describes himself as "the overall poet". That seems quite appropriate, for he wrote on many subjects in a very simple, down-to-earth manner. He often had one of his poems ready for the Bowers Reunion.
The following is one that he wrote on the back of a postcard of Lincoln's home in Springfield, Illinois and sent to his cousin, Doris Olds, in 1941. It was written while out on one of his mail runs, and, with only a few changes, is included in his book of poems.
     We've many things in common,
      Old honest Abe and I
     The sort of place we're from 'n
      Not living very high.

     We've handled scores of letters
      And kept a country store,
     Have broken many fetters
      And other things galore.

     We've neither had much schooling,
      And have both split a rail,
     And done a lot of fooling
      With things that always fail.

     But Abe was made a president
      And won his way to fame
     While I'm a lowly resident;
      There's few that know my name.

     I still live in a cottage,
      'Tis there I rest my head.
     I live on mush and pottage,
      But -- poor Abraham is dead.⁸
     His obituary states:
     ""Some relatives from a distant[sic] who came to attend the funeral of James Findley are a brother, Delbert Findley and sons of St. Louis, a sister, Mrs. Helen Edenburn, Ames, Iowa, a niece, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Quinn, Perry, Iowa, a daughter, Mrs. Merle Bechtel, Linthicum Heights, Maryland and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Alec Kern, Kansas City, Mo.
"We feel a great loss in the passing of our fellow-citizen and neighbor, James Findley. We have known him since boyhood and have respected his personality , his honesty and his unselfish attitude toward public questions and toward his fellowmen. It has been our observation that he held a deep feeling of sympathy toward the human race in its struggles. The wife and other relatives have the sympathy of this writer and the entire community. Mr. Findley was a very fine citizen."⁹

     James Michael Findley was born on 17 Oct 1846.³ He married Sarah Elizabeth Ridgely, daughter of Henry Davidge Ridgely and Irena Harrison, on 6 Nov 1900 at Richland County, Illinois.^4,5 James Michael Findley died on 7 Feb 1914 at age 67.³ He was buried at Decker Cemetery, Richland County, Illinois.⁶
     "Mike Findley died at his home in Parkersburg, February 7, 1914, aged 70 years. He is survived by his wife, two brothers. Hugh of the Richland Farm and J. W. of Decker Twp. Burial in the Decker cemetery."⁷

     John Allen Findley was born on 15 Aug 1923 at St. Louis, Missouri.^1,2 He was the son of Delbert Lee Findley and Alice Elizabeth Dixon.¹ John Allen Findley appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 25 Oct 1992 with the last place of residence listed as St. Charles, St. Charles County, Missouri. John Allen's SSN was issued in Missouri. Also, his birth date is given as 15 Aug 1923.³
     John attended Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri. In 1976, he was a teacher at Christian Brothers High School, Clayton, Missouri. His youngest four children were at home.² He was listed in Doris Olds' address list, probably typed in the 1990s, as: 11672 Celestial Drive, Maryland Heights, Missouri.

     Lucile Eloise Findley was born on 10 Jan 1912 at Edwards County, Illinois.^1,2 She was the daughter of James Marion Findley and Louella "Ella" Koertge.¹ Lucile Eloise Findley married Harold Eldean Fatland on 10 Jan 1930 at Kendall County, Illinois.^3,4 Lucile Eloise Findley appears in the Social Security Death Index as having died 19 Sep 2003 with the last place of residence listed as O'Fallon, St. Clair County, Illinois. Lucile Eloise's SSN was issued in Illinois. Also, her birth date is given as 10 Jan 1912.⁵
     About 1978, Lucille was living in O'Fallon, Illinois, a retired U. S. Postal Service employee.^3,2

     Lois Edna Finley was born on 22 May 1921 at Johnson County, Illinois.² She married Joe William Long, son of Luther Benjamin Long and Clara Lucinda Bowers, on 24 Jul 1940.^2,3 Lois Edna Finley died on 12 Jul 1969 at age 48.² She was buried at Haven Hill Cemetery, Olney, Richland County, Illinois.⁴

     William Albert Finley was born on 6 Mar 1848.² He married Nancy McAbee, daughter of Drury McAbee, c 1885.^1,3 William Albert Finley died on 3 Aug 1920 at age 72.⁴ He was buried at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery, Pauline, Spartanburg County, South Carolina.⁵
     William Albert Finley and Nancy McAbee appeared on the census of 19 Jun 1900 at Fairforest Township, Spartanburg County, South Carolina, as follows:
     300/305 Finley, William A., head, b. June 1848, 51, marr. 15 years, b. S.C., parents b. S.C., farmer
      , Nancy A., wife, b. May 1845, 55, marr. 15 yrs, 4 children, 4 living, b. S.C., parents b. S.C.
      Rakestraw, John, S-in-law, b. April 1882, 18, marr. 1 yr, b. S.C., parents b. S.C., farm laborer
      , Sally, dau., b. Feb. 1884, 16, m. 1 yr, 1 child, 1 living, b. S.C., parents b. S.C.
      , Bereta C., G-Dau., b. Mar. 1900, 2/12, b. S.C., parents b. S.C.
      Sprouse, Lankey, Boarder, b. May 1881, 19, b, S.C., parents b. S.C., farm laborer
[So, Nancy's four children must have been elsewhere.].³

     French Fiscus was born on 13 Nov 1911.² He married Edith L. Higgins, daughter of Asa Higgins Jr. and Sarah Nancy Ridgely, on 18 Dec 1948.³ French Fiscus died on 1 Aug 2001 at age 89.⁴
     As of Nov 1966, French Fiscus and Edith L. Higgins lived at Sumner, Lawrence County, Illinois.³

     Dora Elizabeth Fishback was born on 4 Sep 1869.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Lacy Fishback and Elizabeth Jackson Olds.¹ Dora Elizabeth Fishback died on 26 Jan 1895 at age 25.¹

     Elizabeth Fishback was born on 19 Oct 1834.¹ She married Robert Augustus Olds, son of Frederick Augustus Olds and Sally Curran McAfee, on 19 Feb 1852 at Macoupin County, Illinois.¹ Elizabeth Fishback died on 26 Apr 1881 at age 46.¹

     Herbert O. Fishback was born on 24 Apr 1859 at Rochester, Minnesota.¹ He was the son of Thomas Lacy Fishback and Elizabeth Jackson Olds.¹ Herbert O. Fishback married Sallie Rebecca Hargis on 24 Apr 1884 at Pierre, South Dakota.¹
     He "served in Washington State Senate 1909 to 1913; elected Insurance Commissioner of Washington, 1912; still serving there."¹

     Horace Fishback was born on 21 Aug 1857 at Carlinville, Illinois.² He was the son of Thomas Lacy Fishback and Elizabeth Jackson Olds.¹ Horace Fishback married Cornelia Van Dusen on 22 Sep 1880 at Pardeeville, Wisconsin.²

     Ora Blanche Fishback was born on 19 Jun 1863.¹ She was the daughter of Thomas Lacy Fishback and Elizabeth Jackson Olds.¹ Ora Blanche Fishback married Edward A. Younglove on 30 Jun 1887.¹