Descendants of Joseph Elmer Bayless

1. Joseph Elmer Bayless was born on 1 Jan 1812 in Brighton, (Or Queens) New York, died on 19 Dec 1848 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 36, and was buried on 21 Dec 1848 in Fiatt Cemetery, Cuba, Fulton County, Illinois.

General Notes: When Joseph and Lodema Braman Bayless came to Fulton County they purchased 35 acres of land in Cass township, near lost grove creek. Henry O. Kaler, their first grandchild was born there in Lodema's home.

Joseph was killed when taking his horse over a rail fence. He had removed the top rail to jump his horse over it and was struck in the head by the rail. He lived for several days after the accident - From his grandson, William Kaler, Motley, Minn.

After Joseph's death, Lodema supported the family by teaching school. She started the Henderson school in Fulton County in 1849. Five generations of Lodema's descendants attended this school.

Joseph married Lodema Braman on 7 Nov 1839 in Ohio. Lodema was born on 18 Oct 1805 in Jefferson, Schoharie Co., New York, died on 17 Dec 1895 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 90, and was buried on 19 Dec 1895 in Fiatt Cemetery, Cuba, Fulton County, Illinois. Another name for Lodema was Lodema Braham.

• Census: 1880, Deerfield, Fulton Co., Illinois. Page 156 B
Joseph Kaler age 33 Farmer IL PA OH
Nancy Kaler age 35 Wife OH OH OH
Henry Kaler age 11 Son IL IL OH
Alice Kaler age 8 Daughter IL IL OH
Charles Kaler age 6 Son IL IL OH
Ida Kaler age 1 Daughter IL IL OH
Lodema Bayless age 74 Mother-in-law NY MA CT

2 M i. Jacob Franklin Bayless was born on 1 Dec 1840 in Brighten, Ohio, died on 20 Jan 1863 in Jackson, Tennessee at age 22, and was buried in Military Grave At Jackson Tennessee.

+ 3 F ii. Sarah "Louisa" "Lidie" Bayless was born on 2 Dec 1842 in Brighton, Ohio, died on 14 Mar 1920 in Mansfield, IL at age 77, and was buried in Mar 1920 in Mansfield, IL.

+ 4 F iii. Nancy Paulina Bayless (Twin) was born on 20 Nov 1844 in Brighton, Lorain Co., Ohio, died on 29 May 1935 near Marietta, IL, (In The Home Of Alice Taylor) at age 90, and was buried in May 1935 in Buckeye Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois.

+ 5 F iv. Mary Paulina (Twin) Bayless was born on 20 Nov 1844 in Brighten, Lorain County, Ohio, died on 5 Nov 1914 in Lansing, Iowa at age 69, and was buried in Nov 1914 in Lansing, Iowa.

Second Generation

3. Sarah "Louisa" "Lidie" Bayless was born on 2 Dec 1842 in Brighton, Ohio, died on 14 Mar 1920 in Mansfield, IL at age 77, and was buried in Mar 1920 in Mansfield, IL.

General Notes: Samuel had 3 sons by a former marriage, one of whom married Sarah Louisa's siste, Mary. The family moved to Mansfield, IL in the early1870's where they farmed.

*****************************************************************

The name Bayless/Bayles/Baylis originated from the name Bayley/Bailey. Bailey is a name of office, a corruption of Bailiff, which is derived from French bailler, to deliver; a municipal office in Scotland corresponding to an alderman.

Sarah married Samuel Goodell Jr., son of Samuel I. Goodell Sr. and Sarah "Sally" Brown, on 20 Apr 1865 in Fulton Co. Illinois. Samuel was born on 5 Feb 1825 in Leicester Twp, Genesee County, NY, died on 21 Jul 1909 in Mansfield, Pratt Co, IL at age 84, and was buried in Jul 1909 in Manchester Cemetery, Piatt Co., IL. (see Goodell webpage)

6 M i. William "Sherman" Goodell was born on 11 Oct 1866 in Fulton Co, IL and died in 1947 at age 81.

William married Minnie Barth (Ancestry Unk). Minnie was born about 1870 in Possibly Fulton Co., IL.

7 F ii. Ida Mae Goodell was born on 6 Dec 1869 in Fulton Co. IL, died on 28 Jun 1929 in Cincinnatti, Ohio at age 59, and was buried in Mansfield, IL.

Ida married Samuel F. Montgomery on 30 Sep 1886. Samuel was born in 1862 in Lynchburg, Ohio, died on 21 Jul 1959 in Villa Park, IL at age 97, and was buried in Mansfield, IL.

8 F iii. Alice Gertrude Goodell was born on 20 Jul 1874 in Fulton Co. IL and died on 20 Aug 1959 in Mansfield, Illinois at age 85.

Mary married William John Bateman on 15 Jun 1897. William was born about 1876 in Olney, IL, died in 1938 about age 62, and was buried in Blue Ridge Cemetery, Mansfield, IL.

10 F v. Nellie Paulina Goodell was born on 19 Jan 1879 in Fulton Co. IL and died on 17 Aug 1881 at age 2.

11 F vi. Bertha Edith Goodell was born on 26 Nov 1882 in Fulton Co. IL and died on 3 Aug 1883.

12 F vii. Minnie Goodell was born on 25 Oct 1885 in Fulton Co. IL and died on 25 Oct 1885.

4. Nancy Paulina Bayless (Twin) was born on 20 Nov 1844 in Brighton, Lorain Co., Ohio, died on 29 May 1935 near Marietta, IL, (In The Home Of Alice Taylor) at age 90, and was buried in May 1935 in Buckeye Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois.

General Notes: Walter Helle: He wrote about his grandparents: "I remember well my grandmother and grandfather on my mother's side of our family. My grandfather, Joseph Kaler, died when I was only ten years old. To my knowledge, Grandma never said an ill word about anyone or ever raised her voice in anger. She loved to sing hymns. She was truly a great woman. Her mother, Lodema and her two sisters, Mary and Louisa and her two daughters, Nellie and Ethel were all school teachers. Grandma even taught Grandpa how to read and write after they were married. Grandpa was a preacher for a time and they were all of Baptist by faith. I am proud to have such a heritage."

"Memories of a Country Girl", by Ethel Walton: "I always loved to stay with Grandma and Grandpa Kaler. I was used to a lot of activity at our home, but oddly I did not miss it when I visited them. Grandma was English, a very neat little lady. She was always a lady in the truest sense of the word. She had large dark eyes, which my mother inherited, and have been passed on through the family. I never heard my Grandma speak ill of anyone, or ever use foul or vulgar language. She was an educated lady, who read books right up to her last days. She wrote many articles for Youths companion, which was a magazine for young people. Grandma told of the singing bees held at churches when she was young. This was a form of entertainment for the entire community. She was always participating in these and was a very good singer. At one of these bees, the director of the music came to her and told her she had a lovely voice. One of her songs, which I have a copy of, was sang at the funeral of her youngest son, William."

Source: "Jesse Braman and Nancy Ward", by Thelma Rockwell, Nov. 1973:
Nancy had an identical twin sister named Mary. They couldn't be told apart by most. So one of them wore their long floor length dresses just slightly shorter than the other so people could tell them apart. Nancy and Mary wrote poems and letters, which have been incorporated into family history books. The following poems were written from one twin to the other.

To Nan from Mary, July 15, 1864:
Forget me not what varied feeling
These little magic words impart
Absence and love at once revealing
May sadden while the soothe the heart
Forget me not whateer of woes
In life's precarious path hath set me,
They'll soften if affection knows
That those I love will not forget me.
Mary P. Bayless, Cuba, Illinois
To Mary From Nan:
Remember me is all I ask
This... I give to thee
Oh may it be an easy task
To sometimes think of me.

Joseph and Nancy Bayless Kaler purchased 80 acres near Cass township, Fulton County, Illinois. Six of their grandchildren were born at this home. Joseph and Nancy must have been wonderful loving grandparents, as I remember when Lloyd Helle took me to the cemetery many years after their death and stood by their graves with tears in his eyes, telling me how much he loved them.

Quoted from: CASS TOWNSHIP -A FULTON COUNTY HISTORY (http://cop42.tripod.com/cass.htm) "Nancy, taught at the Williams School in Harris Township and told her grandchildren of riding a horse to school, of being lost in the Spoon River bottoms, staying with her horse, and at daybreak finding her way home. Nancy married one of the Buckeye boys and went onto raise a family, three sons and four daughters. Two of Nancy's daughters married and raised twenty-two sons. At latest count there are 450 living descendants scattered around the globe."

Nancy married Joseph Franklin Kaler Mayflower Desc., son of Joseph Henry Kaler and Mary Bonney (see Bonney webpage) Mayflower Desc., on 5 Jan 1868 in Fulton County, IL. Joseph was born on 14 Dec 1846 in Lewistown, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 4 Feb 1923 in Fulton County, IL at age 76, and was buried in Feb 1923 in Buckeye Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois. (see Kaler webpage)

Marriage Notes: Marriage index lists Joseph F. Kaler and Nancy Balis and same for Nancy Bates and Nancy Bayless. (These are all the same person, Nancy Bayless)

+ 13 M i. Henry Oscar Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 27 Sep 1868 in Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 21 Apr 1960 in Canton, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 91, and was buried in Apr 1960 in Henderson-Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., IL.

14 F ii. Mary "Alice" Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 5 Jun 1871 in Fulton County, IL, died on 5 Feb 1948 in Canton, Illinois at age 76, and was buried on 8 Feb 1948 in Shields Chapel Cemetery, Canton, IL.

Mary married William Ira Taylor on 20 Mar 1892 in Fulton County, IL. William was born on 20 Jan 1872 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 10 Apr 1931 in His Home, Nw Of Cuba, Illinois at age 59, and was buried on 12 Apr 1931 in Henderson-Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., IL.

+ 15 M iii. Charles Franklin Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 4 Jan 1874 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 13 Feb 1942 in Minnesota, USA at age 68, and was buried in Feb 1942 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

+ 16 F iv. Ida Lodema Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 19 Oct 1878 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 17 Dec 1971 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 93, and was buried in Dec 1971 in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cuba, IL.

18 F vi. Nellie Paulina Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 12 Nov 1887 in Deerfield Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois and died in Fulton County, IL.

Nellie married Justis "Lee" Deakin on 12 Nov 1912. Justis was born on 19 Apr 1887 and died in Fulton County, IL.

5. Mary Paulina (Twin) Bayless was born on 20 Nov 1844 in Brighten, Lorain County, Ohio, died on 5 Nov 1914 in Lansing, Iowa at age 69, and was buried in Nov 1914 in Lansing, Iowa.

General Notes: Mary and Thomas moved to Mansfield, Illinois about 1874, from there to Humboldt and later to Lansing, Iowa. Tom was a farmer and after Mary's death in 1914, lived with their son, Howard, and later moved to Loyal, Wisconsin. Mary made her last trip to Illinois in 1910 and Nancy went to Iowa in 1913. This was the last time the twins were together.
Mary had an identical twin sister named Nancy. They couldn't be told a part by most. So one of them wore their long floor length dresses just slightly shorter than the other so people could tell them apart. Nancy and Mary wrote poems and letters, which have been incorporated into family history books. The following poems were written from one twin to the other.

To Nan from Mary, July 15, 1864:
Forget me not what varied feeling
These little magic words impart
Absence and love at once revealing
May sadden while the soothe the heart
Forget me not whateer of woes
In life's precarious path hath set me,
They'll soften if affection knows
That those I love will not forget me.
Mary P. Bayless, Cuba, Illinois
To Mary From Nan:
Remember me is all I ask
This... I give to thee
Oh may it be an easy task
To sometimes think of me.

!SOURCE: Kaler Ancestry statistics came from family memories and"Jesse Braman and Nancy Ward" histories.

!SOURCE: Illinois Marriage Records, 1851-1900
GOODELL, THOMAS R.
Spouse: BAYLESS, MARY P. Marriage Date: 23 Dec 1866
County: Fulton State: IL

*****************************************************************

The name Bayless/Bayles/Baylis originated from the name Bayley/Bailey. Bailey is a name of office, a corruption of Bailiff, which is derived from French bailler, to deliver; a municipal office in Scotland corresponding to an alderman.

Mary married Thomas Rufus Goodell, son of Samuel Goodell Jr. and Belinda Fisher, on 23 Dec 1866 in Fulton Co., IL. Thomas was born on 29 May 1848 in Fullton Co., Illinois, died in Lansing, Iowa, and was buried in Lansing Iowa. (see Goodell webpage)

+ 20 M i. Franklin Joseph Goodell was born on 11 Nov 1867 in Avon, Illinois, died in Lansing, Iowa, and was buried in Lansing, Iowa.

Third Generation

13. Henry Oscar Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 27 Sep 1868 in Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 21 Apr 1960 in Canton, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 91, and was buried in Apr 1960 in Henderson-Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., IL.

General Notes: When Joseph and Lodema Braman Bayless came to Fulton County they purchased 35 acres of land in Cass township, near lost grove creek. Henry O. Kaler, their first grandchild was born there in Lodema's home. Joseph and Nancy Bayless Kaler purchased 80 acres nearby and the rest of their six children were born there. Henry and his six brothers and sisters all attended Henderson school, which Lodema had stared in 1849. Five generations of Lodema's descendants attended this school. Henry married Alice Thompson at Bernadotte, Illinois. They lived on farms near Ipava and Smithfield, Illinois until 1907 when they bought a farm near Cuba, Illinois, 1/4mile from Lodema's old homestead. Alice died here January 12th, 1931. This home was destroyed by a tornado March 16, 1942. Henry, his daughter and small grand-daughter, though severely injured, all survived. Henry then made his home with his daughter at Canton, Illinois and died there on April 21, 1960.

Henry died in the home of his daughter, Nancy "Ella" Kaler Bolon.

Henry married Alice Thompson, daughter of George W. Thompson and Martha Apple, on 18 Sep 1898 in Bernadette, Illinois. Alice was born on 14 Dec 1868 in Yorktown, Iowa, died on 12 Jan 1931 in Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois - At Their Home In The Sinnett Chapel Community at age 62, and was buried in Jan 1931 in Henderson-Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., IL.

21 F i. Myrtle Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 18 Dec 1899 in Fulton County, IL and died on 18 Dec 1899.

22 M ii. Franklin Henry "Frank" Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 16 Nov 1904 in Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois and died about 1981 in England (Lived In Fallmouth, England) about age 77.

Franklin married Geraldine Josephine Elliott, daughter of Robert Ernest Elliott and Anne Legare. Geraldine was born on 17 Apr 1905 in Donavan, Illinois and died about 1994 about age 89.

Franklin next married Enid Macdonald Alley in St. Augustine, Florida. Enid was born on 25 Dec 1906 in Isle Of MAN, England and died in Falmouth, England.

+ 23 F iii. Nancy "Ella" Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 7 Oct 1906 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 1 Dec 1999 in St. Louis Park, MN at age 93, and was buried in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery; Cuba, Illinois.

24 F iv. Martha Ethel Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 7 Oct 1906 in Fulton County, IL, died on 10 Sep 1907 in Fulton County, IL, and was buried in Buckeye Cemetery, Cass Twp., Fulton Co., Illinois.

15. Charles Franklin Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 4 Jan 1874 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 13 Feb 1942 in Minnesota, USA at age 68, and was buried in Feb 1942 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

Charles married Minna Susan Foster on 13 Oct 1904 in Fulton County, IL. Minna was born on 13 Apr 1886 in Norris, Illinois, died in 1937 in Minnesota, USA at age 51, and was buried in 1937 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

25 F i. Violet Minna Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 6 May 1906 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois and died on 14 Apr 1988 in Loon Lake, Stevens, Washington at age 81. Another name for Violet was Violet Kahler.

Violet married James Lewis Willman. James was born on 31 Jul 1906 in Loone Lake, WA and died on 11 Dec 1978 in Spokane, Washington at age 72.

Violet next married Ward Clarence Flansburg on 7 Aug 1927. Ward was born on 22 Aug 1890 in Lowden, Cedar County, Iowa and died on 9 Feb 1973 in Fargo, North Dakota at age 82.

26 M ii. Howard Franklin Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 28 Mar 1908 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 18 Feb 1979 in Minnesota, USA at age 70, and was buried in Feb 1979 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

Howard married Theresa M. Wold in Little Falls, Minnesota. Theresa was born on 21 May 1912, died on 28 Sep 1977 in Minnesota, USA at age 65, and was buried in Sep 1977 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

27 M iii. Jonathan Lyle Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born in 1910 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died in 1927 in Minnesota, USA at age 17, and was buried in 1927 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

16. Ida Lodema Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 19 Oct 1878 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 17 Dec 1971 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 93, and was buried in Dec 1971 in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cuba, IL.

General Notes: MEMORIES, by Crystal: "I have many fond memories growing up in the big Helle clan. We would go to the family reunions every year & many times Uncle Verle was there with his old rumble seat to give rides. We had such good times with all the cousins, there was never a doubt we all where from the same close tight family & the bond was held Tightly by the head Grandma Helle. We had the luxury of having her live with us. It was a privilege as she was such a great lady. I shared a room with Grandma as a teen & you know it didn't bother me a bit. I truly miss her & will always remember the night she passed. The nurses said she was in a coma & couldn't hear me. I told her I loved her & she squeezed my hand. I knew then they where wrong. I'm sorry I never got to know Grandpa Helle as Mom has told us so many stories about "Pop".

Charlotte wrote: "I remember my childhood on the farm. Thirteen of us kids, Mom and Pop, and my maternal grandmother. We all lived, crowded but happy. Mom and Pop must have had cast iron nerves. My younger sister, four or five brothers and I would chase around and around that long dining room table whoop and hollering playing a game we called Bear Round the Table. Mom never got over Junes death. I don't believe Pop ever did either. I guess even after 12 kids, the baby of any family has a special place in peoples hearts. And June was special."

All of the Grandchildren remember the love and special feeling Grandma Ida Helle had for them. All agree with cousin Margail: "Grandma greeted me with hugs and kisses as if I was the only grandchild she had. She had a way of making each child feel like he or she was "the special one."

Granddaughter Sharon: "Grandma had a way with children that was very rare. When Danny was an infant, he was very sickly and cried steady. One night after he had been crying for over an hour, I had been walking the floor with him, but there was no comforting him. Grandma came out in her wheel chair, pushed by her nurse. She said, "give me that baby." I handed Danny to her, and I will never forget what happened. He was only a couple months old, but he looked up at her, smiled, buried his face in her arms and went to sleep. It was absolutely unbelievable; the love between Grandma and all of the children."

Ida lived with her daughter Charlotte in Savanna, IL until her death at he age of 93. She never lacked for company, with some of her family always visiting. Being a religious lady, Ida wouldn't touch a drop of alcohol, not even when the doctor prescribed a sip of wine daily for blood circulation at the last.

On Ida's 90th birthday, she was interviewed for a feature story in the Savanna, IL newspaper. "Ida recalls the year over 80 years ago, when as a little girl she drank cistern water rather than go to the well. She suffered typhoid fever as a result, and this caused her to lose her heavy head of long black straight hair, of which she was very proud. It grew back, but his time it was curly. Ida played the piano as a young woman and grew to love good music. She especially remembers a popular song of the day, "Ida", which her future husband, George Helle sang to her quite often during their courtship. Ida's best friend was Bertha Helle (George's sister). Both had many male admirers and eventually they became known as "The Buckeye Beauties," the name Buckeye coming from the community in which they were reared."

Ethel: "Mom never lost interest in any of us, nor any of us in her, right up to the last. Mom told of small pox breaking out in Smithfield where they were living before I was born. Knowing my father's brother, Fred had an empty house in the country; she contacted him. He sent wagons, after her, the children and the furniture. Dad came home that night to find a note on the door telling him where they all were. Mom managed to miss the small pox epidemic that had left many dead in Smithfield. This one story describes Mom. She never hesitated to act when any occasion came up that concerned any of us. Mom was always there."

Ida married George Adam Helle, son of Frederick (Friedrich) Helle Sr. (Immigrant) and Catharine (Katharina) Krauser (Immigrant, on 1 Sep 1901 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois. George was born on 27 Oct 1873 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 23 Nov 1943 in Freeport, Illinois at age 70, and was buried in Nov 1943 in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cuba, IL. (see Heller webpage)

+ 28 M i. Lloyd Charles Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 10 Jan 1903 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 17 Feb 1984 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 81, and was buried in Feb 1984 in Smithfield Cemetery, Cuba, Illinois.

+ 29 M ii. Royle George Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 23 Feb 1904 in Smithfield, Illinois, died on 30 Sep 1979 in Canton, Illinois at age 75, and was buried in Oct 1979 in Wiley Lutheran Cemetery, Ellisville, IL.

30 M iii. Joseph Arlie "Joe" Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 8 Jan 1906 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 7 Nov 2000 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 94, and was buried in Nov 2000 in Fulton County, IL.

Joseph married Myrtle Muriel Bolon Mayflower Desc., daughter of Samuel "Perry" Bolon Mayflower Desc. and Alta Ellen McCance, on 23 Aug 1930 in Carthage, Hancock Co., Illinois. Myrtle was born on 5 Oct 1907 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 15 Mar 1965 in Canton, Illinois at age 57, and was buried in Mar 1965 in Braughman Cemetery, Smithfield IL.

Joseph next married Henrietta Stevenson on 6 Oct 1965. Henrietta was born on 9 Oct 1920 in Fiatt, Fulton County, Illinois, died on 26 Mar 2005 in Fulton County, IL at age 84, and was buried on 2 Apr 2005.

+ 31 M iv. Delbert Vernon Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 24 Mar 1907 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 15 Aug 1990 in Farmington, Illinois at age 83, and was buried in Aug 1990 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Farmington, IL.

+ 32 M v. Donald Lee Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 30 Sep 1908 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 18 Jul 1961 in Tiskilwa, Illinois at age 52, and was buried in Jul 1961 in Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa, Illinois.

33 F vi. Ethel (Bertha Ethel) Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 24 Feb 1910 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 15 Apr 1996 in Mt. Morris, Illinois at age 86, and was buried in Apr 1996 in Mt. Morris, Illinois.

Ethel married Donald "Don" Walton, son of George G. C. Walton and Rhoda E. P. Frew, on 2 Jun 1928 in Lewistown, Fulton Co., Illinois. Donald was born on 29 Oct 1908 in Astoria, Illinois, died on 17 Aug 2002 in Whitewater, Walworth, WI at age 93, and was buried on 19 Aug 2002 in Mt. Morris, Illinois.

+ 34 M vii. Walter "Walt" (William Frederick) Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 20 Jun 1912 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 18 Apr 2000 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 87, and was buried in Apr 2000 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

+ 35 M viii. Sheldon Lyle Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 25 Nov 1913 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 26 Jan 1997 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 83, and was buried in Jan 1997 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

36 M ix. Verle Burdette Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 26 May 1917 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 3 Sep 1980 in Oregon, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 63, and was buried in Sep 1980 in Daysville Cemetery, Oregon, Illinois.

Verle married Willena Baker (Twin) on 24 Nov 1943 in Palmyra, Missouri. Willena was born on 29 May 1920 in Summerville, Union Co., Oregon and died on 8 Nov 1965 in Oregon, Ogle Co., Illinois at age 45.

Verle next married Dorothy Whisman on 4 Jun 1966 in Oregon, Ogle Co., Illinois. Dorothy was born about 1925 and died on 3 Oct 2004 in Florida about age 79.

37 M x. Gene (Harley Eugene) Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 18 Jul 1918 in IL and died on 3 Sep 2004 in Arkansas at age 86.

Gene married Maxine (Loretta Maxine) Heather in 1948. Maxine was born on 1 Nov 1927 and died on 11 Jul 1989 in IL at age 61.

38 M xi. Gail Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 23 Jun 1920 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 10 Jun 1982 in Peoria, IL at age 61, and was buried on 14 Jun 1982 in Ottawa IL, St. Columbia Cemetery.

Gail married Mary "Bernice" Barler on 18 Jul 1939 in Burlington, Iowa. Mary was born on 18 Jun 1921 in Wyoming, IL.

39 F xii. Charlotte Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 20 Dec 1921 in Cuba/Wyoming, Illinois, died on 2 Jun 1988 of Savanna, Carroll Co., IL (Died In Hospital In Clinton, IA) at age 66, and was buried on 4 Jun 1988 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

Charlotte married Harrison Elroy Osborn Jr., son of Harrison Elroy Osborn Sr. and Retta Harriet Ryan, on 10 Jun 1938 in Donnelson, Iowa. Harrison was born on 8 Dec 1916 in Castleton/Modena, IL, died on 11 Oct 2003 in Capac, Michigan at age 86, and was buried in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

40 F xiii. Nellie "June" Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 2 Jun 1924 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 25 Aug 1932 in Wyoming, IL at age 8, and was buried in Aug 1932 in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Fulton Co. IL.

General Notes: After Joseph William (Bill) Kaler married Grace Craft in 1906, they lived on a farm near Smithfield, Fulton County, Illinois. In 1914 they boarded their family and all of their belongings on an immigrant train bound west. In addition to their five children, Bill's brother Charlie, wife and three children were with them. Charlie rode the "immigrant" car with their cattle. They decided on Staples, Minn., as their stopping off place and lived on farms in this area until 1924, always keeping large herds of dairy cattle. After hearing much of the Ozarks, Bill decided to move his family to the "Shepherd of the Hills Country" in the fall of 1924. He bought his first automobile, a model T, and pulling a two -wheeled trailer, moved his family of eight children to a farm near West Plains, MO. He brought his family back to Minnesota 1930-32 and eventually settled on a farm near Motley, Minnesota. The last two farms Bill owned were on the south bank of the Long Prairie River where he always said he could fish from his front porch. Both he and Grace liked to fish and until the last few years Bill was an ardent hunter also. He and his wife took their first plane ride by jet to California in 1965. He has kept up with the times, from a horse and buggy honeymoon and ox teams to jet planes. Because of an injury received in a horse and buggy accident at an early age, Bill walked with a cane later in life. This didn't slow him down any, especially when it came to hunting. He never missed a Minnesota deer season until he was 85 years old. His last season was a little tough because he had to use two canes to get around and said that he depended too much on his sons and grandsons. He drove a car until he was 83. His wife, Grace, died in 1967. He kept house alone at his place by the Crow Wing River until age 87. When he found time to relax it was always with a book in his hand. Well versed in the Bible, history, politics and current events, he was a self educated, scholarly man, who in his old age was still an inspiration to the youngsters.

Joseph William is a 9th generation descendant of John and Priscilla Alden and Peter Brown. He is a 10 generation descendant of William Mullens.

Joseph married Grace Craft, daughter of Charles Bailey Craft and Rachael Ann Ault, on 11 Feb 1906 in Fulton County, IL. Grace was born on 3 Jan 1888 in Stutgart, Arkansas, died on 20 Jan 1967 in St Paul, Minnesota at age 79, and was buried in Jan 1967 in St. Paul, Minnesota - Union Cemetery.

41 M i. Charles William "Charlie" Kaler (Mayflower Desc.) was born on 19 Oct 1906 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 16 Dec 1982 in Ceres, California at age 76, and was buried in Dec 1982 in Evergreen Cemetery, Staples, Minn..

Charles married Leila Elizabeth Murray on 11 Nov 1928 in Hanes, North Dakota. Leila was born on 31 Aug 1902 in Iowa and died in 1992 at age 90.

42 M ii. Harry Oscar Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 9 Jul 1908 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 27 Aug 1999 in Tyler, Smith, TX at age 91, and was buried in Memorial Park, Mason City, Iowa.

Harry married Helen Velora Christian on 28 Jul 1933 in Waterloo, Iowa. Helen was born on 20 May 1910 in Laport City, Iowa, died on 18 Apr 1999 in Tyler, Smith, TX at age 88, and was buried in Memorial Park, Mason City, Iowa.

43 F iii. Nellie "Ruth" Kaler Mayflower Desc was born on 11 May 1910 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 19 Feb 2005 in San Diego, California at age 94, and was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, San Diego, CA.

Nellie married Joseph Sandage Jr. in San Diego, California. Joseph was born on 26 Sep 1916 in Thurston Co., Nebraska and died on 16 Sep 1997 in San Diego, San Diego Co., California at age 80.

44 F iv. Mary Florence Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 22 May 1912 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois and died on 24 Jun 1979 in Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., Minnesota at age 67.

45 F v. Helen Marie Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 24 Mar 1914 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois.

Helen married Orville Stanley Arvig on 23 Jan 1937 in Staples, Minnesota. Orville was born on 6 May 1912 in Dodge County, Minnesota and died on 18 Oct 1975 in Rochester, Minnesota at age 63.

46 M vi. Joseph Elmer "Joe" Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 22 Jul 1916 in Wadena City, MN, died on 21 Oct 1988 in Chappawa Falls, Wisconsin at age 72, and was buried in Oct 1988 in Memorial Garden Cemetery, Brainerd, MN.

Joseph married Bertha Wegter, daughter of Henry Wegter and Dena Rensink, in Orange County, Iowa. Bertha was born on 29 Oct 1918 in Iowa, died on 22 Feb 2005 in Grandview Christian Home In Cambridge, MN at age 86, and was buried in Evergreen Memorial Gardens.

47 F vii. Alice "Pauline" Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 11 Oct 1918 in Bluegrass, Wadena City, Minnesota.

Alice married Cloyd L. Steinbrecher on 2 Aug 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. Cloyd was born on 27 Sep 1916 in Adams County, Illinois.

48 F viii. Berneice Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 30 Sep 1921 in Wadena County, MN. Another name for Berneice is Grace Berneice.

Berneice married Raymond L. Muller, son of Frank C. Muller and Inga Anderson, in 1941 in Long Prairie, MN. Raymond was born on 18 Jul 1914 in Watertown, South Dakota and died on 27 Aug 1998 in Thief River Falls, Pennington, MN at age 84.

Bertha married Arthur L. Patterson on 15 Aug 1912. Arthur was born in 1882 in Marietta, Illinois and died in Fulton County, IL.

49 M i. Charles Leslie Patterson Mayflower Desc. was born on 24 Mar 1913 in Fulton County, IL.

50 M ii. Fair Patterson Mayflower Desc. was born on 8 Jun 1914 in Fulton County, IL and died on 8 Jun 1914.

51 M iii. Joseph Franklin Patterson Mayflower Desc. was born on 21 Aug 1915 in Fulton County, IL.

52 M iv. Laurel E. Patterson Mayflower Desc. was born on 8 Jul 1917 in Fulton County, IL and died on 16 May 1984 in Virginia, USA at age 66.

53 F v. Lila "Fern" Patterson Mayflower Desc. was born on 4 May 1919 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois.

54 F vi. Doris Irene Patterson Mayflower Desc. was born on 17 Oct 1921 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois.

20. Franklin Joseph Goodell was born on 11 Nov 1867 in Avon, Illinois, died in Lansing, Iowa, and was buried in Lansing, Iowa.

General Notes: Joseph was born at Avon, Illinois. Married Edith Esther Stoebe at Humboldt, Iowa. He lived at Humboldt until 1912 when he moved to Lansing, Iowa where he died. His wife died 1 Dec. 1967 at the age of 91 and both are buried at Lansing, Iowa.

Franklin married Esther Esther Stoebe on 19 Sep 1894 in Humboldt, Iowa. Esther died on 1 Dec 1967 in Lansing, Iowa and was buried in Lansing, Iowa.

56 F ii. Fae C. Goodell was born on 17 Jan 1897 and died in Sep 1984 in Auburndale, Wood, WI at age 87.

57 M iii. Thomas Rex Goodell was born on 5 May 1900 in Humboldt, Iowa and died on 15 Nov 1964 in Lansing, Iowa at age 64.

Fourth Generation

23. Nancy "Ella" Kaler Mayflower Desc. was born on 7 Oct 1906 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 1 Dec 1999 in St. Louis Park, MN at age 93, and was buried in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery; Cuba, Illinois.

General Notes: Mayflower Membership State #1408 GS 33507

Ella lived in Fulton County, Illinois, all her life. Her home was at 999 West Locust Street, Canton, Illinois - the last year of her life she live in a nursing home near her daughter.

In "Memories of a Country Girl" by Ethel Helle Walton, she wrote the following: "My cousin, Ella Kaler, lived just a short distance from my grandparents and we would spend may hours playing together. We loved to walk the country roads, never even thinking of being afraid for our safety. There were no strangers around as everyone knew everyone. There were few girls in the neighborhood where we lived. Ella was the only girl I had to play with. She is 2 or three years older than me, and a real tease. She once chased me around the house with a fish worm, so I thought, as she had dropped the worm. Often when the folks were visiting Uncle Henry's, Ella and I would hide out when they got ready to leave, so I could stay over. Ella would say, with a sparkle in her eye, "Let's hide." I never had to hear it more than one time, and we were off, hiding in the out house. I still remember Mom calling me. I am sure Mom felt I needed girls to play with, because she would turn to Uncle Henry and say, "You will be going by in a few days Henry, you can leave her off." While I was there, Aunt Alice had to comb my long braids. Mom was so proud of my hair, and was particular who she would let comb it. I often fell to sleep while I was getting my hair combed, but Ella had a tender head, and would sit and cry out with almost every stroke of the brush. I doubt if Aunt Alice was really glad to have me stay very often, as I was a bed wetter. Even so, she no doubt felt that Ella also needed a girl playmate. Ella had paper dolls and things to play with. My dolls were often left outside by little brothers, and would soon disappear."

Howard and Ella had 2 sons and one daughter.

Ella had a twin, Martha Ethel, who died at just under one year of age.

Written by Ella's daughter: "Ella was a founding member of the Fulton County Historical and Genealogical Society, wrote a column on history for a number of years for the local newspaper, and saved a multitude of letters, books, legal papers, clippings, glass-plate negatives, dagguerotypes, etc., on the Kaler, Bolon, Helle, and Thompson family histories, which means tangentially that she saved much of the history of Fulton County. Ella's interest spanned eighty years as she was a collector all her life and lived to be ninety-four. As a child in Fulton County, I knew many of these people and I appreciate that much of Ella's information is first-hand which I believe to be an advantage over research gleaned merely after-the-fact from paper records. You will be able eventually to find some of Mom's stuff on Genweb's Fulton County site."

Nancy married Howard Berlin Bolon Mayflower Desc., son of Charles Henry Bolon Mayflower Desc. and Brighetta Bertha "Bert" Helle, on 22 Mar 1930 in Peoria, IL. Howard was born on 22 Mar 1908 in Smithfield, Cass Twp, Fulton Co, IL, died on 28 Feb 1972 in Canton, Illinois at age 63, and was buried in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cuba, IL.

60 M i. Charles Henry Bolon Mayflower Desc. was born on 23 Jul 1934 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 7 Sep 1952 in Canton, Illinois at age 18, and was buried in Sinnett Chapel Cemetery, Cuba, IL.

61 M ii. Benjamin Joseph Bolon Mayflower Desc. was born on 10 Sep 1942 in Canton, Illinois and died in Feb 1990 in Fulton County, IL at age 47.

28. Lloyd Charles Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 10 Jan 1903 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 17 Feb 1984 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois at age 81, and was buried in Feb 1984 in Smithfield Cemetery, Cuba, Illinois.

Lloyd married Opal Maxine Behymer, daughter of Lewis Behymer and Daisy Chambers, on 12 Sep 1928 in Gladstone, Illinois. Opal was born on 17 Aug 1909 in Fulton County, IL, died on 17 Feb 1981 in Avon, Illinois at age 71, and was buried in Feb 1981 in Smithfield Cemetery, Cuba, Illinois.

62 M i. Richard Lloyd Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 15 Dec 1930 in Fulton County, IL and died on 1 Jan 1933 in Fulton County, IL at age 2.

29. Royle George Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 23 Feb 1904 in Smithfield, Illinois, died on 30 Sep 1979 in Canton, Illinois at age 75, and was buried in Oct 1979 in Wiley Lutheran Cemetery, Ellisville, IL.

Royle married Alta Flora Fouts, daughter of Robert "Sherman" Fouts and Maria Theresa "Tracy" Helle, on 3 Aug 1929 in Kahoka, MO. Alta was born on 26 Feb 1899 in Ellisville, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 13 Sep 1974 in Macomb, Illinois at age 75, and was buried in Sep 1974 in Wiley Lutheran Cemetery, Ellisville, IL.

+ 63 F i. Ava Janene Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 9 Apr 1930 in Fulton County, IL and died on 7 Jan 1994 in Fulton County, Illinois at age 63.

64 F ii. Lodema "Joyce" Helle Mayflower Descendant was born on 22 Oct 1934 in Ellisville, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 21 Feb 1948 in Bushnell, McDonough, IL at age 13, and was buried in Feb 1948 in Ellisville, Illinois, Wiley Lutheran Cemetery.

31. Delbert Vernon Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 24 Mar 1907 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 15 Aug 1990 in Farmington, Illinois at age 83, and was buried in Aug 1990 in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Farmington, IL.

Delbert married Nellie Adalaide Hayes, daughter of Harry Fred Hayes and Ada Lee Jackson, on 25 Jan 1932 in Springfield, Iilinois. Nellie was born on 18 Feb 1912 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 2 Apr 1995 in Farmington, Illinois at age 83, and was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Farmington, IL.

66 F ii. Phyllis Fern Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 27 Jul 1941 in Oak Hill, Illinois, died on 18 Aug 1960 in Chicago, Illinois at age 19, and was buried in Aug 1960 in Farmington Cemetery, Farmington, Illinois.

32. Donald Lee Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 30 Sep 1908 in Smithfield, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 18 Jul 1961 in Tiskilwa, Illinois at age 52, and was buried in Jul 1961 in Bloom Cemetery, Tiskilwa, Illinois.

Donald married Geraldine McCluen, daughter of Harry McCluen and Mary Knowles, in 1935. Geraldine was born on 2 Jun 1916 in Wyoming, IL, died on 5 Jul 2000 in Castlegar, BC at age 84, and was buried in Jul 2000 in First Memorial Funeral Service And Crematorium; Fauquer, BC.

Donald next married Hallie "Jean" Underwood, daughter of Elijah W. Underwood and Laura Etta Skaggs, on 31 Mar 1940 in Buffalo, Iowa. Hallie was born on 13 Dec 1921 in Tiskilwa, Illinois and died in Tiskilwa, Illinois.

67 M i. Kenneth Roy Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 21 Nov 1943 in Princeton, IL and died on 31 May 1991 in IL at age 47.

34. Walter "Walt" (William Frederick) Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 20 Jun 1912 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 18 Apr 2000 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 87, and was buried in Apr 2000 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

Walter married Alice Frona Williams on 13 Aug 1932 in Toulon, Illinois. Alice was born on 13 Feb 1912 in Princeton, IL, died on 21 Jul 1995 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 83, and was buried in Jul 1995 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

68 M i. Burnette Walter Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 30 Sep 1935 in Galena, Illinois, died on 6 Mar 1937 in Galesburg, Illinois at age 1, and was buried in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

69 F ii. Janice Arlene "Jan" Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 29 Dec 1937 in Galesburg, Illinois and died on 28 Mar 2005 in Eureka, Arkansas at age 67.

35. Sheldon Lyle Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 25 Nov 1913 in Cuba, Fulton Co., Illinois, died on 26 Jan 1997 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 83, and was buried in Jan 1997 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

Sheldon married Hazel Nelle Hendrick, daughter of Frederick Vincent "Fred" Hendrick and Nelle M. Ault, on 11 May 1935. Hazel was born on 19 Jul 1914 in Wyoming, IL, died on 15 Jul 1989 in Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois at age 74, and was buried in Jul 1989 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois.

70 M i. Lyle Raymond Helle Mayflower Desc was born on 15 Mar 1936 in Peoria, IL, died on 7 Sep 1956 in Lanark, Carroll County, IL at age 20, and was buried in Sep 1956 in Savanna Cemetery, Savanna, Carroll Co., Illinois. The cause of his death was Truck Accident.

Fifth Generation

63. Ava Janene Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 9 Apr 1930 in Fulton County, IL and died on 7 Jan 1994 in Fulton County, Illinois at age 63.

General Notes: Ava was interested in genealogy research, and was active in collecting and compiling information for the Fulton County Heritage Book as well as the Helle Krauser Ancestry publication. Ava had a friendly, happy personality, which welcomed you into her home and her heart. She is missed by all who knew her.

AVA JANENE HELLE, like many other Helle descendants, grew up on the banks of Spoon River -- south of Ellisville, in the Babylon Bend. Her autobiography follows:

"I remember music, good country food, books, a humming sewing machine, cows to milk and eggs to gather. Our recreation, work and life seemed to center around food preparation for our family of five children and two adults plus anyone else who happened by. We gathered wild blackberries, hickory nuts and walnuts, apples, beans and peas, stemmed goose berries and picked grapes. We splashed in creeks and played around "The Rocks," built tree houses and sand castles and mud farms, a real bank barn and sheds, and finally, a real house on the Bushnell farm. Dad made teeter - totters, swings, merry - go - rounds and even a Ferris wheel. But the Ferris wheel didn't turn out to be successful as Leila can testify. No matter what happened, we always saw Uncle Lloyd's (Helle) family at least once a week. We were kept so busy whenever missed the excitement of town living. To add to our education and appreciation of life, Dad taught the five of us various musical instruments. We attended a number of events that we might not have gone to otherwise. However, after our sister, Joyce's, death in 1948, performing was never the same. Public education in the '30's and '40's was quite basic in our rural schools. In fact, it was rather boring. Education at home was not boring. Our folks seemingly were always at least two steps ahead. A large chalkboard was kept in a prominent place in the kitchen. One time it might be a work place for a laggard in long division. Many times it was divided into five sections with the words "Aren't -- Ain't." If anyone caught you saying "Ain't" you got a tally mark against you. Too many of them and you didn't get a nickel that week. Some of us still say "Ain't" but at least Mom tried to instill good grammar. If we were to be taught fractions or decimals in January, somehow or another, Mom and Dad were playing math work featuring the new skills in November. This information was not fed to us as games, however. We learned through sewing, cooking, music, farmwork, etc. Fractions were taught through music. Practical math through work. Visits to the Bushnell library were weekly affairs. Our house featured boxes, shelves, bookcases and attics of books, pictures and magazines. This treasure had been gathered by four generations of the Fouts family that included my mother, Alta Fouts. I used to sneak a last peek with a flashlight at an old Youth Companion since the folks would see the old "Delco" light in my bedroom. We moved back and forth from our home south of Ellisville to a farm near Bushnell every fall and spring from 1945 to 1949 in order that we might secure a better education from the Bushnell schools. And, I might add, I believe that we did. Leila, Norman and I did graduate from Bushnell High School. After Joyce's death in 1948, the family made one more complete move and then moved back to the Ellisville farm to stay. The Bushnell farm was sold later. My mother was never really happy at the Bushnell farm. Some fond memories of my relatives and love of music include playing the piano -- "chording" for my grandfather George A. Helle, father Royle Helle and for my uncles Delbert, Don and Verle. I have also played or sung with various relatives -- Joann (Helle) Courtney, Allan Blout, Aunt Charlotte (Helle) Osbom and family plus my brothers, sisters, daughters and son, niece Paula Helle and nephew, Steve Helle. I can remember always wanting to teach.

Ava married Samuel Emerson Boyce, son of Joe Boyce and Franklin Harrison "Frankie" Schraeder, on 21 Nov 1953 in Ellisville, Fulton Co., Illinois. Samuel was born on 13 Oct 1916 in Joshua Twp., Fulton Co., IL.

71 M i. Samuel Edward Boyce Mayflower Desc. was born on 30 Dec 1954 in Avon, Illinois and died on 30 Dec 1954 in Avon, Illinois.

General Notes: Following poems were written by Lawrence:
MASTER ON HIGH
"When I go at last, to my master on high
To that Great golden city in the Sky
Like a lost sheep returning to the fold
I shall go to the city paved with Gold.
Though my stay here on earth is filled with strife
And I know not the purpose of my lonely life
To my Master's great teaching I always will hold
Till I go to that great city, paved with gold.

Though each day may bring sorrow,
Each day may bring grief,
I can face all my troubles
If I just keep my belief.
Though my days here are short,
When I cross that great shore
I will dwell in that city,
With my Lord ever more."

MARY
Mary gave a Son to earth
A Son that came from God above
Mary gave a Son to earth
The Christ child came to show God's love

Mary gave a Son to Earth
In lowly manger He was born
Mary gave a Son to earth
From Heaven's bosem He was torn

Mary gave a Son to earth
A star shown bright to light the way
Mary gave a Son to earth
The wise men came to kneel and pray

Mary's child is now our own
He came to save a world from sin
Mary's child is now our own
Open your heart and let Him in!"

_________________________________________________

A Tribute to Lawrence by his brothers and sisters:

"Although Lawrence by trade was a sawmill man, he was multi-talented. There was little he couldn't do when he set his mind to it. While a young father, he remodeled a house that had burned. His wood working skills were extraordinary and he could take a car apart and put it back together better than most mechanics. As a teenager he used Mom's sewing machine to make Naugahyde upholstery for his car that looked professionally done. He was an exceptional cook and when his health prohibited him from working in the mill, he developed a bakery business. He was an artist who could create beautiful clocks out of a knot on a log, and he was the brother with a heart as big as all outdoors and an an imagination that gave him a story telling gift that could embellish a story to unbelievable degrees. Though both of his ex-wives called him "Larry", he was Lawrence or "Dig" to his family and friends. We called him Dig from the time he was a little boy, digging in the dirt to make roads for his little homemade wooden trucks.

His songs were only a part of a many faceted person. We cannot share his laughter, his love of life, or the special place he held in our hearts, but we can share these few lyrics to give the reader a "window" into this special man we knew as our brother."

72 F i. Christina Helle Mayflower Desc. was born on 26 Feb 1984 in Jacksonville, Illinois and died on 26 Feb 1984 in Jacksonville, Illinois.

Table of Contents | Surnames

Any contributions, corrections, or suggestions would be deeply appreciated!

Fulton County Home Page