Life and times of a Methodist Episcopal advocate

I wrote yesterday about Spiritualist missionary A.J. Fishback and his work in Chariton and Osceola during 1874, including a 10-day debate with a Methodist preacher, Francis Wesley Evans, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the Clarke County seat (Chariton, Osceola & a Spiritualist Missionary).

So what about the life and times of the Rev. Mr. Evans, recognized at the time as a leading advocate for Wesleyan orthodoxy when confronted by various "isms" of the day --- Universalism, Spiritualism and Adventism among them?

Although he never served a church in Lucas County, the Rev. Mr. Evans was pastor during a 40-year career, from 1851 until 1890, of congregations all around, Albia, Oskaloosa, Knoxville and Osceola among them. Like most Methodist preachers of the day, his pastoral assignments were relatively brief and so he and his family were constantly on the move during those years, serving dozens and dozens of congregations.

That sort of dedication is one of the reasons why, as some have suggested, there was a Methodist church perched on every Iowa hilltop as the 19th century moved to its close and the denomination, now United Methodist, still is --- for the time being at least --- so deeply rooted in Iowa's soil.

The Rev. Mr. Evans died at his home in Des Moines of complications from appendicitis on Sept. 3, 1908, age 79 (he is buried in Woodland Cemetery) --- and his obituary, published in The Des Moines Register of Sept. 4, contains a good deal of information about him:

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The Rev. Francis Wesley Evans, one of the oldest pioneer Methodist ministers in the state, died at his home, 1319 East Ninth street, early yesterday morning, aged 79 years, following a severe attack of appendicitis.

The Rev. Mr. Evans was not only one of the oldest members of the Methodist conference, but was a charter member in the Odd Fellows lodge in the state and a pioneer Mason. He joined the Odd Fellows lodge in 1854.

He was born in Pittsburgh, March 17, 1829, and came to Iowa in 1839 and settled in Lee county. His education for the ministry was received at Fort Madison. He was appointed to the ministry by the annual conference in 1851 and continued in the church pastorates throughout Iowa for nearly forty years. He was a member of the first Methodist conference in Iowa and when that conference was divided was appointed to the Iowa conference. Among his charges through the state have been the churches at Burlington, Washington,  Mount Pleasant, Albia, Ottumwa, Oskaloosa and Knoxville.

He retired from the ministry in 1890 and came to Des Moines to become a lecturer for the Odd Fellows lodge, of which he was grand chaplain, Masons, and on temperance subjects.

He was married Feb. 19, 1855, to Miss Martha Dickerhoff of Bloomfield. Of the four children born, William,  the oldest child, died in infancy, and Mamie, Frank and Cora  live at home.

The Rev. Mr. Evans was chaplain for the Thirty-fifth Iowa for two years during the Civil War.

The funeral will be held Sunday at 3 o'clock from the home. The services will be in charge of the Rev. Orien W. Fifer, assisted by the Rev. Charles P. Johnson, Dr. Emory Miller and other Methodist ministers in Des Moines.

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There's more to be found about his career as an advocate for Wesleyan orthodoxy in a 1900 book by Aaron W. Haines, "The Makers of Iowa Methodism" (Cincinnati: Jennings & Pye). Here are the relevant paragraphs:

In the year 1845, at the close of a temperance lecture by John Harris at a little country schoolhouse on the Birmingham Circuit, a boy was brought forward, and with a table as a platform gave a recitation which was so appropriate and so well done, that the old English preacher never got through telling of it. That boy was Frank W. Evans, and seven years later he was admitted into the Iowa Conference as a traveling preacher.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1829, and when but a boy of ten his father moved to Iowa, and located in Fort Madison, where he lived for five years, working at the trade of a shoemaker. In 1845, he moved to a farm in Van Buren County, where the boy grew to manhood amid such surroundings as were afforded in a new country. At an early age he gave his heart to God, and his service to the church. and most efficient service it was. For forty years he occupied a prominent place in the effective ranks of the Methodist hosts of Iowa, and after retirement was able to do valiant service in the pulpit and on the platform and rostrum.

Although small in stature, he was large in many other ways. To natural oratorical powers he added superior polemical skill, and in driving away "erroneous and strange doctrines" there has not arisen among the preachers of the West a greater than Francis W. Evans. for many y ears he was recognized as the champion debater. One of his early combats in the polemical field is recalled by the old settlers of Davis County. It was with the editor of Manford's Magazine, in that day recognized as the leading exponent of the tenets of the Universalists of the West. The debate was held in Drakesville, and lasted several days. Before it was over, Mr. Manford was forced to acknowledge that he had underrated his antagonist, having thought of him  only as a boy, and therefore had not fully prepared himself. However that may have been, the advocates of universal salvation in that community were as the Midianites after the victory of Gideon, "they lifted up their heads no more."

There was only one time that he was almost inclined to admit that he had met with a defeat. He had met in debate a very prominent Adventist on the Sabbath question, and according to the verdict of many who had heard him had held his own; but he was not satisfied. He went home, bought all the literature he could find on the subject written from the standpoint of the opposition --- there was none published on his own side --- studied the Bible and history more thoroughly, and from these, coupled with original illustration, he formulated an argument which met every point in the controversy. He then sent a challenge to the leader of the Saturday-Sabbath people, Elder D. M. Canwright. It was accepted, and they met at Lexington, Iowa, in the summer of 1871. It was a time of great interest in all that section of the country, and at the close of the discussion, which continued about a week, the unanimous verdict was, that the little giant had won the day. His opponent afterward renounced the opinions he that day advocated.

Evans has met during his ministry able representatives of all the "isms" extant, and taken great delight in exposing their fallacies. With all this he has been a successful pastor and  presiding elder. His early efforts in the temperance cause were followed up in after years,  and he was an able advocate of every good cause. He has represented his Conference in the General Conference, and was recognized by his associates as an able Western man. He has published a work  on "Spiritualism," which is an authority on that subject. He is spending his days of retirement  in the city of Des Moines.

Chariton, Osceola & a Spiritualist missionary

I'm always intrigued by the waves of enthusiasm that have swept through Lucas County as the years passed --- including a flirtation with Spiritualism that developed during the 1870s and continued into the early 1880s.

Spiritualism was (and still is in some places and cases) a faith that insists the dead remain among us, ready to communicate through mediums and assist the living. But it also advertised itself back then as scientific --- a medium could be put to the test, could he or she not?

Emanuel Swedenborg sometimes is identified as the father of modern Spiritualism; others trace its popularity in the United States to sister mediums Kate and Margaret Fox of Hydesville, New York, who in 1848 became national sensations.

For various reasons, Spiritualism appealed to thoughtful and relatively affluent people put off by religious orthodoxy of the day. It was the only religious expression of its time that recognized men and women as true equals. Many abolitionists and early proponents of universal suffrage were spiritualists.

One of the leading Midwest Spiritualist missionaries of the 1870s was the Rev. Alexus (or Alexis) J. Fishback, then headquartered in Sturgis, Michigan, who scheduled four days of meetings in the courtroom of the Lucas County Courthouse in Chariton during December of 1874.

Fishback was an ordained Universalist minister. His initial goal was to convince Universalists to embrace Spiritualism. When that failed, he held onto his Universalist principles, but fully embraced Spiritualism and set out to convince others.

The Chariton Leader distributed on Friday, Dec. 11, 1874, but dated Dec. 12 advertised his visit as follows:

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Rev. A. J. Fishback, of Sturgis, Mich., proposes to deliver at the Court House, free to all, the following lectures on Spiritualism, commencing tonight at 7 p.m.

Lecture 1st. "The Spiritual Senses of Man and How to Cultivate Them so that all may become Clairvoyant."

Lecture 2nd. (Saturday evening) "Swedenborg, Moses and Jesus."

Lecture 3rd. (Sunday evening) "Spiritualism and the World of God. Is our Bible the Word of God? Are the words of our Bible God's or Man's Words?"

Lecture 4th. (Monday evening) "Love, Marriage, Divorce and Free-Love."

Mr. Fishback is a chaste speaker, a fine orator and a deep thinker, and all those who wish to hear him on the above important themes can now have an opportunity. Let all attend.

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The editors of both The Chariton Patriot and The Democrat reported that Fishback's lectures were well attended and well received, but neither made an effort to cover them --- no more than they would have covered a revival meeting at the Methodist church. So we have no idea of what actually was said.

There is a clue, however, in a book that's still around --- providing you know how to track it down. That book resulted from the fact that Fishback's appearance in Chariton followed a marathon 10-day series of public debates in Osceola during late November that had matched the Spiratualist missionary against the Rev. Francis Wesley Evans, pastor of the Osceola Methodist Church and representing the orthodox viewpoint. These meetings had been packed, according to reports.

The Patriot of Dec. 2 reported that "The debate at Osceola between Rev. F. W. Evans, Methodist, and A. J. Fishback, Spiritualism, closed last Saturday after 10 nights talking. The Methodists claim that Fishback was cleaned out, and visa versa. The Beacon says of the men:

Good judges claim that no man in the United States is better qualified than Frank Evans to conduct the orthodox side of the discussion in which he and Fishback engaged.

We heard a man of age and observation and one who is a fine scholar say that Fishback uttered some of the grandest thoughts clothed in the most eloquent language that he ever heard fall from the lips of man.

A pin factory is about the  only thing we think of that can make more points than Evans makes in his debate with Fishback.

Fishback's arguments are incisive and direct. He points a moral or scalps a bigot with equal facility.

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Following the Osceola debates, the Rev. Mr. Evans  published an account of their encounter, entitled "Spiritualism on Trial." It's still available --- for free at Google "Book" or at Amazon in Kindle or reprint format. Follow this link to the Google edition.

Although sufficient interest remained into the 1880s to justify further visits by Mr. Fishback, the south of Iowa failed to provide fertile ground for Spiritualism.

He and his wife eventually relocated from Michigan to Duquoin, Ill., where they were living in 1892 when Mr. Fishback came down with a severe case of the flu and it killed him on March 5.

Despite Mr. Fishback's best efforts, interest in Spiritualism faded. Although there's no reason to doubt his sincerity, sincerity was not enough. Too many fake mediums and other charlatans poisoned the well and there was no science to sweeten it. Fishback himself seems to have been almost entirely forgotten.

Republican mythology and non-conformance facts

It's beginning to look like gender-affirming health care for young people will be the next target for Iowa's Republican majority in the state Legislature --- hardly a surprise during a session where anti-queer proposals have ranged from the absurd (criminalizing attendance at a drag show) to the downright dangerous.

Iowa Starting Line's Nikoel Hytrek had an informative piece headlined, "Iowa Doctors Correct Republican Reps On LGBTQ Health Care Myths," dealing with testimony before the House Government Oversight Committee by Dr. Katie Imborek, co-director of the University of Iowa LGBTQ+ Clinic, and Dr. Dave Williams, the chief medical officer for UnityPoint Health.

And Bleeding Heartland published an excellent piece by Tipton-based advocate and activist Deb VanderGaast (left) headlined "Unchecking the Box." VanderGaast, the Democratic candidate for Iowa Senate District 41 in 2022, uses the context of her own childhood gender non-conformity to illustrate some of the challenges faced by non-conforming youngsters in Iowa schools today.

Gender non-conformity, by the way, does not refer specifically to transgender people. It can be as simple as, let's say, a girl who would prefer to play football rather than lead cheers or a guy who would rather lead cheers than play football. We're just talking about behavior or appearance that challenges the stereotypes adults cherish about their little boys and little girls.

Anyhow, both are worth a read on a Sunday morning when we can, at the least, celebrate the fact the Legislature has taken a day off.

Henry Dresser's grim and tragic new year's greeting

Henry Dresser's bones rest most likely somewhere in the Chariton Cemetery, but there's no telling where. He reportedly was broke with a wife and children to support when he killed himself on New Years Eve 1869, wishing them a "happy new year" in the note he left behind --- so no one was likely to invest in a tombstone. The earliest records of the cemetery have been lost.

The Chariton Democrat, reporting his death in its January 4, 1870, edition, refers to Henry as an "old man." He may have seemed old to editor John Faith, but actually in his early 50s and with wife, Samantha, still had children under 18 to support. 

Henry was a Massachusetts native who married Samantha during November of 1841 in Miller County, south central Missouri. They had moved north to Iowa by 1850 and were living near Chariton with six children when the 1856 state census was taken. Henry was a farmer by trade, but traded his land for a flouring mill, an operation he did not understand, and that led to financial disaster. By 1869, he was "teaming" to support his family --- using his team and wagon to haul goods as needed in and near Chariton.

Here's how The Democrat reported Henry's death:

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On Saturday morning, our community was shocked by the announcement that Henry Dresser, an old man living in the west edge of town, had committed suicide the night before, by hanging himself in his stable, and on making inquiry the report was found to be too true. It was stated that family misfortunes and poverty had been preying upon his mind to such a degree to drive him almost to distraction, and that only the day before his team, his  only means of support, had been levied upon to pay a trifling debt. These are the statements that were current, but do not pretend to say how far they are true. He had not, however, ,given any intimation of his intention to take his own life.

On Friday evening about nine o'clock he went out, leaving Mrs. Dresser sitting in the room, who, thinking he would soon return, retired and went to sleep. She did not awake until four o'clock next morning when, becoming alarmed at the continued absence of her husband, she arose and called one or two of her neighbors, and after a short time he was found in the stable, hanging by the neck, dead and cold. He had used a strap or rope and for purpose of making the "drop" effective, he stood upon a box and kicked it from under him.

On Monday, after writing the above, we learned that a note was found in the dead man's pocket, addressed to his family, saying that he had "run the establishment as long as he could, and they might try it awhile," and after wishing them all a "happy new year," and saying "Good-bye," he stopped off the box.

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The Chariton Patriot of Jan. 5, also reported the suicide, but copies of that edition do not survive. The Patriot story was, however, picked up and republished on Jan. 14 in the Clarke County Sentinel at Osceola and this report provides a little more information:

In the early part of the evening he told his wife he had some business on the square, and started saying he would not be absent long. The wife waited his return until a late hour and then retired, supposing that he had visited the depot as he had been teaming for the lumber yard near there.

The deceased at one time was in good circumstances, but trading a farm for a flouring mill, and not understanding the business, he disposed of it at ruinous figures, and moved into town, and for some time had been engaged in teaming.

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Samantha continued to live in Chariton through 1880, when she was enumerated in the census of that year as living with her youngest son, Winfield S., then 18.

Her eldest daughter, Nancy, married had William Artrup and they relocated during 1884 to the vicinity of Ellinwood in Barton County, central Kansas.

Samantha joined them and died there on June 11, 1897, and was buried in  the Larkin Comanche Cemetery at Ellinwood. She was survived by four daughters and her son, Winfield.

In Iowa, we're afeared of gay folks and margarine

On Friday, Feb. 24, 2022, Russian forces began shelling Ukrainian cities. Ground troops invaded shortly thereafter. And here we are today, a year later.

President Biden, backed by U.S. intelligence resources, has been right from the start about the situation in that part of the world. Hopefully, his continued optimism will prove justified and freedom will prevail.

Meanwhile here in Iowa, Gov. Kim Reynolds and her GOP legislative majority, continue to combat the threats presented to freedom in the Hawkeye state by public education, school teachers, librarians, books, sex education, transgender children and LGBTQ+ people in general.

And margarine.

Good grief ....

Perhaps no Lucas Countyan had more friends ....

This pleasant looking young man is Capt. Emmett Bostwick Woodward, the first man from Lucas County to volunteer for Union service during the Civil War and of whom it was said at the time of his death more than 30 years later, "Perhaps no man who ever lived in Lucas county had more friends or fewer enemies than he."

The image has been added in recent years to Capt. Woodward's entry at Find a Grave by "Brigitte1999," so that's where I snagged it. No idea of the source.

There's also an obituary at Find a Grave, but a rather incomplete one. The best of his obituaries was published in The Chariton Patriot of Feb. 10, 1898, and obviously was written by someone who knew him well. Here's the text:

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Captain Emmett B. Woodward died at Atlanta, Georgia, the night of February 7, 1898. He was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1834, and was 64 years old at the time of his death. He came to Chariton in 1860 and commenced the practice of law. Possessing a very affable disposition and agreeable manner, he soon acquired a host of friends.

The day Sumpter was fired on he commenced recruiting a company for the Union service. He had the honor of being the first man in Lucas county to volunteer in that war. He soon succeeded in raising a company and was chosen first lieutenant of the company at its organization. Daniel Iseminger, having seen service in the Mexican war, at Woodward's suggestion, and on his nomination, was chosen captain. Capt. Iseminger having been killed at Shiloh, April 6, 1862, Woodward succeeded to the captaincy of the company and served with distinction for a time, when he was appointed Provo Marshal of Memphis, Tennessee, in which capacity he served for nearly a year. He then resigned on account of ill health.

After returning from the army he served several terms as Justice of Peace and Mayor of the city of Chariton. At the organization of Iseminger Post, G.A.R., Woodward was chosen its first Post Commander.

He was brought up in the Democratic faith, and when the war came he was what was then called "a Union Democrat." After he returned from the war he affiliated with the Republican party for a time. In the Republican state convention which met at Des Moines in 1867, the delegation from Lucas county presented Woodward's name for the office of lieutenant governor, and the evening before the day of meeting of the convention his nomination was conceded, but the next day in the convention the name of Col. John Scott was suddenly sprung and having a state-wide reputation as an ex-senator and the gallant commander of the 32nd Iowa Infantry, he secured by nomination by a small majority. Some years thereafter he returned to the political party in which he had been educated.

He was long a prominent member of St. Andrew's Episcopal church of Chariton. On account of Mrs. Woodward's ill health he removed to Atlanta, Georgia, where he has ever since resided until his death. His remains were brought to Chariton today for interment in the Chariton cemetery, where he owned a lot and in which one or two of his children have already been buried.

Perhaps no man who ever lived in Lucas county had more friends or fewer enemies than he.

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The unit that Capt. Woodward organized was mustered as Company B, 6th Iowa Volunteer Infantry. You'll find an account of its departure from Chariton in another Lucas Countyan post, "July 8, 1861: Farewell to the Boys of Company B."

Capt. Woodward's widow, Laura E. (Crist) Woodward, survived her husband by more than 20 years, passing on Dec. 14, 1921, in Burbank, California. Her remains were cremated and brought to the Chariton Cemetery for burial near his grave. There were two surviving sons, Harry L. and Ernest G.

The long-winded husband who was left behind

It was a sunny but cold early February morning back in 1875 when the farmer and his wife, accompanied by a neighbor, loaded produce --- cream, butter, eggs and more --- into the back of their spring wagon out west of Lucas and set off for Chariton to do some trading.

By the time they crossed the Whitebreast bridge just east of Lucas, the gentleman's feet were cold and he concluded to warm them up by climbing the hill on foot as his wife and their friend drove on.

What happened next was reported in The Chariton Patriot of Feb. 14, in  a dispatch signed "observer," and headlined: "Long Winded --- How a Jackson Township Man was Forgotten by his Wife."

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One day last week, Mr. A., a gentleman residing in the western part of Lucas county, concluded he would take a trip to Chariton. Mrs. A. and also Mrs. B. were to accompany him. They were to do considerable trading, and were in fine spirits. They got on very well until they came to Whitebreast, when Mr. A. concluded to walk up the hill to warm his feet.

It so happened at that moment that they met an old friend, and of course Mr. A. had to talk a few moments with him, but the wagon and women moved on. Mr. A. at length moved on until he reached the top of the hill, when he saw the team a half mile ahead going at a lively trot. All the stories of men losing their wives in mysterious ways rushed through his mind, and he would have become frantic had he not remembered that there was no one along but Mrs. B. He however determined to overtake them if possible, and started in full as lively a trot as the horses were in, and alternately gained and lost distance on the wagon, which clattered along up hill and down at a uniformity of speed equal to perpetual motion.

It is strange to think what a man can endure while excited. Mr. A. would have been completely fagged out in running half a mile, but now he has run at least three miles, and not once thought of being tired. The women were in the meantime so engaged in talking of what they would buy, the neighborhood news, &c., that they never thought of poor Mr. A.

At length (after they had gone about four miles), Mrs. A. seemed to miss something and told Mrs. B. she believed they had lost something. Mrs. B. said she had not missed anything. they concluded they would stop and look over their produce, while the horses rested a minute, to be sure that there was nothing wrong. They were about starting again when they heard a puffing which they thought was the railroad cars, but on looking around they saw Mr. A. with tongue out and coat unbuttoned and hat gone. He never stopped till he had the lines in his own grasp. He thinks women will do very well in their place , but don't think they were intended to have much power. Knows Mrs. A. will not drive his team again if his feet should freeze.

A little inspiration on a Tuesday morning ...

The story I'd picked out to tell this morning seemed, upon consideration in dawn's early light, too gloomy. So I frittered away the time by reading accounts of the cloak-and-dagger strategies involved in President Biden's visit to Kyiv.

That's the president and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in front of St. Michael's monastery in Kyiv.

Here's The Washington Post's version of the story, published under the headline "Cloak-and-dagger moves allow Biden to sneak into Ukraine's war zone."

Many said Biden was too old to seek the presidency (including me now and then), but here he is at 80 --- on the frontline. The president was right more than a year ago about Putin's intentions and his course since then has been that of a consummate statesman.

He's making us old folks proud and, perhaps, serving as an inspiration. If that old man can engage in boots on the ground diplomacy, perhaps this one --- creeping toward but still some years away from his milestone --- could at least wash the dishes.

Iowa pulls in the "welcome" mat, Illinois extends it

It's been fascinating to watch this winter as the flames of fear fueled by white Christian nationalism and fanned by Gov. Kim Reynolds and her allies have swept through Iowa's capitol, targeting public education and educators.

Private schools now are underwritten by the state, objective teaching about subjects related to race is forbidden and attempts are underway to ban books and further marginalize LGBTQ+ people of all ages with "don't say gay" legislation.

So the contrast last week in Illinois, where Gov. J. B. Pritzker (left) delivered his state of the state address on Wednesday in Springfield, was notable. Here's how Gov. Pritzker addressed the topic as he was preparing to close:

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Our history is a series of stops and starts, of ups and downs, of our ancestors getting it tragically wrong and courageously right. The only thing we can hope for in this work is that the values we attach our names to will make our grandchildren proud.

After all, this is the Land of Lincoln. We have a responsibility to that legacy.

As Elie Wiesel said, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”

With that in mind, I want to take sides on something I feel obligated to speak out about, especially given the history of antisemitism and discrimination suffered by my ancestors and that persists for so many others today.

There is a virulent strain of nationalism plaguing our nation, led by demagogues who are pushing censorship, with a particular attack right now on school board members and library trustees. It’s an ideological battle by the right wing, hiding behind a claim that they would protect our children — but whose real intention is to marginalize people and ideas they don’t like. This has been done in the past, and it doesn’t stop with just snuffing out ideas.

This afternoon I’ve laid out a budget agenda that does everything possible to invest in the education of our children. Yet it’s all meaningless if we become a nation that bans books from school libraries about racism suffered by Roberto Clemente and Hank Aaron, and tells kids they can’t talk about being gay, and signals to Black and Brown people and Asian Americans and Jews and Muslims that our authentic stories can’t be told.

I’m the father of two children. I care a great deal about their education. Like every good parent, I want to be involved in what they learn. I’m also a proud American. Our nation has a great history, and much to be proud of. I want my children to learn that history. But I don’t want them to be lied to. I want them to learn our true history, warts and all. Illinois’ young people shouldn’t be kept from learning about the realities of our world. I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next.

Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it. That’s what makes us strong.

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The message coming across in Iowa to young people, I suspect, is "look elsewhere" if you're seeking a diverse and intellectually challenging place to follow your dreams. In Illinois, the message would appear to be, "welcome!"

Jimmy Carter vs. cheap grace

I've read a bit during the week now past about a marathon non-stop revival in progress at Asbury University, a self-proclaimed Christian institution in Wilmore, Kentucky --- southwest of Lexington. 

Thanks in large part to social media, the event has attracted the attention of both seekers and media types who portray it as an extraordinary gathering of repentance, confession, prayer and worship.

Just like the good old days, some have declared.

And then over the weekend, the Carter Center announced that President Jimmy Carter, now 98, has opted for hospice care at home in Georgia as his amazing life winds down.

So on the one hand you have thousands gathering in Kentucky for a feels-good event that probably will fit into Dietrich Bonhoeffer's definition of "cheap grace" --- in this instance, grace without discipleship --- when all is said and done and the pilgrims have returned to their homes.

And on the other, you have the example of a man who  lived as a disciple, ministering to the poor and standing with the outcast.

Godspeed.

Eighty years later: Russell's Staff Sgt. Floyd Zimmer

Eighty years ago to the day last Thursday (February 16), a young Army Air Corps staff sergeant from Russell named Floyd H. Zimmer climbed aboard the B-24D Liberator to which he was assigned and took up his position as left waist gunner.

Sgt. Zimmer's aircraft, nicknamed "Snafu," had been dispatched with others like it from Royal Air Force Shipdham to bomb the U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, France. Each carried a crew of 10. Lt. Fred M. Billings was piloting Snafu as it followed in formation the English coastline southeast from Shipdham.

Shortly after moving away from the coastline off Selsey Bill, Sussex, Snafu was hit by anti-aircraft flak, knocking it out of control. It collided with another B-24D in the formation, Texan II. Both caught fire, fell into the English Channel and exploded.

Twenty lives were lost; remains never recovered. Sgt. Zimmer was 23.

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The telegram informing Sgt Zimmer's widowed mother, Maude, that her only son was missing in action reached her in Russell on Monday afternoon, Feb. 22, and was reported upon briefly in The Union-Tribune of Thursday, Feb. 25: 

"Word was received Monday afternoon by his mother, Mrs. Maude Zimmer, that Sergeant Floyd Zimmer, U.S. Air Corps, was reported missing in action. We here at home who knew him so well are not giving up hope that he will be saved."

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Floyd had been born at Russell on Nov. 16, 1919, to Percy C. and Maude L. Zimmer, and was a 1937 graduate of Russell High school. He had one sister, Mildred.

During October, 1937, Floyd enrolled at the First National Television School in Kansas City, graduating in 1938. He then returned to Russell to operate a radio repair and sales shop for a few months, then went to work for the Alline Electric Co. in Ottumwa.

He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during August of 1941 and received extensive radio-related training before being assigned to a bomber crew and deployed to England in June of 1942. Aboard the Snafu, he was chief radio mechanic, assistant radio operator and waist gunner.

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A year to the day after Sgt. Zimmer had been killed, an official letter was dated and mailed to his mother which read in part as follows:

"Dear Mrs. Zimmer. It is my distressing duty to inform you that all possible efforts have failed to locate your son, Staff Sergeant Floyd H. Zimmer, 17.029.368, Air Corps, who was officially reported missing in action on 16 February 1943 while on an operational flight in the European Area. The plane was last seen one mile south of Selsey Bill, England.

Pursuant to the provisions of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as all available records, reports and circumstances relating to the disappearance of your son have been carefully reviewed and considered,  an official finding of death has been made."

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Memorial services were held at the Methodist church in Russell on Sunday afternoon, March 12, 1944, with the Rev. David W. Ash officiating and Rev. W. H. Thompson assisting. Major W. L. Wade, stationed with the Army Air Corps at Drake University in Des Moines, presented the Purple Heart and Air Corps Medals to his mother.

Sgt. Zimmer's name and dates were inscribed on the substantial granite stone that marks the family lot in the Russell Cemetery at some point thereafter. In England, his name is one of 5,127 inscribed on Walls of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery.

But for the most part, this young man and his sacrifice have been forgotten.

About that "emergency" Halferty marriage

Back in late winter 1931, the Iowa Legislature was among six state assemblies nationwide --- and among 16 attempting the leap --- that jumped aboard a "five-day marriage law" bandwagon. The laws were identical and directed county clerks to wait five days after couples filed applications for marriage licenses before issuing them.

Preachers and denominational assemblies were enthusiastic backers of the legislation as were many women's organization. Before the law, couples who wished to marry in Iowa and elsewhere could apply for and receive a license during one visit to the clerk's office, then marry --- sometimes just down the hall in the office of a justice of the peace.

Backers said they hoped that the new law would prevent hasty marriages (moderating the need for repentance at leisure), perhaps prevent undesirable people from marrying at all and even --- dabbling in eugenics --- prevent the birth of undesirable children who might result from the hasty union of undesirable people.

Iowa was joined in approving and implementing the five-day law by Minnesota, Idaho, Colorado, Ohio and Wyoming. Ten states declined to adopt the legislation. --- including neighboring Nebraska and South Dakota. Waiting periods had not been considered in either Illinois or Missouri.

Although inconvenienced by the law, which went into effect on July 4, 1931, Iowans who wished to marry in haste in most of the state just crossed a state line to do so after that. Bethany, Missouri, was a popular destination for Lucas Countyans, including a few relatives of mine, and quite a little industry developed there.

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But during late February of 1933, some 17 months after implementation of the five-day law, Francis David Halferty, age 23, and Elva Green, 20, both of Chariton, wished to marry in haste and didn't want to drive into Missouri to do so. So they took advantage of a clause that allowed an "emergency" wedding license to be issued if a judge agreed to waive the waiting period. They were the first and, so far as I know, the last Lucas County couple to do so.

A story on Page 1 of The Chariton Leader of Feb. 23 explains the circumstances:

Lucas county's first "emergency" wedding license was issued Saturday to F. David Halferty, 22, and Elva Green, 19,  of Chariton, by Clerk G. C. Burgstrum.

Halferty is the first prospective bridegroom in this county since the introduction of the five day marriage law to be married without waiting for the legal interval of time to pass.

Judge Wennerstrum Saturday issued an order under the provision of the "public policy" clause in the law, asking that the license be issued at once, upon Halferty's plea that he had a promise of immediate employment in the event that he was married. The plea was presented to the court by J. H. Hickman, local attorney.

According to  officials in the clerk's office, the youth was to begin work on a farm, but qualifications for the job included a wife. They were married Sunday by Rev. T.J. Zike of the United Brethren church.

The clause in the marriage law which allows immediate issuance of a license states that if the court of the county wherein the marriage is to be solemnized shall find that public policy required that the marriage be solemnized without delay  he shall issue the license at once.

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Had the Halfertys' need to marry not been quite so pressing, they could have outwaited the law. The Iowa Legislature was preparing to repeal the five-day law --- even as vows were being exchanged. As of March 24, 1933, the five day waiting period was wiped from Iowa's list of rules and regulations.

There were several reasons. It had pained county clerks and others to see prospective newlyweds who might as well have been spending their money in Iowa disappear across a state line. The howls had been especially loud in Chickasaw County, home to Nashua and the Little Brown Church in the Vale, a popular wedding destination. Other lawmakers saw the waiting period as legislative overreach.

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David and Elva raised their family their family of four in Lucas County where he worked for the most part as a carpenter and building contractor. Their marriage endured for nearly 50 years --- until his death at age 71 on Sept. 2, 1982. Elva died on Oct. 26, 1991.

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The marriage timeline in Iowa remained unrestrained until 1961 when North Iowa lawmakers were goaded by their Minnesota neighbors, where a five-day waiting period had remained in place, into pushing for a three-day waiting period, imposed during the legislative session that year and effective July 4. Iowa was nothing more than a marriage mill, Minnesota officials said, expressing fear that impoverished residents were rushing into Iowa to marry and then returning to Minnesota to collect welfare benefits.

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As the years rolled on, many of those who might once have felt the urge to marry --- in haste or otherwise --- gradually lost the urge to marry at all. Iowa still has a three-day waiting period, but few voices of complaint are heard.

The somewhat misleading history of Engine No. 35

Overnight temperatures dipped below zero as January 1933 ended in Lucas County. But cold did not deter crowds that gathered at the Burlington rail yards in northwest Chariton on Wednesday afternoon and evening, Jan. 25, to view what was said to be an historic locomotive as it made its way east from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Aurora, Illinois.

Estimated to be more than 50 years old at the time, the vintage engine no longer traveled under its own power but was being towed by slow freights to Aurora where it would be fitted out for display at the Chicago World's Fair.

Here's how The Chariton Leader described the visit in its edition of Tuesday, Feb. 7:

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One of the first engines to see service west of the Missouri River spent last night in the Burlington yards here. At 7 a.m. today, it was taken in tow by a slow freight for the remainder of its journey from Lincoln, Neb., to Aurora, Ill.

At the Burlington shops in Aurora, it will be reconditioned for exhibition at the Chicago World's Fair.

Replete with brass work, it seemed almost like a toy when compared with engines of a more modern period. Stream lines were evidently not in vogue back in the 1880s when No. 35 made its bow on the old Burlington and Missouri River line. To support the cow catcher alone, four wheels are needed. Between it and the boiler is an open space which has no apparent purpose.

The pride of No. 35 must have been its large, shining bell which today could no doubt be put to service in a church or school. Or it might have been the smokestack which seems almost to make it top heavy. Beginning in rather unobtrusive fashion, the stack becomes ambitious as it reaches for the sky and branches out to resemble a tub perched atop a stove pipe.

The Burlington and Missouri River line was the original name of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy railroad, according to L.T. Stewart, freight agent for the Burlington in Chariton. As the engine was among the first 35 to be used on the old road, it is believed to be more than 50 years old.

Stewart stated that it had been exhibited in Denver and other points farther west, and had more recently been a center of attraction at the Nebraska State Fair at Lincoln.

Because of its age, the engine is being moved in easy stages to Aurora, Only the slower freights are used to tow it as a fast ride would no doubt tear it to pieces, Stewart said.

The engine arrived in Chariton Wednesday. Large numbers braved the icy blasts which swept the yards during the afternoon to view one of the oldest railroad pioneers.

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There are a number of things in this account that are somewhat askew. In the first place, Mr. Stewart was misinformed about the relationship between the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad and the Chicago Burlington & Quincy.

The Chicago Burlington & Quincy dated from 1856 and operated mostly east of the Mississippi initially. The Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, which also began operations in 1856, was a separate company formed to develop the rail line across southern Iowa that reached Chariton in 1867 and then continued west to the Missouri River and into Nebraska toward Denver. The CB&Q absorbed the B&MR in both Iowa and Nebraska during 1872.

In addition, Locomotive No. 35 was not quite what it was presented to be.

According to the book, "Steam Locomotives Of The Burlington Route" by Bernard G. Corbin and Richard F. Kerka, this locomotive was built by CB&Q's Aurora Shops in 1892 as Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad No. 66 and later renumbered Hannibal and St. Joseph 666. During 1904, it was renumbered into the CB&Q system as CB&Q No. 359.

During 1932, it was rebuilt in Denver for exhibition at the Century of Progress, to be held in Chicago during 1933-34, and renumbered Burlington & Missouri River Railroad 35.

After having done its duty in Chicago, it was leased as Union Pacific No. 119 during the 1939-40 New York World’s Fair as well as the 1948-49 Chicago Railroad Fair.

Finally, in 1970, the locomotive was donated to the Patee House Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri, owned and operated by the Pony Express Historical Association, where in continues to be on display. So if you'd like to visit old No. 35, too, all that's required is a couple of hours drive to St. Joe. The museum is open year-around.

Image taken 1953 at Galva, Illinois; photographer unknown, print by Gordon C. Bassett, Chuck Zeiler collection.

The rose-colored settee in the parlor

This Victorian settee, dating from the later years of the 19th century, arrived during January at the Lucas County Historical Society Museum, courtesy of the family of the late David and Ruth M. (Grady) Taylor, who had treasured it during their long married lives.

I took this image yesterday to share with the society's board during a meeting last night and decided to air it here this morning --- even though we're still in the process of collecting its history. It's currently sitting in the back parlor of the A.J. Stephens House awaiting a rearrangement of furniture once the big Christmas tree in the front parlor bay has been packed away.

David Taylor, a career Des Moines and Centerville accountant and banker, was a native of Derby and we do know that the settee was related to his family --- his parents were Carl E. and Emma (McMains) Taylor.

David and Ruth had a long life together, moving from Des Moines to Centerville, where they lived for many years, then back to the greater Des Moines area to be nearer family in 2014. He died at age 94 on the 5th of December last year; Ruth followed at the age of 92 a few days later, on Dec. 12.

Their daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and John Benson, delivered the settee and told us that it always had been a centerpiece with family photographs were taken. We told them it can still be in its new home.

Yocom Park centennial & strategies to re-energize it

This is the centennial year for three Chariton landmarks, Chariton High School, the Hotel Charitone --- and Yocom Park. And according to local lore there's a link between the latter two projects. Earth removed during excavation for the Charitone basement reportedly was transported down Braden Avenue to the park site and used at least in part to create its terraces.

The park plan was developed in 1922 after the big pond called Lake Como that had served the city's  electricity-generating plant had been drained. The pond had been needed to provide water for the plant's coal-fired steam generators. By 1920, the area was unused, undeveloped and an unauthorized dump --- a community eyesore.

Working with the Chariton Woman's Club, William L. Perkins, architect and long-time city engineer --- and designer of the Charitone --- designed the park as an innovative series of shallow terraced walkways connected by concrete stairs that created an amphitheater effect around a big playing field on what had been the lake bottom. The plan included, a playground, a wading pool, a simple bandstand, a ball diamond and the city's first tennis courts.

Preliminary work had begun at the park site during 1922, but as 1923 dawned The Herald-Patriot was able to report in its edition of Feb. 8 that the "Park Project Is Under Way." Here's the text of the article:

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The members of the Chariton Woman's club, believing that a taste for natural beauty is with Chariton people, and that this taste is increasing, are actively behind the program announced last year for the development of a new city park. The project, which calls for the building of the waste piece at the east end of Braden avenue, near the light plant, into a natural amphitheater and public recreation place, is not foreign to local people, having been originally the plan of the Woman's club. Meetings of the club are being held regularly in the interest of the work. The complete plans have been drawn by Architect W. L. Perkins, and some of the preliminary work has already been done. That the plan in its entirety will see materiality is the opinion of those who know of the interest and concern being directed to that end.

It is the hope of Chariton people to have in the new park one of the most beautiful places of its kind in the state.

That the possibilities exist is not denied, and that the plan to make the most of these possibilities will be accomplished is believed. A glance at the architect's plan transforms in the mind the old dump ground at the end of Braden avenue into an entirely different setting. A place of benefit to commonality is seen. The site is graded on four levels. On each  level are benches, walks and shrubbery. The general scheme is that of a public garden, terraced, graded and drained after a practical and sensible plan.

Nor is usefulness to be discounted for beauty in the development of the new east park. At the northwest corner of the first level is to be built a children's playground. This will probably be equipped by the Parent-Teachers associations of the town. Swings, slides and other play pieces will be found in this section for the entertainment of all children.

In the center of the area, down on the lower or fourth level, a concert stand is to be built.  This stand will be constructed as a permanent improvement to serve not only for band concerts but for speaking musical programs and outdoor entertainments of different kinds. Under the stand inside the foundation walls will be fitted up two complete restrooms. Plans are to build this stand of concrete. It will be substantial and lasting. But the ornamental side will not be overlooked. Officers of the club promise that it will be so constructed as to be in keeping with the park setting generally.

The opportunity will be made use of to set up in construction with the park program some memorial designs. The main entrance at the west, in fact, is to be built after the memorial pattern. Two other entrances are included in the plans, one from the north and one from the east.

In another part of the park a memorial fountain will be provided for.

At the southeast corner of the new public place, two regulation size tennis courts are to be built. These courts, it is suggested, will be available for tournaments and other meets.

While the work thus far has not been pushed ahead rapidly, already considerable of the preliminary part of the program has been accomplished. The storm sewers are in place, the south half of the first and second terrace is complete and a part of the sidewalk has been done. The place has been drained, which,  disregarding the park project entirely, is an accomplishment well worth while. Instead of a place within the city limits infested with rats, mosquitos and a basin for stagnant water, the site is now dry and clean and removed from the dump ground atmosphere. The work of completing the grading the first and second terraces will be completed as soon as the frost is gone.

The park committee is formed by the following persons: J. C. Flatt, chairman; A. R. Hass, secretary and treasurer; O. D.  Harding, H. T. Wilson,  Mrs. F. S. Risser, Mrs. L. H. Busselle, Mrs. Don Lewis and Mrs. Stant Howard. The appointment of this committee was an official act, the members having been named to serve in this connection by Mayor Van Arsdale in 1922.

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Later enhancements to the park have included restrooms and a shelter house in the northwest corner about 1969; and in 1994, the current playground was developed as part of a project financed largely by the Johnson Foundation and led by the family of the late Russell S. and Vera P. Johnson (Johnson Machine Works).

In 1968, the park formerly known as "East" was renamed Yocom Park to honor Dr. Albert L. Yocom, a pioneering physician then nearing the end of his life.

Now, the city of Chariton and Lucas County Economic Development are exploring strategies for improving areas of the park that have diminished in use over the years as playing fields, tennis courts, the aquatic center and other recreational assets became concentrated in the northwest part of town. That would include the outdated and deteriorated tennis courts.

Working with Iowa State University, a survey has been created to allow public input and help assess community wants and needs. You'll find the survey here until February 26. After that, this link --- and the survey --- will disappear as we await results.

Lift Every Voice and Sing

I enjoyed Chris Stapleton's low-key performance of the National Anthem during the patriotic prelude to Super Bowl LVII, but the star of that portion of the show was the amazing Sheryl Lee Ralph as she performed "Lift Every Voice and Sing," generally referred to as the black national anthem. Wow.

Her performance came on the 123rd anniversary of the first time the song was performed in public --- on Feb. 12, 1900, by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida, to celebrate what would have been former president Abraham Lincoln’s 91st birthday. James Weldon Johnson, an NAACP leader who was principal of the school, wrote the hymn as a poem before his brother, John Rosamond Johnson, composed the music for the lyrics.

The NAACP began referring to the song as the black national anthem in 1919, some 12 years before the United States had a collective anthem. Although "Star Spangled Banner" was a popular patriotic song, a joint Congressional resolution and signature by President Herbert Hoover didn't make it official until 1931.

"Lift Every Voice" is a stirring song that since has been included in many hymnals --- ranging from Southern Baptist through United Methodist. We sing it at least once a year I'm guessing at St. Andrew's, so it's familiar, evocative --- and appropriate for many occasions and for many justice-seeking causes.

It read several of the comments posted in various places after Ms. Ralph's performance as white nationalist football fans pounced. So this grand old anthem still has work to do --- as do those of us who love it.

Why we need to say "gay"

Some years ago, a young friend of mine --- not yet out of the closet --- thought for a time that he had found a home in the United Methodist Church. Then he went along as an observer to an annual meeting of the Iowa General Conference where considerable time and energy were invested by delegates in wrangling about the place of LGBTQ+ people in the church --- a debate conducted as if there were no gay people in the room.

And then one Sunday his local pastor launched into a sermon focused on the dangers presented by LGBTQ+ people and our "sinful lifestyle" --- as if there were no gay people in the room.

And so my friend exited that church and found a more congenial home elsewhere --- one less gay person in that particular room.

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I've been thinking about this during a winter when Iowa United Methodist congregations have been gathering to discuss potential congregational votes to leave the United Methodist Church to function as independent congregations or as members of the new Global Methodist Church, a denomination tailored to fit Methodists who wish to continue to behave as if there are no gay people in the room.

This has also been the winter when our Republican-controlled state legislature (with Gov. Kim Reynolds as cheerleader) has moved from legislation targeting transgender children to targeting books related to all  LGBTQ+ issues to proposals now on the table that would make Iowa a "don't say gay" state --- banning discussion of LGBTQ+ issues in public schools, including safety measures intended to protect young people from HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

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Here's a link to a piece written about a year ago by John Pavlovitz, whose career as a progressive preacher and writer was launched by the United Methodist congregation that fired him because he was too progressive on LGBTQ+ issues. It's entitled, "Why We Need to Say Gay."

I'd suggest it also would be productive if we all stopped pretending that there are no gay people in the room. Because we're here and we're listening. 

Slavery to freedom: Another generation of Greens

I've written before about Amanda (Green) and Alfred Wright, both born into slavery, who brought their family north to Lucas County from Ray County, Missouri, in 1876 and settled about 1880 on a small farm due north of Chariton where they lived for the remainder of their lives. They were, so far as I know, our only black farm family. You can read a related post, "Lucas County's black farmers and miners," here.

So I was pleased this week to find mention of Amanda Green's mother, Charity, in a story plucked from elsewhere and republished on Page 1 of The Chariton Herald of Feb. 19, 1903, under the headline, "Her Mother Was 103 Years Old." Herald Editor Sam Greene, heaven only knows why, failed to tell us who "her" referred too, but if you know the territory you'll know that he was writing about Amanda. Here's the text of that story:

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The other day a colored woman, Mrs. Charity Green, died at her home in Omaha, aged 103 years.

Mrs. Green was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in January, 1800. During the first sixty-five years of her life she was a slave in several prominent Kentucky families, having been sold several times.

She was 12 years old when the war of 1812 took place, with England, and she remembered very distinctly many of its incidents and narrated them frequently. Mrs. Green, after being freed from slavery, removed to St. Joseph (Missouri), where she lived a number of years. She went to Omaha from there and has lived there nineteen years.

During her life she gave birth to sixteen children, five of whom are still living. Her oldest daughter is living in Chariton, Iowa, and is over 60 years old. She has three sons living, Ed Green and Chase Green, of Chicago, and Howard Green, of Des Moines.

Her lineal descendants number over 100. She has about sixty grandchildren, over thirty great-grandchildren and seventeen great-great-grandchildren.

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I turned to the Omaha World-Herald of Feb. 5, 1903, for a little more of the story --- a death notice published under the headline, "Died at the Age of 103."

"Aunt Charity Green, colored, aged 103, who died Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ormstead Salters, 2904 North Twenty-sixth street, was buried yesterday afternoon at Prospect Hill cemetery, the pastor of the Zion Baptist Church officiating.

"Aunty" Green had lived in Omaha for seventeen years, coming here from St. Joseph. Up until two years ago, when she suffered from a paralytic stroke, she had enjoyed good health. Two months ago, while lighting her pipe, she set her gown on fire and sustained severe burns about the body, which made her all but helpless.

She was born in slavery in Richmond, Ky. She had given birth to sixteen children, five of whom survive her. The exact date of her birth she did not know, except that it was in February, 1800, which made her 103 years old.

Throughout her life she was a firm believer in the hereafter, and she took a deep interest in the Baptist church, of which she was a member for over seventy-five years.

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Amanda (Green) Wright outlived her mother by about 15 years, passing on July 23, 1917. Her obituary was published in The Herald-Patriot of July 26. 

Now Amanda was nowhere near 103 years old, as her obituary claims. The year of birth inscribed on her tombstone in the Chariton Cemetery is 1833. So it looks like someone blended this element of her story with that of her mother (the year of death inscribed on the tombstone is one year off). The year of her marriage is wildly inaccurate, too.

Why? I have no idea. But once you work your way through the inaccuracies, the rest of the story provides a lot of useful information about this family:

Mrs. Amanda Wright, (colored) who was probably the oldest woman in Lucas county, died at her home north of Chariton on Monday, July 23d, 1917, at the extreme old age of 103 years, 9 months and 9 days. She had been in ill health for some time and death was due to the infirmities of old age. Funeral services, conducted by Elders Jas. Robinson and Robert Zimmerman, were held at the family home, north of Chariton, on Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Chariton cemetery.

Amanda Green was born in Crab Apple county, Kentucky,  on October 14th, 1814. At the age of about nine years she went to LaFayette, Mo., as a slave and served in that capacity for forty years, seeing many hardships. On July 5, 1832, she was united in marriage to Alfred Daniel Wright, who survives her. To this union sixteen children were born, three dying in infancy and one daughter after gaining young womanhood. Twelve children are living to mourn the loss of a good mother and to comfort the aged husband and father who survives and is bereft of his  companion of eighty-five years. They are Green, of Richmond, Mo.; Sam, Abe and Frank, of Lexington, Mo.; Daniel, of Kansas City, Mo.; Ben Wright and Mrs. Mary Brown of Peoria, Ill.; Belle Wright and Mrs. Jennie Coleman of Des Moines; Elijah, Bert and Garfield, of Chariton.

In 1876 the family came to Lucas County, Iowa, and six years later they moved to the place five miles north of Chariton, which has since been their home. All through life deceased lived in accordance with her christian profession and always lent a willing hand in sickness and need. Although her last weeks were weeks of pain and torture she bore her sufferings patiently and often expressed the idea that there was a place ready for her, all paved with gold, and that she was ready to go when it was the Lord's will to take her. She had won the esteem and regard of all who knew her, and her demise will be deplored by a host of friends, who will extend sincere sympathy to the sorrowing husband and children.

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A couple of other items of interest. When Charity Green's son, Edward, married in Omaha during 1905, he identified his father as Nathan Green, but did not have a maiden name for Charity. 

In Lucas County, where most members of the black community were members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Wrights were members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) --- now Community of Christ.

And then there's the casual racism of many if not most white newspaper editors and/or reporters operating at the turn of the 20th century and well beyond who felt the need to identify the black subjects of their stories as "colored." 

The undertaker's lament

Edmund Burdsall Bradrick was the granddaddy of Chariton undertakers. Born during 1833 in Belmont County, Ohio, he arrived in Lucas County during 1857 at the age of 24, went into the cabinet-making trade and married Mary Sheppard. Four years later, during 1861, he added undertaking to his offerings --- as many cabinet-makers did.

By 1893, in the undertaking business for more than 30 years, Mr. Bradrick commissioned an advertisement in the form of a letter to the editor that ran for several weeks in The Chariton Patriot, assuring the public that he still was in business. Some of this certainly had to do with an increasingly competitive market, but he had lost his only son and business partner, Calvin, to tuberculosis three years earlier at the age of 30 and that, as well as the fact he was now 60, affected the business, too.

Here's the text of the advertisement:

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Chariton, Iowa, January 3rd 1893

Editor Patriot: I have now been handling the dead of Chariton and vicinity for more than thirty years --- with what success I leave those I have served to judge. The question now is, shall I be sustained? Many times I have labored hard while others have slept and taken ease and comfort, and I have been faithful to the trust you have committed to my care.

To those who have patronized me on account of loved ones gone, I would say I sympathize with you in your bereavement and thank you kindly for your patronage. Those who have never lost a dear friend, I congratulate upon your good fortune, but this will not always be so --- death enters and there is no defense. His time of coming none can tell.

My hearse is now nicely refit and my stock of funeral supplies is full and complete, consisting of a full line of varnished and cloth covered coffins and caskets, robes, linings, shoes,  slippers and hardwares --- all from the best houses in the land.

My residence ison the second block east of the M.E. church. When not in my office call at my house day or night. It will pay you now  and don't your forget it. Be careful where you leave your orders for burial goods.

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Nearly four years later, during the late fall of 1896, Mr. Bradrick decided to retire and sold his undertaking gear to J.F. Eckfelt & Son. The Eckfelts moved the operation to their furniture store just off the southwest corner of the square and the original plan seems to have been that Edmund would assist the Eckfelts until Jan. 1, 1897.

Then there was some sort of disagreement. The Eckfelts published advertising announcing that their undertaking establishment had nothing to do with Mr. Bradrick and he published advertising that announced he still was offering undertaking services from his "old stand."

After that, the Bradrick business seems to have declined until about 1900 when it ceased to be.

Mary (Sheppard) Bradrick died during 1904, but her husband was made of hardy stuff. He lived on until July 21, 1920, when he died at age 87 after a two-day illness. He was buried beside Mary in the Chariton Cemetery --- but his surviving daughter, Lydia Temple, subsequently moved to California without erecting a tombstone and so his grave is unmarked.