Descendants of Lauritz Christensen

Notes


11. Harold Elmer O'Brien

NOTE: Typed note believed to have been prepared by Carrie Christensen O'Brien contains the following information:
(1) Carrie Christensen, born March 11, 1888, Omaha, Nebraska, baptized Karen Christensen, Dtr of Lauritz & Sophia, married Sheridan, Wyoming, 5 Mar 1908 to
(2) Raymond Leo O'Brien, born Denver, Illinois, 7 Dec 1884
(3) Son, Harold, born Sheridan, Wyoming, 17 Jun 1910, baptized Harold Elmer, married Flint, Michigan, 23 Apr 1933 to Eleanor F Roat, born 1 Dec 1911
(4) To this marriage born, James Harold, Flint, Mich, 3-12-37, Robert Lyle, Flint, Mich, 1-28-39, Patricia Irene, Standish, Mich, 4-14-44.
(5) Carrie & Harold O'Brien arrived Flint May 1929, Carrie & Raymond O'Brien divorced 6-25-28, Raymond O'Brien remarried 1948.
COMPILED: O-COM-0084

BIRTH: Civil birth record; 1910 original and 1940 corrected; State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Sheridan WY; #1897, registration district no 4, file no 1910, registration no 802 and #1897a; State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Sheridan WY;
NOTE: The original birth record (#1897) from 1910 lists the father's name as Raymond OBryan and has no name for the child. Father, age 25, born IL, R R Station Clerk. Mother age 22, born NE, housewife. Date of birth 17 Jun 1910, 7:00 am by J H Bradfeild MD. A corrected birth record (#1897a) was obtained by the mother, Carrie (Christensen) O'Brien on 20 Sep 1940 to indicate the child's name as Harold Elmer O'Brien and the father's name as Raymond L O'Brien. Carrie was living at 803 East Street, Flint MI, at the time of the correction.
NOTE: It is possible that this corrected birth record was needed by Harold to apply for his social security, but this is just speculation.
BIRTH: O-CVB-0001

BIRTH: Birth announcement; 1917; THE SHERIDAN POST, Sheridan, WY; 17 Jun 1917, p12 col 2; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: Born, this morning, to Mr and Mrs R L O'Brien of Nielsen heights, a fine son.
NEWS: O-NEW-0014

BAPTISM: In an email dated 4 Aug 2006, from Crystal Berig, First Presbyterian Church, Sheridan, WY, she stated:
NOTE: I was able to look through the first membership book of First Presbyterian Church (which begins with member #1 in 1905) and I did not find any of your folks in the membership. I wish I could have found them for you.
NOTE: Records she checked for were to have been (but not sure she checked for the actual record): Marriage Ellery Foster to Maud McClure 24 Dec 1896, Marriage Raymond O'Brien to Carrie Christensen 5 Mar 1908, Marriage Chris Christensen to Vinnie Foster about 1904, Baptism Harold O'Brien born 17 Jun 1910, Death Inez Foster died 11 Oct 1900, Death Chris Christensen died 19 Jan 1942, Death Vinnie Christensen died 15 Feb 1961. None of these records were found, or at least she checked to see if they were members, this is unclear.

PHOTOGRAPH: There is a photograph of a young boy, unidentified, and the picture indicates it was taken at "Perkins Studio." In trying to determine who the picture might be of and where it was taken, the Public Library at Sheridan, Wyoming, was asked if they could find any listing for a Perkins Studio between 1910-1925. Their e-mail dated 19 Jan 1999, indicated that they could not find any reference to such a photography studio in the information available to them at the library, city directories and historical files.
NOTE: Anne DeWitt was sent a copy of this photograph to see if she recognized the boy, and she replied that she didn't and that it wouldn't be anyone from her family as they were all dressed more formally than this child.

SCHOOL: A letter was written to Sheridan Wyoming High School, Sheridan, WY on 21 Jan 1982, asking for information about former student Harold O'Brien, explaining that the request was being made by his daughter. They wrote back and included a three-line record with the following information: Harold O'Brien, date of entrance 2 Sep 1924, entered from Central [assumed to be name of prior school], date of graduation 31 May 1928, points of credit 33-1/2. [Letter discarded 3/2004.]

SCHOOL: High School account; 1927; THE SHERIDAN ____, Sheridan, WY; 13 Mar 1927, Section 3, pg 1, col 2; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: This is a special edition of the newspaper written and edited by the "junior journalists" in conjunction with the local newspaper.
Note: Junior Class is Very Active. Play Presented Recently Was Hugh Success. In the fall of 1924 the present juniors started on the road of education. They elected the following officers: President, Harold O'Brien; vice president, Jimmie Rennie; secretary, Doris McNeil; treasurer, Henrietta Brown. Grace Barbour and Arthur Sandusky were selected for the high school commission. Lucile Patterson won second place in piano at Laramie. In the sophomore year Harold O'Brien was again elected president; Lyle Morris, vice president; Mabel Macy, secretary, and Grace Barbour, treasurer. Doris McNeil and Jimmie Rennie were elected on the commission. Herbert Rutherford won first place in violin at Laramie. The sophomores bought the sweaters for the senior letter men, with the proceeds from the class play, "When the Clock Strikes Twelve." This year the class officers are: President, Perry Lietner; vice president, Paul Pond; secretary, Willisene June; treasurer, Grace Barbour. Doris McNeil and Arthur Sandusky were chosen on the commission. The junior girls organized a pep club this year. The officers for this club are: President, Carolyn Highbaugh; secretary, Marie Thomas; treasurer, Willisene Harrington. The junior class gave "The Wedding Bells" as their class play. Alec Barbula, Raymond Calhoun, Harold Cooper, Paul Pond and James Townley all did good work on the first team of football this year. Alec Barbula is the captain of the 1927 team. Paul Pond, James Rennie and James Townley are on this year's first team in basketball.
NEWS: O-NEW-0016 (copy)

SCHOOL: High School account; 1927; THE OCKSHEPERIDA, "Camp Crier" of Sheridan High School, Sheridan, WY; 13 Dec 1927, Vol xx, no 5, pp 1 & 4; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: Page 1 is part of the cover page of this high school newspaper, the year that Harold O'Brien would graduate from high school.
NOTE: Page 4, Column "Humor? and How!" Some Sense and Some Nonsense - Grace Eychaner and Harold O'Brien, respectively. [Grace was Harold's "girl friend."]
HISTORY: O-HIS-0017 (copy)

SCHOOL: High School account; 1928; THE SHERIDAN POST-ENTERPRISE, Sheridan, WY; 11 Mar 1928, pp 1 & 2; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: Harold O'Brien Was the First President; Paul Pon Heads Group for Final Year in S H S. Class Membership Dwindles from 208 to 133 but is Still Largest Senior Class. September of '24 saw the advent of the present senior class into Sheridan high school with a membership of 208. This class, as freshmen, chose Harold O'Brien for class president; Jimmie Rennie, vice president; Doris McNeil, secretary and Henrietta Brown, treasurer. They elected Grace Barbour and Arthur Sandusky as their representatives on the high school commission. Lucille Patterson as freshman, won honor for her class and the school by winning second place in piano at Laramie during tournament week. As sophomores, this class elected Harold O'Brien class president; Lyle Morris, vice president; Mabel Macy, secretary; Grace Barbour, treasurer. They chose Dorris McNeil and Jimmie Rennie as their sophomore commissioners. During the same year Herbert Rutherford, a member of the class, tied with Rock Springs for the first place in violin during the tournament. In this year this class made a good showing in the local tryouts for Laramie, for Herbert Rutherford won first and Victor Centrone second in the violin contest; Nellie McConnaughey and Alice Ricedorff won places in the finals for reading and Lucille Patterson placed second in piano. During this same year, the class presented a play, "When the clock strikes twelve." The proceeds from his play paid for the sweaters for the senior letter men. [More information given about the junior and senior years.]
NOTE: Record of all Activities. Harold O'Brien, class president, 1, 2; class play, 2; Ocksheperida board, 4.
NEWS: O-NEW-0018 (copy)

SCHOOL: High School Yearbook; 1925; THE BLUE AND GOLD, Sheridan High School, Sheridan, WY; 1925, pg 61; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
Note: Includes a photograph of the class officers, including Harold O'Brien.
Note: History of Class of '28. In the fall of 1924, two hundred and twenty-six of the usual type of green Freshmen entered into what was for them a new world. After the difficulties of registration had been overcome we all somehow or other passed safely through the big social event of the new world, the Senior mixer. On September 19, we held our first class meeting and elected the following officers: President, Harold O'Brien; Vice-President, Jimmie Rennie; Secretary, Doris McNeil; and Treasurer, Pauline Williams. Grace Barbour and Arthur Sandusky were selected as our commissioners. In this strange and unusual world into which we were put, a few of our number have been able to gain distinction: Alec Barbula was a member of the first squad in football; Lucille Patterson won first place in the S H S piano contest, who represented us at Laramie. Three of our number are in the band and five in the orchestra. Esther Pearson has taken part in many of the High School social functions. Marjorie Humphrys and Marjorie Kennedy have been called upon several times to add to the High School amusement. On February 13, the Freshmen with the Sophomores gave a Valentine party which was enjoyed by all. In the next years just watch for us to be the main wheel in this new world which held us so in awe this year. -- Doris McNeil.
SCHOOL: O-SCH-0001 (copy)

SCHOOL: High School Yearbook; 1926; THE BLUE AND GOLD, Sheridan High School, Sheridan, WY; 1926, pp3, 12, 13, 55, 120; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: Pg 3, cover/introduction.
NOTE: Pg 12 includes a photograph and short history of the "old" Sheridan High School 1896-1925, including "On Monday, January 25, the pupils and teachers prepared to move from the old buildings and at a given signal on Tuesday, January 26, 1926, they said good-by to the old buildings and joyfully entered the new."
NOTE: Pg 13 includes a photograph and planning for the "new" Sheridan High School.
NOTE: Pg 55 History of the Class of 1928 and a photograph of class officers. We, the class of '28, are now in our second year. We started our year in the old building, but are now happily located in the new. Our officers for last year were Harold O'Brien, president; Jimmie Rennie, vice-president; Doris McNeil, secretary; and Henrietta Brown, treasurer. Grace Barbour and Arthur Sandusky represented us on the commission. We are most proud of Lucille Patterson, who won second place in piano at Laramie last year. This year we again elected Harold O'Brien as president, with Lyle Morris, vice-president, Mabel Macy secretary, and Grace Barbour treasurer. Doris McNeil and Jimmie Rennie were elected on the Commission. Three of our members won in the final music contest here. Herbert Rutherford won first place, and Victor Cetrone won second place in the violin contest. Lucille Patterson won second place in piano. Nellie McConnaughey and Alice Ricedorff won in the preliminary reading contest. At the State Tournament Herbert Rutherford won first place in violin. The Sophomore class bought the sweaters for all the Senior football letter men with proceeds from the play, "When the Clock Strikes Twelve." This is enough to show you that the class of '28 is gradually making itself a great help to Sheridan High School. -- Doris McNeil.
NOTE: Pg 120, includes a description and list of characters of the Sophomore Class Play, "When the Clock Strikes Twelve," including the student who played the character Chester Stone, capitalist - Harold O'Brien.
SCHOOL: O-SCH-0002 (copy)

SCHOOL: High School Yearbook; 1927; THE BLUE AND GOLD, Sheridan High School, Sheridan, WY; 1927, pp xx, 14, 51, 108; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: Pg xx, cover/introduction.
NOTE: Pg 14, a short description of the new Sheridan High School, including that the building was 270 feet long and 184 feet deep, contained 44 class rooms, laboratories and study halls, seating capacity of the auditorium was 1000, total cost of buildings was $443,000, student body in 1926-1927 numbered almost 800.
Note: Pg 51, includes The History of the Class of '28, written in poem format includes two lines regarding Harold O'Brien as class president in freshmen and sophomore years, "O'Brien led the hopeful band with Rennie by his side," "While Harold still our leader bold and Lyle as his second."
NOTE: Pg 108, is a list of Senior Wills, including "To Grace Eychaner and Harold O'Brien we leave this ring. We hope Harold will take our advice and start practicing the art of putting it on. [Grace was Harold's "girl friend."]
SCHOOL: O-SCH-0003 (copy)

SCHOOL: High School Yearbook; 1928; THE BLUE AND GOLD, Sheridan High School, Sheridan, WY; 1928, pp xx, xx, 33, 35, 87, 135; Sheridan County Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
NOTE: Pg xx and xx, cover and copyright pages.
NOTE: Pg 33, History of the Class of '28. In the fall of '24 a large group of Indians entered into their second school for training as tribesmen. They chose Harold O'Brien as Big Chief; Jimm Rennie, Assistant Chief; Doris McNeil, Scribe; and Henrietta Brown, Wampum Bearer. Grace Barbour and Art Sandusky were chosen to represent them at the Council Fire of all the tribes. Miss Anderson was chosen as the medicine man for the time of training. Lucile Patterson was sent to Laramie to represent them there and won second on the piano. All during the first year of training, this tribe did their best in everything and soon gained the right to enter the Sophomore Tribe for their second year of learning. In the second year of training they were received with a warmer friendship by the older tribes. Harold O'Brien was still their leader, with Lyle Morris helping; Mabel Macy and Grace Barbour, Scribe and Wampum Bearer respectively; Jim Rennie and Doris McNeil, representatives to the large Council Fire. The camp crier was given the news of this tribe by Lucile Patterson, Carolyn Hibough, and Wesley Crews. Herbert Rutherford came back with first prize for violin from the State Contest at Laramie. Many of the tribe won applause at the play, "When the Clock Strikes Twelve." The third year of training found the members of the group advanced to the Junior Tribe, with Perry Leitner, Chief. His assistants were Paul Pond, Assistant Chief, Willisene June, Scribe; and Jim Rennie, Wampum Bearer. The class representatives to the Council Fire were Doris McNeil and Art Sandusky. Many of the tribe worked on the Camp Crier. The first Junior Pep Club won renown; as did the play, "Wedding Bells," with its fine cast chosen from the Junior Tribe. The outstanding even of the year was the Junior-Senior Banquet. The fourth year found them in their last term of training in the Senior Tribe, only the most fit of the group had survived. Their final goal was graduation. In order to attain this goal they had chosen Paul Pond, Chief; Colvin Brown, Helper; Ruth Benham, Scribe, and Grace Barbour, Wampum Bearer. Lorraine McIntyre and Jim Rennie were elected to the Council Fire; and Harriet Spracklen and Della Ridge became Co-editors-in-chief of the Camp Crier. Bob Tolman further upheld the honor of the tribe by winning the Sheridan-Buffalo Marathon, while William Gonder distinguished himself as a member of the debating team. The Senior Tribe sent Lucile Patterson, Victor Cetrone, Della ridge, William Gonder, and Esther Downer, during Laramie Week, to the State Contests. And so this Tribe of 1928 has finished their second school of training under their Medicine Man's, Miss Anderson's careful and faithful guidance. They are now prepared to take up their duties in the world as a result of this training. The future does not daunt them and it may be truthfully said that this Tribe will be successful in the future. -- H. B.
NOTE: Pg 35, Photographs and history of each student, including Grace Eychaner, Grace has been 100 percent loyal to S H S. She served on the Ocksheperida Board (4), Q E Q and took part in the cantata (4). Oh! Harold! Harold O'Brien, Harold was class president (1, 2), Sophomore play cast (2), Ocksheperida Board (4), Was he ever seen alone? Oh! Grace!
NOTE: Pg 87, includes a description of The Ocksheperida, the bi-weekly school newspaper, an Indian word meaning "Camp Crier," enlarged in 1928 from a four-page to a six-page periodical. It also explains that the Ocksheperida helped produce the 11 Mar 1928 edition of the Sheridan Post-Enterprise, a custom for the past 4 years.
NOTE: Pg 135, includes a description of Senior Distinction Day. Of all the days on which students attend school, Senior Distinction Day stands above all as the most exciting ad extraordinary. Senior Distinction Day has become a traditional custom in Sheridan High School and is held annually. This year Distinction Day was held on Friday, May 11 and was, to the Seniors, the most eventful and significant day ever spent in S H S; and to the other classmen, it was the most colorful and enjoyable. On this traditional day all Seniors dress in some different or fantastic costumes and come to school. The Senior girls colorfully portrayed the Turks, and the boys successfully imitated the Spanish "caballero." Tambourines, trinkets, and gaudy head-bands for the girls, and cutlasses, bell-bottom trousers, and drooping red sashes for the boys, transformed the halls of Sheridan High into a fashion-walk of the world. Never before had costuming been done so well as it was by the Seniors of '28. The program for the day was one of increasing surprise and constant action and was well planned and well executed. The Seniors enjoyed a novel and new experience when they went out at 5:30 and partook of an early morning breakfast, with the rising sun as sole spectator of the event. Coming from there they formed a long parade and marched up and down the main street. Such a parade the good citizens of Sheridan had never before witnessed. Cars were banned as being too modern, and as a result, every possible method of conveyance was in evidence here. Vehicles of every imaginable sort -- baby buggies, scooters, carriages, roller skates, push-mobiles, hand-cars, were conveying and were being piloted by Seniors, who apparently suffered a momentary loss of dignity. The parade then went to the school where the long-to-be-remembered Distinction Day assembly was held. For once the lower classmen could gaze to their heart's content upon the worthy Seniors, for they sat up on the stage all decked out in their festive Spanish and Turkish splendor. The features of the assembly were the reading of the Last Will and Testament of the Senior Class in which the Juniors fell heed to many valuable things and a great deal of advice, and the reading of the Senior Prophecy in which the seers of Sheridan High foretold the destinies and actions of the members of the Senior Class for years to come. Some of the prognostications proved encouraging to the graduates and some seemed to have a dampening effect on the ardor of the ambitious. However, realizing the possibility of error on the part of the seers, the assembly program was concluded with class songs and the song of farewell. Classes took up but order was sadly lacking when the raids of the Spaniards commenced. Freshmen received much help that day from the wise old Seniors. Classes were dismissed at 2:30 to gather in the auditorium for the annual Senior Distinction Day Sunlight Dance. The high lights of the affair were balloon dances, empty shoe dances and so forth; several novel stunts were given to add to the amusement and good time. Lyle Corey's orchestra furnished the music for this unusually successful and peppy part. The dance concluded the program and then all went home, cherishing happy memories of Distinction Day. Though the Seniors may be scattered throughout the world by the winds of fortune, they will always think of May 11 of '28 as being synonymous with pep, color, excitement, and good, whole-hearted fun.
SCHOOL: O-SCH-0004

SCHOOL: Graduation Announcement, The Senior Class of Sheridan High School, graduation exercises, Thursday, May thirty-first, eight o'clock, nineteen twenty-eight, Sheridan, Wyoming. Name Card, Harold E O'Brien.
SCHOOL: O-SCH-0006

ADDRESS: City Directory; 1927-28; R L Polk & Co's Sheridan City and Sheridan Co Directory, Wyoming 1927-28; p 114; Sheridan Co Fulmer Public Library, Sheridan, WY;
Note: O'Brien, Harold, carrier Post Enterprise, r Rialto bldg.
DIRECTORY: O-DIR-0009

OCCUPATION: Letter written to the Sheridan Post Newspaper Office, Sheridan, WY, dated 1 Feb 1982, asking about employment information of Harold O'Brien at the Post from about 1922-1929, was responded to by saying "Sorry, we cannot help. If your father was a member of the International Typographical Union, they would have a record of him at their headquarters in Colorado Springs." [Letter discarded 3/2004.]
NOTE: The letter to them did not say that he was a "newspaper boy" so they had no way of knowing what type of work he did there.

MARRIAGE: Civil marriage record; 1933; County Clerk, Genesee Co MI; #21831; County Clerk, Genesee Co MI;
NOTE: Date of license 14 Feb 1933. Date of marriage 23 Apr 1933. Residence of bride and groom Flint MI. Occupation of groom Manager Grocery Store. Occupation of bride "at home." Parents of groom Ray O'Brien and Carrie Christenson. Parents of bride Jesse L Roat and Catherine Thomas. Place of marriage Flint MI. Age of both at the time of marriage 22, groom born WY, bride born MI. Minister Hazen G Werner. Witnesses Marion Elizabeth Roat [sister of bride] and John Alexander Letts [friend of the groom], both residing in Flint MI.
MARRIAGE: O-CVM-0007

MARRIAGE:
NOTE: This marriage found online at Flint [MI] Genealogical Society, Genesee County Clerk's Office, marriage license records, 1867-1934: < http://www.rootsweb.com/~mifgs/marriages/index.html >
Obrien, Harold to Roat, Eleanor, V14, #21831, p164, 04/23/1933.

MARRIAGE: Levi Roat Bible; 1812-1880; Jones Brothers & Co's Superfine Edition, New Devotional and Practical Pictorial Family Bible, pub 187_, Cincinnati OH, Philadelphia PA, Chicago IL, Memphis TN; births, deaths, marriages; possession Patricia (O'Brien) Hellmers;
NOTE: Eleanor Fanchon Roat married Harold E O'Brien 23 Apr 1933, Flint.
BIBLE: R-BIB-0001

MARRIAGE: Church marriage record Harold O'Brien to Eleanor Roat; 1933; Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI; baptisms, marriages, removals, records 1925-1942, 23 Apr 1933, pg 439; Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI;
NOTE: Mr Harold O'Brien married Miss Eleanor Roat 23 Apr 1933 at Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI, by Hazen G Werner, pastor, witnesses John Alexander Letts and Marion Elizabeth Roat.
BIBLE: R-CHM-0002

MARRIAGE: Wedding announcement Elmer Bryan [sic] & Eleanor Roat; 1933; THE FLINT DAILY JOURNAL, Flint, Genesee Co, MI; 24 Apr 1933, pg 11, col 6; Flint Public Library, Flint, Genesee Co, MI;
NOTE: [This account gives the groom's name as Elmer Bryan. The explanation for this according to Harold and Eleanor (Roat) O'Brien was that Harold was employed by the A & P Company, and had obtained his position somewhat on the fact that he was single at the time. He was concerned that if they knew that he got married, that might change his chances of advancement somehow, or perhaps his salary, for some reason. As it turns out, he most likely at some point informed them that he was married, and in fact, he was promoted to being a manager of an A & P store in Standish, Arenac Co, MI, sometime between 1939 and 1944.]
NOTE: Bryan-Roat Nuptials Read At Home Service, Pretty Ceremony Takes Place at Home of Bride's Parents. A pretty home ceremony read yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock by the Rev Hazen G Werner of Court Street M E church, united in marriage Miss Eleanor Fanchon Roat, daughter of Mr and Mrs J L Roat, 618 Avon street, where the wedding took place, and Elmer Bryan, son of Mrs Carrie Bryan, Flint. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Marion Elizabeth Roat. She wore a gown of blue crepe, with chiffon trim, and her sister was attired in rose crepe, trimmed in white. Both carried shower bouquets of talisman roses and sweet peas. John A Letts assisted as best man. Preceding the ceremony, Miss Ruth Hammer sang "I Love You Truly," accompanied by Mrs Katherine Roat Stevens. A wedding supper was served to 30 guests following the service. Sweet peas and pink tapers graced the tables, while palm sand roses were used in the home. Miss Helen and Miss Hollis Nixon assisted with the serving. Mr and Mrs Bryan left on a short motor trip and will return to Flint to make their home. Parties complimenting the bride before her marriage included an apartment shower given by Mrs Claude Yates, and a personal and miscellaneous shower at the I M A club rooms for 35 guests, given by Miss Avis Scofield, Miss Anieta Farr, Mrs Joseph Miller and Mrs Fred Resseguide.
NEWS: O-NEW-0020

NEWS: News article fire of cabins; 1951; ARENAC COUNTY INDEPENDENT, Standish, Arenac Co, MI; 10 Jan 1951, pg 1, col xx; Arenac County Independent, Standish, MI;
NOTE: O'Brien Cabins Damaged by Fire. Quick work by the Standish fire department stopped a fire in O'Brien's tourist cabins in short order Saturday evening. Harold O'Brien, owner, discovered smoke coming out of the cabins when he returned from work about 9:00 p.m. Calling the fire department, O'Brien said he had made just two trips between the house and the cabins when the department arrived. "I think the department should be complimented on its work," he said. "We suffered no water damage at all. A bed two feet from the burning wall was not even touched with water." O'Brien said the fire had been caused by defective wiring. It burned a closet wall and ruined the wall to wall carpet on the floor. He estimated the damage at around $500 The loss is covered by insurance. Heat generated by the fire was terrific. A cinder block wall across the room from the fire was too hot to touch. Water in the bathroom water closet was boiling. Rock wool insulation prevented the fire from spreading to the attic.
NEWS: O-NEW-0022

DEATH: Per SSDI:
NOTE: Harold E O'Brien, born 17 Jun 1910, died 13 Sep 1997, last residence Orange City, Volusia, FL 32763, last benefit none specified, issued Michigan.

MEMORIAL:
NOTE: A Memorial Service, Service of Remembrance, was held for Harold E O'Brien at the chapel in John Knox Village, Orange City, Florida, on 14 Sep 1997, 3:00 p m, officiated by Village chaplain, Jack Gates in partnership with Rev David McGaffic, Orange City United Methodist Church, organist Lois Gates. Scriptures Isaiah 40:28-31, John 14:106, I Thessalonians 4:16-18, Psalm 23 (spoken in unison). Hymns "What a Friend We Have in Jesus", "Blessed Assurance." Personal information given: Harold E O'Brien, 87 years, born June 17, 1910, Sheridan, Wyoming, died September 13, 1997, Orange City, Florida. Sons, James O'Brien of Portland, Oregon, Robert O'Brien of Farmington Hills, Michigan, daughter Patricia Hellmers of Springfield, Illinois, six grandchildren, 1 great grandchild. Other family present, nephew Ralph Gillam of New Smyrna Beach, Florida and niece Karen Wolfson of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Harold was a Ben Franklin Store owner in Standish, Michigan, along with his wife, Eleanor. They retired in 1974 and moved to New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In 1986, they moved to John Knox Village. Eleanor passed away in 1994. Harold continued to live at John Knox until his death on Saturday. He was considered to be a gentleman by all.
NOTE: Also present, but not mentioned in printed Service of Remembrance folder, Norman Hellmers, husband of Patricia Hellmers, Mary Gillam, wife of Ralph Gillam. Don Wolfson, husband of Karen Wolfson and their children Kimberly, Erin, and Lance Wolfson. Many friends from John Knox Village.
NOTE: Harold's residence at the time of his death was apartment 207A, John Knox Village, Orange City, Florida.
CHURCH OTHER: O-CHO-0003

BURIAL: Cremated, no burial, ashes scattered.

CENSUS:

1910 - Family not found in this census, presumably Sheridan WY, see Raymond O'Brien notes.

1920 - Listed with parents.

1930 - Listed with father.


Eleanor Fanchon Roat

BIRTH: Civil birth record; 1910; Co Clerk, Genesee Co MI; 1 Dec 1910, vol 7 p 157; Co Clerk, Genesee Co MI;
NOTE: Eleanor Fanchon Roat, born 1 Dec 1910, Flint, Michigan, female, filed 5 May 1911, vol 7 p 157, father Jesse L Roat, born Michigan, mother Katharine Thomas, born Michigan.
BIRTH: R-CVB-0001

BIRTH: Levi Roat Bible; 1812-1880; Jones Brothers & Co's Superfine Edition, New Devotional and Practical Pictorial Family Bible, pub 187_, Cincinnati OH, Philadelphia PA, Chicago IL, Memphis TN; births, deaths, marriages; possession Patricia (O'Brien) Hellmers;
NOTE: Eleanor Fanchon Roat born 1 Dec 1910, parents Jesse and Katharine Roat.
BIBLE: R-BIB-0001

BIRTH: Compiled family data, possession Patricia (O'Brien) Hellmers;
NOTE: Eleanor Roat b 1 Dec 1910 d 5 Aug 1994 m Harold O'Brien b 17 Jun 1910. Children: (1) James Harold O'Brien b 12 Mar 1937 m Jean, divorced, child Timothy James O'Brien b 1 Jun 1969, (2) Robert O'Brien b 28 Jan 1939 m Mary, children Kathryn Elizabeth O'Brien b 2 Jul 1966, Lynda Suzanne O'Brien b 8 Jul 1968, Edward Phillip O'Brien b 20 Aug 1975, (3) Patricia Irene O'Brien b 14 Apr 1944 m Norman Hellmers b 3 Feb 1944, children Jennifer Irene Hellmers b 20 Nov 1968 [sic 22 Nov 1968] m Harlan Bjornsted [sic Bjornstad] b 30 Apr 1969, child Soren Bjornsted [sic Bjornstad] b 22 Apr 1995, Jeffrey Norman Hellmers b 11 Dec 1971.
COMPILED: R-COM-0008

BAPTISM: Letter from Oak Park United Methodist Church stating baptism of Eleanor Fanchon Roat 11 Jun 1911 at Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church; 1997; Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI; 11 Jun 1911; possession of Patricia (O'Brien) Hellmers;
NOTE: Letter states that by telephone received information of baptism of Eleanor Fanchon Roat b 1 Dec 1910 baptized 11 Jun 1911 by Rev A R Johns at Court Street M E Church on Children's Day. Several other children baptized on that day.
LETTER: R-LET-0029

SCHOOLS: Per some old notes, discarded 2/2006, Eleanor attended Oak Street School, Walker School (she "went in as the shortest and went out as the tallest"), Whittier Jr High (9th grade, year it opened), Central High School, Central College (now Flint Jr?).

SCHOOL: Graduation Announcement, The Central High School of Flint, Michigan, announces the Graduation of The Class of Nineteen Hundred Twenty-Nine, Thursday evening, June thirteenth, eight o'clock. Name Card, Eleanor Fanchon Roat.
SCHOOL: O-SCH-0006

MARRIAGE: Civil marriage record; 1933; County Clerk, Genesee Co MI; #21831; County Clerk, Genesee Co MI;
NOTE: Date of license 14 Feb 1933. Date of marriage 23 Apr 1933. Residence of bride and groom Flint MI. Occupation of groom Manager Grocery Store. Occupation of bride "at home." Parents of groom Ray O'Brien and Carrie Christenson. Parents of bride Jesse L Roat and Catherine Thomas. Place of marriage Flint MI. Age of both at the time of marriage 22, groom born WY, bride born MI. Minister Hazen G Werner. Witnesses Marion Elizabeth Roat [sister of bride] and John Alexander Letts [friend of the groom], both residing in Flint, MI.
MARRIAGE: O-CVM-0007

MARRIAGE:
NOTE: This marriage found online at Flint [MI] Genealogical Society, Genesee County Clerk's Office, marriage license records, 1867-1934: < http://www.rootsweb.com/~mifgs/marriages/index.html >
OBrien, Harold to Roat, Eleanor, V14, #21831, p164, 04/23/1933.

MARRIAGE: Church marriage record Harold O'Brien to Eleanor Roat; 1933; Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI; baptisms, marriages, removals, records 1925-1942, 23 Apr 1933, pg 439; Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI;
NOTE: Mr Harold O'Brien married Miss Eleanor Roat 23 Apr 1933 at Court Street United Methodist Church, Flint, Genesee Co MI, by Hazen G Werner, pastor, witnesses John Alexander Letts and Marion Elizabeth Roat.
CHURCH MARRIAGE: R-CHM-0002

MARRIAGE: Levi Roat Bible; 1812-1880; Jones Brothers & Co's Superfine Edition, New Devotional and Practical Pictorial Family Bible, pub 187_, Cincinnati OH, Philadelphia PA, Chicago IL, Memphis TN; births, deaths, marriages; possession Patricia Hellmers, Springfield IL 1996;
NOTE: Eleanor Fanchon Roat married Harold E O'Brien 23 Apr 1933, Flint.
BIBLE: R-BIB-0001

MARRIAGE: Wedding announcement Elmer Bryan [sic] & Eleanor Roat; 1933; THE FLINT DAILY JOURNAL, Flint, Genesee Co, MI; 24 Apr 1933, pg 11, col 6; Flint Public Library, Flint, Genesee Co, MI;
NOTE: [This account gives the groom's name as Elmer Bryan. The explanation for this according to Harold and Eleanor (Roat) O'Brien was that Harold was employed by the A & P Company, and had obtained his position somewhat on the fact that he was single at the time. He was concerned that if they knew that he got married, that might change his chances of advancement somehow, or perhaps his salary, for some reason. As it turns out, he most likely at some point informed them that he was married, and in fact, he was promoted to being a manager of an A & P store in Standish, Arenac Co, MI, sometime between 1939 and 1944.]
NOTE: Bryan-Roat Nuptials Read At Home Service, Pretty Ceremony Takes Place at Home of Bride's Parents. A pretty home ceremony read yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock by the Rev Hazen G Werner of Court Street M E church, united in marriage Miss Eleanor Fanchon Roat, daughter of Mr and Mrs J L Roat, 618 Avon street, where the wedding took place, and Elmer Bryan, son of Mrs Carrie Bryan, Flint. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Marion Elizabeth Roat. She wore a gown of blue crepe, with chiffon trim, and her sister was attired in rose crepe, trimmed in white. Both carried shower bouquets of talisman roses and sweet peas. John A Letts assisted as best man. Preceding the ceremony, Miss Ruth Hammer sang "I Love You Truly," accompanied by Mrs Katherine Roat Stevens. A wedding supper was served to 30 guests following the service. Sweet peas and pink tapers graced the tables, while palm sand roses were used in the home. Miss Helen and Miss Hollis Nixon assisted with the serving. Mr and Mrs Bryan left on a short motor trip and will return to Flint to make their home. Parties complimenting the bride before her marriage included an apartment shower given by Mrs Claude Yates, and a personal and miscellaneous shower at the I M A club rooms for 35 guests, given by Miss Avis Scofield, Miss Anieta Farr, Mrs Joseph Miller and Mrs Fred Resseguide.
NEWS: O-NEW-0020

DEATH: Per SSDI.
NOTE: Eleanor F O'Brien, born 1 Dec 1910, died 5 Aug 1994, last residence Orange City, Volusia, FL 32763, last benefit none specified, issued MI.

DEATH: Civil death record; 1994; Office of Vital Statistics, State of Florida, Jacksonville FL; #6334439 died 5 Aug 1994; Office of Vital Statistics, State of Florida, Jacksonville FL;
NOTE: Eleanor F O'Brien female died 5 Aug 1994, age 83 born 1 Dec 1910, Flint, Michigan, died nursing home, John Knox Village, Orange City, Volusia Co FL, occupation owner/partner retail store, married, spouse Harold O'Brien, 105 Northlake Dr Apt #111A Orange City, Volusia Co FL, 32763, deceased was white, had 2 yrs college ed, father Jess Roat, mother Nellie I Thomas [sic Katharine T Roat], method of disposition cremation, Cedar Hill Crematory, Daytona Beach FL, funeral service Volusia Co Cremation Soc, 1425 Bellevue Ave, Daytona Beach FL, doctor Pradeep Mathur MD, 24155 Volusia Ave, Orange City FL, immediate cause of death within minutes cardiopulmonary arrest, leading causes of death, years, hypertensive cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, no autopsy, case reported to medical examiner, manner of death natural.
DEATH: R-CVD-0001

!OBITUARY: Obituary Eleanor O'Brien; 1994; ARENAC COUNTY INDEPENDENT, Standish MI; _ Aug 1994, p _, c_; Arenac County Independent, Standish MI;
NOTE: Eleanor O'Brien age 83 long-time Standish resident, passed away in Florida 5 Aug 1994 due to complications following a stroke. Mrs O'Brien was wife of Harold O'Brien former owners of O'Brien's Ben Franklin Store, Standish. Mrs O'Brien was very active in United Methodist Church both in Standish and in New Smyrna Beach Florida. She was Grand Ruth in the Order of Eastern Star while in Michigan. O'Briens moved to Florida in 1972 and were currently living in Orange City. Survived by husband Harold of Orange City, son James of Portland Oregon, son Robert of Standish, daughter Patricia of Springfield, Illinois, one sister and one brother. Memorial service will be held at John Knox Village in Florida.
OBITUARY: R-OBT-0115

OBITUARY: Obituary Eleanor O'Brien; 1994;;; VOLUSIA CO CREMATION SOCIETY, Daytona, Volusia Co, FL;
NOTE: Orange City, Eleanor F O'Brien 83 of Northlake Drive the retired owner of Ben Franklin Variety Store Standish Michigan died Friday at John Knox Village. Mrs O'Brien was born in Flint Michigan and moved here eight years ago from New Smyrna Beach. She was a member of the Coronado Community Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. Survivors include her husband of 61 years Harold, two sons James H, Portland, Oregon, and Robert L, Standish, a daughter Patricia I Hellmers, Springfield, Illinois, a brother Robert L Roat, Napa Valley California, a sister, Katherine Stevens, Flint, Michigan, and four grandchildren. Volusia County Cremation Society is in charge.
OBITUARY: R-OBT-0110

!MEMORIAL: Memorial Service Eleanor F O'Brien; 1994, possession Patricia (O'Brien) Hellmers;
NOTE: In Remembrance Memorial service held for Eleanor F O'Brien 19 Aug 1994, 2 pm John Knox Village Chapel, Orange City FL, died 5 Aug 1994. Chaplain Jack Gates, Organist Mary Schweickart, Soloist Brenda Brady, "The Lord's Prayer", Meditation Rev Russell Belcher, Hymns "Open My Eyes, That I May See," and "How Great Thou Art."
Scriptures, Psalm 103:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; John 10:27-29; John 11:25; Psalm 116:15; Jeremiah 32:27, Psalm 23.
Service of Remembrance: Eleanor F O'Brien, 83 years, born December 1, 1910, Flint, Michigan, died August 5, 1994, Orange City, Florida, survivors Harold O'Brien, husband of 61 years, James O'Brien of Portland, Oregon, son, Robert O'Brien of Standish, Michigan, son, Patricia Hellmers of Springfield, Illinois, daughter, Katharine Stevens of Flint, Michigan, sister, Robert Roat of Napa, California, brother.
Eleanor was a Ben Franklin store owner, a member of the Orange City United Methodist Church, The Eastern Star, and she loved camping and fishing.
Pastor's Message, scriptures: Proverbs 31:10-12, 20, 25-31, Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Revelation 21:1-4.
Today we remember and give thanks to God for our dear friend Eleanor O'Brien. We are thankful for her joy of life and her love of each of you. Today strength and dignity are her clothing. She did look well to the ways of her household and store and did not allow any idleness to get in that way. Proverbs 31.
Eleanor was born, reared, and attended school in Flint, Michigan. She was one of five sisters and her brother Bob. Friends of the family, the Carlson's would have Harold in mind and his best interests at heart when they sent him to call on Eleanor. Harold and Eleanor were married on April 23, 1933. For 41 years they would own and operate Ben Franklin in Standish, Michigan. They join their son Robert in now knowing more about Ben Franklin stores than Ben Franklin. Harold has shared that he liked being his own proprietor. Eleanor and Harold's wife of 61 years, his best friend, and pal. Their three children, James, Robert, and Patricia, their spouses, and grandchildren, their nieces, nephews, Ralph & Mary Gillam, Karen & Don Wolfson join Eleanor's sister Katherine and brother Robert in thanking God for Eleanor.
Last week, Eleanor's daughter Pat wrote to her father, to share with Harold her thoughts and feelings. Harold was Eleanor's Pal, her first love. Her second love being this great family of son-in-laws, daughter-in-laws, children and grandchildren. Pat wrote that her third love was the church, Court Street Methodist Church in Flint, Standish Community United Methodist Church, and Orange City Methodist Church, and Sunday evening vespers here at John Knox Village. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Harold survived her year on the road as a Grand Officer. She loved bazaars, bake and rummage sales. "Her faith was always visible, never wavered, and was an example to all of us through the years," wrote Pat.
Eleanor enjoyed working with Harold at the store, or in the wild outdoors, camping and fishing around the country. She has given this love of life and appreciation for nature to her family. She shared words of love and encouragement freely with her grandchildren. Eleanor worked as a Med Center volunteer at John Knox Village, and on Table decorations. She loved playing games. She would even let you win - once in a while. She was thankful for her family and for all of her John Knox Village friends. Today we join a great crowd of witnesses in heaven in giving thanks to God for the life and everlasting life of Eleanor O'Brien. Russell T Belcher, August 18, 1994.

NOTE: Eleanor Roat O'Brien was cremated. Her ashes were given to her husband, Harold O'Brien by nephew Ralph Gillam the day of the Memorial Service. Daughter, Patricia O'Brien Hellmers, saw Ralph give the ashes to her father, Harold O'Brien. When Patricia was visiting her father in the Spring of 1996 her father told her that he had spread Eleanor's ashes in the bushes outside of their apartment window in their old apartment 111A Bldg Knox Village. He did this before he moved from that apartment to a smaller one at 207A. Harold and Eleanor had discussed death and burial many times in the past and both agreed that they would be cremated.
CHURCH OTHER: O-0004

BURIAL: Inhumation of ashes, John Knox Village, Orange City, FL.


12. Nancy Lee DeWitt

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:
(1) Larry Jensen - one child, Michelle, born about 1955
(2) Gerald Van Buskirk - one child, Todd, born 1960
(3) Laird Lauber - one child, Chris, born 1970
(4) Brian Jackson

LOCATION: She is listed in her grandmother Anine Raun Christensen's obituary in 1959 as Mrs. Gerald Van Buskirk of Green River, Wyo.

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 22 Aug 1973, she stated the following: Nancy, our oldest, is married to Laird Lauber and lives in Albuquerque. He is district manager of Alta Distrib Co, a merchandising company out of Phoenix. Nancy works for him. Nancy has three children, Michelle, 18 yrs a senior this year. Her daddy was killed in an auto wreck in 1958. Then there is Todd, 13 yrs. Nancy was married 9 yrs to Gerald Van Buskirk. [Divorced]. She moved to Denver where she met and married Laird. They have 3 yr old Chris.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1975, Anne wrote that Nancy and family are in Albuquerque. Laird supervises two districts for Alta Distributing Co. Chris is in kindergarten. Todd is a freshman. Michelle works for an attorney and goes to law school at night.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1979, Anne wrote that Nancy and family live in Omaha. Chris is nine and in fourth grade. Todd and his family also live in Omaha. Michelle and her husband live in Albuquerque. She is going to the Uni of New Mexico getting her degree in nursing. We became great grandparents this summer. Todd and Kathy had Tracy Lea on August 6. She was christened in my dress made by my mother.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1982, Anne wrote that Nancy and Laird are in Omaha. Laird is with Prince Matchebelli. Chris is a junior in high school. Michelle is with them working in Omaha.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 12 Jan 1983, Anne wrote Nancy's son has two children, Tracy 2-1/2 and Joshua 5 months.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1983, Anne wrote Laird is still with Prince Matchebelli. Chris is an eighth grader this year and does like junior high. Michelle is a legal secretary in Omaha. She has her own apartment. Todd works in York. He and Laura have Joshua who was a year old in August.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1987, Anne wrote we have three graduations coming up this year. Joyce's Kay will get her Master's from Wyoming in Speech Pathology. Howard's Kyle will get his Bachelor's from Texas A & M in Ag Business. Nancy's Chris graduates from Millard South in Omaha.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1988, Anne wrote Nancy and Laird are still in Omaha. Nancy is working. Chris is going to Uni of Nebr, Omaha majoring in communications. Michelle married Bob Weaver last summer. She lives in Bellevue. She is a full time legal secretary and is also working on her degree at Bellevue College.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated June 1990, Anne wrote Nancy's Michelle has been working as a legal secretary but had never finished college work. So she went back at nights and will get her degree Saturday from Bellevue College and has been accepted at Creighton Uni Law School in the fall.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas1990, Anne wrote Nancy has a little apartment and is working. Chris is a junior at UNL in Lincoln. Todd is living in New Mexico.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 31 Oct 1992, she stated the following: Nancy Lee DeWitt, born 19 Jun 1936, married Larry Jensen, 28 Dec 1954, he died 21 Apr 1958, child Michelle Jensen (married Weaver). Nancy married 2. Gerald Van Buskirk, 21 Feb 1959, divorced 1958 [i.e., 1968, see above reference, married 9 years], child Todd Van Buskirk born 16 Jul 1960, [six children?]. Nancy married 3. Laird Lauber 23 Nov 1968, divorced 1989, child Chris Lauber, born 27 May 1970.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1992, Anne wrote Everyone is still in the same town. Nancy Omaha, Michell Bellevue, Todd Albuquerque, Chris Omaha, Howard Jr Dallas, Kyle Austin, Jodie Dallas, Joyce Alliance, Kurt Colorado, Kay in Gering.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1993, Anne wrote Jodie was married to Kevin Hall and they live in Plano, TX. Kyle and Renae live in Austin, TX and are expecting our tenth great grandchild in April. Nancy is in Omaha and Chris lives with her. Michelle is in Phoenix and Todd in Albuquerque. Howard Jr is in Dallas and all over the world. Joyce is in Alliance. Kurt is in Colorado. Kay is in Gering.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Howard DeWitt dated Christmas 2003, Howard wrote that his oldest daughter, Nancy, passed away June 26, 2003, after a brief illness.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

DEATH: Per SSDI:
NOTE: Nancy L Lauber-Jacks [sic], born 19 Jun 1936, died 26 Jun 2003, last residence Scottsdale, Maricopa, AZ, last benefit none specified, issued NE.

NOTE: Found at AllianceTimes.com [cached version].
< http://web.archive.org/web/20040112213908/www.alliancetimes.com/archives/obits/063003.htm >

Nancy Jackson, 67

(June 30, 2003) SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. Nancy Lee Jackson, 67, died Thursday, June 26, at Sun City, Ariz., following a brief illness. She was born June 19, 1936, at Rushville, to Howard and Anne Belle (Christensen) DeWitt.

She was married to Larry Heiting Jensen on Dec. 28, 1954 at Hay Springs. They had one daughter, Michelle. He preceded her in death on April 21, 1958. She was married to Brian Jackson on Nov. 27, 1998, at Scottsdale. She is survived by her husband, Brian of Scottsdale; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Allen Anderson of Phoenix, Ariz.; sons Todd Lee Van Buskirk of Mesa, Ariz., and Christopher Laird and daughter-in-law Polly Lauber of Mackelsfield, Chetshire, England; and several grandchildren. She also is survived by her father, C. Howard DeWitt of Alliance; brother and wife, Howard Stuart and Nancy DeWitt of Frisco, Texas; sister and husband Joyce Anne and Larry Butzine of Alliance; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother.

Memorial services will be Saturday, July 5, at Scottsdale.

BURIAL:


Larry Heiting Jensen

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 31 Oct 1992, she stated the following: [Larry] was killed in an auto wreck in 1958.

DEATH: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 31 Oct 1992, she stated the following: Nancy Lee DeWitt, born 19 Jun 1936, married Larry Jensen, 28 Dec 1954, he died 21 Apr 1958.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

BURIAL:


18. Michelle Jensen

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

NOTE: She may have married a _______ Weaver:
!LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 31 Oct 1992, she stated the following: Nancy Lee DeWitt, born 19 Jun 1936, married Larry Jensen, 28 Dec 1954, he died 21 Apr 1958, child Michelle Jensen (married Weaver). Nancy married 2. Gerald Van Buskirk, 21 Feb 1959, divorced 1958 [ie 1968, see above reference, married 9 years], child Todd Van Buskirk born 16 Jul 1960, [six children?]. Nancy married 3. Laird Lauber 23 Nov 1968, divorced 1989, child Chris Lauber, born 27 May 1970.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

NOTE: She is listed in her mother's obituary in 2003 as: "Michelle and Allen Anderson of Phoenix, Ariz."

DEATH:

BURIAL:


Gerald Van Buskirk

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


19. Todd Van Buskirk

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:

NOTE: He is listed in his mother's obituary in 2003 as : "Todd Lee Van Buskirk of Mesa, Ariz."


Laird Lauber

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


20. Chris Laird Lauber

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:

NOTE: He is listed in his mother's obituary in 2003 as: "Christopher Laird and daughter-in-law Polly Lauber of Mackelsfield, Chetshire, England."


Brian Jackson

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:

NOTE: At the time of the death of his wife, Nancy, in 2003, he was "of Scottsdale" [AZ].


13. Howard Stuart DeWitt Jr

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:
(1) - Karen Hamilton - two children, Kyle and Jodie.
(2) - Nancy
NOTE: He is listed in his sister Nancy's obituary in 2003 as: "Howard Stuart and Nancy DeWitt of Frisco, Texas."

LOCATION: He is listed in his grandmother Anine Raun Christensen's obituary in 1959 as Cadet Howard S. DeWitt of West Point, N.Y.

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 22 Aug 1973, she stated the following: Howard Jr is a major in the Army right now stationed at Ft Riley, Kansas. His wife is Karen and they have Kyle (boy) age 8, and Jodie, 6 yrs. This family, of course, doesn't stay put. Last year they were stationed in Thailand and we went over.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1975, Anne wrote that Howard Jr and family lived in Ft Leavenworth, Kansas, where he was accepted to go to War College. Karen teaches third grade. Kyle is in fifth grade and Jodie in third.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1979, Anne wrote that Howard is at Ft Monroe in Virginia and Karen is teaching at Newport News. Jodie and Kyle are both in Junior High.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1980, Anne wrote that Howard Jr moved to the Washington DC area and he is stationed at the Pentagon. Karen is teaching. Kyle is in high school. Jodie is in junior high.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1981, Anne wrote that Howard Jr retired from the Army as Lt Col and he accepted a position with Vought Company at Dallas as special advisor to the director of research and development. Karen found a teaching job. Their children love their new high school.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1981, Anne wrote that Howard is engineering project manager at Vought Corporation. Karen teaches. Jodi and Kyle are in high school. Kyle will graduate in May and has been accepted at Texas A and M.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1983, Anne wrote that Howard Jr. still lives in Dallas. He was promoted during the year, now being an executive heading his own division of research and development at Vought Corporation. Karen is teaching in Carrollton. Kyle is a freshman at Texas A & M. Jodie is a junior in high school. She is a cheerleader in the top group in Texas. They will go to national competition in December.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1987, Anne wrote we have three graduations coming up this year. Joyce's Kay will get her Master's from Wyoming in Speech Pathology. Howard's Kyle will get his Bachelor's from Texas A & M in Ag Business. Nancy's Chris graduates from Millard South in Omaha.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1988, Anne wrote that Howard lives in Dallas, but it is just a base for him. He travels constantly in the USA and overseas. His field is aero-space, so much time is spent at the Pentagon. His son, Kyle, got his degree in August and landed a job with Dunn and Bradstreet. He is starting out in their branch in Bryan, TX, for a year he will touch branches over the US and then the home office in New York will make his permanent assignment. Jodie is still at Stephen K Austin State majoring in marketing and education.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1990, Anne wrote Karen was here with Kyle and Renae Martin his fiancee. They will be married in Beaumont, Texas, June 8.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1990, Anne wrote Kyle and Renea were married in Beaumont, Texas. They live in Austin where Kyle has been working and where she teaches school.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 31 Oct 1992, she stated the following: Howard Stuart DeWitt, born 28 Dec 1937, married Karen Hamilton, 23 Dec 1961, divorced 1986 [?], children (1) Kyle, born 26 May 1965, he married Renae [Martin, per another letter], 8 Jun 1991, (2) Jodie, born 23 Dec 1966, "to be married to" Kevin Hall 8 Feb 1993.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1992, Anne wrote the big event for next year will be Jodie's wedding. Her fiance is a coach at a suburb of Dallas. The wedding is in Feb. Everyone is still in the same town. Nancy Omaha, Michell Bellevue, Todd Albuquerque, Chris Omaha, Howard Jr Dallas, Kyle Austin, Jodie Dallas, Joyce Alliance, Kurt Colorado, Kay in Gering.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1993, Anne wrote Jodie was married to Kevin Hall and they live in Plano, TX. Kyle and Renae live in Austin, TX and are expecting our tenth great grandchild in April. Nancy is in Omaha and Chris lives with her. Michelle is in Phoenix and Todd in Albuquerque. Howard Jr is in Dallas and all over the world. Joyce is in Alliance. Kurt is in Colorado. Kay is in Gering.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated about Oct 1994, Anne wrote Howard Jr became a grandfather in April to our 12th great grandson.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Howard DeWitt dated Christmas 1998, Howard wrote the highlight of the year was the birth of three great granddaughters: (1) Madison Noel April 19, 1998 parents Kevin and Jodie (DeWitt) Hall, (2) Kendall Ranea April 24, 1998 parents Kyle and Ranea DeWitt, (3) Morgan Mikay August 19, 1998 parents Mike and Kay (Butzine).
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Howard DeWitt dated Christmas 1999, Howard wrote that he would be spending the Christmas with Howard, Nancy, and family in Texas.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Joyce DeWitt Butzine dated Christmas 2000, Joyce wrote that in May [1999] she and her husband Larry had visited Howard (Joyce's brother) and wife, Nancy, in Dallas.
NOTE: This, and the letter above, indicate that Howard m2 to Nancy _______.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

DEATH:

BURIAL:


Karen Hamilton

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


21. Kyle DeWitt

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


22. Jodie DeWitt

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


14. Joyce Anne DeWitt

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE: - Larry Butzine - two children, Kurt and Kay.
NOTE: She is mentioned in her sister Nancy's obituary in 2003 as: "sister and husband Joyce Anne and Larry Butzine of Alliance."

LOCATION: She is listed in her grandmother Anine Raun Christensen's obituary in 1959 as Mrs. Larry Butzine of Hay Springs.

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 22 Aug 1973, she stated the following: Joyce is married to Larry Butzine and they are both teaching; he math and Joyce remedial reading.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1975, Anne wrote that Joyce and her husband, Larry, live in Alliance. Larry was appointed principal of Emerson School. Joyce teaches remedial reading in junior high. Kurt is a junior and Kay is in sixth grade.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1975, Anne wrote that Joyce and family live in Alliance. Kay is a high school sophomore. Kurt is working.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1982, Anne wrote Larry is a principal and Joyce is a Title I teacher. Kay graduated from high school in May and now attends Univ of Wyo in Laramie. We gave Joyce and Larry a super party this fall to celebrate their Silver Anniversary.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 12 Jan 1983, Anne wrote that Joyce's son, Kurt, had twin girls Nov 20, Teresa and Terri.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1983, Anne wrote Kay is a sophomore at Uni of Wyoming where she is majoring in speech pathology. Kurt lives here in Alliance and Nov 20, 1982, he and Roxanne had twin girls, Teresa Kay and Terri Ray. Such beautiful blond little girls.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1987, Anne wrote we have three graduations coming up this year. Joyce's Kay will get her Master's from Wyoming in Speech Pathology. Howard's Kyle will get his Bachelor's from Texas A & M in Ag Business. Nancy's Chris graduates from Millard South in Omaha.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1988, Anne wrote that Kay, with her Master's, was fortunate to obtain a place in Gering (60 mi from home). She is the director of speech pathology for the Gering School District. She supervises the speech teachers in all the schools and directs their classes. She has her own office and her own secretary. She is also a consultant at the Regional-West Hospital in Scotts Bluff. Kurt is out of Pueblo, CO. He is maintenance man for a mobile-home company, traveling around the area. Roxanne works in a nursing home. The twins, age 6, are in school and Traci is age 3.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated 31 Oct 1992, she stated the following: Joyce Anne DeWitt, born 20 Feb 1939, married Larry Butzine, 8 Sep 1957, children (1) Kurt Butzine, born 9 Mar 1959, married Roxanne Johnson 2 children, Teresa Terri, born 20 Nov 1982, Tracie, born 15 Dec 1985, (2) Kay Butzine, born 30 May 1964.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1992, Anne wrote Everyone is still in the same town. Nancy Omaha, Michell Bellevue, Todd Albuquerque, Chris Omaha, Howard Jr Dallas, Kyle Austin, Jodie Dallas, Joyce Alliance, Kurt Colorado, Kay in Gering.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Anne Christensen DeWitt dated Christmas 1993, Anne wrote Jodie was married to Kevin Hall and they live in Plano, TX. Kyle and Renae live in Austin, TX and are expecting our tenth great grandchild in April. Nancy is in Omaha and Chris lives with her. Michelle is in Phoenix and Todd in Albuquerque. Howard Jr is in Dallas and all over the world. Joyce is in Alliance. Kurt is in Colorado. Kay is in Gering.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Howard DeWitt dated Christmas 1997, Howard wrote Joyce and Larry and Kay and her new husband, Mike Wallace, have seen much of each other.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Howard DeWitt dated Christmas 1998, Howard wrote the highlight of the year was the birth of three great granddaughters: (1) Madison Noel April 19, 1998 parents Kevin and Jodie (DeWitt) Hall, (2) Kendall Ranea April 24, 1998 parents Kyle and Ranea DeWitt, (3) Morgan Mikay August 19, 1998 parents Mike and Kay (Butzine).
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Joyce (DeWitt) Butzine dated Christmas 2000, she stated that their daughter Kay and husband were expecting a new baby due in April.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

LETTER: In a letter to Patricia Hellmers from Joyce (DeWitt) Butzine dated May 30, 2001, she stated their daughter's children as Morgan 2-1/2 and Carson 6 weeks, living an hour away and Kurt's family live in Colorado.
COMPILED: O-COM-0090

DEATH:

BURIAL:


Larry Butzine

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


23. Kurt Butzine

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL:


24. Kay Butzine

BIRTH:

MARRIAGE:

DEATH:

BURIAL: