Eva Mary (Anglicized from Eva Maria,) and Christian Reiser were prominent and highly respected pioneer residents of Lansing Township.
Eva
married Christian REISER on 7 Jun 1856 in Allamakee
County, Iowa. Christian was born 12 May 1832 in Berne, Switzerland.
He died 30 Apr 1925 in Lansing, Iowa and was buried 4 May 1925 in Lansing
Ridge Cemetery.
Christian Reiser emigrated from Switzerland with his parents at the age of ten. His first home in the U.S. was in St. Louis, Missouri. He later moved to Lansing, Iowa, where he was employed by Sam Morgan, before he started farming in Lansing Township.
After Eva Maria died in 1872, Christian remarried to Mrs. Eliza HARTLEY, on 1 January 1879. Christian and Eliza did not have children; Eliza raised Christian's children who were still at home.
According to an article in the Waukon Democrat of Aug 3, 1897, three sons of Chris and Eva Mary Reiser were in Alaska. (Census records show they were actually in Montana, prospecting for gold.)
They had ten children, surnames variously recorded as Riser or Reiser:
Tom seated, Lou standing
Thomas's birthdate is in conflict with that of his older sister, Elizabeth. She may have been born after Thomas, 27 Aug 1858, their birthdates reversed in earlier undocumented records.
Thomas' occupation is listed as gold miner in the 1900 Montana census. Brother Julius Riser was living with him at the time.
Tom was one of three Riser brothers who came to Montana in the late 1890s or early 1900s. Tom made a gold find, sold his claim for a good price and bought a small ranch for his sister, Mary Riser Goettel. He was instrumental in bringing Mary and her family to Montana to start a new life.
Tom was one of the best known prospectors in Montana
since coming west when a youth. During his career he engaged
in mining and prospecting all the way from western Canada
to South America. He was a picturesque character, a typical
old-time prospector. He had a
hand in the development of
a dozen mining camps and was well known to mining men. He
was a friend of John A. Drake, the multi-millionaire owner
of the Gold Reef property at Gilt Edge, Montana. Although
Tom made many trips to other mining areas, he regarded Lewistown
as his home and always returned there. He worked as a miner
at Kendall and opened two mining properties in that camp
and for many years spent most of his time in the Kendall
District, though he made frequent visits to Lewistown where
he knew hundreds of people.
Tom riser was a very popular man. He had a great fund of stories of his adventures and experiences and was always at home in any company. He made it plain that he considered a millionaire just as good as an honest miner, provided he behaved himself.
Thomas married Frances unknown. The marriage ended in divorce. Frances was born Dec 1873 in Germany. Frances was born in Germany, listed her age as 26 in the 1900 census and said she emigrated in 1880. She was about 7 years old when emigrated.
"Aunt Annie Royce" and George did not have children. According to a relative she kept house for her brother Julius in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She later lived in Santa Cruz, California.
Anna married George Irwin ROYCE, son of Nathaniel ROYCE and Perses MILLER. George was born 25 Nov 1850 in Chautauqua, New York. He died 25 Jul 1937 in Glendale, California and was buried 28 Jul 1937 in Glendale, California.
George Royce was a medical doctor. At the time of his death he had lived in Glendale for 24 years, 34 years in California, but had not worked since 1910. He died of pancreatic cancer.
Julius
was married at least five times according to a note on the
back of a snapshot of him with "Suzie, 5th wife". In 1900
he was enumerated with his brother, Thomas, in Fergus county,
Montana; occupation, gold miner.
According to Viola Goettel David, (No 23, below) Julius was a miner in Globe, Arizona. Florence Howell had one of his business cards; "Julius Riser - Mining, Room 15, Sultan Building, Post Office Box 268, Globe, Arizona."
Viola said that Tom and Julius prospected for minerals in Globe, Arizona - "camped out."
In conjunction with the 1920 census a check of Albuquerque city directories found a Julius Riser in Albuquerque in 1920 & 1921, miner, residing at 904 S 3rd. Mrs. Theodosia J. Riser (Mulrine House) is listed at the same address. In 1922 he is at 216 N 3rd, repair shop, but Mrs. Theodosia Riser is not listed. Julius was not listed in later directories after 1922.
Michael went to Montana in 1887 as a young man, with his brothers Tom and Louis who came west to prospect for gold. Mike worked at various jobs: freighter, miner and saloon keeper, living at times at Fort Benton, Helena, White Sulphur Springs, Kendall and Lewistown. He was killed in an automobile accident on the East Fork road where he had jacked up his car to put on tire chains, the jack slipped and the car dropped on his neck and choked and suffocated him to death.
Mike was tried and eventually acquitted, after two trials, in the shooting death of motorcycle policeman Frank Draper. On the evening of 24 November, 1925, Mike and his wife were observed entering their apartment carrying a package of newspapers which looked suspiciously like it contained moonshine whisky. Draper, another officer and a prohibition officer followed the Risers to their apartment and demanded entry. They claimed at the trial that they could hear liquid being pored down a drain and could smell the odor of moonshine. Upon being refused entry to the apartment they broke in the door and were confronted with Mike holding an automatic pistol. Three shots were fired in rapid succession, one striking officer Draper in the abdomen, one hitting Mike in the shoulder and another going through a clothing wardrobe. Draper died December 1 of peritonitis resulting from his wound.
The trial, in March 1926, centered around the fact that the officers entered without a search warrant and who fired the first shot. The jury took over forty hours of deliberation and ended at eight to four for acquittal. The second trial was held the following June, postponed to that date because of the difficulty of obtaining jurors from the farming community during the spring court session. The second trial followed the same course as the first except that Mrs. Riser's testimony had to be read to the jury, quoted from her testimony in the first trial, she having passed away on April 1. The jury deliberated for about four and a half hours to reach a verdict of not guilty. The defense presented a good case based on the lack of a search warrant and self-defense, convincing the jury that Frank Draper had shot first, almost immediately after calling out, "Drop that gun, Mike."
Mike Riser was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Michael married Blanche Helen PEET on 14 Nov 1914 in Winifred, Montana. She was born about 1871 in Percival, Illinois. She died 1 Apr 1926 in Lewiston, Montana.
A notice in the Waukon Democrat of 5 Dec 1900 reported that Louis was at the home of his parents after 18 years of (mining?) in British Colombia, Canada.
Louis was one of three Riser brothers who went to Montana to prospect for gold. The others were Tom and Mike Riser. Louis lost a leg in an accident in the gold mine at Kendall, Montana.
Lou later went to British Columbia where he worked for Reeder and Lathan Shipping Company at King George Hotel in Kaslo, on the west shore of Kootenay Lake. In his brother Tom's obituary in the Lewistown "Democrat News" it was mentioned that Lou Riser was a mining operator in Kaslo.
In
the 1880 federal census for Allamakee Co., Iowa, Elizabeth Grim, age
23, is listed with her parents at home with her father, Christian Reiser
and his second wife, Lizzie (Hartley) Riser.
Elizabeth married Otto Arthur GRIMM on 8 Sep 1875 in Waukon, Iowa. Otto was born in Saxony, Germany. It is not known when or where he died.
They had the following children:
William Goettel apparently was a drinker and in 1907, after many years of trying to cope with this problem Mary took her younger children by train to Montana. She was met there by her brother, Thomas, who helped them get started in a new life. They settled on a ranch about five miles north of Kendall, at that time a thriving mining town. There she raised her family, proving herself a good mother and excellent neighbor, working under the handicaps of pioneer frontier life. In 1920 she moved to Lewistown and from 1927 to 1931 lived at Gallatin Gateway, later returning to Lewistown. She loved the outdoors and liked to climb mountains. Throughout her 33 years in Fergus County she accumulated a wide circle of friends and was beloved and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Eva married William GOETTEL "Billy", son of Ferdinand GOETTEL and Caroline HELPOP, on 24 Nov 1880 in Waukon, Iowa. The marriage ended in divorce. William was born 28 Feb 1857 in Bresenhorst, Germany. He died 8 Jan 1944 in Waukon, Iowa and was buried 10 Jan 1944 in Waukon.
William emigrated from Germany in 1878. He was the second of seven children of Ferdinand and Caroline (Helpop) Goettel.
William Goettel was a stone mason; several references were made to his work in various local newspapers. "William Goettel, the stone mason finished work in Ludlow twp." "Wm. Goettel, the boss stone mason of these parts, is busier than ever this season. He has just completed the stone work for the new German Presbyterian Church and parsonage in Ludlow Township, west of Waukon, in which he used 55 cords of rock. The building committee were more than satisfied with the job." - Waukon Democrat, 8 May 1895.
"Billy" had many drinking buddies and was a victim of "demon alcohol." He lived the last few years of his life at the county home in Waukon, Iowa.
L-R: Christian Reiser, Eva Mary (Reiser) Goettel, Amelia, Viola, Nora,
Clarence, Bertrand, Julius, George, Joseph
Nora received her education in Iowa. In 1907 she came to Montana with her mother, brothers and sisters, living with them at Kendall until her marriage to Fred Longmore. They lived on a ranch near Jordan, Montana until 1916 when they moved to Miles City, Montana. In 1922 they moved to New Mexico where Fred was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad.
Nora and Fred lived at times in both Tucumcari and Lordsburg, New Mexico. They did not have children. In 1910 Fred was farming in Roundup, Montana.
Nora married Fred LONGMORE on 20 Mar 1910 in Roundup, Montana. Fred was born about 1886 in Minnesota.
Viola was raised on the ranch in Kendall, Montana. She was a secretary and bookkeeper in Denver, Colorado, later lived in Gallatin Gateway, Montana for two years. With her mother she owned and operated a grocery store in Lewistown. Nephew Fred worked with her until he went into the service in 1940.
She lost all her worldly possessions, including the family Bible with family records, in a flood in Montana in June, 1964.
Viola enlisted in the Army Air Force at Butte, Montana on 24 April, 1944. She received her basic training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa and served in the Women's Army Corps and Air Force for 21 years, retiring on 1 January, 1965 at Fort Riley, Kansas. While in the service she served in Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Monaco, the Azores, China, Japan and India. After retirement she worked for a short time in the Army Emergency Relief office at Fort Riley. She was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a charter member of the Junction City (Kansas) Retired Enlisted Association. She enjoyed bowling as a hobby. She also collected compacts and her collection included samples from every state in the union and 37 foreign countries.
After the war she lived in Junction City, Kansas and later came back to Montana to live in Butte and Helena with her niece until she died
Viola married I. Finch DAVID. The marriage ended in divorce.
Finch was in the U.S. Navy during and after World War II. He and his wife were separated for months at a time during their marriage.
Charles A. Riser lived and farmed all his life in the Lansing area. He first bought the Charles Dee place on Mays Prairie. Later bought another farm. Charles and Sena retired from farming and moved to the town of Lansing in March of 1920. Charles Riser was a man of strict integrity and honesty with a genial disposition.
Charles married Sena LARSON, daughter of Lars LARSON and Sarena INGEBRITSEN, on 14 Jan 1903 in Waukon, Iowa. Sena was born 14 Aug 1880 in Rossville, Iowa. She died 24 Mar 1955 and was buried in Lansing Ridge Cemetery, Allamakee County, Iowa.
They had the following children:
Millie married George MARTI, son of Jacob MARTI and Katharina WILHELM, on 28 Mar 1894 in Lansing Ridge, Allamakee, Iowa. George was born 18 Jan 1866 in , Allamakee, Iowa. He died 25 Mar 1956. George Marti farmed on Lansing Ridge.
They had one child:
George married Ella WOMANDORF on 15 Jun 1921. Ella was born 23 May 1896. She died 1984.
"Tillie" did not move to Montana with the rest of the Goettel family, choosing to remain with her family on the farm near Postville, Iowa. They lived in Franklin Township and later moved to Waukon in 1952. Tillie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Waukon and the Royal Neighbors. She had been ill for about five years prior to her death in 1966.
Tillie married Albert B. THOMSON, son of James Milne THOMSON and Mary GRUBER, on 16 Sep 1903 in Lansing, Iowa. Albert was born 9 Nov 1880 in Waukon, Iowa. He died 6 Aug 1960 in Waukon.
Albert operated a carriage and harness shop in Waukon, Iowa; later he moved his family to a farm near Postville, Iowa, where they raised their children. On retirement from farming they moved back to Waukon.
They had three children:
Irene married Arno J. BUGENHAGEN. Arno was born 26 Jan 1906. He died 22 Mar 1982 and was buried in Waukon, Iowa.
LeRoy was a salesman in Pasadena, California.
LeRoy married Margaret MILLER.
Clarence married Alice Lenora SWENSON on 4 Dec 1930 in Mason City, Iowa. Alice was born 28 Mar 1908 in Postville, Iowa. She died 22 Nov 1976 in Postville, Iowa and was buried in Postville. Clarence and Alice farmed near Postville, Iowa.
As a young man Julius was a stone mason in Waukon, Iowa. In 1908 he came to Fergus County, Montana, with his mother, brothers and sisters. They ranched near Lewistown in Fergus county about five miles north of Kendall for a number of years. When Julius' children started school he moved his family to Brooks, Montana, where he had a small store and did any other work available. According to his sister, Viola, Julius also did some placer mining in the North Moccasin Mountains, not far from Kendall and was later employed at the Heath Gypsum mine near Lewistown. Ranching and mining were his chief occupations.
Julius was a very kind and loving man. He enjoyed walking in the mountains, panning for gold and picking blueberries. He was always eager to lend a helping hand and to share with anyone in need.
Julius married Inez F. ANDERSON, daughter of Fred ANDERSON and Lettie NOBLE, on 14 Feb 1914 in Fergus County, Montana. Inez was born 30 Nov 1897 in Great Falls, Montana. She died 2 Mar 1959 in Lewistown, Montana and was buried 4 Mar 1959 in Lewistown.
They had two children:
Fred attended schools in Brooks, Hilger and Lewistown from 1922 through about 1931. He worked at various jobs during the 1930s, one of which was with his aunt Viola in a small grocery store. In November of 1940 he enlisted in the Army and served with the Army Corps of Engineers as a surveyor until October of 1945 with tours of duty in California, Oregon, Alaska and Luzon in the Philippines and in New Guinea.
Following Army service, Fred did some work for the Bureau of Reclamation and for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Service.
For the next 32 years he followed the bar and supper club business - being a partner in the last one for 24 years until it was sold in 1981.
Fred was a member of the Eagles, Moose and Masonic Lodges and Shriners, as well the American Legion and VFW.
Frederick married Christine E. WESTVELT, daughter of August T. WESTVELT and Minnie A. JACKSON, on 24 Nov 1946 in Lewistown, Montana. Christine was born 8 Mar 1920 in Forest Grove, Montana.
Christine attended schools in Becket and Lewistown, graduating in 1937. Since then she has done various types of office work, including bookkeeping and legal secretarial work. She worked for Civil Service with the Department of Agriculture for 25 years, retiring in 1982. She was a member of Eastern Star and is a past Worthy Matron.
Nora married (1) John L. PENTECOST "Jack", son of Claude PENTECOST and Ida CROWLEY, on 4 Sep 1936 in Lewistown, Montana. Jack was born 1 Jan 1915 in Lewistown, Montana. He died 10 Jul 1967 in Butte, Montana and was buried 11 Jul 1967 in Butte.
Jack graduated from Fergus County High School in 1934. He worked for a while for Nash-Finch Company and later was employed by the Border Patrol in both Texas and North Dakota. For the last 18 years prior to his death he had been employed by the Anacaonda Copper Company. He served with the U.S. Navy for three years during World War II.
Nora also married (2) Kenneth HEBERT, son of Emil HEBERT and Josephine BARRY, on 31 Aug 1974 in Butte, Montana. Kenneth was born 3 Jul 1922 in Butte.
Joseph received his education in Iowa, coming to Montana in September 1907. He lived in the Kendall area for a time and then filed on a homestead north of Denton where he lived until moving into the town of Denton. For a while he was a railroad clerk in Lewistown but spent most of his life farming in the Denton area.
Joseph married Maebelle B. HESS on 2 Apr 1914 in Lewistown, Montana. Maebelle was born 27 Jun 1892 in Delevan, Wisconsin. She died 26 Jan 1972 in Lewistown, Montana and was buried Jan 1972 in Lewistown.
Maebelle was educated in Wisconsin and came to Montana and cooked at the homestead of her brother until her marriage to Joseph Goettel. She made her home in Denton, Montana for over 60 years.
They had two children:
Vivian married (1) Jim SIMACEK. The marriage ended in divorce.
Vivian also married (2) John HOLMES.
Joseph served in the U.S. Army and was a rancher.
Joseph married Anna L. GORDON, daughter of Andrew C. GORDON and Emma DAHLEN, on 12 Jan 1946 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Anna was born 2 Feb 1927 in McIntosh, South Dakota.
George was a telegrapher in Hartley, Iowa. He later moved to Montana and farmed and clerked in a drug store at Kendall. He attended barber school and operated a barber shop in Danvers, Montana. He also distributed the mail at the railroad station and was depot agent.
George married Margaret DONALLY, daughter of William DONALLY and Margaret HANLEY, on 26 Apr 1914 in San Francisco, California. Margaret was born 28 Jul 1887 in Dayton, Ohio. She died 15 Aug 1971 in Lynwood, California.
They had one child:
Marry attended school in Lewistown, Montana. She is retired from Los Angeles County after working for 30 years in the medical records department at Rancho Los Amigos Hospital.
Mary married Hal DANZER, son of George DANZER and Wilhelmina BECK, on 6 Dec 1941 in Lewistown, Montana. Hal was born 19 Aug 1895 in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. He died 26 May 1970 in Lynwood, California.
Hal was the manager for Montana Bell Telephone Company in Lewistown, Montana. He was a member of the Elks, Eagles and Moose Lodges.
Amelia "Millie" attended the local schools of Allamakee County and spent most of her later life in Davenport, Iowa.
Amelia married John Henry KOSBAU, son of Henry KOSBAU and Amelia HALBRADER, on 30 Sep 1914 in Waukon, Iowa. John was born 14 Sep 1890 in Waukon, Iowa. He died 9 Apr 1951 in Iowa City, Iowa and was buried 12 Apr 1951 in Waukon.
John attended the rural schools near Waukon and the Waukon Business College. He listed his occupation as farmer on his marriage certificate. Prior to his death of kidney infection he had been custodian at the Allamakee County courthouse in Waukon for several years.
They had three children:
Dorothy Eva was a rural school teacher.
Dorothy married Charles G. WELLS on 14 Jun 1941.
Charles served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was manager of the A. & P. Stores in Davenport, Iowa.
Florence married Clinton Ellis HOWELL on 28 Apr 1947 in Kansas City, Kansas. Clinton was born 18 Jan 1923 in Columbiana, Ohio.
Clinton worked for TWA airlines for 37 years.
Harold served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II. After the war he was the owner of the Bon Ton Bakery in Davenport, Iowa.
Harold married Goldie ELLISON on 2 Feb 1946.
Bertrand came to Montana in 1907 at the age of 13. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in World War I. After being honorably discharged he worked in various silver, gypsum and gold mines in several areas of Montana. He came to Great Falls in 1920 and was employed for 30 years in the Anaconda Company's zinc plant. For ten years prior to retirement in 1960 Bert was custodian of the AMC Club and also operated a truck garden on the Lower Sun River for several years.
Bertrand was a member of the Mill & Smelterman's Union, World War I Barracs and the Elks Club.
Bertrand married Cora Ann MARCURE, daughter of Joseph MARCURE and Adelaide BEDARD, on 15 Sep 1923 in Great Falls, Montana. Cora was born 2 Feb 1902 in Frenchtown. She died 7 Mar 1970 in Great Falls, Montana and was buried in Great Falls.
Cora Ann Goettel was a charter member of the Great Falls Ceramic Arts Club and had been a club director. She operated a studio where she taught ceramics and sold her products under the brand "Coraware". She had operated her studio for ten years until the time of her retirement in November of 1969, due to health problems.
They had three children:
Bertrand attended the local schools of Great Falls and worked as an electrician for about 15 years before purchasing the Starway Superette, which he operated for about ten years until he sold it in 1963. He also ran Launderland and owned rental property in Great Falls. In 1964 he purchased the Country Club Motel and he and his wife operated that business until the time of his death.
Bert, as he was known, was a Signal Corps veteran of World War II, a member of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club and the Great Falls Motor Court Association.
Bertrand married Betty Marie BANKS, daughter of George Harvey BANKS and Mabel Helen WELLER, on 17 Oct 1948 in Great Falls, Montana. Betty was born 22 May 1929 in Great Falls, Montana.
Robert was educated in the Great Falls public schools. In 1944 he enlisted in the US Navy and did his wartime service as a gunner on a Navy dive bomber, flying off the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt aircraft carrier. After his discharge in May of 1946 he worked as a telegrapher and ticket agent for the Great Northern Railroad for six years. In 1952 he went to work as an engineer for Mountain Bell Telephone Co. - now U.S. West Communications.
Bob married Edith Louise FALARDEAU, daughter of Peter Adelarde FALARDEAU and Okla Fern NEWMAN, on 20 Apr 1949 in Great Falls, Montana. Edith was born 29 Aug 1928 in Conrad, Montana.
Louise attended Choteau, Montana, High School, graduating in May, 1946. She worked for 18 years for Western Credit Corporation as secretary and bookkeeper. She then worked as administrative secretary for the Mental Health Association of Montana in Helena, retiring in 1984.
Charlene attended the Great Falls Schools and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1947. She worked at Buttrey's Department store from 1947 to 1948 and at the "Great Falls Tribune" from 1948 to 1951. She was then a homemaker until 1970, returning to work at Mountain View Elementary School library until retiring in 1982.
Charlene married Roy Price LESTER, son of Thomas Jefferson LESTER and Alene ROBERSON, on 10 Sep 1949 in Great Falls, Montana. Roy was born 5 Sep 1923 in Great Falls.
Roy attended Great Falls schools and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1942. He served in the Signal Corps during World War II from December 1942 to November 1945. Roy worked for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph in Great Falls for 37 years, retiring in 1982.
Clarence enlisted in the U.S. Navy in World War I. After his discharge he clerked in various stores and worked in the mine at Kendall. For two years he managed his mother's ranch. Later he purchased and operated a sporting goods store in Lewistown until he had to retire at the age of 52 because of ill health. According to some who knew him, "Clarence did a variety of things through his life, most of them connected with cards and gambling." According to his daughter Peggy, Clarence was at one time in charge of gambling at an Elks Club. After retiring from the sporting goods store he and Clyda moved to Billings, Montana, where he devoted most of his time to the "stock market", doing rather well as he left Clyda financially well off.
Clarence married (1) Edna Irene BENNETT, daughter of Frank BENNETT and Lulu May BRIELS, on 18 Oct 1922 in Lewistown, Montana. The marriage ended in divorce. Edna was born 12 Jan 1904 in Omaha, Nebraska. She died 20 Jul 1975 in California City, California.
At the time of her death she owned and operated a poodle grooming shop.
They had one child:
Peggy attended Mission College in San Fernando, California, and one summer session at Valencia University, Valencia, Spain. She has retired from the Los Angeles Unified School District where she was employed for many years as a bi-lingual secretary. After retiring she enjoyed tennis for a few years and more recently has become involved with gardening and garden clubs, floral design and bridge. Before retirement she enjoyed the opportunity for foreign travel during the summers when school was out.
Peg married (1) William Gordon BOYCE, son of Arthur Yesler BOYCE and Sadie Eunice MORRIS, on 11 Nov 1944 in Los Angeles, California. William was born 21 Oct 1920 in Seattle, Washington. He died 15 Oct 1989 in San Diego, California and was buried in San Diego.
Peg also married (2) William A. ROBERTS, son of Allen Andrew ROBERTS and Flora DOMBROWSKI, on 24 Apr 1965 in Canoga Park, California. The marriage ended in divorce. William was born 10 Apr 1916 in Los Angeles, California.
William served in the U.S. Army in World War II. Professionally he was a general building contractor.
Clarence also married (2) Clyda MONTANG, daughter of Phillip J. MONTANG and Regina GAINE, on 18 Sep 1933 in Lewistown, Montana. Clyda was born 10 Apr 1910 in Waukon, Iowa. She died 11 Feb 1993 in Billings, Montana and was buried in Billings.
Afton was born on her parents' farm at Mays Prairie. She attended the rural area schools and did some housekeeping for area families following her schooling. Following her marriage to Adolph Ferdinand Gruber they farmed together on Gruber Ridge and in Center Township. Afton helped with all the activities around the farm as well as raising a big flower and vegetable garden. She moved to Waukon in the mid 1960s; to Dyer, Indiana in 1982; and since 1992 lived in Chicago. She was active in church activities throughout most of her life and was a former 4-H leader. She liked to embroider, make Raggedy Ann dolls and goose down pillows. She was an excellent cook and also enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.
Afton married Adolph GRUBER, son of Ferdinand G. GRUBER and Elizabeth Frances TROENDLE, on 14 Jan 1926. Adolph was born 6 Jan 1896 in Allamakee County, Iowa. He died 6 Jun 1977.
Adolph Gruber was a nephew of the Gruber brothers who married Engelhorn sisters. (Christina and Marie Agnes)
They had four children:
Elizabeth married Arnold LeRoy ROSE on 1 Sep 1947. Arnold was born 1 Aug 1926 in South Sioux City, Nebraska.
Lois married (1) DeWayne UNDERWOOD on 8 Jun 1947.
Lois also married (2) Dewey Eugene MESSMORE "Gene" on 24 Jun 1960. Gene was born 23 Jun 1928.
Roland married Jean JOHNSON on 16 Jan 1955. Jean was born 16 Jan 1933.
Mabel married Andrew Francis SCHULTE on 8 Aug 1950 in Lycurgus, Iowa. Andrew was born 10 May 1928 in Waukon, Iowa.
Frank graduated from Lansing High School and the University of Iowa where he received his LLD in the law college. He practiced his profession in Waukon and Lansing from 1929 to 1944 when he was appointed postmaster serving one of the longest tenures of any individual in that position. He retired from the postmaster's job in October 1967 after 23 years. Before assuming his federal job he had served two terms as mayor of Lansing.
Frank was a member of the Iowa Bar Association and a member of Evergreen Lodge of Masons. He was a courteous, accommodating and pleasant business man.
Francis married Cornelia Marie HURM in May 1931. Cornelia was born 1902. She died 28 Jan 1984 and was buried in Lansing Ridge Cemetery, Allamakee County, Iowa.
They had three children:
Florence married Edward BIAS. Edward was born 1932.
Sena married James M. GOLAT. James was born 1941.