Letter from Helen Harbaugh to Nellaray Holt

April 15, 1982
Ashland, OR.
. . .In sifting through the information I have collected, I discovered that Walter D. Lewallen was my great grandfather. He and his wife, Anna Brown had the following children: Nancy M., Mary A., Samuel Anderson (my grandfather), William J., Joseph B, Levi Wayne (Absalom), Sintha J.R., James D., and Absolum (Frank).
My grandfather married Anna C. Young and they had the following children: Walter O., Andrew J., Sarah C., Mertie F., Gertie M., Wayne W. (my father), Josie E., and Reanuso T.
My father married Loma D. Phillips and they has the following children: Mabel, Grace, Helen (me), William, and Ruth.
My father passed away July 3, 1967 and my mother is still living.
Other info that may interest your friends concern William Jasper Lewallen and his wife Melinda Young. This couple had the following children:
James Howard
John William
Tarizana
Charles Haywood
Mary Lois - adopted by a Jones family
Thomas Albert - adopted by an aunt, Mrs Kelly
Raymond Comodore - adopted by Mr. and Mrs Alfred Wenrich. His name was changed to Joseph Albert Wenrich. He furnished me the information concerning William Jasper Lewallen. Joe and his wife Effie live in Hillsboro, OR. My sister, Ruth and I visited them last summer. . .

Louilla Lewallen? Whose is she?

1900 US Federal Census lists Anna Lewallen (b May 1834) living with her son James (b Jan 1871) and five-year-old granddaughter Gertrude (b. June 1894). Anna reports that she is the mother of 13 children, 6 of whom are living. Somehow I have Louilla Lewallen (no dates) among fourteen children of Anna and Walter Davis Lewallen. I don't think Louilla belongs but I don't know to whom she belongs, and I don't want to erase her altogether until I can place her with her family.

Will the real Vallie please step forward?

I have a question about a child I have listed for William Jasper and Malinda Young Lewallen. According to the pedigree that was given to me, Vallie Lewallen is the ninth child of William and Malinda. She died in her first year. However, her year of birth and death is 1909. That is six years after Malinda died.

Vallie is also listed in my records as a daughter of Abraham and Dolly Umiker. This Vallie also was born and died in 1909, one of four of their children who died young. (See my post "Abraham and Dolly's infant children" dated August 12)

I am more likely to believe Vallie was a Umiker, based on the dates of the parents. However, Hubbard-Whittle Cemetery lists Vallie Lewallen

Could it be there really are two Vallie's who were born and died in 1909?

Updated: 6 Dec 2008
I found this :
Valley Mary Umiker
Death date: 11 Oct 1909
place: Castle Rock, Cowlitz, Washington
Age at Death: 5 months 16 days
Estimated birth year: 1909
Father name: Abe Umiker
Mother name: Rhoda

Hubbard Funeral Home (contacted 5 Jan 2009) says the child who died 11 Oct 1909 is five-month-old "Dolly Mar Umiker"


Update: The name "Vallie Lewallen" is on a card in the cemetery's records stating that Susie Mae Umiker Lewallen was buried with her sister. It is possible that the mix-up occurred then, giving the married name of the young Susie to her sister as well.

Who is Lizzie Umiker Roberts?

1895 Oregon census in Multnomah county case pct# 24, page 039: Lizzie Umiker

Cowlitz County, Washington Marriage Records 1854-1900
Jacob Umiker and Sadie Veible married 10 Oct 1897 by H. Elwel MG. at Castle Rock.
Witnesses Abraham Umiker and Lizzie Umiker

Washington Marriages 1802-1902
Lizzie Umiker married L Roberts 11 Feb 1900 in Cowlitz County Washington

Cowlitz County, Washington Marriage Records 1854-1900
Roberts, L.H. married 11 Feb 1900 at Castle Rock to Lizzie Umiker by Archie Ray Griggs. Witnesses: H. Shweider and Susie Schleiker
(Found on gencircles.com: Susanna Umiker married Louis Schleiker)

1910 US Federal Census
Lizzie Roberts age 34 born 1876 in Switzerland, immigrated 1890
LH Roberts age 37 born 1873 in North Carolina, bartender
Aaron age 6 born 1904 in Washington
Alto age 4 born 1906 in Washington

1920 US Federal Census, Castle Rock, Washington
Lizzie Roberts b. 1877; immigrated 1896
Herchel Roberts
Aarin employed at the shinglemill
Alto

Cowlitz County Advocate 15 Sept. 1921; pg 3
Leonidis H. Roberts died at his home in this city (Castle Rock) Sunday evening, aged 49 years, 1 month, 26 days. Services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:oo at the residence by the Order of the Eagles, of which he had been a member for years. He is survived by his wife and 2 sons. Mr. Roberts had been in poor health for a number of years and his death was no surprise to the community.
Thanks given by Mrs. LH Roberts, Aaron, Alto, Mrs. Effie Palmer and Mrs. Ruby Ritter

Hubbard-Whittle Cemetery
Roberts, Herchel (Leonedis) 25 Jul 1875-11 Sep 1921

interment.net
Roberts, Herchel b 1872 d. 1921
lot #60, sp 4
Whittle Cemetery, Cowlitz County, Washington

Index to Cowlitz county, Washington Cemetery Records through 1983
Roberts, Herchel 246

Obituary of James H. Lewallen

Services for James Howard Lewallen, 82, of Ontario, who died Monday in a Vale nursing home were held at 2:30 p.m. Friday at the Bertelson-Lienkaemper Memorial Chapel in Ontario by the Rev. Ed McIndoo, of the First Christian Church. Interment was at Hillcrest Cemetery in Weiser.
Born Feb. 12, 1887, in Glenmary, Tenn., he came from Tennessee in 1901 and lived in the Weiser community until 1926 when he moved to Ontario. He had been employed by the Union Pacific Railroad, had been a hotel desk clerk and had worked for the city of Ontario. He was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows of Ontario, Lodge No. 90.
He was married to Kittie Shay and she died in 1918. He later married Ellen Davis on May 10, 1927, in Ontario.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, James H. Lewallen, with the Military Sea Transportation Service, and William L. Lewallen, Durango, Colo.; five daughters, Mrs. Ellen Jones and Mrs. Esther Richter, Boise, Mrs. Betty Yusko, Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. Florence Fochtman and Mrs. Patty La Reau, Weiser; four brothers: John Lewallen, Weiser, Tom Lewallen, Portland, Haywood Lewallen, Castle Rock, Wash., and Joe Wenrich, Weiser, 27 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. One daughter preceded him in death.

letter to my father

Nov. 29, Weiser
. . .My husband Johnny remembers seeing. . .Greta and Dewayne. The year of 1928. Johnny and his Mom and Dad came over to Uncle Haywood's and stayed 2 or 3 months. Is your Mom still alive? And where is Greta and Dewayne? Johnny's Dad went to Dewayne's one year and went fishing with him.
As for what Malinda (Young) died of, we never heard. . . but only William lived and died at Vancouver. What he did for a living we never heard. I don't know about the Buckston's. Malinda's mother's name was Buckston. All that I know is what I sent to you. And here is a short story on Uncle Andy, who was the son of Great-great-grandfather. (Blogger's note: See September 1, 2008 post)
You know years ago, it didn't look right to have a woman come in and take care of your children. And the dates I have the three children that was (sic) adopted out would be 4, 6, and 8. and why Hayward (sic) wasn't adopted too I don't know, Johnny said he thought he might of stay with the Kelly's too. But not sure. And they all came from Tenn.
Gary Lewallen you wrote to here in Weiser is Johnny's oldest boy.
Johnny is 63 this Dec. . . . Johnny was a welder for 30 years for Oregon Portland Cement Co. at Lime, Oregon. Then they moved to Durkee, and built a new plant. He finished out his 30 years there. . . .
Well, I'm sorry we can't be any more help. Was real glad to hear from you.
Your friends,
John and Bobby Lewallen

another letter to my grandmother from Joe Wenrich

. . . Sure glad to hear from you. We have thought of you often. . . You ask about cousins. I'll do the best I can. But you know I have been away from them. I just have to stop and think. And of course that is also a task for me, But here goes. Uncle John just had one boy, Johnny (1st) his children (2nd cousins), Gary, Gail, Carol.
Uncle Jim his first wife, Kitty, (had three daughters) Maud, Agnes, Blanch. (By) 2nd wife, Ellen, children Pattsy, Billy, Jimmy, Florence, Ester.
Uncle Kelly (had) two children, Sharron, David
Aunt Lois 1 child Inez. Inez (had) one girl Luanna.
Uncle Joe (had) two boys Otis and Orric.
Otis's children (are) Grayson, Audrey, Robin, and Mary Joe (sic)
Orric has no children of his own and of course Buck you know. I know very little about any of them except you and Greta.
I am ashamed of myself for not knowing more about our family. But all I ever knew is what Jim, John, and Buck and Kelly told me. But really they all knew very little about our family as they were brought out to this country in 1899 and they were all pretty young at the time. But I learned quite a lot, the 2 years that John and I went back to Tennessee. Jim went with us one year. But most of our people were dead many years.
Honey, my arm is just about worn out so I will close. Hope you have not much trouble reading this.
Love from both of us to all of you.
Uncle Joe and Effie
J.A. Wenrich
Hillsboro OR

letter to my grandmother from Joe Wenrich

Hillsboro 1-19-80
. . . Re your letter of a couple of days ago, sure pleased to hear from you and to know you are all well. Now to answer your questions.
Your Aunt Audrey was my wife. Her maiden name was Portlock. She was born in Bruneau Idaho, had one sister and one brother. the sister died in 1918 with the flu. The brother passed away in 1940. Audrey passed away in 1963.
No we didn't have any step bros. or sisters. Your grandmother, Malinda Lewallen, had two half sisters. I don't remember their names but I met them one time in GlenMary Tenn. That is where our family came from, and where we went for the reunion.
Your Uncle John and I made the first trip back in 1937/1938. Uncle John and Uncle Jim made the trip back there in 1939. John and I went back on the bus, but Kelly, Lois and David, Kelly's son drove back. John and I left 2 days before they arrived. John and I went on to San Antonio TX, Kelly missed the family reunion. but they stayed there a week.
I hope Honey that this answers all of your questions. One thing more in GlenMary Tenn. most everyone is a Lewallen or Young. I really don't understand the Young family. But Mother's sister married a Young. I met her. The last time I saw her she was 93 years old, and still going. But a short time after that I heard she had passed away.
If you can read this letter you are really a whiz. So with that I'll close. With love from me and Effie.
Write when you get time.

Homicide and Attempted Suicide

The Weiser Semi-Weekly, Weiser, Washington County, Idaho, Saturday, December 15, 1906

Homicide and Attempted Suicide--Al Wenrich Shot Dead by Nellie Lamont, Who Then Shoots Herself.

Between four and five o'clock Thursday morning our city was startled by the report that a probable murder and attempt to commit suicide had taken place in the red light district of Weiser. The red light district is situated on the street fronting on the Pacific and Idaho Northern railway, and between the Kelly Lumber Co.'s plant and the storage warehouse. The facts, as near as can be ascertained at this time, are Wenrich and Nellie Lamont had been down town until late and had been drinking quite freely, returning to the house occupied by and known as Clara Devine's place in a quarrelsome mood. All the other inmates of the house were asleep at the time the tragedy occurred and were aroused by hearing four revolver shots fired in quick succession, they rushed into the room where the dead and wounded lay weltering in a pool of blood. They immediately notified Marshal Brizendine, who with Officer Nevings were soon on the spot. Officer Brizendine informed our reporter that when he arrived he found Wenrich lying upon the floor dead, with a bullet hole in the left side of his head and Nellie Lamont lying across him with a bullet hole in her throat. Dr. Numbers was at once summoned and it was found that the woman was in a precarious condition. The bullet had passed upward through the throat and lodged somewhere near the base of the brain. It is understood that the woman came here from Pendleton and was of a fiery disposition. The friends of Wenrich claim that he was of a sunny and jovial disposition and not at all quarrelsome. It is claimed that Wenrich came here several years ago from Sumpter where he was once chief of police.

Wenrich was interested in the Copper King saloon. The Lamont woman admitted to officer Brizendine that Wenrich and her were quarreling when they returned to the house and that Wenrich drew a revolver and that she shot him and then turned the revolver upon herself with the effect as above stated. The officers found two revolvers lying upon a dresser in the room, one a 38 calibre Colt and the other a 32 Iver Johnson which had two empty chambers, the mute evidence of the means by which the double tragedy was enacted.

A coroner's jury consisting of C. K. Mills, T.J. Bean, H. A. Wells, P. H. B. Moulton, Wm. Whalen, A. J. Ritzginer were empaneled at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and an inquest held before Justice Coakley, Deputy County Attorney Evert P. Rhea conducting the examination, the evidence being taken down by Court Reported Gilbert Shelby. Before taking evidence the jury viewed the body of Wenrich at the undertaking parlors of Wm. McBratney and then proceeded to the room in the house of Clara Devine, where the terrible tragedy took place and, after inspecting the room and the position in which the bodies were found lying, the jury proceeded to the Vendone hotel and heard the evidence of the inmates of the house. Clara Devine, Edith Ensley, Ray Smith, and Violet Morton, also the evidence of Marshal Brizendine and Undertaker McBratney, but no facts were brought out other than that Wenrich and the Lamont woman had been quite intimate for some time and upon the fatal evening, after drinking heavily, went down town about two o'clock in the morning returning to the Clara Devine place about four o'clock after all the other inmates were asleep, and who were awakened about four o'clock by hearing four shots fired in reasonably rapid succession. The revolver with which the shooting is supposed to have been done was identified as belonging to Mellie Lamont. The home of the Lamont woman is supposed to be in Seattle, but she came here from Pendleton last June. The Lamont woman is about 24 years of age and now lies at the Josephine hospital and is in a very precarious conditioin but may recover, but should she recover she will have to face a charge of murder.

The jury, after hearing the evidence, signed the following verdict:

State of Idaho, County of Washington

In the matter of the inquisition upon the body of Al Wenrich before J.B. Coakley, acting coroner and justice of the peace.

We the undersigned jurors, summoned to appear before J.B. Coakley, the acting coroner of the County of Washington, State of Idaho, at the City of Weiser, on the 13th day of Dec., 1906, to inquire into the cause of the death of Al Wenrich, found lying dead in the house of Clara Devine, having been duly sworn according to law, and having made such inquisition, after inspecting the body and having the testimony adduced, upon oath each and all do say: That we find the deceased was named Al Wenrich, was a native of the United States of America, aged . . . his death on the 13th day of Dec., 1906, in this county, by a gun in the hand of one Nellie Lamont, with the intent to commit murder.

All of which we duly certify by this inquisition in writing as signed this 13th day of Dec. 1906

Signed P.H.B. Moulton, H.M. Welch, WM Whalen, A.J. Ritzginer. T.J. Bean CK Mills

The funeral of Wenrich will take place Saturday afternoon and will be under the auspices of the Order of Eagles, of which he was a member.

Abraham and Dolly's infant children

From a letter from my grandmother:

Dear Terri,
. . .I called Lois (daughter of Abraham and Dolly's daughter, Doris Cunningham) and she said Ralph was a small son of my grandfather Abraham and Dolly Bertha (Rhody Umiker). He died as a small child. . .
Lois said some of Grandma and Grandfather's children was buried at Spirit Lake. I don't know if the Mt. covered the cemetery or not. . .

An e-mail from Lois forwarded to me by my grandmother:

. . . Grandma Umiker had 4 babies that died.
They were--Ralph born Dec. 20, 1905--died Mar. 20, 1906
Vallie--born April 24, 1909--died Oct. 9, 1909
Henry--born Jan. 16, 1913--died Mar. 21,1914
and Aaron you already have. If TerriLyn has any more questions--give her my e-mail address. . .

Author's note: In spite of repeated e-mail's nobody seems to know anything about Aaron.

Washington Death Certificate:
Henry A. Umiker
Death date: 21 Mar 1914
Death place: Castle Rock, Cowlitz, Washington
gender: Male
Age at death: 1 year 2 months 5 days
estimated year of birth: 1913
FAther name: A. Umiker
Mother name: D. Rhody
Film number 1992188
Digital GS number 4220915
Image number 1646
Reference number: 23

Death Certificate of Kittie M. Lewallen

Washington State of Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death
Record Number: 22, Registered Number 5
Clarke County, City of Vancouver, St Joseph's Hospital
Full Name: Kittie M. Lewallen
White Married Female
Date of Birth May 31, 1888
Age: 30 Years, 7 Months, 4 Days
Occupation: Housewife
Birthplace: Illinois
Name of Father: Geo. Shay
Birthplace of Father: U.S.
Maiden name of Mother -------
Birthplace of Mother -------
The above is true to the best of my knowledge. (signed) J. H. Lewallen, address: Vancouver
filed Jan 8, 1919 (signed) JMP Chalwers (?) MD
Date of Death Jan 5, 1919
I HEREBY CERTIFY, That I attended deceased from Jan 2, 1919 to Jan 5, 1919, that I last saw her alive on Jan 5, 1919 and that death occurred on the date above, at 5 P.M.
The CAUSE OF DEATH was a follows: :Influenza and Bronchial Pneumonia
(signed) Chr MacCallum, MD
Jan 6th, 1919 Vancouver, WA
Length of Residence at place of death: 6 days
In the state: 2 months
Former or usual residence: Weiser, Idaho
Place of Burial: Park Hill; Date of Burial: Jan 8, 1919
Undertaker: V. H. Limber, address: Vancouver

Additional information found on the Funeral Record
funeral charged to: W. J. Hunter
clergyman: Rev. Holmes
Interment: Park Hill, Lot No. 453, Sec. A, Casket size 37; color Blk.
Price of casket $45.00; Price of Outside Box $7.50; Price of Burial suit $10.00; Underclothing $3.00; Embalming Body $10.00; Washing and Dressing $5.00; gloves $1.00; Hearse $5.00; Wagon Deliveries $1.50; Total Footing of Bill $88:00

Marriage of James H. Lewallen and Kittie May Shay

Marriage License
State of Idaho, County of Washington,
KNOW ALL MEN BY THIS CERTIFICATE, That any regularly ordained Minister of the Gospel, authorized by the rites and usages of the church or denomination of Christians, Hebrews or religious body of which he may be a member, or any Judge or Justice of the peace or competent officer to whom this may come, he not knowing of any lawful impediment thereto, is hereby authorized and empowered to solemnize the rites of matrimony between James H. Lewallen of Weiser in the County of Washington, State of Idaho, and Kittie May Shay of Weiser, in the County of Washington, State of Idaho, and to certify the same to said parties, or either of them, under his hand and seal, in his ministerial or official capacity, and thereupon he is required to return his certificate in form following as hereto annexed.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the Recorder's Office of said County, at Weiser, Idaho, this 1st day of April A. D. 1911
(signed) Frank E. Smith, County Recorder and Harriet Smith, Deputy

Marriage Certificate
I John W Ayers, a Justice of the Peace residing at Weiser in the county of Washington, in the State of Idaho, so certify that, in accordance with the authority on me conferred by the above license, I did on this 1st day of April in the year 1911, at Weiser in the County of Washington in the State of Idaho, solemnize the rites of matrimony between James H. Lewallen of Weiser in the County of Washington State of Idaho, and Kittie May Shay of Weiser, in the County of Washington State of Idaho in the presence of J. A. Reynolds and Manly Brizendine
WITNESS my hand and seal at the County aforesaid, this 1st day of April A.D. 1911
In the presence of (signed) J.A. Reynolds and Manly Brizendine
(signed) John W Ayers, Justice of the Peace

Affidavit for Marriage License
State of Idaho County of Washington
I, James H. Lewallen do solemnly swear that I am a resident of Weiser in the County of Washington in the State of Idaho; that I am an unmarried man; that I am over the age of eighteen years; that Kittie May Shay to marry whom I hereby apply for license is a resident of Weiser, in the County of Washington, in the State of Idaho that the said Kittie May Shay is an unmarried white female over the age of eighteen years; that neither myself nor the said Kittie May Shay have been divorce within six months prior to this date that we are not related in a degree prohibited my the marriage laws of the State of Idaho, and further that there is no legal impediment to our marriage.
(signed) Mr. James H. Lewallen
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 1st day of April, 1911
(signed) Frank E Smith, county recorder
by Harriet Smith, deputy

Filed for record this 11th day of April 1911
(signed) Frank E Smith, County Recorder
by Harriet Smith, Deputy

Obituary of Eva Jane Lewallen

From a transcription of the obituary in the Weiser Signal Thur. May 7, 1966
Life Resident of Area Dies - Rites Sat.
Eva Jane Lewallen, 79, Passed away Tuesday evening at an Ontario Hospital. Funeral Services will be at the Northern-Jones Chapel with the Rev. Joseph Wagnon officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest.
Mrs. Lewallen was born May2, 1887 on Hornet Creek, the daughter of Elias Adams and Nancy Dunn Adams.
She married John W. Lewallen Mar. 9, 1921 at Weiser.
Mrs. Lewallen lived most of her life in and around Weiser.
Survivors include Her husband, John W. Lewallen; one son, John E. Lewallen; and one daughter, Josephine Lanyon, all of Weiser; 5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Transcribed by my father from the National Funeral Record page 152:

Date of Call May 3 1966

Eva Jane Lewallen

Place of Death: Orofino, Idaho - Orofina Hospital

Usual Residence of Deceased: Idaho

County: Washington, Town: Weiser

Social Security No. : ***-**-0109

Married

Sex: F, Race: White

Name of Spouse: John W. Lewallen

(No place of marriage but instead of place, date 3-9-21)

Date of Death: 1966 May 3

Date of Birth: 1887 May 2

She was 79 years, 0 months, and 1 day old

Birthplace: Hornet Creek, Idaho

Father's name: Elias Adams

Mother's maiden name: Nancy Dunn

Informant: Josephine Lawyon

Address: Weiser

Husband's relatives

1. John W of Weiser

1. Son John E Lewallen of Weiser

1. Daughter Josephine Lawyon of Weiser

5 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren

Date of funeral May 7 1966, Services at North*m - Jones Funeral Home. Time 10 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery

Clergyman or reader: Rev. Joe Wagnor

Singer: Betty Dickensen

songs: "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere", "Old Rugged Cross"

Organist: Marie Cousins

Casket Bearers: Glenn Erhardt, Clark Purcell, Orville Purcell, Jerry Karnes, Marvin Pound, Clarence Chrestesen

Funeral Record of John W. Lewallen

Joe Wenrich is on the left; John Lewallen is on the right.

Date of Call Feb 10, 1971
The National Funeral Record
Full name of Deceased: John W. Lewallen
Place of Death: Washington County, Weiser City, Park Haven Manor
Usual residence of deceased: Idaho, Washington county, Weiser
Veteran of WWI, Social Security Number: ***-**-0109
Date enlisted: 7-20-1918 Serial Number 3645924
Date discharged 1-21-1919
Organization: Army
Rank: Private Bat. A.
widowed, white, male
Name of Spouse: Eva Jane Adams Moore
Date of Marriage: 1922
Date of Death: 10 Feb 1971
Date of Birth: 30 Jan 1889
Age: 82 years 0 months 10 days
Birthplace: Glenmary, Tennessee
Father's name: Wm Lewallen
Mother's maiden name: Malinda Young
Doctor: MS McGrath
Relatives:
Son, John E Lewallen of Weiser
Daughter, Mrs Josephine Lanyon of Weiser
Brothers: Chas. Haywood Lewallen of Castle Rock, WA; Thomas Albert Kelly of Portland; Joe Wenrich of Portland
Grandchildren
great-grandchildren
great-great-grandchildren
Date of funeral: February 13 1971
Services at 2 PM
Cemetery: Hillcrest Cemetery
Burial
Address: Weiser
Clergy: Rev. Joseph Wagner (?)
Singers: Mrs. Betty Dickerson
Songs: "Just a Closer Walk with Thee", "The Old Rugged Cross"
Organist: Mrs. Joyce Sutton
Church and Fraternal Orders: Barracks of WWI Veterans
Casket Bearers: Clarence Chrestesen, Marvin Perud (?), Hugh Ivie Jr., Jerry Karnes, Toni Dickerson

Marriage of Wm Lewallen and Malinda Young

Marriage Certificate State of Tennessee - Scott County
This Certifies that Wm. Lewallen and Malinda Young were united by A. R. Lewallen, J. P. in the ----- HOLY BONDS OF MATRIMONY ---- on the 19th day of April in the year of our Lord 1886 as appears of record in Marriage Record Book 2 page 65 this 28th day of October 1985 (signed) Vesta J Phillips, county clerk

Orders of Adoption

Photo taken Sept. 1973 Uncle Joe Wenrich on left; Uncle Al Kelly on right.

Kelly passed away Nov 7, 1973; buried Nov 10th


In the Probate Court of Washington County, State of Idaho-
In the Matter of the Application of Thos. E. Kelley and wife C. A. Kelley to Adopt Thomas R. Llewellen the Minor Child of William Llewellen.
This cause having come on regularly for hearing and it appearing that said Minor Child Thomas R. Llewellen is now present, and the consent of Thos. E. Kelley and C. A. Kelly the Petitioners to adopt said minor child having been signed before me and are filed herein: that said William Llewellen is the father of said minor child: that the Mother of said minor child is dead: that said minor child is under the age of twelve years: that the consent of the father of said minor child to said adoption and his consent thereto in open court having been signified, and said written consent is on file herein: that the petitioners have filed their agreement, signed before me with said minor child and with each person whose consent has been filed herein, that said minor child shall be adopted by said petitioners and treated in all respects as their own lawful child should be treated, including the right of inheritance: and it appearing that such adoption will be for the best interests of said minor child, that said petitioners and said minor child, and all persons whose consent is necessary, have each appeared herein and were examined as provided by law: that said petitioners each reside in this county.
It is therefore Adjudged that petitioners Thos. E. Kelley and C. A. Kelley adopt said minor child and from this time forward said minor child shall be treated by them in all respects as their own lawful child should be treated, Including the right of Inheritance and said petitioners and said Minor child shall bear towards each other the relations of Parent and Child.
Dated Feby 23 1906
(signed) John W. Ayers
Probate Judge
(Aunt Mary and Uncle Lou Wier; photo taken Sept 1955)
Author's note: I have two other hand-written adoption records identical to this except for the parties named. They regard William Llewellen's daughter, Mary L. Llewellen's, adoption by C. A. Jones and his wife, Annie Jones; and William's son Samuel R.'s adoption by Alfred Wenrich and his wife, Lillian Wenrich. Each record bears the same date.

United States Veterans Bureau to Charles H Lewallen

January 1, 1925
Mr. Charles H. Lewallen
Box 248, Castle Rock,Wash.

Dear Sir:
I have the honor to transmit to you herewith your Adjusted Service Certificate, issued pursuant to the World War Adjusted Compensation Act, in the amount of $1410.00, based upon the amount of your Adjusted Service Credit, as certified to this Bureau by the Department which you last served while in the Military or Naval forces of the United States.

If correspondence be necessary with this Bureau in regard to your Adjusted Compensation, you are respectfully requested to refer to A 3190334

For the Director,

(signed) O.W. Plank
Chief, Adjusted Compensation Division.

his place in history: bonus army

W.J. Lewallen dies at St. Joseph's Hospital

Vancouver Columbian 1-9-1919 pg 1
William J. Lewallen passed away yesterday at St Joseph's hospital. He was born fifty-six years ago in Kentucky and is survived by five sons. Funeral service will be held this afternoon at two o'clock from Limber's funeral parlors. Services for Kitty M. Lewallen will also be held at the same time. Interment in Parkhill cemetery.

Washington State Board of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics, Certificate of Death
Full Name: William J. Lewallen
Place of Death Vancouver, Clarke County
white male, widowed
Date of Birth: Unknown 1863
Age 56
Occupation: Laborer
Birthplace: Kentucky
Name of Father: Walt Lewallen
Birthplace of Father: England
Maiden name of Mother: Anna Brown
Birthplace of Mother: England
Date of Death Jan 6th 1919
Cause of Death:Influenza
Duration: 6 days
Usual residence: Vancouver
The above is true to the best of my knowledge
(informant) J. H. Lewallen
Vancouver


Author's note: birthplace of William Jasper's parents is Tennessee. Notes written on the document by an earlier researcher.

Aunt Ida's Bible

Information gained from transcription of Family Record in Aunt Ida's Bible

Sadie Umiker born 1874; died 22 March 1931 midnight 12 o' clock
Funeral was Wednesday 2:00 Mar 25 1931
Marriage Date Oct 10 1897
Jake Umiker born May 3, 1863; died May 4,1939
Louis Umiker born Jan 1 1900
Belle Umiker bornFeb 1 1900
Beverly Lou Umiker born Sept 8 1936
Frank Umiker born Oct 21 1901
Gale Umiker born June 13 19__
Sam Umiker born Mar 22 1906
Ruth Umiker born Oct 19 1917
Kathleen Janet Umiker born July 4 1936
Ida Umiker Paul born April 15 1911 married May 28 1930 to Edwin F Paul (born Sept 25,1903) child: Shirley Elaine Paul born Mar 30 193_
Ida later married Sept 13 1946 to Don Shepardson born 5-29-07
child: Eugene Shepardson 5-26-54

Grandparents
Jacob Umiker B May 3 1863 Died May 4 1939 Home Toutle Wash.
Born in Thalheim Switzerland May 3 1863
to Samuel and Anna Maria Umiker immigrated about 1884 to US after serving in Military Training from 1881 to 1884 Married to Sadie Wybel from Kansas Oct 10, 1897 in Washington
She died March 22 1931 Home in Toutle Washington born Nov 15 1874
Their children:
Louis A Umiker b. Jan 1 1900 d. Aug 7 1978
Franklin b. Oct 21 1901 d. July _ 1945
Theodore
Samuel b. Mar 22 1906 d. June 8 1987
Ida b. Apr 15 1911

Louis married Mary Belle Skinner Morse (died Jan 22 1966) July 28 1934
Beverly Lou born Sept 8 1935
Larry George July 10 1939
Norma Gail June 13 1941

From note page in Aunt Ida's Bible

Sadie Wybel Born Nov 15 1874? Kansas died Mar 22 193_
adopted by Ben? Beagle came to Wash about 1881?
Jacob Umiker born May 3 1866? died May 4 1939 Born in Switzerland - immigrated about 1884
Served in Military training from 1881-1884. Married Sadie Wyble on Oct 10, 1897
Their children
1. Louis Arnold Born
2. Louis Umiker Born Jan 1 1900 married Belle Skinner Morse born Feb 1 1900 in 1934 July 28
3. Franklin Born Oct 21 1901 Died July 1945
4. Theodore
5 Samuel Born March 22 1906 married Ruth Leight born Oct 19, 1917 in 1933
6 Ida Born April 15, 1911 married Edward Paul on May 28 1930
Marie Born Jan 31 1931 died at Birth
Shirly Paul Mar 30 1938 married to Marvin Denning Feb 16, 1938 on Mar 31
1958
Geri Lynn Aug 26 1959 Elaine Kay May 1 19__
2. Larry Beverly Lou Sept 8 1935 married
Jim Nugent Gail June 13, 1841 married Jerry Todd 2-18-6
Mary July 25 1961 Earl 1962

(Author's note: I apologize for the confusing nature of the "note page." I copied it as close to the transcription as I could.)

Susie Mae Umiker Lewallen

Castle Rock 4 Feb 1930 paper:
Funeral Service Held Wednesday
Susie Umiker Lewallen, wife of Charles Lewallen, passed away early Monday morning, February 3, at the Kelso Hospital. She was taken to the hospital about two o'clock Sunday afternoon, suffering from heart trouble.
Mrs. Lewallen was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Abe Umiker, living west of town. Mr. Umiker was one of the early settlers of the Toutle country. She was born here in the house now occupied by Frank Hubbard, October 27, 1904. She received her education here, graduating from the local High school.
Surviving are her husband and two small children, Juanita, 6, and Jimmie 4; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abe Umiker; three sisters, Doris and Dorothy, twins, and Mrs Margaret Sowders of Longview; two brothers Abe and Charles.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the Scholz and Hubbard Chapel, conducted by Rev. Cole, Adventist, from Kelso. Interment was in Whittle cemetery.

In Memory of Margaret Marie Sowders

Photo is of Dolly Bertha Rohde Umiker (left) and her daughter, Margaret Umiker Sowders

Born: September 19, 1908
St. Helens, Washington
Died: Dec 4, 1984
Portland, Oregon
Services at ROSS HOLLYWOOD CHAPEL
N.E. 48th and Sandy Blvd.
Thursday, December 6, 2:00 p.m.
Rev. A.W. Mathias, Officiating
Music by Merrill Womach
PALLBEARERS
Milo Meskel, Randy Scolatti, Frank James Wells, John G. Bozich, John F. Bosich, Stanly Bozich
Vault Entombment
Rose City Cemetery

Author's note: This was a daughter of Abraham Umiker and Dolly Bertha Rhode


Obit from 6 Dec 1984 Oregonian:
Funeral will be held at 2p.m. Thursday at Ross Hollywood Chapel for Margaret Marie Sowders, a Northeast Portland homemaker who died Tuesday in a local hospital. She was 76.
Mrs Sowders was born in Saint Helens, Wash., and had lived in Portland since 1941.
Surviving are three daughters, Dolores Bozich and Barbara Scolatti, both of Portland, adn Patricia Costa of Monrovia, Calif.; a sister, Doris Cunningham of Castle Rock, Washi.; a brother, Abraham Umiker of Castle Rock, Wash.; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
The family suggest remembrances be contributions to the Dahlke Manor Memorial Fund, 915 N.E. Schuyler St., Portland 97212. Interment will be in Rose City Cemetery.


Obit. in Oregonian 16 June 1969:
SOWDERS-- June 15, Daniel Ellsworth; husband of Margaret Marie, 2113 NE 55th; father of Mrs. Dolores Bozich, Mrs. Patricia Alford and Mrs. Barbara Scolatti; 8 grandchildren. Funeral services Tuesday, June 17, 1 pm, ROSS HOLLYWOOD CHAPEL, NE 48th and Sandy Blvd. Friends invited. Vault interment, Rose City Cemetery. A member of Castle Rock Masonic Lodge, No. 62 F&AM and the Shrine.

Obituary of Charles Umiker

Charles "Charlie" Umiker, 67, of 128 Beacon Hill Drive, died Jan 4, 1984 in a local nursing home. Born Aug. 11, 1916, at Castle Rock, Umiker was a lifelong area resident.
He was a retired dairy farmer.
Surviving him are two sisters, Mrs. Verl Cunningham of Castle Rock and Mrs. Margaret Sowders of Portland; a brother, Abraham Umiker of Castle Rock; and several nieces and nephews including Mrs. Lois Wilbur, Jerry Larson, Terry Larson, and Tom Cunningham, all of Castle Rock.
Services were today at Hubbard Funeral Home, Castle Rock, with the Rev. George Hanke officiating. Interment followed at Whittle-Hubbard Cemetery

In Memory of Abraham Umiker

From the funeral program:
In Memory Of
ABRAHAM UMIKER

Date of Birth: January 9, 1911
Castle Rock, Washington

Date of Death: March 24, 1989
Longview, Washington

Graveside Service & Interment
Whittle-Hubbard Cemetery
March 28, 1989 11:00 A.M.
Officiating
Reverend Carl Beal
Conducted by
Hubbard Funeral Home
Castle Rock, Washington

(Author's note: this is the son of Abraham Umiker and Dolly Bertha Rhode. His niece called him "Abey")

Obituary of Louise Rhody Lee

From the Seattle Times Sept. 14, 1966. p 16:
Funeral services for Mrs. Louise E Lee, 89, formerly of 540 S Concord St., will be at 11 o'clock Friday in the Washington Memorial chapel, with burial in Washington Memorial Park. She died Monday in a nursing home.
Born in Astoria, Ore., Mrs. Lee moved here 60 years ago from Castle Rock, Cowlitz County. She was a member of the Royal Neighbors of America. She was the widow of Fred Lee.
Surviving is a brother, Charles Rhody, Puyallup.

Last Will and Testament of Mary Umiker

In the name of God, Amen:--
Know all men by these presents, that I, Mary Umiker, the town of Castle Rock, in the County of Cowlitz and State of Washington, being in good health and sound and disposing mind, do make and publish this as my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking any and all other Wills heretofore made by me.
Item I.
It is my will and I hereby direct that all my just debts and all expences of my sickness and funeral be paid as soon after my decease as convenient.
Item II.
I hereby give, devise and bequeath to my beloved husband, Samuel Umiker, all my real and personal property of all kinds and descriptions that I might die seized of and possessed of; the intention of this Will being that he take the same absolutely.
Item III.
In case I survive my beloved husband, Samuel Umiker, I give and bequeath and devise to my children, Abraham Umiker, Jacob Umiker, Suzanne Schleicher and John Umiker and their heirs all my real and personal property of every description that I may die seized of; the same to be reduced to cash by my Executor, to be hereafter mentioned, and by him to be divided equally between the above mentioned children and their heirs, share and share alike.
Item IIII
I do hereby nominate and appoint my said son, John Umiker, to be the Executor of this my Last Will and Testament, and it is my desire that he be not required to give bond.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I Mary Umiker, hereunto set my hand and seal this 22 day of September, A.D. 1909 at Portland, Oregon.

Marie Umiker

Signed, sealed, published and acknowledged by Mary Umiker as and for her Last Will and Testament, in the presence of us, who in her presence and in the presence of each other and at her request have signed our names hereto as witnesses thereof to this her Last Will and Testament, typewritten on two pages this 22 day of September, A. D. , 1909

(signatures too faded to read)

Blogger's note: Mary Umiker is burried in Whittle and Hubbard Cemetery

Death of Samuel Umiker

Samuel Umiker is buried in Whittle Hubbard Cemetery, Castle Rock, Cowlitz, Washington.

Dolly Bertha Rhode married Abraham Umiker on Christmas Day

Certificate of Marriage, State of Washington. County of Cowlitz.
This is to Certify that the undersigned a Methodist Minister by authority of a License bearing date the 23 day of Dec AD 1903 and issued by the Auditor of the County of Cowlitz, State of Washington, did on the 25 day of Dec AD 1903 at Castle Rock, in the County and State aforesaid, join in lawful wedlock Abraham Umiker of the County of Cowlitz, in the State of Wash., and Miss Dolly Rhoda, of the County of Cowlitz in the State of Wash., with their mutual consent.
Witness my hand, this 25 day of Dec AD 1903
F.M. Clark M. E. Pastor
In the presence of Charles Rhoda and Elsie Rhoda
signatures of the bride and groom Abraham Umiker and Dollie Rhoda

Elizabeth Ankert and her parents

I was made aware of Elizabeth Ankert through a posting on Rootsweb by Barbara Amburgey. She e-mailed to me pages of a quit claim deed ceding land back from Dolly Umiker and Dolly's surviving siblings to Barbara's ancestors, the Housers. Barbara was trying to link the signers of the deed to an Elizabeth Ankert who was raised by Philip Houser.

The names on the deed include Dolly Rhode Umiker, Doris Umiker, Herbert Melton, Tobias Rhode, Maud Drake Rhode, Alfred J. Golden, Louise Rhode Lee, Fred Lee, Oscar LaGrange, Anna LaGrange, Herman Rhode, Henry Rhode, Charles Rhode, and Hannah Rhode Helms (widow)

I found Elizabeth Ankert age 9 listed with the family of Philip and Mary A. Howser on the 1860 Census at Independence, Cuyahoga, Ohio. Also listed was a seven-year-old girl, Dianthy Gallough. Elizabeth was still with them in the same location at age 17. This time another girl, 8-year-old Emma Johnson, was with them. Elizabeth's parents are noted as being foreign born; Elizabeth was born in Ohio.

E-mail from Rev. Vern L. Bok
"I found the confirmation listing of Maria Elisabeth Ankert, whose parents were Daniel Ankert and Maria Ankert. It was as you indicated in your letter, 5 April 1868. She was born 11 March 1853."

Question, what happened to Elizabeth's parents and what is her connection to the Housers?

Herman Rhode and Elizabeth Ankert in Ohio

Received in an e-mail from Rev Bok of St John Lutheran Church in Cuyahoga County, Ohio:

"Marie Elizabeth Ankert and Hermann Rhode were married April 4, 1872, but the last name is spelled Rohde.

Mary Rohde was born May 1, 1873 and baptized May 11, 1873

Herman Carl Ludwig was born Nov. 14, 1874 and baptized Dec 25, 1874

In the bracket for Herman, it indicated that Marie and Hermann were not members of St. John."

". . . The Godparents for Mary Rohde were Mary Haeuser and John Rohde, and the Godparents for Herman Rohde were Carl Richter, Ludwig Rohde and Johanna Rohde."

--Thank you, Rev. Bok, for your help.

Marriage record issued by the State of Ohio, Cuyahoga County, SS:
I certify that on the _____day of _____ 1872
Mr. Herman Rohde and Miss Eliza Anker
were, by me, legally joined in Marriage.
C Sallman, Min.

Louis Rhody

Louis Rhode was the youngest brother of Dolly Bertha Rhode

From the Cowlitz County Press 25 Sep 1901:
Louis Rhody was taken to the hospital in Portland Sunday, suffering from appendicitis. An operation was performed Monday, and at last reports the boy was in a precarious condition.

From the Morning Oregonian, Friday 27 Sep 1901, page 5
death returns:
September 25, Lewis Rhode, 15 years, St. Vincent's Hospital, peritonitis.