Charles Gilby Abbey
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Charles Gilby "Charley" Abbey was born September 20, 1887, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND, and died June 15, 1964, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND, at age 76. He is the son of Abner Nathaniel Abbey of Port Hope, Durham Co., Ontario, Canada, and Emma Gilby of York, England.

Pearl Georgina Peoples was born September 20, 1889, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND, and died December 3, 1959, in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, at age 70. She is the daughter of Samuel J. Peoples and Sarah A. Derry, both of English Canada.

Charles Gilby "Charley" Abbey and Pearl Georgina Peoples were married December 24, 1917, in the Peoples' country home in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND.

Charles Gilby "Charley" Abbey and Pearl Georgina (Peoples) Abbey had five children:

  1. Merle Ruth Abbey: Born October 2, 1918, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND; Died February 7, 1998, in Grand Forks, Grand Forks Co., ND (age 79). Married March 21, 1942, in Gilby, Grand Forks Co., ND, to Adolph Richard Kvamme: Born February 21, 1918, in North Dakota; Died July 1981 in Gilby, Grand Forks Co., ND (age 63).
  2. Kenneth Gilby Abbey: Born November 18, 1919, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND; Died February 1, 2011, in Beaumont, Riverside Co., CA (age 91). Married (1) before 1946 in Unknown to Doris M. or Mary M. Unknown: Born Unknown; Unknown. Married (2) August 27, 1978, in Los Angeles Co., CA, to Beverly D. Smith: Born December 27, 1927, in Unknown. Divorced August 30, 1984, in Los Angeles Co., CA. Married (3) 1996 in Unknown to Grace Dorothy (Crawford) Underwood: Born August 20, 1918, in Helmet, Riverside Co., CA; Died March 3, 2006, in Oregon (age 87).
  3. Donna Louise Abbey: Born June 28, 1921, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND; Died March 3, 2000, in Sharp Memorial Hospital, Community of Kearny Mesa, San Diego, San Diego Co., CA (age 78). Married 1947 in San Diego Co., CA, to Richard Burton James: Born May 5, 1921, in Garnet Mesa Pct., Delta Co., CO; Died December 8, 1996, in San Diego Co., CA (age 75).
  4. Samuel Abner "Sam" Abbey: Born April 13, 1924, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND; Died August 1, 2001, in Grand Forks, Grand Forks Co., ND (age 77). Lived in Oregon. Buried in a Veterans Gravesite, Sunnywood Gardens Cemetery, Grand Forks, Grand Forks Co., ND. Served in the U. S. Navy in WWII. Never married.
  5. Charles Orrin Abbey: Born October 20, 1928, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND; Died December 10, 2009, in Veteran's Administration Hospital, Fargo, ND (age 81). Married (1) 1950 to Marilyn Nygard: Born Unknown; Living. Divorced about 1985. Married (2) July 18, 1986, in Polk Co., MN, to Marilyn J. (Unknown) Berg: Born July 1932 in Unknown. Marilyn J. Hansen and Donald Sylvester Berg (Born August 29, 1922, in Cambridge, Isanti Co., MN; Died June 16, 2002, in Rochester, Olmsted Co., MN) were married November 22, 1958, in Mower Co., MN.

TIMELINE

   

Abner Nathaniel Abbey and Emma (Gilby) Abbey are buried in Prairie Home Cemetery, City of Gilby, Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND. Charles and Pearl Abbey are also buried there. Pearl's mother, Alise Gilby, along with her second husband, James Gilby, are also buried there. John Gilby, Jr., is also buried there.

Charles Gilby "Charley" Abbey was born September 20, 1887, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND.

Pearl Georgina Peoples was born September 20, 1889, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND.

Marriage Certificate of Samuel J. Peoples and Sarah Derry

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 27, 1900, shows Abner Abbey (age 50) born August 1849 in Canada is a farmer living in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND. His wife Emma Abbey (age 52) born June 1848 in England is living there, as well as their daughter Aliecmon Abbey (age 14) born September 1885 and son Charles Abbey (age 12) born September 1887. Both of their children born in North Dakota. Abner is shown as coming to the USA from Canada in 1870. Emma was shown as coming to the USA from England in 1882.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 4, 1900, shows Samuel Peokles (age 25) born June 1867 in English Canada to Ireland and Canadian-born parents and emigrating in 1889 is a Farmer owning his own farm in Fertile Twp., Walsh Co., ND. Living with him is his wife of 14 years, Sarah Peokles (age 33) born July 1866 in English Canada to Massachusetts and English Canadian-born parents, and emigrating in 1889, with all 6 of her children alive, unmarried and living at home: Farnk Peokles (age 13) born October 1886 in English Canada and emigrating in 1889; Robert W. Peokles (age 12) born February 1888 in English Canada and emigrating in 1889; Georgina P. Peokles (age 10) born September 1889 in North Dakota; Gertrude M. Peokles (age 7) born May 1893 in North Dakota; Milton E. Peokles (age 5) born January 1895 in North Dakota; and Florance M. Peokles (age 2) born October 1897 in North Dakota. 

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 28, 1910, shows Charley G. Abby (age 22) is an unmarried head of household farm laborer working out born in North Dakota of Canadian and English parents, living in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND. Living with him were five other people unrelated to him.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 7, 1910, shows Samuel Peoples (age 46) born in English Canada to Irish-born parents and emigrating in 1891 and a Naturalized citizen is a General Farmer owning his own farm in Fertile Twp., Walsh Co., ND. Living with him is his wife of 24 years, Sarah Peoples (age 45) born in English Canada to Vermont and English Canadian-born parents, and emigrating in 1891, with all 8 of the children born to her still living, and all born in North Dakota to English Canadian-born parents. The six children living at home are all unmarried and born in North Dakota to English Canadian-born parents: Georgina P. Peoples (age 19); Gertrude M. Peoples (age 16); Milton Peoples (age 15); Florence M. Peoples (age 13); Ethel J. Peoples (age 9); and Harry C. Peoples (age 4). Also living there is an unrelated servant.

The 1915 North Dakota State Census taken on April 1, 1915, shows Charles G. Abbey (age 27) is living in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND. Living with him are: Albert G. Olson (age 27); Cecil E. Lee (age 20); Roy A. Harris (age 20); Warren Harris (age 22); and Heneritta Gratmo (age 40).

 

 

A BARN DANCE TRAGEDY

In the early 1900's baseball was a favorite sport of the times. Charles G. Abbey of Gilby was going into the dairy business and a new modern barn was being constructed on his farm. Plans called for two huge silos to be built into the structure. The baseball team and their sponsors decided to have a benefit play and dance for the home town team before the silos were constructed. A temporary floor was built in the barn at the second level and carpenters declared it to be safe.

A home talent play, "Among the Breakers," a story of the sea, had been rehearsed. The cast of characters were the following:

David Murray            Keeper of Highpoint Light          D. H. Haddow

Larry Devine             His Assistant                             R. E. Walker

Hon. Bruce Hunter    Prominent Lawyer                      J. D. Bogert

Clarence Hunter        His Ward                                   Geo. F. Stewart

Peter Paragraph       Newspaper Reporter                  Nels Jorgenson

Tad                          Hunter's Colored Servant           W. J. Shibley

Bonnie Dare             Hunter's Niece                           Pearl McKechnie

Tess Starbright         Tossed up on the Waves           Grace Johnson

"Mother Carey”         A Reputed Fortune Teller           Mrs. F. L. McLean

Biddy Bean              Irish Lassie                                Hannah Scott

A date was set and posters were displayed far and near. In detail they read, "A Comedy­-Drama in Two Acts will be given under the auspices of the Gilby Baseball Team, Friday Evening, June 2, 1916 in the new mammoth barn on the Chas. G. Abbey farm, 2 miles south and 2 miles east of Gilby, or 2 miles north and 3 miles west of Mekinock. This huge barn gives us a fine airy auditorium of 36 x 120 feet, with a seating capacity of one thousand people, electric lighted, good ventilation, com­fortable seats, competent ushers. No pain will be spared to make everything pleasing to the spectators."

"The drama ‘Among the Breakers’ which is to be presented by a competent cast is an absorbing play, full of pathos and has inspired intelligent minds where ever presented. This play will be an exceptional ONE. ONLY LAUGHS, absolutely absorbing, orchestrated continually and uproariously funny. A social and laughable production of occult power. Three solid hours of extreme pleasure."

"Immediately after the show a social dance will be given, one of those real old time, rip-­roaring hoedowns, with good music, a good floor, and all your friends present to assist you in having the real time of your life."

"Tickets for show 50 cents and 35 cents. Tickets for dance $1.00 Souvenir Programs at the Dance."

At last the play was ready and a popular group called the Finley Band was hired for the dance. Chefs from Grand Forks were engaged and "tons of food" including hamburger, buns, ice cream and coffee were ordered. Electricity was powered by two thirty volt Delco plants brought in for the occasion. The evening of June 2, 1916 crowds gathered, tying horses to fence lines and parking the cars along the driveway and on the roads leading into the farmstead. Seating capacity in the huge barn had been advertised at one thousand, but the crowd exceeded beyond all expectations. They were packed shoulder to shoulder on the sec­ond floor of the barn and spilled over into the yard. Following the play the orchestra tuned up. Directly below a crew of men were servic­ing and filling gasoline lamps for added light­ing. Ole Benson was hanging these from the ceiling. As the first dance number began, the crowd surged onto the floor and the observers pressed back around the edges. Suddenly the floor gave way, breaking one stairway and many dancers fell, pinning Mr. Benson beneath the crowd. He was brought to the house and later transported to Grand Forks. His back had been broken and he died shortly. Several others had bruised shoulders and other injuries, but non serious. Flames could be seen and the crowd panicked. People scrambled out windows, doors and down the scaffolding around the barn. Finley's Band immediately struck up a lively tune which calmed the crowd to some extent as they milled around the structure. Quickly sacks of cement were ripped open and this was used to extinguish the flames. Hamburger and other food supplies were sold in bulk to families and the money was given to the baseball team. It was a sad, early ending to a long anticipated event.

An original poster, printed on linen and attached to a heavy board hung for many years in the blacksmith shop in Gilby owned by W. J. Shibley. Smoky and faded the lettering was barely distinguishable. It was retouched and a copy is enclosed. The original poster is in the hands of The Shibley family.

 

 

On June 5, 1917, the WWI Draft Registration Card for Charles Gilby Abbey shows he is an unmarried Farmer living in Gilby, ND.

Charles Gilby "Charley" Abbey and Pearl Georgina Peoples were married December 24, 1917, in the Peoples' country home in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND.

The Grand Forks Herald, Grand Forks, ND, December 29, 1917

A Christmas day wedding of interest was that of Miss Pearl Peoples of Park River and Charles Abbey of Gilby, N. D., which took place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. J. Peoples. Miss Gertrude Peoples of Powers Lake, a sister of the bride, and Albert Olson of Gilby, N. D., acted as bridesmaid and best man. Mr. and Mrs. George A. Lee and Miss Thelma Humphrey of Grand Forks, and Robert Peoples of Ruddell, Sask., a brother of the bride, were among the out of town guests who attended the wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Abbey have left for California to spend the winter and will be at home on the Abbey farm near Gilby after March 1.

The WWI Draft Registration Card dated September 7, 1918, shows Alton Percy Van Vorst (age 20) born March 13, 1898, with permanent home of Paynesville, Stearns Co., MN, is employed in Farming for Chas. G. Abbey in Gilby, ND. His nearest relative is Wallace Van Vorst of St. Cloud, Stearns Co., MN. Leigh Larson note: Alton Percy Van Vorst is the first cousin once removed of Charles Gilby Abbey.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 22, 1920, shows Charles Abbey (age 32) is a dairy farmer living in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND. Living with him were his wife Pearl Abbey (age 29) as well as their five children: daughter Merle Abbey (age 1-3/12) and son Harold Abbey (age 3/12). Both children born in North Dakota. Also in the household were a cook and three boarders.

The 1925 North Dakota State Census taken on April 1, 1925, shows Charles Abbey (age 37) is living in Gilby, Grand Forks Co., ND. Living with him are: Pearl Abbey (age 34); Merl Abbey (age 6); Donna Abbey (age 3); Samuel Abbey (age 1); Milton Peoples (age 29); John Wansink (age 27); and Gilbert McAlters (age 51).

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 10, 1930, shows Charles Abbey (age 42) a farmer living in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND. Living with him were his wife Georgina Abbey (age 39) as well as their five children: daughter, Merle Abbey (age 11); Kenneth Abbey (age 10); Donna Abbey (age 8); Sammy Abbey (age 5); and Charles Abbey (age 1-6/12). All children born in North Dakota.

Pearl Georgina (Peoples) Abbey died December 3, 1959, in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA, at age 70.

Charles Gilby "Charley" Abbey died June 15, 1964, in Gilby Twp., Grand Forks Co., ND, at age 76.

CHARLES ABBEY

Spouse: PEARL PEOPLES

In 1915 Charley decided to go into the dairy business. A new modern barn was constructed. (See special feature story.) Charley had a herd of about one hundred cattle, good grades and some purebred Holsteins which he had shipped in from Iowa. The herd included some of the finest milch cows in the northwest. With the most up-to-date ideas in the marketing as well as in the handling of his products, Charley established a large milk business in Grand Forks. The quality of milk sold by the Abbey Milk Company was very high. It was the only pasteurized milk sold in Grand Forks and the volume of business, which was enormous, attested to the appreciation of the wholesome product. Whole milk, cream, whipping cream, skimmed milk and buttermilk were available. The demand for the Abbey products exceeded the supply and an ideal plant in the city was planned for the handling of the increasing production.

In 1915 the dairy farm had about 1,700 acres of land including spacious pastures, well shaded trees and a good supply of water. In winter the stock was watered from a deep well, with water piped to each individual stanchion. Besides the farm home a second house was built for cooking and housing the hired men and cook. Everything on the farm was done by electricity. A complete set of power driven machinery took care of the milk through the entire process of preparing it and its products for market.

For a few short years the dairy business seemed to be profitable, but the entire enterprise of building, construction, maintenance, purebred cattle, labor and transportation of milk products all were very expensive and put Charley heavily in debt. Though the dairying business was increasing, it became too large a venture, too far from the distribution point. Financially the overhead costs in Grand Forks became overwhelming. With much deliberation, the decision to sell the cattle was made. At first the dairy barn was used for a chicken project, raising capons and laying hens. Gradually Charley went into raising Great Northern beans along with the other crops. These beans, hand sorted and picked over, financed the college education of his sons and daughters.

In 1917, at a 4th of July celebration in Minto, Gilby's baseball team was scheduled to play. That same year Gertrude Peoples of Park River had taught in the Gilby School. She knew Charley who played on the team and introduced him to her sister, Pearl. Pearl Peoples was the eldest daughter of eight children. Her mother was frail and much of the responsibility for the family cooking and management fell on Pearl's shoulders. When she was in her early 20's she went into Park River to clerk in the dry goods section of a department store. She loved the work and her contacts with people. She had been employed there five years when she met Charley in Minto. A courtship began for Pearl and Charley and wedding bells were soon set. On Christmas Eve under a large white wedding bell, at the country home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel J. Peoples, the couple were united in marriage. Due to inclement weather the young couple had to spend the first night on the farm...in separate bedrooms. But the next day they left by train for an extended honeymoon to Minneapolis and then to California for the winter, returning to the Gilby community after the first of April. Ten months following their marriage she had her first born, followed with a child again at 13 months, 18 months and 22 months apart with the youngest born five years later. In the order of their birth they are: Merle Ruth, Kenneth Gilby, Donna Louise, Samuel Abner and Charles Orrin. Pearl was a busy mother and a hired girl was employed to help during the busy seasons on the farm. She sewed for her family and participated in local church activities, P. T. A., Homemakers and the Order of the Eastern Star. Her parents, sisters and brothers and their families all lived within driving distance. Family gatherings were frequent and every holiday brought all her family together alternating the feasting and entertainment at each home. Pearl loved picnics and lunches were always packed for trips to visit families at a distance, at the annual county fair or just to go berry picking. The praise and encouragement given her growing children during these years are some of their fondest memories of her.

KVAMME, Merle Ruth Abbey and KVAMME, Adolph Richard are buried in St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery, Gilby Twp., Honeyford, Grand Forks Co., ND, along with his parents.

 

Name

Country

Date

Papers

County

Volume

Page

 Peoples, Alexander 

 Ireland 

 January 31, 1896 

 1st 

 Walsh 

 D-5 

 144 

 Peoples, Con 

 Ireland 

 November 03, 1884 

 1st 

 Morton 

 D-01 

 136 

 Peoples, Con 

 Ireland 

 April 05, 1880 

 1st 

 Burleigh 

 D-1 

 047 

 Peoples, George 

 Ireland 

 April 05, 1880 

 1st 

 Burleigh 

 D-1 

 046 

 Peoples, Hugh 

 Ireland 

 March 07, 1885 

 1st 

 Foster 

 D-1 

 044 

 Peoples, Hugh 

 England 

 August 13, 1890 

 2nd 

 Eddy 

 F-6 

 016 

 Peoples, James 

 Ireland 

 June 01, 1881 

 1st 

 Burleigh 

 D-1 

 092 

 Peoples, James 

 Ireland 

 June 19, 1891 

 2nd 

 Morton 

 F-12 

 183 

 Peoples, John 

 Ireland 

 May 21, 1889 

 1st 

 Eddy 

 D-1 

 082 

 Peoples, John 

 Ireland 

 October 03, 1896 

 1st 

 Walsh 

 D-5 

 205 

 Peoples, John 

 Ireland 

 October 31, 1900 

 2nd 

 Walsh 

 F-19 

 496 

 Peoples, Lizzie 

 USA 

 May 13, 1935 

 2nd 

 Walsh 

 P-30 

 020 

 Peoples, Robert 

 Ireland 

 April 02, 1880 

 1st 

 Burleigh 

 D-1 

 044 

 Peoples, Robert W 

 Canada 

 July 09, 1920 

 1st 

 Walsh 

 D-10 

 129 

 Peoples, Samauel Joseph 

 Canada 

 October 31, 1900 

 2nd 

 Walsh 

 F-19 

 494 

 Peoples, Samuel 

 Canada 

 November 01, 1894 

 2nd 

 Walsh 

 F-17 

 445 

 Peoples, Samuel J 

 Canada 

 November 02, 1896 

 1st 

 Walsh 

 D-5 

 285 

 Peoples, Samuel J 

 Canada 

 November 15, 1919 

 2nd 

 Walsh 

 F-26 

 098 

 Peoples, Samuel Joseph 

 Canada 

 June 02, 1915 

 1st 

 Walsh 

 D-9 

 193 

 

 

U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 Record about Kenneth G. Gilby

 

Name:

Kenneth G Abbey

Birth Year:

1919

Race:

White, citizen

Nativity State or Country:

North Dakota

State:

North Dakota

County or City:

Grand Forks

 

 

Enlistment Date:

2 May 1942

Enlistment State:

Minnesota

Enlistment City:

Fort Snelling

Branch:

Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA

Branch Code:

Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA

Grade:

Private

Grade Code:

Private

Term of Enlistment:

Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law

Component:

Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of

Source:

Civil Life

 

 

Education:

1 year of college

Civil Occupation:

Actor (Motion picture actor. ) or Director, Motion Picture (Motion picture director.) or Entertainer

Marital Status:

Single, without dependents

Height:

69

Weight:

123

 

Nevada Marriage Index, 1956-2005 Nevada Marriage Index, 1956-2005

Name:

Donna Louise Abbey

Gender:

Male

Spouse:

Roy Monroe Lacey Jr

Marriage Date:

13 Sep 1975

Marriage County:

Clark

Officiant type:

Civil celebrant

Recorded Date:

17 Sep 1975

Recorded county:

Clark

Book:

471

Instrument number:

808475

 

Merle Kvamme, 79, 2396 27th Ave S., died Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998, at home. Merle Ruth Abbey was born Oct. 2, 1918, the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Peoples) Abbey, in Gilby, N.D., where she graduated from high school in 1936. She graduated from Mayville (N.D.) Teachers College, in 1938. She received her bachelor of science in education in 1968 and later attended UND. She taught rural school in Gilby and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She married Adolph Kvamme on March 21, 1942, in Gilby.

Published on February 10, 1998, Page 07, Grand Forks Herald (ND)

Grand Forks Herald (ND) - February 10, 1998

Deceased Name: MERLE KVAMME

Merle Kvamme, 79, 2396 27th Ave S., died Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998, at home.

Merle Ruth Abbey was born Oct. 2, 1918, the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Peoples) Abbey, in Gilby, N.D., where she graduated from high school in 1936. She graduated from Mayville (N.D.) Teachers College, in 1938. She received her bachelor of science in education in 1968 and later attended UND. She taught rural school in Gilby and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She married Adolph Kvamme on March 21, 1942, in Gilby. They lived and farmed in Honeyford, N.D., before she began her teaching career. Adolph Kvamme died July 2, 1981. She had lived in Grand Forks since 1995.

She is survived by a son, Richard (Beverly), Pipestone, Minn.; three grandchildren; brothers, Kenneth, Los Angeles, Samuel, Grand Forks, and Charles, Larimore, N.D.; and a sister, Donna James, San Diego.

Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Honeyford.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, and one hour before services in the church. Burial: St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

The Valley News, Van Nuys, CA, Sunday, August 30, 1970

In Sepulveda -

SOME 50 GUESTS were entertained yesterday evening in the home of the Kenneth G. Abbey family, 10016 Orion Ave., where they enjoyed viewing photographs of the Abbeys' European vacation. A prime rib dinner was served, followed by a review of the family's travels throughout Germany, Switzerland, France, England and Belgium. The Abbeys purchased a Mercedes in Frankfurt and drove it over 4000 miles covered during their journey.

In 1954, Ken Abbey was chairman of International Missionary Films, a group which sends various kinds of visual aids to missionaries in the field.

Kenneth G. Abbey (Born about 1920) and Beverly D. Smith (Born about 1928) were married August 27, 1978, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

Kenneth Abbey and Beverly were divorced August 30, 1984, in Los Angeles Co., CA.

The Grand Forks Herald, Grand Forks, ND, August 3, 2001

SAMUEL ABBEY

Samuel A. Abbey, 77, Gilby, died Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2001, in Grand Forks. Samuel A. Abbey was born April 13, 1924, the son of Charles and Pearl (Peoples) Abbey, in Grand Forks. He served in the Navy Seabees. He was disabled in World War II. He was a resident at St. Anne's Guest Home and had been living in the Lakota (N.D.) Good Samaritan Center. He is survived by brothers, Orrin (Marilyn), Larimore, N.D., and Kenneth (Grace), Monrovia, Calif. He was preceded in death by sisters, Merle Kvamme and Donna James. Services: 10 a.m. Saturday, Amundson Funeral Home. Visitation: One hour before services in the church. Burial: Sunnywood Garden Cemetery. Military rites: Grand Forks American Legion Post No. 6.

The San Diego Union-Tribune, San Diego, CA, March 10, 2000

Donna James, 78, educator, world traveler

As a specialist in early-childhood education, Donna James didn't confine her concern for kids to the classroom. In 1992, five years after retiring from Kate Sessions Elementary School in Pacific Beach, Mrs. James took clothing to distribute to needy children during visits to Madagascar and Africa. But there was one cultural barrier she had to surmount: Only village chiefs were authorized to perform such tasks. Thanks to an intermediary, the matter was resolved, and with the chief's permission Mrs. James gave out dresses, pants and shirts. Mrs. James, who taught for 30 years in the San Diego Unified School District, was fatally injured March 3 when she was hit by a pickup truck as she walked across Navajo Road in El Cajon. She was 78. A few hours after the accident, she died at Sharp Memorial Hospital in Kearny Mesa, said her son Kerry. El Cajon police are investigating the accident. Mrs. James began teaching in San Diego County shortly after World War II, during which she had worked as a dispatcher for Consolidated Vultee Aircraft, the forerunner of the Convair Division of General Dynamics. In 1963, after earning a bachelor's degree at San Diego State, she began a 24-year career at Kate Sessions. While at the Pacific Beach school, she earned a master's degree in early childhood education from Pepperdine University. In 1968, she began the extensive travels that were a highlight of her life. Her trips through the years took her to the British Isles, Greece, other nations in Europe, Africa, Madagascar and India. Mrs. James served as a mentor teacher during her career and was active in the San Diego and California teachers' associations and the American Association of University Women. For nearly a decade after retiring, she served as historian of United Church of Christ in La Mesa, where she was a charter member. Mrs. James was born in Gilby, N.D., where she grew up on her family's farm. She began teaching in public schools after graduating from high school. Familiar with San Diego from a childhood visit, Mrs. James returned during World War II to work in the administration office of Consolidated Vultee, which manufactured B-24s. Although she did not know it at the time, her future husband, Richard, was assigned to a B-24 bomber crew in Italy. They married in 1947 and raised four children in La Mesa. After her husband's death in December 1996, Mrs. James moved to El Cajon. In 1992, she fulfilled a lifelong dream to tour India. On an Indian Ocean cruise, she visited the ports of Madagascar, the Maldives, the Seychelles and Zanzibar. She also toured African game parks. "At the time of her death she still desired to travel and had hopes of seeing the Mayan ruins in the Yucatan," Kerry James said. Survivors include a daughter, Colleen Link of Lakeside; three sons, Kerry, of San Diego, Richard, of Casa Grande, Ariz., and Randall, of El Cajon; three brothers, Kenneth Abbey of Los Angeles and Samuel and Orrin Abbey, both of Larimore, N.D.; seven grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter. A memorial service is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Sunday at United Church of Christ, La Mesa. Donations to a children's literacy program of choice were suggested. Christ, La Mesa. Donations to a children's literacy program of choice were suggested.

Grand Forks Herald (ND) - February 10, 1998

Deceased Name: MERLE KVAMME

Merle Kvamme, 79, 2396 27th Ave S., died Saturday, Feb. 7, 1998, at home.

Merle Ruth Abbey was born Oct. 2, 1918, the daughter of Charles and Pearl (Peoples) Abbey, in Gilby, N.D., where she graduated from high school in 1936. She graduated from Mayville (N.D.) Teachers College, in 1938. She received her bachelor of science in education in 1968 and later attended UND. She taught rural school in Gilby and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. She married Adolph Kvamme on March 21, 1942, in Gilby. They lived and farmed in Honeyford, N.D., before she began her teaching career. Adolph Kvamme died July 2, 1981. She had lived in Grand Forks since 1995. She is survived by a son, Richard (Beverly), Pipestone, Minn.; three grandchildren; brothers, Kenneth, Los Angeles, Samuel, Grand Forks, and Charles, Larimore, N.D.; and a sister, Donna James, San Diego. Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Honeyford. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, with a 7 p.m. prayer service, Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, and one hour before services in the church. Burial: St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

The Grand Forks Herald, Grand Forks, Grand Forks Co., ND, December 12, 2009

Charles Orrin Abbey

Charles Orrin Abbey of Grand Forks, ND, died Thursday, December 10th, 2009 at the Veteran’s Hospital in Fargo, ND, surrounded by his family. Orrin was born on October 20, 1928 in Gilby, ND, the son of Pearl and Charles Abbey. He was raised in Gilby where he graduated from high school. Orrin attended the Wahpeton State School of Science following graduation from high school. In 1950, Orrin married Marilyn Nygard of Grafton, ND. They had five children together, Deborah, Karen, Merle, Kathy, and Steven. The day before their marriage, he received notice that he was drafted. Orrin served in the Army during the Korean War and was stationed in France. He worked as a federal potato inspector, in real estate sales, and in numerous agriculture-related fields. Orrin was very involved in community activities including serving as president of East  Grand Forks District 595 School Board. In 1986 Orrin and Marilyn Berg of Fisher, MN were united in marriage. They have been residing in Fisher, MN for the last three years. Orrin enjoyed his retirement greatly, spending time traveling, cooking, gardening, and taking leisurely drives around the countryside. He adored spending time with his family and had a special love for his grandchildren. He followed every activity and event they were involved in and loved every minute of it. Orrin had an impeccable memory for names and would go out of his way to greet both those he knew and did not know with a friendly smile and a strong handshake. He will be forever missed by those who loved and knew him. Orrin is survived by his wife Marilyn Berg Abbey, children Deborah Abbey, Karen (Greg) Walski, Merle (Bryan) Martinovich, Kathy (Kevin) Nelson, and Steven (Cherie) Abbey, grandchildren Karina, Kyle, Kate, Matthew, Abbey, Aaron, David, Jake, Sarah, Jordan, Jaymy, Blake, Beau, and Brad, 11 great-grandchildren, brother Kenneth, and many nieces and nephews. Orrin is also survived by Marilyn's children and grandchildren who were all very special to him. They are Loren (Nancy) Berg, Diane (Randy) Rapacz, Karen (Gary) Paulson, Annette (Randy) Gust, Darrin (Michelle) Berg, grandchildren Andrew, Matthew, Amanda, Shawn, Josh, Rachel, Samantha, Kayleigh, Tyler, Alexis, and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Merle and Donna, and brother Sam. A celebration of Orrin’ s life will be held at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42nd St., Grand Forks, ND on Monday, December 14, 2009 at 11 a.m. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.

 

 

Our sympathy and prayers go out to Marilyn Abbey and the family of Charles Orrin Abbey, who died on December 10, 2009 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Fargo. Services were held at the Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks on December 14, 2009, with Pastor Karen Young Trenne officiating.

Austin Daily Herald, Austin, TX, June 18, 2002

Donald S. Berg

1922-2002

Donald S. Berg, 79, of Austin, Minnesota, died Sunday, June 16, 2002, at Season's Hospice, Rochester. He was born Aug. 29, 1922, in Cambridge, to Bernard and Sadie (Anderson) Berg. His family moved to the Oakland area where he lived until 1942. He graduated from Austin High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Merchant Marines in 1942. After discharge, he moved to Albert Lea and worked for Johnson Cleaners. In 1947, he moved to Austin and had a small trucking business. He became involved in the real estate business in 1967. On Nov. 22, 1958, he married Marilyn Hansen at Queen of Angels Church in Austin. Don enjoyed working in the yard, feeding the birds and visiting coffee shops to have coffee and visit. Survivors include wife, Marilyn Berg, Austin; sister, Atlanta Zech, Austin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Sadie; step-father, Irvin Legried; brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Vivian Berg; brothers-in-law, Orville Peterson and Gordon Zech; a nephew. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2002, with a 6:45 p.m. wake service on Wednesday and from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Service: 1:30 p.m., Thursday, at St. Augustine Catholic Church with Father Paul Nelson officiating. Interment: Calvary Cemetery. Funeral Home: Mayer Funeral Home, Austin.

The Oregonian, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, March 9, 2006

Grace Underwood

A funeral will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2006, in East Hill Foursquare Church in Gresham for Grace Underwood, who died March 3 at age 87. Grace Crawford was born Aug. 20, 1918, in Hemet, Calif. She moved in 1948 to Portland and lived in California for 17 years before returning to Portland in 2004. She co-owned a construction business with her first husband, Johnie Underwood, who died in 1985. In 1996, she married Kenneth Abbey. Survivors include her husband; daughters, Mary Carey and Rebecca Casavant; son, John; stepdaughters, Janice Parker and Robbin Nestor; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Arrangements by Omega

Johnie Edward Underwood: Born May 13, 1913, in Kentucky; Died February 14, 1985, in Clackamas Co., OR (age 71). Married April,1949, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, to Grace D. Crawford: Born Aug. 20, 1918, in Hemet, Riverside Co., CA; Died March 3, 2006, in Oregon. Mother's maiden name was Fish.

Robbin P. Nestor Born December 7, 1950. Lives in California. Jim Nestor Born June 22, 1949. Lives in Irvine, CA.

 

Grace Dorothy Crawford and Johnie Edward Underwood were married in April,1949, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. They had three children. Johnie died February 14, 1985.

The Oregonian, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, Monday, March 6, 1950

Births

Underwood - To Mr. and Mrs. Johnie E. Underwood, 3620 S. E. Brooklyn, February 24, a daughter, Mary E.

The Oregonian, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, Friday, January 23, 1953

Births

UNDERWOOD - To Mr. and Mrs. Johnie E. Underwood, 6033 S. E. Steele, January 12, a daughter, Rebecca R.

Freddie Wayne Carey married Mary Elizabeth Crawford December 7, 1968, in Apostolic Faith Church, Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. They lived in San Francisco, CA, after their wedding. His parents are Mr. and Julius Carey, San Francisco, CA.

Rebecca Ruth Underwood was born January 12, 1953, in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. Married September 11, 1993, in Clackamas Co., OR, to Edouard Franz Casavant, born April 12, 1964.

 

James R. "Jim" Nestor (born June 22, 1949) and Robbin P. Abbey (born December 7, 1950) were married September 1, 1970, in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Janice Kay Abbey was born June 24, 1953, in Los Angeles Co., CA. Married to Michael Parker.