Charles Washington Abbey

Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey was born August 10, 1861, in South Byron, Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI, and died March 5, 1926, in near Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 64. He was the son of Charles Oliver Abbey of Hope Twp., Durham Co., Upper Canada, and Phoebe Elizabeth Searle of Bodmin, County Cornwall, England.

Cora Adella "Delilah" Armstrong was born September 30, 1866, in a log house on the Baraboo River in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, and died July 21, 1955, at 1209 Lake Street, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 88. She was the daughter of Samuel Bolton Armstrong of Edwardsburgh, Canada West (Ontario), and Delilah Matilda Jones of New York.

Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey and Cora Adella Armstrong were married April 17, 1883, at the rectory of the Church of the Intercession, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI.

Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey and Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey had six children:

1. Helen Maude Abbey: Born June 29, 1885, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI; Died May 20, 1980, in Pomona, Riverside Co., CA (age 94). Married December 30, 1906, in Glen Ullin, Mercer Co., ND, to Orel Herbert Sovereign: Born April 28, 1884, in Maryville, Nodaway Co., MO; Died April 14, 1968, in Spokane, Spokane Co., WA (age 83).
2. Clarissa Belle Abbey: Born August 14, 1887, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI; Died October 24, 1966, in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI (age 79). Married August 9, 1911, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lucius Bump, Mound Street, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, to Berton J. Higgins: Born March 22, 1887, in Fairfield Twp., Sauk Co., WI; Died December 23, 1978, in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI (age 91).
3. Samuel Bolton Abbey: Born August 16, 1892, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI; Died February 4, 1951, in Deer Lodge Co., MT (age 59). Married about 1914 to Edna May Morgan: Born April 1895 in Montana; Died January 28, 1951, in Missoula Co., MT (age 55).
4. Phoebe Elizabeth Abbey: Born August 20, 1894, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI; Died December 20, 1918, in Washington, DC (age 24). Never married.
5. Ida Delilah Abbey: Born January 12, 1897, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI; Died November 25, 1975, in Manitowoc, Manitowoc Co., WI (age 78). Married July 17, 1916, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, to Ira Eluster Miller: Born September 19, 1895, in Leoti Twp., Wichita Co., KS; Died March 28, 1967, in Shawano, Sheboygan Co., WI (age 71).
6. Oran Ralph Abbey: Born October 13, 1899, in Milladore, Wood Co., WI; Died November 12, 1943, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND (age 44). Married September 25, 1926, in Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND, to Alice Frances Herman: Born July 5, 1901, in Glen Ullin, Mercer Co., ND; Died March 27, 1982, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND (age 80).

Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey and Cora separated and may have divorced between 1916 and 1920, with Charles staying in North Dakota while Cora moved to Wisconsin.

Cora may have had a child out of wedlock, as deduced from the 1920 U. S. Census entry, shown below. Cora apparently chose not to mention this child in a 1936 W.P.A. interview.

1. Twilight Abbey: Born about April 1919 in North Dakota; Died after January 22, 1920, in Unknown. He was the son of Unknown of Montana and Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. The State of Wisconsin has no record of a Twilight Abbey being born or dying in Wisconsin around this time period.

TIMELINE

Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey was born August 10, 1861, in South Byron, Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI.

Cora Adella Armstrong was born September 30, 1866, in a log house on the Baraboo River in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on June 7, 1870, shows Phebe Abbie (age 44) born in Canada West to foreign-born parents with real estate of $600 is Keeping House and is living in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Also living there are the following: Lucinda Abbie (age 22) born in Canada West, who is Keeping House; Isaac Abbie (age 20) born in Canada West, a Farm Laborer; William Abbie (age 17) born in Canada West, a Farm Laborer; Mary Jane Abbie (age 10) born in Canada West, At School; and Chas. Washington Abbie (age 8) born in Wisconsin, At School.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 26, 1870, shows Luther Griswold (age 41) born in New York with real estate of $3,000 and personal property of $600 is a Farmer and is living in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Living with him are: Clarissa Griswold (age 33) born in New York, who is Keeping House; hildren, Josephine Griswold (age 11) born in Wisconsin; Ethlion Griswold (age 10) born in Wisconsin; Laura Griswold (age 8) born in Wisconsin; and Stephen Griswold (age 3) born in Wisconsin. Also living there are: Samuel Armstrong (age 47) born in Canada to Foreign-born parents, a Wood Farmer; Cora Armstrong (age 4) born in Wisconsin to a Foreign-born father; Clarissa Armstrong (age 2), born in Wisconsin to a Foreign-born father. Also living there is: Mary Houghton (age 18), born in New York to a Foreign-born father, a House Servant. A few houses away live Dellia Armstrong (age 29) born in New York; and Mary Armstrong (age 7) born in Wisconsin.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 26, 1870, shows Andrew Patrick (age 35) born in Canada to Foreign-born parents is a Laborer and is living in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Living with him are: Eliza Patrick (age 32) born in New York, who is Keeping House; Bertha Patrick (age 11) born in New York; Harry Patrick (age 4) born in New York; Kitty Patrick (age 2) born in New York; and Walter Patrick (age 8/12 Oct.) born in Wisconsin. Also living there are: Dililas Armstrong (age 29) born in New York, At Home; and Mary Armstrong (age 7) born in Wisconsin.

When Cora was nine years old, about 1875, she moved away from Wisconsin. Cora went to Lyons school in Baraboo, WI, and also attended Free Methodist Church and Sunday School.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 2, 1880, shows Charles Abbey (age 19) born in Wisconsin to Canadian-born parents is an unmarried Servant and Farmer and is living at the Batchelder household in Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI. Also living there are Mr. and Mrs. Batchelder and one more servant farmer.

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 3, 1880, shows Samuel Armstrong (age 57) born in Canada to New York-born parents who has been disabled for 6 months with liver problems is a Farmer and is living in Rudolph Twp., Wood Co., WI. Living with him is his wife Lois Armstrong (age 49) born in Michigan to Ohio and New York-born parents, who is Keeping House. Also living there are his step-daughter Floy Wiser (age 12) and step-son Fred Wiser (age 10), both born in Wisconsin to New York and Michigan-born parents. Also at home are his children: Richard Armstrong (age 31) born in New York to New York-born parents, who is a Farmer; Cora Armstrong (age 13), Harry Armstrong (age 11), and Ira Armstrong (age 9), all born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents.

Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey and Cora Adella Armstrong were married April 17, 1883, at the rectory of the Church of the Intercession in Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI.

The Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, WI, April 21, 1883

MARRIED.

ABBEY --- ARMSTRONG --- At the rectory of the Church of the Intercession, April 17th, 1883, Charles W. Abbey and Cora A. Armstrong, both of Milladore, by the Rev. W. H. Watts.

On November 26, 1883, Charles W. Abbey received a Homestead Land Grant for 7.8 acres of land in Minnesota, Document No. 2787.

Five or six weekly notices, The Stevens Point Journal, March/April 1885. First Publication March 8 --- W4.

Notice.

Cora Abbey, wife of Chas. W. Abbey, has left my bed and board without just cause or provocation, and everyone trusting her must do so on their own responsibility.

Chas. W. Abbey

Milladore, Wood County, Wis.

The 1895 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 20, 1895, shows C. Abey is the Head of Household living in Carson Twp., Portage Co., WI. There are a total of 3 Males and 4 Females living there, all born in the United States.

The Stevens Point Gazette, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI; February 19, 1896

MILLADORE.

B. Smith, who for the past number of years has been pursuing the show business, has of late disposed of all his truck and concluded to lead a more pious and christian life. He is now an ardent worker of religion, and by faith he will be looked upon as the father of the new Union church of Milladore. His efforts are rewarded by the following subscriptions, a total of $260:

C. W. Abbey.........$1

The Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, Portage Co., WI; Saturday, June 13, 1896

CITY BRIEFS

MONDAY

A successful operation was performed by Dr. Carl von Neupert yesterday on the 3 year old daughter of C. W. Abbey of Junction City. The child's side was opened and a quantity of pus removed. Leigh Larson note: Junction City is a small village in Carson Twp., Portage Co., WI. It is located 4-1/2 miles east of the Village of Milladore, Wood Co., WI. The family lived to the north of the village.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 6, 1900, shows C. W. Abbey (age 38) born August 1861 in Wisconsin to English Canadian and English-born parents is a Laborer renting his home and is living in Milladore Twp., Wood Co., WI. Living with him is his wife of 17 years, Cora Abbey (age 33) born September 1866 in Wisconsin to English Canadian and New York-born parents, with all six of the children born to her still alive. Also living there are his five children, all born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents: Maud Abbey (age 14) born June 1885; Samual Abbey (age 7) born August 1892; Phebe Abbey (age 5) born August 1894; Ida Abbey (age 3) born January 1897; and Orin Abbey (age 9/12) born October 1899.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 5, 1900, shows James P. Barber (age 41) born June 1858 in Wisconsin to Ohio and English Canadian-born parents is a Farmer owning his farm with a mortgage and is living in Eau Pleine Twp., Portage Co., WI. Living with him is his wife of 14 years, Mathilda Barber (age 31) born August 1868 in Wisconsin to German-born parents, with one of the two children born to her still alive. Also living is his son, Evin Barber (age 12) born February 1888 in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents. Also living there: a Boarder, John Norton (age 56) born August 1843 in New York to English Canadian-born parents, an unmarried Day Laborer; and a Servant, Clara Abba (age 12) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, a House Keeper.

Stevens Point Journal, Stevens Point, WI, December 1, 1900

First publication Oct. 20-00-w7

Notice for Publication.

Department of the Interior. Land Office at Wausau, Wis., Oct. 16, 1900.

Notice is hereby given that the following named settler has filed notice of his intention to make final proof in support of his claim, and that said proof will be made before the clerk of the circuit court at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, on December 8, 1900. viz: Colman F Cotesworth, who made H. E. No. 7,723, for the N E 1/4 N E. 1/4 sec. 20, T 24 N, R 6 E.

He names the following witnesses to prove his continuous residence upon and cultivation of said land, viz: Chas. W. Abbey, of Milladore, Wis. John Cisler, of Junction City, Wis. John Harndena, of Junction City, Wis. Matthias Jacobson, of Stevens Point, Wis. EDGAR T. WHEELOCK, Register.

The Marshfield Times, Marshfield, WI, June 20, 1902

Sherry.

Mrs. C. W. Abby and children left Tuesday for Baraboo, where they will reside in the future.

The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Chas. Abbey (age 45) born in Wisconsin to English-born parents is a Drayman renting his home and is living in the 1st Ward, City of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Cora Abbey (age 38) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents. Also there are his six unmarried children, all born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents: Sammy Abbey (age 12); Oran Abbey (age 5); Maude Abbey (age 19); Clara Abbey (age 17); Phoebe Abbey (age 10); and Ida Abbey (age 7).

The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows S. B. Armstrong (age 82) born in New York to Canadian and Connecticut-born parents is a Retired Farmer owning his own home free of a mortgage and is living in Baraboo Twp., Sauk Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Lois Armstrong (age 74) born in Michigan to Ohio-born parents, who is a House Keeper.

The Daily Northwestern, Oshkosh, WI, Tuesday, August 15, 1905

NEWS OF MENASHA.

The new arrivals at the Langaff hotel are: Chas. Hemseler, Milwaukee; Paul Yoergers, Escanaba, Mich.; H. Awe, Oshkosh; H. Nelson, Milwaukee; S. C. W. Warrin, Grand Rapids; W. E. Gannon, Detroit, Mich.; R. E. Malady, Fond du Lac; C. W. Abby, Fond du Lac and C. M. Ricker, Chicago.

In 1906 Charles removed near Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, and farmed south of the city. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Beulah.

The Evening News, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, January 15, 1907

AT THE ALTER OF HYMEN

Miss Clara Abbey of this city, has received a letter from Glen Ullin, N. D., announcing the marriage of her sister Maude, to Orin Sovereign on Dec. 30. The Abbey family went to Dakota some months ago where the bride took up a claim. Her husband also has a claim in that state.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 4, 1910, shows Charles Abbey (age 48) born in Wisconsin to English-born parents is a Farmer owning his farm free of a mortgage and is living in Twp. 142, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him is his wife of 26 years, Cora Abbey (age 42) born in Wisconsin to New York and Canadian-born parents, with all six of the children born to her still alive. Also there are his five unmarried children, all born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents: Clara Belle Abbey (age 22), who works in a Woolen Factory; Samuel Abbey (age 17), a Farm Laborer on the Home Farm; Phoebe Abbey (age 15); Ida Abbey (age 12); and Oran Abbey (age 10). Leigh Larson note: His daughter, Hellen Maude, was crossed off the census entry, since she had moved away and married H. Oriel Sovereign. Clara B. Abbey (age 22) is a duplicate entry shown living in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, on April 20, 1910, as a Lodger in the Charles Burdick household. She is a Drawer in a Woolen Mill.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 20, 1910, shows Clara B. Abbey (age 22) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents is an unmarried Lodger and is living at 533 Third Avenue, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, a Drawer in a Woolen Mill. There are five others in the Charles Burdick household.

Phoebe, Oran, Charles, Cora and Ida Abbey, about 1912, near Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.

On July 2, 1914, Charles W. Abbey received a Homestead Land Grant for 160 acres of land in North Dakota, Document No. 0011464.

The 1915 North Dakota State Census taken on April 1, 1915, shows C. W. Abbey (age 54) is living in Township 141, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: Cora Abbey (age 49); Ida Abbey (age 17); and Oran Abbey (age 15).

Charles and Cora separated and may have divorced between 1916 and 1920, with Charles staying in North Dakota while Cora moved to Wisconsin.

The Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI, July 18, 1919

VISITS IN NORTH DAKOTA

Despite Advanced Age of 97, S. B. Armstrong Travels Extensively

Mrs. Cora Abbey and her father, S. B. Armstrong, spent a short time in the city today at the home of J. L. Roy. Mrs. Abbey and Mr. Armstrong are on their way to their home at Packwaukee from Beulah, N. D., where they visited with relatives. Mr. Armstrong is almost 97 years of age, but despite his advanced age, still travels extensively. He is healthy and robust and looks years younger than he really is.

Leigh Larson note: This newspaper account of Cora's trip to North Dakota helps to shed a little more light on the Twilight Abbey mystery child that appears in Wisconsin in the 1920 U. S. Census.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 7, 1920, shows C. W. Abby (age 58) born in Wisconsin to Canadian and English-born parents is a Farmer rooming at 104 Maine Street, Bismarck, Lincoln Twp., Burleigh Co., ND. On the census form he claims he is a widower.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 22, 1920, shows Cora A. Abbey (age 53) born in Wisconsin to English Canadian-born parents is a widow who owns her own home free of a mortgage and is living in Packwaukee Twp., Marquette Co., WI. Living with her are: her son, Twilight Abbey (age 9/12) born in North Dakota to Montana and Wisconsin-born parents; and her Widowed father, Samuel B. Armstrong (age 97) born in English Canada to English-born parents.

Stevens Point Daily Journal, Stevens Point, WI, Thursday, December 15, 1921

TO RESIDE IN THE WEST.

Mrs. Cora Abbey of Packwaukee came up Monday evening and visited until this morning at J. L. Roy's home on Fremont street. Mrs. Abbey has gone to Warner, N. Dak., for a several week's visit with her children, after which she will continue westward to Idaho and live with her oldest daughter. For a long period of years Mrs. Abbey served as housekeeper for her father, Samuel Armstrong, a pioneer resident of Baraboo, who died there in August last at the advanced age of 99 years and 4 months. Leigh Larson note: Cora's estranged/ex husband, Charles Washington Abbey, is the brother-in-law of Adam William Shidell. Adam William Scheidel is the nephew of Jacob Shidel. Mrs. J. L. Roy is Mary Emma (Shidel) (Ellis) (Martin) Roy, the daughter of Jacob Scheidel.  

The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, ND; Wednesday, May 2, 1923

CITY NEWS

Bismarck Hospital.

Morits Pollock of Wing, William Rathjen of Zup, and C. W. Abbey of Beulah have entered the Bismarck hospital for treatment.

The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, ND; Thursday, May 8, 1923

CITY NEWS

Bismarck Hospital.

C. W. Abbey of Beulah has been discharged from the hospital.

The 1925 North Dakota State Census taken on April 1, 1925, shows Ira Miller (age 29) is living in Township 142, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: Eda Miller (age 27); male Babe Miller (age 7); female Babe Miller (age 4); Ira Miller (age 3); and Chas. Abby (age 63). All were born in the United States and are U. S. citizens.

Charles Washington Abbey died March 5, 1926, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 64.

The Beulah Independent, Vol. 14 No. 3, Thursday, March 11, 1926

FATAL ACCIDENT.

Pioneer Farmer Killed in Auto Accident Last Friday.

C. A. Abbey, one of the pioneer farmers of the community south of Beulah, was fatally injured in an auto accident on the road 1 mile east of the Sam Murray place four miles south of town last Friday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock. Mr. Abbey had been town and was on his way home when the accident occurred. It is thought that in making the turn to go south the car skidded or was going a little too fast so that he could not keep it on the road and that it ran against the bank on the east side of the road tipping the car up on its side. There was nothing to show that the car had turned over. Mr. Ralph Shirley who was coming to town saw the up turned car and discovered the unfortunate man lying on the side next to the road with one foot still remaining on the car. His head was badly lacerated and smashed but he was still alive. Help was summoned at once and he was brought to Dr. Rasmussons office in this city where he passed away about 7 o'clock the same evening. There were no injuries on his body but the skull was broken in several places and the nose and cheek bones were also broken. Death resulted from loss of blood and concussion of the brain. He never regained consciousness.

Charles W. Abbey was born in south Byron, Wis. August 10th, 1862, and grew to manhood in that community. He was united in marriage to Miss Cora Armstrong of that place in the year 1884. To this union seven children were born, five of whom survive. He came to this community with his family in the year 1908 and has since resided here. Besides a host of friends he leaves to mourn his death, three daughters and two sons. They are Mrs. O. H. Sovereign, Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Berton J. Higgins, Baraboo, Wisc., Mrs. Ira Miller, Beulah, N. Dak.; Mr. Samuel B. Abbey, Superior, Mont.; and Oran Abbey, of Beulah. All of the children except Samuel were present at the funeral.

Funeral services were conducted form the Congregational church in this city Wednesday afternoon and interment was made in the Rosehill cemetery. T. L. Jones paster of that church delivered the funeral sermon and the choir rendered some very pretty songs. The floral tributes were beautiful. The remains were accompanied to their last resting place by one of the largest funeral processions ever witnessed in this community, as a fitting tribute to this good friend and neighbor.

During this sad hour the Independent wishes to extend to those who are left to mourn, the heartfelt sympathy of this community.

The Woodland Democrat, Woodland, CA, Wednesday, March 31, 1926

Mrs. Shidell Dies In East

Mrs. George W. Hollingshead of this city today received news of the death of her mother, Mrs. L. M. Shidell, who passed away at Militor, Wisconsin on February 6th. News was also received of the death of her two uncles, Ike and Charels Abbey, the former passing away during January and the latter on March 5th. The two men are brothers of Mrs. Shidell who is the mother of 11 children, the oldest whom is Mrs. Hollingshead. Charles Abbey was killed in an automobile accident.

Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey left October 1929 for Pomona, Ca, to visit her daughter, Helen Maude (Abbey) Sovereign, and stayed in California until 1931, when she made her home in Beulah, ND. In 1936 she reminisced that she enjoyed California and wished that she had never left.

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 16, 1930, shows Cora H. Eby (age 63) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin and New York-born parents is a widow living as a Guest in The Granada Hotel and Apartments, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA.

Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey died July 21, 1955, at 1209 Lake Street, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 88.

WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION,
HISTORICAL DATA PROJECT: PIONEER BIOGRAPHY FILES

COLLECTION: OGL #1119

DATES: 1936-1940

SIZE: 34 rolls microfilm

INTRODUCTION

ACQUISITION: The microfilmed Works Progress Administration Historical Data Project Pioneer Biography Files were purchased from the North Dakota State Historical Society, holder of the originals, in March 1989 (Acc #89-1643).

ACCESS: Open for inspection under the rules and regulations of the Department of Special Collections.

RELATED COLLECTIONS: Works Progress Administration North Dakota Writer’s Project Ethnic Group Files, (OGL #1380)

HISTORICAL SKETCH

The Historical Data Project was established under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration in 1936. Its work ceased in 1940 having gathered together valuable biographical and historical data for each state. In North Dakota, the Project was administered by the North Dakota State Historical Society. One focus of the Project was to gather biographical data on North Dakota pioneers as defined by any person born before 1870 and who lived in the Territory before statehood of North and South Dakota, or who was the first settler in a township.

SCOPE AND CONTENT NOTE

The Pioneer Biography Files, W. P. A Historical Data Project, for the State of North Dakota are housed at the North Dakota State Historical Society. The Department of Special Collections purchased a microfilmed set of the Files in March 1989. The set consists of thirty-four microfilm rolls of over 5000 files which were filmed alphabetically by county, and within each county, alphabetically by name. The last roll is an alphabetical name index which includes the following information: pioneer's name, city or town, county, occupation, nationality, date and place of birth, whether still living or date and place of death, and marital status. If married, the above information is included for the spouse.

The files themselves consist of a Pioneer Data Form or Old Settler Questionnaire filled out by either a Project survey worker or the pioneer himself. The Data Forms provide the following information: pioneer's name, birth and death dates, nationality, occupation, name of spouse, parents, and children, marital status, dates of immigration to the United States and arrival in Dakota Territory, education, religion, political affiliation, and family and community historical sketches. Also frequently included are small township maps which locate the family farmstead and other significant community buildings; Archaeological and Historical Survey Forms which locate prehistoric and historic sites and landmarks; pioneer biographical sketches or reminisces; and newspaper clippings.

Cora (Armstrong) Abbey eventually moved to California. In 1951-1952 she lived in Pomona, CA. She was a Holy Roller who went to a variety of churches, including a Baptist church. She owned a home in Los Angeles at 1209 Lake Street. She died from acute circulatory failure. Her divorced daughter, Helen Maude (Abbey) Sovereign, lived with her in Pomona, CA.  

Click here for the PDF version of the WPA file from Cora (Armstrong) Abbey.

Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey died July 21, 1955, in Los Angeles Co., CA at age 88.

Beulah, ND . . . . . . . . Golden Anniversary, 1914-1964 . . . . . . . . . .

Published by the Odessa Digital Library - 29 May 1996
http://pixel.cs.vt.edu/library/odessa.html

This document may be freely used for personal, nonprofit purposes or linked by other WWW sites.  It may also be shared with others, provided the header with copyright notice is included.  However, it may not be republished in any form without permission of the copyright owner.

Copyright 1996, RPS - 724 SW Hayter Street, Dallas, OR 97338-1845, (503) 623-5529, rpschuh@teleport.com

NOTE: This transcription of "Beulah North Dakota, Golden Anniversary, 1914-1964" was edited by Robert P. Schuh on May 23, 1996 and is issued with the permission of Gertrude Buscher, President, Mercer County Historical Society.
 

THE HISTORY OF CHARLES G. HERMAN

Charles G. Herman was born in Saarbrucken, Germany, on Sept. 29, 1876, to Peter and Rose, nee Klier, Herman. The Peter Herman family came to the United States in 1883. They first settled in the Pennsylvania coal mining area, where the family; Minnie, Charles, August, and Rose lived for a time. Later they moved to Michigan, but did not stay long; for like so many of our early settlers, they followed the "Westward Movement."

The Herman Family arrived in Glen Ullin in 1890 and took up a homestead about four miles north of what is now Glen Ullin. It was rough going for the Hermans.  In those early years, what with sod houses without floors, and only one room. The whole family had to work hard to make a living. They plowed the land with a hand plow and Oxen.

At the age of fourteen Charlie decided to make some extra money for the family by working for the railroad for $15.00 a month. When he was about eighteen Charlie realized that "hiring out" was not for him, and made the decision to start a sheep ranch. He took up a homestead about twelve miles south of Beulah, built a small house and bought some sheep. He was now a full-fledged rancher. But things did not go as smoothly as he had hoped for; trips to Glen Ullin for groceries took two days, though later on, when the Evans and Farrington Post Offices were built, it was handier for their mail, at least.

In 1900 Charlie was married to Frances Tavis of Glen Ullin. As a girl Frances had come with her parents, John and Theresa Rolfe Tavis, from West Virginia. It had been necessary for Frances to miss some schooling in order for her to take her turn, with her seven sisters and two brothers, at sheep herding. Thanks to the size of the family, her turn did not come too often.

To this union of Frances and Charles five children were born: Alice, Mrs. Oran Abbey; Theodore, Carl, Wilfred, and Cleo, Mrs. Thure Orefalk. For two years the Herman family lived in Glen Ullin. In 1908 they moved back to the homestead, where the number of sheep Charlie owned sometimes reached 2,000. He was the first man in the area to own a Ford Car. During this time the railroad was being built, and the crews would winter their horses at Charlie's. He then bought land in the Aplin area where he established and operated the Charlie Herman Cattle Ranch until 1943, when the youngest son, Wilfred, took over.

In 1912 he was elected sheriff of Oliver County and the family moved to Center where he served in this capacity for two terms. While in Center he also operated the Ford Garage. On Armistice Day, 1918, the family moved back to the ranch. At that time the Hermans got their mail at the Aplin Post Office. They built a new home in 1922 and it was at this time that Charlie started as a cattle buyer. In the early 1930's he served in the North Dakota House of Representatives for two terms. In 1943 he moved to Beulah, where he continued in the cattle buying business.

In 1947 Mrs. Herman passed away after a lingering illness of four years. Charlie continued to live in Beulah until his death on Christmas Eve, 1956.

History submitted by Alice, Mrs. Oran Abbey.

Oran Abbey          Alice Abbey

THE HISTORY OF ALICE HERMAN ABBEY

Alice Herman was born at Glen Ullin, N. Dak. in 1901. She attended her first two years of school in Glen Ullin, and later went to country school in the
Aplin area, where her family was then residing. She was graduated from Glen Ullin High School in 1920, and then began teaching. For six years she taught
the lower grades in Beulah, while getting her College education in Valley City during the summer terms. In 1926 she married Oran Abbey, son of C. W. and Cora Armstrong Abbey, who homesteaded south of Beulah.

In the late 1920's they started farming three miles south of Beulah on what was then known as the Sam Murray homestead. In addition to farming, Oran Abbey was also employed as a mule skinner in the Knife River Coal Mine. Oran also operated a small coal mine on his own farm, and did veterinary work for the surrounding area for many years.

Oran Abbey was killed in a car accident about one half mile from his farm, in the year 1943. His wife, Alice, was left to raise nine children who were now fatherless.

Alice Abbey continued living and working on the farm for four years. Eventually, however, she decided it was too difficult to get her children through school, continue as organist at St. Joseph's Church--a job which she held from the early 1920's through 1956, and which she holds once more--and still manage to keep up the farm work. So in 1947 Alice rented the farm out on shares, bought the house in Beulah that is still her home, and moved her family into town. And it was here that her nine children went through High School.

Her daughter Lois graduated from St. Alexius School of Nursing and later married Loren Lang, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lang. The Loren Lang's now reside in Sidney, Montana, where he is employed by Montana-Dakota Utilities. They are the parents of five children.

June attended college at Fargo, North Dakota and then became a stenographer. While working in Denver, Colorado she met and married Michael Dolce, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Dolce. The Mike Dolce's are presently living in Billings, Montana, and have a family of four children.

Lenore married Donald Wetzel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wetzel. Don and Lenore live in Beulah, where Donald is the District Manager of Montana-Dakota Utilities Office. They have four children.

Marilyn was employed as a Nurse's Aide in the Hazen Hospital until her marriage to Arvid Gustafson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gustafson. Marilyn and Arvid, with their three children, are presently living on a farm near Stanton, North Dakota.

The eldest son, Gale, married Kathy Gillon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gillon of Red Lodge, Montana. They are now living in Sidney, where Gale is employed by Montana-Dakota Utilities.

Donna Abbey married Stanley Stasel, son of the late A. G. and Mrs. Florence Stasel. Stanley Stasel is in the Law and Accounting business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stanley and Donna are the parents of one daughter.

James Abbey is currently doing construction work in Renton, Washington.

Colleen, the youngest daughter, married Delmer Flemmer, son of the late Edward and Mrs. Hella Flemmer. Delmer is now employed by the company of Lange Electric. Mr. and Mrs. Delmer Flemmer have four children.

Alan, youngest of the nine children, is presently living with his mother, and is employed by Knife River Coal Mining Company. He is engaged to be married in the Spring of 1964.

Left to right: Lois, June, Lenore, Marilyn, Donna, Colleen.

Left to right: Gail, James, Alan

Contributed by Volunteer Barb Brady
Shawano Evening Leader

Mrs. Ira E (Ida) D. Miller, 77, Rt. 1, Pulaski, died Tuesday, at Holy Family Hospital, Manitowoc. (1975)

She was the daughter of the late Charles Abby, and was born on January 12, 1898, in Mildore, Wis. She was raised in Beulah, North Dakota and since 1964 she resided in Pulaski. In 1916 she was married to Ire E. Miller in Beulah, North Dakota. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary of Shawano. Her husband preceded her in death in 1967.

Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Everett (Beverly) Meek, Nashua, Montana; four sons, David and Douglas of Milwaukee; Ira, Jr. of Portland, Oregon, and Richard O. of Miami, Florida; 18 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mrs. Helen Sovereign of Los Angeles, California. One son and one daughter preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Urbanek-Schlei Funeral Home in Manitowoc. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc. Rev. Lowe of Zachow and Angelica Church will officiate.

Friends may call at the Urbanek-Schlei Funeral Home in Manitowoc, 818 State Street after 4:00 p.m. Friday, and Saturday until the time of services.

Memorial services will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday by the VFW No. 659, of which she was a member.