Ethel Abbey Wescott
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William Winfield Crippen was born December 26, 1884, in Washta, Grand Meadow Twp., Cherokee Co., IA, and died March 10, 1956, in La Crescenta, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 71. He is the son of Charles William Crippen of Lanark, Cherry Grove, Carroll Co., IL, and Helen E. "Nellie" Dowding of Cherokee Co., IA.

Ethel Abbey Wescott was born April 1, 1887, in Vienna Twp., Marshall Co., IA, and died July 14, 1988, La Crescenta, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 101. She is the daughter of Harvey Hunt Wescott of Onondaga, NY, and Lovina "Louisa" Abbey of Lomira Twp., Dodge Co., WI.

William Winfield Crippen and Ethel Abbey Wescott were married September 23, 1908, in Toledo, Tama Co., IA.

William Winfield Crippen and Ethel Abbey (Wescott) Crippen had two children:

  1. Willis Crippen: Born 1909 in Tama Co., IA; Died Unknown in Independence, Buchanan Co., IA.
  2. Warren Wescott Crippen: Born June 9, 1912, in Toledo, Tama Co., IA; Died June 11, 1912, in Toledo, Tama Co., IA (age infant).
  3. Margaret Crippen: Born July 15, 1913, in Toledo, Tama Co., IA; Died November 2011 in Los Angeles Co., CA (age 98). Married to Leonard H. Wurtz: Born August 14, 1908, on Geiger Road, Winsor Twp., Pigeon Co., MI; Died February 7, 1976, in La Crescenta, Los Angeles Co., CA (age 67). Lived at 2926 Orange Ave, Los Angeles, CA, in 1948; and at 2904 Honolulu Ave, Los Angeles Co., CA, in 1954. Their sons are: William Leonard Wurtz, born December 16, 1951, in Los Angeles Co., CA; and Brian Lee Wurtz: born February 4, 1954, in Los Angeles Co., CA. Mother's maiden name was Crippen.
  4. William Wescott Crippen Jr.: Born September 7, 1916, in Tama Co., IA; Died June 20, 1989, in Lake Elsinore, Riverside Co., CA (age 72). Married September 19, 1937, in La Crescenta, Los Angeles Co., CA, to Juanita Beth "Peggy" Norris: Born 1917 in Idaho. Her father is Gordon Fletcher Norris and her mother is Maude Mary Verran, who were married June 2, 1913, in Salt Lake Co., UT.

TIMELINE

The 1830 U. S. Census taken shows the Grandus, Cuttleback and Wescott families living in Lafayette Twp., Onondaga Co., NY. Samuel Wescott and Bethiah Cuttleback are undoubtedly living there.

Harvey Hunt Wescott was born February 17, 1835, in Lafayette Twp., Onondaga, NY.

Samuel Wescott's Land Patent, issued July 1, 1848 for 40 acres of land in Washington Co., WI.

SESW  6/  12-N  20-E  No  4th PM - 1831 MN/WI  WI  Washington 

 

The 1850 U. S. Census taken on August 23, 1850 shows Samuel Wescott (age 47) born in New York with real estate worth $900 is a Farmer living in North Bend Twp., Washington Co., WI. Living with him is Bethiah Wescott (age 45) born in New York. Also living there, all born in New York, are: Willet R. Wescott (age 20); Graudis Wescott (age 18), a Farmer; Henry Wescott (age 15); Erskine Wescott (age 12); Elizabeth Wescott (age 10); and Timothy Wescott (age 8).

Lovina Abbey was born March 24, 1857, in Wisconsin

The 1860 U. S. Census shows Deloss Wescott, Erskane Wescott, Grandius Wescott and Jane Wescott are living in Kewaskum Twp., Washington Co., WI.

Five of Mr. Wescott's sons were soldiers in the civil war.

Charles H Wescott   07 May 1861
John W Wescott   14 May 1863
Grandis C Wescott Lebanon, Wisconsin 20 January 1865
William E Wescott Nepuskin, Wisconsin 11 January 1864
William E Wescott Shawano, Wisconsin 18 June 1861
Andrew Wescott Horicon, Wisconsin 16 May 1864
Carver D Wescott Wrightstown, Wisconsin 17 September 1861
George T Wescott Farmington, Washington Co., Wisconsin 17 September 1861
Levings Wescott Brooklyn, Wisconsin 03 September 1864
Russell Wescott Eau Claire, Wisconsin 11 November 1861
John E Wescott Cadiz, Wisconsin 28 January 1865
Simeon Wescott Beloit, Wisconsin 10 February 1865
Andrew A Wescott Westfield, Wisconsin 13 August 1862
Andrew Wescott Lowell, Wisconsin 28 February 1865
Fenner C Wescott Farmington, Washington Co., Wisconsin 21 August 1862
Harvey H Wescott Farmington, Washington Co., Wisconsin 12 August 1862
Timothy Wescott Eden, Wisconsin 23 February 1864

Willet R. Wescott was a Musician in Company D, 12th Wis. Volunteers, Enlisted 21 September 1861, Discharged 14 May 1864.

Name: Harvey H Wescott ,  
Residence: Farmington, Washington Co., Wisconsin 
Enlistment Date: 12 August 1862
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Wisconsin
Unit Numbers: 3079 3079
Service Record: Enlisted as a Musician on 12 August 1862
Enlisted in Company F, 27th Infantry Regiment Wisconsin on 12 August 1862.
Transfered on 29 February 1864 from company F to company S
Promoted to Full Principal Musician on 29 February 1864
Mustered out Company F, 27th Infantry Regiment Wisconsin on 29 August 1865

 

Name: Grandis C Wescott ,  
Residence: Lebanon, Wisconsin
Enlistment Date: 20 January 1865
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Wisconsin
Unit Numbers: 3056 3056
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 20 January 1865
Enlisted in Company I, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Wisconsin on 20 January 1865.
Mustered out Company I, 2nd Cavalry Regiment Wisconsin on 15 November 1865 in Austin, TX

 

Name: Timothy Wescott ,  
Residence: Eden, Wisconsin
Enlistment Date: 23 February 1864
Distinguished Service: DISTINGUISHED SERVICE
Side Served: Union
State Served: Wisconsin
Unit Numbers: 3079 3079
Service Record: Enlisted as a Private on 23 February 1864
Enlisted in Company F, 27th Infantry Regiment Wisconsin on 23 February 1864.
Died of disease Company F, 27th Infantry Regiment Wisconsin on 04 May 1864 in Jenkins' Ferry, AR

 

Erskine Wescott married Elizabeth R. Bargess on May 12, 1864 in Fond du Lac Co., WI.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken on July 6, 1870 shows Erskine Wescott (age 32) born in New York with real estate worth $3,200 and personal estate worth $580 is a Farmer living in Vienna Twp., Marshall Co., IA. Living with him is Elizabeth Wescott (age 28) born in New York, who is Keeping House. Living with them is Harlow Wescott (age 3) born in Wisconsin. Also living there are: Samuel Wescott (age 68) born in New York, a Retired Farmer; and Methiah Wescott (age 65) born in New York.

The 1870 U. S. Census taken in 1870 shows Harvy Wescott (age 27) born in Michigan with real estate worth $350 and personal estate worth $175 is a Common Laborer living alone near Forest Grove Post Office, Washington Co., OR.

Samuel Wescott moved to Iowa in 1872.

Harvey and Lovina were married August 22, 1872 in Portland, Multnomah Co., OR. His name is H H Westcott and her name is Louisa Abbey.

Harvey H. Wescott's Land Patent, issued May 26, 1873 for 157.68 acres of land in Washington Co., OR.

 

S½NE 2/ 1-N 2-W  No  Willamette  OR   Washington 
NENE  2/  1-N  2-W  No  Willamette  OR  Washington 
NWNE  2/  1-N  2-W  No  Willamette  OR  Washington 

Orrin Abbey's Land Patent, issued May 26, 1873 for 158.92 acres of land in Washington and Multnomah Cos., OR.

S½SE  8/  1-N  1-W  No  Willamette  OR  Multnomah 
NENE  17/  1-N  1-W  No  Willamette  OR  Washington 
3  17/  1-N  1-W  No  Willamette  OR  Washington 
Remarks: LOT 3 OR NWNE QUARTER

The 1880 U. S. Census taken on June 10, 1880 shows Harvey H. Wescott (age 45) born in New York to New York and Vermont-born parents is a Farmer living in Vienna Twp., Marshall Co., IA. Living with him is his wife Lovina Wescott (age 23) born in Wisconsin to Canadian and New York-born parents,, who is Keeping House. Saml. Wescott (age 75) born in New York to Baden-born parents is a widowed Visitor living in the household. A Music Teacher and a Farm Hand also live in the household.

William Winfield Crippen was born December 26, 1884, in Pitcher Twp., Cherokee Co., IA.

The 1885 Iowa State Census shows Charles W. Crippen (age 29) born in Illinois is a married Farmer and is living in Grand Meadow, Cherokee Co., IA. Living with him is Hellen Crippen (age 18) born in Clayton Co., IA, who is married and is Keeping House. Also living there is William W. Crippen (age 1) born in Cherokee Co., IA.

Ethel Abbey Wescott was born April 1, 1887, in Vienna Twp., Marshall Co., IA.

The 1895 Iowa State Census shows Harvy H. Wescott (age 59) born in New York is living in Vienna Twp., Marshall Co., IA. Living with him is Lavina Wescott (age 38) born in Wisconsin. Also there is Ethel Wescott (age 1) born in Marshall Co., IA. Samuel Wescott (age 92) born in New York is also living there.

The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 6, 1900 shows Harvy H. Wescot (age 65) born February 1835 in New York to New York-born parents and owns his own house and lives in the City of Toledo, Tama Co., IA. Living with him is his wife of 27 years, Lovina Wescott (age 43) born May 1857 in Wisconsin to Canadian and New York-born parents, with the only child born to her still living. Living with them is their daughter, Ethel Wescot (age 13) born April 1887 in Iowa to New York and Wisconsin-born parents. Also living there is Harvy's widowed father, Samuel Wescot (age 98) born February 1802 in New York to New York-born parents, and married for 73 years.

Davenport Republican, Davenport, IA, Monday, February 14, 1902

Century of Life.

Toledo, Feb. 13. - Samuel Wescott, of this place, has just celebrated his hundredth anniversary. This centenarian was born in New York in 1802, but has resided in Iowa since 1872. Five of Mr. Wescott's sons were soldiers in the civil war. Three of these sons and his daughter, Mrs. Myers, of Los Angeles, Cal., together with fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren composed the group of immediate relatives at the centennial. A public reception was tendered the aged gentleman by the Epworth League at the Methodist church. Prominent men of the city were the speakers. Mr. Wescott was five years old when Fulton's steamboat made her first trip on the Hudson. He was a voter when iron plows were first used; thirty before matches came into use; 40 years old when the first telegram was sent. He has seen almost the entire growth of the American republic.

The Iowa Recorder, Greene, Butler Co., IA, Wednesday, February 18, 1903

Samuel Wescott of Toledo, Iowa, has just celebrated his 101st birthday. He is hale and hearty and able to care for his personal wants, even able to shave himself.

Leigh Larson note: The City of Toledo, Tama Co., IA, is a small community just north of Tama, Tama Co., IA. Toledo has the county courthouse.

Samuel Wescott died November 9, 1904, in Iowa at age 102.

The 1905 Iowa State Census shows H. H. Wescott is living in Toledo Twp., Tama Co., IA. Living with him is Lavina Wescott. Living nearby is Ethel Wescott.

The 1910 U. S. Census taken on April 28, 1910 shows Harvey H. Wescott (age 75) born in New York to New York-born parents has his Own Income and owns his own house and lives on College Ave. in the 1st Ward, City of Tama, Tama Co., IA. Living with him is his wife of 37 years, Lovina Wescott (age 52) born in Wisconsin to Canadian and New York-born parents, with the only child born to her still living.

The 1915 Iowa State Census shows Lovina Wescott (age 57) born in Wisconsin to Canadian and New York-born parents and having lived in Iowa for 40 years is a married House Wife is living in the 3rd Ward, Toledo, Toledo Twp., Tama Co., IA. Harvey does not appear to be living there.

William Winfield Crippen's WWI Draft Registration shows on September 12, 1918 he was born December 26, 1884 and is employed with Furniture and Undertaking, married, and living at 621 N. 4th St. E, Newton, Jasper Co., IA. 

Harvey Hunt Wescott died February 15, 1918, in Newton, Jasper Co., IA, at age 82.

Harvey H. Wescott is buried in Badger Hill Cemetery, Spring Hill Twp., Tama Co., IA. Samuel, Bethiah and other Wescotts are also  buried there, but not Lovina.

The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 3, 1920 shows Lovina Wescott (age 62) is a widow living at 2915 Fourth Avenue, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. She was living with her daughter and son-in-law. Lovina was born in Wisconsin to a Canadian father and New York mother. The head of household is William W. Crippen (age 35) an undertaker born in Iowa to Illinois and Iowa parents. His wife is Ethel W. Crippen (age 32) born in Iowa to New York and Wisconsin parents. Also there is their daughter Margaret Crippen (age 6) and son William (age 3 4/12), both born in Iowa. A lodger and four boarders also live there.

The 1924 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Lovina Wescott is a Republican Housekeeper living at 2722 24th Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1924 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Charles W. Crippen (Retired), Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen (Rltr), and William W. Crippen (Undrtkr) are all Republicans and are living at living at 2722 24th Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1926 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen (Rl Estt), and William W. Crippen (Undrtkr) are all Republicans and are living at living at 2722 Harcourt Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1928 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Lovina Wescott is a Republican Housewife living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1928 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Charles W. Crippen (Retired), Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen (Housewife), and William W. Crippen (Undrtkr) are all Republicans and are living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1930 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Lovina Wescott is a Republican Housewife living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1930 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Charles W. Crippen (Retired), Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen (Housewife), and William W. Crippen (Mrtry) are all Republicans and are living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1930 U. S. Census taken on April 12, 1930 shows Lavina Wescott (age 72) is a widow living at 2908 Honolulu Avenue, La Crescenta Twp., Verdugo, Los Angeles Co., CA. She was living with her daughter and son-in-law. Lavina was born in Wisconsin to a Canadian father and New York mother. The head of household is William Crippen (age 45) an undertaker born in Iowa of Illinois and U.S. parents and married at age 23. His wife is Ethel W. Crippen (age 43) born in Iowa to New York and Wisconsin parents and married at age 21. Also there is their daughter Margaret Crippen (age 16), son William W. Crippen (age 13), both born in Iowa. William's father, Charles W. Crippen (age 73) who is a widower born in Illinois to U.S. parents.

The 1934 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Lovina Wescott is a Republican living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1934 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Charles W. Crippen, Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen, and William W. Crippen are all Republicans and are living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1934 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Miss Margaret Crippen is a Republican living at 2900 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

Lovina (Abbey) Wescott died March 22, 1934, in Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 76.

The 1936 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Chas. W. Crippen (retired), Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen (Housewife), Miss Margaret W. Crippen (P. O. Clerk), and William W. Crippen (Mortuary) are all Republicans and are living at 2900 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1938 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Mrs. Ethel W. Crippen is a Republican Housewife living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

The 1938 Los Angeles County Voter Registration List shows Miss Margaret W. Crippen (P. O. Clerk), and William W. Crippen (Mortuary) are Republicans living at 2904 Honolulu Avenue, Los Angeles Co., CA. 

 

U.S. World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946 Record

Name: William W Crippen Jr
Birth Year: 1916
Race: White, citizen
Nativity State or Country: Iowa
State: California
County or City: Los Angeles
   
Enlistment Date: 14 Mar 1945
Enlistment State: California
Enlistment City: Fort Macarthur San Pedro
Branch: No branch assignment
Branch Code: No branch assignment
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: Selectees (Enlisted Men)
Source: Civil Life
   
Education: 1 year of college
Civil Occupation: Seaman or Embalmer
Marital Status: Married
Height: 00
Weight: 900
 

 

 

William Winfield Crippen died March 10, 1956, in La Crescenta, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 71.

The Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles, CA, March 12, 1956

William W. Crippen Sr.

Funeral services for William W. Crippen Sr., 71, mortician and past president of the Montrose Chamber of Commerce, will be conducted at 4 p. m. tomorrow in the Masonic Temple in La Crescenta. Mr. Crippen, a resident of California 37 years, died Saturday at his home, 2334 El Moreno St., La Crescenta. He leaves his widow Ethel; a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Wurtz of La Canada, and a son, William Jr. of San Diego. Four grandsons also survive. Entombment will be in Grandview Mausoleum with the Crippen Mortuary, which he founded, directing.

William Winfield Crippen is the latest of at least seven area pioneering funeral directors found buried at Grand View Memorial Park. Mr. Crippen was born in Iowa on December 26, 1884 and passed away in Los Angeles on March 10, 1956. He is entombed in the Great Mausoleum along with his father, Charles (1855-1937) and his wife Ethel, who passed away in 1988 at the age of 101. His obituary was published in The Los Angeles Times on March 12, 1956, which notes that his arrangements were handled by the mortuary he founded: Crippen Mortuary was founded in 1928 by William & Ethel Crippen and has been in operation continuously at its present location in La Crescenta, California. In June of 2005 Crippen Mortuary assumed the pre-needs of Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service of Burbank and moved the pre-needs to the La Crescenta facility, this will provide those pre-arranged policy holders to be assured that  their arrangements will be honored without interruption. We also offer the Burbank, North Hollywood, Glendale area the same personal service given by Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service since 1943. In November 2007 Crippen Mortuary opened an arrangement office in Santa Clarita for the purpose of offering families in the Santa Clarita Valley a choice of mortuary services in their area. As the only independently owned and operated funeral home in the Foothills, we strive to provide the finest, most compassionate care to each and every family we serve. For more than 81 years, we have proven that it is possible to provide affordable funeral and cremation services without sacrificing quality.

Ethel Abbey (Wescott) Crippen died July 14, 1988, La Crescenta, Los Angeles Co., CA, at age 101.

Daily News of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, July 16, 1988

Deceased Name: Crippen, Ethel W...

Crippen, Ethel W., 101, of La Crescenta, homemaker. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and services will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Crippen Mortuary Chapel, La Crescenta. Entombment will follow at Grandview Mausoleum, Glendale. Crippen Mortuary, La Crescenta.

The Glendale News-Press, Glendale, Los Angeles Co., CA, November 25, 2011

Margaret Crippen Wurtz passed away peacefully at home with her pets on her lap surrounded by loved ones. She was 98 years old. She is survived by her son Bill and his family, wife Cindy, grandchildren Kristina and Patrick, and their mother Theresa Wurtz and by her son Brian and his family, wife Kim, and grandchildren Michael and Cassie. Margaret was born in Iowa and moved to California at a young age. Her parents founded Crippen’s Mortuary in 1928 which has served the community for 83 years. As owner of Crippen’s, she was integral part of the Foothills community. Her wishes were that Crippen Mortuary continues serving the community under the direction of Robert L. Hansen. Margaret was well known for her generosity with community and friends. She was active in her sons’ activities and supported many local programs and sports teams over the decades. Margaret was a wonderful hostess and enjoyed making occasions “special” for her family and loved ones. Services for Margaret will be held on Wednesday, November 30 10:00 AM at Holy Redeemer Church, 2411 Montrose Avenue, Montrose. Burial will be private. Crippen Mortuary officiating.
Crescenta Valley Weekly, La Crescenta, CA, July 1, 2010

By Michael YEGHIAYAN

A tradition of personalized care, dignified service

Oftentimes, a business’ contribution to the community is subjective and difficult to measure. However, occasionally a business is so deeply rooted into an area that its importance is beyond question. Such is the case with the longstanding La Crescenta institution, Crippen Mortuary.

Founded by William and Ethel Crippen in 1928, Crippen Mortuary has remained in the hands of the Crippen family for 82 years. The business has since been passed down to their daughter, Margaret Crippen Wurtz, who will be celebrating her 97th birthday on July 1.

Bob Hansen, who works with Crippen as the funeral director, has had a large part in the mortuary’s contribution to the Crescenta Valley. Hansen himself has been integral to the history of the area, serving as both the president of the CV Chamber of Commerce as well as being honored as the honorary mayor of La Crescenta.

“Since we’ve been here so long and we are the last independent mortuary in the area, we have seen more people turn to us in recent years,” said Hansen. “Our independent status allows us to be less expensive than corporate funeral services while remaining more personally accommodating to the personal needs of each family.”

Although the presence of their services has remained constant for the better part of a century, part of Crippen’s success is related to their ability to adapt and grow in relation to their surroundings.

“We will strive to continue to meet the needs and requests of the community,” remarked Hansen. “I feel strongly that our presence is needed and appreciated.”

In his years with Crippen Mortuary, Hansen has also witnessed and shared moments of pain and heartbreak amongst the rest of the Crescenta Valley. However, Crippen’s has remained a steadfast pillar of strength even during the most difficult times.

“When the area has been struck with tragedy, the community has consistently joined together in support,” commented Hansen. “At the recent passing of a local
soldier serving in Iraq, it
was moving to see so many people offer his family their support and gratitude for his sacrifice.”

“In my profession, you see families at their most vulnerable state,” he added. “They need to be helped and supported.”

Crippen Mortuary has also expanded in recent years, offering their services beyond the Crescenta-Cañada area. In June of 2005 they took control of business operations of another longstanding local mortuary, Eckerman-Heisman Funeral Service in the Burbank area. Additionally, they recently expanded into the Santa Clarita area with the opening of an arrangement office in 2007.

“The institution of Crippen Mortuary will remain steadfast in the community and continue to service with simplicity and dignity,” concluded Hansen. “We strive to serve our friends and neighbors as would want to be served.”