5884. Perry Early
Perry EarlyNAME-CONFLICT: Perry Earley
Census: 1856, in Appanoose Co., IA, Franklin Twp., 9/103
Lovina Conger, 21, f., in state 5 yrs. b. OH
Perrez Easly, 5, m. in state 5 yrs, b. OH [Note: This is probably Perry Early. He was a nephew of Lovina Conger. REH]
(Furnished by Joyce Posey)CENSUS: 1860, in Appanoose Co., IA living in the household of Solomon Howard, Sr.
MARRIAGE: Perry Early, 21 to Soph[i]a Jump, 18, 1 March 1870
(Source: Early Marriage Records 1847-1900, Appanoose Co., Iowa, published by Appanoose Co., Iowa Genealogical Society, 1986. Book 5, p. 98 - furnished by Joyce Posey)RESIDENCES: Joplin, MO
OCCUPATION: Employed at the Mahuska Lead Mine, Picher, OK
DEATH: Perry Early, b. ca 1849, in Wayne Twp., Monroe Co., Ohio, died on 24 Oct 1917, age 69, at Joplin, Missouri. He was widowed. He died at the home of his son, William L. Early, 1201 Iowa St., Joplin, MO. Burial: Fairview Cemetery. He had been employed by the Mahuska Lead Mine, at Picher, Oklahoma, just across the state border from Joplin.
(Source: Extracted from Death Certificate - furnished by Joyce Posey)OBITUARY: Perry Early, 69 years old, died at the home of his son, W.L. Early, 1301 Iowa Avenue, at 7 o'clock last night of a cerebral hemorrhage. A daughter also survives. Funeral services will be conducted at the residence at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon with interment in Fairview Cemetery.
(Source: Joplin Globe, Thursday, Oct. 25, 1917, p. 7, col. 8 - furnished by Joyce Posey)
Margaret CarrSPOUSE: Margaret Carr was the 2nd spouse of Perry Early.
OBITUARY: Thursday, December 23, 1897
Died on December 20, [1897], Mrs. Perry Earley [sic], of pneumonia. The
remains were intered in the Pacific City Cemetery.
(Source: The Glenwood Opinion (newspaper), Glenwood, Iowa, 23 Dec 1897 - in
possession of Joyce Posey)BURIAL: The Pacific City Cemetery was located in Section 9, Plattville
township. On June 25, 1971 the remains of 25 burials were placed in boxes and
reburied in the northeast corner of Glenwood Cemetery, Lot 1086, in section 5.
The old cemetery was unearthed with the construction of Highway 34.
(Source: Mills County Iowa Genealogical Society - furnished by Joyce Posey)
5886. Moses Howard
Moses HowardCensus: 1860, in Appanoose Co., IA
RELATIONSHIP: Brothers Moses and Silas Howard married sisters, Melissa and
Marietta Rush, respectively.RESIDENCES: In 1925 living with daughter, Bertha Spear, in Dallas Co., IA
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 338 - Maxine Crowell
Leonard)
10024. Bertha Howard
Bertha HowardRESIDENCES: As of 1925, Bertha Spear was living in Dallas Co., IA
(Source: The Conger Family of America, Vol. II, p. 338 - Maxine Crowell Leonard)
Emma E. PeacockSPOUSE: Emma E. Peacock was the 2nd wife of Moses Howard.
5888. Simon Peter Howard
Simon Peter HowardCensus: 1860, in Appanoose Co., IA
10033. Hobert Howard
Hobert HowardDEATH-CONFLICT: A death date of 7 May 1978 has been reported. This is not in
agreement with the SSDI death date of May 1979.
SSN:
Individual: Howard, Hobert
Social Security #: 516-28-4512
SS# issued in: Montana
Birth date: Aug 7, 1896
Death date: May 1979
Residence code: Montana
ZIP Code of last known residence: 59270
Primary location associated with this ZIP Code:
Sidney, Montana
ZIP Code of address where death benefit payment was sent: 59270
Primary location associated with this ZIP Code:
Sidney, Montana
[Broderbund Family Archive #110, Vol. 1 A-L, Ed. 5, Social Security Death
Index: U.S., Date of Import: Oct 30, 2000, Internal Ref. #1.111.5.113035.53]
5889. Silas Howard
Silas HowardRELATIONSHIP: Brothers Moses and Silas Howard married sisters, Melissa and
Marietta Rush, respectively.DIVORCE: Silas and Marietta Howard were divorced around 1887. Silas left home
alone to homestead in western Nebraska and never returned.
Marietta Jane RushAKA: Retta
MARRIAGE: In 1888, Marietta Jane Rush Howard married second, Charles M. Mozena.
Was he related to the Mozena family of Monroe Co., OH?
Emma Laura JonsonNAME-CONFLICT: Emma Louise Johnson and Emma Laura Johnson, p. 430, CFA II. Father listed as John Johnson on page 430, and John Jonson, elsewhere.
10038. Delmar Theodore Stevens
Delmar Theodore StevensBIRTH-QUESTION: In what county did the birth take place?
AKA: Delarmer Theodore Stevens; Delmar Theodore Stevens in CFA II, p. 430.
SPOUSE: One of the spouses of Delmar as called, Betty.
5891. William Murray Stevens
William Murray StevensProblem: How was his middle name spelled, Murray, Murry, Murrary?
Problem: A birth date of 18 Dec 1854 has been listed. CFA II, p. 430 lists, Abt. 1860. He probably wasn't born in the same year as his brother Eli.
MARRIAGE-CONFLICT: 18 Sep 1887 according to CFA II, p. 430
MARRIAGE: LDS record page 5481 - Sarah E. Conger married William M. Stevens, 18 Sept 1881, Chariton Co., Mo.. (d/o George Washington Conger)
(Furnished by Joyce Posey)RELATIONSHIP: William Murray Stevens and his wife, Sarah E. Conger, were 1st cousins. Their common ancestor was Moses Conger.
OBITUARY:
WILLIAM M. STEVENS, the son of D.T. and Sarah Stevens, was born in Appanoose County, near Centerville, Iowa, Dec. 18, 1854, and died Sept 5, 1938 aged 83 years, 8 months and 18 days.[He] Came to Missouri 20 years ago. He married Sept 18, 1881 [sic, 1887 listed elsewhere] to Sarah Conger. To this union were born, one son, Clyde Stevens. Survived by the son, wife, two grandsons, 1 brother, R.M. Stevens of Brewster. Washington.
Buried Lakeside Cemetery.
(Source: unknown newspaper, probably dated, Friday, 9 Sep 1938, provided by Chariton Co., Mo., Historical Society in Salisbury to Joyce Posey)
Sarah E. CongerPARENTS: George Washington Conger and Elizabeth Catherine Brown
RELATIONSHIP: Sarah E. Conger married her first cousin, William Murray Stevens. Their common ancestor was their grandfather, Moses Conger. The father of Sarah E. Conger was George Washington Conger the brother of the Sarah Conger the mother of William Murray Stevens.
RESIDENCES: As of Feb 1915, Sarah Stevens of Sumner, MO
5912. Unknown Conger
Unknown CongerPARENTS: Moses D. Conger and Sevillar McGee
RESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Mrs. C.R. Calhoun of Kansas City, MO
10049. Bonnie Calhoun
RESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Bonnie Calhoun of Kansas City, MO
5913. Mildred Conger
Mildred CongerPARENTS: Moses D. Conger and Sevillar McGee
RESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Mrs. Mildrd Martin of Hammond, IN
PROBATE-RESIDENCES: Named in the will of her aunt, Laura (McGee) Purkypille. As of Mar 1961, Mildred Martin of 5342 Sohl Avenue, Hammond, IN.
RESIDENCES: As of Mar 1976, Mrs. Mildred Martin of Hammond, IN
10050. Arthur Martin
DEATH: Died at the age of 21 years.
5914. Rilla E. Conger
Rilla E. CongerPARENTS: Moses D. Conger and Sevillar McGee
RESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Rilla Houdesheldt of Cinninnati, IA
PROBATE-RESIDENCES: Named in the will of her aunt, Laura (McGee) Purkypille. As of Mar 1961, Rilla Houdeshelt of Cinncinnati, IA
OBITUARY:
Mrs. Rillia E. Houdesheldt, 74 a longtime resident of Cincinnati [Iowa]who had owned and operated an antique and varity store on the Cincinnati square, died in Ottumwa [IA] Tuesday, March 23, 1976. She had been in poor health six weeks.Born Sept 5, 1901, in Kirksville, Mo., she was the daughter of Moses and Sevilla McGee Conger.
On September 4, 1920, she was married to Glen E. Houdesheldt, and he prededed her in death March 28, 1947. Her parents, a daughter, Lucille Conopotis, and a sister Mary preceded her in death.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Wilber (Jorene) Lowe of Ottumwa, three grandchildren, one great -grand son, two sister; Mrs. Weltha Moberly, North Kansas City, Mo.; and Mrs. Mildred Martin, Hammond, Indiana; and one brother, Ray Conger, Ottumwa.
Services will be Friday, 1:30 pm, at the Miller-Wehrie Funeral Home in Centerville, burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Cincinnati.
(Source: The Iowegian, Centerville, Appanoose Co., Iowa Issue date: Thursday March 25, 1976 - furnished by Joyce Posey)
Glen E. HoudesheldtCEMETERY: Row 20, Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Glen E. Houdesheldt, 1891-1947; Rilla E., 1901-1976.
(Source: Pleasant Twp., Appanoose Co., IA Cemeteries - furnished by Joyce Posey)
10051. Lucille Houdesheldt
RESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Lucille Houdesheldt of Rockford, IL
10052. Jorene Houdesheldt
Jorene HoudesheldtRESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Jorene Houdesheldt of Cincinnati, IA
RESIDENCES: As of Mar 1976, Mrs. Wilber (Jorene) Lowe of Ottumwa, IA
5915. Roy E. Conger
Roy E. CongerPARENTS: Moses D. Conger and Sevillar McGee
RESEARCHER: Some information on Roy E. Conger and his family provided to Joyce Posey by Alyse Kenny, who researched the McGee family.
CENSUS: 1930 Iowa Census - Wapello County, Center Township, ED19, page 18, sheet 9b
Conger, Roy, age 21 married age 22, b. MO, f. MO, m. MO
Bertha, age 19, married age 16, b. MO, f. MO, m. MO
Bert L., age 2 1/2, son, b. MO [IA?], f. MO, m. MO
(Furnished by Joyce Posey)RESIDENCES: As of Aug 1947, Ottumwa, IA
PROBATE-RESIDENCES: Named in the will of his aunt, Laura (McGee) Purkypille. As of Mar 1961, Roy Conger of 123 South Cooper Street; Ottumwa, IA.
OCCUPATION: Worked 47 years for John Morrell and Co. (Meat Packing). Retired in April 1969.
RESIDENCES: As of Mar 1976, Ottumwa, IA
DEATH: Oakwood Estates, Albia, Monroe Co., IA
OBITUARY:
Ottumwa, [IA] -- Roy E. Conger, 95, formerly of 2522 Clearview in Ottumwa, [IA], died at 1:53 p.m. July 7, 1999, at Oakwood Estates in Albia, [IA].He was born on March [1]4, 1904 in Unionville, MO. He married Bertha Wolfe in 1927. She died Jan. 22, 1983. He later married Miriam Hougland.
He lived in Ottumwa most of his life. He was an employee of John Morrell and Co. for 47 years, retiring in April of 1969. He was a retired Evangelist.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Bert L. Conger of Altoona; a stepson, Irvin Hougland of Ottumwa; a stepdaughter, Kathleen Hatfield of Hollister, CA; a grandson; and two step granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by four sisters.
The service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Reece Funeral Home in Ottumwa, the Rev. Elmer Hatfield officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery. Open visitation will begin after 1 p.m. today.
A memorial has been established to the Alzheimer's Foundation.
(Source: unknown - furnished by Joyce Posey)
Bertha E. WolfeOBITUARY:
Bertha E. Conger, 72, of 2522 Clearview died at 1:20 a.m. Jan. 22 [1983] in Ottumwa Hospital [Ottumwa, IA].She was born Sept. 15, 1910 in St. John, MO to Joseph and Emmaline Morgan Wolfe. She was a resident of Ottumwa most of her life. She married Roy E. Conger.
Survivors: her husband, a son, Bert L. of Altoona; and a grandson.
Services were today at Reece Funeral Home, the Rev. George King of Evangelistic Four Square Church officiating. Burial: Shaul Cemetery.
(Source: Ottumwa Courier, 24 Jan 1983, Ottuma, Iowa - furnished by Joyce Posey)
10053. Bert Leroy Conger
Bert Leroy CongerRESIDENCES-MILITARY: As of Aug 1947, Bert Leroy Conger, in the service, of Ottumwa, IA.
RESIDENCES: As of Jan 1983 and Jan 1999, Altoona, IA
CHILD: Probably had one son.
Miriam HouglandSPOUSE: Miriam Hougland was the 2nd spouse of Roy E. Conger.
5921. John Lincoln Conger
John Lincoln CongerBIRTH: Oct 1860 at Hackneys Mill (near Amity) Washington Co., PA; the date of Oct 1860 is listed in the 1900 census. The 1860 census of Edgar Co., IL was taken in September and John was not listed. The 1880 census of Dodge Co., NE lists a John Conger age 18, which gives a calculated birth date of Abt. 1862. The parents are listed as born in Ireland, which casts doubt on whether this is John Lincoln Conger.
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)PARENTS-COMMENT: Researcher Mary Jo Khan believes that John Lincoln Conger is the son of Charles Atkinson Conger and Harmony Katherine Erlewine. No proof of this relationship has been found. If his place of birth was Hackneys Mill (near Amity) Washington Co., PA the possiblity of this couple being his parents seems unlikely as they have never been reported as living in that area.
LAND-HONORS: Conger Mesa, Routt Co., CO is shown on 1996 maps as "Conger Mesa." Water maps show the originial 1886 homestead ditch as "John's Ditch."
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)MILITARY: None
APPEARANCE-TRAITS: tall; good build; dark hair; blue eyes; reasonably good looking; likeable; demanding; hot tempered; insecure; jealous; white liar
RESIDENCES:
1885 Grand Lake, Grand County, Colorado
1891 Gilman, Eagle County, Colorado
1892 Piney Creek, Eagle County, Colorado
1900 Wolcott (Piney Creek), Eagle County, Colorado
1906 Rifle, Garfield County, Colorado
1908 Pueblo, Pueblo County, Colorado
19l0 Rifle, Garfield County, Colorado
1914 Glenwood Springs, Garfield County, Colorado
1920 Glenwood Springs, Garfield County, ColoradoKNOWN BUSINESS LOCATIONS: All of the above. Plus the following: Denver, Colorado; Kansas City, Mo.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Pueblo, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; Nevada; Cheyenne, Wyoming
CENSUS: 1870 and 1880, Washington Co., PA living with his mother and her second husband, Dr. Simon Strouss in Washington Co., PA.MARRIAGE: John Lincoln Conger and Mary Lucinda Jane Young were married on 15 Aug 1883 at the Fairview Hotel in Grand Lake, Grand Co., CO
CENSUS: 1885, in Grand Co., CO., Grand Lake Twp., 349/349, June l, 1885 Roll
?, P 24, L 36
John Conger, 25, Carpenter, PA, (Father ?), PA; Jennie, 25, keep house, IN,
Germany, IN
Mary, 1, dau. CO, PA, IN
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)CENSUS: 1900, in Eagle Co., CO. Wolcott Twp., 262/271, June, Roll 122, Sh 11,
L.55
John Conger, head, Oct 1860, 39 yrs, married 17 yrs, PA PA PA
farmer, owned land free and clear
Jennie, wife, Oct 1860, 39 yrs, 3 children, 2 living, IN Germany IN
Mary E., dau. June 1884, 15 yrs, CO PA IN
Alfred D., son, Jan 1890, 10 yrs, CO PA IN
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)CENSUS: 1910 in Garfield Co., CO., Rifle, Twp., 33/33, Apr. 16, 1910 L 23, P.
1999
John L. Conger, head, 49, married 26 yrs, 2 children, stockman, PA PA PA
Jennie, wife, 49, IN Bremen,Germany IN
Fred, son, 20, at school, CO PA IN
Benjamin Lemon, s-i-l, 26, married 1 year, no children, CO Kent/VA US
Owns business
Mary, dau. 25, CO, PA IN
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)DIVORCE: The marriage of John Lincoln Conger and Mary Lucinda Jane Young ended in divorce, after 31 years of marriage, on 17 Mar 1914 at Glenwood Springs, Garfield Co., CO.
CENSUS: 1920 -- Never found. Was not in Garfield Co., Colo. nor Kansas City, Mo.
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)DIVORCE: The marriage of John Lincoln Conger and Margaret H. (Vest) Readon ended in divorce on 8 Nov 1920, at Glenwood Springs, Garfield Co., CO.
ORGANIZATIONS: Charter Member - Masonic Blue Lodge, Rifle, Colorado Lodge #129LAND: Homesteaded Routt County, Colorado. 1885 -- 160 acres
1700 acres near Rifle, Colorado
1800 acres near DeBeque, Colorado
Balance of his land came via wife Jennie
2500 acres Routt County, Colorado
8000 acres Eagle County, Colorado
7200 acres near Salt Lake
2600 acres near Pueblo, Colorado
Business Bldgs. in Rifle, Colorado
Home in Rifle, Colorado
Fourteen Lots in Glenwood Springs, CO
Home in Denver, Colorado
BIOGRAPHY:
At this time, John Lincoln Conger is a bit of a mystery between his birth at Hackney's Mill, Pa. (Near Amity) Washington Co., Pa., and the autumn of 1881 where we find him at Grand Lake, Grand County, Colorado.Due to insufficient proof of parental relationship because the 1870 Federal Census has not been found for Charles and Harmony, we shall just have to continue with the circumstantial assumption as presented by others that John Lincoln is the son of Charles A. and Harmony Earleywine Conger from Monroe County, Ohio, who finally settled in Dodge County, Nebraska.
John about 1880 or soon after this date migrated to Grand Lake, Colorado, where he supported himself as a carpenter and building contractor per his wife "Jennie's" memoirs put to paper about 1930. This is supported by the 1885 Colorado Census. Jennie in her memoirs states ... "John built or had a hand in building most of the buildings in early Grand Lake, one of which was my Mother's Fairview Hotel which was located on 115 acres that she bought in 1879 on the west side of the Lake." ..."John worked for my Uncle Chris Young for a short while. My uncle received an injury and stopped doing such hard work and started a freight service between Hot Sulphur Springs and Grand Lake. John organized where Uncle Chris left off." This Hotel was built in the Autumn of 1881 and was the second large structure built in Grand Lake per the History of Grand Lake Pioneers by Mary Cairns. Mary goes on to state ..."THE FAIRVIEW HOUSE. The mining boom of the late seventies and early eighties caused four leading hotels to be built at Grand Lake. The Grand Lake House, The Fairview House, Garrison House (later called The Grandview) and the Grand Central Hotel and Restaurant, also known as "The Nickerson House."
"The Fairview House which stood on the Craig Point (West Side of the Lake) until the summer of 1937 when it was torn down, was built in the autumn by Mrs. Mary J. Young. It had, indeed, one of the fairest views imaginable, looking out across the clear waters of the lake toward the Continental Divide to the Eastward and looking up both the deep forested valleys of the North and East Inlets. The Fairview House was built for Mrs. Young, a widow, by a "house raising. The work was done by her son Chris and several other young men of the village. Mrs. Young had taken up the point of land on which to build her hotel, and an adjoining large tract, as a homestead. The table was always well supplied with trout and game. Mrs. Young was a famous cook, and her house was ever a popular stopping place for local people as well as travelers. "She was a little dancing gypsy" has been said of her. "She could work all day -- cooking, cleaning, putting things to rights -- and then still be so light on her feet that she could dance half of the night without seeming to tire. Mrs. Young was assisted in her management and hostessing duties by her daughter Jennie who had even more energy.
"The Fairview was an immediate success partially due to the fact that Mrs. Young's father, John R. Baker of Summit and Clear Creek County mining fame was constantly heralding her hotel when in Denver concerning legal matters connected with his Baker Mines. He seemed to know everybody between Grand Lake and Denver from his days of service as the first elected sheriff of Grand County and his prospecting days on Kelso and Baker Mountain. He always took a stack of printed flyers for all of the businesses in Grand Lake with him to Denver for distribution.A story in the Grand Lake Prospector published on November 18, 1882, indicates that the Hotel was expanded. ..."The last of the week Mrs. M. J. Young, of the Fairview House, gave notice of a log raising. At the appointed time, the boys commenced to flock in. They came up from the ranches, they came down from the mines, and they came across from the settlements. They came on foot, they came on horseback, and they came in boats. When about forty had arrived they fell to work - some with skids, some with axes and some with their tongues; these latter were in the majority.
At noon the estimable hostess informed the hungry horde that the fatted venison had been slain, and told them to enter and partake thereof. About this time we came and joined the rabble. And such a dinner - rabbits, venison, trout, grouse, cakes, pies, puddings, and everything to satisfy the greedy soul of man and give him dyspepsia. After dinner those who were able went down and finished the barn, which they accomplished by sundown. Then an excellent supper was served, such a supper as only Mrs. Young and her daughter Miss Jennie can prepare.
After doing ample justice to the supper the boys went home, shined their boots, put themselves inside their bib and tucker, then went in search of the fair ones. These they found and hurried them back to the Fairview House, where jolly John Mitchell was waiting, violin in hand. The folding doors had been thrown open, and the dining and sitting rooms thrown into one. And how Mich did play! Mich always enjoys these gatherings as much as the boys. He likes to see the boys jump fast to catch up with him. The dance lasted until Old Sol put in an appearance, and it is rumored that the dancers were mad because the night was so short."
Per Mary Jane Young's business ledger for the Fairview Hotel, her father and bookkeeper, John R. Baker, paid John Conger, Jules Harmon, Chris Young, Jr., John Pettingill and Michael Flynn $190.00 each for felling and snaking the logs. John was paid an additional $65.00 for his preparational organizing and a trip to Denver for supplies. For the Barn Raising in 1882, and some other outbuildings John received $1004.87.
Carpentry/Contracting was John's main area of endeavor for about five years. He is listed in the 1885 Colorado State Census in Grand Lake as a carpenter and lived about two doors down from the Fairview Hotel with his wife Jennie and their daughter Mary. He did good work apparently as two houses that he built some time later are still in use today as private residences (1996). One on Piney Creek which was about 2,500 square feet and one on the Rifle property which is about 3,000 square feet. The original homestead cabin served for several years as a school house around 1900.
Life was not all work for John because we find in the Grand Lake Prospector that the Grand Lake Dramatic Society was organized on November 18, 1882. .."Last evening a number of Grand Lakers met at the schoolhouse for the purpose of organizing a Dramatic Society. The meeting was called to order by John Barbee, who stated the object of the gathering. The Society was organized by the selection of the following officers:
President, Ed B. Sisty; Stage Manager, John Pettingell
Manager, John Barbee; Prop Man, John Warren; Vice President, Mrs. Garrison;
Prompter, George W. Bailey; Sec.-Treas. Mrs. Ed B. Sisty; Stage Carpenter,
John CongerJohn also sang baritone in the Minstrel and Glee Club which gave a performance Dec. 25, 1882, at Ruby Hall in Grand Lake where admission to the Entertainment was 50 cents. Tickets to the supper and dance went for $2.00. Both were available at the door. Jennie sang soprano in the Glee Club which rehearsed twice a week.
John L. Conger and Jennie Young, aka Mary Lucinda Jane Young, were married at the Fairview Hotel Aug. 15, 1883, and their first child, Mary Ethlyn was born June 10, 1884, at the Fairview.
Jennie continues ..."John had spent a little time working at various things. Before I married him he was a cowhand, spent time on the railroad and a summer tramping the hills of Wyoming with a relative of his father who was successful in mining. There he met two other young fellows, Chuck Hadley and Tom Elliott. The three of them left Wyoming and went over to Clear Creek to try their hand. They were not successful, but they did get a job with Sam Monniger running a sluice box so that they didn't starve. Working for Monniger sufficed to crystallize all of their thinking about their life's direction, and it wasn't going to be mining. My grandfather used to find John's distaste for and Before I married him he was a cowhand, spent time on the railroad and a summer tramping the hills of Wyoming with a relative of his father who was successful in mining. There he met two other young fellows, Chuck Hadley and Tom Elliott. The three of them left Wyoming and went over to Clear Creek to try their hand. They were not successful, but they did get a job with Sam Monniger running a sluice box so that they didn't starve. Working for Monniger sufficed to crystallize all of their thinking about their life's direction, and it wasn't going to be mining. My grandfather used to find John's distaste for and impatience with mining to be amusing. John wouldn't go when Charles Royer needed help on one of my Granddad's claims. I think that he was a little bit sorry he hadn't gone when it came in big. However, John had made and saved a little money in Grand Lake in carpentry but saw contracting as only a means to a quick end. He wanted his own land, which I guess is every man's dream. He thought of all his adventures that running cattle was the easiest and wanted to try his hand."
"In September John fell off the roof of the two-story building he had a contract to build. He was fortunate in that he landed in the wood chips pile which sufficed to cushion the fall. Nevertheless, he was layed up most of the winter with a half-broken leg, back and neck that just wouldn't work quite right. He did get all right and had no permanent ill effects from the mishaps. However, he was through with carpentry as a means of making a living.
Because of John's shaky condition, I continued to help Mother out at the Fairview when her help couldn't come and John did bookwork for my grandfather relative to the hotel and the mines. We rented out our little house and stayed at the hotel with mother. My grandfather would very patiently work over John's muscles every day, sink him in a tub of hot water and then stretch his muscles to the maximum. This continued all winter. With Granddad and god's help he did heal satisfactorily and had no permanent ill effects from the ordeal."
In November 1884 my Uncle Xavier from Indiana came for a visit. He'd served in the Union Army with Judge Wescott who was my grandfather's long-time friend from his early days at Hot Sulphur Springs, Georgetown and Central City. Wescott now lived at Grand Lake and at my mother's hotel in the winter. Between the three of them, John had plenty of good and some not so good advice about how to start a cattle operation.
Mary Lucinda Jane YoungAKA: Jennie
APPEARANCE-TRAITS: 5'2"; slim build; dark brown hair; near fashionable appearance; affable; decisive; must have liked silk, lace and fur coats; knew quality merchandise.
MARRIAGE-SPOUSE:
After divorcing John Conger, Jennie married George Fargher in Colorado Springs, Colo. and moved to Victor, Colo. Her fifteen years with him were quite different than with John. They made four trips to England, the Isle of Man, stopped in various places in Europe and generally had a good time for the balance of Mr. Fargher's life. After he died, she closed out his businesses gave the money to his children and moved to Southern California with Mrs. Horn who was also a widow. The Horns had moved to Upper Conger Mesa very shortly after John and Jennie had gone there so they had been good friends for years. The ladies spent a lot of time in San Diego where Mrs. Horn had children. When Mrs. Horn died in 1939, Jenny finally settled in South Pasadena where she died in 1947 of cancer. Her estate was divided equally between her two children. Shortly before she died, she gave $20,000 to each of Mr. Fargher's children.
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)
DIVORCE:
While reviewing early issues of the Rifle Telegram, I found the following regarding John and his womanizing. The letters were found in a trunk in 1995 while cleaning things up after my father's demise. This tale found in the Rifle Telegram, Rifle, Colo, Dec. 17, 1909, must be indicative of John's method of conducting his life.WHERE IS DR. WILSON?
Friends in Rifle, [CO] Solicitous to Determine his whereabouts. -- Left here two months ago -- Masons are making search in this jurisdiction for him.-- No cause apparent.
The Masonic Order, in this jurisdiction, and many of his warm personal friends in Rifle are solicitous for an answer to this question.
More than this, a daughter, living in Pittsburgh, Pa., before this appears in print, will be notified of the perplexing conditions connected with his absence.
The doctor left Rifle eight weeks ago. Before leaving, he confided to Mr. Boughton, of J.W. Hugus and Company, who is a prominent Mason, that he intended to go to Denver, procure furniture and fit up an office and rooms so that he could have the daughter come out and furnish him a home.
He had even declared his intentions in a more emphatic manner by suggesting that his ideal in a business way would be the purchase of some of the land on the Mesa to the east of town, where a modest little sanitarium could be built and where accommodations could be provided for the well to do as well as the poor.
He asked Mr. Boughton to transfer whatever mail might come over to the Boughton box at the post office. Since his departure not one word has been heard from him, and while he may be simply isolated from mail facilities temporarily, his friends are beginning to worry.
As nearly as it is possible to ascertain, the daughter has been attending the University in Pittsburgh, and her grace and manner was a favorite topic for the doctor. At times he seemed gloomy and lonesome and confided his isolation to his most intimate friends, but to the outside world he always appeared optimistic and happy.
It is stated that he appeared to have plenty of money and it is known that he often carried considerable with him on his person. This has led to the suggestion that he might have met with foul play. His habits and wide experience, however, would lead to the conclusion that he was able to care for himself.
Last spring he purchased a tract of land in Washington County, East of Denver, but it is not believed that he has located or attempted to locate in this vicinity.
Nothing is known of any indisposition which he might have had that might have caused his sudden death, and the matter is a complete mystery to his friends here. Mr. Boughton has notified the daughter that all mail and checks have been returned here and that there is no explanation for his continued absence.
Dr. Wilson is extensively traveled. He was formerly U.S. Surgeon for Alaska, and has seen service as physician and surgeon in the Navy Department. His travels have extended to nearly every portion of the globe, and it is believed by some that the old habit has again taken hold of him and that he is pursuing the nomadic traits of nature.
Personally the doctor made many friends in Rifle. He was agreeable in conversation, and an interesting talker on account of his broad and varied experience. He was recognized as a first-class surgeon and general physician.
The only feature of the affair that would even tend to indicate that he intended to remain away for some time is the fact that before his departure for Denver he ordered his professional cards taken out of the newspapers, but this is only used as a connecting link in the chain that might suggest the idea that he intended to remain away permanently.
Nothing is known of any reason why he should have desired to leave Rifle, as he often expressed himself as a firm believer in the future of the town.
(End of Article)
Follow-up Article included at press time.DR. WILSON HAS BEEN LOCATED: Our esteemed Dr. Wilson has been located in Nevada in good health and in the company of his cousin, the notorious John Conger. However, I'm sad to say that our good friend John's health and well being are probably in great jeopardy owing to his sordid activities being found out by the wife.
Here's the story: Mr. Wilson and Mr. and Mrs. Conger both boarded the train here with plans of going to Denver. Naturally conversation took place and it was found that before coming to Rifle, Dr. Wilson had purchased some claims in Nevada which were not too far from some that John Conger owned. John canceled the Indiana portion of his trip, sent his wife, Jennie, on forward while he and Dr. Wilson went to Nevada and Utah on mining business. John promised to catch up with Mrs. Conger in Indiana as soon as possible and then together they would go on to Pennsylvania. Mrs. Conger waited nearly two months in Indiana with no word from John and decided to return to Rifle instead of continuing on to Pennsylvania without him.
The authorities had tried to find John Conger when they began looking for Dr. Wilson, but he was no where to be found. When Mrs. Conger came home, the authorities were told of her return and she was questioned. She assured us all that John and his cousin Dr. Wilson were probably safe and sound, but that she would send a telegram to them and let us know. When she got no response to her telegrams from John, she, her son-in-law, Ben Lemon, and J.F. McCoy from Glenwood Springs all decided that they should go to Utah and Nevada to investigate the matter.
Our lost dandies were both found registered in a local hotel with a Mrs. The happy couples were both out of the hotel for dinner when Mrs. Conger's search party arrived. Mrs. Conger plunged head first into inquiring at the hotel desk about John Conger and there was nothing either man could do to shield her from the horrid truth of her husband's conduct. Mrs. Conger never missed a beat. She drew herself up to her full five feet two inches of height, tipped the clerk and turned on her heel and left the desk. This was the first that either Ben or JF knew about such conduct on John's part. Neither of the men knew what to say or do for Mrs. Conger. JF determined upon further examination of the desk clerk that Mr. and Mrs. Conger had stayed at his hotel many times in the past two years, and the lady in the lobby was certainly not Mrs. Conger.
The real Mrs. Conger assured both men that she was fine and suggested that they should both go on up to bed and rest as they'd had a long trip and must be tired. She was going to wait for John and then would be up to bed. Mrs. Conger got a piece of paper from the desk clerk and requested that a pitcher of lemonade and a bottle of his cheapest whiskey be brought to her in the lobby for her refreshment while she waited. She wrote a note to the phony Mrs. Conger as follows: "My Dear Mrs. Conger, It takes a great deal of effort and more than reasonable tolerance to be the real Mrs. John L. Conger I have found. For years he's chased trollops and you are only the latest in a string of them. If you think it is going to lead anywhere but to unhappiness, you are sadly wrong. If you've had a ceremony, John's a bigamist and your marriage is illegal. Jennie Conger, The Real Mrs. Conger."
Ben and JF went upstairs, talked over the situation, and decided to go back downstairs and wait for John with Mrs. Conger. As they came down the stairs, they encountered the scene as follows: The happy couples were seated with their backs to Mrs. Conger who was scooted down in a chair at the end of the couch. Due to her diminutive stature, she could not be seen from the couch on which the revelers were sitting. The real Mrs. Conger rose like a phoenix from her chair, delivered her note to the phony Mrs. Conger, grabbed the pitcher of lemonade and poured it on John and then poured the bottle of cheap whiskey on the phony Mrs. Conger. She then turned on her heel, left the hotel and went to the train station where she boarded the departing train which happened to be the San Francisco Special. JF threw a handful of money to the Clerk with instructions to clean up the mess, grabbed Ben by the arm and they both ran for the train arriving just in time to catch the caboose as it left the station. When last seen, John L. Conger was in a state of shock and his sweet honey was yelling at him like a wild woman.
Ben spent the trip to San Francisco on the caboose and JF spent the balance of the trip reasoning with Mrs. Conger. After a few days in San Francisco all three returned to Rifle on the train. John and Dr. Wilson have not returned to our midst.
This truly lovely, giving and usually every bit a lady is well liked amongst our midst. If she has had to tolerate this scurrilous conduct on John's part all these years, she sincerely has the sympathy of the editor of this newspaper. I do not feel that she deserves such shabby conduct on the part of her husband. She is the sort of woman that most men would be proud to have as their wife and would spend their waking hours making her happy instead of sad. John is a well-heeled fool.
(End of Article)
DIVORCE:
Relationships are complicated affairs and doubly complicated once the cornerstone of faith has been eroded. John's womanizing is apparently true as letters between Mother and daughter survive from as early as 1891 making references to the trysts. Girlfriend Lilly seems to be the only one that came to review the situation for herself.Jennie wrote her Mother, Mary Jane Hanscome in Wolcott about the incident.
"Mother,
I think that I have probably come to the end of my rope with John's tom cating. I guess he really did marry me for my money. I just as well admit the horrid truth about my misjudgment of John's character and get on with putting my life in order. My children are grown and getting on with their own cycles of life so I'm just responsible to myself now. I've always been a good judge of character, but where John was concerned I must have been blind. I just thought all respectable men were faithful and respectable husbands like Dad and Granddad, but that just isn't so. John had the audacity to leave me sitting for nearly two months in Ft. Wayne waiting for him to come so that we could go on to Pennsylvania together. I never got as much as a post card from the man. I finally just came home only to find I was in a bigger fire."I was fool enough to go hunting for him when he and Wilson didn't come back. McCoy decided that we should go hunt John up, and I didn't really protest considering the circumstances. The worst part is that Ben went with us. I found John in his usual hotel in Nevada with a couple of trollops. When I first came to know about this conduct, I thought that his shabby behavior was in some way my fault, but I don't think so any more. I'm no raving beauty but I'm no mud fence either and he knew it when he married me. Compared with my peers I know I'm better preserved and I can function a whole lot better so I don't think my plainness or functionality is the problem. John Conger has the problem.
"When put on the spot, John says that he doesn't want a divorce, but he persists with this abhorrent behavior. I guess most men somewhere along the way begin to think at times with the wrong end of their anatomy, but John's hell in bed craze started earlier and has struck harder than most. There comes a point of too much and judging from my conduct I've reached the point.
"When I next see the man I may serve notice of divorce and wanted you to hear it from me and not others first. If he changes his ways I'll stay, but I'm not trash and I won't be treated as such by this man. I want you to do several things for me. Have Mr. Hanscome get me the necessary recorded documents to prove in court what I brought to this marriage in land and money. Currently everything is in John's name, but I contributed all of the land with the exception of 160 acres and a lot of money to this marriage. You know that I did all of the daily supervising of the ranches while John was away and you know how long that was at times. I wonder now if maybe he wasn't up to this "good time" trick even then. However, for now, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
I want your affidavit as to how much cash you gave us in the beginning for cattle and whatever documentation you have for what Granddad gave me. I refuse to leave this marriage without my half (need it or not) even though John acts as though it is all his. However, he has always given me the money I needed without much discussion.
I want you to talk to Mr. Hanscome and have him arrange your affairs so that your assets go to my children in the event I go through with a divorce and some judge rules against my request on the strength of what I may inherit from you. It's not that I need the half as much as it is the principal of the situation and John's conduct.
Also, you once mentioned a life insurance policy that Mr. Hanscome had taken out on us a long time ago. What is the status of the policy or policies? Just get all of these documents and hold them for me.
"I guess you were right when you wanted me to marry J.N. Pettingill. You were quite right about John and his ways. You saw things that I couldn't see. Sorry I was such a silly girl, but at the time John was what I wanted and still is if he straightens up.
"Thank you and I love you. My best to Mr. Hanscome.
All my love, Jennie."
DIVORCE: Mrs. Hanscome wrote back.
"My Darling Daughter,
I'm so sorry that John Conger has broken your heart. You were so much in love with that lovable rogue. You're wrong that I didn't like him. I did and so did your Grandfather. Your Grandfather only felt that he was a little to dashing and fun-loving to keep his nose to life's grindstone and that has proven true. To this day he is still very handsome and women flock to him like bees to honey. Even Alfred has commented on his magnetism and persuasive talents.John has been successful financially beyond either of your wildest dreams and for that I'm grateful. That success though has had its price. He was gone so much that maybe he just strayed onto the wrong path because he was lonely. If the women is the only problem, ask why and don't be judgmental. See what his explanation for them is. He likes company and you're not around so he found some. Maybe it's just that simple. You always seem to get along quite well when he's here. However, if a divorce is necessary, then so be it. Just be sure that it is what you really want before you start on that path. You have our blessings and support either way, but do be fair with John also. He has worked very hard through the years. What you brought in property and money was substantial, but it was nothing more than the start that you both needed at the time. Your Grandfather and I only wanted you to have our excess resources when you needed them rather than waiting until we were dead and gone. It was John who had the business acumen to keep it and to make it multiply so handsomely for you both. This was also a substantial contribution that you must not overlook in your anger. Also, your children will only think ill of you if you don't maintain a proper perspective in the settlement.
If he's being tight and you need money, I can give you some. If divorce is the answer, you are right not to compromise about half of the property. Alfred feels that you will get a square deal at court. If you do file, Alfred knows the Judge from his Harvard days and will pay him a visit on your behalf, though I don't know how much good it will do. Alfred wants to know if you feel that John has been up front with you about his investments. He could have stashed money anywhere since his boundaries have been both oceans and Canada. Alfred knows that he has money in accounts in Kansas City in sizable amounts some of which I suppose belongs to Clay. Alfred will get a copy of all the incorporation papers for you. He already has Clay and Company which he had gotten some years back for John when he was in the lawsuit. John never came to get them so I guess he didn't need them in the end.
If you follow through with your divorce intentions, the gossip mongers are going to have a field day. Just remember that these gossip folks will gossip regardless. We have all lived here long enough to have a good handle on our reputations so never you mind about those aspects of the situation. Hold your head high and be the lady you have always been. Your life can go on productively despite a divorce. You really have everything to be thankful for. Good health, lots of friends and enough money to enjoy both whether you get your half from John or not. Your Grandfather has very liberally taken care of all of us. I miss him so.
All my love, Your Mother."LAND:
John and Jennie must have done their estate planning at the time of their divorce. The land was all transferred to their children. The business buildings in Rifle were sold and the cash split between them. John bought Jennie's half of the Rifle House and kept all of the furniture. The balance of the investments were converted to cash and split 50-50 between them. John then reinvested his half. At this point, each walked away with $175,000.00 per Jennie's and her daughter's diaries. The Record Court documents don't have much other than that they got the property divided to the satisfaction of both parties. Open Court Reporter Documents reveal a good bit more. Title to the Rifle house was not effected by Court Hearing time so the title to the house was deposited with the bank at Rifle, until John got his cash together to buy out Jennie's half. Prior to the divorce Fred had bought a piece of land from his father. Fred continued to pay for this property after the divorce. Ben and Mary gave John a cash payoff for theirs.LEGAL_MATTER:
After the divorce, Jennie moved to Denver. Jennie's diary indicates that she took a look at the mail coming to her house addressed to John and discovered that John hadn't been very truthful about his investments and had forgotten to change the address of record. They went back to Court three times and she was awarded half each time. She promptly divided whatever she received between the children. This hidden asset problem kept surfacing until after 1950 as unclaimed assets that were about to be sold or turned over to the State as unclaimed property. According to Mary and Jennie's diaries, these assets turned up in Mo., Ill., New Mex., Colo., Calif., Nebr. and Wyo. and those are just the ones that Jennie got wind of.Obviously Jennie had offers of companionship so her "plainness" must not have been much of a hindrance. In truth I don't think she was such a plain woman judging from the jewelry she chose to wear that came into my possession. Pictures of her portray a well-kept woman who kept up with fashion. It would appear that George Fargher was quick to seize the initiative and did become her second husband very shortly after her divorce from John. Jennie did go to Europe but I have not figured out yet whether it was before or after she and George were married. His letter to her is as follows:
MARRIAGE-SPOUSE:
"Cripple Creek, ___________,
Dear Jennie,
Forgive my forwardness, but I just heard from Frank Gough that you are finally divorcing John. I know this was not a decision that you came to lightly. Knowing you, you probably feel like you carry a scarlet letter. I urge you not to give such nonsense a second thought. You should have done it a long time ago. Now that it's out in the open, I fired John in Gilman in `9l for just this conduct. It reflected so unfavorably upon my business when he conducted himself in such a reckless manner while being my attache.If this divorce news is true, I hope that you will entertain an offer of courtship from me. I'm not as flamboyant nor handsome as John Conger, and your mother doesn't approve of me either, but I do own a nice home, have amassed some money in the bank and can afford to maintain a comfortable lifestyle. Above all, I do stay home. My children are all properly and securely settled in now. My only obligation is my old Mother on the Isle of Man. However, I don't think that will be an obligation for very long.
In fact, I have for the last few months been entertaining thoughts of taking a vacation to go home and see the family. I have spent the last three months organizing the help to effect the continued smooth operation of my businesses so that I can go and still have something to come back to. My Mother asks me to come in every letter now and my brother tells me she is getting quite feeble.
Since we've known each other socially for years, you probably already know me as well as you ever will. Therefore, I'll risk being gauche for a moment. Why don't you join me and I'll take you to see my home on the Isle of Man. If you would like to go on to Ireland and Bremen to see your ancestral lands, it can be arranged. Married/unmarried, with a companion/without a companion - I don't care. There will be no strings attached I promise. I've spoken of you so often to my family that they already know you pretty well. You need a change of scene now above all to let your broken heart mend. I think I could get my son to look after your parents for a short while if that has become a necessity.
As you can see from the return on the envelope, I've moved my businesses to Cripple Creek and Victor. Let me know your thoughts about my suggestions.
Best Wishes, George Fargher."
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)
DEATH-HEALTH_HISTORY: 25 Feb 1947, South Pasadena, Los Angeles Co. CA; ovarian cancer.CREMATION-CEMETERY: The remains were cremated and probably buried on 7 May 1947 at Eagle Cemetery, Eagle Co., CO, between her mother, M.J. Hanscome and her stepfather, Alfred Hanscome; Plot 65, Space 71 & 72. Cemetery records do not reflect this. Mary Jo Khan found this information in a book about Grand Lake where here grandmother had penciled it in. Mrs. Khan has been told that there are no Fargher graves in that cemetery. Times were tough in 1947, so there may be no other record than her daughters penciled note.
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)
10055. John Charles Conger
John Charles CongerDEATH: John Charles Conger lived a little more than one year.
Margaret H. VestSPOUSE: Margaret H. (Vest) Reardon was the 2nd wife of John Lincoln Conger. According to Mary Jo Khan it was a Common Law marriage that took place sometime around 1913-1914. She was going by Mrs. J.L. Conger on 1 Apr 1918 when her son, James Madison Reardon was killed. ("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)
BIOGRAPHY:
Margaret H. Vest was a widow. Her husband, John W. Reardon, was killed in a railroad accident at Rifle, Colorado. She was the mother of at least one child who would have been about 5 when she began living with John Conger. They moved to Glenwood Springs to property that John owned there. On April 1, 1918, her son and John's grandson (about the same age) went horseback riding together. Something happened and the Reardon child was drug to death. At that time John bought an eight space plot and Marion Reardon was the first space used. Margaret couldn't handle the horror of what had happened to her child. John was not much help in the matter. For a period she was institutionalized in Denver. When she came back from the institution, John went on a trip and upon return flew into a jealous rage, accused her of infidelity which Margaret felt was not true and was generally abusive. She solved the problem by divorcing John in order to preserve her own sanity.Per Jennie's (wife no. 1) diary she sent Margaret a congratulatory note when she heard about the divorce and asked her if she needed money. Margaret did. Jennie bought her a train ticket back to Tennessee and gave her $1500.00 in cash and her blessings. When Margaret got back to Tennessee, she taught elementary school in Nashville and corresponded for some years with Jennie. Jennie declined to accept repayment of the cash advanced. Per Jennie's Diary Margaret was ..."A tall, slim and genuinely sweet woman who is far too innocent to be able to keep John Conger in line without the devil's pitchfork or a lot of incidental help from God . . ."
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)
Katherine Belle JohnstonSPOUSE: Katherine Belle Johnston was the 3rd wife of John Lincoln Conger.
BIOGRAPHY:
Per Jennie's description after John's funeral as entered in her diary.. . . "I know now what I did wrong with John Conger. I aged. This one is prettier than Margaret and young enough to be his daughter. Since he died in less than twenty-four hours after marrying her, she either poisoned him for his money or he was overstressed in bed. I wonder if I should give her a fan with the names of his harem ladies on it." . . . "As pretty as she is, it won't be long before she remarries." "I didn't see a tear for our dead husband, but certainly saw a lot of flirting with every man at the funeral." Sure enough, Katherine in three months was married to John's good friend Tom Dice of Eagle. Tom's wife had died within days of John Conger.
("John Lincoln Conger," 1 Oct 1996, by Mary Jo Khan)
5924. Frank Davis
Frank DavisProblem: Was he born at Brownsville, PA or Greene Co., PA, both listed in CFA II, p. 289?
10063. Ola Davis
RELATIONSHIP: Ola and Oda Davis were twins.
10064. Oda Davis
RELATIONSHIP: Ola and Oda Davis were twins.
NEVER_MARRIED: Unmarried.