L. Damm

L. married Norma Nell Atkins. Norma (daughter of James Albert Atkins, Sr. and Miriam Louise McMillan) was born on 10 May 1937 in Missouri, Lamar; died on 29 Jul 1988 in Kansas City, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

l

INFORMATION CAME FROM MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA ATKINS CORGAN, MY
MOTHER'S TWIN SISTER.

He was a very handsome, slightly olive cast to his complexion, wavy
dark brown hair and a deep voice. He was the youngest of three children.
the family story goes that Glen didn't care much for school. All three
graduated the same year from high school. Nellie was a good student. she
was held back a little, specifically how was never part of the story.
James Albert caught up with Nelle and all three march across a stage.
Another story, a woman complains to grandpa about Glen and Albert. He
listen patiently then says Madame, You look out for your daughters and
I'll look out for my sons.
According to my dad because he was energetic he was given more
chores than Glen. He ended up having to milk the cow. (Glen never got as
much milk out of her) Says he was told by grandpa to paint the 2 story
outside stairs to grandpa's office, then pull weeds around the property
and other jobs but the reward was he was permitted to observe and later
assist grandpa in attending to patients. He was attracted to the practice
of medicine and working with the sick. Being able to achieve a result of
healing etc. Dad said grandpa believed he could make it and so he did.
Masters degree at the university of Missouri and graduated from Harvard
School of Medicine. The called or nicknamed him "grandpa" because he had
three children before graduating from Harvard.
He applied and was accepted to intern 2 years at a brand New
hospital in Detroit, Michigan. It had the absolute latest technology. The
Physical facility was designed to accomadate in the best way possible
patient flow (traffic) . Top men in their respective fields were hired to
head the different departments of the intern program and residencies all
paid for by Henry Ford. The Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.
This was followed by a move to Lamar, Missouri where he bought out
the practice of Doc Mynatt, who was bed fast after a stroke. He became a
very much loved doctor by residents of Barton County.
There were a set of books called "Missouri and famous Missourians;
in print for ten years or less. Dad was recognized for his private
practice and reputation in the Medical Society of Missouri as being a
very good diagnostician. He was among the recognized and honored.
Then there was WW II. He was 6 feet and about 230 lbs. He had high
blood pressure. He wanted to join the United States Army Medical Corp. He
was turned down twice because of his high blood pressure. The third try (
Always at different places) he was accepted.
He went in as a captain and came out with a silver Oak Leaf ( Lt.
Colonel )
The Family joined dad during the time he was at Fort Francis E. Warren
Chyenne, Wyoming. He was the head of the Army Hospital Labority. Connie
and I rode a bus each day from the Fort to Jr High in Cheyennee.
After his discharge we returned to Lamar. He got back into a huge
private practice. He had some aneurisms and we moved briefly to
Pittsburg, Kansas, where he thought he would be and assistant to a long
time friend Dr Byrd, but changed his mind and accepted a position with
the Veterans Hospital in Muskogee, Oklahoma as Acting Chief of Pathology.
I graduated from Muskogee, Central. Connie stayed in Pittsburg with some
friends, The Woods twins, and graduated the summer after her Jr. year of
high school. After 2 years in Muskogee Dad chose to go back into private
practice in Columbia, Missouri. Again he had a huge practice. He taught
a lab course at the medical School , active in Rotary ( had been a
district governor of Rotery prior to WW II )
James Albert Atkins died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 49.

James married Miriam Louise McMillan in Columbia, Missouri. Miriam (daughter of Albert Gibson "Mac" McMillan and Wynifred Maude "Mamie" Ketcham) was born on 22 Mar 1908 in Muskogee, Muskogee County, Oklahoma; died on 21 Aug 1995 in Lees Summit, Missouri; was buried in Memorial Cemetary, Columbia, Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

RECEIVED INFORMATION FROM MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA
ATKINS CORGAN, MY MOTHER'S TWIN SISTER /JULY 1995

The youngest and extremely shy as a little person, hiding
behind her father's leg any time parents would stop and visit with
friends. Shyness continued through adulthood but not to paralizing degree
she felt as a child.
Fair skin almost with out pores, so fine, blue eyes, nice
shaped nose, brown hair, and 5 feet and 4 inches. Her weight always with
in normal range for height until last child was born and husband went
into the US Army 1942.
A good dresser, She had outfits either made or " dolled up" by
Doc's Mynatts widow. She also had dresses made for twin daughters plus
some coats. Had beautiful silk pajamas made for Dad with satin collars ,
initials and etc.
Backing up to Miriam's highschool days! I (Mirrie) ended up
attending Muskogee Central High where I had a Home Economics teacher and
History teacher that were still teaching after having my mother as a
student. In those days they were Spinsters and their profession was their
life. Both remembered my mother. I came home after attending all my
classes and told mother. Do you know that I have two of your High School
teachers? She said "What did they say about me"? I said Agness Crane
(History) " She wasn't much of a student, but sweet " . Elizabeth Little
( Home Econommics) " the most love sick girl I ever had. Always a silent
crush on some boy ". * Note Elizabeth Little was a member of First
Presbyterian Muskogee and later saw mother with me at church. They had
some laughs. The semester I had her was her last period of service with
Central High.
Mother always loved children, When she was a little girl there
was a family a few houses down on the opposite side of the street with a
little baby girl named Betty Donnelly. Her mother let Miriam push Betty
in a baby buggy up down the street only 1 block and back and up and back
etc. When Betty could walk and talk she called mother Meiriwee. Years
later I was nick named Mirrie. Mother and Betty stayed in Contact for
years. Betty visited us in Lamar. Insisted she wanted to watch a
delivery. Mother frequently assisted Daddy as a nurse although she was
not a nurse. Well they let her ( Betty) and she fainted "dead away".
After the baby was born and everything tidy Daddy said "I expect you to
have learned from all you've seen today".
This is jumbled but as I remember leaving out things like post
High School. Mother asmits she disliked school and did not want to go to
college. She was dating regularly a young man that was a clerk in a
hardware store who asked that they be engaged to marry even though he
couldn't afford a ring. This was summertime and according to mother Mack
was a sour puss.
She ran away from home, leaving a note to daddy that he was the cause of
all her unhappiness. While Mother was hiding out at a girl friends house
Mamie and Mack were searching frantically for any information from girls
that knew Miriam. Finally one told them that she was at Mercedes
Maloney's house. ( not a close friend but they knew each other). Mother
came home with her parents. Norma said Daddy was never the same. He felt
guilty and never said a harsh word to Miriam again. That I can remember.
Mother had 5 children and Aunt Norma would take the train from
Independence, Missouri to Lamar, Missouri to check on Jim and Miriam. She
always brought a gift for all and doing what she could to help her little
sister. A family story is that during her short visit ( Daddy couldn't
tolerate relatives but 1/2,3 max. days) She darned all of Jims socks.(
perhaps 5-6 pairs) While they were in the kitchen Mirrie and Connie
*probably Mirries idea) got into her sewing basket and used her sissors
to cut perfectly in half each one of Jim's socks she ( Aunt Norma)
groaned, mother had a muffled giggle with hand on mouth. According to
Aunt Norma .....that taught me / She doesn't need me. She helpless and
thats the way Jim likes it and Miriam too!!
Mother sent us kids to the Baptist Church for Sunday School and
Church and Summer time Bible School. Connie and I went to Summer Camp out
side of Greenfield, Missouri. Sonny wouldn't go to camp. He backed away
from Sunday School before 10 years.
Mother went to College in Columbia, Missouri called Christian
College, a two year school, kinda like a finishing school. She didn't
want to go but Mamie said try it at least try it. Mother married Daddy in
a December. She would have graduated the following June with an Associate
degree. She always said she hated school. Daddy (Mack) wrote me letters
every week telling me to be brave and try to study, ha!

Buried:
Buried Next To Husband

Notes:

INFORMATION GIVEN TO ME BY MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA ATKINS
CORGAN,MY MOTHER'S TWIN SISTER.

Youngest son of Samuel Atkins and father of 3 Children . William
Arthur Atkins graduated from Washington University Medical School in St.
Louis. The first graduating class of medical school. He returned to the
foothills of Ozarks and had a circut practice. He met Janie at the time
of a house call, later Married and built a home in Rogersville,Missouri.
He had light brown hair, stocky build, barrel chested, 5 feet and 11
inches and light skin. He was a big solid strong man.
Doc William Arthur Atkins would enter County Fairs. Quick test of
Strength. He would lift the tongue of a wagon loaded with bags of grain.
His heft ability was first place and gave him additional reputation
besides his patients opinion of him.

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*********

On the Missouri Census 1900 shows Charles Elwood Atkins Born 1889 in
Michigan. So was William Arthur not the youngest son of Samuel?

Bobby Atkins told me a Different story to how William Arthur hurt his
eye.
When William Arthur Atkins was a Young man he was in a poker game
and won alot of money. On his way home a unhappy looser hit him in the
eye with a rock. As the story goes they think it was Mary's grandfather,
Bobby's wife. Now he said that Janie was always a peace maker and just
might of made up the other story. ..........Who knows? It would be
interesting to find out.

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On the 1900 Missouri Soundex for Greene County- Clay Township
Vol 34, ED # 48, Sheet 5, line 48
1. Frances M. Atkins born March 1851 in Michigan
2. William A. Son born June 1878 born in Michigan
3. Elizabeth M. Daughter born June 1883 born in Michigan
4. Charles E. Son Born September 1889 in Michigan.
5. Idal Harrett BO (Border?) born 1874 in Missouri
6. Ray G. N. (neighbor?, non relative?) born 1895 in Missouri

On Frances headstone it has died on 1898.????? ,,,But She is on the on
the 1900 census andthe information from the Blakeman's have her death as
1909. I think someone made a mistake on the headstone.

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On 1910 Soundex Missouri , Webester County, ( not sure if it is Burton
Bentau or Benton Township) On the 2nd and 3rd day of May. family # 0224
, ED # 0128 Soundex code for Atkins is A325
William Husband , White 32 years old born in Michigan
Jane Wife , White 29 years old born in
Missouri
Glen Son 6 years old "
" "
Nellie Daughter 4 years old "
" "
James son 2 years old "
" "

ON 1910 Missouri Census Webester County,
Page 6351(West Benton , Burtonor Beutau Township)
1. William A. , head of house hold. 32 years old , married for 7 years,
Parents born in Michigan , Speaks English. Occupation-General Family
Practice.
2. Jane - Wife 29 years old and married for 7 years, Motherborn in
Missouri and father born in Kentucky, and Janie was born in Missouri.
3. Glen A. son 6 years old and born in Missouri
4. Nellie B. 4 years old and born in Missouri
5. James A. 2 years and born in Missouri

William married Martha Jane "Janie" Thompson about 1903. Martha (daughter of John H Thompson and Lidia A Enis) was born on 02 May 1880 in Finley Township, Christian County, Missouri; died on 06 Apr 1973 in Bolivar, Polk County, Missouri; was buried in Dodson Cemetary, Rogersville, Green County, Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Also Known As: Janie

Notes:

INFORMATION ABOUT JANIE THOMPSON ATKINS WAS SENT TO ME IN A
LETTER BY MY AUNT MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA ATKINS CORGAN, MY MOTHER'S TWIN
SISTER. (July 1995)

Grandma was a Baptist. She went to all the revivals and took her
children with her. According to my dad (Albert) he and Glen would crawl
out of the benches during the services and turn up the kerosene lamps
that all brought to the extent they smoked up the chimneys to almost
opaque. This meant before trying to get home after dark every family had
to clean the chimneys.
My grandmother always called him by his middle name Albert. He said
he hated it. He always thought of a sissy type boy. So he always went by
James/Jim Atkins. Grandma Atkins was the only one that could visit us in
Lamar, Missouri and last 5 days. Dad was very intense and anti company in
the house. You knew you were wished well and "bye, bye' in 12 to 24
hours. Mamie and Mack would achieve maybe two nightes. Aunt Norma and
Uncle Elmer one night but Grandma Atkins could survive 4-5 days. Usually
daddy never came home for lunch but when "ma" was visiting he would say
"Ma you can say grace just don't pray too long".
Grandma had really long brown hair I don't ever remember her having
gray hair. She braided it each morning and wraped the braids around into
a bun at the back of her head.
When she was visiting I'd wake up early and walk softly to the
bedroom she was in and sat quietly against a wall till she woke up.
Before getting up she'd say" Mirrie, Is that you?" Yes grandma...I
thought so; She swing her body over to side after throwing down the
covers stroke her hair a few times and as I remember it, wiped her face
with her hands and just hung her head and started praying. She covered
every body I knew plus alot of people I didn't know. She was a daily
reader of the Bible. A wonderful cook. Her talent helped her supplement
her income during WW II. She took orders from the Medical Art Building
and delivered meals for lunch. A friend for dad's that worked for the
Post Office as an independent to be a carrier or route man to
Springfield, Misssouri once a month let me go with him and stay at
grandmas until he finished his business and ready to return to Lamar (80
miles from Lamar to Springfield) I got to visit many times with grandma
during WW II ,before we moved to Cheyanne, Wyoming Fort Frances E. Warren
to join dad.
There are many stories I could tell but will tell two. Usually hot
and sweaty after one arrival I asked if I might take a quick bath. I
opened hot and cold faucets full blast. Grandma said softly "Mirrie you
don't have to fill up the tub beyond a little ways up the water and throw
it against your face and chest. Then once I wanted to press a badly
wrinkled skirt. Starting to press I left the bathroom and grandma said
"Mirrie if you leave the board you'll want to unplug and plug in when you
return." I didn't resent being corrected cause she talked soft and always
had smiling eyes, Besides she was right. Waste not!
Grandma supplemented her income by having a boarder. Birdie Alwood
was a famous pianist. Traveled the Chautauqua circuit. She was a close
friend of William Allen White, Kansas Newspaper man, author philosophies
etc. kinda Will Roger type. Springfield, Missouri was on the Chataqua
Circuit. She chose to retire in Springfield. She volunteared her talent
to the Baptist Church that grandma and Aunt Nellie attended. She played
the organ. When she got to feeble to to live alone she lived with
grandma. I saw Birdie Several times.
When Grandma and Nellie moved to Springfield, following the death of
grandpa, they took in Mother Estes. This woman and her husband raised
Janie and older brother Bill ( when they were orphaned preteens). I saw
grandma's brother one time. He was tall, Slim, and wearing a big western
hat . He seemed nice looking to me. Grandma said , after he left, Bill
has a big Sheep ranch in Montana. God was good to Me, I thank him for
Bill's visit.

THE END

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*********

On the 1900 Missouri census on June 16, Christian County, Finley
TWP, Vol. 21, ED 15, Sheet 14, Line 21.

William S. Estes / Born June 1856 / 43 years old / Married for 21 years
/married about 1879 / William was born in Kentucky and so were his
parents.

Occupation: Farmer

Elizabeth E. Estes / Wife / Born April 1861 / 39 years old / mother af 4
children and 4 children living. / born in Missouri / Father born in
Tennessee and mother born in Missouri.

Willard F. Estes / Son / Born June 1886 / 13 years old / born in
Missouri and going to school
Forest R. Estes / son / Born November 1888 / 11 years old / born in
Missouri and going to school
Herbert Estes / son / Born June 1893 / 7 years old
Mary L. Estes / daughter / August 1897 / 2 years old / born in Missouri.

Janie Thompson / Servant / Born May 1880 20 years old / Born in Missouri

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*********

In Janie's Scrap book I found a couple of cards that stated they
were from Willard and Fannie Estes. Williard must be the son of William
and Elizabeth Estes. It's plain to see that Janie was treated more like a
member of the family rather a servent because she always refered to the
Estes as Mother and Father Estes. Janie also took care of Mother Estes
before she died. There must have been alot of love between the Estes
family and Janie.

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*********
[ I found in the 1910 Missouri Census for Webester County ( census
was taken on May 2 and 3, 1910 ) That Janie's father was born in
Kentucky, and her mother was born in Missouri. ]
Robert Atkins, son of Glen Atkins and cousin to Connie Atkins
Sharp, stated that Janie 's father left her with the Estes as a child
because she was just a girl and unable to help out on a farm like a boy
could.He also left her brother, Bill for the Estes to care for too.

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*********

In the 1900 Missouri Soundex ( T512 code ) Vol. 21, ED 15, Sheet
14, Line 21 there was a Janie Thompson, White, born May 1880, 20 years
old living in Christian County,Finley TWP, Enumerated with William S.
Estes. Stated Janie's occupation was a servant.

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********

Janie died in a nursing home in Bolivar, Polk County Missouri.

The Obituary of Janie Thompson

(found in the microfilm # 1672785 , Springfield, Greene County
Missouri, News Clippings 1973 from the LDS.)

Mrs. Janie Atkins (April 6, 1973)

Mrs. Janie Atkins, 92, formerly of 628 South Avenue died at 9 am
today in the Bolivar Nursing Home where she has been resident a long
time.
She was the widow of Dr. W. A. Atkins. member of the Eastern Star
and member of the First Baptist Church.
She is survived by one son, Glen, of 3445 Mentor Avenue; Nine
grandchildren, 15 greatgrandchildren and one Great Great Grandchild.

Funeral Services will be announced by Herman Lohmeyer.

April 4, 1973
Funeral services for Mrs Janie Atkins 92, will be at 10 am Monday in
the Herman Lohmeyer East Chapel with the Rev. Hubert Swearengin
officiating. Burial will be in the Dodson Cemetery near Rogersville.

Other Events:

• Also Known As: Mac

Notes:

Albert Gibson McMillan was raised by two sisters because parents
died when he was young. Their names were Viola, a nurse who died in
Pittsburg, Kansas of a stroke and Dove, a spinster, who moved to
California and made hats.
Albert was Known by Mac by all his friends and family. He died at
the age of 84, A former United States Indian agent. He died at the
Independence hospital after a two week Illness.
He was born in Counterville, Ill. and lived in Independence 20
years. for 40 years, Mr. McMillan was acting Superintendent of the five
civilized tribes for the United States Department of the Interior Indian
service at the Muskogee and Independence. He is buried in the Woodlawn
Cemetery in Independence, Missouri.

THIS INFORMATION CAME FROM MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA ATKINS CORGAN,
MY MOTHER'S TWIN SISTER

Albert Gibson McMillan was of Scotch heritage, 6 foot, ruddy
complexion, sandy colored hair and a tennor voice.
His parents died young. He was raised by two sisters on a farm in
Illinois. He left home at 16 years and ended up in New Orleans, Louisiana
working in a cleaning establishment by day and going to school at night.
Eventually graduated with a certificate in business. Set out for Indian
Territory. He got hired by the Indian Agency in Muskogee. ( Later called
Bureau of Indian Affairs/ Muskogee, Oklahoma.)
Albert Gibson McMillan lived in a respectable boarding house where
at the same time was a female resident by the name of Wynifred Maude
Ketcham working for Ketcham Lumber Company. A graduate from a national
known Business College, the Valparaise Indiana School of Business. Her
older brother, Earl that she was always close to was putting togeather a
network of lumber yards in Indian Territory. He was later referred to as
the Lumber King of Oklahoma. Earl was urging his sister to come to
Muskogee.
Albert asked Wynifred to go out for dinner and theater more than
once before she accepted. She thought he was possibly a "drinker" because
of his slightly red skin tone. As it turned out he wasn't but he did
enjoy a good quality cigar now and then.(Muskogee, like Springfield,
Missouri was part of the Chataqua Theater Circut. )
They married and Mack was to make the income and she was to be the
homemaker and was she ever a wonderful home maker! She could sew,
embroider, did talling, and fancied up all bed linen( lace trim,
Initials, satin hems etc.)She had taste for color, curtains rugs,
furniture (wood tones) wall decor and personal wardrobe. Back to Albert
Gibson and more on Wynifred under her name.
Albert was a christian man of God and eventually an Elder in the
Presbyterian Church. The first 10% of his monthly salary went to God's
work through church ministries. His way of relaxing from desk duty was a
beloved rose garden. His career as a government employee saw him rise to
the top "Superintendent of the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma". He
took early retirement because of not agreeing with policy of the then
Secratery of Interior, Harod Ickis. He made more than one trip to
Washington DC to present his position. He didn't win the debate.
Subsequently given the option of transfer to the agency in Arizona ( at
the time considered the " boonies" Wynifred did not want to move to
Arizona. They were okay finanically. Big show of support and affection by
employees. No bitterness------The end of a good Career! (According to
Aunt Norma)
After the move to Independence, Missouri and settling into a very
pretty brick home in the same housing area ( Golden Acres) that Norma,
their oldest daughter lived. Mack worked off and on for Norma's husband ,
Lawyer, Elmer Ahman. He did not work for money but he knew how to do
needed work like typing and meeting the public etc.
Norma Elizebeth had the first grandchild, William "Bill" . He
started the name "Mack" for granddad and "Mamie" for grandma. Albert
Gibson called his wife Winnie. this was how Billie chose Mamie.
Then when Mamie saw what Billie had decided on she encourage " Mack"
for grandpa. All Subequent grandchildren used the names.

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*********
January 2, 1996

In the 1910 Miracode (M254) in Muskogee, Oklahoma I found McMillian
(spelled wrong), M C Head of house 32 years old and born in Illinois,
Page 116, Enumeration District number was 111, and family number was 45.
Listed a Wunfred (spelled wrong) wife age 34 born in Wisconsin, Norma
(daughter) 5 years old born in Oklahoma and a Miriam (daughter) 2 years
old. I Then I looked up the 1910 census for Muskogee, Oklahoma . It
stated that they had been married for 6 years. That placed Albert and
Wynifred's marriage sometime around 1904. In the summer of 95 I drove to
Muskogee to check out their marriage records. I didn't find Mammie or
Mac's or any of Mammie's brothers. I also had a clerk help me look and
she could not find them either. Where did they get married at ? Did they
go back to Wisconsin? Well back to the census. The Census information was
received on May 16, 1910. It stated they were in part of Muskogee City
and part of Porter Township.This was found on sheet #3 on Enumeration
District number 111. The census stated that Mac's mother was born in
Tennessee and Father was born in Scotland. He was a clerk and working for
the Government. He owned his own home that was free from Mortage. On
Wynifred "Mammie" It stated she was 34 and born in Wisconsin. her mother
was born in England and father was born in New York. It also stated that
Mammie and Mac could read and write.
On the 1920 Oklahoma Census Mammie and Mac are still in Muskogee. I
found them in vol. 55, sheet 8, line 25 and the Enumeration District
number was 91. They are living on North 15th and house number is 421.
Mammie is 44 years old , Mac is 42, Norma is 15 and Miriam is 11.

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On August 21, 1996 I was at the LDS Church Checking on their Fische
for Wisconsin marriages pre 1907. I found Wynifred Ketcham and Albert G.
McMillan. It stated married on October 7, 1903 in Adams County, Vol. 02,
page 0355 , County YB ADA, Vol. M, Sequince 02640. Fiche # 6,331,479,
there are 77 of them.

Albert married Wynifred Maude "Mamie" Ketcham on 07 Oct 1903 in Adams County, Wisconsin. Wynifred (daughter of William H Ketcham and Elizabeth Cowing) was born on 02 Sep 1876 in Plainville, Adams County, Wisconsin; died on 30 Jun 1967 in Independence, Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Also Known As: Mamie

Notes:

I RECEIVED THIS INFROMATION FROM MIRIAM "MIRRIE" LINDA ATKINS
CORGAN, MY MOTHER'S TWIN SISTER /JULY 1995

Wynifred Maud Ketcham was of English heirtage. She had blue
eyes with mild epicanthic fold, brown hair, fine complexion, high
checkbones, nicely shaped nose, small skeletal frame, soft voice and only
4 foot 3 inches.
She was next to the youngest of four children, two boys, two
girls. Earl, the oldest , Allie(girl), Wynifred Maude "Mamie" and Rufus,
the youngest. They grew up on a sheep ranch in what is now called
Wisconsin Dells.
Wynifred always a book reader, gentle manner, daily Bible
reading a private prayer. she was active in women's society of First
Presbyterian Muskogee. According to Aunt Norma " Momma's Women's group at
First Presbyterian supported one sometimes two young people (up to 50% of
tuition, books, boarding etc.)to make possible their attending University
of Oklahoma. This was part of their Committment to Home Missions.
She saw to it that her husband, herself and daughters were
always well dressed. She bought clothes but also made clothes and added
touches by altering and spiffing up out fits. The same with bed linen
etc. to do house work lovely dresses were protected by different collored
hip length paisly long sleeve smocks with short verticle collar. Smart in
a low profile way. Almost Chinese looking. Mamie didn't do washing or
ironing durning her entire married life in Muskogee. She had a total of
two black women. The first was Delia. This was done in the basement ( a
white washed partial basement with wooden steps to the outside back yard
lines ). When Delia died Johnny Mae, her daughter took over this
employment. I remember meeting Delia but it was near the end. My next
visit it was Johnny Mae. Too bad but at that time a black female had
little if any opportunity to make a little money in any other service.
She was moderate in all things. This was seen in her approach to
cooking. A very good Cook always buying fresh vegetables from black and
Italian venders that would push their wagon up and down the residential
streets. Accordin to Aunt Norma " You couldn't glut at Momma's table" .
She had her own opinion of what was an appropriate portion per adult and
child.
After Mamie's mother died her father came to live with her in
Muskogee. When he died the Wisconsin Sheep Ranch was sold. Earl , Mamie,
and Rufus had a significant inheirtance. Aunt Norma said it was always
referred to as "Momma's Money" She gave her share to brother Earl who put
it into his lumber business and multiplied it to a smart degree. Before
Mammie and Mack moved to Independence , Missouri Earl gave Mamie back her
investment plus interest. I was in Independence visiting Aunt Norma the
last time Mamie was with Earl. He surprised her by a "quickie" side visit
to Independence from a business trip to Kansas City. Earl died less than
a year later.
I asked Aunt Norma to tell me about the visits Mamie would take
back to Wisconsin on the train to see her parents. She said the conductor
would announce " shortly you will see a landmark, the Ketcham Barn" Red
with a high rock foundation actually 3 stories high. Three ramps that
would accomodate the birthing sheep. It remained a tourist land mark for
many years. The only story I have about Mamie's parents was about Grandpa
Ketcham who had a beautiful full cheek to cheek beard that graced his
chest. He was a man that liked to eat. When finished eating and carefully
examined and wiped his beard he would sigh " oh my I'm feelin some
discomfort" To which Grandma Ketcham said " Then don't over eat Sir"
Mamie apparently got this control / self discipline from her mother.

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I was at the LDS Church on August 21, 1996. While going through
some Fiche (Fiche # 6,331,479 ,**** 77 films) Wisconsin Marriages. I
found a Winnifred Ketcham married October 7, 1903 in Adams County, Vol
02. Page 355, County YB ADA, Vol M, Sequince 02072.