Harry Elmer Wetzel
Harry Elmer Wetzel was born July 22, 1901, in Canton, Lincoln Co., SD, and died January 25, 1985, at Beulah Community Nursing Home, Beulah, Mercer co., ND, at age 83. Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, located south of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. He is the son of John Henry Wetzel of Lebanon, Lebanon Co., PA, and Ida Mae Miller of Sheldon, Iroquois Co., IL.
Frances Willard Werner was born June 15, 1898, in Elmore, Faribault Co., MN, and died December 6, 1981, in the Emergency Room of Beulah Medical Arts Center, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 83. Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, located south of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. She is the daughter of Henry Charles Werner of Minnesota, and Susan C. Strong of Pilot Grove, Faribault Co., MN.
Harry Elmer Wetzel and Frances Willard Werner were married July 31, 1925, in Stanton, Mercer Co., ND.
Harry Elmer Wetzel and Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel had four children:
TIMELINE
The link below goes to some North Dakota newspapers. Please use the Chrome browser for best results:
http://ndarchives.advantage-preservation.com
The roll top (barrel tool top) desk, previously owned by Kay Koslan's grandparents, Harry Elmer Wetzel and Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel, ca. 1880 - 1890. Now refinished and located in Kay Koslan's home in Texas. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
William Andrew Wetzel family history as told by his son, Lewis Andrew Wetzel.
Walter Parker Johnson is buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., VA. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Frances Willard Werner was born June 15, 1898, in Elmore, Faribault Co., MN.
Harry Elmer Wetzel was born July 22, 1901, in Canton, Lincoln Co., SD.
Left to Right: Ann Eliza Werner holding cat, Gwendolyn Werner, and Frances Willard Werner, North Dakota, 1911. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: Gwendolyn was born February 5, 1895, and died August 5, 1923, in Minneapolis. She went to Jamestown College in Jamestown, ND. She was married April 3, 1920, in Minneapolis to Carlton Staley (born September 27, 1896, and died November 15, 1968, in Portland, OR). They had a daughter, Mary Alice Staley (born August 16, 1922, and died September 24, 1922). They adopted a son Carlton Staley, Jr. (born May 7, 1921, in Minneapolis, and died February 10, 2009, Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai, ID). My Dad always enjoyed the visits from Carlton and Carlton Staley, Jr.
Henry Charles Werner "Riverside Ranch" house being moved by horses, to make way for the Zap Mine railroad, 1913. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Frances Willard Werner, North Dakota, 1913. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: Grandmother Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel, the one that was protesting on the Zap mine railroad in the newspaper article, also protested when a rail line was going to build on her parent's farm near Hazen, ND. In some way my grandmother was a little bit of a suffragette, although she didn't believe in drinking.
Ross H. Werner, 1914 - 1915. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
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The WWI Draft Register Report dated June 5, 1917, shows Walter Parker Johnson (age 21), born October 9, 1895, in Iowa Falls, IA, is an unmarried Farmer, and is living in Hannover, ND.
Jo and Marge Werner, 1918 - 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Frances Willard Werner and her beau, Walter Parker Johnson, about April, 1918, ND. The person on the far side of the wagon is not identified. The left two photos of the front and back courtesy of Kay Koslan. The reverse of the photo states they are driving from home in Hazen, out to the ranch (called Riverside Ranch). The Ranch was a few miles outside of Beulah. Since Walter enlisted in the Army at Center on March 29, 1918, and was sent overseas on May 3, 1918, the picture would have been taken in April, 1918.
Kay Koslan comments: My Grandmother, Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel, had a fiancé of unknown name who died in WWI. My grandmother had her wedding dress picked out, and a cousin now has it. My best guess that it's my grandmother's Frances Werner's youngest sister - Joanna Wilhemina Werner, always called Jo (born 10 Oct 1909). I had looked at some other photos and noticed she was the only with blonde hair.
Leigh Larson comments: Perhaps he was Walter Parker Johnson, who was born October 9, 1895, in Iowa Falls, IA, and was killed in action September 28, 1918? Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington Co., VA. Inducted at Center on March 29, 1918; sent to Camp Dodge, Iowa; served in Company T, 5th Battalion, 163rd Depot Brigade, to April 20, 1918; Company I, 140th Infantry, to death. Grade: Private 1st Class, June 12, 1918; overseas from May 3, 1918, to death. Engagements: Offensive: Meuse-Argonne. Defensive Sectors: Grange-le-Comte (Lorraine); Gerardmer (Alsace). Killed in action on Sept. 28, 1918; remains returned to U. S. Sept. 8, 1921, and buried, Grave 2552, European Section, National Cemetery, Arlington, VA.
Walter Emil "Walt" Hansen worked as a farm hand on the Werner farm. He served in France during WWI, where the card photograph was taken. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Helen Carol Werner, probably Ross Rankin Sherwood, and Frances Willard Werner, ca. 1918, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: My Grandmother, Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel, had a fiancé of unknown name who died in WWI. My grandmother had her wedding dress picked out, and a cousin now has it.
Leigh Larson comments: Perhaps he was Ross Rankin Sherwood, who was born March 24, 1895, in Washington, Washington Co., IA, and died of disease December 29, 1919, in Bereszoka, Siberia, at age 24. Buried in Almont Cemetery, Almont, Morton Co., ND. Born, Washington, Iowa, March 26, 1895, of American parents. Occupation - farmer. Enlisted in Company F, 1st Infantry, North Dakota National Guard, at Mandan, on May 12, 1917. Served in Company F, 1st Infantry, North Dakota National Guard (Company F, 164th Infantry), to Jan. 18, 1918; Company I, 26th Infantry, to Feb. 10, 1919; Company H, 338th Infantry, to discharge. Overseas from Dec. 15, 1917, to April 2, 1919. Engagements: Offensives: Aisne-Marne; Meuse-Argonne. Defensive: Montdidier-Noyon. Defensive Sectors: Ansauville (Lorraine); Cantigny (Picardy). Discharged at Camp Dodge, Iowa, on April 11, 1919, as a Private. Re-enlisted for Siberian service, on June 13, 1919.
Word has just been received here that Ross Sherwood, former Company A veteran with two wounds to his honor from fighting in France, died in Siberia with American forces of pneumonia shortly before Christmas. Sherwood enlisted with many other Bismarck men in the national guard company that represented this city and went to France where he went through some of the most severe fighting there. He was wounded on two occasions, spent considerable time in hospitals, and was discharged about July, 1919. After a month's visit with his parents at their home in Almont, Sherwood re-enlisted and was sent to Siberia at his own request. The deceased is a brother of William Sherwood, who is employed at the First National bank.
Almont, N. D., May 3. - With Military honor, Ross Sherwood, whose body arrived Tuesday night from Siberia, was buried yesterday, Rev. H. C. Postlethwaite of Bismarck officiating. Mr. Sherwood died about four months ago in a hospital in Siberia. He enlisted in 1917 and went with the North Dakota regiment. He served in France for about two years in which time he was once severely wounded and spent several months in a hospital. After recovering he went to the front again, and was gassed, from which cause he went to a hospital again for several months.
Dies in Siberia
He was then returned to the United States and later discharged at Camp Dodge. After spending some time at home visiting, he again re-enlisted and was placed in a replacement division and sent to Siberia. However, it seemed that his constitution had been weakened to such an extent that he could not withstand the rigor of the Siberian climate and he died of pneumonia. The funeral was largely attended by neighbors and friends and many from adjoining towns, Mandan, New Salem, Hebron, Bismarck and many other places who had learned to know the young man attended to pay their last respect to one whom the speaker fittingly referred to as a true soldier and a gentleman. The body was escorted by ex-service men to its last resting place and a detail from New Salem ex-soldiers fired that last salute.
Sisters, Frances Willard Werner and Gwendolyn "Gwen" Werner, North Dakota, 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: I have a picture of Gwen. She is on the right - my grandmother wrote on the photo.
Dale Alvin Wetzel was born September 29, 1925, in Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
Carleton Staley, Jr., 1926. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: Attached is Carlton, Jr. as a child.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel was born September 8, 1927, in Strip Mine, a small coal mining community located between Beulah and Zap, Township 144, Mercer Co., ND.
Lenore Shirley Abbey was born April 29, 1930, in Mercer Co., ND.
The 1930 U.S. Census taken on April 17, 1930, shows Harry Wetzel (age 29) born in South Dakota to Indiana and Illinois-born parents, and first married at age 24, is a Coal Mine Laborer, and who owns his home worth $500 and is living in Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Frances Wetzel (age 30) born in Minnesota to Minnesota-born parents, and first married at age 25; his son, Dale A. Wetzel (age 4-6/12) born in North Dakota to South Dakota and Minnesota-born parents; and his son, Donald H. Wetzel (age 2-6/12) born in North Dakota to South Dakota and Minnesota-born parents.
The 1930 U.S. Census taken on April 30, 1930, shows Oran Abbey (age 29) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, and first married at age 25, is a married General Farm Farmer, and who owns his own farm worth $500 and is living in T143, R88, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Alice Abbey (age 28) born in North Dakota to German and West Virginia-born parents, and first married at age 24; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 3) born in North Dakota to Wisconsin and North Dakota-born parents; and his daughter, June Abbey (age 1) born in North Dakota to Wisconsin and North Dakota-born parents.
Robert Duane Wetzel was born June 16, 1930, in Zap, Mercer Co., ND.
James Francis Wetzel was born October 7, 1932, in Zap, Mercer Co., ND.
The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 24, 1940, shows Harry Wetzel (age 38) born in South Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 7 years of School, is a married Steam Engine Runner in a Coal Mine, and who owns his home worth $800 and is living in Zap, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Frances Wetzel (age 40) born in Minnesota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 2 years of High School; his son, Dale A. Wetzel (age 14) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 8 years of School; his son, Donald H. Wetzel (age 12) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 6 years of School; his son, Robert D. Wetzel (age 9) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 3 years of School; and his son, James F. Wetzel (age 7) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same House, and with 1 year of School.
The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 9, 1940, shows Orran Abbey (age 39) born in Wisconsin, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 1 year of College, and who married but has no occupation listed, is renting his home for $15/month, and is living in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Alice Abbey (age 38) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 2 years of College; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 13) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 7 years of School; his daughter, Lois Abbey (age 13) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 7 years of School; his daughter, June Abbey (age 11) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 5 years of School; his daughter, Lenore Abbey (age 10) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 3 years of School; his daughter, Marilyn Abbey (age 9) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 2 years of School; his son, Gale Abbey (age 7) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 0 years of School; his daughter, Dona Abbey (age 5) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 0 years of School; his son, James Abbey (age 2) born in North Dakota; his daughter, Colleen Abbey (age 5/12) born in North Dakota; and an unmarried Servant, Roger Endresson (age 21) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in the Same Place, and with 4 years of High School, a Common Laborer in a Farming Mine.
Below is a link to the "Beulah, North Dakota Golden '50' Years Anniversary, 1914-1964":
http://www.odessa3.org/collections/towns/link/beulah64.txt
Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel, at her protest during the United Mine Workers strike at the Dakota Collieries Co. lignite mine, Zap, Mercer Co., ND, June 10, 1950. Photo courtesy Los Angeles Times.
Comments about the strike on Jun 9, 2016, from Jim Abbey, courtesy of his niece, Kay Koslan:
The scabs got thru the picket line and all they needed was empty coal cars to fill. The women laid on the tracks to stop the coal cars. The engineer said he would not run over women so he took his train with coal cars and left. I was there. The highway patrol lifted my mom off the tracks. She bit one in the ankle, the pic was shown worldwide. Mom got letters from woman from several nations thinking she was doing it for women's rights. We all had fun throwing rotten eggs at the scabs. See Bismarck Tribune April 16, 1975, 25 years later. Minneapolis Tribune, Sunday June 11, 1950, Page 25.
Evidently, that's my grandmother lying down in the photo, according to my Uncle Jim.
I asked my Dad about fox farms. My Dad said his father had silver foxes. They had separate pen areas for each one. They had about 7 foxes and kept them for 12 years. They would each have 3-7 baby foxes. Then when they were a certain age - they would sell the furs. Dad said that farmers would have to kill their old horses and this meat was used to feed the foxes. They did not have silver foxes in ND but my Grandfather Wetzel probably got them from Canada. They were more desirable because they had thicker fur. My Grandfather Wetzel was interesting. He'd hide the whiskey out in the garage because my grandmother did not believe in drinking alcohol. They both were quite interesting. She once laid over the railroad in an Indian costume on her father's land because she didn't want the railroad to come through. Another time something happened at Zap coal mine and she protested and wouldn't move. She may have been about 50 or so. They tried to carry her off and she bit the policeman. It was in the paper. My Grandpa Wetzel would "water witch" with a willow. People would call him to do it and he would find water.
Harry Elmer Wetzel and Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel extended family, North Dakota, 1954. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel and Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, December 25, 1978. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: The couch was the one my dad built and my mom upholstered. Not exactly a favorite color for me, but at the time it was probably a popular color. They recovered it a year or two later, though it is in the house today. It will soon go with the new owners.
Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel died December 6, 1981, in the Emergency Room of Beulah Medical Arts Center, Beulah, Mercer co., ND, at age 83. Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, located south of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
Frances Willard (Werner) Wetzel Death Record.
Harry Elmer Wetzel died January 22, 1985, at Beulah Community Nursing Home, Beulah, Mercer co., ND, at age 83. Buried in Rose Hill Cemetery, located south of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
Harry Elmer Wetzel Death Record.
Robert Duane Wetzel died December 8, 2012, in Yuma, Yuma Co., AZ, at age 81.
The Yuma Sun, Yuma, Yuma Co., AZ, December 15, 2012
Robert Duane Wetzel
Robert Duane Wetzel passed on peacefully on December 8, 2012. He was born on June 16, 1930. Robert served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War. Following his service in the Navy, he moved back to his home state of North Dakota. He worked in the Power Plant industry for his entire career beginning in North Dakota, later moving to Louisiana, then to Kansas, finally to Utah from whence he retired. He had many passions in his life. In his younger years, he enjoyed pheasant hunting and fishing. After moving to Utah, he became a rock hound and enjoyed digging for fossils. He had a continued zeal for service in the American Legion throughout his life, serving as an honor guard for many veterans' funerals. His father and mother (Harry and Frances Wetzel) and his brother (Dale Wetzel) preceded Robert in passing. His brothers (Donald and James), his three sons (Kyle, Ross, and Bradley Wetzel), and three grandchildren (Francine, Kevin, and Tyler) survive him. Service will be held for Robert on Tuesday, December 19, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. at Gila Mountain Methodist Church located at 12716 N. Frontage Rd. Yuma, AZ. A quiet ceremony will be held in the summer of 2013 in Beulah ND to bring his remains to where his parents are buried. Memorials may be given to the Disabled American Veterans or to the Gila Mountain Methodist Church of Yuma AZ.
Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel wrote his personal memories to pass away the time. He was staying at home with his wife, Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel, who was battling cancer. He began writing his memories in March, 2000, and his final entry was in 2002. His memories include numerous pictures of Donald as he was growing up. Clicking on the left image goes to a PDF file. Clicking on the right image goes to a Microsoft Word file.