Oran Ralph Abbey
Oran Ralph Abbey was born October 13, 1899, in Milladore Twp., Wood Co., WI, and died November 12, 1943, in a car accident about a half mile from his farm, south of the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 44. Buried in Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND. He is the son of Charles Washington Abbey of Byron Twp., Fond du Lac Co., WI, and Cora Adella Armstrong of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI.
Alice Frances Herman was born July 5, 1901, in Glen Ullin, Morton Co., ND, and died March 27, 1982, at her home, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 80. Buried in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND. She is the daughter of Carl Georg Herrmann of the Town of Rockershausen, Regionalverband Saarbrücken, Saarland, Germany, and Frances Elizabeth Tavis of Wheeling, Marshall Co., WV.
Oran Ralph Abbey (age 26), a bachelor, and Alice Frances Herman (age 25), a maiden, were married September 25, 1926, in Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND.
Oran Ralph Abbey and Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey had nine children:
TIMELINE
The link below goes to some North Dakota newspapers. Please use the Chrome browser for best results:
http://ndarchives.advantage-preservation.com
Standard Atlas of Mercer County, North Dakota, 1918: digitalhorizonsonline.org/digital/collection/p16921coll2/id/3140/rec/1
The story about Alice (Herman) Abbey's Pink Frosting House, by her granddaughter, Kay. PDF file on the left, and Word DOC on the right.
Oran Ralph Abbey and Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey are buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making these images available.
James Audrey "Jim" Thompson and Myrtle M. (Holliday) Thompson are buried Buried in Victor Cemetery, Ravalli Co., MT. Thanks to Find-A-Grave for making this image available.
Minnie Elizabeth Tavis, mother of Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey was born October 13, 1899, in Milladore Twp., Wood Co., WI.
The 1900 U. S. Census taken on June 6, 1900, shows C. W. Abbey (age 38) born August, 1861, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and English-born parents, is a married Laborer, and who is renting his home, and is living in Milladore Twp., Wood Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife of 17 years, Cora Abbey (age 33) born September, 1866, in Wisconsin to English Canadian and New York-born parents, with all six of the children born to her still alive; his daughter, Maud Abbey (age 14) born June, 1885, in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his son, Samual Abbey (age 7) born August, 1892, in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his daughter, Phebe Abbey (age 5) born August, 1894, in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his daughter, Ida Abbey (age 3) born January, 1897, in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; and his son, Orin Abbey (age 9/12) born October, 1899, in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents.
Alice Frances Herman was born July 5, 1901, in Glen Ullin, Morton Co., ND.
Alice Frances Herman at age 9 months. The two photos on the right are in the original frame from Peter Herman. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
James Audrey "Jim" Thompson was born July 28, 1902, in Rochester Twp., Andrew Co., MO.
The 1905 Wisconsin State Census taken on June 1, 1905, shows Chas. Abbey (age 45) born in Wisconsin to England-born parents, is a married Drayman, and who rents his home, and living in the 1st Ward, City of Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Cora Abbey (age 38) born in Wisconsin to New York-born parents; his son, Sammy Abbey (age 12) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his son, Oran Abbey (age 5) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his unmarried daughter, Maude Abbey (age 19) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his unmarried daughter, Clara Abbey (age 17) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his daughter, Phoebe Abbey (age 10) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; and his daughter, Ida Abbey (age 7) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents.
Fern Luella Robinson was born Oct. 13, 1906, in Plainfield, Waushara Co., WI.
Myrtle M. Holliday was born September 26, 1908, in Turner, Parker Co., SD.
The 1910 U. S. Census taken on May 4, 1910, shows Charles Abbey (age 48) born in Wisconsin to England-born parents, is a married Farmer of a Farm, and in his first marriage, and who owns his farm free of a mortgage, and is living in Twp. 142, Range 88, Mercer Co., ND. Living with are: his wife of 26 years, Cora Abbey (age 42) born in Wisconsin to New York and Canada-born parents, and in her first marriage, and with all 6 of her children still alive his unmarried daughter, Clara Belle Abbey (age 22) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, who works in a Woolen Factory; his unmarried son, Samuel Abbey (age 17) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, who Works at Farm Labor at Home; his daughter, Phoebe Abbey (age 15) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his daughter, Ida Abbey (age 12)born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; and his son, Oran Abbey (age 10) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents. Leigh Larson note: His daughter, Helen Maude, was crossed off the census entry, since she had moved away and married H. Oriel Sovereign. Clara B. Abbey (age 22) is a duplicate entry shown living in Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, on April 20, 1910, as a Lodger in the Charles Burdick household. She is a Drawer in a Woolen Mill.
In August, 1911, the Baraboo Business College removed from the Y. M. C. A. building to a flat in the new Gollmar Building on Third Avenue.
Oran Abbey, Sam Abbey and Charles Washington Abbey, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, about 1912. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Charles Herman/Herrmann farm near Golden Valley, Mercer Co., ND, 1912. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles or Peter Herman/Herrmann farm, from left to right: Ted Herman, Alice Herman, unknown little girl, Carl Herman, and Wilfred Herman with the goat, 1912. Peter Herrmann had 5,000 sheep and lived near Glen Ullin, ND. Peter's son, Charles Herrmann, also had sheep and lived South East of Beulah, ND. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Group photo at the Charles Herman home, Center, Oliver Co., ND, about 1912. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
From left to right: Carl Herman and Ted Herman (sons of Charles Herman), and Don Herman (son of Peter August Richard Herman and Anna Tavis). Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
From left to right: Regina Theresa Herman (daughter of Peter August Richard Herman, brother of Charles). Regina's mother was Anna Tavis, a sister of Frances Tavis Herman, thus two brothers married two sisters; Alice Frances Herman; and Frances Tavis Herman (mother of Alice, wife of Charles Herman). Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Wilfred Herman and his father, Sheriff Carl Georg "Charles" Herman. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Center school basketball team, Center, Oliver Co., ND, 1913. It is speculated that Alice Frances Herman is shown, possibly in the top row on the right. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The 1915 North Dakota State Census taken on April 1, 1915, shows C. W. Abbey (age 54) is living in Township 141, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: Cora Abbey (age 49); Ida Abbey (age 17); and Oran Abbey (age 15).
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Friday, February 18, 1916
Evans News.
Oran Abbey went to Beulah last Saturday expecting to meet his sister, Phoebe, who was expected to arrive on the west bound train, but he was disappointed.
Ida Delilah Abbey and Oran Ralph Abbey, North Dakota, about 1916 - 1917. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The WWI Draft Registration Report dated September 12, 1918, shows Oran Ralph Abbey (age 18) born October 13, 1899, is a Farmer employed by Bernard E. Evans, and is living at R. F. D. #1, Beulah, Oliver Co., WI. His nearest relative is Chas. W. Abbey of the same address.
The 1918 Standard Atlas of Mercer Co., ND, shows that Ira E. Miller owns the 160 acres of land in the SE 1/4, Section 14, T 142N, R 088W, of the 5th PM, Mercer Co., ND, that Charles Washington Abbey had homesteaded in 1914. This was probably necessitated by the divorce of Charles Washington "Charlie" Abbey and Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey. The image on the left is for a JPG file. The picture on the right is for a PDF file.
Milton John "Mitch" Boken was born October 20, 1918, in Anaconda, Deer Lodge Co., MT.
The Baraboo Weekly News, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, Thursday, January 30, 1919
C. W. Abbey left Tuesday morning for Fond du Lac and other places to visit friends before going to Beulah, N. D. While here he visited his daughter, Mrs. B. J. Higgins, and attended the funeral of another daughter, Miss Phoebe Abbey. Mrs. Cora Abbey left yesterday for Packwaukee, Wis., where she is spending the winter; also Mrs. Ira Miller and son will go to Packwaukee and Stratford before returning home to Beulah, N. D., after attending the funeral of Phoebe Abbey. Orrin Abbey, also of Beulah, N. D., will remain here and attend business college. He will stay at the home of his sister, Mrs. B. J. Higgins.
Alice Frances Herman, at her parent's home, Mercer Co., ND, 1919. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice Frances Herman at Valley City State Normal School, Valley City, Barnes Co., ND, and her graduation signature, about 1922. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: I'm guessing about 1922, as her hair style is the same in the 2 pictures. She would have been at the Valley City Teacher's College then. There was a comment about her on a postcard (I don't have it) about Sis and her dressing up. She must have sent it to one of her brothers.
Valley City State Normal School was founded in 1890 as a two-year teachers' college. It was authorized to confer bachelor's degrees in 1921, and changed its name to Valley City State Teachers College. With an expansion in programs outside teacher education after World War II, it became Valley City State College in 1963. Later it became Valley City State University.
Frances Elizabeth (Tavis) Herman, cake for dinner, Mercer Co., ND, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Frances Elizabeth (Tavis) Herman and Carl Georg "Charles" Hermann on their farm, ND, 1920, before they moved into town and before Oran died. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: They moved into town at some point, and my Aunts June and Lois stayed with them and went to Beulah High School.
Alice Frances Herman with girl friends in car, ND, 1920. Alice Herman is the girl who is above the two girls on the ground on the right side. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Friday, April 14, 1922
LOCAL NEWS ITEMS.
Miss Maud Boland, Edwin Carmichael and Oran Abbey were over Sunday visitors at Werner.
Philomena Bertha "Minnie" Tavis, the sister of Frances Elizabeth (Tavis) Herman), about 1925. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles Herman with his foxes, Mercer Co., ND, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Charles Herman farmhouse and buildings, Mercer Co., ND. The left picture shows before the new barn was built. The right picture shows after the new barn was built 1922. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles Herman with his Studebaker car, with Alice Herman, North Dakota, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Threshing crew at the Charles Herman farm, Mercer Co., ND, 1921. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Siblings, Carl Anthony Herman, Alice Frances Herman, and Wilfred August Herman, playing their musical instruments, ND, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Herman group, Left to Right: Philomena Bertha "Minnie" Tavis, Frances Elizabeth (Tavis) Herman, Alice Frances Herman, Rebecca Margaret (Albers) Gentz, and John Leslie "Joe" Easton. Just one of their many dress-up pranks, North Dakota, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Herman group, Left to Right: Philomena Bertha "Minnie" Tavis, Alice Frances Herman, and John Leslie "Joe" Easton, North Dakota, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Herman group, Left to Right: Philomena Bertha "Minnie" Tavis, Rebecca Margaret (Albers) Gentz, Alice Frances Herman, John Leslie "Joe" Easton, and Wilfred August Herman, North Dakota, about 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 9, 1920, shows Berton J. Higgins (age 32) born in Wisconsin to Illinois and Wisconsin-born parents, is a married Barn Equipment Traveling Salesman, and who rents his home, and is living at 327 8th Avenue, 1st Ward, City of Baraboo, Baraboo Twp., Sauk Co., WI. Living with him are: his wife, Clarissa Higgins (age 31) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; his son, Lloyd Higgins (age 1-2/12) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; and his unmarried brother-in-law: Oran Abbey (age 20) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents.
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 7, 1920, shows Albert B. Ellis (age 63) born in New York to Pennsylvania-born parents owns his own farm free of a mortgage and is living on Ellis Avenue, 3rd Ward, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI. Living with him is his wife, Adora J. Ellis (age 59) born in Wisconsin to Vermont and English Canadian-born parents. Also living there are his two unmarried daughters, both born in Wisconsin to New York and Wisconsin-born parents: Maud Ellis (age 29), a Private Nurse; and Erna N. Ellis (age 27), a Private Nurse. Also living there are two unmarried Lodgers: Orrin Abbey (age 20) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents; and Elmer P. Voss (age 23) born in Wisconsin to Wisconsin-born parents, a Railroad Brakeman.
The 1920 U. S. Census taken on January 26, 1920, shows Jesse B. Crowe (age 33) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, is a married Foreman at a Coal Mine, and who rents his home, and is living in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Living with him are: his wife, Bertha G. Crowe (age 37) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents; his widowed mother, Louisa Thompson (age 61) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, a retired General Farm Farmer; and his unmarried brother-in-law, Audrey Thompson (age 17) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, a Motor Man at a Coal Mine.
The Wisconsin State Journal, Madison, Dane Co., WI; Friday, March 19, 1920
BARABOO - Orrin Abbey, who had his leg broken recently while sliding down hill, is recovering at the home of his sister, Mrs. B. J. Higgins.
The Baraboo Weekly News, Baraboo, Sauk Co., WI, Thursday, September 9, 1920
Oran Abbey, who has spent the past two years with his sister, Mrs. B. J. Higgins left last night for his home in the west. He will stop at St. Paul for a short time to attend the Minnesota state fair. While in Baraboo, Mr. Abbey finished the business course in the Baraboo Business college and for the past few months has been employed at the local railroad office. He was accompanied as far as St. Paul by B. J. Higgins who will spend a week there in the interests of the Humane Stanchion works.
125-129 Third Avenue.
The Baraboo Business College opened on the second floor of the Fair building on May 4, 1908. There were sufficient instructors to teach bookkeeping, arithmetic, penmanship, stenography, typewriting, banking and commercial law. The college was connected with the Beloit and several other business colleges operated by the Williamson brothers of Beloit.
The Baraboo Business College opened May 4, 1908, with an enrollment of 40 students. The curriculum has very complete courses in Shorthand, typewriting, commercial law, English correspondence, banking, rapid calculation and commercial arithmetic. A number of new typewriters have arrived. This and the Beloit school, under the same management, are the only schools in the central states which furnish a typewriter for every student. The faculty: E. H. Davin, commercial law and typewriting department. M. A. Bredesin, bookkeeping and banking department. C. B. Williamson, lecturer on shorthand. W. H. Williamson, lecturer on bookkeeping.
220 Third Avenue, Second Floor.
In August of 1912, W. S. Seyler moved his Baraboo Business College from the YMCA building to a flat over the new Gollmar-Messenger Garage building.
In 1912-1915 the Baraboo Business College operated at this location.
412-1/2 Oak Street, Second Floor.
In 1922 the Baraboo Business College proprietors, Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Gilbert, renewed their lease on the rooms they were then occupying over the McQuan-Fogle clothing store and would conduct another season. Among the new students of the college were the Misses Cecelia and Gladys Leece of North Freedom.
Located on the east side of Oak Street, south of and adjacent to the alley between Second and Third Streets, Block 35, lot 7, 412-1/2 Oak St. (second floor).
From left to right: Alice Herman, Cleo Herman, and Frances (Tavis) Herman, 1920. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice Frances Herman as a teacher, standing in her classroom, about 1921. The other teacher, sitting in the back row next to the bookcase, is Unknown. Could it be Iris A. Aker, who was born 1904 in North Dakota, and married Theo. H. Zorn, a banker in Beulah, in 1931? The picture on the right shows the condition of this building about 2019. The classroom photo is courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Friday, April 8, 1921
SHOW WAS GOOD.
The "Big One Outfit" hit town Thursday night in a blizzard, and put on their show, "The Arizona Cowboy" in a very creditable manner. Every member of the caste did spendidly, but, without detracting from the credit due all of them, we can say that Besssie Koster, Ed. Boland and Oran Abbey should be on the big time. - they were GREAT, and we aint seen nothin' like it since '89. They deserver much better patronage than they received, for it was such a bad night many did not attend. Any way, the Big One Outfit made a hit and will be sure of a full house with a return engagement.
Oran Ralph Abbey, on the left, and his friend, James Audrey "Jimmy" Thompson, North Dakota, 1923. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Friday, April 6, 1923
Local News Items.
Andrey Thompson and Orran Abbey left on Wednesday for Montana where they will seek employment.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, July 12, 1923
Audrey Thompson and Orran Abbey are now located at Los Angeles, Calif. We fear for the movie business if these birds ever get into Hollywood.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, September 6, 1923
Audrey Thompson and Orran Abbey returned Saturday from several month's trip through the western states. They are looking hale and hearty.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, September 20, 1923
Epitome of Local News.
Ed. Boland, Edwin Carmichael and Orran Abbey left Wednesday morning for Lemmon where they will take in the big Rodeo and Fair. We'd sure like to have gone with these birds.
Leigh Larson note: Lemmon is a community in Perkins Co., SD, just south of the state line from North Dakota.
In 1923, bachelors Oran Ralph Abbey and his friend, James Audrey "Jimmy" Thompson, took a long trip to the western states. Oran kept a diary of their experiences while traveling, and years later the original transcription was provided by Kay Koslan. Leigh Larson revised it in 2023 using Oran's exact spelling and punctuation. Click on the image above for the PDF document of Oran's diary. Jimmy is: James Audrey Thompson (born July 23, 1902, in Rochester Twp., Andrew Co., MO; died September 25, 1981, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT). Jimmy married Myrtle M. Holliday.
Click on the image above for the Microsoft Word document of Oran's diary.
Click on the image above for the PDF images of Oran's diary. Original JPG 1200 MB diary images were provided courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey standing on rock, about 1923; and left to right: Oran Ralph Abbey and James Audrey "Jimmy" Thompson with girls, about 1923. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Kay Koslan comments: The rocks that are unfamiliar to where we live, unless you get into the Badlands. He looks a little younger so perhaps its when Jimmy and he had the escapade out West in 1923. Oran also worked for my great grandfather Charles Herman, before he married my grandmother, Alice. Charles didn't think Oran was good enough for her. Maybe because he didn't have enough money? But Oran worked a lot in my opinion - 2 jobs, etc to get ahead.
Bessie Imogene Koester?
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Friday, February 9, 1923
Wedding Bells.
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm, Koester, the brides parents, Mr. Frank E. Skager and miss Bessie I. Koester were married, Thursday, Feb. 8 at 11:30 a.m. in the presence of the relatives of the bride and groom. After the ceremony a sumptuous dinner was served. The wedded couple will make their home one mile south of the Grange hall where Mr. Skager will engage in farming in partnership with his brother. The Independent joins with their host of friends in wishing them the best of life.
Sam Abbey, Cora (Armstrong) Abbey, and Oran Abbey, North Dakota, about 1924. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
James Audrey "Jimmy" Thompson, and Oran Ralph Abbey, North Dakota, about 1924. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey, 2nd from right, before 1925. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan. Bessie M. Imogene Koester?
In this picture, Oran Ralph Abbey seems to be with the same woman as shown in the above picture. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan. Bessie M. Imogene Koester?
Possibly Maude Marian (Boland) Carmichael, and Oran Abbey, before 1925. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey on a horse, 1926 or earlier, North Dakota. Black and white photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey and Maude Marian (Boland) Carmichael. Maude was born September 16, 1897, in Grand Meadow, Mower Co., MN. She was married November 25, 1922, in Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND, to Edwin Robert Carmichael. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, June 5, 1924
A party of Beulah young folks including members of the Chas. Herman and Keogh families and John and Ed Boland, Orran Abbey were Sunday visitors at the Killdeer mountains. A pleasant trip was reported.
Front row, left to right: Oran Abbey, James William, Joyce Murray Herman, Wilda Murray Webber, Mrs. Sam (Myrtle) Murray. 2nd Row, left to right: Ted Herman, Agnes (Keogh) Herman, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, Rebecca Margaret (Albers) Gentz. Front row: Oran Abbey, laying down, with Alice Frances Herman, in glasses, behind him. To the left is Ted Herman and his wife-to-be, Agnes Keogh. Photo taken about 1925. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Ted (Theodore) lost his hand in a farming accident. He went on to college then and became a pharmacist, as did his son. Both Lenore, and her sister, Marilyn, worked at Ted's drug store in Beulah while in High School. Ted had a great green marble counter (more than 20 feet long) where fountain drinks (such as cherry and lime phosphates), milk shakes and "muds" were served. There may have been some booths, at one time. The "muds" were very popular - a mixture of chocolate, marshmallow, peanuts, and ice cream - stirred until they were like a milk shake. Eventually, probably after the 1980s, the fountain drink counter was moved out and bought by someone in Bismarck. Then, it was later moved to South Dakota.
Oran Ralph Abbey and Alice Frances Herman Marriage License and Marriage Certificate, September 25, 1926, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey and a Ford Model T Club Coupe, North Dakota, probably on his wedding day. Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey kept his picture on display in her house for the rest of her life. He appears to be wearing the same suit as he wore in other photos in September, 1926. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey after his wedding, September, 1926, North Dakota. The house is similar in construction to the house possibly belonging to Charles Washington Abbey or Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Bismarck Independent, Bismarck, ND, Tuesday, September 28, 1926
HAPPILY WED.
At Bismarck on Saturday, September 25, 1926, the Rev. Bishop Wehrle officiating, occurred the marriage of Miss Alice Herman to Mr. Orran Abbey, both popular young people of this community. The bride is the charming and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Herman, one of the well known and most highly respected families of the Slope country, who reside in the Alpin community just south of Beulah. She has grown to womanhood here and has been a grade teacher in the Beulah schools since graduating from Valley City Normal four years ago, and has endeared herself to all by her pleasing disposition and many beautiful traits of body, and mind. She is an accomplished musician and has been active and popular in the social affairs of this community, where her circle of friends is only bounded by the extent of her acquaintance. The groom is a sterling young fellow of the same community and has grown to man's estate ere. He is ambitious and industrious and has conducted himself in such a manner as to command the confidence and respect of all who know him. Beulah Independent.
The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, ND, Tuesday, September 28, 1926
WEDDING ANNOUNCED
Miss Alice Herman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Herman, Beulah, was married Saturday in Beulah to Orin Abbey of the same place. Miss Regina Herman, daughter of A. R. Herman, Mandan, announced her marriage to Noel Longbottom, Glen Ullin, on September 12 in Bismarck, on the same day. Bishop Wehrle officiated at the ceremony in Bismarck. The two brides are cousins.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, October 14, 1926
Oran Abbey went to the hospital Tuesday morning to receive treatment for blood poisoning in his arm.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, October 21, 1926
Local News.
Oran Abbey who entered the St. Alexius hospital last week suffering from an infection on his arm, is yet in a rather serious condition.
Lois Alice Abbey was born February 1, 1927, in Mercer Co., ND.
Oran Ralph Abbey and Lois Alice Abbey, May, 1927. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Lois Abbey and Clara Hess, 1927. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Cleo Frances Herman, Lois Alice Abbey, Frances Alice (Herman) Abbey, and Frances Elizabeth (Tavis) Herman, summer, 1927. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, March 24, 1927
ACCIDENT AT MINE.
Oran Abbey Caught Under Car Near Fatal Accident
Orin Abbey, skinner at the local mine, met with an almost fatal accident last Monday forenoon when he fell and got caught underneath a loaded car of coal. He was found shortly after the accident and released by nearby miners. He was still conscious, but in a very critical condition. He was given first aid treatment by Dr. Rasmusson and then rushed to the hospital at Bismarck. His condition at this time is considered favorable. At the time of the accident the loaded car was on a down grade, the mule had been unhitched and the car was moving under its own momentum. It is not known how he happened to fall, but he was lying across one rail face downward; the car wheel had caught him just about the region of the kidneys and his head and body were under the car. In this manner he must have been shoved along the track for a distance of twenty feet. It is a miracle that he did not meet with instant death. He received a fractured collar-bone, a few broken ribs and a severe injury to one kidney, besides numerous cuts and bruises. Mrs. Abbey has been at his side since Tuesday.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, April 21, 1927
Orin Abbey, who was very severely injured in an accident at the coal mine a few weeks ago and has since been confined to the St. Alexius hospital at Bismarck, has so far recovered that he was able to return home last week. It will be some time, however, before he will be able to resume work, it is said.
Frances Tavis, her mother and Frances' brothers and sisters, North Dakota, 1928. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
A four generation picture: Theresa G. (Rolf) Tavis, Frances (Tavis) Herman, Alice (Herman) Abbey, and Lois Abbey, North Dakota, 1928. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, March 8, 1928
Beulah Local News.
Oran Abbey was quite severely injured today when he was kicked by a mule while working in the mine.
James Audrey "Jim" Thompson and Myrtle Holliday were married April 18, 1928, in Carson, Grant Co., ND. The following is part of a story at their 50th wedding anniversary in April, 1978: "Myrtle Holliday and James Thompson were married on April 8, 1928 at Carson, North Dakota. Jim had a coal mine near Carson for several years, later moving to Butte with Myrtle in 1936 where he worked in the rock mines for twenty five years. The Thompsons decided to move to the Bitter Root Valley in 1943 where they purchased the Mint Bar at Stevensville which they operated for about 7 years. They later owned ranches at Florence, Stevensville, on Bell Crossing, Victor, Corvallis and Darby. They are presently on a horse farm on Tucker Crossing, south of Victor, where they raise registered and grade Appaloosa and quarter horses. Jim and Myrtle have been seen in many valley parades on their match horses and formerly belonged to the Stevensville Saddle Club for several years. She was also a member of the Bitter Root Mountettes for five years in Hamilton. They are both members of the local and national Appaloosa horse clubs."
June Frances Abbey was born June 9, 1928, in Mercer Co., ND.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, October 25, 1928
South of Town.
Mrs. Ira Miller and Oran Abbey are enjoying a visit from their mother, she arrived here Saturday evening from Los Angeles, California.
Elaine Audrey Thompson was born March 24, 1929, in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, May 1, 1930
More Local News.
Dr. Rasmusson reports the arrival of a baby girl at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oran Abbey on Monday, April 28. Mother and child are reported to be getting along very nicely.
Lois Alice Abbey at the Oran Ralph Abbey farmhouse, Mercer Co., ND, about 1929. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Cleo Frances Herman, Lois Alice Abbey, and Frances Alice (Herman) Abbey, summer, 1929. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
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.
The 1930 U.S. Census taken on April 22, 1930, shows Louisa Thompson (age 71) born in Missouri to Indiana and Tennessee-born parents, and first married at age 22, is a widowed Head of Household, and who owns her home worth $600 and is living in Twp. 144, Mercer Co., ND. Living with her are: her married son, Audrey A. Thompson (age 27) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, and first married at age 25, a Miner at a Coal Mine; her married daughter-in-law, Myrtle Thompson (age 21) born in South Dakota to Iowa and North Dakota-born parents, and first married at age 19, and her granddaughter, Elaine Thompson (age 1) born in North Dakota to Missouri and South Dakota-born parents.
Lenore Shirley Abbey was born April 29, 1930, in Mercer Co., ND.
The Beulah Quadrille team members, left to right: Ed Carmichael, Tom Keogh, Ralph Murray, Kay Keogh, Minnie Tavis, and Oran Abbey, ca. 1930. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Ralph Murray life history, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, 2018.
Lois Alice Abbey at the Oran Ralph Abbey farmhouse, Mercer Co., ND, fall, 1930. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Cora Adella (Armstrong) Abbey with David Miller and Terry Miller, North Dakota, about 1930. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Wool Sacks on way to market. The at the Oran Ralph Abbey farmhouse, Mercer Co., ND, is in the background. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Marilyn Adell Abbey was born May 10, 1931, in Mercer Co., ND.
Sisters, Lois, June, Lenore and Marilyn Abbey, about 1933. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Sisters, Lenore, Lois, June, and Marilyn Abbey, about 1934. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Twins, David Alan "Dave" Miller and Douglas Terrance "Terry" Miller, North Dakota, about 1932. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Back Row, L to R: Ida (Abbey) Miller, Betty Miller, Cora (Armstrong) Abbey and Beverly Miller. Front Row, L to R: Terry Miller, Lois Abbey, June Abbey and David Miller, North Dakota, ca. 1932. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
June Frances Abbey, North Dakota. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles Gale Abbey, April, 1934. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Cleo Frances Herman and Lenore Shirley Abbey, North Dakota, 1934. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Lenore, Lois, June, and Marilyn Abbey, Mercer Co., ND, 1934. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles Gale Abbey was born March 11, 1933, in Mercer Co., ND.
Donna Clara Abbey was born April 12, 1934, in Mercer Co., ND.
Lois, June, Lenore, Marilyn, Gale and Donna Abbey, Mercer Co., ND, about 1935. The farm cat, with tail raised, is at the lower left. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Lenore, Gale and Marilyn Abbey at the Oran Ralph Abbey farm, Mercer Co., ND, about 1935. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, July 18, 1935
A Bad Storm.
Much Damage Done by Heavy Rains and Winds Last Wednesday.
Considerable damage resulted from the wind and rain storm that visited this section of the state last Wednesday night. Rain fell in torrents and the water rushed thru the streets at a depth well over the side walks in many places and basements were generally filled with water. The wind reached cyclonic proportions south of town and commencing at the Bert Turner farm and passing eastward nearly all barns and out buildings were demolished; the barn on the Oran Abbey farm was blown down and the roof torn from a small house occupied by Mr. Abbey's mother; the barn and other outbuildings at the Chas. Wright farm were destroyed; and the large barn at the Stutz home was blown down and completely wrecked, and also the windmill and other farm buildings, even the large dwelling being moved some from its foundation. The storm passed east and destroyed barns and other farm buildings on the Irv Vincent farm, and many other places. It was one of the most destructive wind-storms to visit this section in years, a much damage was done to crops. The rains were general in Mercer and Dunn counties, and by Tuesday evening the water in Knife River and Spring Creek was close to the all time high water mark. Lowlands were flooded and Highway 25 was impassable for several days. The people living on the bottom lands abandoned their homes and took refuge on the higher lands to await the receding of the water.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, November 12, 1936
Golden Valley.
Little June Abbey, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oran Abbey, is reported as being under the doctor's care at a Bismarck hospital.
Sisters, Lois, June, Lenore, and Marilyn Abbey, about 1936. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey's Employee Card, about 1936. On the left at the very bottom is Harry Donald Wetzel's handwriting that Kay Koslan recognized. It may have been given to Donald by the Knife River Coal Company. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Sisters, Lois, June, Lenore and Marilyn Abbey at Lenore and Marilyn's first Communion, 1937. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Left to Right: Donna, Marilyn, June, Lenore, Gale, and Lois Abbey, at the Oran Ralph Abbey farmhouse, Mercer Co., ND, about 1938. The Abbey photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The picture to the right is a stock photo of a 1937 Chevrolet Master Deluxe 2 Door Sedan.
Kay Koslan comments: I remember visiting here when the root cellar (to the left of the Abbey children) was there, and there was also an outhouse. The outhouse was no longer there. The door in the background was likely the front door. The Abbey kids are either going to school or to church, I'll bet.
In October, 1937, the Oran Ralph Abbey family moved from their farm south of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, into the Village of Beulah.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, October 14, 1937
Beulah Locals.
The Orran Abbey family moved into town this week as Oran is employed in the mine, and the children will be closer to school.
Oran Abbey is pictured here with Old Babe, a mule. Abbey is inside the mine in front of a car filled with coal. The mule is pulling the car on a track that runs through the mine. Below, more tracks are visible. Notice Oran Abbey is wearing a hard hat with a light. Photo courtesy of Mercer County Historical Society. This picture was gifted to the society by either Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey or Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel.
Oran Ralph Abbey was Head Muleskinner in Mercer Co., ND, about 1939. Photos courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Grade 5 1938-1939, Lenore Abbey, 2nd from left, 2nd row. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Grades 3 - 4, 1939 - 1940 Marilyn Abbey, Grade 4, top row, 6th from left, and Lenore Abbey, Grade 5, middle row, 6th from left. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Grade 5, June Frances Abbey, front row, 6th from left, in her polka dot blouse, Beulah Grade School, 1939. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey and Maude Marion (Boland) Carmichael, North Dakota, about 1935 -1940. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, May 12, 1938
It is reported that Oran Abbey who was injured in an accident at the Beulah mine last weed received a fractured vertebra. He has been placed in a cast, and his condition is reported as quite serious. He also received several ribs fractured.
Sisters, Lenore and Donna Abbey visiting the farm, about 1939. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan. Please note that the car behind them is a 1939 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sport 4-Place Sport Coupe. The two pictures to the right are typical examples of this model.
James Gerald Abbey was born May 12, 1938, in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
A baby son is reported at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oran Abbey.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, August 11, 1938
Oran Abbey who received a fractured vertebra in an accident at the mine several weeks ago and who has since been encased in a cast, was at Bismarck last Friday having the cast removed.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, July 27, 1939
Local News
Mrs. Otillia Muhlhauser and family have moved into the Wm. Keller residence, which she recently purchased. The Kellers have moved into the house vacated by the Oran Abbey family.
Colleen Theresa Abbey was born October 14, 1939, at the Beulah hospital, Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
A baby girl was born to Mr. and Mrs. Oran Abbey, at the Beulah hospital Friday evening, October 13. Mother and daughter are doing nicely
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, December 14, 1939
Oran Abbey received minor injuries of the head and neck when he was kicked by a mule Tuesday morning at the Knife River Coal Mine. Mr. Abbey was breaking in mules which were shipped in this week, when the accident occurred. It is reported that the steel helmet which he was wearing saved Mr. Abbey from more serious injury. While recovering from the accident he is under the care of Dr. Vinje at the Beulah hospital.
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.
The 1940 U. S. Census taken on April 29, 1940, shows James A. Thompson (age 37) born in Missouri to Missouri-born parents, and 5 years ago was living in Mercer Co., ND, and with 8 years of School, to Missouri-born parents, is a Miner at A. C. M. Co., and who owns his home worth $500 and is living at 2500 Nettle Street, City of Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT. Living with him are: his wife, Myrtle Thompson (age 31) born in South Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in Mercer Co., ND, and with 2 years of High School; and his daughter Audrey Thompson (age 11) born in North Dakota, and 5 years ago was living in Mercer Co., ND, and with 4 years of School.
Myrtle M. (Holliday) Thompson, Audrey Elaine Thompson, and James Audrey "Jim" Thompson, 1939-1940. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, June 20, 1940
Ten people received minor injuries Friday night when automobiles driven by Dan Pfennig and Oran Abbey collided on highway 25 between Zap and Beulah. Riding with Mr. Pfennig were five of his children and Miss Rosie Dietz. In the other car besides Mr. Abbey were Roger Endreson and Lloyd Higgins. The accident occurred when the Pfennig car stopped on the road after the lights had gone out, Mr. Abbey, blinded by an approaching car failed to see the Pfennig car and crashed into it from the rear. The injured persons are all reported to be recovering.
Lloyd Higgins, of Wisconsin is visiting the home of his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Oran Abbey in Beulah.
Lawrence Andrew Mattson (age 22), and Cleo Frances Herman (age 24), applied for a marriage about July 25, 1940, in Hennepin Co., MN.
The Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN, Friday, July 26, 1940
MARRIAGE LICENSE APPLICATIONS
Lawrence A. Mattson, 22, 1632 Tyler st NE; Cleo F. Herman, 24, 2844 Columbus av.
Possibly Maude Marion (Boland) Carmichael and Oran Ralph Abbey, about 1930 -1940, Mercer Co., ND. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alan Lee Abbey was born September 25, 1941, in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND.
Oran Ralph Abbey' resigned from Knife River Coal Company on June 21, 1943. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey at work, about 1943, North Dakota. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The entire Oran Ralph Abbey family, taken just before Oran died in 1943. Back row, left to right: Lois, Alan, Oran, Alice, June; Middle row, left to right: Lenore, Donna, Gale and Marilyn; Front row, left to right: Colleen, Jim. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Oran Ralph Abbey died November 12, 1943, in an auto accident, about a half mile from his farm, near the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 44. Buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND. Apparently the vehicle was a car that had been modified for multi-purpose use, without any doors. Oran was a passenger in the right side of the vehicle, was thrown from the vehicle and received multiple injuries, including a broken neck.
Oran Ralph Abbey Death Certificate.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Thursday, November 18, 1943
Car Accident Causes Death of Oran Abbey
A sorrowing wife and nine little children are left fatherless this week, as the result of a car accident last Friday afternoon claiming the life of Oran R. Abbey, 43, well known coal miner and farmer of rural Beulah. Mr. Abbey, in company with the driver of the car, Johnny Meyers, Beulah, and Jake Sailer, also of this city, were on the highway a short distance south of here when a slippery road caused the vehicle to leave the road bed, overturning, and causing the immediate death of Mr. Abby and injuring Mr. Meyers, slightly. Mr. Siler escaped without injury. No responsibility is attached to any member of the party.
Services Tuesday
Rev. Fr. H. Wibbels of Hazen conducted services for Mr. Abbey at the Roxy Theater building Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with burial in the Catholic cemetery near this city. The church choir rendered special musical numbers. Pallbearers were Bob Keough, Ralph Murray, Henry Conrath, Glen Murray and Lee Perkius. Survivors, in addition to his immediate family, are his mother, Mrs. Cora Abbey, one brother, Sam Abbey, and three sisters, Maude Sovereign, Mrs. Ira Miller and Mrs. Clara Higgins.
Card of Thanks
We wish to take this opportunity to thank our many friends and neighbors for their floral offerings and acts of kindness. Especially, we are grateful to Fr. Wibbels for his comforting words, and to the church choir.
Mrs. Alice Abbey & Children
Mrs. Cora Abbey
Mr. and Mrs. Ira E. Miller
Mr. and Mrs. Sam Abbey
Mrs. Maude Sovereign
Mrs. Clara Higgins
Charles Herman and Frances Tavis Herman, before 1947. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Gale, Jim and Alan Abbey, Beulah, ND, 1947. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The 1950 U. S. Census taken on April 27, 1950, shows Alice F. Abbey (age 48) born in North Dakota, is a widowed Head of Household, and is living in the Village of Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. Living with her are: her never married son, Gale Abbey (age 17) born in North Dakota; her never married daughter, Donna Abbey (age 16) born in North Dakota to United States-born parents, and with 9 years of School; her son, James Abbey (age 12) born in North Dakota; her daughter, Colleen Abbey (age 10) born in North Dakota; and her son, Alan Abbey (age 8) born in North Dakota.
Milton John Boken and Elaine Audrey Thompson were married May 28, 1950, in Laurel, Yellowstone Co., MT.
Milton John Boken and Elaine Audrey Thompson Marriage Record.
Thure Bror Orefalk and Cleo Frances (Herman) Mattson were married October 27, 1951, in the parish house of St. Stephen's Catholic church, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN.
Thure Bror Orefalk and Cleo Frances (Herman) Mattson (Alice Frances Herman's youngest sister) wedding, October 27, 1951, in the parish house of St. Stephen's Catholic church, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN. George T. Nelson is on the far left, and Marilyn Odell (Abbey) Gustafson is on the far right. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Star Tribune, Minneapolis, Hennepin Co., MN, Monday, November 12, 1951
Orefalk - Mattson Vows Exchanged
At home at 2021 Pleasant avenue after a wedding trip through the south, are Mr. and Mrs. Thure B. Orefalk (Cleo Frances Mattson). They were married Oct. 27 in the parish house of St. Stephen's Catholic church. The bride is the daughter of Charles Herman, Beulah, N. D. The groom's parents are Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Orefalk, Hallstavik, Sweden. Mrs. Marilyn Gustafson, a niece of the bride, and George T. Nelson, the groom's cousin, were attendants for the couple. A breakfast for the bridal party and immediate families was held at 2615 Park avenue. An afternoon reception followed at 2730 Park avenue, where the bride lived formerly.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey's Teacher Picture. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The December, 1952, Christmas gathering at the Charles George Herman house, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND. The people, from left to right clockwise, are: Colleen Theresa Abbey, Arvid Rudolf Gustafson, Charles George Herman, an empty chair, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, an occupied chair with James Gerald Abbey, and Lenore Shirley (Abbey) Wetzel. Other family members present but not in the picture are: Harry Donald "Don" Wetzel, Marilyn Adell (Abbey) Gustafson, Alan Lee Abbey, Kay Donnette Wetzel, and Barry David Wetzel. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice graduated from Valley City College in Valley City, ND, and taught high school physical education in Beulah, ND.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey's piano. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey's Basketball Team. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, Kay Wetzel, Charles Herman, Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel, and Barry Wetzel, October, 1953. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
James Abbey and Alice (Herman) Abbey, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, about 1955. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles Herman, about 1955. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Charles G. Herman died December 24, 1956, at his home, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 80. Buried in St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND.
The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, ND, Wednesday, December 26, 1956
Charles Herman, Ex-Lawmaker, Dies
BEULAH - Charles G. Herman, 80, former state legislator and longtime North Dakota resident, died unexpectedly at his home in Beulah Monday afternoon. He had been in ill health for the past two years.
Sons-in-law: Loren Lang, Alice (Herman) Abbey, Arvid Gustafson, Don Wetzel, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, 1959. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Sons: Jim Abbey, Alan Abbey, Alice (Herman) Abbey, and Gale Abbey, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, 1959. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Cousins: Back Row: Cindy Gustafson, Barry Wetzel, Vanessa Dolce, Kay Wetzel, Douglas Lang. Front Row: Kim Wetzel, Mike Dolce, Dean Lang, David Lang, Gary Dolce, Diane Lang, Jan Gustafson. Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, 1959. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey and her son, James Gerald "Jim" Abbey, Key West, Monroe Co., FL, May, 1962. Original photo, left, courtesy of Julie Lyn (Abbey) Hakalmazian, who found the picture among the effects of her father, James Gerald "Jim" Abbey.
Norman Keith "Norm" Adcock and Juanita Margaret "Nita" (Bower) Abbey were married September 8, 1962, in Wheatridge, Jefferson Co., CO.
Picnic at Alice Abbey's backyard, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, July, 1963. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Back row, Left to right: Alice (Herman) Abbey, bent over eating; Donna (Abbey) Stasil; Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel; June (Abbey) Dolce; Jan (Welk) Abbey; Marilyn (Abbey) Gustafson; Don Wetzel; and Stan Stasil.
Row 2, left to right: Barry Wetzel (lower left corner); and Mike Dolce, rust shirt, back seen and standing.
Row 3, left to right: front to back: Stephanie Stasil, sitting in high chair; Gary Dolce, almost hidden behind Stephanie Stasil; Cindy Gustafson; and Mark Gustafson, with bib.
Front row, left to right: Diane Lang, facing forward, Pink shorts; Kay Wetzel, facing back with orange drink, blue shirt; and Jan Gustafson, lower right corner, barely in the picture.
Kay Koslan comments: It looked my brother Barry Wetzel and my cousin Mike Dolce were up to no good because they had a long white cord. But then I recognized it was a type of child harness attached to Mark Gustafson at the front end so he wouldn't run off into the street! The only thing Barry and Mike were doing were holding onto that cord. I think it was attached to my Grandma Alice's clothes line, as they often did that to protect the kids from running off. This was especially important because there were 33 grandchildren. There were probably at least 20 in this gathering.
First Cousins born in 1961; July, 1963, North Dakota. From left to right: Lenore Abbey Wetzel with Marsha Wetzel; Colleen Abbey Flemmer with Marie Flemmer; Marilyn Gustafson with Mark Gustafson; June Abbey Dolce with Tammy Dolce; Donna Abbey Stasil with Stephanie Stasil.
The Pink Frosting House. Alice Abbey in back, 206 East Main Street, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, Summer, 1966.
The Abbey children cousins; Front row, Left to Right: Jan Gustafson, Larry Flemmer, Denise Lang?, Tammy Dolce, Sandy Flemmer, Stephanie Stasil, Mark Gustafson, Beth Wetzel, Gina Abbey, and Paul Flemmer. Back row, Left to Right: Vanessa Dolce, Mike Dolce, Gary Dolce, Kim Wetzel, Barry Wetzel, Cindy Gustafson (holding Scott Stasil), Kay Wetzel, Marsha Wetzel, and Marie Flemmer.
MOTHERS of NORTH DAKOTA, Hedvig Clausen Svore, Eva Voris Case, 1963
1967 Merit Mothers.
MRS. ALICE HERMAN ABBEY
BEULAH, NORTH DAKOTA
MRS. ALICE HERMAN ABBEY, March 2, 1967
Alice Herman Abbey is one of our worthy mothers sponsored by the Mercer County Homemakers Club. She began her education in the Glen Ullin Parochial School and was graduated from the Center High School. She then taught for six years in Beulah and attended summer school at Valley City Teachers College, until she married Oran Abbey in 1926. In the late 20's the moved to a small farm. To bring in more money to support their rapidly increasing family, Oran worked as a mule skinner in a coal mine and did other odd jobs. It was up to Alice to manage the farm, work in the fields, do the chores and care for the home and children. With no modern facilities, she even did the family wash on a scrub board. The Abbeys were doing fairly well, however, and finding some time to devote to church and community affairs, when Oran met an untimely death in a car accident. No one who has not experienced a similar loss can appreciate the heartbreak and the anguish of this mother of nine children, as she faced the future. But Alice did not despair. With courage and trust in God, she shouldered her burden and carried on with her labor of love. After four years she realized that it was impossible to give her children proper schooling on the farm, so she rented it and moved into Beulah, where she still resides. Alice has accomplished what to many would seem impossible. She saw to it that each child received proper religious training and enough education to enable him to hold a responsible position and become a law-abiding citizen and leader in the activities of the community in which he lives. Alice has always found some time for service outside her home. As the children grew up, married and left home her services in the community increased. She has been organist in her church for forty-five years, and served in many other capacities. She has worked unselfishly for others with little concern for herself.
Card playing in 1964 at the Alice Abbey home - a winter sport! From left to right: Alice Abbey (behind Don); Don Wetzel (glasses); Marilyn (Abbey) Gustafson; Jim Abbey; Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel; Jan (Welk) Abbey; Alan Abbey. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, March 2, 1967
By Glenn O. Elliot
Word was recently received by Mrs. Alice Abbey, Beulah, that she will be Mercer County's candidate for the North Dakota Mother of the Year contest to be held in Bismarck in April. Sponsoring Mrs. Abbey is the Mercer County Homemakers Council. The committee in charge of the contest is under the direction of Mrs. A. J. Dallman of Zap. Mrs. Abbey is the mother of nine children and has been a widow since 1943. Born in Glen Ullin in 1901, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Herman, Alice grew up on a ranch north of Glen Ullin. She graduated from Glen Ullin High School and attended teachers college in Valley City, after which she taught school for several years. In 1926 she married Oran Abbey and lived on the homestead south of Beulah until 1947 when she moved to Beulah with her family. She has been a busy woman and is still involved in many community activities. Right now she is busier than ever digging up past activities to be used in her biography. We all join in wishing her the best of luck in the contest. Wouldn't it be nice to have the Mother of the Year from Beulah?
Here is a link to the "Beulah, North Dakota Golden '50' Years Anniversary, 1914-1964": http://www.odessa3.org/collections/towns/link/beulah64.txt
Left to Right: Alice (Herman) Abbey, Harry Wetzel, and Unknown, at a Senior Citizens party, December, 1974. 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 to go with the new owners.
Myrtle M. (Holliday) Thompson died February 2, 1980, at her home, rural Victor, Ravalli Co., MT, at age 71. Buried in Victor Cemetery, Ravalli Co., MT.
Myrtle M. (Holliday) Thompson Death Record.
The Hamilton Republic, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, Monday, February 4, 1980
Thompson dies
Myrtle (Holliday) Thompson, age 71, of Victor died at her home Saturday. She was born Sept. 26, 1908 at Parker S. D., and attended schools in North Dakota and married James Thompson, at Carson, N.D. on April 8, 1928. They came to Montana in 1929 and have lived here since that time. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in April, 1978. She was a member of the Victor Garden Club and an active member for years of the Moutainettes and Appaloosa Club. She is survived by her husband, James Thompson; a daughter, Elaine Boaken of Twin Bridges; two grandchildren; a sister, Bessie Martin of Missoula and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. at the Dowling Funeral Home, pastor Robert Mullen officiating with burial at the Victor Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening from 7-9 at the Dowling Funeral Home.
James Audrey Thompson and Fern Luella (Robinson) (Hagarty) (Franklin) Reeves were married June 28, 1981, in Ravalli Co., MT.
James Audrey Thompson and Fern Luella (Robinson) (Hagarty) (Franklin) Reeves Marriage Record.
James Audrey "Jim" Thompson died September 25, 1981, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, at age 78. Buried in Victor Cemetery, Ravalli Co., MT.
James Audrey "Jim" Thompson Death Record.
The Hamilton Republic, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, Monday, September 28, 1981
James A. Thompson
James A. Thompson, age 79, died Friday evening at Hamilton's Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital following a short illness. He was a pioneer in raising and showing Appaloosa horses in the Valley, and a member of the Eagles' Lodge here. He was born on July 28, 1902, in Rochester, Mo., and moved with his family as a young boy to Beulah, N.D. where they homesteaded. He married Myrtle Holliday on April 18, 1928, in Carson, North Dakota. They operated a coal mine in the Depression years. Later they moved to Butte where he leased & worked several mines, until a serious injury ended his career in mining. In 1942 he moved to the Bitter Root Valley where he operated the Mint Bar and the Wagon Wheel Bar. He also ranched on numerous ranches in the Valley. He retired from ranching after the Thompsons celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1978. He was preceded in death by his wife on Feb. 2, 1980. Surviving include: his wife Fern of Hamilton; a daughter, "Elaine" Boken of Twin Bridges; a step-daughter, Betty Harrison of Clinton; 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; a brother, Manly Thompson of Beulah, N.D. Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at the Dowling Chapel with Father James Burns officiating. Interment will follow at the Victor Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jack Mayo, Ed Dube, Ray Dunney, Ted Stahl, Tom Vann, & Sam Sconyer. Honorary pallbearers are: Bud Silva, John Duncan, Wendell Anderson, Mervin Booth, John Godfrey, Bill Baxter, & Elmer Gilbert. Organist is Nancy Shugars and vocalist is Robert Sager. The family suggests memorials to the Yellowstone Youth Ranch or contributor's choice.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey died March 27, 1982, at her home, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, at age 80. Buried in Saint Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Mercer Co., ND.
Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey Death Certificate.
The Beulah Independent, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, 1982
Alice Frances Abbey, 80 years of age, Beulah, died Saturday, March 27, 1982 at her home in Beulah. She was born July 5, 1901 at GIen Ullin, to Charles and Frances (Tavis) Herman. She was raised and attended school near Glen Ullin and graduated from GIen Ullin high school in 1920. She attended teachers college at Valley City and taught elementary school In Beulah for six years. On Sept. 25, 1926 she married Oran Abbey and the couple farmed south of Beulah. Her husband died in Nov. of 1943. Alice continued to farm until 1947 when she moved to Beulah where she lived up until the time of her death. She was very active in community affairs. She was a member of the Beulah Homemakers, Beulah Woman's Club, was chosen Mercer County Mother of the Year, served on the city and general election boards, and was past president of the Beulah Senior Citizens. She was also active in St. Joseph's Altar Society and was church organist for approximately 50 years. She is survived by (three sons) Gale of Glendive, Mont., James of Glendale, Ariz., and Alan of Beulah; (six daughters) Mrs. Loren (Lois) Lang of Sidney, Mont., Mike (June) Dolce of Polson, Mont., Mrs. Donald (Lenore) Wetzel of Beulah, Mrs. Arvid (Marilyn) Gustafson of Stanton, Mrs. Stanley (Donna) Stalsel of Mlps., Minn., and Mrs. Delmar (Colleen) Flemmer of Lolo, Mont., and (one sister) Mrs. Thure (Cleo) Orefalk of Mundelein, IIl., also 32 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and three brothers. Funeral Services will beheld Thursday, April 1, 1982 at 10 a. m. at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beulah, with the Father Harold Roth and Father Joseph Hajduck officiating. The following grandsons will serve as pallbearers: Honorary: Greg Abbey, Scott Stasel, Lance Stasel. Darrin Lang, Jon Abbey, Mike Dolce, Jr. Gary Dolce, Larry Flemmer and Paul Flemmer. Active Pallbearers: Barry Wetzel, Kim Wetzel, Mark Gustafson, Doug Lang, David Lang, and Dean Lang. Interment will be at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Beulah. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 2 to 9 p. m. for family and friends at the Erdman Funeral Home in Beulah. Rosary services will be held Wednesday evening at 7 p. m. at the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beulah. The family prefers memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Beulah. Erdman Funeral Home in Beulah.
The Bismarck Tribune, Bismarck, Burleigh Co., ND, Tuesday, March 30, 1982
Alice Abbey
BEULAH - Services will be held at 10 a.m. MST Thursday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beulah for Alice F. Abbey, 80, who died Saturday at her home in Beulah. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p. m. Wednesday at Erdman Funeral Home in Beulah. Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The former Alice Herman was born July 5, 1901 at GIen Ullin, where she graduated from high school in 1910. She attended Valley City State Teachers College and taught elementary school In Beulah for six years. She married Oran Abbey, Sept. 25, 1926, at Bismarck and they farmed south of Beulah. He died in 1943 and she continued to farm until 1947, when she moved into Beulah. She had served on the Beulah city and general election boards, was past president of the Beulah Senior Citizens, was chosen Mercer County Mother of the Year and was church organist St. Joseph's Catholic Church for 50 years. She is survived by three sons, Gale, Glendive, Mont., James, Glendale, Ariz., and Alan, Beulah; six daughters, Mrs. Loren (Lois) Lang, Sidney, Mont., Mrs. Mike (June) Dolce, Polson, Mont., Mrs. Donald (Lenore) Wetzel, Beulah, Mrs. Arvid (Marilyn) Gustafson, Stanton, Mrs. Stanley (Donna) Stalsel, Minneapolis, and Mrs. Delmar (Colleen) Flemmer, Lolo, Mont.; one sister, Mrs. Thur Orefalk, Mundelein, Ill.; 32 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. The family prefers memorials to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at Beulah.
Abbey brothers and sisters at their mother's, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, funeral, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, April 1, 1982. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Back Row, Left to Right: Gale Abbey, Jim Abbey, and Alan Abbey.
Middle Row, Left to Right: Colleen Flemmer, and Lenore Wetzel.
Front Row, Left to Right: Donna Stasil, Lois Lang, Marilyn Gustafson, and June Dolce.
Abbey sisters at their mother's, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, funeral, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, April 1, 1982. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Back Row, Left to Right: Donna Stasil, Marilyn Gustafson, and Colleen Flemmer.
Front Row, Left to Right: Lois Lang, June Dolce, and Lenore Wetzel.
Abbey brothers at their mother's, Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, funeral, St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, April 1, 1982. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Left to Right: Gale Abbey, Jim Abbey, and Alan Abbey.
A family gathering at the Don and Lenore Wetzel home, after the funeral of Alice Frances (Herman) Abbey, Beulah, Mercer Co., ND, April 1, 1982. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Left to Right: Gale Abbey, Lenore Wetzel, Marilyn Gustafson, Colleen Flemmer, and Lois Lang.
Lenore (Abbey) Wetzel and Don Wetzel at the Abbey family reunion in the mountains of Montana, 1989. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Abbey family reunion in the mountains of Montana, 1989. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Left to Right: Marilyn Gustafson, Lenore Wetzel, Don Wetzel, Donna Stasil, Stan Stasil, Gale Abbey, Loren Lang, Lois Lang, Mike Dolce, June Dolce, Jan Abbey, Alan Abbey, Joyce Abbey, and Jim Abbey.
Abbey Siblings at the Abbey family reunion in the mountains of Montana, 1989. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Left to Right: Lois Lang, June Dolce, Lenore Wetzel, Marilyn Gustafson, Gale Abbey, Donna Stasil, Jim Abbey, and Alan Abbey.
Darrin Lang, Loren Lang, Jim Abbey, Lenore Wetzel, Joyce Abbey, Delton Herman, Stubby Herman, Jan Abbey, Alan Abbey, Alicia Abbey, Lois Lang, June Dolce, Marilyn Gustafson, Gale Abbey, Unknown, Donna Abbey, 1989. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Back Row, Left to Right: Darrin, Loren Lang, Jim Abbey, Lenore Wetzel, Joyce Abbey, Delton & Stubby Herman (Wilfred Herman's son and daughter-in-law), Jan Abbey, Alan Abbey, and Alicia Abbey.
Middle Row, Left to Right: Lois Lang, June Dolce, Marilyn Gustafson, Gale Abbey, and friend (blonde hair).
Front Row: Donna Abbey.
Abbey brothers, Left to Right: Jim, Gale Abbey, and Alan Abbey, July 8, 1994. Photo courtesy of Kay Koslan.
Milton John "Mitch" Boken died November 21, 1994, in Missoula, Missoula Co., MT, at age 76.
Fern Luella (Robinson) (Hagarty) (Franklin) (Reeves) Thompson died March 21, 1998, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, at age 91. Buried in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Missoula, MT.
The Ravalli Republic, Hamilton, Ravalli Co., MT, Monday, March 23, 1998
Fern Thompson
Fern Luella Hagarty Thompson, 91, of Hamilton, died Saturday, March 21, 1998, at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton. She was born Oct. 13, 1906, in Plainfield, Wis., to Albert and Stella Robinson. Her mother, father, and brother preceded her in death. She attended school in Wisconsin and in Ismay. In 1931, she married Patrick Hagarty of South Dakota. They were real estate brokers in Montana for many years. He died in 1971. In 1981, she married James Thompson of Victor. He died in 1981. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law Bette and Ben Harrison of Clinton; three grandsons and their families; four great-grandsons; two great-great-granddaughters; a stepgranddaughter, three step-great-granddaughters; two nieces; and a nephew. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., on Wednesday, at the Dowling Funeral Home, 415 S. Second, in Hamilton. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m., on Thursday, at the St. Francis Catholic Church with Father Raymond Gilmore officiating. Pallbearers will be Chris Harrison; Shawn Harrison, Mike Harrison, Josh Harrison, Jack Price and Ken Hughes. Funeral services and Arrangements are under the direction of the Dowling Funeral Home and Crematory in Hamilton.
Norman Keith "Norm" Adcock died November 26, 2009, at McKee Medical Center, Loveland, Larimer Co., CO, at age 83. Buried in Loveland Memorial Park, Loveland, Larimer Co., CO.
Juanita Margaret "Nita" (Bower) (Abbey) Adcock died December 28, 2011, at Loveland, Larimer Co., CO, at age 85. Buried in Loveland Memorial Park, Loveland, Larimer Co., CO.
The Loveland Reporter-Herald, Loveland, Larimer Co., CO,
Norman Keith Adcock
Norman Keith Adcock, age 83, Loveland resident passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones at Mckee Medical Center Thursday Nov 26, 2009. Norman was born Dec 22, 1925 in Hastings, Nebraska to Orval N. Adcock and Wilma P. (Perkins) Adcock. After living in Chicago and Ft Lupton, Co. they settled in Loveland in 1939 where he attended Loveland High School and joined the US Navy in 1943 after graduation. He served his country during WWII as an aviation mechanic. Norman spent the following 14 years in California and the Denver area raising a family of four children with his first wife. He worked a number of years as a manager and head mechanic.Norman met Juanita M. Bower of Worland, Wyoming, while they were both living and working in Denver. They were married in Denver in 1962 and moved to Loveland with two of his sons, where he became a successful real estate broker with the Weedin Agency. He partnered with Kenneth Weedin in the development of the Mckee Meadows shopping center. He spent much of his free time hunting, fishing and boating in the mountains of Colorado. Norman and Juanita loved to travel and visited many countries around the world. Norman was a member of the Elks Clubs, Lions Club, local, state and national Board of Realtors, and several investment clubs. He and his wife are long time members of the First Christian Church of Loveland Colorado. Norman was preceded in death by sister, Frances Elaine Baker of Santa Barbara, California, brother Jerry Lee Adcock of Loveland and son Gary Lee Adcock of Longmont, Colorado. He is survived by the love of his life, Juanita, wife of 47 years, daughter, Sandra Lynn Baker of Berthoud, Colorado and Troy, Maine, son, Ronald Ray Adcock of Branson MO, son, Douglas Dale Adcock of Apex NC, grandchildren Dina Baker, Jeffrey Baker, Jennifer Adcock Brunotte, Zoe Siers, Ashley Adcock, Douglas Ryan Adcock, six great grandchildren, sister, Beverly Mae Schneider of Loveland , nephews Robert Lyle Jarzyna of Worland, Wyoming and David Ray Jarzyna of Laurel, Montana raised by Norm and Nita. A celebration of his life and reception will be held at 11:30 am Friday, December 4th at First Christian Church, 2000 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland. A private family inurnment will be at held at Loveland Burial Park.
THE HISTORY OF CHARLES G. HERMAN Charles G. Herman was born in Saarbrucken, Germany, on Sept. 29, 1876, to Peter and Rose, nee Klier, Herman. The Peter Herman family came to the United States in 1883. They first settled in the Pennsylvania coal mining area, where the family; Minnie, Charles, August, and Rose lived for a time. Later they moved to Michigan, but did not stay long; for like so many of our early settlers, they followed the "Westward Movement." The Herman Family arrived in Glen Ullin in 1890 and took up a homestead about four miles north of what is now Glen Ullin. It was rough going for the Hermans. In those early years, what with sod houses without floors, and only one room. The whole family had to work hard to make a living. They plowed the land with a hand plow and Oxen. At the age of fourteen Charlie decided to make some extra money for the family by working for the railroad for $15.00 a month. When he was about eighteen Charlie realized that "hiring out" was not for him, and made the decision to start a sheep ranch. He took up a homestead about twelve miles south of Beulah, built a small house and bought some sheep. He was now a full-fledged rancher. But things did not go as smoothly as he had hoped for; trips to Glen Ullin for groceries took two days, though later on, when the Evans and Farrington Post Offices were built, it was handier for their mail, at least. In 1900 Charlie was married to Frances Tavis of Glen Ullin. As a girl Frances had come with her parents, John and Theresa Rolfe Tavis, from West Virginia. It had been necessary for Frances to miss some schooling in order for her to take her turn, with her seven sisters and two brothers, at sheep herding. Thanks to the size of the family, her turn did not come too often. To this union of Frances and Charles five children were born: Alice, Mrs. Oran Abbey; Theodore, Carl, Wilfred, and Cleo, Mrs. Thure Orefalk. For two years the Herman family lived in Glen Ullin. In 1908 they moved back to the homestead, where the number of sheep Charlie owned sometimes reached 2,000. He was the first man in the area to own a Ford Car. During this time the railroad was being built, and the crews would winter their horses at Charlie's. He then bought land in the Aplin area where he established and operated the Charlie Herman Cattle Ranch until 1943, when the youngest son, Wilfred, took over. In 1912 he was elected sheriff of Oliver County and the family moved to Center where he served in this capacity for two terms. While in Center he also operated the Ford Garage. On Armistice Day, 1918, the family moved back to the ranch. At that time the Hermans got their mail at the Aplin Post Office. They built a new home in 1922 and it was at this time that Charlie started as a cattle buyer. In the early 1930's he served in the North Dakota House of Representatives for two terms. In 1943 he moved to Beulah, where he continued in the cattle buying business. In 1947 Mrs. Herman passed away after a lingering illness of four years. Charlie continued to live in Beulah until his death on Christmas Eve, 1956.
History submitted by Alice, Mrs. Oran Abbey. Oran Abbey Alice Abbey THE HISTORY OF ALICE HERMAN ABBEY Alice Herman was born at Glen Ullin, N. Dak. in 1901. She attended her first two years of school in Glen Ullin, and later went to country school in the Aplin area, where her family was then residing. She was graduated from Glen Ullin High School in 1920, and then began teaching. For six years she taught the lower grades in Beulah, while getting her College education in Valley City during the summer terms. In 1926 she married Oran Abbey, son of C. W. and Cora Armstrong Abbey, who homesteaded south of Beulah. In the late 1920's they started farming three miles south of Beulah on what was then known as the Sam Murray homestead. In addition to farming, Oran Abbey was also employed as a mule skinner in the Knife River Coal Mine. Oran also operated a small coal mine on his own farm, and did veterinary work for the surrounding area for many years. Oran Abbey was killed in a car accident about one half mile from his farm, in the year 1943. His wife, Alice, was left to raise nine children who were now fatherless. Alice Abbey continued living and working on the farm for four years. Eventually, however, she decided it was too difficult to get her children through school, continue as organist at St. Joseph's Church--a job which she held from the early 1920's through 1956, and which she holds once more--and still manage to keep up the farm work. So in 1947 Alice rented the farm out on shares, bought the house in Beulah that is still her home, and moved her family into town. And it was here that her nine children went through High School. Her daughter Lois graduated from St. Alexius School of Nursing and later married Loren Lang, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Lang. The Loren Lang's now reside in Sidney, Montana, where he is employed by Montana-Dakota Utilities. They are the parents of five children. June attended college at Fargo, North Dakota and then became a stenographer. While working in Denver, Colorado she met and married Michael Dolce, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Dolce. The Mike Dolce's are presently living in Billings, Montana, and have a family of four children. Lenore married Donald Wetzel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wetzel. Don and Lenore live in Beulah, where Donald is the District Manager of Montana-Dakota Utilities Office. They have four children. Marilyn was employed as a Nurse's Aide in the Hazen Hospital until her marriage to Arvid Gustafson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Gustafson. Marilyn and Arvid, with their three children, are presently living on a farm near Stanton, North Dakota. The eldest son, Gale, married Kathy Gillon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gillon of Red Lodge, Montana. They are now living in Sidney, where Gale is employed by Montana-Dakota Utilities. Donna Abbey married Stanley Stasel, son of the late A. G. and Mrs. Florence Stasel. Stanley Stasel is in the Law and Accounting business in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Stanley and Donna are the parents of one daughter. James Abbey is currently doing construction work in Renton, Washington. Colleen, the youngest daughter, married Delmer Flemmer, son of the late Edward and Mrs. Hella Flemmer. Delmer is now employed by the company of Lange Electric. Mr. and Mrs. Delmer Flemmer have four children. Alan, youngest of the nine children, is presently living with his mother, and is employed by Knife River Coal Mining Company. He is engaged to be married in the Spring of 1964. Left to right: Lois, June, Lenore, Marilyn, Donna, Colleen. Left to right: Gail, James, Alan.