Madeline Cornelia Henneken was born in Shasta County, California in 1888. She was the daughter of Antone Henry Henneken and Cornelia Alice Strong. Madeline, the eldest of four children, all daughters, was born in Shasta County, California in 1888. Records will not confirm that date - she always lied about her age, and felt almost honor bound to do so.
Madeline's father died in an accident when Madeline was just turned eleven years old. In fact, the accident occurred only two days after her birthday. Madeline's mother did not work, but fortunately, Antone owned several rental properties. The family was supported by the income from these properties, and not doubt were also helped and supported by Madeline's maternal grandparents who lived on property that adjoined that of the Hennekens.
Madeline was an elementary school teacher. Prior to her marriage, she taught in one room school houses in western Washington state. After her marriage (1916), she taught in Seattle, Washington. She was passionate about her career and used various loopholes to get around the school system's decree that only single women could be employed as teachers. For example, she worked at least one year (it may have been many more) as a "substitute" teacher. The "substitute" title was entirely a fiction - Madeline was the full time teacher in the classroom, but she and her employer agreed to create the fiction that she was "subbing." Apparently, it was okay to hire married substitutes.
On June 19, 1916, the day after she turned 28 years old, Madeline married Albert Friedrick Chittenden, the son of Newton Henry Chittenden and Amelié Friedrick. They had two children, Kathryn Madeline and John Strong.
Madeline was indomitable. She constantly told her grandchildren (and, presumably, her children before them) that there was "no such thing as 'can't'."
As she approached 70 years of age, Madeline was still teaching, and had no plans to quit. Her husband Al made a bargain with her, saying if only she would retire, he would take her on a grand tour of Europe. Madeline retired and the couple moved from their home in Seattle, retiring to Madeline's native state of California, where they could be near their son and his family. Madeline and Al embarked on their grand tour of Europe in 1956. Madeline's youngest sister and husband, Kathryn and William Clark, accompanied Madeline and Al on their trip.
Madeline remained capable and independent throughout her long life. It was only during the last year of her life that she accepted the help of her daughter and relocated to her daughter's home in Illinois. Madeline died in Arlington Heights, Illinois on September 28, 1984. Her ashes are buried with her husband at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno, California.
Personal knowledge - Madeline was my grandmother.
Oral History - Stories and comments from Madeline herself and stories and comments from Madeline's daughter, Kathryn Chittenden.
1916 - marriage to Albert Friedrick Chittenden:
I have looked at 2 US Census documents that show Madeline. However, each states a different birthday year, and both of those were not the true year (1888). Mom said that her mother (Madeline) always lied about her age.
1900 - living in family home with mother, siblings, and grandparents. Her father, Antone, has just died. She was identified as Maude.
1920 - living in with her mother, husband, sisters, brother-in-law, niece, and grandmother in Seattle:
1930 in Seattle with husband and children:
1956 - trip to Europe
1984 - Death
"Illinois, Cook County Deaths, 1878-1994," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QGND-J3ZJ : 18 March 2018), Madeline C Chittenden, 28 Sep 1984; citing Arlington Heights, Cook, Illinois, United States, source reference , record number , Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm . "Find A Grave Index," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV22-ZF4T : 10 June 2020), Madeline Chittenden, 1984; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/73974370/madeline-chittenden
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Madeline is 25 degrees from Herbert Adair, 24 degrees from Richard Adams, 20 degrees from Mel Blanc, 27 degrees from Dick Bruna, 21 degrees from Bunny DeBarge, 34 degrees from Peter Dinklage, 23 degrees from Sam Edwards, 19 degrees from Ginnifer Goodwin, 23 degrees from Marty Krofft, 15 degrees from Junius Matthews, 16 degrees from Rachel Mellon and 19 degrees from Harold Warstler on our single family tree. Login to find your connection.
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