Sarah Elmira Waln (1849)

Born 6 Jul 1849 in Mt. Vernon, Linn Co, IA

Ancestors

Wife of William T. Wright — married [date unknown] in Mt. Vernon, Linn Co, IA

Died [date unknown] in Sylvia, Kansas

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Sara Patton [send private message]

Biography

This biography was auto-generated by a GEDCOM import. It's a rough draft and needs to be edited.

Name

Sarah Elmira "Sadie" /Waln/

Name: Sarah Elmira "Sadie"

Waln

A Given name was found in addition to a first name in the NAME tag.

User ID

ID: 1F9E77C88D0BD811B70D0002E324AC05FB6C

Data Changed

Changed:

31 Oct 2003

Prior to import, this record was last changed 31 Oct 2003.

Marriage

FAM

@I1184@

@I1185@

@I1193@

@I1183@

@I1195@

@I1196@

@I1197@

@I1198@

@I1340@

@I1199@

@I1200@

@I1201@

@I1202@

Transcribed headstones in Mt. Vernon, IA cemetery.

http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ia/county/linn/cem/vernoncem.htm

Elijah D. Waln 1814 - 14 Jul 1896

Mary Jane (Adams) 1819 to 20 Sep 1899

Flora E. Waln 09 Dec 1896

John M. Waln 21 Feb 1885 - 29 Jan 1920

Lemuel James Waln 1858 - 01 Nov 1908

Levina A. 1861 to 1923

Milton B. Waln 1860 - 1924

Sam'l. G. Waln 1850 - 1911

Mary J. Waln Patmor 1842-1906

Wm. L Waln 1860

Based on early land and census records, as well as various county histories, it appears that Elijah Dick moved to Iowa in the early 1840s, either with or followed shortly thereafter by at least 2 of his brothers and an aunt, and other extended family members from Ohio. Elijah and Mary Jane are said to have arrived as early as 1841 though I have not been able to find land records for him before 1849 in Linn Co. Mary Jane's sister, Rachel McKay, also moved to IA in 1853, settling in Cedar Co.

Most of the family data is from Portrait and biographical album of Linn County, Iowa , 1887, p. 619-621. Information probably submitted by Elijah Waln. Birthdates from Catherine Waln Bachman, daughter of Earl Dick Waln (son of George Elbridge Waln, Sr) and great granddaughter of Elijah Dick and Mary Jane Adams Waln.

The Honorable Elijah Dick Waln, a pioneer of Franklin Township and Mt. Vernon (Linn County) was born in Frederick County, VA, Dec. 29, 1814, the eldest of nine children (including 3 half-siblings). His father, Samuel Waln, also a native of Frederick County was a miller and a farmer. The year after his father died (May 25, 1829), his mother moved her family to Pickaway County, OH, going overland with a horse team. Two year later, the mother married a farmer in that county, residing there until her death in Sept 12, 1868.

According to Wilbur Kerns, a local historian of the Back Creek area of Berkeley Co, WV, many Quaker families from the area, members of the Hopewell Meeting, moved to Highland Co, OH during the second and third decade of the 19th century. Therefore there is a good chance that the Waln and Adams families knew each other in WV before moving to Ohio since both families were Quakers from Back Creek, WVA.

As the eldest son, Elijah Dick was responsible for his siblings until the second marriage of his mother when he was 18 years old. He was employed as a clerk in a retail store in Highland County and a wholesale store for 3 years in Cincinnati, OH. By saving his money, he was able to purchase a stock of general merchandise and a boat so that he could travel along the Ohio River (ca. 1835-36) and sell his merchandise. He operated thus for a year, when he formed a partnership with C.D. Empson and they opened a store in (New) Lexington, Ohio called Empson & Waln until 1840. Waln then disposed of his interest and bought a farm in Ohio which he worked until 1841.

In 1841 (History of Linn Co, 1911 p. 394), the family sold the farm, and set out for Iowa with 6 horses and 2 wagons loaded with household goods. The journey was overland, camping and cooking along the way. When he arrived in Iowa in Sept, he purchased a claim of 1/2 section 12 in Bertram Township of Linn Co. A log cabin stood on the property and about fif? acres had been broken and fenced. After a while, they went to the Wapsipinicon, afterward to Maquoketa 40 miles way and the embryo village of Marion 12 miles distance which was then the county seat. He entered his land from the Govt as soon as it came into market, securing his title and stayed there until 1848. The nearest market was Dubuque, about 65 miles away. The nearest mill was 24 miles away at Otter Creek.

(p. 557) In 1842 (?), Robert Smyth and E.D. WALN were appointed by the squatters to bid off the land for all at the land sales held in February, 1843. A year before Smyth had secured a post office at his house under the name of Franklin which was passed around to many settlers in the neighborhood. On September 20, 1847, the town of Mt. Vernon was laid off with a square and tape line by Richard J. Harbert, carpenter, assisted by E. D. WALN and others. Beginning on the SW corner of Main and Washington Streets, on the west side of the old military road from Dubuque to Iowa City and running along Main St., stopped at the Northwest corner where Albright now resides. The survey was 2 lots deep on either side of main street. In Nov, 1853, the County Surveyor made the temporary survey permanent. Two small log cabins were built in 1839 and 1842 respectively on the town site. In 1847, another log house was built. Waln later bought the 1839 cabin. Also in 1847, the portion of the original town east of Washington street was laid out and a small addition was built onto the log house. This room housed the first business of the town, a saloon.

In May, 1848/49, WALN, who had settled three miles west, moved his family to the village of Mt. Vernon, where he opened the first dry goods store in a frame building. In 1851, he built a new frame building, 2 1/2 stories, 40 x 40, on the sw corner of Main and Washington. There he established a store and a hotel called the Mt. Vernon House but later known as Gillett's hotel. He kept stock of everything required in the early days and continued his business until 1860 when he sold out and resumed farming. The building burned in February 1868 after WALN had sold it. At one point, his son in law, G.W. Hayzlett, worked for him in his store before going into business for himself.

In 1850, WALN secured the post office and thus became the first postmaster of Mt. Vernon. The first general election was held at WALN's store and hotel building in 1853. At the founding of the town, the sale of intoxicating drinks was prohibited and no person could purchase a lot at any price if it was known that a whisky shop was to be established on it. In 1856/58, the Sons of Temperance was organized and held its meetings in upstairs in the north room of Waln's brick building, then the Masonic Hall. In 1857, two entrepreneurs, Wm. HAYZLETT and F. SANDERS, established a meat market in the basement of Waln's store. Their slaughter yard was situated near the little run in Waln's pasture. In 1867, the second story of the brick building was destroyed by fire, then occupied as a store by Hayzlett and Clark.

The meat market was so successful that in 1859 when the railroad was completed to to Mt. Vernon, the hogs and cattle could be shipped out, with WALN participating in the cattle enterprise. By 1860, the population had reached 760. (see more for Mt. Vernon history in WALN file)

Elijah Dick Waln appears to have been a very active and successful business man and civic leader. He was active in politics, his church, and a supporter of higher education

Buried with Mary Jane and Elijah Dick are Baby Louisa (d. Mar 9, 1851-15 days) and Charles Adams who died Aug 13, 1877 "from injuries received from cars (railroad?) the day before Age 20 yrs, 4 mos, 15 days" Son & dau of ED & MJ Waln.

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Sara,

Following is all the information I have on the Waln family. They are not related to me, but are step relatives of my wife. I hope there is something that will help you. Most of the information came from the Shelby Willis Book mentioned in the Bibliography.

Dean Johnston E-mail: dbjohnston@juno.com

Ancestors of Glen Allen Waln

Generation One

1. Glen Allen1 Waln (Joseph, #2); married Hilda Culverhouse; born 3 Oct 1937 at Holyoke, Colorado. He was Rubber Company employee.

Generation Two

2. Joseph Glen2 Waln (Alfred, #4); married Pearl Louise (see #3); born 24 Aug 1895; died Apr 1978 at probably, Denver, Adams County, Colorado, at age 82.

He was Farmer & etc. He was living in 1963 at 1825 S. Williams, Denver, Colorado.

Known children of Joseph Glen2 Waln and Pearl Louise (see #3) all born at Holyoke, Colorado, were as follows:

i. Glennis Onieda1 Waln; married John Mollohan; born 31 Dec 1924. She was living in 1963 at Sterling, Colorado.

ii. Victor Leroy Waln; married Bonnie Gruben; born 19 Sep 1928. He was Accountant.

1 iii. Glen Allen Waln.

3. Pearl2 Louise; married Joseph Glen Waln (see #2), son of Alfred Vincent Waln and Etha Sopia Willis; born 16 Dec 1907. She was Hospital employee.

Generation Three

4. Alfred Vincent3 Waln (Mr., #8); born 8 Jul 1858 at Marion County, Iowa; married Etha Sopia Willis (see #5), daughter of Shelby Willis and Sarah Jane Bradley, 11 Feb 1886 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa; died 17 May 1938 at Holyoke, Colorado, at age 79; buried at Holyoke, Colorado.

Known children of Alfred Vincent3 Waln and Etha Sopia Willis (see #5) were as follows:

i. Royce Everett2 Waln; born 12 Feb 1888; married Dessie Stradley; died 8 Sep 1938 at age 50; buried at Holyoke, Colorado. He was Farmer & Town Officer-Holyoke, Colo.

ii. Bruce Earl Waln; married Ethel Rose Calkins, daughter of Thomas Robert Calkins and Jennie Gay Dillabaugh; born 6 Sep 1889; died 13 Jan 1959 at age 69.

iii. Floyd Waln; married Elsie Miller; born 5 Sep 1891; died Oct 1969 at probably, Holyoke, Colorado, at age 78. He was Farmer & Model-T cars.

2 iv. Joseph Glen Waln.

v. Berniece Waln; born 8 Apr 1900; married Leo C. Ruby 16 Jun 1921at Holyoke, Colorado.

5. Etha Sopia3 Willis (Shelby, #10); born 14 Nov 1861 at Jefferson County, Iowa; married Alfred Vincent Waln (see #4), son of Mr. Waln and Elizabeth McVae, 11 Feb 1886 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa; died 22 Nov 1943 at Brush, Colorado, at age 82; buried at Holyoke, Colorado.

Generation Four

8. Mr.4 Waln; married Elizabeth McVae (see #9); died 1874; buried at Afton, Union County, Iowa. Known children of Mr.4 Waln and Elizabeth McVae (see #9) were:

4 i. Alfred Vincent3 Waln.

9. Elizabeth4 McVae; married Mr. Waln (see #8); born 1817; died 1902 at Holyoke, Colorado; buried at Chase, Nebraska.

10. Shelby4 Willis (T., #20); born 29 Feb 1832 at Shelby County, Kentucky; married Sarah Jane Bradley (see #11), daughter of William Bradley and Mrs. William Bradley, 25 Mar 1854; married Ary Adaline (--?--) 26 Sep 1895 at Oswego, Kansas; buried at Cornwall Cemetery, Union County, Iowa; died 30 Mar 1910 at Labette, Kansas, at age 78. He was Farmer.

Known children of Shelby4 Willis and Sarah Jane Bradley (see #11) were as follows:

i. Mary Ella3 Willis; born 19 Dec 1855 at Marion County, Iowa; married George Washington Wilson, son of James Blackburn Wilson and Martha Russell, 14 Nov 1881 at Afton, Iowa; died 27 Aug 1937 at age 81; buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa.

ii. William Aaron Willis; born 27 Oct 1857; died 5 Feb 1858.

iii. John Andrew Willis; born 1 Jan 1859 at Van Wert, Decatur County, Iowa; married Mary E. Mewhirter, daughter of James Mewhirter and Sarah J (--?--), 24 Dec 1883; died Jul 1941 at age 82; buried at Ritzville, Washington.

5 iv. Etha Sopia Willis.

v. Lucy Alvira Willis; born 1 Mar 1864 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa; married Frank Heber Kelley 19 Feb 1888; died 27 Nov 1935 at age 71; buried at Pacific Grove, California.

vi. Sarah Etta Willis; born 28 Aug 1866 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa; married John Bryant 8 Sep 1897 at near, Parsons, Kansas; died 20 Nov 1929 at age 63; buried at Spring Hill Cemetery, near, Parsons, Kansas.

vii. James Shelby Willis; born 9 Jun 1869 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa; married Martha Lydia Spink 12 Oct 1911 at Odessa, Washington; died 15 Jul 1958 at Pierce Co. Hospital, Puyallup, Washington, at age 89.

viii. Ima Lucinda Willis; born 14 Nov 1871 at near, Hopeville, Union County, Iowa; married Charles Jacob Hoffman 19 Jan 1896 at Parsons, Kansas; died 14 Jan 1903 at Ritzville, Washington, at age 31; buried at John A. Willis lot at, Ritzville, Washington.

ix. Ada Belle Willis; born 11 May 1874; died 18 May 1874.

x. Hattie Mae Willis; married Charles Alfred Bicknell at near, Parsons, Kansas; born 11 Apr 1877 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa; died 29 Feb 1944 at Portland, Oregon, at age 66; buried at Walla Walla, Washington.

xi. Anna Pearl Willis; born 13 Aug 1879; died 30 Aug 1879.

11. Sarah Jane4 Bradley (William, #22); born 25 Feb 1836 at ????, Bonn County, Illinois; married Shelby Willis (see #10), son of T. M. Willis, 25 Mar 1854; died 11 Oct 1891 at Pleasant Township, Union County, Iowa, at age 55; buried at Cornwall Cemetery, Union County, Iowa.

Generation Five

20. T. M.5 Willis (T., #40).

Known children of T. M.5 Willis and an unknown spouse were as follows:

i. Lucy4 Willis; born at Kentucky.

ii. Tom Willis; born at Kentucky.

iii. Will Willis; born at Kentucky.

iv. Mamie Willis; born at Kentucky.

v. Marvia Willis; born at Kentucky.

10 vi. Shelby Willis.

22. William5 Bradley; married Mrs. William Bradley (see #23). He was living at Van Wert, Decatur County, Iowa.

Known children of William5 Bradley and Mrs. William Bradley (see #23) were as follows:

i. Evelyn4 Bradley; married Mr. (--?--) Hines at Savanna, Missouri.

ii. Harriet Bradley; married Mr. (--?--) Pifer circa 1855 at Orient, Iowa.

iii. Thana Bradley; married Mr. (--?--) Hope at Maryville, Missouri.

iv. Leila Bradley; married Andrew Joy at Nevinville, Iowa.

v. Louise Bradley.

vi. Alfred Bradley.

11 vii. Sarah Jane Bradley.

23. Mrs. William5 Bradley; married William Bradley (see #22). She was living at Van Wert, Decatur County, Iowa.

Generation Six

40. T. R.6 Willis.

Known children of T. R.6 Willis and an unknown spouse were:

20 i. T. M.5 Willis.

Prepared by:Dean Johnston 1436 Cherry Street Rd Creston IA 50801-8058 dbjohnston@juno.com

Bibliography

Social Security Death Index on the Internet (http://ancestry.com), n.d..

_________. Shelby Willis Book in no series (n.p.: n.pub., n.d.).

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10 SEP 1837

Fairfield Twp, Highland Co, OH

Elijah Dick Waln and Mary Jane Adams were married Sept. 10, 1837 in Highland Co. Ohio by Augustus Brown, JP. John Waln (a brother?) and Martha Withinson were issued a marriage license on June 19, 1834 according to the Marriage Records of Highland Co., OH compiled by Daniel McBride. Various county histories and Elijah's obituary (written much later) give the wedding date as Sept. 12, 1835. (Sept 10 may be license, Sept 12 the actual marriage date??)

He started a retail operation "Empson and Waln." in New Lexington, Ohio. Mary Jane was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Adams of Frederick Co. MD and one of ten children. The WALNS had ten children, 3 boys and 7 girls.

On their 50th anniversary in 1885, the adventuresome couple took a tour of the western states and Dakota Territory. (9 yrs. after Custer's Last Stand) Started April 27 returned Sept 18, 6 states, 4, 000 miles. (Bill thinks they probably went to Yellowstone which was open to the public at that time) Husband Dick Waln, wrote series of letters published in Mt. Vernon Hawkeye Paper. He liked to write poetry and prose.

Sources

• Source: S56 Abbreviation: Portrait and Biographical Album of Linn Co, IA Title: , Portrait and Biographical Album of Linn Co, IA (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887) Subsequent Source Citation Format: , Portrait and Biographical Album of Linn Co, IA BIBL . Portrait and Biographical Album of Linn Co, IA. Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887. Note: Biography of Elijah Dick Waln of Franklin Twp, Linn Co.-619-621 CONT Biography of Wm H. Hayzlett of Spring Grove Twp, Linn-p. 168 Page: p.621
• Source: S84 Abbreviation: History of Linn Co, Iowa - 1878 Title: History of Linn Co, Iowa Western Historical Company: Chicago, 1878 Subsequent Source Citation Format: History of Linn Co, Iowa - 1878 BIBL History of Linn Co, Iowa Western Historical Company: Chicago, 1878 Page: 719

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Sara Patton for creating WikiTree profile Waln-44 through the import of hayzlett-hughart-black-waln-adams.ged on Mar 10, 2013.

Click to the Changes page for the details of edits by Sara and others.