John Ellsworth Horning

BIRTH 20 SEPT 1833 • Osnaburg, Stark County, Ohio, United States

DEATH 20 JAN 1928 • Ankeny, Polk, Iowa, USA

Father– George Horning Mother– Susannah Everwine

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Catherine Barbara Mortorff

BIRTH 30 JUN 1841 • Summit, Clark County, Ohio, USA

DEATH 16 JAN 1901 • Crocker, Polk, Iowa, USA

Father– Moses Mortorff Mother– Mary Elizabeth Starry

~~1850~~

Name:	John Horning
Gender:	Male
Event Type:	Marriage Registration (Marriage)
Marriage Date:	21 Jul 1859
Marriage Place:	Indiana, United States
Spouse:	Catherine B Mortorff
Page:	97
FHL Film Number:	001863082

On July 21, 1859, John Ellsworth married Miss Catherine Barbara Mortorff in Indiana. Soon after, they moved from their native state of Ohio to Indiana and resided until around 1868.

Not sure where the moving information came from besides Find A Grave, but I do know that some people had to travel across state lines to get married. So it would make sense that they were living in Ohio, married in Indiana, went back to Ohio, then moved to Indiana.

~~1860~~

Name	Age	Sex	Profession	Real Estate Value	Value Personal Estate	Birthplace	Married within the year
J.E. Horning	26	M	Blacksmith	$320	$100	Ohio	Yes
Catherine	19	F				Ohio	Yes
Mary Mortorff	16	F				Ohio

This is John & Catherin’s first Census together. In this 1860 Census, Catherine’s sister Mary lived with them in Dekalb County, Indiana. John was working as a blacksmith.

On July 31, 1860, John and Catherine welcomed their first child, George Wylis, in Elkhart, Indiana

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On February 26, 1862, John Henry was born in Elkhart, Indiana

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On December 26, 1864, Mary Ellen (my Great-Great Grandma for reference) was born in Goshen, Elkhart Co., IN

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On October 26, 1867, Catherine Susannah was born in Dekalb Co., Indiana

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This is a stock picture, but John Ellsworth moved his family from Dekalb Co., Indiana, to Saylorville, Polk Co., Iowa, by horse or ox team in 1868. That trip on foot (according to Google)currently takes 165 hours and 14 minutes. That includes walking over bridges and on county roads. I think you would have to add a few hours or days to minus out those modern conveniences.

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The year following his coming to Iowa, he cut and floated timbers down the Des Moines river to Ft. Des Moines, where they were drawn away to be used as ties for the building of the Rock Island railroad into Des Moines. For most of John Ellsworth’s life, he was engaged in the Blacksmith trade. He shod his first horse in Ohio at the age of 14 and his last in the state of Washington when he was 82 years of age. The bottom images are of the Rock Island Railroad bridge. This bridge had an interesting history, including a major decision by pre-president lawyer Abraham Lincoln. Wow!

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On August 26, 1868, Noah Webster was born in Saylorville, Polk Co., Iowa.

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This is the letter John Ellsworth wrote to his mother Susannah after his father George died in 1868

April 10, 1868, letter of John Ellsworth to his Mother Susannah. I interpreted it with his own spelling and letters. Please let me know if you know the missing words.

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Sadly on May 29, 1869, first-born George Wylis passed away after falling at the schoolhouse playground and breaking his neck. He was almost 9 years old. What a terrible time for John, Catherine, and the children. He is buried at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Polk County, Iowa.

Name:	G W Horning
Death Date:	29 May 1869
Burial Location:	Polk
Cemetery:	Pine Hill
Source:	Iowa Graves Registration Survey W P A Polk County, Iowa
Page number:	294

~~1870~~

Name	Age	Sex	Profession Occupation Trade	Income	Birthplace	Attended School
Horning, J.E	35	M	Blacksmith	$300	Ohio
Catherine	24	F	Keeping House		Ohio
John	7	M			Indiana	Yes
Mary E.	5	F			Indiana	Yes
Catherine	4	F			Indiana
Noah	1	M			Iowa

In the 1870 Census, the family is steadily growing in Saylor Township, Polk County. John is working as a blacksmith, and Catherine is keeping house. John and Mary are at school. John’s income of $300 is the equivalent of $6,782 today.

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On December 28, 1871, Elizabeth May was born in Saylorville, Polk Co., Iowa

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On February 12, 1873, William Sanford was born in Saylorville, Polk County, Iowa

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On May 8, 1875, Ida Avis was born in Saylorville, Polk County, Iowa

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On August 28, 1877, Fredrick Joseph was born in Saylorville, Polk County, Iowa

~~1880~~

And last but not least, Franklin Ellsworth was born on January 8, 1880, to ring in the new year and new decade. He was born in Saylorville, Polk Co., Iowa

This is Franklin’s delayed Birth Certificate. Older sister Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts was his witness.

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Name	Sex	Age	Birth Month	Relation	Marital Status	Occupation	Birthplace	Birthplace of Father	Birthplace of Mother
Horning, John E	M	46		Head	M	Blacksmith	Ohio	Germany	PA
Catherine	F	36		Wife	M	House Keeping	Ohio	PA	PA
John H	M	18		Son	S	Farm Laborer	IN	Ohio	Ohio
Mary E	F	16		Daughter	S	At School	IN	Ohio	Ohio
Catherine S	F	13		Daughter	S	At School	IN	Ohio	Ohio
Noah W	M	11		Son	S	At School	Iowa	Ohio	Ohio
Elizabeth	F	9		Daughter	S	At School	Iowa	Ohio	Ohio
William	M	7		Son	S	At School	Iowa	Ohio	Ohio
Ida A	F	5		Daughter	S	At School	Iowa	Ohio	Ohio
Fredrick J	M	3		Son	S		Iowa	Ohio	Ohio
Franklin E	M	5/12	Jan	Son	S		Iowa	Ohio	Ohio

1880 Census. The family was living in the village of Saylorville, Polk Co., Iowa. John is working as a Blacksmith. John and Catherine had nine children in the house. John Henry was working as a Farm Laborer. Mary 16, Catherine 13, Noah 11, Elizabeth 9, William 7, and Ida 5 attended school. This is the first Census that shows where the parents of the registered are from. John’s father was born in Germany, and his mother was from Pennsylvania. Catherine’s parents were from Pennsylvania.

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Letter John wrote to his sister Maria on February 4, 1882. The left side is interpreted

Wow! John couldn’t remember when he was born because his family records were burnt in a fire. Was it 1833 or 1835? Email me know if you know about the fire…

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Charles Eugene Betts, 21, marries Miss Mary Ellen Horning, 20 years old, on February 17, 1884, In Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa. Charles is a farmer from Polk County, Iowa. Cassie Horning and Hattie Dillion were witnesses, and A.H Bortrin (?) was Justice of the Peace.

(This is the first picture I’ve seen of my Great-Great Grandparents together)

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This is the 1885 Iowa state census in the Town of Ankeny. This is how it’s listed

• John Horning 49, Blacksmith, Ohio
• Catherine 43, Ohio
• John H 22, Indiana
• Catherine “Cassie” 19, Indiana
• Noah W 16, Iowa*
• William 14, Iowa*
• May “Lizzie”13, Iowa*
• Ida 9, Iowa*
• Fred 7, Iowa*
• Frank 5, Iowa*
• *says Birthplace is Indiana but should be Iowa.

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The whole family was together (except for George, who died at the age of 8). I believe this picture was taken somewhere around 1884-1893 when my Great-Great Grandparents Charles and Mary Ellen were married (1884) and before John Henry married Mildred (1893) or Ida married Daniel (1893). Franklin looks much older than 4 years old also. My best guess on a date would be around 1890. Does anyone know the exact date? John looks like a proud father!

Catherine and Elizabeth are wearing the same outfits in the photo above. Does that mean there are more sibling pictures somewhere? Is it just a coincidence?

~~1890~~

The 1890 Census Disaster.

The 1890 census promised to provide even more information on our ancestors, and it did. Unfortunately, almost all of the census returns from that year were destroyed in a fire in the U.S. Commerce Building in Washington, D.C., in 1921.

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Name:	Mildred E. Kelly
Gender:	Female
Marriage Date:	04 Nov 1893
Marriage Place:	Polk, Iowa
Spouse:	John H. Horning
FHL Film Number:	1014768

On November 4, 1893, John Henry, 31, married Miss Mildred Elizabeth Kelly, 22, in Ankeny, Polk Co., Iowa.

Louis Hoffman is the Examination of Witness for the marriage. I would love to see a wedding picture if anyone has one? This is the earliest picture of the couple I can find.

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Daniel Franklin Hallowell married Miss Ida Avis on December 23, 1893, in Marquisville, Iowa.

W.G Hallowell (Elizabeth’s future husband and Daniel’s brother) is the Examination of Witness for the marriage.

**In all my years of research, I have never seen Iowa marriage records so void of information. No family names, places of birth, who married them. Now we have 3 on this page John, Elizabeth, and Ida. Does anyone know why?

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William Gipson Hallowell married Miss Elizabeth May Horning on June 2, 1894, in Polk County, Iowa. Noah Horning was the Examination of Witness for the marriage. Does anyone have a picture of them together?

Name:	Elizabeth M. Horning
Gender:	Female
Marriage Date:	02 Jun 1894
Marriage Place:	Polk, Iowa
Spouse:	William G. Hallowell
FHL Film Number:	1014768

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Harriet Whitmer gives consent to the marriage of Alvin S. Tate, 32, to Miss Catherine Susannah Horning, 29, on March 6, 1895, in Des Moines, Polk Co., Iowa. Their witness was Horace Whitman, and J.J Moore was Justice of the Peace.

Side note: Alvin lived with the Whitmers in Ankeny, Iowa, during the 1885 Census. It looks like one of his siblings lived with him, and some siblings lived next door. Maybe his parents died young?

~~1900~~

In the 1900 Census, the family lived in Crocker, Polk County, Iowa. John is working as a Blacksmith. John, 62, and Catherine, 56, are almost empty nesters, with only Franklin left in the house. Franklin, 20, is working as a Day Laborer. Next door (lines 66-69) is John Henry, 38, with his wife Mildred, 25, and their children Katie, 4, and John, 3. John Henry was working as a Day Laborer. Next door to John & Mildred (lines 62-65) is his sister Ida and her husband, Frank Hallowell, with their children Freddy 4, and Willis, 1-year-old. Frank was working as a Blacksmith.

Noah and Fredrick Horning are living with the Vansbyek’s and working as farm laborers (listed as servants. Not sure what that is about), and living next door to them is my Great-Great Grandmother Lydia Kobi, who married Arthur Burgess. What a small world and a small town!!

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William & Alice on their wedding day

On April 9, 1900, at 6:00pm, William Sanford, 28, married Miss Alice Pearl Betts (cousin of Charles Betts), 21, in Morgan Township, Decatur, Iowa. Clyde Betts gave consent to marriage. Elmer & C.E Little were witnesses, and W.H. Hamilton was the Clergyman. William was working as a farmer. They visited family in Des Moines, Iowa, and then were off to travel to the western states and then Alaska. Little did they know he was going to get gold fever while up in Alaska. William was an early gold rush pioneer in Alaska. That would be a whole other page.

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Sadly on January 16, 1901, the Matriarch of the family passed away in Polk County, Iowa. Catherine Barbara was 60 years old. I was able to visit Oralabor Cemetery in Ankeny when we lived in Cedar Rapids. I cannot find an obituary or death certificate. If you have a copy, lead, or story, let me know. I would love to add it in memory of her.

F.A.G.# 30524407

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William Sanford got his brother-in-law Clyde to head up North and try his luck at Gold Mining in 1901.

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In 1904 Charles and Mary Ellen bought the Park property at Stone’s Landing after arriving by boat to its shores in 1898. They built the first store there. It was a two-story building, originally next to the water (black and white photos). At high tide, the boats could pull directly up to it. Later a large bulkhead and paved road moved the high tide level well away from the store. Sadly that year, after a boat came into the dock, the dock collapsed at the pier killing 13 people. Charles believed the community should be free of the stigma of the disaster, and since it was becoming a recreation destination, he renamed Stone’s Landing to Redondo after his pleasant memories of Redondo Beach, California.

In 1908 Charles and Mary Ellen built a new store (28212 Redondo Beach South. See color pictures below). The lower floor was used as a general store and, at times, as the Post Office. The upper floor contained six sleeping rooms. This was at a slightly different location and replaced the store that was built in 1904.

Back in the day, salesmen came by boat to sell their merchandise and had to stay until the following day when the boat returned. Mary Ellen, Grandma Betts as she was affectionately known, worked in the store, took care of the roomers, and baked bread to sell to the customers as well as care for her family. The folks who came to shop pulled their boats right up to the front of the store and loaded their supplies into them. There wasn’t a road in those days. You stepped right out of the store onto the beach.

The first project of the Redondo Dorcas Club, of which Mary Ellen was a charter member, was a 3 plank sidewalk that ran from Redondo to Buena. The club bought the planks, and the men put the sidewalk in. The first road was built in 1907. -Barbara Betts Englund and an unknown writer of a family timeline.

That building behind the dozer is the second store Charles and Mary Ellen built…I believe.

Current day

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1905 Ankeny, Polk Co., Iowa. This one is really neat for me personally. My great grandmother Lauree Burgess (Purple arrow) was born in Ankeny, Iowa, along with my great grandpa Weston Betts (son of Mary Ellen Horning). Weston’s uncle is John H. Horning (red box). Family lore is that they never knew each other in Ankeny, Iowa, and it wasn’t until both families moved to Washington State that Weston and Lauree met and married. Other names close by on this census were Ida & Daniel Hallowell. Minnie Hildreth lived a few houses away from her future husband, Fred Horning. Al & Cassie Tait are on the other page.

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On October 4, 1905, Fredrick Joseph married Miss Minnie Louella Hildreth in Ankeny, Polk Co., Iowa. Fred was working as a grain dealer. Witnesses were James E. Hildreth and Delilah Taylor. F.C Copeland was the Examination of Witness for the marriage.

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Fred J Horning was The Examination of Witness in the Mariage of Franklin Ellsworth to Miss Mary I. Cline on December 24, 1905, in Sheldahl, Boone County, Iowa. Fred was working as the Postmaster of Sheldahl, Iowa. Witnesses were Hulda(?) Barton, Emma Ensign, Niles GB. Barton M.J.

-Side story, Franklin and Mary were only married for a year when they welcomed a baby girl, Louisa Margaret, on October 21, 1906. Sadly on April 19, 1909, Mary passed away, leaving Franklin, a widow with a 2 1/2-year-old. Mary was only 22 years old. Does anyone know her cause of death? So sad!

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Very sad for Cassie. Divorce filing. Ankeny Iowa, June 27, 1907

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I really wish this house was still standing in Redondo. Charles built it for Mary Ellen in 1908. It was the only house for several blocks. Later several homes were built, but the large 2-story mansion of “Grandma Betts” seemed like a mother hen with her brood around her.

The people that I’m guessing about have a * next to their name. Left to Right: Noah Horning* (I’m basing this on him being a carpenter in the Tacoma area during 1910), John Ellsworth Horning, Charles Betts (based on his dark hair and crazy deep hairline), Frank Horning*(before he went to Idaho to marry Hazel? His residence was Redondo on his marriage license), Louisa Horning, 2, sitting on Mary Ellen Betts lap, Weston Betts, 16, on the upper railing, Unsure of the boy sitting on the steps by Mary Ellen’s feet? Let me know if you can positively identify any of the guesses*

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How sweet is this! A postcard to Louise Horning from her papa was sent on September 1, 1909, from Sheldahl, Iowa. It says,

Well, how is papa’s little girl by this time.

Do you have lots of fun with cousin Wessie?

Tell Aunt Ella to write. Be a good little girl till I see you. Papa

I’m sure Mary Ellen jumped at the chance to help out with Louise. Wessie is her son Weston. Mary Ellen and Charles had a baby in 1904. When it was 5 days old, the baby passed away from heart issues, so I’m sure she was the happiest aunt to help raise Louise. Mary Ellen raised Louise from 2-7 years old (1908-1913).

~~1910~~

I’m leaving this picture here in 1910. Not sure of the exact year. Let me know if you know the year. I love how each sister is unique but carries some family traits that let you know they are related.

*Side note, The first photographs were taken in the 1820s, but it wasn’t until 1920-1930 that smiles became the standard expression in photographs. The typical explanation is long exposure times which made it hard to keep that facial pose. The fact that dental health was not where it is today, and teeth were not always attractive.

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Noah Webster is living in Tacoma and working as a carpenter. His address is 1132 N Oaks Tacoma, WA. This is that house today. Built-in 1910 (most likely by Noah) and in true NW fashion, the beautiful trees block the view of the house. It’s a gorgeous house!

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Wow, what a census this was. 1910 was a busy year for the Hornings. Everyone listed lived with Charles and Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts in Star Lake, King Co., Washington.

*Mary Ellen’s Children Born/Living should be 2/1. *John Ellsworth’s mother is from Pennsylvania, not Germany, as in the 1900 Census.

Name

Relation

Sex

Age

Marital Status

Years Married

Children Born

Children Living

Birthplace

Father’s Birthplace

Mother’s Birthplace

Occupation

Out of work

Can Read, Write

At School

Veteran

Betts, Charles

Head

M

47

M

26

Iowa

Iowa

Illinois

House Carpenter

Yes,Yes

Mary E

Wife

F

45

M

26

4*

4*

Indiana

Ohio

Ohio

Yes,Yes

Weston J

Son

M

15

S

Iowa

Iowa

Indiana

Student

Yes,Yes

Horning, J.E

Father-in-Law

M

76

WD

Ohio

Germany

Germany*

Blacksmith/ Own Shop

Yes,Yes

Horning, J.H

Brother-in-Law

M

48

M

16

Indiana

Ohio

Ohio

Railroad Laborer

Yes

Yes,Yes

Yes

Elizabeth

Sister-in-Law

F

35

M

16

4

4

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Ohio

Yes,Yes

Katie E.

Niece

F

14

S

Iowa

Indiana

Pennsylvania

Yes,Yes

Yes

John W.

Nephew

M

12

S

Iowa

Indiana

Pennsylvania

Yes,Yes

Yes

Nellie

Niece

F

8

S

Iowa

Indiana

Pennsylvania

Yes

Annie V.

Niece

F

3

S

Iowa

Indiana

Pennsylvania

Horning, F.E

Brother-in-Law

M

30

WD

1

1

Iowa

Ohio

Ohio

Printer at Newspaper

Yes,Yes

Yes

Louisa M.

Niece

F

3

S

Iowa

Iowa

Iowa

On May 23, 2019, the City Council of Des Moines renamed Redondo Beach Drive to The Betts Memorial Boardwalk. What an honor for all the hard work the family put into the area.

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On July 15, 1910, in Kootenai County, Idaho, Franklin Ellsworth married Hazel Alta Harpel.

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Redondo Beach, Tacoma Daily Ledger June 26, 1910

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Looks Like Daniel and Ida had a hard time finding good help in 1912 also. This ad ran for a few months

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(If you would like me to post more of these Daily Ledger or society pages, let me know. There are probably 20 more from Iowa to Washington)

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Circa 1914- Franklin, Hazel, Louise and Marjorie Horning. Mary Ellen raised Louisa until 1913. Dean was born in 1915. Does anyone have a clearer picture?

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Fred and Minnie (Hildreth) Horning attend the Hildreth Family Reunion. Wow, what a story! The Des Moines Evening Tribune: September 19, 1916.

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Summer of 1917, Shedahl, Iowa. Hazel holding Doris, Dean, Marjorie, and Louise Horning.

They look all dressed up and ready to go. Look at that car!

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Circa 1917? Ava and Clarice look to be around 10 years old. At Charles and Mary Ellen Betts’s house, Redondo Washington. Does anyone know the exact year or people I guessed?

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Fred Joseph’s Registration card from September 12,1918. He was working as a farmer. His address was No 2, Altoona, Polk Co., Iowa

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Newspaper article about William’s Gold Mine in Alaska. He was a quarter owner in the mine at Willow Creek. They sold it for $50,000. In today’s money that was like $980,698! After researching the area, that was a huge area for mining gold.

William Sanfords Registration card October 16, 1918. William and Pearl are still living up in Alaska, where William is working at the Willow Creek Mine in Anchorage, Alaska. Not sure if he stayed on with the new mine owner after the sale. William was tall with a medium build and brown eyes and hair.

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Franklin Ellsworth Registration card September 12, 1918. He was of medium height, stout build, grey eyes, and black hair. He was self-employed as a Printer and Post Master in Shindahl Park, Iowa

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A boy and his Grandpa, Dean and John Ellsworth Horning. Sheldahl Iowa 1919

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Charles & Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts At The Top Of The World, Butte Montana 6495ft. September 9, 1919. My father-in-law lives in the town east of where this was taken. Every time we visit, I think about my Great-Great Grandparents. I really wish this sign was still up so I could re-create this picture.

~~1920~~

Name	Relation	Sex	Age	Marital Status	Can Read	Can Write	Birthplace	Father’s Birthplace	Mother’s Birthplace	Occupation/ Industry
Horning, Frank E	Head	M	40	M	Yes	Yes	Iowa	Ohio	Ohio	Unknown?
Hazel A.	Wife	F	31	M	Yes	Yes	Iowa	Iowa	Iowa
Louisa M.	Daughter	F	13	S	Yes	Yes	Iowa	Iowa	Iowa	Student
Marjorie M.	Daughter	F	8	S	Yes	Yes	Iowa	Iowa	Iowa	Student
Dean F.	Son	M	4 1/2	S			Iowa	Iowa	Iowa
Dorris C.	Daughter	F	3 1/2	S			Iowa	Iowa	Iowa
John E.	Father	M	86	WD	Yes	Yes	Ohio	*PA	PA

The Roaring 20’s Census has John Ellsworth, 86, living with Franklin, 40, and Hazel, 31, in Lincoln Township, Sheldahl Town, Polk Co., Iowa. I am unsure why his occupation was erased (maybe he finally retired)? Louisa, 13, and Marjorie, 8, are attending school.

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Franklin & Hazel with Louisa, Marjorie, Dean, and Doris Circa 1920. Does anyone have a clear picture? I feel like I ask that a lot with Franklin!

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I’m putting this picture here around 1920. Possibly a couple years before Katie married Louis Munson in 1925 and Catherine to James Holton in 1922?

Left to Right top row: Catherine (Horning) Tait?, Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts, Mrs. Madson. Bottom Row: Katie Horning and 3 Madson Boys. I was trying to find information on Mrs. Madson and her boys but had no luck. Is she related? I’m checking the Betts side too. Let me know.

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After Catherine and Alvin divorced, she married James Bryant Holton, in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington, on June 20, 1922. He was a Butcher, and Cassie was working as a Nurse. Sarah May Smith and Vivian Vaughan were witnesses. Justice of the Peace was Frank Vaughan.

-Side note, It looks like this marriage only lasted 2 years because James died in 1925. On her death certificate, she is listed as a widow and goes by Cassie Tait.

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In 1921 Weston and Charles Betts built the dancehall in Redondo. This was a dance hall and penny arcade. It was very close to what was Charles and Mary Ellen’s Grocery store that they sold in 1907.

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I believe this is around my Grandma Evelyn’s first birthday. She’s the baby in the photo, so around 1923. Left to right back row: Lydia Burgess?, Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts, Unknown man, Unknown female, Unknown male. Middle Row: John Ellsworth Horning, Arthur E. Burgess, Charles E. Betts, James W. Betts holding Evelyn Lauree Betts, Ida (Betts) Hurd? Nora Burgess? Bottom Row: (possibly Lauree’s siblings) Merle Burgess?, Kenneth Burgess?, Myra Burgess?, Lauree Evelyn (Burgess)Betts.

What a special picture to have two of your grandpa’s (Arthur and Charles) and two great-grandpa’s (John and James) sitting with you. L-R: John Elsworth Horning, Arthur Burgess, Charles Betts holding Evelyn Lauree Betts, James Betts.

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Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Horning) Hallowell with sons William, Lionel, and Russell Hallowell. This picture is somewhere between 1920-1930 based on when men wore this type of swimsuit. This picture is classic!

On October 8, 1924, Noah Webster Horning, 56, married Clarinda “Caddie” [Boatman] Stone Fries, 66, in Tacoma, Pierce Co., Washington, by Minister George F. Hopkins. Witnesses were Tony Roetger and Addie Roetger. Their residence was 5606 S Puget Sound Ave, Tacoma, Washington. Unfortunately, their house is no longer standing. It’s a church now. Caddie’s father was Willie Boatman, one of the original Puyallup Valley pioneers. She was born in 1858 at Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory. Wow! This was Noah’s first and only marriage.

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Yikes! $50 back then was the equivalent of $836 today. Even in the 1920s, they had to deal with that. This happened to Ida’s husband Daniel.

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This was a special day in Ankeny. John Ellsworth was the oldest man to attend the 11th Ankeny Homecoming at Wagner Park. Scroll through each page to read. John Ellsworth is on the upper right corner of the last page with the cane.

This photo was taken around 1926. If I marked anyone wrong, please let me know. I wonder if everyone gathered for the Ankeny Homecoming?

Top row Left to Right: Verda Hallowell, Noel Hallowell, Louise Horning, Marjorie Horning, Hazel Horning, Franklin Horning, Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts, Fred Hallowell, Ida (Horning) Hallowell, Willis Hallowell, Esther Hallowell

Bottom Row: Daniel Hallowell, Doris Horning, John Ellsworth Horning, Galand Hallowell, Nina “Marie” (Coppock) Hallowell, Dean Horning (based on who’s in the picture also)

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1927 Horning Family Reunion. Wagner Park, Ankeny Iowa

Here’s my process of labeling everyone. John Ellsworth and Mary Ellen are easy to spot.

Frank and Hazel are there with Louise, Marjorie, Dean, and Doris.

Ida and Daniel with sons Willis*-his wife Nina and their son Galland 3 years old, Noel-his wife Verda and their daughter Patrica 4 years old.

Fred and Minnie are there with daughter Mable, her infant daughter Bonnie May born in 1926, and Irene, 7 years old. *Oral McIntosh?

Elizabeth (on the bench) is there with her sons* or husband*?

*Possibilities of the 4 men: Roger Horning 17, William Gipson Hallowell, William Dee Hallowell 32, Lionel Hallowell 29, Russell 27, Charles Hallowell 23, John F Hallowell 31?

Left to Right: Irene Horning, 7 (behind John), John Ellsworth, 94, Fredrick Joseph, 48, Mable (Horning) McIntosh, 21, holding baby Bonnie Mae McIntosh. 4 Generations

Blurry but cute! Do you know who these two are? Based on her outfit in the other pictures, I definitely say Hazel. Not sure if I can positively say that’s Frank? Does anyone have more pictures of the reunion?

Horning Family Reunion around 1927.

Wagner Park, Ankeny Iowa

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After 17 (probably long) years without his bride, John went home to be with Catherine.

He was a plain, unpretentious man who endeared himself to the hearts of his friends by his honesty and sincerity, a worthy exponent of the Golden Rule. His last conscious words were: “In all things, God’s will be done.”

Three sons and two daughters, and grandchildren were at his bedside during his illness and death. The deceased was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at this place. -unknown author

The surviving children are John Henry, of Camas, Washington; Mary Ellen Betts, of Redondo, Washington; Catherine S Tait, of Portland, Oregon; Noah Webster, of Sumner, Washington; Elizabeth May Hallowell, of Roundup, Montana; William Sanford, of Anchorage, Alaska; Ida Avis Hallowell, of Ankeny; Joseph Frederick, of Altoona; Franklin Ellsworth, of Ames. He is also survived by 26 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Three sisters, all residents of Indiana, preceded him in death.

John Ellsworth lived to be 95 years old and died on January 20, 1928, in Ankeny, Polk Co., Iowa. He was ailing from chronic Endocarditis, where germs or bacteria travel to the heart and damage the heart tissues. He is buried at the Oralabor Cemetery, next to the love of his life, in Ankeny, Iowa.

F.A.G.#30524348

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Circa 1928 Could it be after John’s funeral?

Year Unknown

~~1930~~

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Based on the sale of clothes and hairdos and what my Great-Grandma Lauree looked like after having a couple children, I think this is in the early 30s?? Do you think Doris looks 16ish?

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Daily Blotter

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Circa 1935

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~~1940~~

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Fred’s 1940s Registration Card. Very interesting telephone number. Fred and Minnie are living in Altoona, Iowa. Fred is 64 years old, 5ft 8in tall, 178lbs, light complexion with grey eyes and hair.

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Frank’s 1942 Registration Card. Frank is working at Ames Daily Tribune. He wrote about having a Bone tumor below his elbow on his left arm. He was 5ft 7in, 163lbs. He had grey eyes and hair with a dark complexion. They lived at 312 10th St Ames, Iowa. This is the house listed for that address. Does it look familiar?

~~~~~

Noah Webster Horning passed away in 1941 at the age of 71.

Sadly, he never had any children of his own, but he did have a step-daughter Addie Fries Roetger

F.A.G.#35730513

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Year unknown? Brothers John Henry and Franklin

On May 31, 1942, Fredrick Joseph Horning died at the age of 64. The cause of death was Angina Pectoris- Heart Attack.

Minnie Louella (Hildreth) Horning passed away September 2, 1969, in Bondurant, Polk, Iowa, USA

Fred’s F.A.G.#110798686

Minnie’s F.A.G.#110798632

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Year unknown?

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Such a beautiful picture of the Horning Sisters.

This photo had to be taken before Catherine “Cassie” was admitted to the hospital in 1942. Looks like they might be in Redondo, Washington?

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Catherine “Cassie” Susanna died on December 24, 1944, in Salem, Marion County, Oregon. It looks like she died alone of Senile Deterioration and Exhaustion. I only think this because her husband’s name was unknown along with her mother. She was in the hospital for 2 1/2 years. The Oregon State Hospital took care of her cremation. I couldn’t find a final resting place.

F.A.G.#72608361

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Elizabeth May “Lizzie” Horning Hallowell passed away on July 18, 1949, at the age of 78. She is buried next in the Sumner Cemetery, Sumner, Washington. William passed away less than a year later.

Elizabeth’s F.A.G.# 20679616

William’s F.A.G.#20679613

~~1950~~

Frank runs for Ames Councilman

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Pictures from 1939-1952

John Henry Horning passed away on August 20, 1952, at the age of 90. He is buried in

Camas Cemetery Camas, Clark County, Washington, USA 

PLOTSec D, Blk 48, Lot 16

John’s F.A.G.# 28022471 

Mildred Elizabeth (Kelly) Horning’s F.A.G#28022518

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Franklin Ellsworth passed away on July 25, 1955. He is buried in
Sheldahl Cemetery Lincoln Township, Polk County, Iowa, USA. His first wife Mary (Cline) Horning passed away December 24, 1909 in Sheldahl, Iowa. Franklin’s second wife Hazel passed away in January 1965 in Sheldahl(?) Iowa

Franklin’s F.A.G.# 80088964

Mary I. Cline’s F.A.G.#80089000 (First wife of Franklin and Louise’s Mother)

Hazel Alta (Harpel) Horning’s F.A.G.# 80088977 

~~1960~~

Sunday, December 18, 1960

Death takes Mrs. Betts, 95, Auburn

Mrs. Mary Ellen Betts, 95, of Auburn, a resident of the area since 1898, died Thursday in a Nursing Home. Funeral services will be at 2:00 tomorrow in the Price Chapel, Auburn. Burial will be in Sumner.
Born in Goshen, Indiana, Mrs. Betts and her husband, Charles, arrived at Stones Landing, later Redondo Beach, aboard the Defiance, which ran daily between Tacoma and Seattle.
Mr. Betts, who died in 1926, operated a grocery at Redondo Beach Park.
Surviving is a brother, William S. Horning, Falls Church, VA; a sister, Mrs. Ida Hallowell, Asheville, NC; three grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Mrs. Betts was a member of Dorcas Ladies Aid, Redondo Beach, for 50 years and a member of Cyclamen Chapter No. 65, Order of the Eastern Star.

Mary Ellen’s F.A.G.# 21067071

Charles Eugene Betts F.A.G.# 21067086

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Ida Avis Horning Hallowell passed away from a heart ailment on June 23, 1961, at the age of 86, in Asheville, North Carolina, where she was living with her daughter. She was brought back to Iowa and laid to rest next to her husband, Daniel, who passed away in 1935. They are buried in Oralabor Cemetery, Ankeny, Iowa. Progress has made its way to the cemetery and is now quite noisy with cars.

Ida Avis’s F.A.G.# 98450904

Daniel Franklin Hallowell’s F.A.G.# 98450886

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The last of the Horning siblings to pass away is William Sanford Horning who passed away at the age of 93 in Culver City, California on January 13, 1967. His wife Alice Pearl (Betts) Horning, is laid to rest next to him at the Woodlawn Abbey Mausoleum. Alice Pearl passed away on March 10, 1965, in Redmond WA.

William Sanford’s F.A.G.# 41850360

Alice Pearl (Betts) Horning’s F.A.G.# 41849233

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The F.A.G.# is for the Find A Grave App. You can find everyone listed by their number and create a virtual cemetery. Here is where everyone is buried:

Iowa

Pine Hill Cemetery Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa, USA 

-George Wylis Horning

Oralabor CemeteryAnkeny, Polk County, Iowa, USA

-John Ellsworth & Catherine Barbara (Mortorff) Horning

-Daniel F & Ida Avis (Horning) Hallowell

Bondurant CemeteryBondurant, Polk County, Iowa, USA

-Fredrick Joseph & Minnie L (Hildreth) Horning

Sheldahl CemeteryLincoln Township, Polk County, Iowa, USA

-Franklin Ellsworth & Hazel A (Harpel)

Washington

Woodlawn Abbey Mausoleum 12421 Valley Ave East, Sumner, WA.

-William Sanford & Alice Pearl (Betts) Horning

-Noah Webster & Caddie (Boatman-Fries)Horning

-Mary Ellen’s Sister-in-Law, Ida May(Betts)Hurd

Sumner Cemetery also known as Puyallup Valley Cemetery 12324 Valley Ave East, Sumner, WA.

-Charles & Mary Ellen (Horning) Betts

-William & Elizabeth May (Horning) Hallowell

-Weston & Lauree (Burgess) Betts

Camas Cemetery Camas, Clark County, Washington, USA 

-John Henry & Mildred (Kelly) Horning

Oregon

-Catherine Susannah

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As always this is not the end but just a pause to the story as I gather more stories, photos, and newspaper articles. Let me know what I can add. Thank you to all family members who posted pictures on the family’s Facebook page. I feel more connected to my roots because of you all!

My sources: Ancestry.com, Newspapers.com, Google.com, Facebook (Horning-Mortorff Geneology), Wikitree, Findagrave.com, and personal family collection

-Heather