Benjamin Deslarzes, 7N 51W


Benjamin was born in Bruson, Switzerland, one of eight children of Eugene DesLarzes.
He is the possible father of the Logan County Benjamin.

In 1850 Dodge County, Wisconsin, Benjamin "Delases" is 40, farming, with Annalie Mary 30, Benjamin 19, Eugene 11,7, Francis 15, Margarette 13, Marvin 11, Mary 5, Aufresia 1, all born in Switzerland.



In 1870 Christian County, Illinois, Ben Deslarzes is 37, Jane 39, both born in Switzerland, Morris 13, Eugene 12, Clarence 10, Eliza 8 born in Wisconsin, and Jane 6 in Illinois.

In 1880 Furnas County, Nebraska, Ben "Delarcis" is 45, a carpenter, widowed, with Morris 24, Eugene 22, Clara 20, Leye 18, - all four born in Wisconsin, Emma 9, and Celine 6 in Illinois.

Benjamin S. Deslarzes, 45, married Maria L. Fox, 34 on April 23, 1881 in Harlan County, Nebraska.

Benjamin Des Larges and Louise Fox had Mary in Denver in 1884, and she was Mary Dewey when she married William Felton on August 8, 1922 in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

In 1887 Denver, Benjamin Des Larzes is a carriage maker, living at 2812 Lawrence with Eugene Des Larzes, a laborer.

In November 1889 the Sterling Colorado newspaper reported that on the honor roll at Franklin School, intermediate department, Celina Deslages was included.

Benjamin claimed a quarter in section 14, 7N 51W in 1891.



Benjamin F. Deslarzes was naturalized in 1902 in Phillips County, Colorado.

1908 Holyoke "Daniel Hann.. was finally prevailed upon to go to the home of Benjamin DesLarzes where he was cared for till his mind had failed so much that it was not thought safe to keep him there any longer."

February 1910 Wray, Colorado - North Pole community items - " Benj. Des Larges and wife went to Holyoke Monday. Bazell Martin who has a homestead southeast of Walter Curtis, is working for Mr. Des Larzes."

In 1910 Yuma County, Benjamin is 78, his second marriage of 26 years to Mary 50 born in Ohio. Ben's daughter Eliza 56 born in Wisconsin.

Benjamin proved up two quarters in 24, 5N 44W in 1917, in northeast Yuma County, about 15 miles southeast of Holyoke.

In 1920 Benjamin 88 and Louise 69 are in Denver, no occupations. He said he immigrated in 19844, naturalized in 1918.
Eliza M. Des Larzes proved up two quarters in 2, 5N 44W in 1916, and another eighty acres for Stock Raising in 1922.
"Heirs of Eugene B. Des Larzes" proved up a quarter in 3, 5N 44W in 1901.

OLDEST HOLYOKE RESIDENT DIED SATURDAY EVENING
Benjamin F. DesLarzes, oldest resident of Holyoke died at his home here last Saturday evening, aged 96 years, six months. Mr. DesLarzes was an old-time resident of Holyoke moving here in 1890, when he took up a homestead. He was the father of Mrs. A.T. O'Connor.
Mr. DesLarzes was born in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 4th, 1829, and departed this life January 24. He came to America in 1848, settling with his parents in Wisconsin, moving to Assumption, Illinois in 1865.
In 1890 Mr. DesLarzes and his family moved to Phillips County, where they homesteaded near Holyoke. He lived here until the time of his death, with the exception of three years, from 1920 to 1923, when he and his wife made their home in Denver.
The funeral services were held Tuesday morning, and were conducted from the Catholic church, with Father Oldenburg in charge. Interment was made in the Holyoke cemetery. He leaves his wife, five daughters and a son.
Holyoke Enterprise January 29, 1925


PIONEER RESIDENT DIES AT FARM HOME
Services Are Held At Funeral Home For Mrs. Maria Louise DesLarzes
Final rites were conducted at 2:00 o'clock Friday afternoon at the Colver Brothers Funeral Home for Mrs. Maria Louise DesLarzes, 88, who died at 11:30 o'clock Thursday morning at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.T. O'Connor. She died suddenly after suffering a heart attack.
Rev. Francis J. Brady, rector of the St. Patrick Church, conducted the service.
Interment was made in the Holyoke cemetery.
Deceased whose maiden name was Fox was born February 12, 1851 in Zanesville, Ohio. She was married to Benjamin DesLarzes in 1880 in Arapahoe, Nebraska. The couple located in Colorado in 1889, settling on a homestead in Yuma County.
Surviving are her daughter, Mrs. A.T. O'Connor; two granddaughters, Mrs. Leo McElroy and Miss Helen O'Connor; and five great grandchildren. Her husband preceded her in death in 1925.
Holyoke Enterprise January 11, 1940


ALVINA

Alvina Des Larzas married Andrew O'Conner on September 26, 1900.



In 1910 Holyoke, Andrew is a clerk in a general store, 39, born in Wisconsin, with Alvina 27 born in Nebraska. Philip is 9, Clare 7, Andrew 3, and Helen nine months.

In 1920, Andrew is in Yuma County, Valley precinct, 50 born in Pennsylvania, with Alvina L. 36 Nebraska. Phillip is 18, Clara E. 16, Andrew M. 13, and Hellen L. 10.

In 1930 Yuma County, Andrew 59 and Alvina 48 have Helen L. 20. Alvina's mother Mar"Marcia" L. Deslayer 79 is widowed, born in Ohio, with Eliza 65 born in Illinois.

In 1940 Yuma County, Andrew, Alvina, and Helen 30 are still farming. Eliza J. DesLarges 78 widowed is with them, 78.

Andrew T. O'Connor, son of Phillip and Frances O'Connor was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 22, 1869 and passed away at his home in Holyoke, March 17, 1945 at the age of 75 years, 11 months, and 23 days. He was the eldest of six children. When a child, he moved with his parents to Fairboldt, Minnesota, where he grew to manhood and worked in the logging business. Later the family moved to Mosinee, Wisconsin. He spent some of his time in Tacoma, Washington and in parts of Oregon, coming to Colorado in 1897.
September 26, 1899, he married Alvina DesLarzes. To this union were born five children, three of whom preceded him in death; Albert died in infancy, Andrew Michel in 1923 and Phillips Benjamin in 1934. His father and mother and one brother, James, preceded him in death also.
From 1902 until 1910, Mr. O'Connor was in business in Holyoke, operating a drug and dry goods store. He and his family moved to a farm south of Holyoke in 1910 where they made their home until March 1944 when he and his wife and daughter, Helen moved to their home in the east part of Holyoke.
Mr. O'Connor had been in poor health for a number of years. He underwent an operation at Rochester, Minnesota in 1923 but did not regain his good health.
He leaves to mourn his loss, his faithful and loving wife, two daughters, Helen and Mrs. Leo McElroy, five grandchildren, Clara Margaret, Leo Richard and Andrew Francis McElroy, Darrel Wayne and Betty Frances O'Connor. Two sisters, Mrs. Al Martell of Alhambra, California and Mrs. Catherine Martell of Hollywood, California, two brothers, Jack and Michel of Mosince, Wisconsin and a host of relatives and friends also survive.
Funeral services were held at St. Patrick's Church March 20 at 10:00 a.m., conducted by Father Brady. Pallbearers were Ed Coyne, Ed Loughman, Francis Flanagan, Bert Stephenson, C.P.A. Kayser, and George Heginbotham.
Holyoke Enterprise March 22, 1945

EUGENE

"DIED - At the home of his father, B. DesLarzes south of Holyoke, Saturday, June 19, Eugene DesLarzes. The deceased was born on the 22, of December, 1862, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, where he resided with his parents till 1872 when they moved to and located in Christian County, Illinois. In 1886 they moved to Adams County, Nebraska and from there came to Phillips County, Colorado, in 1887. The deceased was sick only ten days with testinal obstruction. The family have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.

The remains were buried in the Holyoke Cemetery.

State Herald Holyoke, Colorado June 25, 1897


MORRIS - brother of Benjamin
March 1887 McCook, Nebraska "The livery barn property on the corner of Macfarland and Dodge, lathely boutht by A.J. Page, has been purchased by Morris DesLarzes for $800, securing Mr. Pae a neat profit of $200 on his investment of ut a few edays."


1889 McCook, Nebraska
February 1889
1890 McCook "This week, Morris DesLarzes added to his real estate interests in McCook - two lots in South McCook."

April 1891 McCook
June 1891
1898 McCook "Mrs. Rose Mokko has purchased the Des Larzes residence opposite the Central hotel.

1902 McCook
Maurice F. DesLarzes is a retail grocer in Lane County, Oregon in 1910, 65, with Mary A. 55 Indiana. Elmer R. 21 was born in Minnesota.

1908 Grocers' Advocate "Cottage Grove, Oregon - Mr. M.R. Deslarges is contemplating entereing the grocery business. He will probably associate his sons with the business and will open in the Venske Building on Main street."
In 1930 Orange County, California, Morris is 90, living with son Leon 51 and Jean 42. Alice E. is 12, and E. Leroy is 41.

His son Leon probably married an Allan girl "Pueblo Chieftain - June 2, 1917 - Lightning Kills Son of Puebloan - James Allan, Jr., son of Mrs. and Mrs. James Allan, 512 West Eleventh Street, was killed by lightning Thursday, according to a telegram received by the parents yesterday morning from Montrose. No particulars of the accident were given, but the body of the young man arrived in the city at an early hour this morning. Young Allan and his brother, William, were at work on a ranch about four miles from Montrose, according to the parents of the unfortunate young man. Mr. Allan was a graduate of Centennial High School and had completed a two year course at the State Agricultural College at Fort Collins. One of his sisters, Mrs. C. A. Richards of Denver is in the city and two others, Mrs. Leon DesLarzes of Cottage Grove, Oregon, and Mrs. W. C. Dunlap, of El Paso, Texas, are expected to attend the funeral. They body is at the McCarthy parlors and funeral arrangements will be announced later."
Cottage Grove Oregon June 2, 1917 "James Allan, youngest brother of Mrs. Leon DesLarzes of our city was struck by lightning Thursday at Monte Rose, Colorado and instantly killed. He had gone there in company with an older brother, to get a homestead. He was only 23 years of nge ond was born at Pueblo, Mrs. Des Larzes received the message today and left for Pueblo on the afternoon train."

In 1910 Oregon city, Leon Deslarzes is 31, born in Minnesota, Jean 23 in Colorado. Jean A. Deslarzes, born Dec 26, 1887 in Colorado, died in Orange County April 21, 1977.
They had Alice Elizabeth Benton on Otober 5, 1917 in Oregon, name of Benton in 1950, Prentiss in 1954.


Maurice F. DesLarzes 1839-1931 is buried in Orange County, California # 136437580.


CELINA

Celina Delarzes, 19, married A. M. Dylen, 28, in Holyoke on April 23, 1893, recorded in Phillips County, Colorado.

They might be in Holdredge, Nebraska in 1900, Archibald Tyler born January 1864 in Iowa, with Salena May 1874 Illinois, married seven years. They have Viola M. July 1895 born in Nebraska.

"Funerals filled the March 20, 1903 McCook Tribune.
A 1901 graduate of McCook High School died "after months of suffering, Archie Tyler's young spirit took leave of its wasted earthly tenement and winged in its flight to its giver, thus early closing a promising career, ending bright expectations, finishing life's book with its opening chapter." Archie worked for the Burlington railroad before his death and was studying stenography and typewriting in his spare time in his quest to become an electrical engineer. "
Archibald 1881-1903 is buried in McCook, # 104126068.



In 1910 Holdredge, Celina is widowed, with Viola 15 born in Colorado.
In 1920 Holdrege, Celina must have given her late husband's name, A. M. Tyler 44 with daughter Viola 23 a stenographer in a freight office, born in Colorado.

Viola M. Tyler married C.W. Brown on September 12, 1923, recorded in Phillips County, Colorado.

In 1930 Denver, Viola M. Brown 32 born in Colorado married to Clarence W. Brown 40 in Illinois. Celena Tyler 52 in widowed, Viola's mother born in Illinois.

They might be the Clarence W. Brown 1888-1954 # 29192890 and Viola 1895-1931 # 29192716 buried in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.


EMMA

Emma DesLargas married G. M. Wirth on June 6, 1894 in Denver.

In 1900 Denver, Emma, born January 1872 in Illnois, is married to Gustavus Wirth, a plumber, born Sept 1867 in France. . She's had three kids, two living. Clarence April 1896 and Marel Janauary 1900, both in Colorado.
They're in Denver in 1910, with Clarence 14, Muriel 10, Earl 6, and Ethel 4.
In 1930 they have just Murel, a stenographer.
Clarence R. Wirth is in Denver in 1940, 44, with Hazel E. 43, Beverly J. 15, and Gus M. 73.

Gus 1869-1961 died in Denver.

Ethel married Leslie Ashcraft of Kansas, and they're in Los Angeles in 1930. She's 24, Leslie P. is 21. a truck driver.
, and had Warren Leslie Ashcraft on Feb 25, 1936 in Los Angeles County.


MARY
"Dolly" M. Des Larzes, 18, married Ford W. Dewey, 31, in Yuma County Colorado on February 5, 1902. The cemermony ws performed by S.A. Parker, minister in Holyoke.

Ford was in Pottawattamie County, Iowa in 1900, 28, born in Iowa, living with his brother Joseph 27.

In 1910 Pottawattamie County, Ford is 38, Dollie 26, Benjamin 6.
In 1920 Pottawattamie County, Iowa, Ford is farming, 44, born in Iowa, with Dollie M. 36 in Colorado. They hae Benjamin G. 16 born in Iowa.

Ford is divorced in 1925 Pottawattamie, and in 1940 Pottawattamie County is 69, married to Edith M. Dewey, 67, both born in Iowa.
is buried in Neola 1870-1952, # 85322926.
In 1930 Pottawattamie County, Iowa, William Felton is 60, Mary 46, with grandson William Dewey 5.
Mary D. Felton 1884-1936 is buried in Neola cemetery, Pottawattamie County, Iowa # 85665970.
William Felton was the informant - he said she was born March 20, 1884 in Denver to Bejamin Delarizer of France and an English mother.
There's a William D. Felton also buried in the Neola cemetery 1869-1951 # 85666616.

Benjamin's sister Marguerite Meillier 1837-1923 buried in Calvary Cemetery, Faribault County, Minnesota, # 8700899, wife of Christian Meillier.
A brother is Eugene F. Des Larzes 1832-1913 buried in Christian County, Illinois # 72239334.



November 1915, Assumption, Illinois " Who can solve the mystery of ihe "House of Des Larzes" at Assumption? The finding of $10,000 in currency in the antiquated structure has given the Christian county town its greatest sensation. Under the eyes of the aged mother there was dragged forth silver, gold. bills, hoarded presumably, for 35 years. From cellar to garret, the mystery house yielded treasure, musty with the years. Paper bags were found to contain green and yellow bills, tin cans and fruit jars, taken from beneath a roof that could not exclude the summer rains, clinked story of wealth. The occupants of ihe decrepited house, on a farm two miles east of Assumption were Mrs. Jean Des Larges, her son, Louis, 55 years old, and her daughter, Hortense, 50. They have lived the life of recluses 30 years. The discovery of the fortune was made by Frank Oakes of Assumption, who recently was appointed conservator for the mother, following a petition filed by her daughter, Mrs. Edward Rainsford of Evansville, Indiana. For 30 years the Des Larges' home has been a house of mystery. The marriage of the youngest daughter, Anlellft, to Ransford, was bitterly opposed by her parents, and when she weni away, the household drew a curtain over their affairs and shunned their neighbors. Nobody called upon them and the farm grew up to weeds. Their live stock, with the exception of chickens, aicdr Vrid, were not replaced. At rare intervals, Hortense, the older daughter was seen about the place, but hid herself when she noticed anyone passing by. Jean Des Larges, the father, was a Frenchman, emigrating to this country aboat 55 years ago. The daughters were comely and popular, but the son was somewhat different and did not care to mingle in society as did his sisters. Old residents who knew the family before they decided upon their hermit existence, agree that Hortense was a wonderful intelligent and beautiful girl. She : ta-6t^BClHk« in ilie'ne neighborhood for several years Jean Des Larges died 12 months ago after an illness of several years with dropsy. He was unattended by a physician. A neighbor heard of his death and found that the wife and children were about to bury hin; upon the farm. The neighbor protested and sent for an undertaker. The daughter in Evansville was notified and she attended the funeral. Her reception was not cordial, and she remained with friends whom she had known before her marriage. Recently, she decided that someone should look after the mother and the property and a conservator was appointed. The first action was to clean house, and this operation revealed the hoarded wealth; nearly every room yielding thousands. It required several market baskets to hold the secreted money. The greenbacks were dated a far back as 1880. Most of the notes were clean and did not appear to have been handled many times. All had a musty smell indicating their possession for many years. One $10 bill of 1880, which was found has been out of circulation for many years. Where did the money come from? Neighbors claim that it could not have been saved of late years, as the farm was unproductive and was barely able to furnish a living for the occupants. It has been told that the son, Louis made occasional trips to Assumption to exchange eggs for groceries. They kept fewer hens than the ordinary farmer and there could be no great income from the poultry yard. There was no effort to sell butter or other farm produce. Those who do not credit the hoarding theory think that the money came from some source in a lump, possibly from the estate of a deceased relative in Europe. Having no faith in banks, Des Larges may have cashed his legacy and kept the money hidden in the house. The age of the money strengthens this theory. It is also believed that the acquirement of this wealth inspired the hermit-like existence, rather than the marriage of the younger daughter. The Des Larges were always considered honest and upright, and thr only feature of their lives that the neighbors did not understand, was their extreme reticence and desire to avoid talking with anyone. The home once cheerful and well kept, took on the appearance of desolation. The family shrank back into the little world bounded by the tumble down fence that surrounded the house. Weeds grew without restraint in the orchard and upon the farm. The roof of the dwelling and barns, lost their shingles and no effort was made to replace them. Horses and cattle disappeared from tbe pasture"

Frances Deslarges was drafted in 1862 in Theresa, Dodge County, Wisconsin.

1952 Long Beach, California "near Orange where he apparently had fallen down a stairway at 11 a. m. Tuesday. His terrier pet was lying with him. The lad had been reported missing at 9 a. m. by his grand-mother Mrs. Jean A. DesLarzes, 17911 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, with whom he was spending the Easter vacation. Rus Campbell, sheriff's officer, and E. E. Proud, deputy, attract- the boy at a. m. today lying on the floor of the McPherson Citrus Packing Plant. He was near a steep stairway. Hospital attaches said that the boy suffered a basal fracture of the skull on the right side of his nead and a severe chest injury. They said his condition is not critical"

down a steep ladder-type stair-way to the basement. Marks on the dust of the railing showed that he had fallen about seven feet. He got a basal skull fracture and chest injuries. He suffered shock, and from the exposure to the cold in the barren, damp building. Probably having regained consciousness after the fall, the lad crawled toward a pipe, and there tied his small black-and-white terrier dog, so he would have its comfort. The dog's yapping began as soon as Campbell looked inside the building's main floor; the animal sensed a rescuer, it was theorized, and so attracted the searchers to his small master. Son of Mrs. Alice Ruth Benton of 1110 Electric Way, Seal Beach, and Neil Adams of San Rafael, her former husband, the boy was spending Easter vacation with his grandmother, Mrs. Jean A. DesLarzes of 17911 E. Chapman Ave. Her home is a mile from the packing plant; the lad was reported missing at 9 a. m. Tuesday and a search along Santiago Creek was undertaken shortly afterward. It was continued Wednesday morning by Campbell and Proud who soon found the boy.

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