Long

Kit Carson County, Colorado
Photographs

Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Andrew and Alma (Foster) Williams, nephew Clyde Williams, 6 South 49 West and Cope

Andrew is in Fulton County, Illinois in 1850, 7, with John Williams 48 and Nancy 36. Sarah is 18, Francis (father of Clyde) is 17, Elizabeth 12, Isaac N. 9, Andrew 7, and Jefferson newborn.
In 1860 Fulton County, Illinois, William Foster is 57, Hannah 51, Johnathan 20, Sarah 17, Alma 15, Henry 12, and Benjamin 10.

Francis M. Williams married Sarah E. Foster on October 8, 1862 in Fulton County.

Andrew A. Williams married Alma Foster on October 5, 1865 in Fulton County, Illinois.

In 1870 Fulton County, Andrew and Alma have Albert R. 3, and Hannah Foster 68 is living with them.
(Curtis is probably Miron Curtis Morey 1852-1898 buried in Goodland, Kansas # 65847240. He is the son of Zenas Jones Morey 1823-1964 buried in Fulton County, with Anna Morey 1822-1908.)

In 1880 Fulton County, Albert R. Williams is 13, with Andrew A. 34, a miller, and Alma 33. Ellis W. is 5.

In 1900 Cope precinct, Arapahoe County, Andrew A. is farming, born January 1844, with Alma October 1846, both born in Illinois. Ellis L. June 1875 Illinois is just married to Maud March 1879 Missouri. They're on the same page as Michael Hassig, who lived about five miles northwest of Cope (and sold that house to my great-grandparentsNels ande Josie Oman.)

April 7, 1905

June 6, 1906

Andrew is the land commissioner in Cope in 1910, 65, with Alma 63.

Andrew A. Williams 1844-1917 is buried in Flagler # 15794008. So is Alma 1846-1924 # 15794028.

In 1920 Alma is widowed, 73, living in Flagler. Her nephew Clyde Williams 48, a land agent, born in Illinois is with her. Clyde was a "double nephew" - son of Francis Williams and Alma Foster.

ELLIS

Ellis L. Williams, age 25, married Maud Nourse on January 15, 1900, recorded in Kit Carson County.
Maud was in Maryville, Nodaway County, Missouri in 1880, age 2, with Frederick R. Nourse 40 and Rosella 25.
Her brother might be the F. Raymond Nourse, Jr. 1880-1902 buried in Cedar County, Missouri # 29306338.

In 1900 Fred is an invalid in Jasper County Missouri, born Feb 1840 in Connecticut.
Rosa is in Cedar County, Missouri in 1900, born Aug 1854 in Iowa, married 24 years. Raymond June 1898 in Missouri, and Everett January 1883 in Iowa.

Rosa is with daughter Maud in 1910 Cope, Ellis Williams is a cattle rancher, 35, Maud 33, with Treva W. 6.

August 1913 Cope items "Ellis Williams took his mother to Flagler in his car Sunday."
September 1913 "Ellis Williams and family made a trip to Flagler in their Ford Saturday and returned Sunday."

Rosie G. Nourse is in Denver in 1920, widowed, 65, with son Robert E. 36 and his wife Mabel 26.
Rosella (Griffin) Nourse 1854-1939 is buried in Grand Island, Nebraska, # 91026717.
She was in Delaware County, Iowa in 1856, with parents Edwin Griffin 27 and Harriet 25, Samuel A. 5, Edwin A. 4, Rosella 2, and Louis 1.

In 1920 Ellis is in Yuma County, Joes precinct, running a general store, with Maud and Treva, 15,a nd Maurine 7.

In 1930 they're in Limon, Colorado, Ellis a clerk in a grocery store, 55, Maude E. 52, and Maurine L. 16.

1935

A. Ross Williams 72 and brother Ellis L. 65, are in Kirk Colorado in 1940, both merchants.

1944 Kirk, Colorado "At the Co-Op meeting Saturday, members voted to buy the store building from Ross and Ellis Williams.

Ellis 1874-1959 is buried in Flagler # 15794070, with Maude 1877-1935 # 15794048.

April 9, 1959 "Ellis Williams, who was a merchant in Joes some forty years ago, and later for a number of years in Kirk, was buried on Saturday in Flagler. He was 85 years of age."

LEE "BILLIE"

"Billie" Lee Maurine Barnett, 99, of Sterling, Colorado passed away Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011, in Sterling. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at Tennant Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at First Baptist Church with Pastor John Roberts officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Lee Maurine Williams was born June 22, 1912, to Ellis Lee Williams and Maude Nourse Williams on a homestead north of Cope. She spent her early childhood at Kirk and Joes, where her father owned the general merchandise stores and she spent her time whistling for customers. Her father nicknamed her "Bill." Later the "ie" was added to the name and has stayed to this day. She often said Maurine was her formal name.
Billie learned to shoot the basketball with the famous Joes Boys basketball team, who in 1929 won the national championship finals in Chicago.
In 1925, the family moved to Limon where her father owned a grocery and fabric store. Billie was the star forward of the girls' basketball team, going to state tournament twice.
Billie graduated from Limon High School in 1930 and then she and her mother moved to Boulder, so Billie could enroll in the music school of University of Colorado.
In 1934, she and her mother moved to Greeley where Billie attended the then Colorado State Teachers College, graduating in 1936 with a major in elementary education.
It was after graduation that a mutual friend introduced Billie to her future husband, J. Lee Barnett.
Lee Maurine Williams and Jacob Lee Barnett were married Nov. 20, 1940, in Colorado Springs and set up housekeeping in Alma. Lee was a high school teacher and basketball coach in Alma. In May 1942, they moved to Sterling and shared 64 years of marriage together before Lee passed away in January 2005.
Billie taught kindergarten at Sexson School for 16 years and retired in 1977. She loved the children and whistled around the school Christmas tree and shot baskets in the gym. Her memories of the years at Sexson were very precious.
Billie received trophies for her whistling at talent shows at the University of Colorado, and whistled for summer concerts in the gazebo on the courthouse square in Sterling.
Billie was a very active member in the Sterling First Baptist Church. She belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and Humanities Club.
She is survived by her four children, Gary Barnett of Mimbres, N.M., Thomas R. Barnett and wife Merry Anne of Fauke, Ark., Mary Black and husband Ken of Louisville, and Viki Elliott and husband Glenn of Reno, Nev. She is also survived by three granddaughters, Jennifer Polland and husband Brett of Denver, Sara Sillcox of Mammoth Lakes, Calif., and Lisa Elliott of Austin, Texas; and one great-grandson, Simon Lee Greene. She is also survived by two nieces, Treva Jane Koler of Seattle, Wash., and Margaret Clark and husband Martin of Townsend, Mont.

TREVA

In 1930 Cheyenne, Wyoming, Joseph McLaughlin is a construction welder, 25, Treva W. 26, with Trava J. 2 and Richard 5.

In 1940 Cheyenne, Joseph and Treva have Richard 15, Treva Jane 12, and Margaret 6.

Treva W. McLaughlin 1904-1988 is buried in Townsend, Broadwater County, Montana # 43881715, with Joseph Henry McLaughlin 1904-1980.

Richard 1924-2002 is buried in Casper, Wyoming # 51883726, with Mary Jo born 1929.

Treva J. Koler, born March 4, 1928, was in Seattle Washington.
Name: KOLER TREVA M Approximate Location: NW 87th St., SEATTLE WA 98117 Contact Phone: (206) 706-1634

Margaret M. Mclaughlin, 23, married Martin E. Clark on February 15, 1958 in Townsend, Montana.

ALBERT

Albert R. Williams married Grace Cope on December 21, 1895 in Kit Carson County.

In 1900 Arapahoe County, Cope precinct, Albert is a grocer, born August 1866 in Illinois, married four years to Grace C. March 1874 in Nebraska. Alma was born December 1898 in Colorado.
(They're on the same page as my great-uncle Reuben Oman's wife Priscilla J. Stratton born February 1895 in Missouri.)

Albert R. Williams claimed a tract in 2, 6S 49W in 1902.

In 1910 Denver, Albert has a general store, with Grace and Alma.

July 21, 1910 Bayfield, Colorado

September 29, 1910 Bayfield, Colorado "Sam Robertson and wife and Helen Hood are settled on the A. R. Williams ranch, of which Mr. Robertson has a five years' lease. Mr. Williams has completed fencing his entire property."

September 14, 1911 "The first girl born in Ignacio arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Williams Monday morning."

Ignacio, Colorado, May 10, 1912 "A. R. Williams' father and mother arrived on the eastern Tuesday evening from Cope, Colo., for an extended visit with the Williams family."

May 17, 1912 "A. A. Williams, father of A. R. Williams made us a pleasant call yesterday. He ordered the Chieftain sent to his son at Cope Colo. Mr. Williams has sold out at Cope and thinks of locating with us. We will extend to him and his family a cordial welcome "

June 7, 1912 " A. A. Williams and wife, father and mother of A. R. Williams, left Wednesday for Flagler Colorado, after a visit here."

January 22, 1914 Cope items in the Wray Rattler "Mrs. R. A. Crowell returned Saturday from a two weeks visit with her sister, Mrs. A. R. Williams, formerly a resident of Cope. The thirteen year old daughter of Mrs. Williams, Miss Ruby, underwent an operation for appendicitis and was not expected to live but is now slowly recovering."

September 4, 1914 Ignacio "Mrs. A. R. Williams, Miss Ruby and the two smaller children left Wednesday morning for Denver to spend the winter at University Park. Mr. Williams remains here to sell hardware and building material."

November 26, 1914 " H. P. Nikkel sold a half interest in his store to A. R. Williams who formerly owned the Cope store, but for the last 8 years has lived at Grand Junction, Colorado. The firm hereafter will be known as Nikkel & Williams, general merchandise. They will run two stores, one in Joes and another in Kirk."

May 7, 1915 Ignacio "A. R. Williams came in Wednseday evening to take charge of his lumber and hardware business after spending the winter with his family at University Park, near Denver. Williams notes many changes that have been made during the winter."

May 24, 1918 Ignacio " A. R. Williams, of Denver, arrived Sunday and is spending this week in Ignacio looking after business interests and visiting old friends. Mr. Williams conducted the hardware and lumber business now owned by H. C. Biggs for a number of years."

In 1920, Albert 53 born in Illinois, Grace 44, Alma R. 21, Bira M. 8, and Doris A. 7, all three born in Colorado.
June 24, 1921 Ignacio "A. R. Williams writes from Thurman to have the Chieftain sent to him there instead of to Denver."

August 3, 1923 Ignacio "The A. R. Williams family and a Miss Harriet Nordgard, of South Dakota, arrived last week from Denver and have been putting in time visiting among the many friends of the Willlamses. A. R. was formerly owner of the establishment now operated by Biggs & Co., and he and his estimable family have many acquaintances here, all of whom are glad to welcome them back for an all too brief visit."

In 1930 Denver, Albert is a merchant 62, born in Iowa, with Grace C. 56 Nebraska. Ruby is 38, Bira W. 18, and Doris 17, both born in Colorado.

Doris married in Denver in December 1935. "Mr. Williams has a new granddaughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Passic at Crested Butte, Montana. Mrs. Passic was formerly Miss Ruby Williams.

Bira is teaching school in Carlsbad, New Mexico in 1940,
June 13, 1940 "Ross Williams went to Denver Saturday afternoon to attend the wedding Sunday of his daughter, Byra. Several years ago Miss Williams visited her father, clerking in the Kirk store while here. She has been a high school teacher for soje time.

In 1973 Bira M. Wells is in Bakersfield, California, with Gordon Wells.

CARMEL VALLEY - Bira Wells passed away peacefully at her home in Carmel Valley on August 24, 2009, surrounded by her entire family, just a few weeks before her 98th birthday.
She was the widow of Gordon Wells, who died in 1980. She was born Bira Maxine Williams on September 11, 1911, the middle child of three daughters. She grew up in Denver, Colorado, where she earned her teaching credential at Denver University and went on to teach at several elementary schools in Colorado. When she moved to Socorro, New Mexico for a teaching position, she met and married Gordon Wells. They had two children: a daughter, Patti and a son, Gregg. They settled in Bakersfield, California in 1945, and lived there until Gordon retired in 1977. They then relocated to Carmel Valley.
Bira attended the Carmel Valley Community Chapel and volunteered in the church thrift store for many years.
She enjoyed playing the piano and was an incredibly warm and loving person, completely devoted to her family. In the words of a dear friend, "She was the mother all of us want, and the mother we all want to be. It was all about giving with the biggest intent, the biggest smile, and the biggest heart."
Bira is survived by her son, Gregg Wells; her daughter, Patti Wells; and her grandchildren, Brooke Wells of San Francisco and Joshua Drew of Los Angeles.
rivate family services are planned for a later date.

Doris McGaw is in 1940 Des Moines, Iowa, 27, born in Colorado, with Waldo 30 born in Iowa. They were in Denver in 1935.

In 1937 Denver, Waldo A. is a routeman for Jewel Tea Company. living wtih Doris at 1660 Logan.

July 1941 "Mr. and Mrs. McGaw of Chicago, Illinois, stopped briefly in Kirk Saturday evening. Mrs. McGaw is a daughter of Ross Williams. He went on to Denver with them for a brief visit."

Waldo A. McGaw, 1909-1948 is buried in Cook County, Illinois # 68548201.

Doris McGaw, born August 11, 1912, died April 1973, last residence Denver.

In 1940 Alma R. Pasic is in Canon City, Colorado 41, with Anton J. 39, a service station operator, Anotn J. 7, and Judithhh L. 4, all born in Colorado. They were in Crested Butte COLORADO in 1935.

Anton Jacob Pasic, born in Crested Butte May 17, 1900, is in Denver in 1942, working for McFarland Machinery, with Ruby .
He died in January 1968. February 1, 1968 Kirk items "Anton Pasic passed away recently in Denver. He is the husband of Ruby Williams , the oldest daughter of Ross Williams, who used to run our local store."

Ruby born Dec 30, 1898, died August 1985, last residence Lexington, Kentucky.

CLYDE - nephew of Andrew and Alma

Clyde O. Williams married Della L. Louk on April 17, 1895 in Fulton County, Illinois.
David Louk 32 and Emily (Luper) Louk 30 were in Fulton County in 1880, with Jeffie 10, Della 8, and Nellie 3.

David Louk 1847-1915 # 121636800 and Emily C. Louk 1850-1916 # 121636858 are buried in Virgil Cemetery, Fulton County.
Emily was the daughter of David Luper and Lois Curtis, who married March 10, 1842. Her sisters were Lucy Ann (married Peter Wood and lived in Brule County, South Dakota), Hulda A. married Lorenzo Barnes of Dakota, and others of Fulton County, Illinois.)
In 1900 Fulton County, Clyde is farming, born March 1868, with Della L. Sept 1872, Hearld January 1896, Lona M. August 1897, and Waldo Sept 1899, all born in Illinois.

They're farming in Sumner County, Kansas in 1910, Clyde 42, Delia L. 39., Harold R. 14, Leora 12, Waldo E. 10, Chelia J. 8, Emma C. 7 - all bonr in Illinois, and David M. 5 in Kansas.

In 1920 Alma Williams is widowed, 73, living in Flagler. Her nephew Clyde Williams 48, a land agent, born in Illinois is with her. Clyde was a "double nephew" - son of Francis Williams and Alma Foster.

In 1930 Clyde O. is farming, living alone in Kit Carson County.

Clyde is back in Bushnell, Illinois in 1940, 72, widowed, a laborer, living with single sister Florence D. 75 and brother Charles L. 66 divorced, an attorney.

October 6, 1953 "Funeral services for Clyde O. Williams, who died here Sunday night, will be held Wednesday at 2 p. m. at the Kugler Funeral Home with the Rev. A. J. Copeland, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating and burial will be in the Bushnell Cemetery. , He was born March 23, 1869 in Fulton County. Friends may call at the funeral home."

Florence Dorcus Williams 1864-1955 is buried in Bushnell # 165463038.

Harold registered for WWI in Arriba, Colorado, born January 29, 1896 at BUshnell, Illinois, single, farming.

Harold R. Williams 1896-1991 is buried in Albuquerque # 64066781.

Lona is teaching in Bushnell, Illinois in 1920, with Chella 18, Emma 16, and David 15, living with aunt Florence Williams 43.
Chella 1901-2010 is buried in Burlington, Iowa # 59437615. "Mrs. Chella Jean Williams Murphy, 108, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at Sunnybrook of Burlington.
Born October 15, 1901 in Harris Township, Fulton County, Illinois, she was the daughter of Clyde Otis and Della Lois Louk Williams. She married Ray Murphy who preceded her in death.
She was the fourth of six children and graduated from Bushnell High School in 1919. Graduated from Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb. She was the oldest surviving graduate of Western, the college itself is only two years older than she.
During World War II she worked as a munitions inspector at Iowa Ordnance Plant. Her remaining career was a teacher, first in a two room school house teaching grades one through fourth and later teaching fourth grade until her retirement at age 70 at Grimes Elementary.
Chella was a member of First Presbyterian Church and enjoyed reading, playing cards especially bridge and collecting antiques.
Survivors include her son, Charles "Chick" Murphy of Roswell, New Mexico; five grandsons, Charlie Murphy, Doyle George, Bobby George, Peter George, and Randy Pohren; and seven great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Jean, three brothers and two sisters.
The memorial service for Chella will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2nd, at First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Deb Kinney will officiate. Interment will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery."

Charles Williams was farming in 1910 McDonough County, married to Mary, living with her parents (Everly). In 1920 he's an attorney, 45, with Mary 44, and daughter Marian 17. Jennie Everly, 68, widowed, is with them.

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