Kit Carson County, Colorado
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Kit Carson County Pioneers:

Barton M. and Agnes Fortney, 7 South 50 West



In 1860 Preston County, West Virginia, Barton Fortney is farming, 46, with Emily 41, Leah 17, David H. 15, BARTON 13, Josia 12, Andrew J. 10, May P. 8, Daniel 6, and Virginia A, 4.


Company B 4th W. Va. Cavalry.
Officers : Captain, Rev. Jeremiah L. Simpson;
lieutenant, Granville Brown;
sergeants, Thomas N. Rogers, Thomas W. Shaw, Abram R, Shriver, Michael Bradshaw, Lewis G. Smith, William A. Hall, and Cornelius S. Howard ;
corporals, Ervin H. Fortney, Harmon Trickett, James M. Ashcraft, William A. McGinnis. William A. W. Zinn, William H. Zinn, Robert M. Butler and Andrew J. Sterling.
Musician - S. F. Greenleaf.
Privates - John B. Austin, Jacob H. Miller, Hiram M. Massie, John H. Binns, John C. Ball, Elias Bolyard, Thomas Brand, James E. Bosley, John W. Bonafield, David C. Brown, Harrison Conley, John G. Everly, Silas M. Fortney, Aquilla A. Fortney, Barton Fortney, William F. Fortney, Milford C. Gibson, F. M. Plarrington, William J. Harrington, Elijah S. Huffman, Joseph Kelley, Samuel B. Kirk, Cyrus Linton, Zadock Lanham, Henry Lyons, James F. Menefee, George W. Metheney, Joseph M. Metheney, Joseph S. Matlick, William W. Mercer, Benjamin Y. McMillen, Ami Orr, Samuel S. B. Renshaw, Mark M. Riley, Sylvanus Reppert, John Springer, Newton J. Scott, Henry A. Smith, Thomas S. Squires, Alexander Shaw, B. F. Shuttlesworth, James W. Smith William H. Smith, Coleman Trickett, Lemuel Turner, Fenton M. Trippett, Isaac Wilkins, John M. Walls, Samuel G. Walls, George H. Zinn, Elisha E. Zinn, William Henry Zinn, George P. Zinn, William H. Hagans (appointed Ser- geant Major).

Hugh Graham and Agnes Tasker married in Preston County in 1874.

Hugh - born about 1830, was with mother Elizabeth in 1870. One record said he married in 1877 ...
Hugh 1828-1894 is buried in Mason County, West Virginia # 82372985, with Rebeca (Martin) Graham 1834-01909.

Barton and Agnes had Thomas D. Fortney on June 27, 1877 in Preston County, West Virginia.

In 1880 Preston County, West Virginia, Barton is 29, a blacksmith, Agnes 28, with Frank 5, and Harry 1. His brother Josiah 35 is also a blacksmith.

In 1900 Decatur County, Kansas, Barton is a blacksmith, married 22 years to Agnes June 1862 Pennsylvania. Harry January 1879, Brown January 1882, and Elmer Sept 1884 were born in West Virginia, Roy Nov 1893 in Kansas.
Barton claimed a quarter in section 28, 7S 50W in 1910.

In 1910 Decatur County, Kansas, Barton is a blacksmith , 64, with Agnes 54, and Roy 15.

July 1910 Oberlin "B. M. Fortney traded his Colorado farm on Monday for a high-wheeled auto."

In 1920 Decatur, Barton is 74, Agnes 61, with Elmer 34 and his wife Ella J. 23 born in Kansas.

Barton M. and Agnes are living with Elmer and Lelah in 1930 Lincoln.

Lincoln, Nebraska May 14, 1934 "Barton M. Fortney, 90, died at his home. 3730 Normal blvd., at 9:20 p. m. Tuesday. Surviving, are his wife, four sons, Harry, Brown, Roy and Elmer, all of Lincoln; stepson, Frank Graham, Harrison, Arkansas, and two grand-children. The body is at Hodgmans."

Barton is buried in Lincoln 1844-1934 # 186492524.

In Everett Washington, Agnes Fortney (wid Barton) is living at 2812 Virginia, apartment C - and so is Elmer (Lelah) a salesman for Louis Sherman. Pearl M. Fortney isa beautician and Roy (Frona) a mechanic are also ther, in Apartment D.

November 1, 1939 "Funeral services for Mrs. Agnes Fortney will be at 3 o'clock Friday at Hodgmans. Rev. Walter Altken officiating. Burial in Lincoln Memorial Park."

November 3, 1939 "MRS. AGNES FORTNEY DIES
Had Been in Everett, Wash., Two Years.
Mrs. Agnes Fortney, 81, Lincoln resident until two years ago, died Sunday at Everett, Washington. her late husband. B. M. Fortney ...husband died in 1934. Surviving are four sons: Harry and Brown of Lincoln, Elmer and Roy of Washington. Funeral and burial will take place in Lincoln. she came to Lincoln 16 years ago from Oberlin, Kansas, and they made their home at "

Her death certificate said she was born June 2, 1858 to Thomas Taster.

May 7, 1933 "Cornhusker Tire Co. of 404 South 11th St., Lincoln, has been appointed dealer, sales and service, for the new Hupmobile. This organization is thoroughly equipped to render good service at fair prices. Roy and Brown Fortney will have complete charge of the service department, carrying a full line of Hupmobile accessories and parts. Every Hupmobile owner, old and new, is assured courteous and square treatment. Friends and Hupmobile owners are cordially invited to inspect the new Silver Anniversary Hupmobile which will be on display the week of May 8 at our show room."

HARRY

Harry A. Fortney married Bertha M. McCauley on August 9, 1904 in Oberlin, Kansas.

August 1929 "Stanley's Inc., of Lincoln and Omaha will open a new store at 1419 O street according to announcement made Friday by Nathan Grossman, secretary treasurer of the company. This store is the second unit in a chain being established in Nebraska, the first having been opened at Omaha. Four others have been opened in Minnesota, Iowa and Kansas.
Harry A. Fortney, for the past twenty-five years associated with Lincoln clothing firms will be the manager of the new Stanley store. Mr. Fortney Is well known in Lin coln and one of the best known clothing men in Nebraska. "I have known Mr. Fortney for the past seventeen years," said Mr. Grossman, "and I am happy that I was able to secure a man like him to manage the Lincoln store. Mr. Fortney is active in the city, has many friends and is a member of several civic organizations. He has a reputation for being fair and square with bis customers. Of the new store, which will be opened, Sept. 24, Mr. Grossman says: "We will give the men and young men of this city and surrounding territory, the greatest clothinr values they ever have been offered. This is possible because of . our buying and selling for cash, : thereby eliminating all credit losses. We will sell products direct from the factory to the con sumer and are further reducing costs by doing away with all fancy fixtures and being located out of the high rent district in our own building."
Men's and young men's suits will be handled along with topcoats, overcoats and tuxedoes at one price, $15. Dave Cehen, New York representative of Stanley's Inc., will be here for the opening of the new store.
Mr. Grossman is one of Lincoln's better known yonng business men. He came to Lincoln in 1911 and went to work for the Armstrong Clothing company and after a time resigned to open a place of his own, known as the Economy Clothing C, and selling $15 clothing: exclusively.
In the fall of 1917 he disposed of his holdings and went to war, going overseas with Company B of the 355th Infantry, eighty-ninth division. Returning from France In 1919 he entered business again, and since has built up his chain in the four states. He also owns a wholesale clothing house in Omaha.
Thru his activities in veterans affairs, Grossman is also well known thruout Nebraska and the middle west In 1927 he was state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and is now commander of Charles A. Fraley post No. 1450 of that organisation in Lincoln. He also belongs to the American Legion, was one of the first to enter the fight that resulted in saving the veterans bureau office to Lincoln and one of those that aided in bringing the Veterans Bureau hospital to Lincoln. Mr. Grossman is active in chamber of commerce affairs, is president of the local post of the Travelers' Protective Association, a member of the Masons, Scottish Rite and Shrine. "
October 27, 1943 Lincoln "Harry A. Fortney, 64, resident of Lincoln for 25 years, died at his home, 3644 A street, Wednesday. He was a member of St. Paul Methodist church. Surviving are his wife, Bertha, and three brothers, Brown, Elmer and Roy, all of Seattle, Wash. "

Harry is buried in Lincoln 1878-1943 # 84413206.

" Bertha Fortney, widow, was named executrix. All property is left to her by terms of the will. Other heirs include three brothers of deceased. Elmer, Seattle, Wash.; Brown and Roy, both of Everett. Wash."
Bertha 1880-1975 is also buried in Lincoln # 84413220.

BROWN

In 1910 Elmer Fortney is in McCook, Nebraska, 24, living with brother Henry B. 28 and his wife Eva 22.

Henry Brown Fortney registered for WWI in Oberlin, born January 19, 1882, a mechanic with Fortney Brothers of Oberlin. His wife is Eva.

Henry died in Washington in 1976, marrying Eva R. Hilton 1888-19678, daughter of John F. Hilton and Rachael Ann Bronson.
He's buried in Everett 1882-1976 # 133663264, with Eva Rose 1888-1968 # 133663196.



Eva's mother had a complicated life - her obituary tells about Eva's siblings...

Rachel Ann Arie was born near Elmwood, Knox County, Illinois, July 4, 1848, and passed away at her home in Superior, Nebraska, August 25, 1932, at the age of 84 years, 1 month, and 21 days.
She was united in marriage to Narcellas J. Logan at Gilson, Knox County, Illinois February 22, 1869. To this union six children were born, Mrs. J.W. Arie of Oakley, Kansas; Mrs. Vadie Geisinger, of Oberlin, Kansas; Narcellas Logan of Tankowa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Charles Jones, Oberlin, Kansas. Two children, James and Willie died in infancy. Mr. Logan passed away February 14, 1881.
On February 13, 1882 she was united in marriage to John F. Hilton at Waco, York Co., Nebraska, who preceded her in death November 4, 1893 at Oakley, Logan County, Kansas. Three children were born to this union, Mrs. P.P. Fringer, Oberlin, Kansas; Mrs. H.E. Carlson, Superior, Nebraska; Mrs. H.B. Fortney, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Mr. and Mrs. Bronson were married at Denver, Colorado November 15, 1907, and have made their home in Superior since 1912.
She is survived by her husband, the children we have mentioned, twenty-three grandchildren, forty-five great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

ELMER

In 1910 Elmer is in McCook, Nebraska, 24, living with brother Henry B. 28 and his wife Eva 22.

In 1930 Lincoln, Elmer 43 and Lelah 33 are living with Agnes 71 and Barton 86 Fortney.

In 1940 Everett, Washington, Elmer is 54, a shoe salesman, with Lelah 48 born in Kansas. They were in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1935.

Next to them are Roy Fortney 46, an auto mechanic, with Frona 44, Pearl M. a beautician and Leonard 22 a clerk

October 17, 1941 Monroe, Washington
"Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Fortney left this week for Raymond, Washington, where Mr. Fortney will be engaged in the shoe business."

When Elmer registered for WWII, he said he was born Sept 20, 1884 in Kingwood, County, West Virginia, living at 4331 30th Avenue West, Seattle, working at Fort Lawton, Seattle. Roy Fortney of Everett was his reference.

Elmer 1884-1963 is buried in Yakima # 79457570.

One post said that Leile Elliot 1898-1984 buried in Davis, California # 40359415 was Elmer's wife.


ROY

Frona Handwerk was in Decatur County, Kansas in 1900, born January 1896 in Kansas. Ambrose is 49 born in Germany, Catherine 42 in Wisconsin. they have nine kids.

Ambrose 1850-1906 is buried in Oberlin # 60422544. with Katherine 1856-1929 # 60422540.

Roy Fortney and Frona M. Handwerk had Pearl Marie on June 17, 1916 in Oberlin, CKansass, dying as Hetzel on Dec 12, 1987.

Roy is an auto mechanic in 1920 Oberlin, Kansas, 25, with Frona M. 23 born in Kansas. , Pearl M. 3 and Roy L. 1.

Frona 1896-1985 is buried in Snohomish County # 117446631, with Roy 1893-1981 # 117446674.

FRANK

In 1900 Decatur County, Kansas, Frank Graham has no occupation, born Sept 1874 in West Virginia, father in Scotland. He's married three years to May A. Feb 1870 in Illiois, with her children G. Mearns Nov 1887, Jeanette A. August 1892, and May Dec 1896 in Kansas. They have Bernice born April 1900 in Kansas.

Andrew Mearns, born 1864 in Newfoundland, died in Oberlin in 1987.
He had married Anna May Colvin, who was in Decatur County in 1880, age 10, with parents Homer 36 and Francis 32. Lew W. is 12 and Ella J. 7.

Anna's father # 25249941 says:
elected the first Mayor of St Cloud. He was afterwards re-elected and help the same office until his indisposition forced him to resign. Under his administration St. Cloud grew from a few scattered houses, to a city of 3,000 inhabitants.
Brother Colvin was a man of superior executive ability, and occupied many public offices, with credit to himself.
He was the first County Superintendent of Decatur County, Kansas and afterwards County Clerk of the same county.
He was the first Post Commander of the G. A. R. Post of the city of Oberlin, Decatur County, Kansas and served with the 72nd Ill Infantry.
Early in the Sixties, when a mere boy, he shouldered the musket and went to the service of his county for three years.
He was wounded at the battle of Franklin, December 14, 1864, and it is supposed these wounds were indirectly the cause of his death.
He was joined in the bonds of holy matrimony to Frances Caroline Pelton, on October 15, 1866, at Barrington, Illinois.
Shortly after the close of the war, he was made a Mason.
He was buried on October 22, 1913 in due form at Mount Peace Cemetery St. Cloud, Florida, by St. Cloud Lodge, U. D. F. and A. M.

Frances G. Colvin 1847-1920 is buried in the same cemetery # 58184788.


The Grahams are still in Decatur County in 1905, Frank 30, May 35, Gordon Mearns 17, Jaquetta Mearns 12, Frances Merans 9, Bernice Graham 4, and Helen Graham 2.

Frank and May are in Osceola County, Florida in 1910, no occupation, 36, with May 42, Gordon Means 22 a laborer, Jenaetta A. 17, May 13, and Bernice Graham 10 and Helen 7, all kids born in Kansas.
They're farming in Boone County, Arkansas in 1920, with the five kids still with them.


Frank is a taxi driver in Harrison, Arkansas in 1930, 55, with May, Gordon also a taxi driver, and Jenaette Mearns a seamstress, and the Graham sisters Bernice 29 a secretary and Helen 27 a bookkeeper.

1930 Harrison, Arkansas "Mrs. Frank Graham and daughter, Berenice and Helen, Miss Jack Mearnes and Gordon Mearnes have returned from a visit in Oklahoma."

1931 Harrison "Misses Bernice and Helen Graham, and Mr. Paul Atkins will return Sunday to Kansas City after spending the Thanksgiving holidays here with Mr. and Mrs. Frank Graham."

Frank 64, May 70, Gordon Mearns 51 and Jaquetta 47 are together in 1940 Harrison.
Anna May Graham, 74, died in Boone County April 16, 1944.

Jaquetta Mearns, per one tree, born August 28, 1892 in Logan County, Kanss, died in Borger Texas.

Wilbert R. Upson of Oberlin Kanss, age 24, married May Frances Mearns, 24, in Harrison on October 19, 1921.
Wilbert, resident of Borger, died in Dallas on February 16, 1968, to be buried in Westlawn Memorial Park, Borger. His parents were William Fletcher Upson and Matilda Penny.
FindaGrave # 50551131 has his first name as WILBART.

Frances died in Potter County, Texas on April 15, 1972 as Frances Upson, single.
# 50551129 says :
Funeral services for Mrs. Frances Mearns Upson, 76, of 407 Caliche, will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday from Ed Brown & Sons Chapel of the Fountains with the Rev. Robert Presnall, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating.
Interment will follow in Westlawn Memorial Park under the direction of Ed Brown & Sons Funeral Directors.
Mrs. Upson died at 10 p.m. Saturday at High Plains Baptist Hospital in Amarillo. She had been a resident of Borger since 1943.
Survivors include one son, R.M. Upson of Borger; three daughters, Mrs. W.E. Sosebee of Dumas, Mrs. W.D. Bales of Etter, Mrs. Glen White of Pasadena; one sister, Miss Jack Mearns of Borger; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jacquelin A. Mearns, born August 28, 1892, "widowed" a dress shop owner, daughter of Andrew Means and Ann Colvin, died in Borger December 30, 1981, to be cremated by Laurel Land in Fort Worth Texas.
Catherine Upson - perhaps a niece - was the informant.

In 1940 Atlanta, Georgia, there's a Bernice Graham, single, 39, born in Kansas, a ssistan manager of a cosmetics firm,. She was in Kansas City in 1935.

Bernice Graham died January 22, 1963 in Kansas City, Missouri, cremated, per # 1252096667.

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