Yuma County, Colorado Photographs

Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Reuben and Mary Jane "Millie" (Ward) Blank , Burlington, Hughes, and Joes


In 1885 Hitchcock County, Nebraska, "Marvin" and Emma Blank are farming, both 31. Fred is 10, Samuel 8, Irving 6, Reuben 4, and Susan 2.

In 1900 Washington County, Kansas, Emma J. born Nov 1855 in Illinois, is married twelve years to Jasper A. Bishop Dec 1862 Wisconsin. Orville J. is 8, Asa E. 5, and Asher R. 3. Susan M. Blank, stepdaughter of Jasper, is 17.

It looks as though Jasper is single in 1910, and in 1920 is married to Bertha, and is buried in Cedar County, Missouri 1862-1952 # 29700934.

February 1915 "Mrs. Bishop from Yuma spent a few days last week with her children, Mrs. J. B. Hillyer and Ruben Blank "


January 26, 1912 Eckley "Asa Bishop went to Burlington Monday for a brief visit with his brother." This must be Reuben..

In 1880 Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, William F. Ward is 26, Francis L. 25, John M. 4, Charles B. 2, and MARY J. eight months.

1922 Decatur, Illinois " Mrs. Lucy Carter aged 60 years, died in her home in Palisade, Neb., Sunday, Feb. 26, after a long period of ill health. Until her removal to Nebraska IS years ago, Mrs. Carter had made her home in Macon county and was a member of Salem Baptist church. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Ward. She leaves her husband and two children. Also she leaves the following named sisters: Mrs. Sarah Wicks, Girard, Kan.; Mrs. Margaret Fressler. Pittsburg, Kas.; Mrs. Harriet Gardener, Edinburg, and Mrs. Rebecca K. Rose, Decatur; also one brother, W. F. Ward, Palisade, Neb. The burial was in Palisade."

William Frank Ward, born August 1853 in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania to Levi Ward and Jane Bennett, died November 4, 1923 in Elwood City, Lawrence County, informant John M. Ward of Palisade, Nebraska. He was to be buried in Slippery Rock.
# 24865231 says "William was the son of Levi and Jane Ward. He married Francis L. Grandey on August 25, 1876. They had four children. "

John M. Ward 1876-1957 is buried in Hitchcock County, Nebraska, # 11888753, with Mollie B. (Wise) Ward 1880-1939.
He would be Millie's brother.
January 1946 "Miss Ruth Molkentine, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Molkentine of Stratton, and Richard P. Ward, son of John M. Ward of Palisade, were united in marriage at Stratton at 4 o'clock p. m., Thursday, December 27. Rev. H. W. Jackman, pastor of the Community Methodist church, officiated. Attendants were Miss Colene Dahnke and Leonard Dahnke. The bride has taught in the rural schools of Hitchcock county for the past several years. Mr. Ward was graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1941. He entered the army in October of 1942, went to Europe with the 442nd troop group, returning to the States in November and received his discharge a month later. Following the ceremony a wedding dinner was held in McCook. Mr. and Mrs. Ward will make their home in Palisade, where Mr. Ward is employed."

John and Mollie (Wise) Ward's daughter Grayce Jones died in Cooper County, Missouri, in 1952, wife of Dr. M.A. Jones.
She's buried in Boonville # 95481021.


In 1900 Hitchcock County, Nebraska, Mary J. Ward , born October 1879 in Pennsylvania, is with William F. 46 and Frances L. 45. Charles B. is 22.

Stella Droke is with sister Francis Ward in 1905 Sedgwick County, Kansas. Francis is 31, married to M.E. 38, and Mattie Smith is 19.
Francie L. is widowed in 1920 Grant County, Nebraska, 65, living with son Charles B. 42.

In 1930 Hitchcock County, John N. is 54, Mollie 40, Grace 22, Donald J. 18, Julia F. 14, Richard P. 11, William R. 8, and his mother Frances L. 75 widowed.
December 1938 "Mrs. Fannie Ward, mother of Mrs. Millie Blank who makes her home at the Blank home, was reported quite ill over the week end."

In 1940 Yuma County, Francis L. is living with daughter Mary J. Blank, 60, both widowed. Chalmers Blank is 21, Asher S. 19. Norbert "Scury" is a blacksmith lodger, 28, born in Kansas. Next household is M. Glenn Blank.

December 4, 1944 Lincoln Star "Mrs. Frances Ward, 89, Palisade, Neb., died in Lincoln Monday morning. Surviving are a son, John W., Palisade, and two grand-children."

December 6, 1944 - Nebraska State Journal " WARD- funeral and burial of Mrs. Francis L. Ward at Palisade."

December 14, 1944 Joes items "Mrs. ?? Ward, aged mother of Mrs. Millie Blank, was buried Wednesday at Palisade Nebraska. The Glen Blank family went from here to the funeral. Mrs. Ward spent many months here with her daughter before the Blanks left the community. Ms. Ward would have been 89 years old in February."

October 23, 1941 "Mrs. Fannie Ward accompanied her son home to Palisade, Nebraska, for a several weeks, while her daughter, Mrs. Millie Blank, with whom she has been making her home, takes a vacation trip to California to be present at he son, Pat's, graduation from aviation training."


In 1910 Kit Carson County, Reuben Blank is farming, 29, born in Iowa, with Mary 30 Pennsylvania, Chauncey 3, Vigil 2, and month-old Von, all sons born in Nebraska.

Reuben W. Blank claimed two quarters in 27, 10S 44W - east of Bulington in Kit Carson County, in 1913.

October 22, 1914 Eckley items "Mrs. Ward from Palisade, Neb., is here visiting her daughter, Mrs. Reuben Blank."

April 1, 1915 Eckley "Reuben Blank and family spent Wednesday with his sister, Mrs. J. B. Hillyer."
Reuben Wesley Blank registered with a Happyville address, born October 15, 1880, with Millie Jane Blank.
In 1925 Yuma County, they have "Clancey" 13, Vergil 11, Vaughn 9, Glenn M. 7, Frances S. 5, Millie E. 4, and Chalmers 1.


May 2, 1925
May 14, 1925 "Mrs. Ward came in from Palisade, Nebraska on the noon train Wednesday and is a guest at the home of her daughter Mrs. Millie Blank, southeast of Yuma."

May 9, 1929 Hughes items "Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Blank and children moved to their new home last Thursday, known as the Vibber place."

In 1930 Yuma County, Reuben is farming, 49, with Nellie 50 born in Pennsylvania. Chauncey is 23, Millie 14, Chalmers 11, and Asher 9.

August 20, 1931 "Mrs. and Mrs. Ruben Blank and family of north of Joes and Mr. Blank's mother, Mrs. Bishop, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Scruby at Kirk.

Reuben Wesley Blank 1880-1933 is buried in Yuma, # 48448412, with Mary Jane "Millie" (Ward) Blank # 48448410, 1879-1969.

July 6, 1933


August 20, 1931 "Mrs. and Mrs. Ruben Blank and family of north of Joes and Mr. Blank's mother, Mrs. Bishop, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Scruby at Kirk.

July 1933 "R.W. Blank, 52, a resident of western Yuma County since 1913, died of cancer of the stomach at the L.F. Hillyer home in Yuma at 12:30 Wednesday afternoon."
February 25, 1937
This would be Mildred E. Blank, buried in Yuma # 48448411.

February 5, 1942 Joes items

June 5, 1943

June 1961 "The Virgil Blanks of Denver brought Mrs. Millie Blank home on Wednesday evening of last week, after a visit of several days in their home and with the Vaughn Blanks."
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May 9, 1929 Hughes items "Pat Blank has been spending a few days with his brother and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Blank."

August 27, 1942

January 21, 1943
September 1944

April 5, 1945

May 10, 1945 Steamboat Springs "Captain Pat Blank, who has been stationed at Stockton Field, Calif., as a pilot instructor, has been transferred to Lincoln, Neb., to take instruction as a transport pilot. In the show, Winged Victory, he hands out the wings to the men in the squadron. Captain Blank is a brother-in-law of Mrs. Reno B. Chritton of Sidney and has visited here several times."


May 22, 1958 Joes items "Mrs. Millie Blank and the Glen Blanks enjoyed a visit last week with Mr. and Mrs. Pat Blank of Sacramento, California.Pat looked the town over and decided it didn't look much like it did when he was in store business several years ago."

August 17, 1961 "Pat Blank of California spent some time here last week with his mother, Mrs. Millie Blank and his brother, Glen. Mrs. Naomi Blank of Denve came earlier and took Mrs. Blank to Denver and Pat bought her back on Friday."

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Vaughn Blank married Nellie Turnbull on December 21, 1929, recorded in Kit Carson County.


In 1931 Vaughn was living by Abarr, in 1935 at Wauneta, Nebraska.

In 1940 Yuma County, Vaughn is a cafe attendant, living on South Ash Street in Yuma, 30, with Nellie S. 27 born in Kansas, Deloris I. 9 in Colorado, and Carol Ann 7 in Nebraska. All were living at Wauneta in 1935.


August 28, 1941 "The Vaughn Blank family of Denver visited Sunday with Mrs. Millie Blank and her mother, Mrs. Fannie WSard. They, with the Glenn Blank family, took dinner in Joes and Sunday evening supper at the Glenn Blank home in the country."


Vaughn's mother-in-law was Roberta Turnbull 1888-1965 buried in Yuma, # 64694119, with Edward Marshall Turnbull 1887-1956.

Fred Vaughn Blank 1910-1987 is buried in Littleton # 139263961.
So is Nellie S. Blank 1917-2012 # 139263970.

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May 3, 1945 "Paymaster Chalmers Blank of the Marines was recently married at Washington, D.C. Mrs. Blank is a Utah girl and is serving her country in the ladies branch of the marines."

June 6, 1946

Chalmers 1918-1995 died in San Bernardino County, # 58477320, burial place unknown, spouse Ann (Grill) Blank 1918-2001
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March 2, 1929 "Chauncey Blank hauled feed from the Sam Weaver place near Joes for his brother Virgil.

Chauncey W. Blank married Evelyn "Sumner" on June 3, 1934, recorded in Gand County, Colorado.

Chancey died in 1939, and is buried in Steamboat Springs # 56370419.
"Chauncey W. Blank passed away at Englewood, Colorado, Monday, June 26. He had been ill for about two years, and seriously ill for several weeks. His body was shipped to Steamboat Springs on the train Tuesday night. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Steamboat Springs.

Rev. G. E. Pennell was in charge of the service. His daughter, Ruth played the piano accompaniments for the songs "An Evening Prayer" and "In the Garden," which were favorite songs of Mr. BLANK. The singers were Dr. E. A. Jackson, D. P. Rankin, Mrs. Claude Beverly and Mrs. D. P. Rankin. Pallbearers were R. S. PADGETT, John CHEEK, George KEMRY, John SANDELIN, Walter HILL and Albert HILL.

The service was attended by relatives and friends. At the request of the family there were no flowers. Interment was in the Steamboat Springs cemetery. A. W. Heyer was funeral director.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Summer Blank, his mother, Mrs. Millie Blank, five brothers, Virgil of Morrison, Colorado, Glenn of Greeley, Vaughn of Yuma, Pat and Chalmers of Joes, Colorado. His mother also lives at Joes. His mother and brothers, except Glenn, came to Steamboat Springs for the funeral service. Mrs. Virgil BLANK also came. His wife came from Denver Tuesday accompanied by her aunt, Mrs. M. P. CHARRON.

Chauncey W. Blank was born January 16, 1907, at Palisade, Nebraska. A few years later the family moved to eastern Colorado, living near Burlington and Joes. On June 3, 1934, he was married to Evelyn Summer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Summer of Sidney. They made their home in Yuma county near Joes, where he was engaged in farming, until two years ago when they moved to Denver.

Chauncey Blank had an amiable disposition, always considerate and thoughtful of others. Even in his last serious illness, he was patient and uncomplaining. He was appreciative of the attention he received. He was a talented musician and he found much pleasure in his playing. His friendship was valued by many in this section, where he had visited often.

Mrs. Blank will remain at the home of her parents at Sidney until July 5, when she will return to Denver to resume her teaching in a nursery school. She has been devoted to her husband and lost no opportunity to make him comfortable and happy during his illness.

(Published in The Steamboat Pilot (Steamboat Springs, CO), June 29, 1939.)"

His wife remarried, and died in 1959

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Virgil Blank married Naomi Jackson July 1, 1928, recorded in Yuma County.

August 9, 1928 - Hughes items "Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Blank left Monday, going to Kremmling, Colorado to help his father for a while. They were accompanied as far as Elizabeth by her mother, Mrs. Sam Jackson."
November 29, 1928 "Mrs. Virgil Blank arrived home from Elizabeth, Colorado, Friday to visit home folks and stay with Miss Opal while their parents go to Goodland, Kansas for medical treatment."
February 28, 1929

March 2, 1929 "Virgil Blank has rented the A.G. Moerer place and expects to move there soon."

December 18, 1930


February 22, 1940 "Virgil Blank, of Englewood, is suffering from pneumonia."

June 8, 1950

Virgil 1908-1973 is buried in Littleton # 139263989.

Naomi N. Blank 1909-1979 is buried in Littleton # 139264000.
June 29, 1961
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Glenn Blank was born in Burlington, moving with his family north of Eckley in 1917 as an infant. In 1942, he purchased a farm near Joes, and farmed until 1960 when he went into the trucking business. He moved to Wray in 1964 and was employed by an automobile agency for two years. He was a city patrolman for Wray, and in 1964 ran for county sheriff. He was married to Betty at the time of the campaign.

Greeley September 23, 1935 "Announcement of the marriage of Miss Edva Gigoux and Glenn Blank, which look place in the home of Rev. Key of LaSalle at ?? o'clock Thursday evening, was made to friends over the week end. The couple was attended by the bride's mother, Mrs. Ed Gigoux. Mrs. Blank was charming in a lovely wisteria crepe frock, fashioned simply on long, soft lines. The couple have gone to Joes, to visit with his parents, and to Wauneta, Nebr., on their honeymoon trip. They plan to return to Greeley within a short time to make their home here."

September 26, 1935 Joes items

March 17, 1938 "Virgil Pryor of LaSalle and Mrs. Gigoux of Evans were issued a marriage license. Virgil is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Priyor and a former Joes boy."

July 27, 1939

February 8, 1940

March 7, 1940 Joes items "Mr. and Mrs. Ed Gigoux and son, of Greeley, visited here over the week end with their daughter, Mrs. Glenn Blank. The group enjoyed a family dinner Sunday at the Scott Wince home. Mrs. Stella Pryor and LeRoy were also included. Mrs. Gigoux is an aunt of Mrs. Wince."

April 1940

In 1940 Yuma County, M. Glenn is 25, Edva A. 24, Glennyola A. 3, Barbara R. 2, and Betty Lou 1.

October 2, 1941 "Mr. and Mrs. Ed 'Gigioux' of Greeley, moved in last week with their daughter, Mrs. Glenn Blank, and family. Mr. Gigioux expects to work at farm work."
October 11, 1951

June 9, 1955

July 11, 1957

September 18, 1958 "Mrs. Edva Blank received word on Sunday that her father, Ed Gigoux of Hayward California had died early Sunday with a heart attack. Edva left at once for Denver and accompanied her sister and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Jackson. She phoned back that the funeral was being held at 'Wayward' on Tuesday afternoon and interment made thre."

October 2, 1958

August 21, 1975 "Mrs. Iva Gigoux's daughter, Mrs. Alice Jackson of Berkeley Heights, New Jersy, is spending time with her mother. Mrs. Don Geringer and Mr. and Mrs. Millard Smith of Denver also visited Mrs. Gigoux."

July 14, 1960 "The Blank sisters, Betty of Denver, and Glenzola of Wheatland, Wyoming, are spending their vacations here with their parents, the Glen Blanks.
"Ray Gigoux and family of Pampa Texas came last week for a visit and the Roy Jacksons of Denver came on the week end for a family reunion at the Blank home on Sunday."

July 13, 1961
Edva Ann Blank 1916-1961 is buried in Yuma # 48448407, with Glenn 1912-1982.





April 11, 1963 "Mr. and Mrs. Scott Wince visited at the Stella Pryor and Iva Gigoux homes in Yuma Sunday afternoon."
February 1965 Yuma "Mrs. Alice Jackson and Sandra, of Denver, visited their mother and grandmother, Mrs. Ivy Gigoux, last week.

Edva's mother, Iva Violet (Pryor) Gigoux is buried in Yuma 1888-1975 # 49997206. She's in the same plot as Glenn and Edva Ann.

In 1930 Garfield County, Oklahoma, Stella born Sept 1889 in Kansas, is with Alex March 1866 Illinois and Minerva July 1869 Indiana. Janey is 8, Anne 5, and Dorothy 3.
Alex was in Garfield County in 1899
October 30, 1930 Joes items "Mrs. Lloyd Pryor received a message from Enid, Oklahoma, Monday, that her father was not expected to live. She started at once to help care for him."
September 24, 1931
David Alexander Droke 1866-1930 is buried in Garfield County, Oklahoma # 60472982, with Minerva M. 1869-1961 # 60472984.

August 28, 1975



September 4, 1975 - card of thanks from Delta and Ray Gigoux and Alice and Roy Jackson.

September 28, 1961

October 14, 1982
Glenn 1912-1982 is buried in Yuma # 48448409.


December 1911 Eckley items "F. H. Blank arrived from Palisade, Nebr., last Sunday to spend Christmas with relatives."

1954 "Miss Glenzola Blank has been accepted at St. Lukes hospital in Denver for student nurses training. She will be taking work at ?? University for a time before entering the hospital." 1955 Glenzola received her nurses' cap. April 12, 1962 1957 "The Blank sisters, 'Genzola' and Betty, are home from Denver on a vacation. The other sister, Mrs. Barbara Marr and baby are expected to arrive this week." December 29, 1961 1963 "Glenzola Kempf and Barbara Gerenger and children of Wyoming visited Joes n the week end with their father Glen Blank. They also visited their grandmother Mrs. Millie Blank in Wray on Sunday." In 1966 Vera Wince received a letter from her cousin Glenzola in Ipswich, England," where S.Sgt Chester Kempf was stationed. They have a little daughter Janet, and Chester has two more years of service there." GERINGER, Betty Lou BLANK; 60; P; Greeley CO>Glendoe WY; GIGOUX; 18 Jun 1999 December 29, 1960 Barbara Ray "Bobby" Geringer, 65, of rural Johnstown died May 29, 2003, at her home. She was born Jan. 10, 1938, in Greeley to Glenn and Edva Gigoux Blank. She grew up in eastern Colorado and graduated from Joes High School in 1955. She married Donald Geringer on Oct. 1, 1960, in Wheatland, Wyo. She stayed home to raise her children until 1973, when she went to work for Safeway stores. She started as a caddy and then worked as a retail clerk up to her retirement in July 1993. She was known as an outstanding clerk for Safeway at the Broomfield store. Since her retirement, she and her husband spent life in their recreational vehicle and began seriously traveling about three years ago when Mr. Geringer retired. They spent the past three winters in Mesquite, Nev. Mrs. Geringer was a member of the United Church of Christ of Wheatland and the Good Sams Club. She also was a member of United Food and Commercial Workers No. 7. She enjoyed crocheting, working jigsaw puzzles and collecting frogs and glass bells from their travels. She was an avid reader and a musician. She played the organ and accordion. She and daughter Donna took accordion lessons together, and she taught her son, Russell, to play the organ. She enjoyed a good polka. She is survived by her husband, Donald Geringer; a son, Russell Glenn Marr and wife Elizabeth of Broomfield; two daughters, Glenda Ann McFaddin and husband Steve of Thornton, and Donna Ray Geringer of Windsor; a sister, Glenzola Kempf of Glendale, Ariz.; and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Lou Blank Geringer. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Adamson Memorial Windsor Chapel. Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Bethel Lutheran Church, 328 Walnut in Windsor Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Windsor.

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