Yuma County, Colorado
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Yuma County Pioneer Photographs:

Simeon Marion  and Zelda Jane (MAVITY) Yates

In 1900 Jefferson County, Nebraska  Simeon born March 1862 in Danville, Illinois and  Wyeletria July 1858 in Tarkio Missouri have Chester May 1887 , Gloyd May 1889, Gloy May 1889, Lena August 1891, Stanley June 1892, Ruby November 1894, and Hester December 1899.  All the kids born in Nebraska.

The East Yuma History says "Simeon "moved to Crab Orchard, Nebraska, where he worked as ranch hand.  Several children were born, the first "Chester Alan Arthur Yates, ..twins Floy (Mrs. Dave Riggle) and Floyd, Lena (Mrs. Henry Coffman), Stanley, Ruby (Mrs. Wm. Birley) Faust and Mildred (Mrsl Lloyd McCormick) A half sister Nellie and a sister died in 1897 and 1898 respectively."

Her tombstone in Wray says ZRELDA - and the FindAGrave listing says she was born to William Wesley Mavity and Mary YORK Mavity Stinson.

In 1910 Hayes County Nebraska Si. M is 48, Zelda J. 52, Floyd 20, Rubie B. 15, Faust M. 10, Mildred J. 6, Chester A. 22 and  his wife Bessie M. 20.

In 1912 a neighbor, Mrs. Joslin, wrote home "Mr. Yates said he knew of a man that would give seven hundred spot cash, for his claim."

in 1920 Weld Precinct - between Buell Eckman and Sheridan O'Neal - so that's definitely Wages - Simeon is farming, and he and Zrelda have Faust M. 20 and Mildred Z, 16

In 1930  and 1940 Wray Simeon and Zrelda are alone. - In 1940 they're on the census line just above son Chester.

FindAGrave has Simeon March 26, 1862 - February 10, 1941

and Zrelda July 11, 1858 - April 1, 1943 in the Wray cemetery.

Told to me by Ruby Beatrice (Yates) Bireley 1985,  Kathy Bireley      Kathy94550@comcast.net

Zrelda was married first to an Osca Sinclair / Saint Claire, and had two children Osca Jr. died in infancy and Nellie died August 1897 at age 18.

 Daddy (Simeon) and his son Stanley came to Colorado from Nebraska by covered wagon and built a sod house for the rest of the family.  Ruby was approximately 12 when she finally came to Colorado by covered wagon with the family to homestead.  Momma (Zerelda) loved to cook alongside the road during the trip.  We farmed corn and peanuts, I remember us kids going behind the plow and picking up the peanuts.  In Nebraska daddy share- cropped.  The privy was down the hill from the framed house that was built next to the soddie. 

Daddy's brother Silas lived with us, we went to church all the time, and the whole family rode together in a lumber wagon.

 Zrelda lived with her grandfather when she was little, her parents died early.  Zrelda's grandfather was a York.

 Brother Faust was offered ΒΌ of the farmland but he didn't want it, he became a teacher and later ran an alcohol rehab home in Oregon. 

My older sister Lena's husband worked on a farm for William Bireley.  They lived on his farm and Lena did the cooking for the men.  Ruby would visit Lena and later married William in her fathers, Simeon's house. 

 

RUBY BEATRICE

In 1900 Glendale - near Vernon - James F. and Emma Bireley have William J. 13, John F. 9, Bertha F. 4, and Charles M. five months.  Emma is almost surely the sister of Charles J. Yenter, who settled near Eckley.

In 1910 Wray (might be the same location) James R. Burely and Emma have John 19, Frances B. 14. Arthur D, 9, and Frank A. 5.

Will is renting a farm near Wray, and his grandfather James W., 77, widowed, is living with him.

William J. "Bereley" and Ruby B. Yates married May 14, 1913 in Holyoke.

William James Bireley registered for WWI in Wray, saying he was born March 6, 1887 in Culbertson, Nebraska.

In 1920 Wray William Bireley is farming, and they have Gerald 4, and Edna 2.

William J. Bireley and Ruby B. Bireley had a divorce case in 1929 in Yuma County.

In 1930 Livermore William is a motorman, and he and Ruby have Edna 12, Doris 8, Elsie 6, and Gerald 16.

In 1940 Livermore, California Ruby B. Bireley is 46, widowed, a practical nurse at a county hospital.  .  With her are Doris V. 18 and Elsie M. 16 have no occupation.  Son Gerald W. 26 is an auto mechanic, married to Audra M. 28 - Kansas, and they have Gerald E. 3, California.  All the Bireley kids born in Colorado.

THANKS TO kathy94550@comcast.net

     

Four Children to Ruby Beatrice Yates and William James Bireley

Gerald William Bireley b-May 1914 Wray, Yuma Co., Colorado d-Livermore, Alameda Co., California

m-02 October 1935, Audra May McCarter

2 Children: Jerry Eldon Bireley & Kathleen A. Bireley

Edna Fern Bireley b-August 1917

m-11 June 1938, Eldred Euleus Chance

2 Children: Janet Ruby Chance Buckley & Thomas Eldred Chance

Doris Vivian Bireley b-June 1921 d-2005

m-15 February 1942, Bertram Senkenberg Christensen

2 Children: Andrew Bertram Christensen &

Diana Vivian Christensen House Perlicheck Gould

Elsie Mildred Bireley b-Sept. 1923 d-

m-Robert Frydendal

1Child: Bobby Frydendal

　　

Six Children to Emma. Yenter & James Frederick Bireley d-13 April 1941, Grand Junction CO

Past Noble Grand IOOF Wray, CO

William James Bireley b-06 Mar.1887, Trenton Nebraska d-06 July 1950, Salida, Colorado

m-1st Ruby Yates, 12 May 1913 2nd Grace Edna

4 Children by Ruby: Gerald, Edna, Doris & Elsie

John Fredrick Bireley b-21 Jan. 1891, Wray Colorado d-13 June 1952

m-02 April 1916, Mary E. Noffsinger

Maude J. Bireley b-18 March 1893, Wray Colorado d-16 Feb. 1897 (4Years) Idaho Springs, Colorado

Bertha Frances Bireley b-13 April 1896, Idaho Springs, Clear Creek Co., Colorado

m-26 Sept. 1916, Jewell Paris

Arthur Daniel Bireley b-11 Dec. 1898, Wray Colorado d-1955

m-21 April 1941, Flora Wagner Kinizey

Frank Arthur Bireley b-25 August 1905, Wray Colorado, Staff Sergeant, Army d-07 Feb. 1983

m- Edith M.

 

Orchard Mesa Cemetery - near Grand Junction Colorado, has the following:

William James Bireley March 6, 1887 June 6, 1950

John Fredrick Bireley January 21, 1891 June 13, 1952

Bireley Emma E.May 10, 1867 June 5, 1946

Arthur D. Bireley 1898 - 1955 FOE
 

MILDRED

1919  "Miss Mildred Yates left Sunday morning for Denver, where she will undergo an operation for appendicitis."

Holyoke Enterprise, July 16, 1964, Holyoke, Colorado

MRS. LLOYD McCORMICK DIES SUDDENLY

Mrs. Lloyd McCormick of Holyoke, widely known restaurant operator and resident of this area for more than 50 years, died unexpectedly early Thursday morning, July 9, 1964, after a sudden heart attack.

Mrs. McCormick, who was 60 years of age, had worked as usual Wednesday and until late that night at Mildred's Cafe, which she and her husband owned and operated. After going home, she became ill and Mr. McCormick took her to the hospital. Mrs. McCormick had got out of the car in front of the hospital and was walking toward the entrance when she collapsed and passed away.

Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Holyoke Christian Church. Officiating minister was James Dobyns, minister of that church. Approximately 500 persons attended the service. Interment was at Holyoke Memorial Park, with arrangements in charge of the Lewis Funeral Home.

A daughter of Simeon and Zrelda Jane Yates, Zrelda Mildred Yates was born on October 16, 1903, at Fairbury, Nebraska, where she spent her early childhood. In 1910 the Yates family moved to a homestead southwest of Holyoke at the edge of Yuma County. Mildred attended Yuma County schools.

On April 24, 1923, she was united in marriage to Lloyd McCormick at the home of a brother, Floyd Yates, at Wauneta, Colorado. To this union five children were born, four of whom survive.

Mr. and Mrs. McCormick were engaged in farming and ranching in the Wages community southwest of Holyoke until 1957 when they moved to Holyoke. For two years they operated the Narrow Gauge Cafe, now gone, which was located near the northeast corner of Holyoke's main highway intersection. Five years ago they moved to the present location on North Interocean Avenue. They purchased the building from Ward Zeiler several months ago and recently completed a remodeling project.

Mrs. McCormick was a member of the Wages Methodist Church and took an active part in church activities while living in that community. She served as president of the Women's Society of Christian service of the Wages church for several years. She was also a member of Navy Mother's club, Royal Neighbors of America, Business and Professional Women's club of Holyoke, and the Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include her husband, Lloyd; four sons, Willis, Lyle, Eldon and Dale, all of Holyoke; three daughters-in-law, Norma, Connie and Bette Lou; eight grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley Yates, Shelton, Washington, and Faust Yates, Tacoma, Washington; two sisters, Mrs. Lena Coffman, Sultan, Washington and Mrs. Ruby Bireley, Livermore, California; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding Mrs. McCormick in death were her parents; one daughter who died in infancy; two brothers, Chester and Floyd Yates; and one sister, Mrs. Floy Riggle.
(Thanks to Vicki C.) 

STANLEY

Stanley Simeon Yates registered for WWI in Holyoke, saying he was born June 7, 1893 at Crab Orchard, Nebraska.

Stanley S. Yates married Anna Mae Baker June 11, 1917.

 In 1920 Weld Precinct Stanley S. is 27, born Nebraska, Annie M. 24, Nebraska, and Harley S. twenty months - Colorado

In 1930 Wray Stanley is a garage mechanic,   Besides Harley, Stanley and Annie May they have Thelma M. 9, Warren D. 7, and Glen R. fifteen months - all four kids born in Colorado

In 1940 Wray Stanley still has a garage, and Harley is a freight truck driver.  Thelma, Warren and Glenn don't have occupations.
 

In 1963 Shelton Washington ""also returning home this week were the Stanley Yates from a trip to Colorado and Nebraska.  Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Yates, brother Faust Yates of Tacoma, and sister Mrs. Lena Coffman, of Sultan, left from Tacoma by train to go to a family reunion in Holyoke, Colo.

They were met in Denver, Colo. by Stan's sister, Mrs. Ruby Bireley from Livermore, Calif,., and were also joined by Stan's other sister, Mildred McCormick, and husband of Holyoke.  At Holyoke they were joined by many other relatives and friends. 

From Holyoke they traveled to McCook, Neb., for another reunion with Ann's folks, the Bakers.

The Yates family have many old friends in the vicinity as the whole family homesteaded there in 1910.  Stanly and his family lived there most of the time until they came to Washington in 1950.

The Yates report a very nice trip, visiting with relatives and old friends saddened by the sudden death of Mrs. Yates brother of Fort Wayne, Ind. who was in Nebraska for the family gathering.  We offer our deepest sympathy."

In 1964 Shelton, Washington "Word was received here Thursday by Stan Yates that his sister Mildred McCormick had passed away at Holyoke, Colo.  Stan and his wife, Ann, left Friday morning for Tacoma where they were met by Stan's sister Lena Coffman of Sulton and brother Faust Yates of Tacoma and they all left by train for Holyoke"

1967 Shelton "The Stan Yates three boys, Harley, Warren and Glenna and their families got together this past Sunday to celebrate a combination of events, all just a little early.  It was a combination of an early Mother's Day and two birthdays.  Ann and her granddaughter Lisa (daughter of the Glenn Yates) share May 10 as their birthday dates.  This gathering also gave the daughters-in-law a chance to talk over plans for the Open House for the Yates Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration net mnth.  The Yates daughter, Thelma Freshour couldn't be with the family last weekend, but plans to get down a little later."

In 1967 Shelton Washington "The Stan Yates had just driven Stan's sister, Lena Coffman, back home two weeks ago after her recent visit here when they received word that her (Lena's) grandson's wife had died.  So they returned for the funeral."

The Findagrave listing in Harstine Island Cemetery, Mason County, Washington has a Stanley S. Yates 1901-1993 and Annie M. Yates 1895-1992.  That doesn't match the Washington death record of Stanley S. Yates, born 1892,  (SSDI has a birth date of June 7, 1892)dying November 4, 1978 in Shelton Washington.

LENA CAROLINE

In 1920 William H. Coffman, 36, Lena C. 29, Stanley R. 10, and Lila B. are in Valley precinct, Yuma County.

In 1930 Sultan River, Snohomish County, Washington Henry W. Coffman is 48, Lena C. in 39, born in Nebraska.  they have Stanley r. 20, Lila B. 17, and nephew Carl V. Watkins, 26.  All three men work for a lumber company.

Henry, Lena and Carl are still in Sultan in 1940.

"William Henry Coffman" tombstone in Sultan says 1882-1955

Lena Carolyn Coffman died April 13, 1970, and is buried in Sultan, Washington

CHESTER ALAN ARTHUR

Chester was born May 1887 in Crab Orchard, Nebraska, married Bessie Mae Hubbard, and died 1958 in Wray.

1915 "Chester Yates and family will move to his farm 20 miles northwest of Wray soon.  Mr. Yates has been tending separator for the company threshing outfit in the Speicher-Evans neighborhood."

1917 "Mt. and Mrs. W.H. Kaufman, of twenty-five miles north of Wray brought their little four year old daughter in Monday for treatment by one fo (sic) the physicians here.  The child was suffering with an acute attack of indigestion, but is reported this morning to be much improved.  At this time she is being taken care of by her aunt, Mrs. C. A. Yates of Wray."

Chester registered for WWI in Wray, saying he was an auto mechanic working for Frank Hurst, born May 12, 1887 in Crab Orchard, Neb., and had a wife and two children.

In 1920 Wray Chester A. is a garage mechanic.  He and Bessie M. have Dean E. 10, born in and Elmer A. 7.  all born in Nebraska.

  1923 Rattler

In 1930 Chester is still in Wray, but is the Yuma County Sheriff.  He and Bessie have Dean  - a garage mechanic - Elmer, Lamern (Lavone) M. 9, and Kathryn S. 3, both girls born in Colorado.

In 1940 Wray Chester is a car salesman, with just the two girls with them.  LaVone is an assistant in the high school Home Economics Department.

His tombstone in Wray says 1887-1958

Bessie Hubbard Yates - April 15, 1891 - 1951, and FindAGrave says they were married April 15, 1908.

FLOY

Born May 1889 in Crab Orchard - twin of Floyd - married Dave Riggle, died November 1952 in Fairbury, Nebraska.


Monty E. Haskell - Eldest son of Ralph & Lavone Yates Haskell - wrote " I live in Arvada & was born in 1943 in Altadena, California.
My brothers being Larry born 1947 in Wray (deceased) & Gregg born 1950 in Wray and resides in Montrose.

FLOYD

Married Elsie M. Beedle 3 Aug 1910

In 1920 Valley Precinct Floyd and Elsie M. have Donald D., Earl E, and Lavern E.In 1930 Valley Precinct - north of Wray - Floyd is farming.  Donald D., 19 works for the state highway department, Earl E 16 and Lavern E. 11 have none.  All three sons born in Nebraska.

Donald Yates married Frances Taylor March 8, 1930. - but this was in Las Animas County

Donald D. Yates married Gladys E. Heasten January 23, 1939. and this in Denver - but registered in Douglas County, so these don't seem likely.

In 1940 Wray Floyd 51 doesn't have an occupation.  Elsie 50 operates a convalescent home.  Dickie,7 grandson born in Colorado,  lives with them.

Floyd is buried in Wray - FindAGrave says he died January 11, 1943

Else M. Yates is there too -May 17, 1890 - October 17, 1978.

Donald was in Wray in 1935, but in 1940 is divorced 29, auto mechanic,  living in Tustin California,  His partner is James Pickett, 20

FAUST MANLEY

Faust Manley Yates registered for WWI in Wray, saying he was born November 25, 1899, and was a student in Wray with his father.

1918 "Paul Crum, Foster Yates and Elvert Miller left Monday night for Camp Colt, Gettysburg, Pa., to enter training for the Tank Corps."

In 1920 he's by Wages with his parents " farm laborer working out."

May 14, 1925 "Bunch's Orchestra was one of six that was picked to broadcast in Denver during Music Week.  Ten members made the trip - Prof. O.W. Bunch, Faust Yates, Fall Robins, Mrs. Bunch, John Palmer, Marion Bear, Gerald McFadden, Wilmer Trego, Leslie Bunch, and Mr. Nicholson."

Faust M. Yates married Claire M. Hill in Sterling August 28, 1929.

In 1930 Weld precinct - entry next to sister Mildred McCormick - Faust is a public school teacher.  He and Claire 30 Colorado have Claire's daughters Mary V. 9 and Sammy 8, both born in Missouri

In 1940 Faust is divorced, a patient at the VA hospital near Tacoma, Washington.  Washington death index has him dying June 15, 1989 in Tacoma, residing at Kitsap.

==========================================

Tacoma News Tribune -June 16, 1989 "Faust M. Yates, 89 died June 15, 1989.  He was born in Jefferson County, Nebraska and had lived in the Tacoma/Olalla area for more than 70 years.  He was a WWI veteran, a member of the American Legionand the Washington State Council on Alcoholism.  He retired from Western State Hospital and co-founded the Olalla Guest Lodge in 1969.  Survivors include: niece, Lila McCormick, Snoqualmie; nephews, Lyle and Willis McCormick, Colo,  Funeral services will be Saturday, 1 p.m. at the 1002 So Yakima Ave Chapel.  Reception to follow at the Tacoma Elks Lodge, 1965 So. Union at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation will be Friday Noon - 8:30."

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