Frances Renfro Briggs 1834-1923
Charles Polley 1857-1944
Charles William Polley 1896-1952
William Polley 1849 - 1919
Joseph Moon 1851-1921
Minnie Wehrman Moon 1850-1927
Tom Ashley 1862-1937
Minnie Belle Polley Luiken 1892-1980
Harry E. Polley 1895 - 1952
Jess Joseph Moon 1915 - 1997
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FRANCES RENFRO BRIGGS
From paper dated February, 1923
Francis Briggs, nee Renfro, was born March 24, 1834 in Kentucky, daughter of J. H. Renfro. She came to Missouri when a small girl.
She was married to Thomas Briggs February 6, 1851. They both accepted Christ as their Savior in the year of 1855 and united with Tebo Baptist church, which relation she kept sacred to the end. She was on of quite a large family.
She lived to a good old age, loved and respected by all who knew her. Her husband passed away May, the 3rd, 1898. Nearly 25 years of widowhood. Aunt Fannie was a kind hearted woman, raised two children, J. B. Higdon and T. G. Ashley, on whom she bestowed a mother's love and care, enduring many hardships to make them happy and comfortable. A kind and loving companion, no sacrifice too great to help her husband to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, her Savior, whom she was toiling night and day for. Good keeper at home and always rejoiced in the prosperity of his work as a minister. She was ever ready to help the widows and orphans, taking them into her home and hospitality, sharing with them in the best she had; always serving a good table and warm bed. She loved her church and its doctrine and ordinances, willing at all times to attend its services, contribute of her means so far as able, to its support. Her last days was spent at the Baptist Home for old people. The old physical body had worn out in faithful service for those she loved. With that her mind also weakened until the last few years of her life was a blank, but we are sure the Master had said: "Well done good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord."
Sure are we she met her long lost loved one, where the burdens of life are all over, where joys eternal flow. Rest dear one, many of us will soon join you in that glorious home where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.
Her body was brought from the home for Old Baptist people at Ironton, Mo., and taken to the Tebo Baptist church, where solemn services were held, after which her body was lad to rest beside her husband, whom she ever loved, honored and cared for.
She had no children of her own, but few relatives left. It seemed those who were left were not permitted to attend the funeral. She was tenderly cared for at the Old Peoples Home, for which we thank God and ask for it, the liberal support of the Baptist host of MO. All this is
respectfully submitted by one who knew her for 60 years.
WILLIAM BRIGGS
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Great Grandfather of Laura Ann Higdon Carpenter
July 19, 1857--Jan. 8, 1944
Funeral services for Charles Polley, 87, who died Saturday were held Tuesday in the Vilmont-Longenecker funeral home in charge of Rev. Howard Johnson of Steamboat Rock. Members of the I.O.O.F. lodge of Eldora attended and assisted in the service. Burial was in the Eldora cemetery. He died at the I.O.O.F. home in Mason City.
Charley Polley was born in Germany July 19, 1857. He came to the United States and to Eldora with his parents and an older brother when a small child. He attended the public schools here and in later life was employed in various capacities, farming and coal mining. Mr. Polley is survived by three sons and one daughter, 16 grandchildren and four great grand children. Mrs. Polley died in 1905.
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Charles William Polley
Son of Charles and Elizabeth Noyer Polley
March 9, 1896--March 27, 1952
Final Rites For C. W. Polley Held Here Yesterday
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from Andrle and Creps Funeral Home for C. W. Polley, 56, who passed away last Thursday morning, following a stroke suffered two days previously. Rev. Howard Blandeau, Eldora, Rev. Robert Baker, Pella, and Rev. George A. Wolf, Iowa Falls, had charge of the services and interment was in Berlin cemetery.
Don LaVelle was vocalist and Mrs. Orville Johnson was accompanist. Pallbearers were John Bolar, Wayne Newby, Carl Clemons, Beecher Crosley, Carl Luiken and Roger Gast. Mesdames C. A. Jackson, Frank Crippen, John Bolar and Orville Lamb were in charge of flowers.
Mr. Polley was the son of Charles and Elizabeth Noyer Polley, and was born in Eldora on March 9, 1896. He entered the armed forces in February, 1918, and following his discharge he married Esther Granzow on February 19, 1919.
His entire life was spent in this community, with the exception of a few years in Wisconsin. Mrs Polley and three children, Mary Elizabeth, Merle Edwin and Harlan A., preceded him in death; also one brother Harry Polley, who passed away on March 2.
Surviving are three daughters, Wilma Polley, at home; Doris, Eldora, and Mrs. Albert Hazelwood, Iowa Falls; two sons, Donald and Charles, both of Iowa Falls; one brother, Jack Polley, and one sister, Mrs Ed Luiken, both of Steamboat Rock and six grandchildren.
Joseph Moon's death as reported by the Heron Lake News
Sept. 1, 1921
JOSEPH MOON WAS STRICKEN
Was failing Fast But End Came As Shock.
Word of the death of Joseph Moon came as a surprise to his acquaintances here Wednesday as he was seen on our streets in apparently good health on the previous Monday. However, we are all called sooner or later but his calling was without much premonition, he having suffered a paralytic stroke to which he succumbed to Wednesday evening August 31, 1921 at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Moon was the father of ten children and a highly spoken of old gentleman. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church Saturday at 2 o'clock and interment made in the Lakeside cemetery. The sorrowing relatives have the sympathy of the entire community.
Joseph W. Moon was born in Warren Co., New York in 1851, March 12th. In 1856, when 19 years of age he came to Cedar Rapids, Ia. He was married to Minnie M. Wehrman, Sept. 12, 1874. In 1902 he moved to Cottonwood Co., and in 1905 to this city. To this union were born 10 children of which nine survive. The Children are: Mrs Ella Wikert, Abbot, Ia.; Mrs. Emma Dolson, Geneva, Ia.; Mrs. Josie Wikert, Mountain Lake, Minn.; Joseph G. Moon, Heron Lake, Minn.; Mrs Ina Fancher, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mrs. Esther Shaw, Omaha, Nebr.; Eldon C. Moon, Mexico; Mrs Mary Byers, Des Moines, Ia.; Mrs. Francis Loso, Nelson, Nebr.; William H. Moon, Heron Lake. Mr Moon is also survived by his wife.
Following is the Newspaper account of the death of Minnie M. Wehrman Moon from the
HERON LAKE NEWS.
Thursday, June 23, 1927.
Mrs. Minnie Moon dead at age of 77:
Services for aged Mother Held at M. E. Church Tuesday---survived by seven Children.
Services for Mrs. Minnie M. Wehrman Moon, who passed away at the home of her son,
Joseph, on Saturday, were held at the M. E. church Tuesday afternoon. The service and
burial were conducted by Rev. Palmer.
Minnie M. Wehrman was born in Hanover, Germany on April 12, 1850 and died in Heron Lake, Minnesota, on June 18, 1927, having reached the age of 77 years. In 1855, the family came to America and settled in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where they lived until 1868 when they located on a farm near Eldora, Iowa. In 1871 she was united in marriage with Joseph Moon; he preceding her in death some six years ago.
Ten children were born to them. Five daughters and two sons are living to mourn her death. They are: Mrs. Ella M. Wikert of Abott, Iowa, Mrs. E. E. Fancher of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mrs. Esther B. Shaw of Omaha, Neb., Mrs Minnie M. Beyer of Des Moines, Iowa, and Mrs. Frances Loso of Butte, Neb. The sons are Joseph and William of Heron Lake. Four sisters and two brothers also survive her.
She was taken ill some weeks ago and suffered at times intensely. It was not possible to check the malady, the cause of her sickness and suffering. All her loved ones could do was to nurse her tenderly and await her departure.
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Thomas Green Ashley Died
About 3:00 a.m. August 6, 1937, at his home two miles west of Leesville, near Tebo Church,
following a stroke of paralysis which came about 12:30 that morning. He awakened his wife,
who called for help and medical aid, responses from both being of no avail and his long reverent
soul returned to its Maker, whom Mr. Ashley had truly served throughout his life. A daughter,
Mrs. J. F. Weidemann of Clinton was at the bedside of her father, who had been in his usual
health, taking an especial delight in attending the revival meetings last week at Tebo, enjoying
the privilege of dismissing the meeting there last Thursday morning.
Thomas Ashley, born January 10, 1862, in Henry County, became an orphan at an early age and was taken into the home of Rev. and Mrs. Thomas Briggs of Tebo, who loved and nurtured him as their own, and on whose farm he lived for 70 years, having inherited part of the original Briggs farm at the death of his foster-parents. In 1882 he married Miss Belle Adair of that community, who was also orphaned early in life. To this union were born nine children, four dying in infancy. Besides his devoted companion of many years, Mr. Ashley is survived by the following children: Mrs. J. F. Weidemann, and Mrs. W. H. Sperry of Clinton: Silas Gilbert and Roy E, Ashley of Sheridan Lake, Colorado. Mrs. G. F. Corley of Kansas City; 11 grandchildren, also a half brother, Lee Ashley of Leesville. The children were all present for the last rites.
Mr. Ashley and his bride began their married life near Coal and Hortense but two years later moved to their present home where deceased met his death, keeping the pathway of their married life bright with a beautiful love which shone for 53 years from their last home. The children were all reared in an atmosphere where the church came first and had the privilege of mingling with the best people of the world: those of a kindred spirit who were drawn to the Ashley home by its renowned hospitality and Christian influence. All the children are valued members of the Baptist Church.
Deceased was converted when 18 and immediately joined the Tebo Baptist Church, remaining a member until death. He was one of the outstanding religious workers of that community and during his 57 years of attendance there, he competently filled the following offices: Church chorister, deacon, Sunday School teacher, church clerk and trustee, to which tasks the Holy Spirit separated and his brethren called him. His religious activities did not cease with church activity but in his own home were found the same loyalty and intense devotion to God.
He and his wife kept open house for every preacher who came to that community, reserving one room for this purpose only, which was kept in constant readiness. They were made welcome and to feel that that was their home. These men of God were given the best entertainment by their host as well as the comforts of life by the hostesses: such was the hospitality extended by Mr. and Mrs. Ashley for 50 years.
Mr. Ashley listened to each call of service, and no matter at what time of day he was so informed, he stopped his work and filled his various offices to the best of his ability. Of the vast crowd of people for the Tebo church, who gathered Sunday, many were those Mr. Ashley had served some time during his life, smoothing the rougher places in the path of life, helping to lift the heavy burdens of his fellow man as far as he was able.
Funeral services were conducted Sunday at 2:30 p. m. at Tebo Church by Rev. George Gray, assisted by Rev. Henry Phillip of Bolivar, a former pastor at Tebo and life-long friend of deceased and family. Burial was in the cemetery close by under the direction of Consalus & Peck and amidst the sorrowers who would have twice-filled the church. Pallbearers were Elmer Huston, Robert Belton, A. W. Orton, A. G. Sheek, Ray Lawler and Hobart Sell
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MINNIE BELLE POLLEY LUIKEN
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Mrs. Luiken Rites Tuesday:
Aug. 10, 1892--Oct. 25, 1980
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m. from the First Baptist Church in Steamboat Rock for Minnie Bell Luiken, 88, who died Saturday evening at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls.
Rev. Dennis Dewey will officiate with Mrs. Harry Luiken as organist. Pallbearers will be David Luiken, Kermit Luiken, Clyde Luiken, Stanley Siems, Edwin Siems and Larry Luiken with interment in the Steamboat Rock Cemetery. Andrle and Creps Funeral Home of Eldora is handling funeral arrangements.
Minnie Bell Polley Luiken was born August 10, 1892 in Hardin county to Charles and Sarah Noyer Polley. She was married to Ed Luiken on February 14, 1914.
A member of the First Baptist Church in Steamboat Rock, she lived in Steamboat Rock for 30 years and lived the last four years at the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls. She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and three brothers.
Survivors include her husband, Ed of the Scenic Manor Nursing Home in Iowa Falls; four children, [names withheld of children still living]; 3 grandchildren and 21 great great grandchildren.
Harry E. Polley
Son of Charles and Elizabeth Noyer Polley
Harry Edward Polley, son of Charles and Elizabeth Noyer Polley, was born December 19, 1894 in Eldora Iowa.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith by Rev. Otto Broen, September 20, 1945, at Turtle Lake, Wisconsin, and he became a member of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Turtle Lake, later transferring to St. Paul�s Lutheran Church, Eldora.
On February 20, 1917, he was united in marriage to Fern Cross, and to this union three children were born.
On December 23, 1945, Mr. Polley was united in marriage with Lorena Granzow Hiles of Eldora.
In March, 1946, he started the Polley Taxi Service, through which he served the public night and day until his untimely death on Sunday morning, March 2, 1952, at the age of 57 years, 2 months and 13 days.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Lorena, and three daughters, Mildred [Mrs. Win Johnson] Amery, Wis.; Ethel [Mrs. Harold Graber] Turtle Lake, Wis.; and Arlis [Mrs. James Farmer] Sacramento, Calif.; 4 grandchildren, Linda Graber, Dennis, Gary and Steven Johnson; one sister, Mrs. Ed Luiken of Steamboat Rock; two brothers, C. W. Polley, Iowa Falls and Jack Polley, Steamboat Rock.
Funeral services were held at Andrle and Creps Funeral Home at 1:30 and in St. Paul�s Lutheran Church at 2:00 o�clock Friday with Rev. J. Zimmermann officiating. Burial was in Eldora Cemetery.
Casket bearers were Glen Sheldon, Herman Tietz, Dewey Estes, George Rubow, Dick Loverin and George O�Bryon.
Mrs. Ella Steinfeldt, Mrs. Werner Tresmer and Mrs. Dale Peshia were in charge of flowers.
Jess Joseph Moon
1915 - 1997
Tri County News, Heron Lake, MN
Jess Joseph Moon was born November 26, 1915 in Heron Lake to the late Anna [Leopold] Moon and Joseph G. Moon. He was received into the Christian faith through Baptism and Confirmation at the Heron Lake Methodist Church. His education was obtained at Heron Lake Schools where he graduated in the class of 1935.
On June 6, 1939, Jess was united in marriage to Hazel Clark at Amo Methodist Church near Storden. Following their marriage, Jess and Hazel lived in Heron lake until 1942, when they moved to Cloquet for some 8 months while Jess trained in the National Guard. They moved to Windom thereafter and have been members of the Windom community ever since.
For 63 years, Jess operated Moon's Locker in Windom and has been an integral part of the Windom community in many ways. As an active member of First United Methodist Church, he also held numerous offices and positions including trustee, member of building committee, Methodist Men, and usher at many functions.
As a member of the Masonic Lodge, Jess has served as master of the Lodge many times and held most other offices in the Lodge. Adjunct to those activities he gave of his time to the Order of Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron and many other offices. He was very active and interested in the Kiawanis Club and it's activities.
Being a vital part of his community, Jess served 11 years on the Windom School Board, was chairman of the Flax Days celebration, as was a member of the following organizations: Chamber of Commerce, Jaycees, Shrine Club, Baseball Association, Cottonwood County Historical Society, and the Arena Booster Association. Living a life of providing for his Family and giving so much time back to his community he was also a strong supporter of Local sports and school athletics. Jess was instrumental in the building of the current lighted ball field that has hosted hundreds of events. Even after it was built, he could be seen selling tickets and doing anything else that was needed. And for many years, he and Hazel enjoyed square dancing. The Cottonwood County Game and Fish League was recipient of his efforts for their promotions.
For the last several months, Jess's health has been declining. He became a resident of the Sogge Memorial Good Samaritan Center a few days prior to his death on Saturday morning, the 1st of February, at the age of 81 years, 2 months, and 6 days, with his Family at his side.
His grateful family includes: His devoted wife, Hazel; 2 sons: Eldon J. Moon and his wife Jackie of Beresford, SD; and Jerry L. Moon of Windom; 8 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren, with another expected soon.
Jess was preceded in death by his son, Bruce; 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 4, 1997 at the First United Methodist Church in Windom, with Pastor Jerry Hansen officiating. Interment was in Memory Gardens, Windom, MN.
Jackson MN courthouse bk D pg 123 line 151
Tri County News, Heron Lake, MN
OBITUARIES Nov. 5, 1997
William Polley
1849 - 1919
[Brother of Charles W. Polley]
Death comes Suddenly to Esteemed Pioneer Resident of Eldora--Funeral Held from Home Monday Afternoon
William Polley, an esteemed pioneer resident of the community, died early Saturday forenoon from a sudden failing of heart action.
Mr. Polley was born December 8, 1849 in Rosenfield, Germany. In 1863, he came to Manistee Michigan. With the exception of two brothers, Charles of Hampton, Iowa, and Stephen of Eldora, Mr. Polley�s coming to this country made a complete break with family ties.
The coal mining prospects of Mr. C. G. Gilman and others brought Mr. Polley to Eldora in 1866. Until about 1895 he worked in these interests. He has long been considered the best informed person on the subject of coal and rock strata in this region.
In 1879 he went to the gold fields of Colorado and again in 1898, he accompanied his son, Charles, on a trip to the famous Copper River Gold district in Alaska. He has been to the Pacific coast five times and proven himself a keen observer of peoples and facts. He was a great reader of history and religion. He constantly surprised his friends and acquaintances with his findings and conclusions upon these themes. Although never united with a church, he was a keen student of the Bible and ecclesiastical developments.
Mr. Polley was a man of unusual strength. Although so near to three score years and ten, he walked with erect and firm step. His physique was large and robust. Hard work was his enjoyment.
On May 18, 1875, Mr. Polley and Miss Martha Madden were married. She and Mr. Charles Polley of Eldora, his son survive him. Another son died in early infancy.
Mr. Polley was an ardent Mason. He joined Equality Lodge 262 at Steamboat Rock many years ago. He demitted from there and joined Eldora lodge about twenty-five years ago.
Mr. Polley�s friends were many and staunch. His keen observance of natural phenomena and easy conversation made his friendships very close. We shall all miss him and share in the family sorrow at parting but rejoice with them that he could be with us so long.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon from the home, Rev. Roadman officiating. Interment was in the Eldora cemetery. The Masons attended in a body and had charge of the burial service.
Card of Thanks
We sincerely thank the many friends for their kind expressions of sympathy and their assistance during our recent bereavement in the death of our loved one; also for the beautiful floral tributes at the time of the funeral. ..Mrs.
William Polley...