Backside of the Postcard...8-10-90

I'm sure for my Parents it was a complete thrill to go out on the ocean with JoAnn, Gene, & their kids.

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Postcard From Mom & Dad...8-10-90

This is the front side of the postcard postmarked 8-10-90 that Mom & Dad sent me from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts while visiting my sister JoAnn and Brother-in-law Gene Grant & family.

I found this postcard while thumbing thru some old books of mine that were in a box. At the time the postcard was sent to me I was working on the island of Kauai in Hawaii as a finish carpenter. I probably used the postcard as a bookmark and today I opened the book to read the card again some 18 years later.

Grant' Family Tree

Gene Grant, my Brother-in-Law was born in the Boston area on Sept. 14, 1936. He married my sister, JoAnn on Feb. 8, 1964 at St. Clara's Chapel in St. Louis County, Missouri. I was the altar boy at their wedding.

Here is the Grant' Family tree.

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McCune Family Tree

My Uncle Mike McCune was born Oct. 5, 1918 in Brandsville, Missouri. He married my Aunt Kathryn Froehly just before her 18th birthday in St. Louis. This the McCune Family Tree.

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Froehly Family Tree

My Mother, Mary Virginia Froehly was born April 9, 1919. Here is her Family Tree.

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Simmons Family tree 4

Wiley B. Simmons was born Nov. 13, 1830 in the hills of Claiborne, Tennessee. As you can see he traveled to Dent County, Missouri and passed on there in Oct. 1, 1906. This is his Simmons Family Tree.

Caroline Matilda was born in Virginia in about 1726 and that is as far as I can trace my ancestors on the Simmons' tree.

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Simmons' Family Tree 3

My Great Grandfather, John Fielding Simmons was born Jan. 30, 1851 in Dent County, Missouri. Here is his portion of the Simmons Family tree.

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Simmons Family Tree 2

This is the Simmons' Family Tree beginning with my Dad's father, Elliot Monroe Simmons. Grandpa Elliot was born in Dent County, Missouri south of Salem in July, 1886.

Simmons Family Tree 1

Here's where I came from.

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Photo selected for San Diego Map Guide

In July, 2008 Jackie, myself and our two cocker spanials, Cava and Nikki took our RV to Carlsbad, California. Part of the trip was for vacation and the other part was to have Cava's radiation treatment. The vet clinic offered to keep both dogs for a day so that Jackie and I could travel and explore the area.

One morning we boarded the Coastal commuter that took us along the Pacific coast from Carlsbad to San Deigo. The weather was ideal and we had a wonderful time. Just the train ride in and of itself was terrific as we watched the surf along the ocean and traveled thru the small coastal towns.

I took my camera and took plenty of pictures. Many of my photos are posted on the Flickr website. To my surprise this picture was selected by a San Deigo map company to be included in it's guide map that is distributed to tourist. The picture was taken in the harbor just before we arrived at Seaport Village.

1930...Amel's Life on on the Farm

Amel was 14 years old at the time and worked on the farm as a laborer as did his older brother Clark. Elliot, 43 and Mabel, 35 had been married now for 11 years. Mabel was born in Montana and her Father was born in Germany and her Mother was born in Canada. Elliot and Mabel had two children together. Lee was now 9 years of age and Margaret was now 7 years old. Both were born in Montana as a result of when Elliot met Mabel while working in Montana. Elliot had left Missouri in search of work in Montana in 1917. Apparently, Elliot lived and worked in Montana at least until 1923 when Margaret was born.

According to this census my Great Grandparents John, 79 and Belle, 73 and Howard ,11 were living together. Howard, called Buster was the son of my Aunt Mary. On this census Howard too is listed as a laborer for general farm work.

Also highlighted on this census is Alva Simmons and his family. Alva was Elliot's brother and Amel's uncle. That makes Alva my Great Uncle.

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My Uncle Mike McCune

My Aunt Dolly married Mike McCune in St. Louis, Missouri and together they had Kay, Michael, Bev, Jerry, & Gary. Well, a few hours ago I discovered that my Uncle Mike grew up on a farm in Howell County, Brandsville, Missouri. According to the 1920 US census Mike was just 1 year & 2 months old at the time.

My Uncle Mike's Father was born in Iowa & his Mother was born in Texas. Mike had 3 sisters & a brother at this time. In about 2 years another sister would arrive.

Eventually, Uncle Mike's parents moved to St. Louis and lived on Lotus Street across from where Joseph & Della Froehly raised their family.

I have fond memories of my Uncle Mike and I'll always remember his laughter when he gave me my first sip of beer. It took place in Clayton, Missouri in my Grandma & Grandpa Froehly's kitchen where the men had gathered on an afternoon occasion. I was just barely walking by this time & Uncle Mike would call me over by saying "Hey Bud, come on over & try some of this." I liked Uncle Mike so I went right over & when he lowered the bottle I took my first swig of beer.

Well, I had never tasted anything like this before and it sure tasted different than the milk, water, or apple juice that I was used to. I remember the beer tasting bitter & strong. I'm sure I made quite a face and I just remember what a kick my Uncle Mike, my Dad, & Uncles Chubby, & Junior got out of it. They all howled with laughter.

In the 1950's I loved spending time at my cousins when they lived at 2315 Dawes in Overland, Missouri. Kay, Bev, & Mike were older than me and then on Sept. 2, 1956 twin boys, Jerry & Gary were added to the McCune family. Whenever I could stay overnight I would jump at the opportunity. There were always fun things to do like shooting baskets in the backyard or running around the neighborhood with the kids. On summer evenings I can remember the sun setting in the backyard and then all kinds of lightning bugs appearing as it got dark. It was magical!

New Years Eve and New Years Day was always a thrill as the entire family celebrated at the McCunes. I always knew there would be a great chance that I could sleep over. New Years Eve was always one of my favorite times because I would join in with my cousins making noise all throught the neighborhood celebrating the arrival of the New Year. We would always count down the last seconds.

The McCunes liked to have fun and I was a willing participant. The more, the merrier. I'll always remember my Uncle Mike's laughter. My next beer is with him in mind.

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Joseph, Della, & Virginia...1920

Joseph, Della, and 9 month old Virginia (my Mom) lived at 1420 North 23rd Street in 1920. They rented the house. Joseph, a repair mechanic at the Electric company was 25 and Della was 27.

The location of the residence was in North St. Louis close to where Della grew up. Joseph was raised in South St. Louis.

It is noted that Joseph's mother and father were from Alsace Loraine, France and German was their native tongue. On the other hand, Della's parents were from Ireland and their native tongue was Irish.

Joseph A. Froehly 1917 Draft Registration Card

Joseph A. Froehly signed up for the WW1 draft on June 5, 1917. He and Della were married at the time and lived at 2241 Missouri Avenue in St. Louis. Joseph worked as a machinist at Pan-Electric which was located at 4th St. and Gratiot St. The card indicates that Joseph was a natural born citizen and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania was his place of birth. His birthdate was January 3, 1984.

Joseph and Della had no children at this time. However, their first child, Mary Virginia would be born 1 year and 8 months after Joseph signed his name on this draft card.

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Kevin Louis Kirn...My Nephew

Pictured is Kevin with his lovely wife, Kathy and their three kids. Here we see Kaila, Kory, and Kyle. They are a lot of fun to be around and I wish that I lived closer to spend more time with them.

Kevin was like a little brother to me while growing up and we have a great deal of history together. Whenever we get together we enjoy each other's company and it really doesn't matter how long it has been since the last time we saw each other.

I remember a spring in St. Louis back in the early 80's when I was a carpenter and married to Tina. I came home tired from work so I took a shower, got a bite to eat, and laid down on my bed for a nap. I was awakened to a strange noise I heard thru the opened window. The sound kept repeating itself and captured my curiosity. Now I was awake and had to find out what was going on. When I looked out my window there was nothing to be found, but when I went outside and looked over my house I discovered what was happening.

A large multi-colored hot air baloon piloted by Kevin was hovering over my rooftop and he was creating this sound by giving the baloon more gas. Now I was awake, but I thought I was still dreaming. Kevin and I always have a great laugh about this incident.

My sister JoAnn informed me on Sunday that Kevin has a cancerous tumor growing out of his right lung. I then called Kevin to find out that he was starting radiation treatment on the following day. Kevin, I know you'll pull thru. I'm counting on you!

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3859 Kosciusko St. Alfred & Lena's Home.

This map of St. Louis will give you a glimpse of where the Froehly household lived in south St. Louis in 1912. Along the river you will see a small red baloon with an "A" that denotes the location of the house. Keep in mind that the city was much smaller at this time.

Many Germans came to live in south St. Louis back then. As a result, quite a few brewery's sprang up in the surrounding area. There was the Lemp brewery, Falstaff Brewery, and the Anheuser-Busch Brewery.




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Lawrence G. Froehly, My Great Uncle...8/11/1899-5/24/1912

Lawrence G. Froehly was the youngest son of Alfred & Lena. Joseph was his brother and Mary and Clara were his sisters. He lived to be 12 years, 9 months, and 13 days old and then his life was cut short due to an accidental drowning along with his father, Alfred. Lawrence and Alfred lived close to the river and they went fishing on the evening of May 24, 1912. They were both pulled from the river at about 10 p.m.

Lawrence was born in Pennsylvania and moved to St. Louis, Missouri when he was just an infant. More than likely the family took the train from Pittsburgh to St. Louis as they were city people and this was the main type of cross country transportation at the time.

Lawrence was a scholar and his former residence is given as 3859 Kosciusko St. The location is very close to the river. The closest main intersection is Chippewa St. and South Broadway in south St. Louis.

The file # of the Lawrence's death certificate is 19017. His father, Alfred's death certificate is 19016.

Alfred Froehly's Last Day, My Great Grandfather

Alfred Froehly, a laborer drowned in the Mississippi River along with his youngest son Larenz on May 24, 1912. The story goes that the two were fishing along the bank and Larenz fell into the water and the father tried in vain to save his son. According to the death certificate, the accident is said to have occured at 10 p.m. that evening.

The certificate also states that Alfred, 51 was buried at New Pickets cemetary on May 28. Alfred's father name was John and he was from Germany.
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Joseph was 18 at this time and had been working at the shoe factory. So now the Froehly household consisted of Lena, the mother, Joseph, Mary, and Clara.
More than likely, Joseph had met Della by this time as she was a forelady at the shoe factory.

JoAnn, Mary, and Jack...circa 1944

Pictured are my two sisters and my brother. It certainly appears like JoAnn was ready for some exploring, Mary was proud to be a big sister, and Jack was ready for the service.
It would be about another six years before my arrival and I proclaim my innocense for anything that happened prior to December 9, 1950.
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My Brother & Sisters

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To my left is Jack (Maverick) born 28 June, 1942...JoAnn (lipstick & jewelry) born 7 February, 1941...Mary (best potato salad & bean salad) born 20 March 1934.

Sisters-in-law and Girlfriends

Click on image to enlargeThese are two of my favorite women. On the left is my lovely wife, Jackie along with my big sister, Mary. It's little wonder why my favorite color is blue.

Gertude & Peter...Thank You!

The date was September 14,1936 and the location was Boston, Massachusetts. This was the day when Gertude Catherine Frehill Grant and her husband Peter Gerald Grant celebrated the arrival of their newborn son, Eugene. This was also the day that my sister Joann's husband, Gene was born. On this occasion 72 years ago the dad of Stephen, Patty, Beth, & Chris was born. Little did we know (because we weren't even around) that on this day a Grandfather was born. Moreover, who was to know at the time that the man we now refer to as "Mr. Grant" was born?

Now that we know...this is the day that all of us (Simmons Family & Friends) celebrate Eugene Grant's birthday! We thank you for being who you are and we thank you for being a part of who we are! Now...let's blow out the candles, turn up the music, and have some cake and ice cream!

Many more, Gene, many, more.

The Loss of Lena...my Great Grandmother

Lena Gressel was born in Germany on August 3, 1870 and she died as Lena Froehly in St. Louis, Missouri on March 25, 1915. Late March in St. Louis is a time when the winter weather begins to break as the temperature starts to warm. Rains fall and snows melt as the waters in the creeks and tributaries flow into the rising Mississippi River.



It was almost 3 years since Lena lost her beloved husband, Alfred and her youngest son, Larenz to the currents of the river. The memory must have been too hard to bear as the anniverary of their deaths was rapidly approaching. Afterall, the flowing Mighty Mississippi was in sight each and every day as the Froehly's house was just a short walk to the riverbank. That is where Alfred and his son, Larenz went fishing on the night of May 24, 1912.


The story goes that the 13 year old boy somehow was taken by the river's current and Alfred went into the water to save his son. At some point both were pulled from the river, but it was too late. On the report, the time of death was given as 10 p.m. that evening. When I asked my Aunt Dolly about this event she told me that she had heard that the father and son were still clinging to one another as rescuers retrieved the bodies.


Lena 44, Joe 21, Mary and Clara now lived at the house on 3730 Salena St. since the passing of Alfred and Larenz. Their home was just south of Soulard and the Annheuser-Busch brewery, an area where many Germans lived back then. Who knows what pressures the family faced with the losses? One can only imagine what their lives were like back in 1915 without their loved ones. Apparently, it became too much for Lena as one day she decided to end her life by drinking a clear, sweet-smelling liquid. She was then rushed to the City Hospital in an attempt to save her, but it was to no avail as she died the following day, March 25, 1915. It was ruled a suicide and the cause was carbolic acid poisioning.


My Grandfather, Joe Froehly signed the death certificate for his mother and had his mother laid to rest at New Picker's cemetary. The location was just across the street on Gravois Avenue where Alfred and Larenz were previously buried. Joe, Mary, and Clara were now on their own.

On a side note...the death certificate indicates that the Froehly Family lived in St. Louis for 16 years. This means the family arrived in St. Louis in 1899 and Alfred was 37, Lena 28, and Joseph 5 years old. More than likely the family took the train from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to St. Louis, Missouri as Joseph was born in Pittsburgh. When the family traveled to St. Louis the Eads bridge (1874) was the only bridge to cross the Mississippi River at that time. The bridge was built with two levels; one level was for train traffic and one level was for regular road traffic (horses). The only other way to cross the river would have been by ferry. By taking the train the family would have arrived at the beautiful Union Station which opened five years earlier in 1894.

Michael & Catherine Geraghty and Family

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My Great Grandfather, Michael Geraghty was born in Ireland in 1870 and my Great Grandmother, Catherine Ryan was born in Ireland in 1872. Michael was 12 and Catherine was just 10 when they immigrated by boat across the Atlantic to the United States. It must have been quite an experience for each child in 1882 as they were leaving their birthplace and history behind.

By the year 1890 Michael and Catherine had met, become sweethearts, and married. Della A., my Grandmother was born in 1892 and her brother, Michael J. was born two years later. He was to later be known as Mickey, my Great Uncle who operated a corner tavern and Bar-B-Que near the Soulard area of St. Louis. The story goes that Della loved the pigs ears that Mickey prepared on his grill. ( I remember as a young kid in the 50' s visiting his tavern with my family.)

The above image is taken from the 1910 US census for St. Louis. Michael was 40 and his wife, Catherine was 38 at the time. Michael, the father worked as a laborer for the Gas Company. Della was now 18 and working at the shoe factory as a "Fore Lady". Mickey also worked at the shoe factory and he was a "Machine Hand".

The Geraghty's rented a house at the time on 1421 Cleary Ave that was to become the location of Pruitt-Igoe housing complex that was later built in the mid-1950's. My Aunt Dolly shared with me that Michael & Catherine had 2-3 other children, but they had passed away. Julia died of pneumonia on June 21, 1901 when she was just 3 years, 9 months, and 28 days old. Julia was laid to rest at Calvary cemetary. She was my Great Aunt.

Ten years later on the 1920 US census Michael, Catherine, and Mickey were still living at the same address. By this time Della had moved out of the house and was married to Joseph Froehly for two years. They had a little girl named Virginia who was to become my Mom.

Joseph & Della Froehly

The image of this posting is taken from the US census taken on April 11, 1930. The location of the family was St. Louis, Missouri and the census states that Joseph & Della were each 37 years of age and they had four children. Joseph and Della were 24 years old when they married. Both Joseph & Della would have been born in 1913, however I have been told by my Mom & Aunt Dolly that my Grandmother was older than my Grandfather.

According to the information contained in this census Joseph was born in Pennsylvania and it was actually Pittsburgh as I will show you in another posting later. His mother & father were both born in Alsace Lorraine, France. Della on the other hand was born in Missouri. Her parents, Michael & Catherine Geraghty were born in Ireland and immigrated to the United States in 1882.

In 1930 Joseph & Della Froehly owned their home and it was valued at $2,000.

Virginia, 11 was the oldest child. Ryan and Joseph were 9 year old twin boys and Katherine was the youngest at 5. ...Note Ryan as he was called at that time is actually my uncle Chubby. His given name is Michael Ryan as his middle name was the maiden name of Della's mother. My other Uncle Joseph was known as Junior. My Aunt Dolly's first name is Katherine with a K.

A Word from your Host

Ok, well we are covering a lot of ground and I thought it would be a good time

for us to take a little break to put things into perspective. Let me begin by raising this question.

What is the purpose of the Simmons Family & Friends blog?

I suppose anybody reading this information can come up with their own good reasons for the blog.

From my perspective as I compile this information I find that I am able to see my family from a different point of view than I did while growing up. Perhaps I am gaining a better understanding of how the lives of my various family members were forged due to their circumstances as they were growing up. As you read about our family you will see that things were not always easy, but we were resistant and we pulled thru.

By writing this blog my hope is that I can have a better understanding of who I am and what I am becoming by understanding the influences of my family history. Also, my hope is that those of us who read this will have a better understanding of one another as we share these stories and raise questions about our history together. Afterall, our family history is the same common thread that each of us share together. And finally, my hope is that each of you will share and preserve these events and stories with the young kids of the family. ...now, let's get back to the action!

I believe the above photograph of me sitting on Santa's lap was taken in December 1955 at the time my family lived in Clayton, Missouri at 7525 Byron Place. I'd be willing to bet that the photo was taken at Scruggs, Vandervort, & Barney which was a department store where my sister JoAnn worked. As you can tell, I was enthralled by meeting Santa Claus. For me it didn't get any better. Certainly, my Mom dressed me up for this occaision.

However, about this time I did return to see Santa on another evening and this time I set out on foot from our apartment on my own. The trip from our home to the department store was about a mile and sure enough when I got to the store Santa was sitting there in his chair. Santa wasn't too busy as I recall because this was later in the evening on a weeknight. I got a good long visit with Santa as I stayed with him until the store closed that evening. He and I had completely discussed everything.

Now I really had to hustle home as my Mom did not know where I had run off to. I started running as I left the store, but I did not run for long as I was hit by a car making a left hand turn from Hanley Rd. onto Carondelet Blvd. near the old Forrest Cadillac dealership. By the time the man driving of the car saw me it was too late. His bumper and my left leg had already made contact. Needless to say, I was laying on the ground on the side of road. The driver got out of his car to ask me if I was OK and I told him I was. As I lifted my self from the pavement the driver asked me if I needed a ride home and I accepted. Afterall, I was in a hurry and so he dropped me off down the street from where I lived. From there I ran home the rest of the way as it was pretty late on this winter evening..

This event was a good learning experience for me as I came to realize the importance of street smarts. My brother, Jack was really good at running the streets and I looked up to him. Before long I would become his understudy. However, going to visit Santa was my first solo trip away from the crib and I made it back home in one piece so I consider it a successful excursion. By the way... I never told my Mom about this until about 10 years ago. My Mom could be pretty stern about these things and I'm sure she would have told my Dad too.

Amel & Virginia's Marriage License...Oct. 29, 1939

Elliot's WW1 Draft card...in Russell, Montana

Click on picture to enlarge...
Elliot left Missouri to find work on a farm in Montana after Becca passed away in 1916. He had two baby boys to support. There was Clark at age 2 and Amel at age one. Elliot is listed as a single man at this time and he was one month shy of 31 years of age. Chouteau county, Montana is written on the page on the right. Choteau is 32 miles northwest of Great Falls and is 70 miles south of the Alberta, Canada border.

My Great Aunt Mary Simmons...A Story

Taken from the "Jadwin Community History, written by Lois Smith 1975, pg 58

Mary Simmons relates some of the history of her family, who were early settlers in the Jadwin Community.
She says: "My great-grandfather, Enoch Simmons and my grandfather, Wiley Blunt Simmons, moved here from Tennessee. They were of Scotch-Irish, English descent. Great-grandfather Enoch was the first Baptist minister in Salem. He preached in a little log house some where near where the Depot later sat.
My grandfather and his father owned what we call the Ing Geotherol farm on Dry Valley. Two of their log rooms, the weather-boarded over, were still there, not long ago. My father, John Simmons, was born there in 1851. Later, in 1879, they sold that farm and moved to Jadwin, buying what we know as the Gus Bright Farm. My father had what was probably the first store at Jadwin. It stood just across the West Plains Road from where the old Bright house is. They lived just down the road near where the store was later moved. My dad had the store before he married my mother, Belle Cage, in 1881. She was born in 1857. Later, they sold out to Cap Mackey and dad had a store at Cedar Grove. They owned at that time, what we know as the Bill Jadwin place and quite a bit more acreage. But after selling that, they moved to Summersville and operated a store there. In a few years they moved back to Jadwin, buying our old home place and some more land nearby. They ran a store on the farm for 5 or 6 year, then in 1911, Dad moved the store to Turtle.
I went to school for two and one half years in the old log school at Jadwin. The seats were long, hard benches. I remember sitting with Ethel (Jones) Bass. Once, she tied a big red handkerchief around my head, and John Crow, the teacher made me sit on the front seat for punishment. He knew why we did it, Uncle John Pipkins and his wife, lived right in the corner, near the cemetery and his wife always wore a huge red hankerchief tied around her heard. (Fate Asbridges later lived in that same house).
Later, Bessie (Lough) McDonald and I were always seat-mates. The day that the new frame schoolhouse was opened, she and I ran the whole quater mile just as hard as we could, to be the first there, and get our choice of seats. Right in front, of course."

Philenia Belle Cage Simmons at 99 Years Young

Born: January 29, 1857 in Dent county, Missouri

Died: January 7, 1957 in St. Louis, Misouri

Belle's father was Wilson Cage 1820-1876

Belle's mother was Martha Ann Shuck 1831-1880

Both Wilson Cage and Martha Ann Cage were from Tennesse. Census records from August 21, 1850 indicate Wilson and his first wife living on a farm in Obion county, Tennesse. however, he was born in Smith Tennesse.

My Dad's name is Amel Wilson Simmons. His middle name was the same as his grandfather's first name.

Belle's real mother died when Belle was 12years old. Oddly enough her real mom's name was also Martha Ann...(Martha Ann Nash.) ...from Tennesse also.

Belle Simmons...Aunt Mary's & Grandpa Elliot's Mother

Philenia Belle Cage Simmons...my Great Grandmother

Mrs. Belle Simmons died 22 days before her 100th birthday. Belle died at the home of her daughter, Mary Simmons with whom she had lived for the previous 22 years.

John F. & Philenia Simmons...my Great Grandparents

Scroll down to lines 8-16 to locate 236, 238 Simmons, John. Below his name you will find Philenia, his wife. There were 7 children in this family...4 boys & 3 girls. The children were born in this order; John A., Anvil C., Elliot M., Laura E., Carrie, Mary E.E., & Wily. Elliot Monroe is my Grandfather and father of my dad, Amel. Mary E.E. is my Aunt Mary Simmons. The other children are my aunts & uncles that I never knew. All members of this family were born in Missouri, however both of John F. & Philenia's parents were born in Tennesse.
This document is a United States census taken Franklin Township of Dent County on June 21, 1900. It indicates that the family lived on a farm that they owned and not rented. It also indicates that there was a mortgage on the farm. Five of the children attended school and four of the kids could speak english, read & write. My Grandfather Elliot was born in July, 1886 and was just shy of his 14th birthday at this time. My Aunt Mary was just 4 years of age as she was born in August of 1895. The head of the family is listed as a farmer.
My Great Grandfather, John Fielding Simmons was born in January of 1851 & my Great Grandmother, Philenia Simmons was born in January, 1857. Her maiden name is Philenia Belle Cage. John and Philenia were married in 1882.

1850...Tennesse to Missouri...My Great, Great Grandparents

Jesse A. McCarter had married Margaret Ann (Peggy) Dunn and together these pioneers moved from Tennesse to Reynolds county, Missouri in 1850. In 1854 they moved to Dent county, Missouri and homesteaded on a 500 acre tract of land which is still in the family today. They had 8 children...3 boys & 5 girls. Jesse passed away in the fall of 1874 and Margaret died in 1887.

Jesse and Margaret Ann were the parents of John A. McCarter who was Becca's father.

Reynolds county is about 40 miles east of Dent county.

Missouri gained statehood in 1821. Millard Fillmore was the 13th US president from 1850-1853. Westward expansion was now underway!

Becca's Mother...Tennesse Cottrell McCarter

My Great Grandmother, Tennessee McCarter was born in Dent county on October 22, 1857 and was the daughter of William T. Cottrell of Blount county, Tennessee and Sarah M. (Rich) of Dent county, Missouri. Tennesse was 73 at the time of her death on September 5, 1931. However, by that time she had given birth to 15 children. Tennesse and Rev. Jonn A. McCarter had 7 boys and 8 girls. Four of the children died young...(Moses), the twin boys (Dolph & Ralph), and daughter (Lucinda).
Her other children include: Benjamin Franklin, Jesse W., Isaac Washington, John E., Sinai Isabelle, Nora, Rebecca (Mrs. Elliot M. Simmons), Addie M., Bertha E., Anna, & Maud.

Rev. John A. & Tennesse J. McCarter..My Great Grandparents

Reverend John A. McCarter was born on December 28, 1850. His birthday is 100 years minus 19 days before my birthday. His birthplace is given as Tennesse. John, a farmer was 76 years old when he died on June 1, 1927 at 8:45 and two days later he was buried in the McCarter Graveyard. He lived in the area for 73 years meaning that he moved to the Dent county area in 1853. The reason given for his death is aortic insufficiency (heart problems) and hardening of the arteries. It is stated that John has this condition for a duration of 3 years.
John McCarters death was in Lynn township of Dent county. The informant listed is Isaac McCarter, his son of Turtle, Missouri. Turtle is another township of Dent county not far from Salem.
John's father was Jesse McCarter who was born Tennesse. John's mother was Martha Ann (Peggy) Dunn, also born in Tennesse.
John A. McCarter & Tennesse (Cotrell) were married on January 1, 1873 in Dent county, Missouri.

John McCarter was Amel's Grandfather

John McCarter is listed as Becca's father on her death certificate. Tennesse Eusty is the maiden name of Becca's mother. The township of Franklin is part of Dent county and is NW of the Simmons' family farm in Gladden Valley township by a few miles.

John McCarter owned quite a bit of land in the Franklin township as evidenced on the map. As you take a look at sections 25 & 26 you will see John McCarter's name on parcels of 80, 120, 40, & 20 acres. Becca would have been born and raised on this land. Her birthday is given as January, 1894.

The Simmons' Family Farm...160 Acres

Located in the township of Gladden Valley in the SW portion of section 14 is the 160 acre Simmons' farm where Clark, Amel, Margaret, and Lee were born. The farm is located in Dent county about 12 miles ssw of Salem and is just south of Jadwin. The road that cuts thru the farm leads to an area a bit further south that is called Cedar Grove. This is the Cedar Grove Route.

In an earlier blog posting I wrote about a postcard that my Dad sent to my brother, Jack in August of 1951. Jack was staying on the Simmons' farm with Elliot & Mabel while my Mom & Dad were in S. California. My dad addressed the postcard to to Mr. Jack Simmons...% E. M. Simmons...Cedar Grove Route.

Elliot Monroe Simmons was born on July 4, 1886 and was 72 years old when he died on the farm on April 8, 1958. I attended his funeral near the farm that spring and I was just 7 years old when he was buried. It was the first time that I remember tears falling along the cheeks of my Dad, Amel's face. Dad pulled out his hankerchief to dry his eyes. My Dad was my best freind and I felt for him.

We also had cousins by the name of Cope in this area. Notice in the NW portion of section 13 is a 30 acre farm belonging to Jerry Cope. These more than likely were our relatives.

Becca's Death...May 20, 1916...A Mystery Revealed

I remember hearing that my Dad's Mom, Becca passed away sometime shortly after he was born. Again, Amel Wilson Simmons was born on St. Patricks Day, March 17, 1916. According to the death certificate Becca passed away at the tender age of 22 just two months after Amel was born. She died at 6:20 p.m. on the evening of May 20, 1916. Reasons for her death are given as a blood infection due to a pelvic abscess.
Becca was born in Missouri in January of 1894 to Reverend John McCarter & his wife, Tennesse. The informant who signed the death certificate looks to be Laura Simmons of Jadwin, Missouri. This where Grandpa Elliot Simmons' farm was located.
This death certificate gives no indication as to where Becca was buried. Upon further research I have learned that her maiden name was Rebecca McCarter and she was buried in the McCarter family cemetary located in the Turtle township in Dent county, Missouri.

Young Ginny Froehly...circa 1921...My Mom

Mary Virginia Froehly was born on April 9, 1919 in St. Louis, Missouri. This particular spring brought about the first child to a young couple, Joseph and Della Froehly. This was a time when Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States and this was the year that Missouri became the 11th state to ratify the 19th amendmant, which granted women the right to vote.
Joseph & Della first lived on 21st Street. Joseph may have been a wallpaper and painter at this time. Della worked at Brown Shoe Company before she was married and just prior to giving birth to Gin. It was probably at the time that Gin was having this picture taken with her dog that her two twin brothers were about to be born.
Michael Ryan(Chubby) arrived first and Joseph (Junior) appeared shortly afterwards on November 10, 1921.. However, by the time the boys came around the Froehly family was living at their new residence on Lotus Avenue. Katherine (Dolly) came along on October 9, 1924. Dolly was named after Della's mother Catherine Geraghty. Notice that Chubby's middle name was Ryan. Catherine Geraghty's maiden name was Catherine Ryan.

Elliot Travels to Helena, Montana to find work.

Elliot left Missouri in search of work. Times had gotten hard and so he headed out to Montana near Helena to find work on a farm. My Dad related this story to me around the times that I would travel thru Montana on my crosscountry motorcycle journeys. Dad was proud to tell me about his father working in this part of the country.

I am not sure of the years that Elliot worked in Montana, however keep in mind that my Dad was born in 1916 and the Depression began in 1929. Times were tough.

It was during this time that Mabel came into Elliot's life and their relationship developed into marraige. Elliot brought Mabel back to the farm in Missouri. Clark and Amel now had their father again as well as a new mother. Elliot and Mabel had two more children. The boy became my Uncle Lee and the girl became my Aunt Margaret.

Becca & Elliot...Amel's Parents

Becca & Elliot lived on the farm and were the parents of a young boy by the name of Clark. A few years after Clark arrived, Becca became pregnant again and gave birth to Amel. It was shortly after Dad was born in 1916 that Becca passed away. It's not clear just how she died or when she died. For Elliot tho, he suddenly became the single father of two young boys. Fortunately, Belle and Aunt Mary were nearby to help out with the raising of the two brothers.

The photo is an internet image taken of the general area of where the farm is located. There are many rivers nearby that are well known for canoeing and fishing.

The Cedar Grove mail route

The Simmons' farm totaled 360 acres and it apparently was in the Simmons name for quite a while. My Great Aunt Belle recalled Civil War soldiers from both the North and the South traveling thru the area and she told of soldiers taking chickens and livestock for their meals. Belle was a young girl at the time of the war, but remember she lived to be 99 years old. Belle passed away in about 1957-8. She was the mother of my Aunt Mary Simmons. I believe Belle was a generation older than my grandfather Elliot.

The mailing address on the postcard from my Dad to Jack was the "Cedar Grove Route." My Dad would tell me that the farm location was south of Salem and between Jadwin and Eminence. Cedar Grove is in northern Shannon county near the Current River.

I found this map from 1895 on the internet and thought it appropriate for this post because it could be very close to the time that Elliot was born. Also, there is a good chance that Belle may have still been living on the farm then.

A Message from Dad to Jack...Aug. 19, 1954

Here it is...Read for yourselves. Click on the postcard to enlarge it.

Notice that the stamp was 1 cent. Also, Cedar Grove Route was the mailing route that my Grandfather's farm was located. The card was sent to Mr. Jack Simmons in care of E.M. Simmons. Elliot Monroe Simmons was my Grandfather's name.

I just got off the phone with my sister, Mary who is currently battling a cancerous brain tumor and she remembered Grandpa's first name as Elliot. A big Thank you to Mary! She has always had a terrific memory and has struggled in the past 4 1/2 months with her communication and her memory. As I write this posting, Mary is able to speak and recall much better than she has for a while. Mary said that she, Jim, Mom, Dad, and even Nema (my Mom's mother) may have driven out to California on this trip!

Postcard from Dad to Jack...Aug. 19, 1954

This is a postcard that my Dad (38), Amel sent to my brother Jack on August 19, 1951. The postcard has a picture of Suntan Beach and a pier in San Clemente, California. According to a conversation that I had this morning with my brother, I learned that my parents traveled from St. Louis by car to visit my sister, Mary (20) who was married at that time to a soldier by the name of Jim Masconi (sp) who was stationed in Oceanside, California. I believe that Jim was a Marine and was stationed at Camp Pendelton. Jack told me that Mary & Jim had lived just a few blocks from the beach. I believe that my parents made this trip by themselves and Jack, JoAnn, and myself went to stay on our Grandpa Simmons' farm in Salem, Missouri. The farm is where my Dad was raised.

Jack also mentioned that in about 1954-5, our family returned to this area again by car. That was a long haul by car back then as my parents drove JoAnn (13), Jack(12), and myself (3) on the famous Route 66. This trip was probably made because my niece, Karen was born in March of 1954 to Mary & Jim.

Jack said he would curl up and sleep on the floorboard of the front passenger side. My brother also spoke of my Mom (35), Virginia driving thru winding turns thru the mountains. Myself, I would have been 3-4 years old and I remember the canvas water bags that cars had that were hung near the radiator in front. This extra water could be used for getting a drink or to add as coolant if the car overheated.

Day 3 for Cava's Radiation Treatment

Cava  is being treated as this is being written. He is a 9 1/2 yr. old cocker with a great, big heart. It was discovered in the latter part of June 2008 that he had a tumor in the anal gland and test proved to be malignant. Further testing with X-rays and Catscans indicated that the cancer had not spread to other areas of his body. This was great news because this meant that the oncologists could surgically remove the tumor and then radiation and chemotherapy could possibly extend his life. The doctor that removed the tumor said it was about the size of an M&M. So, most of the cancer was removed thru tha.t procedure. Radiation will remove more of the cancer cells and next will be chemo to catch & destroy any stray cancer cells.

Cava will undergo 19 radiation treatments and will be in the California Vetinary clinic for
4 weeks and 1 week for rest. 

Bobby pitches No-hitter...Wednesday, June 28,1961

It was a warm, humid St. Louis evening and I was feeling a bit sluggish before gametime as I had spent the day cutting grass & pulling weeds. I had a chance to get a quick bite about an hour before loosening up in the bullpen. It's funny...I always felt a little better about myself going into a game when feeling this way. My focus was good and I seemed to reach back for a little bit more. While warming up I made sure to simply toss the ball in the beginning to my catcher, Larry Hartstein. Gradually, my speed would pick up and after 15-20 minutes I was ready to face my first batter.

On this particular night I had some extra motivation as my sister Mary had just given birth two nights prior to my new nephew, Mark.

Our game started at 6:30 and by this time I was feeling good & loose as my fastball was loudly popping like a firecracker in my catcher's mitt. My curveball had something special tonight as it had a very tight rotation and a real nice snap. I knew the other team was it trouble on this night and it was just a matter of going out there and staying focused.

To the left of the ad for Hawaii now for $80.10 (from California) you can read the caption of my first no-hitter. My brother, Jack who was in the Air Force would turn 19 on this long, summer day. He was probably stationed at Randolph air base in Lackland, Texas at this time

By 1961 my parents, JoAnn, and myself were living in Olivette, Mo at 1135 Olivaire Lane. JoAnn would not be staying long as she was about find a place in St. louis to live. By this time Mary & Lou would be also living in Olivette on Queensridge Drive with Karen and now Mark, their newborn son. Mary, Lou, and Karen had moved from an apartment on Dale Ave. in Richmond Heights, Mo.