Butler County Family Center

First Generation

1.  William J. O'BRIEN was born in January 1827 in Limerick County, Ireland.1,2  A conflict exists concerning William's year of birth.  In the 1870 census, his age was recorded as 45 and therefore, born about 1825.  In the 1880 census, his age was 52, born about 1828.  The 1900 census recorded his age as 73 and born in January, 1827.

At his death in 1906, his two obituaries stated he was born in 1822 and therefore, 85 years of age when he passed away...actually 84 years of age.  When he died, his birth information would've been provided by his survivors and therefore, is somewhat suspect.  They may have estimated his age and year of birth.

Because the 1827 year of birth in the 1900 census was recorded while he was alive and he may have provided the information himself, that is the year of birth entered here in this family history.  The three censuses in which he appears, all indicate a birth year around 1827.  However, a birth year of 1822 also fits into his family birth order and may be correct, but unlikely.  Additional research in Irish records may solve this conflict.  He immigrated about 1847 to America.3  He died on 8 August 1906 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.2  He was buried on 10 August 1906 in Nettleton Catholic Cemetery, Greene, Butler County,  Iowa.2 

The obituary for William, as it appears on line (see source list), from The Iowa Recorder, Greene, Iowa, (Butler County), Wednesday, 15 August 1906:

  "Obituary.  At the home of his daughter, Mrs. M. [Mary - Mrs. Michael] Hester, in Emmetsburg, Iowa, on Wednesday, August 8th, 1906, occurred the death of Mr. Wm. O'Brien, at the advanced age of almost 85 years.  [If William was born in 1827, as indicated in the 1900 census, he would've died at the age of 79.] The deceased was born in County Limerick, Ireland, and came to this country when only nineteen years of age, leaving his parents to make a home for himself in America. He landed in New York City, where he remained until his marriage to Miss Anna Pratt. Immediately after the young people moved to Wisconsin, remaining there for ten years and then coming to Butler county. [Iowa] He lived there until about ten years ago, when he went to make his home with his daughter.

Mr. O'Brien was the father of seven children, three daughters with the wife and mother preceding him to the great beyond. Three daughters and one son survive him: Mrs. Mary Hester, Emmetsburg, [Iowa]; Mrs. Libbie Marlow, Allison, [Iowa]; Mrs. Nora Laughlin, Pipestone, Minn., and John O'Brien, Greene, [Iowa].  The remains were brought here Friday afternoon and taken to St. Mary's church, where Father Sheehy conducted impressive services. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery south of town [Greene, Butler County, Iowa] by the side of his wife.  The church was well filled with the neighbors and old friends of the deceased and the following intimate friends of the family acted as pallbearers: John Downing, Matt Higgins, M. McEniry, James Grady, B. Ramker and S.A. Clarke.

Another brief obituary appeared in The Palo Alto Reporter, Emmetsburg, Iowa, Palo Alto County, on 9 August 1906.  "Death of Wm. O'Brien -- Wm. O'Brien died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. M. [Mary - Mrs. Michael] Hester Wednesday morning at 9:00 o'clock of paralysis of the nerves, [likely a stroke].  Mr. O'Brien was born in county Limerick Ireland, in 1822. When about 20 years old he came to this country. For a number of years he lived near Greene in Butler county, but for the past ten or twelve years he has made his home with his daughter at whose home he died. For the past two years he has been confined to his room. His wife died some years ago. He leaves three daughters and one son to mourn the loss of a good father. The body will be taken to Greene, and interred in the Catholic cemetery by the side of his wife. The relatives have the sympathy of all in their sorrow."

William J. O'BRIEN and Anna Currie PRATT were married about 1851 in New York.2  Anna Currie PRATT was born about 1827 in Ireland.4  She died in 1887 in Iowa.5  Anna's surname was recorded as Pratt in her husband's obituary, but as Currie in other sources.  Currie appears to have been her middle name and Pratt was Anna's maiden name.  She was buried in Nettleton Catholic Cemetery, Greene, Butler County,  Iowa.2  William J. O'BRIEN and Anna Currie PRATT had the following children:

           +2                      i.    Mary Ann O'BRIEN, born in August 1852, New York1; married Michael HESTER, on 7 November 1873, Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa6-8; died on 8 October 1923, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa9,10.

           +3                     ii.    Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN, born on 9 April 1855, New York11,12; married Lawrence LOUGHLIN, on 25 October 1874, Butler County, Iowa13; died on 12 August 1931, Pipestone County, Minnesota14.

              4                    iii.    Bridget Delia O'BRIEN was born 3 Feb1857 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.15,16  Her exact date of birth is uncertain.  However, her baptismal record recorded that she was born six weeks before baptism, which calculates to approximately February 3rd.  She was baptized on 17 March 1857 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.16  Delia's sponsors were Michael O'Haran and Anna O'Haran, probably husband and wife.

              5                    iv.    John William O'BRIEN was born on 1 December 1858 in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.4,16,17  He was baptized on 16 December 1858 in St. Louis Catholic Church, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.16  John's sponsors were James Mangan and (unreadable given name) McGrath.  He died on 27 January 1937 in Estherville, Emmet County, Iowa.18  He was buried on 29 January 1937 in St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery, Estherville, Iowa.19  According to Emmet County Iowa death records, John W. O'Brien died in Estherville, Iowa on 27 January 1937 of organic heart disease. His obituary (below) gave his age at death, as 68.  However, if John was born in 1858, since he was recorded as 2 years of age in the 1860 census in the household of William and Anna O'Brien, he would've been born about 1858 and therefore about 78 or 79 at death. 

                                            His brief obituary appeared in the Estherville Daily News, on Thursday, 28 January 1937.  "JOHN O'BRIEN PASSES AWAY -- Funeral Rites Will Be Tomorrow.   John William O'Brien, 68 years old, died yesterday afternoon at the Emmet county farm after an illness of several years.  As far as is known the man had no living relatives and he repeatedly refused to give officials of the county farm information about his early life. He had been a resident of the county farm for the last six years after ill health forced him to give up his carpentry work in and around Estherville.  Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow from St. Patrick's Catholic church with the Rev. L. J. Savage in charge. Burial will be made in St. Patrick cemetery." 

                                            The following day, 29 January 1937, the paper printed the following:  "Funeral For John O'Brien Held Today -- Funeral services for John W. O'Brien, 68 years old, who died Wednesday afternoon at the county home, were held at 9 a.m. today at St. Patrick's Catholic church with the Rev. L. J. Savage officiating. Interment was made in the Catholic cemetery. So far as officials of the county home can learn, Mr. O'Brien had no living relatives. He had been in poor health for about six years."  John is buried in Lot 110B, Grave 4 in the Old Section of St. Patrick's cemetery in Estherville. There is no headstone.  John apparently never married.

              6                     v.    Lucy Ann O'BRIEN was born in 1861 in Wisconsin.4,16  She was baptized on 16 August 1861 in St. Louis Catholic Church, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.16  Lucy Ann's sponsors were Henry Bernet and Alice Flat.

           +7                    vi.    Elizabeth A. "Libby" O'BRIEN, born in 1865, Wisconsin4; married Edward MARLOW, in 189620.

              8                   vii.    Alice O'BRIEN was born on 30 June 1867 in Wisconsin.5,21  She was baptized on 4 September 1867 in St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.22  Alice's sponsors were Francis Halpin and Julia Dougherty.  She died on 15 September 1878 in Butler County, Iowa.5  She was buried in Nettleton Catholic Cemetery, Greene, Butler County,  Iowa.5  Alice died at the age of 11 years.

Second Generation

2.  Mary Ann O'BRIEN (William J.-1) was born in August 1852 in New York.1  In the Hester Family Bible, Mary's date of birth was recorded as 1850, born in New York City.  Other sources indicate her year of birth as 1852.    She died on 8 October 1923 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.9,10  The Palo Alto Tribune, published Wednesday, 10 October 1923, carried the obituary of Mary O'Brien Hester, who died at the age of 71.  "Old Resident Meets Death -- Mrs. Hester Dies Rather Suddenly -- Tho Not in Good Health for Some Time."  It is with the keenest regret that we chronicle the death of Mrs. Michael Hester which occurred at her home in the second ward of this city [Emmetsburg] on Monday morning, October 8 from high blood pressure. Yet her death, quite unexpected, was at six o'clock. She had been failing for a year or more and was suffering, a shock to her many friends throughout the county.

Funeral services were held at St. Thomas church this (Wednesday) morning at ten o'clock. A requiem solemn high mass was celebrated by Rev. Chas. O'Malley, Father Schieier of Spencer served as deacon, and Father Savage as sub-deacon.  The pall bearers were Joe Higgins, Joe Jackman, W. H. Gaylord, Thomas O'Connor and Charles Duhigg.

Miss Mary O'Brien was born at Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin on August 20, 1850. [Research suggests she was born in 1852]  She went from there to Cedar Falls when a young lady and was united in marriage to Michael Hester at that place on November 7, 1873.  Seven children were born to this union, all but two of whom survive their mother. Frances J. and William Emmet died in infancy. Those living are three daughters, Mrs. Agnes Kelly of Jamestown, N. D., Mr. E. M. Thompson of this city and Mrs. J. K .Reidy of Davenport and two sons, A. C. Hester of Emmetsburg and Leo A. Hester of Creston, Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. Hester came to this county in 1884 and located on a farm in Emmetsburg township, where they resided until 1907, when they retired and came to Emmetsburg. They built one of the very comfortable and commodious homes of our city and subsequently made their home here.

The writer knew Mrs. Hester very well and esteemed her most highly. She was earnest and sincere in all she said and did. She was a noble woman. She was most devoted to her home and was an excellent housekeeper and a genuine home maker. By earnest and united effort Mr. and Mrs. Hester accumulated enough of the world's goods to live comfortably and without financial worries. Their home was a most hospitable one. No one ever came to their home without feeling that warmth of a genuine welcome that is never to be forgotten.  Mrs. Hester was a good neighbor. She was very charitable and was prone to stress the virtues of those with whom she came in contact and to pass lightly by their faults. She was an ardent Catholic and was always loyal to her convictions and steadfast in the practice of her religion. Among all the women we know, there is none whom we consider more worthy in every sense of the term than Mrs. Hester. She filled every office in life well. As mother, wife and neighbor she was an ideal woman. She left not duty undone. She was cheerful and optimistic and her genial manner added its full share to the happiness of the home. One more of Palo Alto county's good women has been summoned before her Maker to account for the life entrusted to her. None who knew her will doubt that her accounting will be pleasing to the Master and that the eternal reward for which she always hoped is now hers.

Besides her husband and children Mrs. Hester leaves two sisters, Mrs. L. Laughlin of Pipestone, Minn. and Mrs. Edward Marlowe of Denver and one brother, John O'Brien of Estherville to mourn her departure. To all of them the Tribune extends sincere sympathy."

Mary Ann O'BRIEN and Michael HESTER were married on 7 November 1873 in Cedar Falls, Black Hawk County, Iowa.6-8  When Michael and Mary married in 1873, their witnesses were Hanorah O'Brien, Mary's sister and Patrick Hester, brother of Michael.  Their witnesses were recorded in the Hester Family Bible. Mary married at the age of 21 and Michael at 31, assuming their years of birth were 1852 for Mary and 1842 for Michael. 

Michael HESTER (son of William HESTER and Napka "Nappy" DURKIN) was born on 10 April 1842 in Louisburg, County Mayo, Ireland.1,23  He died on 15 December 1925 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.23  He was buried in St. John's Catholic Cemetery, Emmetsburg, Iowa.10,23  Michael's obituary was printed in the Emmetsburg Democrat on 16 December 1925 (posted on Ancestry.com by Cathy Joynt Labth).  "Michael Hester Called to Reward -- Spent 40 Years of His Useful Life in Palo Alto County." 

"Tuesday morning our many citizens were surprised to learn of the death of Michael Hester, which occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E. M. Thompson of this city, during the night.  He was ill for a short time.  Gangrene of the feet, following an attack of diabetes, proved fatal.  Few of his friends had learned of his serious condition.  The funeral was held this forenoon.  Services were conducted in St. Thomas church, the pastor, Father McNerney, officiating.  A large number of old relatives and friends were in attendance.  The burial was in the family lot in St. John's cemetery."

"Michael Hester was born in Louisburg, County of Mayo, Ireland, April 10, 1842.  Hence he was completing his 83rd year.  When a small boy his parents emigrated from Ireland to Canada where they remained for six years, later coming to the United States and settling in the vicinity of Fondulac [sic] Wisconsin.  When a young man, Mr. Hester located in Butler County, this state.  On November 7, 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary O'Brien of Cedar Falls.  Mr. and Mrs. Hester resided in the vicinity of Greene until 1885 when they came to this county. [Palo Alto]  They bought a fine farm northwest of this city.  They were frugal and thrifty and they became very prosperous.  Several years ago they built a home in Emmetsburg, subsequently residing in our midst.  Mrs. Hester died October 8, 1923, after which Mr. Hester made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Thompson, but spent several months with another daughter, Mrs. Reidy of Davenport.  Mr. Hester's death is mourned by two sons, A. C. of this place and Leo A. of Creston, Iowa.  There are three daughters, Mrs. E. M. Thompson of this city, Mrs. J. K. Reidy of Davenport and Mrs. Martin Kelly of Jamestown, North Dakota.  An only brother, P. J. Hester, resides at Sherwood, North Dakota.  There are two sisters, Mrs. James Nally of Emmetsburg and Mrs. Geo. Lummery, of Hutchinson, Minnesota.  Two brothers, John and Will and a sister, Mrs. Edward Ryan, died in this locality a number of years ago."

"Mr. Hester was recognized among the thrifty, dependable, sterling Christian gentlemen of our county.  He was a man of the best of habits.  He was friendly and warm hearted and was highly and justly honored by the many who knew him.  He met his obligations promptly and fully.  It was a pleasure to do business with him.  He had the happiness to see his sons and daughters grow up to useful and respected membership in social and business circles and Providence spared him to a ripe old age.  He was a substantial, tasty home builder and at all times gave generous assistance to his church and to worthy home community movements.  During his long residence in our county we knew him as a warm friend and an ardent well wisher.  We learn with profound sorrow of his death.  Our sympathy goes out to the surviving members of his good family in their bereavement."  Mary Ann O'BRIEN and Michael HESTER had the following children:

           +9                      i.    Agnes E. HESTER, born in 1875, Iowa24; married Martin KELLY, about 189625.

           10                     ii.    Francis J. "Frank" HESTER was born on 18 December 1877 in Iowa.1,26  He died on 2 February 1911.27  Frank died at the age of 33 years.

         +11                    iii.    Lyda B. HESTER, born in December 1879, Greene, Butler County, Iowa24; married Edward Merritt THOMPSON, on 7 February 1899, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa28; died on 4 May 1952, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa26,29.

         +12                    iv.    Ambrose C. HESTER, born in March 1883, Greene, Butler County, Iowa1,26; married Teresa Ann MCGINTY, in 190326; died on 9 January 1936, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26.

         +13                     v.    Cora A. HESTER, born in July 1888, Iowa1; married John Kenneth "Jack" REIDY, about 191530; died about 1970, Davenport, Iowa26.

         +14                    vi.    Leo Adron HESTER, born on 3 February 1891, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa1,31; married Margaret C. SLOAN.

           15                   vii.    William Emmet HESTER date of birth is not known.  William Emmet died as an infant. 

3.  Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN (William J.-1) was born on 9 April 1855 in New York.11,12  Hanora's year of birth and place of birth remains in question.  Census records (1900, 1910, 1920, 1930) all record her place of birth as New York and the 1900 census recorded her date of birth as April 1855.    She died on 12 August 1931 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.14  She was buried on 14 August 1931 in Catholic Cemetery, Pipestone, Minnesota.12  Nora's obituary appeared in the Pipestone County Star on 14 August 1931, page 1:  "Death Claimed Mrs. L. Loughlin  --  Aged Resident of City Passed Away Wednesday  --  Funeral to be This Morning" 

"The death of Mrs. L. Loughlin, well known resident of Pipestone, occurred at her home on Wednesday morning. [at the age of 76]  She had been in poor health for sometime past, her last illness being of about two weeks duration.  Her death followed an illness due to Cholecystis."

"Funeral services will be held this morning at ten o'clock at St. Leo's Catholic church.  Rt. Rev. Mons. Mangan will read the solemn requiem mass and the burial will be in the Catholic cemetery.  The deceased was born in Fond du Lac, Wis., on April 9, 1856 and was married in 1876 to Lawrence Loughlin who died in this city three years ago last April.  [Lawrence Loughlin's obituary stated they were married 25 October 1874, not 1876.  And because their first child, Mary, was born in 1875, their year of marriage was probably 1874]   Mrs. Loughlin had been a resident of Pipestone county for the past thirty years and had resided in this city for fifteen years."

"Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Loughlin, two preceding their parents in death.  The surviving children are Mrs. Mayme Forman of Sweet township [Pipestone County]; Mike Loughlin who had made his home here with his mother; Wm. Loughlin whose residence is unknown; Thomas Loughlin of LaCrosse, Wis.; John Loughlin of Roundup, Montana; Frank Loughlin of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada and Mrs. Grace Disch, of Mitchell, S.D.  Other relatives are a sister, Mrs. Edward Marlow of Denver, Colorado; and a brother, John O'Brien of Estherville, Iowa.  Thomas Loughlin arrived here Wednesday evening."

Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN and Lawrence LOUGHLIN were married on 25 October 1874 in Butler County, Iowa.13  In the 1910 census (Pipestone County, Minnesota), Nora was recorded as having given birth to nine children, seven were living.  Only four children were recorded in the household in 1910...Michael, Thomas, Frank and Grace Loughlin.  In 1910, Lawrence and Nora were farming in Gray Township, Pipestone County. 

By 1920, the family had moved into the village of Pipestone where they lived at 421 So. Ash Street.  Living with them at that time were two sons, Michael and Frank...ages 40 and 29 respectively and one grandson, Lawrence Loughlin, age 9, born in North Dakota to a father born in North Dakota and mother born in Iowa.  The grandson's parents were not recorded.  In 1920, Nora was 65 and her husband, Lawrence was 73 and retired.  Their son, Michael, age 40, was single and working as a county roads overseer and living with his parents.  Frank, also single and age 29, was employed in farming and also living at home.  Lawrence LOUGHLIN (son of Michael LOUGHLIN and Mary HACKETT) was born on 5 March 1846 in Ireland.32,33  He emigrated in 1847 from Ireland.34  He was naturalized in 1854.34  He died on 23 April 1928 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.35  Lawrence's obituary appeared in the Pipestone County Star, Tuesday, 24 April 1928 on page 1.  "L. Loughlin Passed Away Monday Morning - Pipestone Man Died From Infirmities of Old Age - Funeral Wednesday."

"The death of L. Loughlin occurred at his home, 417 S. Ash, at 9:00 o'clock Monday morning, being due to the infirmities of old age.  He had been in declining health for the past few years, but was confined to his bed just the last week.  Funeral services will be held at St. Leo's Catholic church at 10:00 o'clock Wednesday morning, with Monsg. Jos. Mangan officiating.  Burial will be in the Catholic cemetery." [in Pipestone]

"Lawrence Loughlin was born in Ireland, March 5th, 1846 and at the time of his death was a little over eighty-two years of age.  when one year old he came with his parents to America.  Fifty-four years ago last October, at Waverly, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Nora O'Brien, who survives him.  They moved to Pipestone county in 1902, settling in Gray township.  In 1910 they retired from farming and moved to this city and have since resided here."

"He is survived by seven children:  Mike and Tom of Pipestone; Will, of Seattle, Washington.; John of Roundup, Montana and Frank of Saskatchewan, Canada; Mrs. Will [Mayme] Forman of Pipestone county and Mrs. Louis Disch of Mitchell, S.D.  There are fifteen grandchildren, one of whom, Lawrence Loughlin, has made his home here with his grandparents.  It is expected that all of the children, with the exception of Will and Frank, will be here to attend the funeral."

"Also surviving are two brothers and one sister:  John of LeMars, Iowa; Michael and Mary Loughlin of Sioux City.  The late Mr. Loughlin was a member of St. Leo's church.  He was a charter member of the Yeoman Lodge of Pipestone and at the age of seventy became a paid-up member of that organization."  Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN and Lawrence LOUGHLIN had the following children:

         +16                      i.    Mary A. "Mayme" LOUGHLIN, born in August 1875, Iowa11; married William "Will" FORMAN, on 14 October 1908, Pipestone County, Minnesota36.

           17                     ii.    Michael M. "Mike" LOUGHLIN was born in June 1878 in Iowa.11,32

           18                    iii.    William P. "Will" LOUGHLIN was born in July 1880 in Iowa.11

           19                    iv.    Thomas T. LOUGHLIN was born in September 1882 in Iowa.11,32

         +20                     v.    John E. LOUGHLIN, born in March 1885, Iowa11; married Mary R., about 191137.

           21                    vi.    James Lawrence LOUGHLIN was born in August 1887 in Iowa.11  He died on 11 September 1908 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.38  He was buried on 12 September 1908 in Catholic Cemetery, Pipestone, Minnesota.39  James' obituary appeared in the Pipestone Farmer's Leader, the official newspaper for the county of Pipestone, on 17 September 1908.  "Young Man Passed Away  --  Last Thursday morning the sad news announcing the death of James Loughlin, reached this city from his home in Gray township.  His death having occurred at about three o'clock that morning.  James had been a sufferer of tuberculosis for many years and on that morning he was relieved of his sufferings by death at the age of 21 years, 1 month and one day.  He was a young man of pleasing qualities and made friends wherever he went and the news of his death came as a shock to his many friends in this city."

                                            "The deceased was a son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Loughlin, of this county, and besides a father and mother he leaves five brothers and two sisters to mourn his death who have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow."

                                            "The funeral services were held at the Catholic church last Saturday morning at 10 o'clock a.m. and were conducted by Rev. Father Mangan after which the remains were taken to their final resting place in the Catholic cemetery."  Gray township is located a few miles southeast of the village of Pipestone.  James was unmarried.

           22                   vii.    Francis J. "Frank" LOUGHLIN was born in February 1890 in Iowa.11,32

         +23                  viii.    Grace Catherine "Gracie" LOUGHLIN, born on 24 October 1894, Iowa11,32,40; married Louis C. DISCH, on 9 February 1916, Pipestone County, Minnesota41,42; died on 29 January 1988, Hennepin County, Minnesota42.

7.  Elizabeth A. "Libby" O'BRIEN (William J.-1) was born in 1865 in Wisconsin.4  Libby's married name was Libby Marlow and she lived in Allison, Iowa.

Elizabeth A. "Libby" O'BRIEN and Edward MARLOW were married in 1896.20  In the 1900 census, Libby was recorded as having given birth to two children and both were living.  It's certainly possible that Edward and Libby had more children after Lela and Helen.  Edward MARLOW (son of William MARLOW and Ann) was born in August 1863 in Illinois.20  Edward's parents are based on their census entry in the 1880 census, Butler County, Iowa, Jackson Township.  Both of his parents were born in Ireland.  Elizabeth A. "Libby" O'BRIEN and Edward MARLOW had the following children:

           24                      i.    Lela F. MARLOW was born in April 1897 in Iowa.20

           25                     ii.    Helen I. MARLOW was born in April 1900 in Iowa.20

Third Generation

9.  Agnes E. HESTER (Mary Ann O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born in 1875 in Iowa.24

Agnes E. HESTER and Martin KELLY were married about 1896.25  Martin KELLY26 was born about 1875 in Iowa.25  Agnes E. HESTER and Martin KELLY had the following children:

           26                      i.    Theresa KELLY was born in 1897 in Iowa.25

           27                     ii.    Margaret KELLY was born in 1900 in Iowa.25

           28                    iii.    Agnes KELLY was born in 1903 in Iowa.25

           29                    iv.    Else KELLY was born about 1905 in Iowa.25

           30                     v.    Earl KELLY was born in 1907 in Iowa.25

           31                    vi.    Edress KELLY was born in 1912 in Iowa.43

11.  Lyda B. HESTER (Mary Ann O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born in December 1879 in Greene, Butler County, Iowa.24  She died on 4 May 1952 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.26,29

Lyda B. HESTER and Edward Merritt THOMPSON were married on 7 February 1899 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.28  Notice of the wedding between Lyda Hester and Edward Thompson appeared in The Emmetsburg Democrat on 8 February 1899, the day after their wedding.  "Thompson-Hester  ---  Mr. Edward M. Thompson and Miss Lydia B. Hester were married in this city yesterday by Rev. M. J .Costello. After the marriage a reception was held at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hester, a large number of the relatives, friends and neighbors of the contracting parties being present. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson will make their future home on the Howard Webster farm in Walnut township. Both have a large circle of friends and acquaintances. Mr. Thompson is a courteous and well-to-do young farmer. The bride is a young lady of true worth and most pleasing personality. She has resided in Emmetsburg township since childhood and the circle of her well wishers is limited only to the number of her acquaintances. The Democrat extends hearty congratulations."  Lyda married at the age of 19 and Edward at the age of 21.

  Edward Merritt THOMPSON (son of George THOMPSON and Clara) was born on 14 March 1877 in Iowa.44,45  According to the 1920 census (Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa), Edward's father was born in England and his mother in Wisconsin.  In 1920, Edward worked as the county clerk in Palo Alto County.  He died on 25 January 1961.  Lyda B. HESTER and Edward Merritt THOMPSON had the following children:

         +32                      i.    Hester Edwardine THOMPSON, born on 26 August 1913, Graettinger, Iowa44,45; married Wilbur Marion BENNETT, on 29 December 1938, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa46.

12.  Ambrose C. HESTER (Mary Ann O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born in March 1883 in Greene, Butler County, Iowa.1,26  He died on 9 January 1936 in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.26  He was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.47

Ambrose C. HESTER and Teresa Ann MCGINTY were married in 1903.26  Teresa Ann MCGINTY (daughter of John MCGINTY and Ann MCDERMOTT) was born in November 1883 in Dewitt, Iowa.26  She died on 9 January 1936 in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.26  She was buried in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.47 

A brief funeral notice was published in the Emmetsburg, Iowa newspaper on 16 January 1936 for Ambrose and Teresa's funeral.  "Mr. and Mrs. Hester Buried at C. Rapids --  Double funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Hester, whose deaths were briefly reported in this paper last week, were held at the Immaculate Conception church in Cedar Rapids Monday forenoon. Burial was also made in Cedar Rapids.  Mr. Hester was born in Greene, Iowa 53 years ago, and came to Palo Alto county when a boy. Mrs. Hester was born at DeWitt, Iowa, 51 years ago. The Hester family moved to Cedar Rapids from Emmetsburg in 1930.  Children surviving are: Mrs. Rita Anderson, of the state of Washington, Mrs. Erma Clary, Chicago, Neva, Josephine, Lucille, LaVonne, M. J. and William, all of Cedar Rapids. One small son was drowned near Cedar Rapids last spring.  We have not been supplied with further particulars."

  Ambrose C. HESTER and Teresa Ann MCGINTY had the following children:

           33                      i.    Rita HESTER was born on 17 November 1906 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.26  She died on 29 August 1964 in Jackson, Louisiana.26  She was buried in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.26  Rita married Bryden Anderson.  They later divorced.  She was about 29 years old when her parents died.  Rita died in Louisiana at the age of 57.

         +34                     ii.    Irma HESTER, born on 27 June 1908, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa26; married Verne Milton CLARY, on 11 May 1932, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois26.

         +35                    iii.    Neva HESTER, born on 15 September 1912, Galveston, Texas26; married Richard PATEK, about 1939, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26; died on 5 February 1966, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26.

         +36                    iv.    Josephine HESTER, born on 14 January 1915, Houston, Texas26; married Jack SKALICKY Sr., on 3 January 1934, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26; married Charles HAWK, on 1 September 1951.

         +37                     v.    Michael John "M.J." HESTER, born on 3 January 1917, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa26; married Helen Maurine BODDICKER, on 3 November 1937, Newhall, Iowa26; died on 15 April 1980, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26.

         +38                    vi.    Lucille A. HESTER, born on 24 June 1919, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa26; married James ARVANITES, about 1947; married Harry VANDRO, about 1948; married Forrest EBY, on 20 January 1979, Reno, Nevada26.

         +39                   vii.    William Ambrose "Bill" HESTER, born on 30 April 1922, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa26; married Mary BARRON, on 9 April 1942, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26.

         +40                  viii.    Lavonne HESTER, born on 6 April 1925, Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa26; married Larry BIERNBAUM, on 26 April 1947, Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa26.

           41                    ix.    Francis HESTER was born on 16 March 1926 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.26  He died on 17 March 1935 in Cedar Rapids, Linn County, Iowa.26  Francis drowned in a river the day after his birthday, at the age of nine.

13.  Cora A. HESTER (Mary Ann O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born in July 1888 in Iowa.1  She died about 1970 in Davenport, Iowa.26

Cora A. HESTER and John Kenneth "Jack" REIDY were married about 1915.30  In the 1930 census, it was recorded that Jack and Cora were married when he was 26 and she was 27, therefore, about 1915. Also, in the 1930 census, Jack was working as an auto salesman in Davenport, Iowa at 1128 East Garfield Street.  John Kenneth "Jack" REIDY26 was born on 20 February 1889 in Davenport, Iowa.30,48  Cora A. HESTER and John Kenneth "Jack" REIDY had the following children:

           42                      i.    John F. "Jack" REIDY was born about 1925 in Iowa.30  Jack is married to Margaret, her maiden name is not known.  They have six adopted children.

14.  Leo Adron HESTER (Mary Ann O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born on 3 February 1891 in Emmetsburg, Palo Alto County, Iowa.1,31  He served in the military between 1914 and 1917 in the Iowa National Guard.31  On Leo's WW I draft registration card, he was recorded as having served in the Iowa National Card as a Private, for three years, as of June 1917.  At that time, he was single and working as a clerk in a dry goods store (Shipley & Minger, Co.) in Iowa Falls, Iowa.

Leo Adron HESTER and Margaret C. SLOAN were married.  Margaret C. SLOAN (daughter of John S. SLOAN and Nora LYNCH) was born about 1901 in Illinois.49,50  Leo Adron HESTER and Margaret C. SLOAN had the following children:

           43                      i.    Leo H. HESTER was born on 11 October 1922 in Iowa.51,52  He died on 4 February 2002 in Johnston, Polk County, Iowa.52,53  He was buried in Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Iowa.52  Leo served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marine Corps. during World War II.  Leo died in Iowa at the age of 79.

         +44                     ii.    Alice M. HESTER, born on 22 June 1924, Iowa50,51; married Robert Dean MACKEY; died on 26 July 1994, West Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa50.

           45                    iii.    Mary L. HESTER was born in 1926 in Iowa.51

           46                    iv.    Dorothy J. HESTER was born in 1928 in Iowa.51

16.  Mary A. "Mayme" LOUGHLIN (Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born in August 1875 in Iowa.11

Mary A. "Mayme" LOUGHLIN and William "Will" FORMAN were married on 14 October 1908 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.36  There is a question whether or not Mary A. (Loughlin) Forman is the same person as "Mayme" (Loughlin) Forman, referred to in the obituaries of her husband, William Forman and the obituary of two of their sons, William and Edward Forman.  In all three obituaries, Mary Loughlin is referred to as "Mayme" Loughlin Forman.  However, the informant for the death certificate of William Forman, her husband, was "Mrs. Mary Forman," of Pipestone, Minnesota, probably his wife.  The assumption that Mary A. Loughlin is the same person as Mayme Loughlin Forman is confirmed by the 1930 census enumeration of the household of William Forman of Pipestone, which included his wife...Mary and children, William, Carol, Darrell, Edward and Virgil.  In this census, Mary's father's birthplace was recorded as Ireland and her mother's birthplace was recorded as New York; information consistent with what is known about Mary A. Loughlin's parents, Lawrence Loughlin and Hanora "Nora" O'Brien.  "Mayme" was evidently a nickname given to Mary A. Loughlin Forman. 

William "Will" FORMAN (son of Fred FORMAN and Anna VASBECK) was born on 7 December 1884 in Lone Rock Township, Moody County, South Dakota.54  He died on 21 July 1942 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.54  He was buried on 24 July 1942 in Catholic Cemetery, Pipestone, Minnesota.54  An obituary for Will Forman appeared in the Pipestone County Star, on 24 July 1942, on page 4.  "Wm. Forman Dies; Funeral Here Today" -- "The death of William Forman, Sr. of this county occurred at 5:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at his home.  He had been in poor health for the past several months and underwent an operation at Rochester last October and for a time seemed to improve.  His death was caused from cancer. [due to metastasis of cancer of the mouth]  All of his family was at his bedside at the time of his death."

"Funeral services will be held this, Friday morning at 9:30 o'clock at St. Leo's Catholic church in this city and the burial will be in the Catholic cemetery, the following acting as pall bearers:  S.T. Marshall, J.F. Gruber, Herman Buhman, Lloyd Meeker, John Quinn and George W. Winters."

"Will Forman was born on December 7, 1884 to Fred and Anna Forman in Lone Rock township, Moody county [South Dakota] and had reached the age of 57 years, 7 months and 14 days at the time of his death.  He received his education in Moody county and was unfortunate to lose both his parents at an early age.  He began farming operations southwest of Pipestone and on October 14, 1908 he was united in marriage with Mayme [Mary A.] Loughlin of this county.  To them five children were born, William, Carol, Darrell, Ed and Virgil.  Mr. Forman had farmed in this vicinity for the past thirty-five years and held several offices of trust and at the time of his death was treasurer of School District No. 3"

"Surviving are his widow and the following children:  William and Ed of this city; Carol, Darrell and Virgil at home; also two brothers, Henry of South Shore, S.D. and Fred Forman who resides in Wyoming, also two granddaughters and three grandsons."  Mary A. "Mayme" LOUGHLIN and William "Will" FORMAN had the following children:

         +47                      i.    William Frances FORMAN, born on 10 August 1909, Moody County, South Dakota55; married Mary Courtenay MORGAN, on 28 October 1934, Pipestone, Pipestone County, Minnesota55; died on 14 January 2001, Pipestone, Pipestone County, Minnesota55.

           48                     ii.    Carol FORMAN was born in 1912 in South Dakota.56  Carol and Darrell were twins.

           49                    iii.    Darrell FORMAN was born in 1912 in South Dakota.56

         +50                    iv.    Edward Fredrick "Ed" FORMAN, born on 3 October 1913, Moody County, South Dakota57; married Olive MORIARTY, on 20 April 1936, Pipestone County, Minnesota57; died on 19 July 1979, Lake Shetek, Murray Township, Murray County, Minnesota57.

           51                     v.    Virgil FORMAN was born in 1918 in South Dakota.56

20.  John E. LOUGHLIN (Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born in March 1885 in Iowa.11

John E. LOUGHLIN and Mary R. were married about 1911.37  In the 1930 census, John and his family were living in the village of Roundup, Montana.  There, he was working as a railroad conductor.  Mary R. was born about 1878 in Minnesota.37  John E. LOUGHLIN and Mary R. had the following children:

           52                      i.    James L. LOUGHLIN was born in 1912 in Montana.37

           53                     ii.    Joseph O. LOUGHLIN was born in 1915 in Montana.37

           54                    iii.    Vincent D. LOUGHLIN was born on 6 August 1917 in Montana.37,58  He died in March 1977 in San Jose, California.58

           55                    iv.    Mary C. LOUGHLIN was born in 1920 in Montana.37

23.  Grace Catherine "Gracie" LOUGHLIN (Hanora A. "Nora" O'BRIEN-2, William J.-1) was born on 24 October 1894 in Iowa.11,32,40  She died on 29 January 1988 in Hennepin County, Minnesota.42

Grace Catherine "Gracie" LOUGHLIN and Louis C. DISCH were married on 9 February 1916 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.41,42  In the 1930 census, Mitchell, South Dakota, Louis was working as a barber.  Louis and Grace moved a great deal as is evidenced by the birth place of their children:  John born in 1918 in Wright County, Minnesota, James born in 1920 in Freeborn County, Minnesota, Joseph born in  Iowa in 1922, Mary Catherine born in 1924 in Pipestone, Minnesota and Louis, born in South Dakota in 1926.  Louis C. DISCH (son of John B. DISCH and Emma M. GRAF) was born on 6 November 1890 in Minnesota.41,42  He died in March 1977 in Oshkosh, Winnebago County, Wisconsin.42  Grace Catherine "Gracie" LOUGHLIN and Louis C. DISCH had the following children:

           56                      i.    John Lawrence Joseph DISCH was born on 21 April 1918 in Wright County, Minnesota.41,59  He died on 13 March 2000 in Seattle, Washington.60

           57                     ii.    James Jerome DISCH was born on 10 March 1920 in Freeborn County, Minnesota.41,61

           58                    iii.    Joseph Paul DISCH was born on 13 July 1921 in Iowa.41,62  He died on 21 March 1996 in Contra Costa County, California.62,63

           59                    iv.    Mary Catherine DISCH was born on 20 July 1924 in Pipestone County, Minnesota.41,64

           60                     v.    Louis C. DISCH was born on 1 May 1926 in South Dakota.41,65  He died on 6 February 2004 in Colorado.65

Sources

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