Person Page 899

Catherine Christinna Kessinger was born on 28 Nov 1858 in Pearl Twp., Pike Co., IllinoisG.^5,6,7
     She appeared on the 1860 Federal Census of Pearl Twp., Pike Co., IllinoisG, in the household of her parents, Ransom A. Kessinger and Sarah J. Peacock.¹⁵ She appeared on the 1870 Federal Census of Pearl Twp., Pike Co., IllinoisG, in the household of her parents.¹⁶
     She appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Pearl Twp., Illinois in the household of her parents, Ransom A. Kessinger and Sarah J. Peacock, with her daughter Jeanette.¹⁷
     Catherine married first Dr. Franklin Lock on 18 Mar 1882 in Pike Co., IllinoisG.^8,9
     Her husband died in Feb 1889.^18,19
     Catherine married second James R. Smith about 1890.^10,11
     Catherine and James appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of South McAlester, Indian Territory G, enumerated 27 Jun 1900, reporting that they owned their home. Their daughter May was listed as living with them.²⁰
     Catherine died in 1902 in South McAlester, Indian TerritoryG, at age ~44.^12,13 She was buried in Hess Cemetery, Pearl, Pike Co., IllinoisG.¹⁴

Jay Nicholas Simons was born on 24 May 1906 in Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG.^4,5,6
     Jay appeared with his mother, on the 1920 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, G in the household of John Henry Simons, his grandfather.¹⁷

A Troubled Youth --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     As a teenager, Jay seems to have taken up with a disreputable element. On 9 Dec 1926 he was arrested as part of group of eight young men from Milton and Turbotville after police raded their homes and found stolen goods. They all were working occasionally, but were discovered after they "showed an affluence which they could not have come by honestly" according to a newspaper report. Jay confessed to taking part in a robbery of the E. R. Taggart store in Watsontown on 17 Nov involving $500 worth of clothing, the Old Mill Inn in Milton on 27 Nov of cigars, cigarettes, candy and merchandise, the H. B. Mensch grocery store in late November where they took canned goods, a shot gun, groceries, and meats worth $300, and Ward Wallace's butcher shop in Milton on 13 Dec yielding $200 in meats.¹⁸
     Jay and his accomplices pleaded guilty of all the charges. Unable to post $1,500 bail, they were held in jail for trial. On 3 Jan 1927 they were sentenced to two to four years in jail.^19,20 However they were all released after being paroled on 27 Sep 1927.²¹
     Jay got in trouble again in Jul 1930, when he and Warren Paul, one of his accomplices in the earlier robberies, were arrested on charges of beating and robbing Harry F. Persing of $18. A newspaper account said they had both served terms in Glenn Mills reformatory and "had bad names." They had been drinking at a speakeasy and Persing had caused trouble by ordering drinks for the house and refusing to pay for them. Jay suggested they go downtown to a restaurant as there was nothing but Limburger cheese at the speakeasy. Persing drove them, but an argument broke out and they stopped, then Paul hit Persing with the automobile's crank. Persing claimed they had gone through his pockets and taken about $18.^22,23
     They pleaded guilty and were sentenced 22 Sep 1930 to five to ten years imprisonment in the penitentiary in solitary confinement at labor, and fined $100 and costs, with the judge accusing them of a "mean and despicable trick" in attacking the man who had offered them a ride.²⁴ They returned to court 2 Dec 1930, stating they had understood that they were pleading guilty only to the assualt charges and not to highway robbery, and denied they had taken any money. Jay had been working at the Milton Manufacturing company, making $3.50 per day. They were re-tried and found guilty of assault and battery and each fined $50 and sentenced to one to two years in jail. They were paroled after nine months in the county jail.^23,25
     Jay appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, in the household of his mother.²⁶ Jay appeared in the 1930 census with his step-father's surname, Meckley, but it appears that he never actually adopted that name and continued to use his mother's maiden name, Simons.^27,28,29
     Jay applied for a Social Security Number 27 Nov 1936, while living at 454 Columbia Ave., Milton, PennsylvaniaG, where he was employed by the Milton Manufacturing Co.³⁰

Getting Married --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Jay married first Anna Marie Styers, daughter of Abraham Lincoln Styers and Laura Jane Hummel, about 1937. She had previously been married to John Dewey Heimbach and Clarence Elwood Weida.^7,8,9
     Jay and Anna appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 454 Columbia Ave. G, enumerated 17 Apr 1940, reporting that they were renting their home, for $11 per month. Listed as living with them were his half-brother Olan, her father, Abraham Lincoln Styers, and her nephew, Clifford Daubin, age 17.²⁸
     Jay registered for the draft for World War II on 16 Oct 1940, while living at 454 Columbia Ave., Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, reporting he was employed by Milton Manufacturing Co., in Milton.³
     Jay and Anna appeared on the 1950 Federal Census of Kelly, Union Co., Pennsylvania, on Mountain View Rd. G, enumerated 3 Apr 1950, reporting they lived in a home that was not on a farm, and lived in the same house the year before.³¹
     In May 1950 Jay's wife asked the missing persons bureau in PhiladelphiaG to search for her nephew, Clifford Daubin, who they had raised. He had enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and several months later been given a medical discharge. He went to PhiladelphiaG where he worked at several jobs, then suddenly disappeared in 1945. No explanation was reported as to why she had waited five years to report him missing.³²
     There was a fire at the home of Jay and his wife in MiltonG on 14 Feb 1968, caused by a defective heating pad. She had used it during the night and was sure she had turned it off before placing it under the bed. Damages were confined to the bedroom, estimated to be $150.³³
     He was a laborer at an iron works in 1930. By 1940 he was a box maker for a manufacturing company. That year he reported he had worked 24 hours the last week of March, and had worked 45 weeks the prior year, earning $900.^34,28 He retired 1969 from ACF Industries in MiltonG, where he worked in the maintenance department.³⁵
     His wife died on 9 Jan 1976 in Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaG.^36,37,38

A Second Marriage --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Jay married second Martha Jane Sholter, daughter of Charles D. Sholter and Daisy M. Allen, in Jun 1976 in Union Co., PennsylvaniaG. She had previously been married to an unknown man and a Mr. Elias, and was the widow of Joseph Robert Bowes and Allen Clifford Price.^10,11,12
     Jay died on 19 Apr 1984 in Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaG, at age 77.^13,14,15 He was buried on 21 Apr 1984 in Montandon CemeteryG.¹⁶

Frances May Simons was born on 5 Feb 1909 in Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG.^4,5,6
     Frances appeared with her mother on the 1920 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, G in the household of John Henry Simons, her grandfather.¹⁶
     She was working at a silk mill before her first marriage.¹⁷
     Frances married first Lester M. Aucker, son of Lucian Clarence Aucker and Bertha M. Hauck, on 16 Apr 1927 in Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, at the parsonage of the Evangelical Church, with Rev. C. B. Snyder officiating.^7,8,9
     Frances and Lester appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 431 Queen St. G, enumerated 10 Apr 1930, reporting they were renting their home, for $15 per month. Betty M. Boyer, age 4, was listed as living with them, identified as a boarder.¹⁸
     Frances applied for a Social Security Number 20 May 1938, while living at Milton, PennsylvaniaG, where she was employed by D. & G. Throwing Mill at Watsontown. A throwing mill processed raw silk into yarn.¹⁹
     Frances and Lester appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Turbut Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, enumerated 11 Apr 1940, reporting they owned a home valued at $1,600, and that they had lived in Milton in 1935. Their three children were listed as living with them. They were apparently living on or near his parents' farm, as they are listed as the next household in the census.²⁰
     Her husband died on 29 Jun 1949 in West Chillisquaque Twp., Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG.^21,22
     She was a machine operator at a dress factory by 1950, reporting in the 1950 census she had worked 40 hours the prior week.²³
     Frances appeared on the 1950 Federal Census of Turbut Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, enumerated 13 May 1950, reporting she lived in a home that was not on a farm. Her children Marlin, Shirley, and Jay were listed as living with her.²⁴
     Frances married second Charles James Hauck, son of John Clarence Hauck and Stella Ida Delaney, and first cousin once removed of her first husband, on 3 Dec 1950 in Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaG, with W. G. Reedy officiating.^10,11
     Her second husband died on 21 Dec 1962 in East Chillisquaque Twp., Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG.^25,26
     Frances died on 29 Dec 1981 in Lewisburg, PennsylvaniaG, at age 72.^12,13,14 She was buried on 2 Jan 1982 in Harmony Cemetery, Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG.¹⁵

Olan David Meckley was born on 15 Aug 1913 in Milton, PennsylvaniaG.^4,5,6
     Olan appeared with his mother on the 1920 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, G in the household of John Henry Simons, his grandfather.¹³
     He appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, in the household of his mother, Bertha Mae Simons.¹⁴
     Olan applied for a Social Security Number 19 Apr 1937, while living at 454 Columbia Ave., Milton, PennsylvaniaG, where he was employed by Ervin R. Farver.²
     Olan appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, in the household of Jay Nicholas Simons and Anna Marie Styers, his half-brother and his wife.¹⁵
     Olan registered for the draft for World War II on 16 Oct 1940, while living at 454 Columbia Ave., Milton, Lewisburg Co., PennsylvaniaG, reporting he was employed by West Branch Novelty Company in Milton.¹⁶
     Olan was drafted into the U.S. Army as a private during World War II. He was inducted 28 Nov 1942, at Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaG.¹⁷ He entered active service 5 Dec 1942, at New Cumberland, PennsylvaniaG, serving within the U.S. until 28 Sep 1944. He was then shipped overseas, where he served unti 2 Mar 1946.¹⁸ While serving as a ground gunner instructor in England, with a rank of private first class, he broke a bone in his foot and spend some time in a hospital.¹⁹ He was discharged 24 Mar 1946 at Ft. Dix, New JerseyG.^11,20
     He was a cleaner at a silk mill in 1930. By 1940 he was a laborer in a novelty works. That year he reported he had worked 40 hours the last week of March and had worked 24 weeks the prior year, earning $400.^21,15
     On 10 Feb 1950 Olan, while living outside Lewisburg, applied for compensation for his World War II service under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's bonus compensation program. On 6 May 1950 his application was approved for $475, $220 for 22 months of domestic service and $255 for 17 months of foreign service.¹⁸
     Neither Olan nor his mother has been found in the 1950 census. His application for a marriage license in Sep 1951 shows both as living on RD#3 in Lewisburg. It seems likely they were both living in rural Union Co.G in 1950, perhaps living together.^22,23
     Olan married Mary Margaret Williams, daughter of Victor L. Williams Sr. and Idilla M. Jamison, on 29 Sep 1951 in White Deer Evangelical and Reformed Charge Parsonage, West Milton, Union Co., PennsylvaniaG, with Rev. Thomas B. Musser officiating.^7,8
     He retired from American Car and Foundry in Milton, where he was employed as a burner, about 1978.²⁴
     Olan died on 2 Oct 1981 in Allenwood, Union Co., PennsylvaniaG, at age 68.^9,10,11 He was buried in Allenwood Cemetery, Allenwood, Union Co., PennsylvaniaG.¹²

Calvin David Meckley was born on 16 Mar 1878 in Winfield, Union Co., PennsylvaniaG.^4,5,6
     He appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Chillisquaque Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, G in the household of his parents, Jeremiah S. Meckley and Annie R. Wirth.¹⁸
     Calvin appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Kelly Twp., Union Co., Pennsylvania G, enumerated 1 Jun 1900, on the farm of J. B. Winkelbleck, his wife and four children. He was working there as a farm laborer.¹⁹
      Even though many records used the spelling Meckley for his surname, as his father used, as an adult Calvin often used the spelling Meckly on formal documents.^2,3,20
     Calvin married first Flora Mabel Benfer, daughter of William H. Benfer and Emma Evans, on 7 Mar 1901 in Kelly Crossroads, Union Co., PennsylvaniaG, at his parent's home, with Rev. J. L. Barnhart officiating.^7,8,9
     Calvin and Flora appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 455 Shakespease Ave. G, enumerated 16 Apr 1910, reporting they were renting their home. Their children Anna, Grace, and Paul were listed as living with them, as was Frank A. Smith, age 24 and working at a nut works, listed as a boarder.²¹
     His wife died on 20 Apr 1911 in Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG.^22,23

Passing Forged Checks --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Calvin was arrested 10 Dec 1913 by MiltonG police on a warrant sworn by the Union National Bank for passing a forged check for $71.50. He was held on $1,000 bail. He was then charged in a case preferred by the Lewiston National Bank, for collecting on a $230 note based on a forged signature. He could not post the bail and was held in jail awaiting trial. After the trial, he served 21 months in the Eastern Penitentiary.^24,25
     Calvin married second Bertha Mae Simons, daughter of John Henry Simons and Mary Catharine Riegel, on 1 Feb 1916 in Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, with Rev. Joseph Anderson officiating.^10,11,12
     He was a cutter at a nut works in 1910, and a nut maker there in 1920.^26,27,28 He registered for the draft for World War I on 12 Sep 1918, while living at 140 Elm St., Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, reporting he was employed as a nut machine operator for Milton Manufacturing Co., in Milton.³
     Calvin and Bertha separated shortly after 1918, when they were living together at 140 Elm, MiltonG, but never divorced. Both continued to live in Milton.

More Trouble With the Law --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     By the end of Nov 1919 Calvin was in the Northumberland Co.G jail awaiting trial on new forged check charges. In October he had been playing the fair in Bloomsburg and passed a forged check for $98. Several days later Columbia Co. officers arrested him at the Lewisburg fair. He promised to make the check good and the victum dropped the charges. But in order to make restitution, Calvin wrote a check for $90, and when it was found to also be forged check he was arrested in Milton.²⁹
     Calvin appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, in the household of his daughter Anna and her husband, Charles Munson.³⁰
     On 17 Apr 1926 Federal prohibition agents raided two hotels and three private residences in Milton, including Calvin's, at 145 South Front St. G At his residence they took one pint of whiskey for evidence, and destroyed several gallons. He and one other were unable to post bond and were taken to Williamsport.³¹
     Calvin was sentenced to two to four years in state prison 8 Oct 1927 in Danville, PennsylvaniaG, after he pleaded guilty to forgery. He was directed to return the $242 he had received with a forged check, fined $200 and costs. He admitted had been settled an earlier forged check charge in Sunbury.³² He was arrested again 23 Sep 1930 for forging and cashing a check for $67.50 at WatsontownG. He was held at the county jail after he didn't pay $2,000 bail.³³
     Calvin appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at the rear of 54 Center St. G, enumerated 8 Apr 1930, reporting he was renting his home, for $7 per month.³⁴

Wife Seeks Support --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

     Calvin was arrested 21 Dec 1938 in MiltonG on a charge of non support preferred by Bertha. Bail was set at $300. He was ordered 25 Jan 1939 to pay her $4 per week for support. He was arrested 5 Aug 1940 for failing to comply with the order and remained in jail until 6 Sep, when the order was cancelled after Bertha wrote a letter to the court stating she was employed on a WPA sewing project and "I am able to work and owe nobody."^35,36
     Calvin appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 73 Broadway G, as a roomer in a hotel operated by Bertram Galbraith and his sister Maude. He reported he had lived in the same city in 1935.³⁷
     Bertha filed charges of desertion and non-support against Calvin in Northumberland Co. 17 Dec 1941. He was given a hearing and released on $500 bail pending the next term of the county court. The case was dismissed 28 Jan 1942 after she asked the court to release him from jail, stating that she was now working and able to take care of herself.^38,39
     By 1930 he was a laborer for a building carpenter. By 1940 he was a self-employed painter. That year he reported he had worked 30 hours the last week of March, and 32 weeks the prior year.^40,41 He registered for the draft for World War II on 27 Apr 1942, while living at 23 Broadway, Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, reporting he was employed by Glenn DeHart, on Turbot Ave., Milton.⁴²
     Calvin appeared on the 1950 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 25 Broadway St. G, enumerated 5 Apr 1950, listed as one of five roomers in a rooming house operated by Edward Lauth and his wife Ruth.⁴³
     He reported in the 1950 census he was unable to work, but apparently later continued to work as a painter and paper hanger.^44,45
     Calvin died on 20 Mar 1955 in Coal Twp., Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, at age 77.^13,14 He was buried on 22 Mar 1955 in Lewisburg Cemetery, Lewisburg, Union Co., PennsylvaniaG.^15,16,17

Clarence Edward Simons was born on 10 May 1879 in Milton, PennsylvaniaG.^4,5,6
     He appeared on the 1880 Federal Census of Turbut Twp., Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, G in the household of his parents, John Henry Simons and Mary Catharine Riegel.¹⁰ He appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania G, in the household of his parents.¹¹
     Clarence married Laverna Katherine Frey, daughter of William M. Frey and Emma Jane Ritter, about 1901.^7,8,9
     Clarence and Laverna appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 129 Cameron Ave., rear, G, enumerated 20 Apr 1910, reporting that they were renting their home. Their daughter Thelma was listed as living with them.² They were living about two blocks away from his brother Charles and his family, who were living at 350 Cameron Ave.¹²
     Clarence registered for the draft for World War I on 12 Sep 1918, while living at 340 Wall, Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, reporting he was employed as a driver for George Hedenberg in Milton.¹
     Clarence and Laverna appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 153½ South Front St. G, enumerated 6 Jun 1920, reporting that they were renting their home. Their daughter Thelma was listed as living with them.¹³
     Clarence and Laverna appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 128 Maple St. G, enumerated 2 Apr 1930, reporting that they were renting their home, for $20 per month.¹⁴
     Clarence and Laverna appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Milton, Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania, at 250 Locust St. G, enumerated 16 Apr 1940, reporting that they were renting their home, for $14 per month, and had lived in the same house in 1935. Their daughter Thelma was listed as living with them.¹⁵
     Clarence registered for the draft for World War II on 27 Apr 1942, while living at 250 Locust St., Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, reporting he was employed by Milton Manufacturing Co., on Cameron Ave., Milton.¹⁶
     He was a laborer in 1900, and doing odd jobs in 1910. By 1920 he was a laborer for an electric company, for a bolt works by 1930, and for a street works in 1940. That year he reported that he had worked 16 hours the last week of March, 52 weeks the prior year, earning $312. He was a wood worker at a cedar chest manufacturing company at the time of his death.^{17,18,19,20,21,22}
     Clarence and Laverna were living in 250 Locust St., Milton, PennsylvaniaG, at the time of his death, and she continued to live there until her death.^3,23
     Clarence died on 3 Nov 1948 in Milton, Northumberland Co., PennsylvaniaG, at age 69.³ He was buried on 6 Nov 1948 in Harmony Cemetery, Milton, PennsylvaniaG.³