Frank William Reigel1,2,3

Family Chart
ID# 245, (1881 - 1952)
FatherBenjamin Franklin Riegel4,5,6 (25 Jan 1850 - 6 Jan 1931)
MotherEsther Matilda Gann4,7,6 (21 Mar 1854 - 11 Dec 1920)

Key Events:

Birth: 23 Apr 1881, Mound City, Holt Co., Missouri8,9,10
Marriage: 8 Dec 1903, Vancouver, Clark Co., Washington, Mary Smith (6 Feb 1886 - about 1908)11,12
Marriage: 25 Feb 1911, St. James Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon, Emma Sophia Gapsch (24 Apr 1891 - 31 Oct 1917)13,14,15
Marriage: 18 Oct 1919, Stevenson, Skamania Co., Washington, Vera Mattie Baird (3 Jun 1894 - 16 Mar 1970)16,17
Death: 29 Jul 1952, La Center, Clark Co., Washington18,19
Burial: 1 Aug 1952, Park Hill Cemetery, Vancouver, Washington20,21
ChartsDescendants of Edward and Sophie Gapsch
Descendants of Jacob K. and Christiana Ohl Riegel
AncestryThe Reigel Family

Copyright Notice

Narrative:

     Frank William Reigel was born on 23 Apr 1881 in Mound City, Holt Co., Missouri.8,9,10
     He moved to Kansas with his parents about 1885.22 He appeared on the 1885 State Census of Kirwin, Phillips Co., Kansas, in the household of household of his parents.23
     He moved to Clark Co., Washington Territory, with his parents about 1892.24,25,26 He appeared on the 1900 Federal Census of La Center, Washington in the household of his parents.27
     Frank married first Mary Smith, daughter of Winfield Scott Smith and Alice Countryman, on 8 Dec 1903 in Vancouver, Clark Co., Washington, W. W. Sparks, Justice of the Peace, officiating.11,12 She died about 1908.28,29,30

Struggling at Farming --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---


     Frank was a farmer for most of his life. But it appears that his farming income was insufficient to support his family, and he supplemented his income by working in lumbering. Family stories suggest he spent considerable periods working away from home working in the logging camps in the area.31,32,33,34,35 It was during one of those periods that he appeared on the 1910 Federal Census of Mountain View, Clark Co., Washington, on Bratten La Center Road, enumerated 11 May 1910.36
     Frank purchased 40 acres about 3 miles northeast of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, on 5 Aug 1910, from Bruce G Hurt, for $1000. It was at the east side of his parents' farm and across the road, to the north, of his brother Forest's property.37,38 (See Map.)
Frank and Emma Gapsch Reigel Wedding Photo
Family Photo

     Frank married second Emma Sophia Gapsch, daughter of Robert Edward Gapsch and Matilda Henriksdotter, on 25 Feb 1911 in St. James Lutheran Church, Portland, Oregon, with Rev. J. A. Leas officiating. His sister, Ida, and her brother, Henry, were their attendants.13,14,15
     They bought an additional 21 acres lying just north shortly thereafter, taking a mortgage for $200 at 7% interest from Addison Morey on that property on 21 Apr 1911. The mortgage was due a year later, but was paid off 22 Nov 1911.39,38
     Frank and Emma seem to have repeatedly taken out mortgages and repaid them. Apparently the money was needed for living expenses. On 20 Jan 1915 he and Emma took a mortgage on his original farm for $600, at 9% interest, for four years from F. F. Myers.40 On 23 Apr 1915 they took out a second mortgage, from Frank's sister, Ida. It was for $200, at 10% interest, and secured by the 21-acre parcel at the rear of the farm. It was satisfied 17 Apr 1918.41
     He was engaged in hauling freight for a time. According to family stories, one especially cold winter he drove over the ice from Vancouver, Washington, to Portland, Oregon, to deliver his load.42 It would seem to have been in this connection that Frank hired his wife's uncle, Edward Gapsch. On 25 Oct 1916, while working as a teamster for Frank, Edward's foot was injured when his horse slipped and fell at East Third and Oregon Sts., Portland.43
     On 17 Aug 1917 Emma transferred all her interest in the farm property to Frank, apparently in contemplation of her death.44 She died on 31 Oct 1917 in Clark Co., Washington.45,46
     Frank registered for the draft for World War I on 12 Sep 1918, while living at La Center, Clark Co., Washington, reporting he was employed as a farmer.3
     Frank's farm continued to struggle for years. A nephew, who helped on the farm as a teenager, around 1940, recalled "There was not a powered piece of machinery on the place that worked. The water for the house was from a well with a wooden storage tank on a tower. The gas pump either did not work or there was no gasoline. One of my chores was to pump water up to the tank by hand." Hay was put into the barn loose, and barns of the time had a large hay hook to lift the hay off the wagon, carry it across the barn on a track and drop it where it was wanted. Frank's hook mechanism was not working, so the hay had to be loaded into the barn by hand. His nephew recalled "Frank pitched the hay through the window, mostly on top of me, and I moved it back as fast as I could." Frank was still plowing with a team. After plowing all morning he put the horses out to pasture, and after lunch hooked up a different team for the afternoon.47

His Third Wife --- Text Stolen from ReigelRidge.com !! ---

Frank and Vera Reigel with Granddaughter
Family Photo

     Frank married third Vera Mattie Baird, daughter of Charles Baird and Luretta E. Noble, on 18 Oct 1919 in Stevenson, Skamania Co., Washington, with Elder I. D. Brown officiating.16,17
     Frank and Vera appeared on the 1920 Federal Census of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 20 Jan 1920. His sons Cecil, Vernon, Kenneth and Ernest were listed as living with him.48
     On 22 Nov 1920 Frank and Vera, took a new mortgage on the 21-acre property, from Mary E. Sparks, for $400 at 8% interest, for three years. On 8 Jan 1921 they took a mortgage on the original farm property for $800, at 8% interest, for five years, from F. F. Myers. That loan is shown as satisfied 1 Sep 1942. On 7 Mar 1932 they took a mortgage on the rear 21 acres for $150 at 6% interest, for 18 months, from Nancy Colburn. It was satisfied 19 Sep 1934.49
     Frank did make time to serve on the local shool board. He was elected to a three-year term on 3 Mar 1923.50
     Frank and Vera appeared on the 1930 Federal Census of La Center, Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 11 Apr 1930, reporting that the family did not have a radio. His sons by his prior marriage, Vernon, Kenneth and Ernest, were listed as living with them, as was his father.51
     Frank was issued letters of administration on 31 Jan 1931 for the combined estate of his parents, who had died intestate (without leaving a will). Their estates were declared to consist only of their community property, there being no personal property, and the annual rents of the real estate was less than $75 annually. A bond of $100 was required.52
     Frank and his siblings, Ralph, Forest, and Ida, inherited undivided interests in their parents' 20-acre farm. On 24 Oct 1931 his siblings ceded the five acres nearest his farm to Frank. In 1938 and 1939 the three brothers transferred their interests in the remaining 15 acres to Ida. Curiously, the deeds indicate Frank was paid $165 for his share even though he had already received his quarter of the property.53,54
     Frank and Vera appeared on the 1940 Federal Census of Paradise Point, Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 22 Apr 1940, reporting that they owned a farm valued at $3,500, and had lived in the same house in 1935.55 Frank reported that he had worked 70 hours the last week of March, and had worked 52 weeks the prior year.
     Frank registered for the draft for World War II on 25 Apr 1942, reporting he was living at Woodland, Cowlitz Co., Washington, and he was self-employed as a farmer.56
     Frank and Vera sold the 21-acre parcel to the rear of their farm to Charles J. and Mable M. Burkhalter for $10 on 24 Aug 1942.57 On 20 Jun 1949 they sold the 5-acre parcel inherited from his parents to Mervin E. and Edith C. Stenlund, for $1,000.58 On 26 Jul 1949 they sold the north half of his original 40-acre farm to Charles J. and Mable M. Burkhalter.59
     Frank and Vera appeared on the 1950 Federal Census of Clark Co., Washington, enumerated 14 Apr 1950, reporting they lived on a farm.60 He reported he had worked 108 hours the prior week.61
     Frank died on 29 Jul 1952 his farm near La Center, Clark Co., Washington, at age 71.18,19 He was buried on 1 Aug 1952 in Park Hill Cemetery, Vancouver, Washington, next to his third wife.20,21

Children:
     Child with Mary Smith:

Children:
     Children with Emma Sophia Gapsch:

Children:
     There were no children with Vera Mattie Baird

Citations

  1. [S98] Benjamin Reigel Family Bible.
  2. [S175] Ralph O. Reigel, "Birth Date and Place of Frank William Reigel", shows name as Frank William Reigel.
  3. [S4667] Frank William Reigel, World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918.
  4. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin, shows them apparently living as parent and child.
  5. [S171] Frank W. Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows father's name as Benjamin W. Reigel.
  6. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Petition for Letters if Administration, 19 Jan 1931.
  7. [S171] Frank W. Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows mother's name as Matilda Ganna.
  8. [S98] Benjamin Reigel Family Bible, shows date.
  9. [S175] Ralph O. Reigel, "Birth Date and Place of Frank William Reigel", shows date, town, county, and state.
  10. [S4668] Frank William Reigel, Selective Service Registration Card, World War II, Fourth Registration, shows date, county, and state.
  11. [S689] F. W. Reigel and Mary Smith, marriage record, Application, filed 8 Dec 1903; Certificate recorded 6 Jan 1904, shows date, town, county, state, and officiant.
  12. [S486] Frank W. Reigel household, 1930 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows he was first married at age 22.
  13. [S337] Frank W Reigel and Emma Sophia Gapsch, Return of Marriage, shows date, address, city, county, and state.
  14. [S2084] "Weddings, Reigel-Gapsch," The Sunday Oregonian, 5 Mar 1911, shows church, date as "last Saturday noon" [which should be 3 Mar, but apparently meant 25 Feb], attendants, and officient.
  15. [S99] Questionnaire, Roberta Ellen Gapsch, 1 Sep 1999, shows date and Clark Co. Washington.
  16. [S812] Frank W. Reigel and Vera M. Chaney, marriage record, Certificate of Marriage, shows date, city, county, and officiant; Marriage Return shows he had two prior marriages and she had one.
  17. [S133] F. W. Reigel household, 1920 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows married.
  18. [S171] Frank W. Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows that he died at Rt. #1, Box 478, Woodland, Clark Co., Washington.
  19. [S110] Personal knowledge of author, recalling that his grandfather died a few days after his family arrived home from one of their annual visits to the grandparents. He was told that his grandfather died working in the field hear his home, which was between La Center and Woodland, in Clark Co.
  20. [S171] Frank W. Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows date and cemetery.
  21. [S3183] Clark County Genealogical Society, Clark County Cemeteries, "Park Hill - R," pg 16, shows date, and her in plot J 50-4 and him in J 50-5.
  22. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin, shows Forest, Frank, and Ida all born in Missouri, and that the family, including William, had moved to Kansas from Missouri.
  23. [S1393] B. F. Reigle household, 1885 Kansas State Census, Phillips Co., Kansas, Kirwin.
  24. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 18:78-9, David Hurt to B. F. Reigel, deed, 25 Mar 1893.
  25. [S65] Marriages of Clark County, Washington, FHL microfilm 1206366-8, Family History Library, shows Ralph was married 25 Dec 1896 in View, Clark Co., Washington.
  26. [S170] Benjamin Franklin Riegel, Certificate of Death, shows lived in registration district 38 yrs.
  27. [S149] Benjamin Reigel household, 1900 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  28. [S148] Frank V. Rigle household, 1910 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows her husband as widowed.
  29. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 82:493-4, Bruce G. Hurt to Frank W. Reigel, deed, 9 Aug 1910, dated 5 Aug 1910, shows her husband as a widower.
  30. [S219] Winfield S. Smith household, 1910 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows her mother as the mother of 4, with 2 living.
  31. [S148] Frank V. Rigle household, 1910 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as logging teamster.
  32. [S133] F. W. Reigel household, 1920 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as farmer.
  33. [S486] Frank W. Reigel household, 1930 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as farmer, on his own farm.
  34. [S172] Vernon Howard Reigel, Certificate of Birth, shows occupation as farmer.
  35. [S171] Frank W. Reigel, Certificate of Death, shows occupation as farmer.
  36. [S148] Frank V. Rigle household, 1910 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  37. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 82:493-4, Bruce G. Hurt to Frank W. Reigel, deed, 9 Aug 1910.
  38. [S225] Plotting the location (currently on NW 369th St. near NW 24th Ave.) on DeLorme Street Atlas USA and measuring from the center of the town of La Center yields just about 2 miles as the crow flies, and about 3 miles following modern streets and roads.
  39. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 89:156-7, Frank W. and Emma Reigel to Addison Morey, mortgage, 27 Apr 1911; and 94:152, Addison Morey to Frank W. and Emma Reigel, satisfaction of mortgage, 22 Nov 1911.
  40. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 110:591-2, Frank W. and Emma Reigel to F. F. Myers, mortgage, 4 Feb 1915.
  41. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 119:492-3, Frank W. and Emma Reigel to Ida May Angell, mortgage, 13 Jan 1917.
  42. [S6283] Interview, Richard Reigel, 6 Oct 2015, recalling storied told him by his father, Frank's son.
  43. [S2083] "Teamster's Foot Crushed," Morning Oregonian, 25 Oct 1916.
  44. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 123:347-8, Emma Reigel to F. W. Reigel, deed, 5 Nov 1917, shows consideration was $5.
  45. [S169] Emma S. Reigel, Certificate of Death.
  46. [S349] Erickson, "Family History - Maria Lovisa Henriksdotter", shows date.
  47. [S6297] Myron D. Spady letter to author, 1 Feb 2001.
  48. [S133] F. W. Reigel household, 1920 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  49. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 141:481-2, Frank W. and Vera Reigel to Mary E. Sparks, mortgage, 4 Dec 1920; 142:110-1, Frank W. and Vera Reigel to F. F. Myers, mortgage, 15 Jan 1921: and 215:317-8, Frank W. and Vera Reigel to Nancy Colburn, mortgage, 7 Mar 1932.
  50. [S6295] "School Election Held," Morning Oregonian, 7 Mar 1928.
  51. [S486] Frank W. Reigel household, 1930 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  52. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Decree Appointing Administrator, 31 Jan 1931, and Bond of Administrator, 4 Feb 1931.
  53. [S8720] Loose Probate Papers, Clark Co., Washington, no. 5600, Benjamin F. Reigel and Esther Matilda Reigel combined estate, Order Approving Final Account and Decree of Distribution, 14 Aug 1931, shows the four children received equal undivided shares in the property.
  54. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 218:26-7, Ralph O. Reigel, Forest E. Reigel, and Ida May Angell to Frank W. Reigel, quit claim deed, 9 Nov 1931: 258:230-1, Frank W. Reigel to Ida May Angell, quit claim deed, 29 Jun 1938; 274:520-1, Forest E. Reigel to Ida May Angell, quit claim deed, 9 Oct 1939; and 274:520-1, Ralph O. and Edith Reigel to Ida May Angell, quit claim deed, 9 Oct 1939.
  55. [S4664] Frank W. Reigel household, 1940 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  56. [S4668] Frank William Reigel, Selective Service Registration Card, World War II, Fourth Registration.
  57. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 324:202, Frank W. and Vera M. Reigel to Charles J. and Mable M. Burkhalter, deed.
  58. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 468:307, Frank W. and Vera M. Reigel to Mervin E. and Edith C. Stenlund, deed, 20 Jun 1949.
  59. [S884] Deeds and Mortgages Clark Co., Washington, 472:69, Frank W. and Vera M. Reigel to Charles J. and Mabel M. Burkhalter, deed, 4 Aug 1949.
  60. [S12589] Frank W. Reigel household, 1950 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington.
  61. [S12589] Frank W. Reigel household, 1950 U.S. Census, Clark Co., Washington, shows occupation as farmer and industry as farm.
  62. [S179] Cecil Reigel, Delayed Certificate of Birth.
  63. [S2871] Cecil Reigel, Application for Account.
  64. [S172] Vernon Howard Reigel, Certificate of Birth.
  65. [S188] Vernon Harold Reigel, Certificate of Death.
  66. [S2878] Vernon Howard Reigel, Application for Account.
  67. [S173] Kenneth Riegel, Certificate of Birth.
  68. [S2854] Kenneth Ivon Reigel, Application for Account.
  69. [S174] Ernest Arthur Reigel, Certificate of Birth.
  70. [S2855] Ernest Arther Reigel, Application for Account.