Frederick Hunnell (1834-1884)
Frederick Hunnell, born Frederick Alfred Hunnell, Jr. to Frederick A. and Ruth (Marshall) Hunnell. This is a maternal line. Two of Fred and Ruths children married Willis Wiley Van Matre.
Born: 28 Jun 1834 in Washington County, Indiana, USA.
Died: 10 Jun 1884 at the age of 49 in Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Married: 10 Jul 1864 Lois Pratt Bray in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #91598172 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Lois Pratt Bray daughter of Eliphalet Day and Caroline (Chipman) Bray.
Born: 12 Nov 1847 in Kingfield, Franklin County, Maine, USA.
Died: 22 Sep 1910 at the age of 62 in Mount Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri.
Find A Grave: Memorial: Memorial #91598320 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Argyle, Lafayette County, Wisconsin
Frederick Hunnell was born in Washington County, Indiana. The 1840 US Federal Census shows his family was living in Eastern Division of Iowa County, Wisconsin. By the 1850 US Federal census, his family was living in Argyle, Lafayette County, Wisconsin where I assume he lived until his marriage in 1864 to Lois, in Green County, Wisconsin. The must have lived in Green County, Wisconsin between 1864 and about 1876. They were granted their acreage in Farmers Valley, Nebraska in Nebraska in 1878, but most likely moved to the area about 1875-1876. They may have had to work the land for a time before it was granted to them.
Note: Some webgens and trees show some of their children born in Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska before 1878. I suspect that is in error. The only children most likely born in Farmers Valley, Nebraska, were Caroline in 1881 and possibly Frederick in 1878. The older children were most likely born in Green County, Wisconsin.
Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska (1878-1854)
In 1878, Fredrick Hunnell received a land grant for 80 acres in Farmers Valley Township (9N), section 14, the west 1/2 of the SW 1/4. This was east of sections 15 & 16 where W. Van Matre (his son-in-law), acquired his 160 acres and south of the 160 acres in section 10 that his brother acquired as highlighted in the map below.
Fred died in 1884 and by 1990 his wife Lois, is living with their daughter Caroline and Willis Wiley Van Matre, widower of their daughter “Dora” and their three children. Willis appears to be managing both farms. Willis and Caroline married in 1881. In 1910 Willis and Caroline Van Matre family, along with Lois Hunnell moved to Mount Vernon, Lawrence County, Missouri. The Nebraska properties were apparently sold. Lois died shortly after moving to Missouri in 1910.
Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell Children
1. George Rueben Hunell
son of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 8 Apr 1865 in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 31 Oct 1936 at the age of 72 in Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming, USA.
Married: 9 Mar 1893 Mary Alice Sigrist in Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #90837104 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Mary Alice Sigrist daughter of Jacob and Verina (Steinmann) Sigrist.
Born: 1868
Died: 23 Apr 1937 in Sheridan, Sheridan County, Wyoming, USA.
Married: 9 Mar 1893 Mary Alice Sigrist in Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #90837155 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
George and his family moved with his sister and her husband, Willis and Caroline Van Matre, to Missouri about 1910, where he lived until 1933. Willis and Caroline moved to Central Oregon in 1914. They still owned their farm in Missouri in 1930, so I suspect that George may have helped manage their farm along with his own. The Missouri farms were most likely sold at the time George moved his family to Wyoming.
The 1930 Plat Maps to the right, shows the actual distance between the two farms, the Van Matre in Mount Vernon Township, section 36 and the Hunnell properties in Section 1 of South Mount Vernon Township, Lawrence County, Missouri. Although on different maps, the Van Matre property was just north of the Hunnell property.
George Reuben Hunnell Obituary – 13 Nov 19361
Hunnell Rites Held Nov. 4 In Stockham
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Early Pioneer is Buried in Farmers Valley Cemetery
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Funeral services for Georfe Reuben Hunnell were held at the Presbyterian church in Stockham November 4, with Rev. mcClennahan of Hastings in charge. An early pioneer of Hamilton county, he died at his home in Sheridan, Wyo., Oct. 31, at the age of 72 years.
The following obituary was red at the services:
George Reuben Hunnell was born in Green county, Wisconsin, April 8 and died at his home in Sheridan, Wyo., Oct. 31, 1936, at the age of 72 years. He came with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hunnell, to Farmers Valley at the age of 8 years.
In March, 1893, he was married to Mary Seagrist. In 1912 he, with his family, moved to a farm in Lawrence county, Missouri, where he lived until 1933 when he moved to Sheridan. He united with the Presbyterian church at Mt. Vernon, Mo., in 1913 and was a member of the Odd Fellows’ lodge for over 40 years.
He leaves to mourn his departure his widow, five sons, Fred L., George M. and Roy E. of Sheridan; Wesley of Chicago, Harry R. of Stockham, and one daughter, Miss Edith, of Chicago. Also five grandchildren, a brother, Elifelet of Morrill, Nebr., two sisters, Mrs. Caroline van Matre and Miss Florence Hunnell of Portland, Ore.
A short funeral service was held at the Champion Funeral Home in Sheridan Monday evening after which the remains, accompanied by his son, George, were brought to Stockham where services where held. Interment was in Farmers Valley cemetery.
George Rueben and Mary Alice (Sigrist) Hunnell Children:
- Fred Lynn Hunnell (1893-1962) married Rubie Doris Howard.
- Harry R. Hunnell (1895-1989) married Matilde Marie Ochsner.
- Wesley D. Hunnell (1898-1977) married Frances Belle “Fannie” Wicoff.
- George Maynard Hunnell (1906-1980) married Irene Christine Knudsen.
- Edith L. Hunnell (1908-1980) married John Francis O’Brien.
- Roy E. Hunnell (1911-1985) married Edna Mae Bordeaux.
2. Sarah Eudora "Dora" Hunnell
daughter of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 26 Apr 1867 in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 17 Sep 1899 at the age of 32 in Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Married: 6 Jan 1885 Willis Wiley Van Matre in Henderson, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #76601551 buried at Farmers Valley Cemetery, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Willis Wiley Van Matre son of Nathan Kelly and Marilda A. (Wiley) Van Matre.
Born: 28 Jul 1857 in Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 11 Dec 1942 at the age of 85 in Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Married 2nd: 16 May 1901 Caroline Hunnel in Aurora, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #76601253 buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
You can find Willis, Dora and Caroline’s story on my post Willis Wiley Van Matre.
3. Eliphalet Hunnell
son of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 19 Mar 1869 in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 1 Jun 1943 at the age of 74 in Scottsbluff, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, USA.
Married: 1 Jan 1898 Myrtle Abbie White in Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #82076022 buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Morrill, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, USA.
Myrtle Abbie White daughter of John “Charles” and Ella Marie (Littlefield) White.
Born: 10 Jun 1878 in Aurora, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 11 Aug 1957 at the age of 79 in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, USA.
Married 2nd: 28 Mar 1946 Wesley E. Osborn in Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #82076117 buried Conrad Memorial cemetery, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana, USA..
Eliphalet and Myrtle are found in the 1900 US Federal Census renting their home in Aurora, Hamilton County, Nebraska. He is a Railroad Laborer. Their son, Myrle is 1 year old.
In 1920 they are living in Roosevelt, Sioux County, Nebraska. He is a Teamster for the U.S.R.S. (Railroad?). Children listed: Merl A (son)., 21; Blanch E (daughter)., 15; Eldora D (daughter)., 13; and Eliphet D.(son), 11.
In 1930 They are renting their home in Ford, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. He is showing as a Foreman in the Irrigation District. Only their son, Elipalet is living at home, 21 years old.
In 1940 they are renting their home in Morrill, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska, USA. He is showing as working in “private work”. at the age of 71. he would die 3 years later.
Myrtle would marry Wesley E. Osborn in 1946
Eliphalet and Myrtle Abbie (White) Hunnell Children:
- Merle Alvin Hunnell (1898-1972) married Lela May Barrett.
- Ethel Dorris Hunnell (1901-1902)
- Blanch E. Hunnell (1905-1924) married Gordon Thaddeus Stewart.
- Eldora Dorthea Hunnel (1906-1937)
- Eliphalet Day Hunnell (1906-1987) served in U.S. Navy, WWII; married Margaret E. Knowlton.
4. Wilbur Xenia Hunnell Sr.
son of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 8 Nov 1871 in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 21 Dec 1926 in Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 1896 Evelena Louise Rose in Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #11201987 buried at Tumalo Cemetery, Tumalo, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Evelena Louise Rose daughter of Jonathan Robert and Elizabeth “Eliza” Melissa (Clark) Rose.
Born: 25 May 1878 in Dallas City, Henderson County, Illinois, USA.
Died: 23 Dec 1915 at the age of 37 in Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #11201993 buried at Tumalo Cemetery, Tumalo, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Wilbur and family appears to have moved with his brother Fred and their nephew, Fred Van Matre, to Crook County, Oregon (now Deschutes County) about 1908.
The 1910 US Federal Census shows them living in Deschutes Precinct, Crook County, Oregon. (now Deschutes County), owning his own farm. I suspect he established and farmed the 160 acres to qualify for the land grant that was given to him in 1913. The census shows him and Evelina with 7 of his children: William A., son, 13; Rose M., daughter, 11; Frances M., daughter, 9; Harrold D., son, 7; Evlinn W, daughter, 4; Robert H., son, 3; and Wilbur X, son, 3 months.
On November 6, 1913, he obtained a Homestead Patent of 160 acres in what is now Tumalo, Deschutes County, Oregon.2
Tumalo is about 5 miles NE of Bend just off the Sisters / Bend Highway.
His wife, Evelena, died in 1915, leaving him to raise the children who ranged in age from 2 to 17.
By the 1920 US Federal Census, the family is living on First Street, Bend, Deschutes County, Oregon. He owns his home free of mortgage. Wilbur is showing as a machinist in the Sawmill.
Wilbur died in 1926
Wilbur Xenia and Evelena Louise (Rose) Hunnell Children:
- William Alfred Hunnell (1897-1973) married Isabelle M. Smith.
- Rose Marie Hunnell (1898-1996) married Steven Lloyd Steidl.
- Mildred Frances Hunnell (1903-1967) married Georgge Isaac Short.
- Harold D. Hunnell (1903-1967) married 1st Cletas Bell Sherwood; married 2nd Elizabeth Woodward.
- Evelyn Wilma Hunnell (1905-1993) married Parker Lithgow Cowden.
- Robert Howard Hunnell (1905-1985) married Cecilia Kiziway.
- Wilbur Xenia Hunnell, JR. (1910-1910)
- Jonathan Ford Hunnell (1912-1975) married Maxine Gearhart.
5. Lily B Hunnell
daughter of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 8 Aug 1873 in Green County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 8 Sep 1934 at the age of in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, USA.
Married: 18 May 1893 Lemuel Augustus Brandenburgh in Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #118851101 buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, USA.
Lemuel Augustus Brandenburgh son of Lennel and Ann C. (Petie) Brandenburgh.
Born: 7 Oct 1866 in Nesho County, Kansas, USA.
Died: 15 Jan 1949 at the age of 82 in Modesto, Stanislaus County, California, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #118850973 buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, USA.
The 1900 US Federal Census shows Lemuel and Lily farming in Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska. They are renting their farm and there are two children in the household: Gladys, 4; and Everett, 3.
The 1910 US Federal Census shows them in Laidlaw, Crook County, Oregon farming, owning the farm, free of mortgage. [Laidlaw is now Tumalo, Deschutes County, Oregon]. Tumalo is the same place that her brother Wilbur obtained his farm. Tumalo is about 5 miles NE of Bend just off the Sisters / Bend Highway. Children Gladys, 14 and Everett, 12 are also listed. Lily’s sister Florence is living with them.
The 1920 census shows them still living on the farm, now mortgaged, in Deschutes County, Oregon on Long Burts Road. Their son, Everett is still home at the age of 21 showing no occupation, but most likely helping on the farm. They also have three boarders living with them.
By 1930, they are showing as renting their home on North Milpas Street in Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara County, California. Lemuel is 63 and Lily is 55. Occupation is none, so assume they have retired. Their son, Everett is living with them at the age of 32, and is proprietor of a Bakery. A lodger, Edward Jenkyn is a Baker, and perhaps is working for Everett at the Bakery.
Lily died in 1934. The 1940 US Federal Census shows Lemuel at the age of 73 living in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California renting his home and living with his sister-in-law, Florence Hunnell, now 63, as housekeeper.
Lemuel died in 1949.
6. Florence A. Hunnell
daughter of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 22 Aulg 1876 Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska.
Died: 30 Sep 1973 at the age of 97 in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #118847008 buried at Oak Hill Memorial Park, San Jose, Santa Clara County, California, USA, section Q.
The 1900 US Federal Census shows Florence at the age of 23, as a boarder. at the John Harnell farm in Orville, Hamilton County Nebraska. No occupation is listed.
The 1910 US Federal Census shows her living with her sister and brother-in-law, Lemuel and Lily Brandenburgh in what is now Tumalo, Deschutes County, Oregon. She is listed as teaching at a public school.
I couldn’t find her in the 1920 census, but she was showing in the 1930 census in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, at the age of 53 renting her home on Dekum Street and showing as a cook in a restaurant.
In 1940, at 63,she is living with her brother-in-law, Lemuel Brandenburgh, keeping house for him.
The 1950 US Federal Census shows her as a lodger with Marguerite Dillon in San Jose, Santa Clara, California. No occupation is listed. I’ve noted her obituary posted to Find A Grave Memorial below, and noted that Margeret Dillon is listed as a “special friend”, so it’s nice to see she wasn’t alone those last 20 plus years of her life.
Florence A. Hunnel Obituaries – Oct 2 & 3, 19733
HUNNEL–Entered into rest San Jose, California, September 30, 1973, Florence Hunnell, beloved aunt of Mr. and Mrs. E.D. Hunnell of San Jose, Dr. and Mrs. Roy Gilson of Modesto, loving friend of Margaret Dillon, San Jose. A native of Nebraska, age 97 years. A member of The First Assembly of God, 801 Haller Avenue, under the ministry of Rev. James Merwin.
“Friends are invited to attend funeral services Wednesday, October 3, 1973, at 10 a.m. from the Lima Family Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street, at Delmas Avenue.
Ex-Teacher Dies; Rites Due Today
Services will be held today for Florence Hunnell, 97, of 531 Brooks Avenue, who died Sunday following a lengthy illness.
Miss Hunnell, a native of Nebraska, lived in Santa Clara County for 45 years. She was a retired teacher, having taught in Nebraska schools for 20 years.
She was a member of the First Assembly of God, 801 Haller Avenue.
Services will begin at 10 a.m. at the Lima Family-Erickson Memorial Chapel, 710 Willow Street.
7. Frederick Alfred Hunnell, Jr.
son of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 5 Sep 1878 in Farmers Valley Township, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 16 Dec 1918 at the age of 40 in Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.
Married: Before 1911 Grace Ellen McKenzie in Oregon, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #47933049 buried at Multnomah Park Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.
Grace Ellen McKenzie daughter of Robert L. and Melissa Evely (Davis) McKenzie.
Born: 10 Aug 1893 in Silver City, Owyhee County, Idaho, USA.
Died: 21 oct 1963 at the age of 70 in Vancouver, Clark County, Washington, USA.
Married 2nd: After 1918 Guy Hangrave Morgan
Find A Grave: Memorial #119030783 buried at Rose City Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon, USA.
Note: Grace and Guy Morgan had a child: Guy Robert Morgan (1923-2012)
Fred came with his brother, Wilbur and nephew Fred Van Matre in about 1908 to Central Oregon.
The 1910 US Federal Census dated April 18, 1910, shows Fred, at the age of 30 as a boarder in a rooming house on Bond Street in Bend, Oregon, occupation Brick Layer. Grace McKenzie is also showing as a daughter of the household at the age of 17. This is likely where they met and must have married shortly after, as their daughter Lois was born 13 Jan 1911.
Fred partnered with Fred Van Matre and George Bertson to open a brick manufacturing plant west of Bend in 1910. It appears by the end of 1911 they had sold the manufacturing plant.
Sometime between 1911 and 1916 or so, Fred and his family moved to Portland, Oregon.
Fred died in Portland, Oregon in 1920 from Pneumonia at the age of 40.
Frederick Alfred and Grace Ellen (McKenzie) Hunnell Children:
- Lois Ellen Hunnell (1911-1996) married 1st Clifford Ambrose John; married 2nd Donald Phi Vahl.
- June Evelyne Hunnell (1913-1959) married 1st Robert E Joyce; married 2nd Alfonce Richard Klupenger; married 3rd Raymond Prentice Johnson; married 4th Benjamin Franklin Caul.
8. Caroline Verdaline Hunnell
daughter of Frederick Alfred and Lois Pratt (Bray) Hunnell.
Born: 19 Feb 1881 in Farmers Valley, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Died: 9 Sep 1958 at the age of 77 in Mount Angel, Clackamas County, Oregon, USA.
Married: 16 May 1901 Willis Wiley Van Matre in Aurora, Hamilton County, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #30988626 buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Willis Wiley Van Matre son of Nathan Kelly and Marilda A. (Wiley) Van Matre.
Born: 28 Jul 1857 in Mineral Point, Iowa County, Wisconsin, USA.
Died: 11 Dec 1942 at the age of 85 in Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
Married 1st: 16 Jan 1885 Sarah Eudora “Dora” Hunnell in Henderson, Hamilton County, Nebraska, USA.
Find A Grave: Memorial #76601253 buried at Redmond Memorial Cemetery, Redmond, Deschutes County, Oregon, USA.
You can find Willis, Dora and Caroline’s story on my post Willis Wiley Van Matre.
Table of Contents
Citations:
- George Reuben Hunnel Obituary, The Republican-Register, Aurora, Nebraska, Friday, November 13, 1936, page 1, retrieved from newspapers.com (Accessed 3 Aug 2023).
- "Wilbur X Hunnell" Bureau of Land Management, Land Patent Search, digital images, General Land Office Records , (Deschutes County, Oregon), homestead patent no. 363930 . https://glorecords.blm.gov/details/patent/default.aspx?accession=363930&docClass=SER&sid=v12o5lqh.d0x#patentDetailsTabIndex=0. (Accessed 11 Aug 2017).
- Florence A. Hunnell Obituary, obtained from her Find A Grave Memorial #118847008. - appeared in the San Jose Mercury, San Jose, California on October 2, 1973 and October 3, 1973.