Many thanks to C. Weidner (#46843246) for the biographical information for Edward and Sarah McWilliams.
Ed McWilliams came west from Ohio in 1881, met Sarah Ellen Mahoney who was visiting her brothers in Alva, Wyoming. He returned to Iowa, married Sarah in 1887, moved to Lincoln, Nebraska 1899.
In 1890, they went to Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and from there to Centennial, South Dakota, where Ed worked on the railroad tunnel being built between Whitewood and Deadwood. In September 1892, they moved to Alva, Wyoming, where they homesteaded and endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life.
They lived in a log cabin which had a dirt floor and dirt roof where Ethel was born(1892). Then they lived in a dug-out where Elva was born (1899). Rey was born in February 1897 but lived only a month. Sarah was postmaster at Alva for fourteen years. They donated land where the present Community Church was built and also ground for the cemetery. They were successful in raising cattle at Alva, keeping a little store and the post office.
Stories are told about the "community dances" held where Ed played the fiddle and Sarah pumped the organ. Sarah was a fine seamstress and quilter. They sold out in 1908 and moved to College View, Nebraska so the girls could continue their education. In March 1909, Thelma was born. Music was important to the family, each child leaning to play the black walnut piano Ed purchased and Thelma began violin lessons when nine years old.
A good carpenter, he made both a blanket chest and a rocking chair out of the wood of the old organ. His later years in Lincoln, he worked at the prison as a tower guard. Both parents and daughters were life-long supporters and members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Edward passed away October 22, 1936. Sarah Ellen lived a much longer life, passing away April 6, 1959.
Submitted by Patty, granddaughter, 2012.
Many thanks to C. Weidner (#46843246) for the biographical information for Edward and Sarah McWilliams.
Ed McWilliams came west from Ohio in 1881, met Sarah Ellen Mahoney who was visiting her brothers in Alva, Wyoming. He returned to Iowa, married Sarah in 1887, moved to Lincoln, Nebraska 1899.
In 1890, they went to Pine Ridge, South Dakota, and from there to Centennial, South Dakota, where Ed worked on the railroad tunnel being built between Whitewood and Deadwood. In September 1892, they moved to Alva, Wyoming, where they homesteaded and endured the hardships and privations of pioneer life.
They lived in a log cabin which had a dirt floor and dirt roof where Ethel was born(1892). Then they lived in a dug-out where Elva was born (1899). Rey was born in February 1897 but lived only a month. Sarah was postmaster at Alva for fourteen years. They donated land where the present Community Church was built and also ground for the cemetery. They were successful in raising cattle at Alva, keeping a little store and the post office.
Stories are told about the "community dances" held where Ed played the fiddle and Sarah pumped the organ. Sarah was a fine seamstress and quilter. They sold out in 1908 and moved to College View, Nebraska so the girls could continue their education. In March 1909, Thelma was born. Music was important to the family, each child leaning to play the black walnut piano Ed purchased and Thelma began violin lessons when nine years old.
A good carpenter, he made both a blanket chest and a rocking chair out of the wood of the old organ. His later years in Lincoln, he worked at the prison as a tower guard. Both parents and daughters were life-long supporters and members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Edward passed away October 22, 1936. Sarah Ellen lived a much longer life, passing away April 6, 1959.
Submitted by Patty, granddaughter, 2012.
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