Naugle and Susan (Jones) KEPHART's Gravestone

Kephart Gravestones. Cottage Hill Cemetery, Dubuque Co., IA (1993). Image courtesy of Verla Williams. Naugle and Susan KEPHART's stone is the large one in the rear.

Naugle and Susan KEPHART's Gravestone. Cottage Hill Cemetery, Dubuque Co., IA (1993). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Naugle and Susan KEPHART's Gravestone (South side contains Naugle's inscription). Cottage Hill Cemetery, Dubuque Co., IA (1993). Image courtesy of Vince Williams.

Naugle KEPHART (1 Feb 1798-5 May 1884, Aged 86 yrs, 3 mos, 5 days). Cottage Hill Cemetery, Dubuque Co., IA (1993). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Susan (Jones) KEPHART (11 Dec 1803-8 Mar 1885). Cottage Hill Cemetery, Dubuque Co., IA (1993). Image courtesy of Verla Williams. The white obelisk gravestone to the left is that of Henry, Elizabeth, and Mary Ann KEPHART (Naugle's father, mother, and sister).

In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart (Part I)

In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart (p. 1). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart Dec'd.
In Circuit Court, Dubuque County, Iowa, October Term 1884

Presentation of Will

On the 28th day of June 1884 there was filed in the Clerk's Office of this Court a written instrument purporting to be the last will and testament of Nagle Kephart deceased, together with an affidavit of the death of said Kephart, and on the same day the said instrument was opened and publicly read and Monday the 27th day of October 1884 was set as the time for probating the same. Notice thereof ordered to be given by publication in the Dubuque Democrat one a week for 3 weeks.

Affidavit of Death

State of Iowa
Dubuque County

I, John W. Ridler of lawful age, being first duly sworn, do depose and say that I was acquainted with Nagle Kephart in his lifetime and that he departed this life on or about the 5th day of May A. D. 1884 [?] John W. Ridler

Subscribed and sworn to before me by John W. Ridler this 28th day of June A. D. 1884.

J. J. Dunn Clerk of Circuit Court

Probate of Will

To all whom it may concern: Notice is hearby given that an instrument of writing purporting to be the last will and testament of Nagle Kephart, late of Dubuque County Iowa deceased, has been opened and read; and that Monday the 24th day of October A. D. 1884 has been set for hearing the proof of the same before the Circuit Court of Dubuque County, Iowa.

Dubuque, Iowa, June 28th 1884
J. J. Dunn, Clerk of the Circuit Court

I, J. C. Sitzer, Publisher of the Dubuque Democrat, published in the City of Dubuque and State of Iowa, do solemnly swear that the advertisement, a copy of which is hereunto annexed, was published in said paper 3 weeks, the first insertion being on the 4th day of July 1884 and the last on the 18th day of July 1884 for which publication the charge is $2.25 including this certificate.

John C. Sitzer, Publisher

Subscribed and sworn to by John C. Sitzer before me, J. M. Werner, Dep'ty Cl'k Circuit Court of the State of Iowa in and for Dubuque County this 28th day of October 1884. Witness my hand, J. M. Werner Dep'ty Clerk

In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart Dec'd
In Circuit Court, Dubuque Co. Iowa, October Term 1884

Probate of Will

And now to wit on this 27th day of October 1884 this cause came up for hearing in pursuance of published notice and orders of Court on application for probate of a written instrument purporting to be the last will . . .


In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart (p. 2). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

. . . and testament of Nagle Kephart deceased. And it appearing from proof thereof on file that due and legal notice of the [?] of this cause has been given. And the said will being presented to and examined by the Court, and the witnesses thereto John Griffis and Nicholas Anderson being present in open Court sworn and examined, and the Court being satisfied with the sufficiency of the evidence introduced: It is therefore ordered an decreed that said written instrument be and it is hereby declared the last will and testatment of Nagle Kephart ["Deceased" appears twice.] deceased, admitted to probate and ordered to be certified & recorded as such last will and testament.

Will

In the Name of God Amen: I Nagle Kephart of Concord Township Dubuque County and State of Iowa of the age of Eighty years and being of sound mind do make publish and declare, this my last will and testament, in manner following, that is to say:

First: I give and bequeath to my wife Susan Kephart all my real and personal estate to be used and enjoyed by her during the term of her natural life and from and immediately after her decease the property aforesaid shall be sold. I value at three thousand dollars for a basis to make the following divisions:

2. I devise to Catharine McLeahany [sic] the one tenth (1/10) of all the property aforesaid.

3d. I devise to Mary Rebmann the one tenth (1/10) of all the property aforesaid.

4th. I devise to Henry Kephart the one tenth (1/10) of all the property aforesaid.

5th. I devise to Sarah Allen the one tenth (1/10) of all the property aforesaid.

6. I devise to James McIntosh the one tenth (1/10) of all the property aforesaid.

7. I devise to Fannie Meyers the one tenth (1/10) of all the property aforesaid.

8. I devise to Elisabeth Glew one tenth (1/10) and also one equal third (1/3) of one tenth (1/10) out of the aforesaid property.

9. I devise to Milton Kephart one tenth (1/10) and also one equal third (1/3) of one tenth (1/10) out of the aforesaid property.

10. and Lastly, I devise to A. B. Kephart one tenth (1/10) and also one equal third (1/3) of one tenth (1/10) out of the aforesaid property. And I do hereby appoint Alexand Glew to be the executor of this my last will and testament hereby revoking all former wills by me made.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this Sixth day of February 1878.

Nagle his x mark Kephart

The above instrument consisting of two sheets was at the date thereof, signed and declared by the said Nagle Kephart as and for his last will and testament, in presence of us who at his request and in his presence have subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

John Griffis residing in Dubuque County
Nicholas Anderson residing in Dubuque County


In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart (p. 3). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Iowa
Dubuque County

I, J. J. Dunn, Clerk of the Circuit Court in and for said County do hereby certify that on this day at the October Term, A. D. 1884 of said Court, the will and instrument in writing, hereto annexed and bearing date on the 6th day of February, A. D. 1878, was duly [illegible] before and allowed by said Court as and for the last will and testament of the real and personal estate of Nagle Kephart, late of said County deceased, and was by said Court ordered to be recorded as such will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court at the City of Dubuque this 27 day of October A. D. 1884.

J. J. Dunn, Clerk of the Circuit Court

In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart Dec'd [Margin notation: "...ob Gal ... Pg 278"]

In Circuit Court Dubuque County, Iowa
October Term 1884

Appointment of Administrator

And now to wit on this 15th day of November 1884 this cause up for hearing on petition of William Glew praying that letters Testamentary be granted to him in Estate of Nagle Kephart deceased.

It appears from said petition that deceased died seized of the foloowing real estate, to wit: The East half of the South West quarter and the South West quarter of the South West quarter of Section Fifteen (15) in Township 90 North Range One (1) West of the 5th P. M. in Dubuque County, Iowa, and also personal property of the value of not to exceed $300. That Alexander Glew who is nominated in the will as executor has in writing, declined to act, and the widow of deceased, Susan Kephart, asks that petitioner be appointed as Administrator. And said petition being presented to and examined by the Court, and it appearing that petitioner is a proper person to take charge of said Estate, It is therefore ordered and decreed that said William Glew be and he is hereby appointed Administrator with the will annexed, of the Estate of Nagle Kephart deceased, That he give bond in the sum of Six Hundred Dollars and publish notice of his appointment in the Dubuque Democrat once a week for three weeks.



In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart (p. 4). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


In Relation to Estate of Nagle Kephart (p. 5). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Connections between the KEPHART, MEYERS, GLEW, and BROWN Families

Descendants Chart. Naugle and Alfred B. KEPHART, Henry M. Meyers, Joseph Glew, and Wellman N. Brown. Image courtesy of Mark D. Williams.

Elizabeth KEPHART and William Glew

Elizabeth KEPHART and William Glew (Date unknown). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Francis Marion and Sarah Hammond KEPHART Allen's Family

Francis Marion and Sarah Hammond KEPHART Allen's family (Probably c. 1885). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


Francis Marion and Sarah Hammond KEPHART Allen's family (Date unknown). Image courtesy of Nicki Kimberly.

Milton and Margaretha (Mettler) KEPHART

Margaretha (Mettler) and Milton KEPHART (Date unknown). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Milton KEPHART: 3 Generations

Three generations. From left: Lucy, Milton, Guy?, Ausbert "Bert." (Date unknown). Image courtesy of Ruth Potter. Used with permission.

Alfred Brunson and Mary Brown (Meyers) KEPHART

Mary Brown Meyers and Alfred Brunson KEPHART (Jackson, MN: Date unknown). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Family Group Sheet for Alfred Brunson KEPHART (1842-1921)

Husband: Alfred Brunson KEPHART

Born: 25 Jul 1842
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Married: 26 Dec 1867
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Died: 21 Dec 1921
Place: Lakefield, MN
Husband's Father: Naugle KEPHART
Husband's Mother: Susan JONES

Wife: Mary Brown MEYERS

Born: 3 Jun 1849
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Died: 28 Aug 1936
Place: Lakefield, MN
Wife's Father: Henry M. MEYERS
Wife’s Mother: Sarah KNEPPER

---

Children

1. Bertha KEPHART

Born: 23 Apr 1869
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Spouse: Herbert Eugene PALMER
Married: 30 Nov 1898
Died: 5 Dec 1962

2. Lottie KEPHART

Born: 9 Mar 1871
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Spouse: George Edward BLAKEY
Married: 21 Nov 1894
Died: 27 May 1964

3. Leroy KEPHART

Born: c. 1872
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Died: Bef 1885

4. Wilthorn "William" KEPHART

Born: 13 Feb 1873
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Spouse: None
Died: 31 Aug 1961

5. Levi Naugle KEPHART

Born: 10 Jun 1876
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Spouse: Carrie Mae BROWN
Married: 16 Nov 1904
Died: 13 Jul 1968

6. Mable Della KEPHART

Born: 22 Oct 1878
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Spouse: Roscoe W. BROWN
Married: 28 Jun 1898
Died: 17 May 1899

7. Roscoe Conklin KEPHART

Born: 13 Mar 1881
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Spouse: Clara VILMO
Married: 7 Jul 1909
Died: 9 Jan 1965

8. George W. KEPHART

Born: c. 1883
Place: Dubuque Co., IA
Died: Bef 1895

9. Mary Ella KEPHART

Born: 1 Mar 1886
Place: Jackson Co., MN
Spouse: Earnest PEARSON
Married: 26 Dec 1906
Died: 15 Mar 1981

10. George Earl KEPHART

Born: 15 Apr 1888
Place: Jackson Co., MN
Spouse: Clara Martha ROST
Married: 20 Dec 1911
Died: 23 Jan 1944

11. Verly Mae KEPHART

Born: 21 Jan 1891
Place: Jackson Co., MN
Spouse: Reinholdt Robert ROST
Married: 8 Nov 1911
Died: 20 Apr 1989

12. Alfred KEPHART

Born: c. 1893
Place: Jackson Co., MN
Died: Bef 1900

1880 US Federal Census: Alfred B. KEPHART Family

Detail of 1880 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, Alfred B. 39 M
Kephart, Mary 29 F
Kephart, Bertha 11 F
Kephart, Lottie 9 F
Kephart, Wilten [Wilthorn] 7 M
Kephart, Levy 5 M
Kephart, Della 2 F

Source Citation: Year: 1880; Census Place: Concord, Dubuque, Iowa; Roll T9_337; Family History Film: 1254337; Page: 63.4000; Enumeration District: 168; Image: 0850.

Source Information: Ancestry.com and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1880 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. 1880 U.S. Census Index provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints © Copyright 1999 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. All use is subject to the limited use license and other terms and conditions applicable to this site. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1880. T9, 1,454 rolls.

1885 MN Census: A. B. KEPHART and Jessie Pearson Families

The Pearson family that appears below the Kepharts is notable in that Earnest E. Pearson (5 yrs old in 1885) married (Mary) Ella Kephart (not yet born in 1885) on 26 Dec 1906.


Detail of 1885 MN Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

A. B. [Alfred Brunson] Kephart 42 M
Mary Kephart 30 F
Bertha Kephart 16 F
Lottie Kephart 14 F
Willie [Wilthorn/William] Kephart 12 M
Levi Kephart 9 M
Mabel [Della] Kephart 7 F
Roscoe Kephart 4 M
George W. Kephart 2 M
Joseph Myers 28 M

Source Information: Ancestry.com. Minnesota Territorial and State Censuses, 1849-1905 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data:

• Minnesota Historical Society. Minnesota State Population Census Schedules, 1865-1905. St. Paul, MN, USA: Minnesota Historical Society, 1977. Microfilm. Reels 1-47 and 107-164.
• Minnesota. Minnesota Territorial Census Schedules, 1849-1855. St. Paul, MN, USA: Minnesota Historical Society, 2000. Microfilm.
• Minnesota. Minnesota 1857 Territorial Census. Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN, USA.

1890 Veterans Schedules Record for Alfred KEPHART

1890 Veteran Schedules Record. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, Alfred D. [sic]
Rank: Private
Company: H
Regiment: 21 Iowa Inf.
Date of enlistment: 22 Aug 1862
Date of discharge: 15 Jul 1865
Length of service: 2 yrs., 10 mos., 23 days
Post Office address: Jackson, Minnesota
Disability incurred: x
Remarks: Lost his discharge papers

Source Citation: Year: 1890; Census Place: Minneota, Jackson, Minnesota; Roll 22; Page: 2; Enumeration District: 155.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1890 Veterans Schedules [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: Special Schedules of the Eleventh Census (1890) Enumerating Union Veterans and Widows of Union Veterans of the Civil War; (National Archives Microfilm Publication M123, 118 rolls); Records of the Department of Veterans Affairs, Record Group 15; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Alfred Brunson and Mary KEPHART's Children

Alfred Brunson and Mary KEPHART's children (c. 1890). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.
Front row: Earl, Ella. Middle row: Lottie, Della, Bertha. Back row: Levi, Will, Ross.

Declaration for Invalid Pension and Affidavits

Declaration for Invalid Pension (24 Jun 1892). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Minnesota, County of Jackson, ss:

On this 24 day of June, A. D. one thousand eight hundred and ninety-two, personally appeared before me, [Alfred Kephart crossed out] J. A. Goodrich [?], a Justice of the peace within and for the County and State aforesaid, Alfred B. Kephart, aged 58 years, a resident of the town of Peterburg, County of Jackson, State of Minnesota, who, being duly sworn according to law, declares that he is the identical Alfred B. Kephart, who was ENROLLED on the 22 day of August, 1862, in Company H Twenty first Regiment as a private Iowa Infantry in the service of the United States in the War of the Rebellion, and served at least ninety days, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Baton Rouge La, on the 15 day of July 1865.

That he has not been employed in the Military or Naval service otherwise than as stated above.

That he is unable to earn a support by manual labor by reason of weak eyes and Rheumatism, heart Disease, and general disability [?]. That said disabilities are not due to his vicious habits, and are to the best of his knowledge and belief permanent. That he has not applied for pension under application No. ___. That he is a pensioner under Certificate No. ___. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension-roll of the United States, under the provision of the Act of June 27, 1890.

He hereby appoints, with full power of substitution and revocation, JOHN WEDDERBURN, OF WASHINGTON, D. C., his true and lawful attorney to prosecute his claim, the fee to be TEN DOLLARS, payable as prescribed by law.

That his POST OFFICE ADDRESS is Jackson, County of Jackson, State of Minnesota.

Alfred B. Kephart (Claimant's Signature)

1. Albert Jackson
2. Birt Withers (Two witnesses who write sign here.)


General Affidavit. John W. Ridler (28 Apr 1894). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Iowa, County of Dubuque, ss:

In the matter of Pension Claim of AB. Kephart # Co H 21st Regt. Iowa Infty Vols.

ON THIS 28th day of April A. D. 1894, personally appeared before me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to admininister oaths, John W. Riddler, aged 53 years, a resident of [Dubuque crossed out] Farley in the County of Dubuque and State of Iowa, well known to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

That he has known claimant all his life. We were raised as boys together, went to school together and enlisted together in the same Company, and served together during the war, that when we were mustered we were both stripped together and examined by the doctor, and we were tent mates, and often saw him naked, and that prior to his enlistment he was a sound and ablebodied a man as could be found, to the best of my belief based upon the knowledge obtained as above stated. He further says that the above statements were made to T. J. Paisley, at his office in the City of Dubuque, Iowa, on the above date and that the same were written in my presence from my oral statements then made, that in making the same he was aided by, or did not use, or prompted by any written or printed statement, or recital prepared or dictated by any other person, but only from his own knowledge.

His Post Office address is Farley, Dubuque Co. Iowa.

He further declares that he has no interest in said case and he is not concerned in its prosecution.

John W. Ridler (Signature of Affiant).


General Affidavit. Joseph Meyers and Joshua Kidney (c. May 1894). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Minnesota, County of Jackson, ss:

In the claim for pension of A. ["lfred" added] B. Kephart, late of Co. H, 21st Regiment, Iowa Regt. Volunteers.

Personally came before me, a Clerk of the District Court in and for aforesaid County and State, Joseph Meyers, aged 33 years, and Joshua Kidney, aged 64 years, citizens of the Town of Jackson, County of Jackson, State of Minnesota, well-known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declare in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

Joseph Meyers says that he has known claimant for past 20 years, has lived with and was his during said time, have known him intimately;

Joshua Kidney has known claimant intimately during past 11 years - house [?] visited him frequently and have met him every few days during all this time. [D]uring all the time we have known him he has had no vicious habits of any kind. [D]uring one acquaintance with claimant he has been troubled with Rheumatism disease [?] of recent cause 2 yrs. And that same are not due to vicious habits.

We consider that by reason of his disabilities claimant is three quarters disabled for the performance of manual labor since July 12th 1892.

[illegible] that the above statement was dictated by us to [illegible], the Clerk of the District Court and written by him in our presence as dictated. That we did not use and were not prompted by any written or printed statement but that the above statement was dictated by us to said Clerk [?].

We further declared that we have no interest in said case, and are not concerned in its prosecution.

Joseph Meyers
Joshua Kidney (Signatures of witnesses.)


General Affidavit. William Glew (13/23 May 1894). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Iowa, County of Dubuque, ss:

In the matter of Pension claim of A. B. Kephart Co. H. 21st Regt. Iowa Inft Vols.

ON THIS [illegible]3th day of May A. D. 1894, personally appeared befored me a Notary Public in and for the aforesaid County duly authorized to administer oaths William Glew aged 73 years, a resident of Cottage Hill in the County of Dubuque and State of Iowa, well known to me to be reputable and entitled to credit, and who, being duly sworn, declared in relation to aforesaid case as follows:

That he has known claimant all his life, and that prior to his enlistment he was a sound and able bodied man so far as he knew. That such knowledge of him was gained by his being intimately aquainted [sic] with him. He further states that the above statements were made to [illegible] Stuart at his office at Cottage Hill, Iowa on the above date and that the same were written in my presence and from my oral statement then made, that in making the same he was aided by or did not use or prompted by any written or printed statement or recital prepared or dictated by any other person, but only from his own knowledge.

His Post Office address is Cottage Hill Dubuque County Iowa. He further declares that he has no interest in said case and he is not concerned in its prosecution.

William Glew (Signature of Affiant.)

Military and Medical History Request (12 Oct 1894)

Military and Medical History Request (Washington, DC: Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 12 Oct 1894). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

1895 MN Census: A. B. KEPHART Family

Detail of 1895 MN Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, A. B. [Alfred Brunson] 52 M
Kephart, Mary 46 F
Meyer[s], Joe 33 M
Meyer[s], Geo. 31 M
Kephart, Bertha 25 F
Kephart, Wilthorn 22 M
Kephart, Levi 19 M
Kephart, Mabel 16 F
Kephart, Roscoe 14 M
Kephart, Ella 9 F
Kephart, Earl 7 M
Kephart, May 5 F
Kephart, Alfred 2 M

Source Information: Ancestry.com. Minnesota Territorial and State Censuses, 1849-1905 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Original data:

• Minnesota Historical Society. Minnesota State Population Census Schedules, 1865-1905. St. Paul, MN, USA: Minnesota Historical Society, 1977. Microfilm. Reels 1-47 and 107-164.
• Minnesota. Minnesota Territorial Census Schedules, 1849-1855. St. Paul, MN, USA: Minnesota Historical Society, 2000. Microfilm.
• Minnesota. Minnesota 1857 Territorial Census. Minnesota Historical Society, St. Paul, MN, USA.

Mary Brown Meyers KEPHART: 3 generations

Orville Brunson Blakey with grandmother Mary KEPHART and mother Lottie Blakey (c. 1896). Image courtesy of Verla Williams. Orville Blakey was Alfred Brunson and Mary Brown Meyers KEPHART's first grandchild.

Additional Pension and Supporting Documents (1898-1915)

Pension Questions (Washington, DC: Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 15 Jan 1898). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Certificate No., 879.556
Name, Alfred B. Kephart
Department of the Interior
Bureau of Pensions
Washington, D. C., January 15, 1898

SIR:

In forwarding to the pension agent the executed voucher for your next quarterly payment please favor me by returning this circular to him with replies to the questions enumerated below.

Very respectfully,
H. [illegible] Evans,
Commissioner of Pensions

First. Are you married? If so, please state your wife's full name and her maiden name.

Answer. Yes Mary Brown Meyers

Second. When, where, and by whom were you married?

Answer. Dubuque Iowa Wm Glew Justice of Peace

Third. What record of marriage exists?

Answer. A mariage [sic] certificate

Fourth. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce.

Answer. no

Fifth. Have you any children living? If so, please state their names and the dates of their birth.

Answer. yes Bertha Born April 23 '69; Lottie March 9 '71; Whilthorn february 13 '73; Levi Naugle June 10 '76; Della Oct 22 '78; Roscoe March 13 '81; Mary E. March 1 '86; George Earl April 15 '88; Verly May Jan 21 '91

Alfred B. Kephart (Signature)


Sarah Allen Affidavit (14 Apr 1913). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Iowa, Dubuque Co. ss:

Sarah Allen, being duly sworn, says that she is a resident of Farley, in County and State aforesaid; that she is a daughter of Naugle Kephart, deceased, and a sister of Alfred B. Kephart, now resident at Lakefield, Minnesota, who was a member of Co. "H", 21 Iowa Inf. That the said Naugle Kephart during his lifetime, kept a birth register, the same being kept in a blank book, kept for that purpose; that said record is now in my possession; that the following entry appears therein, as to the said Alfred B. Kephart: "Alfred B.[runson added] Kephart, Born July 25th., 1842."

That there are no erasures in connection with the said entry, and that said entry is the original entry made by the said Naugle Kephart; and that it bears no marks of alteration, or erasure, or tampering of any kind; and that from the appearance of the entry and the writing thereof, affiant believes that said entry was made at the time it purports to have been made, to-wit: about July 25th., 1842.

Sarah Allen (Signature)

State of Iowa, County of Dubuque, ss:

I, Geo. A. Giblis, a notary public for said County and State, do hereby certify that, on the 14 day of April, 1913, the said Sarah Allen, known to me to be the person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, appeared before me and made oath that the facts therein stated are true; and I further certify that the said family record referred to in said instrument was duly exhibited to me, and that the entry referred to appears in said record, to all appearances in accordance with all the facts stated in the foregoing instrument.

Geo. A. Giblis
Notary Public
My commission expires 6 [date unfinished]


Pension Questions (Washington, DC: Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, 2 Jan 1915). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Washington, D. C., January 2, 1915

SIR:

Please answer, at your earliest convenience, the questions enumerated below. The information is requested for future use, and it may be of great value to your widow or children. Use the inclosed envelope, which requires no stamp.

Very respectfully,
G. [illegible]
Commissioner

ALFRED B. KEPHART
LAKEFIELD, MINN.
879556

No. 1. Date and place of birth? Answer. Cottage Hill, Dubuque County, Iowa.
The name of organizations in which you served? Answer. Company H, 21 infantry Vol.

No. 2. What was your post office at enlistment? Answer. Cottage Hill.

No. 3. State your wife's full name and her maiden name. Answer. Mary Brown Meyers

No. 4. When, where, and by whom were you married? Answer. 25th of December 1867. By William Glew, Justice of Peace, Cottage Hill.

No. 5. Is there any official or church record of your marriage? The marriage Licence were recorded. If so, where? Answer. At Dubuque, Dubuque Co. Iowa.

No. 6. Were you previously married? If so, please state the name of your former wife and the date and place of her death or divorce. If there was more than one previous marriage, let your answer include all former wives. Answer. no

No. 7. If your present wife was married before her marriage to you, state the name of her former husband, the date of such marriage, and the date and place of his death or divorce, and state whether he ever rendered any military or naval service, and, if so, give name of the organization in which he served. If she was married more than once before her marriage to you, let your answer include all former husbands. Answer. no

No. 8. Are you now living with your wife, or has there been a separation? Answer. yes.

No. 9. State the names and dates of birth of all your children, living or dead. Answer. Bertha Kephart Born April 23th [sic] 1869. Lottie, Born March 9th 1871. Whilthorn, Born Feb 13th 1873. Levi Naugle, Born June 10th 1876. Mable, Born Oct 22th 1878. Roscoe, Born March 13th 1881. George W., Born June 23th 1883. Mary Ella, Born March 1th 1886; George Earl, Born April 15th 1888. Verlie May, Born Jan 21th 1891. Alfred B. Jr. Born July 14th 1893.

Date March 29, 1915 (Signature) Alfred B. Kephart

1900 US Federal Census: Alfred B. KEPHART Family

Detail of 1900 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, Willie 27 M Head
Kephart, Alfred B 57 M
Kephart, Mary B 50 F
Kephart, Levi N 23 M
Kephart, Roscoe 18 M
Kephart, Mary [Ella] 14 F
Kephart, George [Earl] 12 M
Kephart, Verlie [Mae] 9 F

Source Citation: Year: 1900; Census Place: Middletown, Jackson, Minnesota; Roll T623_771; Page: 4B; Enumeration District: 112.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States, 1900. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1900. T623, 1854 rolls.

Alfred Brunson and Mary KEPHART's Family

Alfred Brunson and Mary KEPHART's family (c. 1903). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.
From left: Will, Mae, A. B., Verland Blakey, Lottie (KEPHART) Blakey, Orville Blakey, Earl, and Mary.

1910 US Federal Census: A. B. KEPHART Family

Detail of 1910 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, A. B. 68 M
Kephart, Mary 59 F
Kephart, William 36 M
Kephart, Earl 21 M
Kephart, Mae 18 F

Source Citation: Year: 1910; Census Place: Lakefield, Jackson, Minnesota; Roll T624_697; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 102; Image: 93.
Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1910 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006. For details on the contents of the film numbers, visit the following NARA web page: NARA Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Thirteenth Census of the United States, 1910. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1910. T624, 1,178 rolls.

Alfred Brunson and Mary KEPHART Family Portrait

Alfred Brunson and Mary KEPHART family portrait (1916). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.
Front row: Bertha, Alfred, Mary, and Mae. Back row: Lottie, Will, Levi, Ross, Earl, and Ella.

1920 US Federal Census: William, Alfred, and Mary KEPHART

Detail of 1920 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, William 51 M
Kephart, Alford [Alfred] B 77 M
Kephart, Mary 70 F

Source Citation: Year: 1920;Census Place: Lakefield, Jackson, Minnesota; Roll T625_841; Page: 7A; Enumeration District: 104; Image: 282.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1920 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2009. Images reproduced by FamilySearch. Note: Enumeration Districts 819-839 on roll 323 (Chicago City) Original data: Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920; (National Archives Microfilm Publication T625, 2076 rolls); Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29; National Archives, Washington, D.C.

Declaration for Pension (21 Jul 1921)

On 31 May 1921, Alfred Brunson Kephart suffered a paralytic stroke. His wife, Mary, filed the Declaration for Pension seen below.


Declaration for Pension (21 Jul 1921). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

STATE OF Minnesota, COUNTY OF Jackson, ss:

On this 21st day of July, A. D. 1921, personally appeared before me, a Notary Public, within and for the county and State aforesaid, Mary Kephart, wife of Alfred B. Kephart, who being duly sworn according to law, declares ["said Alfred B. Kephart" added] that he is 79 years of age, and a resident of Lakefield, county of Jackson, State of Minnesota; and that he is the identical person who was ENROLLED at Cottage Hill, Iowa, under the name of Alfred B. Kephart on the 22nd day of August, 1862, as a Private in Company H - 21st Regt. Iowa Vol. Inf. in the service of the United States, in the Civil War, and was HONORABLY DISCHARGED at Baton Rouge, La., on the 15th day of July, 1865. That he also served ____.

That his personal description at enlistment was as follows: Height, ___ inches; complexion, ____ color of eyes, ____; color of hair, ____; that his occupation was ____; that he was born ____, 18__, at _____. Have no data available, and his condition is such that no information can be had from him.

That he requires the regular personal aid and attendance of another person on account of the following disabilities: Had paralytic stroke, and left paralyzed. Can move left hand a little, but can't walk, or talk, help himself in any way. Can understand but little of what is said to him. Has been in this condition since the stroke on May 31, 1921. He is confined to his bed entirely, except when we set him up in a reclinging wheelchair for short periods.

That since leaving the service he has resided at Lakefield, Jackson County, Minnesota, and his occupation has been farming until he retired when couldn't work any more.

That he has ___ applied for pension under Original No. ___. That he is ___ a pensioner under ["Reissue" added] Certificate No. 879.556. That he makes this declaration for the purpose of being placed on the pension roll of the United States under the provisions of the act of May 1, 1920.

(1) H. H. Sontag (Signature of first witness)
Lakefield, Minn.
(2) O. Thoreson (Signature of second witness)
Lakefield, Minn.

Mary Kephart (Claimant's signature in full)
Lakefield, Minnesota

SUBSCRIBED and sworn to before me this 21st day of July, A. D. 1921, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing, including the words "on opposite page" erased, and the words "on opposite page", added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

O. Thoreson (Signature)
Notary Public, Jackson Co., Minn.
My commission expires Jan. 15, 192 [illegible]
Lakefield, Minnesota

Obituaries: Alfred Brunson KEPHART

Obituary. Alfred Brunson KEPHART. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

OBITUARY OF THE LATE ALFRED B. KEPHART

Again it is our sad duty to chronicle the death of one of the best friends and neighbors that it has ever been our privilege to know and to enjoy. This time it is the passing of a grand and good old man, Mr. Alfred B. Kephart who passed away at his home in Lakefield, just at midnight on December 20th, 1921, at the ripe old age of seventy-nine years, four months and twenty-five days.

Mr. Kephart served his country faithfully for over three years in the Civil war. He enlisted as a volunteer in 1862 and nobly did his part until close of the war in 1865 when he received an honorable discharge. He took an active part in scores of battles, one of which was the memorable battle of Vicksburg.

On December 26th, 1867, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Meyers of Penn Oak, Iowa.

This happy union was blessed with five daughters and seven sons. One daughter and three sons preceded him in passing to the Great Beyond.

He is survived by a devoted wife, four sons and four daughters, namely: Mrs. Bertha Palmer of Glenburn, N. D.; Mrs. Lottie Blakey and Mrs. Ella Pearson of Jackson; Levi Kephart of Revere, Minn.; Mrs. May Rost, William, Roscoe and Earl Kephart of Lakefield.

He also leaves to mourn his demise one aged brother, Milton Kephart of Lakefield, and two sisters, Mrs. William Meyers of Manchester, Iowa, and Mrs. Marion Allen of Farley, Iowa, and nineteen grandchildren.

Mr. Kephart with his family moved to Jackson county in the fall of 1883 and have lived in the county continuously ever since.

They resided at Loon lake for nearly twenty years. In 1905 they moved to a farm near Lakefield which they occupied for a couple of years. Then they retired from the farm and purchased a cozy home in Lakefield, where the family still resides.

Mr. Kephart had been a great sufferer but bore his sufferings with great fortitude. On May 31, he suffered a stroke of paralysis which rendered him entirely helpless and totally deprived him of the power of speech. He retained his mental faculties to the last and was conscious of all that was done for his comfort and was so mutely grateful that it was pitiful. His fortitude and courage was wonderful to witness. He was a good soldier to the last and died bravely.

The funeral services were held in Lakefield on F'riday and burial was made in Riverside cemetery in Jackson. Rev. Harvey of the M. E. church of Lakefield officiated.

Mr. Henry Beck of Jackson spoke a few words giving a beautiful tribute to the deceased. The floral offerings were many and beautiful and bore silent testimony of the love and esteem of his hosts of friends.

The American Legion had charge of services at the grave.-Contributed.


Obituary. Alfred Brunson KEPHART. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

A. B. KEPHART FUNERAL HELD FRIDAY BURIED AT JACKSON
Resident of Jackson County 37 Years, Of Lakefield 14 Years

Alferd B. Kephart, son of Naugel and Susan Kephart, was born at Penn Oak, Dubuque county, Iowa, July 25, 1842, and died at his home in Lakefield December 20, 1921, aged 79 years, four months and 25 days.

Mr. Kephart spent his boyhood days on the homestead farm in Dubuque county. He responded to the first call for volunteers and enlisted September 22, 1862. He served with loyal devotion with Co. H, Twenty-first Infantry Reg. of Iowa. Some of the battles in which he took part were Beaver Creek, Champion Hills and Siege of Vicksburg.

He was mustered out on July 15, 1865, and returned to his home in Dubuque county, Iowa. He was married to Mary B. Meyers December 26, 1867, and they began housekeeping on the old home farm in Dubuque county.

They moved to Jackson county in the spring of 1884 and made a home in Middletown township, in the Loon Lake neighborhood, where they resided 23 years and gained the good will, respect and love of their neighbors. The family moved to Lakefield in December, 1907, and this city has since been honored by their residence in it.

Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Kephart, four of whom preceded the father to the land of rest, namely: Leroy, George, Alfred and Mrs. Della Brown. Surviving him are the deeply, bereaved, widow, four daughters and four sons, namely: Mrs. Bertha Palmer, Glenburn, N. D., Lottie Blakey and Mrs. Ella Pearson, Jackson; Levi, of Revere, Minn.; William, Roscoe, Earl and Mrs. May Rost of this city. He is also survived by his brother Milton of this city, and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Allen, Farley, Iowa, and Mrs. Fanny Meyers, Manchester, Iowa; also several grandchildren and other relatives.

Mr. Kephart never suffered any serious illness until he was stricken with paralysis May 31, 1921. His was a life of quiet rectitude. All his days of toil were so mixed with the joy of living and the happiness of communion with his family and friends that it was a pleasure to meet and talk with him. The sad part of his last illness was that he was denied the pleasure of speaking to his loved ones and the friends who called on him. But through this last fatal illness he was a patient sufferer and seemed to greatly appreciate every act of kindness and flowers which were often sent him. He had the constant loving care of his devoted wife and children.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. F. H. Harvey of the Methodist church, who spoke comforting words from the text: II Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.” It was a fitting text for the Civil War veteran, neighbor and friend, whose body was in the casket, but whose spirit had departed to its eternal abiding place. Rev. Harvey was assisted by Mr. Henry Beck of Jackson, a former neighbor of the family, who spoke of the high esteem in which the family were held in their old home and that the departure of the loved father brought heaven a little nearer to them.

Six members of the local American Legion post were pall bearers and accompanied the body to Jackson where burial was made in the family plot. A score or more of relatives braved the bitter cold to accompany the body to its final resting place.

The passing of Mr. Kephart marks the passing of another soldier from the already thin ranks of our rapidly disappearing Civil War veterans.

Kephart Gravestones: Riverside Cemetery

KEPHART gravestones. Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, MN. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Gravestone: Alfred Brunson KEPHART

Gravestone. Alfred Brunson KEPHART, Co. H, 21st Iowa Inf. (1842-1921). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Declaration for Widow's Pension (13 Jan 1922)

On 21 December 1921 Alfred Brunson Kephart passed away. His wife, Mary, soon after applied for a widow's pension. It and the supporting documents can be found below:


Declaration for Widow's Pension (13 Jan 1922). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

State of Minnesota, County of Jackson

On this 13th day of January, 1922, personally appeared Mary Kephart before me the undersigned, who makes the following declaration as an application for pension under the provisions of the act of Conress approved May 1, 1920.

That she is 72 years of age, that she was born June 3, 1849 at Dubuque County, Iowa, and that her post-office address is Lakefield, Minnesota.

That she is the widow of Alfred B. Kephart, who ENLISTED August 22, 1862, at Cottage Hill, Iowa, under the name of Alfred B. Kephart, in Co. H. 21st Regiment, Iowa Vol. Infantry, and was honorably DISCHARGED July 15, 1865, having served ninety days or more, or was discharged for, or died in service of the United States of a disability incurred in the service in the line of duty, during the CIVIL WAR, and who DIED December 21, 1921, at Lakefield, Minn.

That he also served in ____ and that, except as herein stated, said soldier (or sailor [crossed out]) was not employed in the military or naval service of the United States; THAT SHE WAS MARRIED to said soldier (or sailor [crossed out]) December 25, 1867, at Dubuque County, Iowa, by William Glew, that she had not been previously married, that he had not been previously married;

That she was not divorced from the soldier (or sailor [crossed out]) and that she has NOT remarried since his death;

That the following are the ONLY children OF THE SOLDIER (or sailor [crossed out]) who are now living and are under sixteen years of age; None

That she has not heretofore applied for pension, the number of her former claim being ____; that said soldier (or sailor [crossed out]) was a pensioner, the number of his pension certificate being 879.556.

(1) Wm Kephart (Signature of first witness)
Lakefield, Minnesota
(2) O. Thoreson (Signature of second witness)
Lakefield, Minnesota

Mary Kephart (Claimant's signature in full)
Lakefield, Minnesota

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 13th day of January, 1922, and I hereby certify that the contents of the above declaration were fully made known and explained to the applicant before swearing, including the words "or sailor" erased, and the words ____ added; and that I have no interest, direct or indirect, in the prosecution of this claim.

O. Thoreson
Notary Public, Jackson County, Minn.
My Commission expires [illegible] 15th, 1927
Lakefield, Minnesota


Certified Copy of Death Register. Alfred B. Kephart (21 Dec 1921). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.



Affidavit Re: Marriage of B. Kephart to Mary Meyers (12 May 1922). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.


B. Kephart--25 to Mary Meyers--18

On application of said Kephart and satisfactory proof license issued this 16th day of December 1867. The marriage of the above named parties was solemnized on the 26th day of December 1867, by William Glew, a Justice of the Peace.

STATE OF IOWA, Dubuque County, ss:

I, M. J. Grace, Clerk of the District Court in and for said county do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true and compared copy and transcript of the record of marriage of B. Kephart and Mary Meyers, as the same appears of record and on file in my office.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said courty at my office in the city of Dubuque this 12th day of May 1922.

M. J. Grace Clerk District Court
By Geo. Wieger Deputy


Affidavit of James Rost (23 May 1922). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

STATE OF MINNESOTA, COUNTY OF JACKSON, ss.

James Rost being first duly sworn, deposes and say that he now is and for more than thirty years last past has been a resident of Lakefield, in the County of Jackson, State of Minnesota; that during all of said time he has been personally well acquainted with Alfred B. Kephart and Mary Kephart, his wife; that he knows that during all of said time and until the death of the said Alfred B. Kephart, the said Alfred B. Kephart and Mary Kephart were continuously living together as husband and wife in the Village of Lakefield ^ and in the vicinity of Lakefield, in said County and State, and that they continued so to live as husband and wife until the death of the said Alfred B. Kephart; that they were never divorced.

James Rost

Subscribed to before me this 23rd day of May, 1922.
O Thoreson
Notary Public, Jackson County, Minn.
My Commission expires Jan. 15th 1927.


Affidavit of C. M. Tradewell (23 May 1922). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

The text of the above affidavit is identical to that of James Rost above.

1930 US Federal Census: Mary B. and William KEPHART

Detail of 1930 US Federal Census. Image courtesy of Ancestry.com.

Kephart, Mary 80 F
Kephart, William [Wilthorn] 57 M

Source Citation: Year: 1930; Census Place: Lakefield, Jackson, Minnesota; Roll 1103; Page: 9B; Enumeration District: 15; Image: 224.0.

Source Information: Ancestry.com. 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Original data: United States of America, Bureau of the Census. Fifteenth Census of the United States, 1930. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1930. T626, 2,667 rolls.

Obituary: Mary Brown Meyers KEPHART (1849-1936)

Obituary. Mary Brown Meyers KEPHART (1849-1936). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Life's Labor Ended for Much Loved Mother

Mrs. Mary B. Kephart passed peacefully away at an early hour Friday morning, August 28, at her home in Lakefield, of infirmities due to her advanced age. She was taken seriously ill on her 87th birthday, June 3rd, and was confined to her bed most of the time since. She was 87 years, two months and 25 days old.

Mary B. Meyers was born at Dubuque, Iowa, on June 3, 1849, and passed away on August 28, 1936. She was married to Alfred B. Kephart on December 26, 1867. He was a Civil war veteran, and passed away in December, 1921.

Mr. and Mrs. Kephart moved to Jackson county, Minnesota, in 1883, and had been continuous residents of the county ever since, where they also reared their family.

Twelve children were born to them, seven sons and five daughters. One daughter and three sons have passed away. Eight children, four sons and four daughters, survive. They are: (Bertha) Mrs. Eugene Palmer, Minot, North Dakota; (Lottie) Mrs. George Blakey, Jackson, Minnesota; (Ella) Mrs. Earnest Pearson of Jackson, Minnesota; (May) Mrs. R. R. Rost of Lakefield, Minnesota; Levi Kephart of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, and William, Roscoe and Earl Kephart, all resiednts [sic] of Lakefield.

Mrs. Kephart is survived by three brothers: Joe Meyers of Jackson, Geo. Meyers of Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Henry Meyers of Sangudo, Canada.

A good mother has gone to a wonderful reward. She will be sadly missed for a long, long, time for she was a wonderful friend and counselor and always ready with a willing hand to help anyone who needed it. Her influence will be felt for many years to come.

Funeral services were conducted at 1:30 p. m. at her home in Lakefield, and at the M. E. church in Lakefield at 2 p. m. Burial was made in the Riverside cemetery at Jackson beside her husband. The floral tributes were most beautiful and bore silent testimony of love and esteem.

Gravestones: Mary B. and Alfred B. KEPHART

Gravestones. Mary B. and Alfred B. KEPHART. Riverside Cemetery, Jackson, MN. Image courtesy of Verla Williams.

Bertha KEPHART and Herbert Eugene Palmer

Bertha KEPHART and Herbert Eugene Palmer (Minot, ND: Hanson Photography, Date unknown). Image courtesy of Verla Williams.