Written on the back of this post card photo is "To Sadie From Oll & Ethel". "Oll" and Sadie were first cousins, he was 12 years younger than she.
Oliver Benjamin Negley was the son of John Calvin and Mary Negley and was born June 3, 1892. He married Ethel Alice Kier December 18, 1912. They had two daughters, Hazel and Freda. Hazel was born in 1914 and if that little girl looks about 3 years old, that would mean the photograph was taken about 1917. Oliver signed his WWI draft registration card on June 7, 1917. He claimed exemption from draft due to his wife and child, so I don't believe he served (I don't subscribe to Fold3 to check on that).
In the Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, Iowa I found this grave for Oliver and, I assume, his wife. I can't explain why her name is "Louva H", not "Ethel". Ethel was with Oliver yet in the 1930 census, but I can't find them at all in 1940. I don't find any marriage record for Oliver and Louva. If you know the story, please leave a comment!
I checked Fold3 for you but don't see him for either WWI or Spanish American. I've wondered whether those requests for exemption based on having a wife and children were honored. It looks like his was.
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendy! It was great for the little girl that her Daddy didn't have to go. I appreciate you looking that up for me!
DeleteI was talking to my mother...she is 80yo. I'm sure we are related to the Negley's. (Oliver and Louva) yet to see how. Would like to know how. My mom's name is Karla Buckingham. Her dad and mom was Hazel and Virgil Buckingham.from Council Bluffs, Iowa.
ReplyDeleteI hope I can clear this up for you. Karla's father Virgil, is the son of George Buckingham and Corabelle Negley. Corabelle is the daughter of John Calvin Negley and Mary Ann Fisher and therefore a sister to Oliver here. If you want more details, you can email me at jolahama@gmail.com Thanks for your comment!
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