Family Part 1

A few years ago my sister-in-law wrote a few notes about their family. Some names may have been changed to protect privacy but the stories are exactly as she wrote them.
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This is a biography of Freeman (Slim) and Inez . I am sure a11 their siblings, relatives and friends will enjoy Dad and Moms colorful life.

Freeman Harold was born to John and Kathryn, June1, 1905 in Cherokee, Iowa. He passed away November 19, 1997 at the age of 92. He had three brothers - John, Gene, Bill also five sisters - Maude, Lil, Pearl, Mary and Bonnie. The brothers were all tall, hardworking, good looking and noted for handling themselves well in any situation. They had a good nature and willing to help others, talked a lot about there ability to fight if they had to. They were 100% Irish. They had brown hair some having blue eyes and brown. Our favorite Uncle & Aunt on Dad's side was Uncle Johnny and Aunt Ida, living in Crescent Park on blest 30th St. Johnny worked at Cudahy Packing Co. in maintenance. I think in sheet metal. Did not own a car used the bus or walked. It was quite a few blocks to the bus line. Ida was a small lady with a real sense of humor. Liked sewing on her treadle machine, and really made her feet move. She made my First Communion Dress. She was a devout Catholic, church on Sundays. Ad walked to St. Boniface every Fnday to Novenas. I stayed at their house while going to Catechism. I didn't like to stay away from home, one reason was I wet the bed, her sofa got it, too. - more than once to my embarassment. So all you young descendants that may have this habit bear with it, it will go away. Hey, maybe it'll come back when I'm about (90) who cares I'll wear pampers, I hope they have blue ones my favorite color. Ha Ha. Johnny and Ida had 4 boys and 1 girl. Billy being the oldest, I didn't know him too well as he joined the Navy at a early age. When he came home on leave he really looked slick in his suit. He was spunky and told jokes. This one I remember. Do you know why a battleship and women are alike? Because they are both so painted up. Mary Katherine was the only girl staying near her Mom & the sewing machine. She had so many beautifiul clothes. She didn't stay on the farm with us, our way of life would be more than she could take. Jack, Bob & Jim loved coming to the farm and staying. They could tell you many stories of great fun. Everyone was welcome at our house, we sure didn't have much but (oh) so happy - most of the time. We spent quite a lot of time with Uncle Gene & Aunt Ruby. He usually had his own business, such as running Services stations. They had 3 children Lavone, Colleen, and Donnie. My sisters spent time with the girls.




We didn't spend much time with Uncle Bill as he was divorced, so didn't have a family for us to get together with.

What I remember most about my aunts was they were blessed with good looks, and loved to dress well. They did a lot of dancing and parties each of them married and were good wives and mothers. All nine of them were born Catholic and stayed that way. Dad was the youngest in the family. We saw our Aunts but never became close to them.

Inez Viola was born to Henry (Hank) and Edith (Edee) on November 11, 1909 in Atlantic Iowa. She passed away December 19, 2003. She had one brother - Harry (Bud) and two sisters - Grace and Leona (Tony). They were German and Swedish. Mom's parents lived on a farm outside of Marnie, Ia. near Atlantic. Her mom passed away when she was three years old and her dad when she was four. Grandparents said her dad died of a broken heart. We don't know the cause of her moms death. Mom and her siblings were raised by grandparents and other family members. When Grace married she moved to Sioux City and took her brother and sisters with her. Mom was about ten at that time. They lived on the Westside of town. Bluff St. and W. 3rd always in that area. It was a nice area at that time. She loved to read and walked to the library every week. She never lost that desire and her house was full of books up to the day she died. Bud was young, tough and of good nature. Had red curly hair. He got himself into trouble and ended up in prison for a few years. I don't remember him having a real job. He did odd jobs such as a handyman and could fix anything. His love was trapping and hunting animals When I was a child it was not unusual to have a trap line, set your traps and walk many miles to collect your game. He was like an Indian scout - tracks told him what kind of an animal was on the trail. Trapping of mink was the big thing selling them for quite a lot of money to Strange Brothers Hide Co. in Sioux City. He loved the outdoors no matter what the weather was from a snow storm to a hot day in July. He walked many miles in his life time, his body was of good physique. He spent much time on the Sioux and Missouri rivers, and loved fishing. I think my son Chuck still has some of his traps, as well as my Grandson Andrew. Bud and Gertie had no children. They moved back and forth from St. Joseph, Mo. to Sioux City and spent a lot of time at our house. One Thanksgiving Mom was ill so he spent the night and cooked us a nice turkey dinner. He was very patient and had a safe quite voice. He was a nice uncle.

My Aunt Grace had red hair was a nice looking gal, another partier. She cleaned homes for a living and was married twice. I remember her living in an apartment on W 7th st., we would visit her. She cleaned for Aunt Tony, they were close. She loved doing crafts and crocheted me a blue dress. It was beautiful. I was about 5. She was nice to us kids. She was a hat person and had many. In her era most women wore hats. She married Charlie Snodgrass and they had one child, Maxine, she and mom were more like sisters than cousins. After divorcing Charlie, she lived by herself and had guy friends from time to time. The one I remember was Abe Sparks, they seemed to hit it off, and he was her companion till she passed away. She died of a heart attack when she was in her late 50's. Maxine married Leonard Rice they had 2 sons - Charlie and Jamie. They spent lots of time at our house.

Our Aunt Tony was our favonte aunt on Moms side of the family. She was another spunky lady, another partier. She dressed stylish, hats and all. She was married to Jack Dineen. He stayed home and kind of took care of their three apartment houses 914, 916, 918 W.6th St., which were her pride and joy. My kitchen table and chairs came from her. She had a set in each of her apartments. During the war they were filled with service men arid wives from the airbase. If any problems came up Jack turned them over to her, she had wit and a mouth to handle renters bad habits. She had a full time job at: Arnour Meat Packing Co. She never tired out, lots of energy. She walked downtown every Saturday in her heels and back, taking care of business and shopping which she loved to do. She and Jack had no children. For fun as a group they would get into Uncle Bud & Gerties Model A with a rumble seat and all go fishing. They loved to have a few beers, along with a picnic lunch. Most of the time they had a good time. There were sometimes they would argue and with the beer get ornery. Tony and Gertie were the trouble makers pushing each other in the river and physically hitting each other. One time Tony threw a can of worms at Gertie; she chased Tony, tackled her, and Bud had to break it up. It was a sight to be seen. It never lasted long because Bud was the only one with a car and they sure did not want to lose those good times. They would stop at our house on the way home and tell all about the bout. Tony usually riding the horse before they went home.

to be continued