An American Family

Iona Yvonne Bruce¹ (F)
b. 2 September 1937, d. 24 May 2003
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     Iona Yvonne Bruce was born on 2 September 1937 at Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States.^1,2 She was the daughter of Leonard Clarence Bruce and Viola May Chandler. Iona Yvonne Bruce died on 24 May 2003 at her home at 3247 Presidential Drive, Kenner, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, United States. I was with my mother, Iona Jones, when she passed away on Saturday, 24 May 2003, at approximately 6:45 AM. The official time of death was 7:26 AM, which was the time the hospice nurse, Jeanette, arrived at the house after my father called her. Mom had been in a coma-like state since some time Friday evening. I was sitting on the couch near her hospital bed and my father was in the computer room -- taking a break from the death watch and checking his e-mail. I thought to myself, "I should get up and go sit in the chair next to her." So I stood up and walked the two steps over to her bed -- as I looked down at her I thought her eyes focused on me for a second and then she started chain-breathing. I took her hand and started to call for my Dad. Then she stopped breathing. I said, "Oh, mama..." and touched her chest and felt her heart still beating. I started to go get my father, but then she gasped and started chain-breathing again. I said "Oh, no, you don't -- not for me." and went to get my father. He came in and took her hand and later said he was sure her eyes focused on him for a second, then she stopped breathing. We cried for a minute or two -- him holding her hand and me with my arm around him and then he said "Do you think she's gone?" I touched her chest again and said "Her heart is still beating, but she isn't breathing." We waited a few more minutes, and her heart still beat. We remarked again about what a stubborn woman she was and then Dad called the hospice. Then he woke my youngest sister, Becky, and someone called my brother and other sisters. (Patricia A. Dumond, Hinesville, Georgia, 23 August 2003).^3,4 She was buried on 26 May 2003 at 5100 Pontchartrain Boulevard, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, United States.^5,4
     As of 2 September 1937, Iona Yvonne Bruce also went by the name of Polly Bruce.⁴ As of 8 September 1956, Iona Yvonne Bruce also went by the name of Polly Jones.⁶ As of 8 September 1956,her married name was Iona Yvonne Jones.⁷ She witnessed the death of Bronis Suadrey Reid on 28 January 1981 at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center, McComb, Pike County, Mississippi, United States; The cause of death listed on Bronis FITZPATRICK's death certificate was Arteriosclerotic Heart Disease and Congestive Heart Failure as a consequence of Diabetes Mellitus. The certifying physician was J. D. Morgan, M.D., McComb, Mississippi 39648. Dr. Morgan signed the death certificate on 30 January 1981 at 10:40 AM. The funeral home was Capps Funeral Home, PO Box 192, Tylertown, Mississippi 39667.^1,4,8,9,10 Iona Yvonne Bruce witnessed the death of Wanda Fern Bruce on 11 March 1996 at Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon, United States; Cause of Death: Cancer.^1,11

Edward Friley¹ (M)
b. 29 January 1909, d. December 1976

     Edward Friley was born on 29 January 1909.² He married Evelyn Chandler, daughter of Elmer Lee Chandler and Leona Ethel Smith, say 1940.³ Edward Friley died in December 1976 at Garden Grove, Orange County, California, United States, at age 67.^4,2 He was buried say 1970 at Orange, Orange County, California, United States.
     His Social Security Number was SSN: 235-05-3479 before 1951 at West Virginia, United States.² He and Evelyn Chandler lived between 1960 and 1981 at 219 Donneybrooke, Orange, Orange County, California, United States. (an unknown value).^4,5

James Ross¹ (M)
b. say 1913, d. after 1981

     James Ross was born say 1913 at West Virginia, United States. He married Louella Chandler, daughter of Elmer Lee Chandler and Leona Ethel Smith, say 1935.^2,3 James Ross died after 1981 at California, United States. He was buried after 1981 at California, United States.

Charles Napier¹ (M)
b. circa 1928, d. January 1969
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     Charles Napier was born circa 1928 at United States.^2,1 He was the son of Homer Napier. Charles Napier married Wanda Fern Bruce, daughter of Leonard Clarence Bruce and Viola May Chandler, in August 1948 at Kentucky, United States.^2,3,1,4 Charles Napier died in January 1969 at Orange County, California, United States; Cause of Death: Heart Surgery.^1,2,4 He was buried in January 1969 at Orange, Orange County, California, United States.^2,1

Virginia Pauley¹ (F)
b. 10 January 1935, d. 2 March 2003
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     Virginia Pauley was born on 10 January 1935 at Wayne County, West Virginia, United States; The obituary of Virginia May Bruce gives her birth place as Huntington, W. Va. The family group record filled out by her mother-in-law gave her birthplace as Wayne County, WV, which is near Huntington.^3,1,2 She was the daughter of Floyd Pauley and Lucille (?).² Virginia Pauley died on 2 March 2003 at Gold Hill, Jackson County, Oregon, United States, at age 68; Text of the obituary/funeral announcement:

The graveside service for Virginia May Bruce will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at Scenic Hills Memorial Park in Ashland. The Rev. Daniel Nichols of Rogue River Foursquare Church will officiate.

Mrs. Bruce, 68, of Gold Hill, died Sunday (March 2, 2003) at her home.

She was born Jan. 10, 1935, in Huntington, W. Va., to Floyd and Lucille (Allie) Pauley. On Oct. 21, 1955, in Santa Ana, Calif., she married Dallas Bruce, who survives. They moved to the Rogue Valley 14 years ago from West Covina, Calif.

Mrs. Bruce was a homemaker who enjoyed gardening, cooking and reading.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include a daughter, Sandra K. Villa, Gold Hill; two sons, David L., Ontario, Calif., and Daniel L. Berthoud, Colo; three sisters, Rosemary Dennison, Zion, Ill., Betty Gue, Chester, Va., and Juanita Smoot, Procterville, Ohio; two brothers, Richard Pauley, Rome, Ohio, and William Pauley, Chesapeake, Ohio; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, James Pauley.

Friends may pay their respects from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home and Crematory, Ashland.² She was buried on 6 March 2003 at Scenic Hills Memorial Park, Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon, United States.²
     As of 10 January 1935, Virginia Pauley also went by the name of Jenny Pauley.⁴ As of 21 October 1955, Virginia Pauley also went by the name of Jenny Bruce.⁴ As of 21 October 1955,her married name was Virginia Bruce.^5,1,3 She witnessed the death of Viola May Chandler on 9 October 2000 at Fairhaven Nursing Home, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States; In August 2000, Viola Dishman travelled to Huntington, West Virginia, from her home in Kenner, Louisiana, to visit her sister, Isabelle Stewart. She became ill shortly after arriving in Huntington and was hospitalized for several weeks. Even after she recovered enough to leave the hospital she was not well enough to go home and she was admitted to the Fairhaven Nursing Home. She never recovered from her illness and died on the afternoon of 9 October 2000. Her son (Dallas Bruce), daughter-in-law (Virginia Bruce), granddaughter (Sandra Villa) and great-grandson (Robert Villa) were with her when she passed away. They said that they were talking to her and she laid her head back, closed her eyes and was gone. According to her death certificate, Viola May Dishman was pronounced dead at 12:17 PM, 9 October 2000. Her body was flown to Medford, Oregon, for burial near her daughter, Wanda Hamer in Scenic Hills Memorial Park, Ashland, Jackson County, Oregon.

Two obituaries appeared for Viola May (Chandler) Dishman.

The first appeared in the Huntington (West Virginia) Herald-Dispatch on 10 October 2000. This obituary read as follows:

"Viola May Dishman, 86, of Kenner, La., died Monday in Fairhaven Nursing Home, Huntington. Survivors include one sister, Isabelle Stewart of Huntington; one daughter, Iona Jones of Kenner; and one son, Dallas Bruce of Gold Hills, Ore. Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Directors, Ashland, Ore., is in charge of arrangements. Reger Funeral Home, Huntington, is in charge of local arrangements."

The second obituary appeared in the Medford (Oregon) Mail Tribune on 13 October 2000. This obituary read as follows:

"The graveside service for Viola May Dishman will be at 2 p. m. today at Scenic Hills Memorial Park, Ashland.

Ms. Dishman, 86, formerly of Talent and Medford, died Monday (Oct. 9, 2000) at Fairhaven Nursing Home in Huntington, W. Va., where she had been visiting her sister.

She was born Feb. 13, 1914, in Huntington, W. Va., a daughter of Elmer and Leona (Smith) Chandler.

Mrs. Dishman lived in California from 1952 to 1989, when she moved to Talent. In 1996, she moved to Medford and then to Louisiana in 1999 to be near her daughter.

Survivors include a son, Dallas Bruce, Gold Hill; a daughter, Iona Jones, Kenner, La; a sister, Isabelle Stewart, Huntington, W. Va; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Arnold Bruce; a daughter, Wanda Hamer; a brother, Orrie Chandler; and two sisters, Evelyn Friley and Luella Ross.

Arrangements: Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home and Crematory, Ashland."

Note: The second obituary incorrectly states her place of birth as Huntington, West Virginia, she was born in Charleston, West Virginia, before her parents moved to Huntington.

On the death certificate of Viola May Dishman the cause of death is given as "Acute Myocardial Infarction" with "Stroke, Recent GI Bleeding" listed as other significant factors. The death certificate was signed by David Apgar, D. O., 302 Adams Avenue, Huntington, West Virginia 25701. Dallas Bruce was the informant listed on the death certificate of Viola May Dishman.^6,7,8,9,10

Phyllis Sparks¹ (F)
b. August 1934, d. June 1998

     Phyllis Sparks was born in August 1934.^2,1 She married Arnold Bruce, son of Leonard Clarence Bruce and Viola May Chandler, say 1970 at California, United States.² Phyllis Sparks died in June 1998 at Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States, at age 63.^2,1 She was buried in June 1998 at Kenova, Wayne County, West Virginia, United States.^2,1
     As of say 1970,her married name was Phyllis Bruce.² She and Arnold Bruce lived between 1980 and 10 April 1998 at Wayne, Wayne County, West Virginia, United States; Not sure about date Arnold and Phyllis Bruce moved to West Virginia from California. It was after 1970.^3,4

Gabriel S. Chandler^1,2,3 (M)
b. 1859
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     Gabriel S. Chandler was born in 1859 at Around Lynchburg, Lynchburg County, Virginia, United States; Gabriel S. Chandler's age was given as 69 on his last birthday prior to 8 April 1930 on the 1930 US Census. The 1930 Census gave his place of birth of Virginia, which coincides with what my grandmother, Viola M. Chandler, told me about her grandfather.^5,6,7,8 He was the son of Hiram Chandler.⁴ Gabriel S. Chandler married Stella R. Alley, daughter of (?) Estep, on 12 January 1892 at Gallia County Probate Court, Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; Marriage license number 671 was issued to Gabriel S. Chandler and Arstella Alle (sic) on 12 January 1892 by the State of Ohio, Gallia County. They were married the same day by H. A. Hamia, Probate Judge. The license indicates that Gabriel Chandler attested that he was at least 21 years of age and that Arstella Alle (sic) was at least 18 years of age and a resident of Gallia County. Gabriel Chandler signed the license with his mark (XO), indicating that he was illiterate.^7,3,8
     Gabriel S. Chandler was enumerated on the 1880 U.S. census 1880 U.S. census data: white, male, age 20, son of Hiram Chandler, single, Farmer, cannot write, born in WV, father born in NC, mother born in NC. On 3 June 1880 at Hannan District, Mason County, WV, USA.⁴ Gabriel S. Chandler was enumerated as the father of Elmer L. Chandler on the 1930 US Census for Part 4, Kyle District, Huntington, WV, on 8 April 1930. The following information was provided to the census-taker, Bertha L. Beatty: Place of Abode: 720-1/2 Fourteenth Street (Apartment)
Name: Chandler, Gabriel S.
Relation: Father
Sex: Male
Color or Race: White
Age at last birthday: 69
Marital Status: Married
Age at First Marriage: 31
Attended School Within the Year: No
Able to Read and Write: No
Place of Birth: Virginia
Father's Place of Birth: North Carolina
Mother's Place of Birth: North Carolina
Speaks English: Yes
Occupation: None
Veteran: No.⁸ He lived with Elmer Lee Chandler and Leona Ethel Smith on 8 April 1930 at 720-1/2 Fourteenth Street, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States.⁸

Stella R. Alley^1,2,3,4,5 (F)
b. 1876
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     Stella R. Alley was born in 1876 at Kentucky, United States. Marriage license indicates that Arstella Alle (sic) was at least 18 years of age on 12 Jan 1892, but the 1930 US Census indicated that Stella R. Chandler was 15 when she was first married and that she was 54 years old on her last birthday before 8 April 1930. The 1930 Census showed her place of birth as Kentucky.^7,5 She was the daughter of (?) Estep.⁶ Stella R. Alley married Gabriel S. Chandler, son of Hiram Chandler, on 12 January 1892 at Gallia County Probate Court, Gallipolis, Gallia County, Ohio, United States; Marriage license number 671 was issued to Gabriel S. Chandler and Arstella Alle (sic) on 12 January 1892 by the State of Ohio, Gallia County. They were married the same day by H. A. Hamia, Probate Judge. The license indicates that Gabriel Chandler attested that he was at least 21 years of age and that Arstella Alle (sic) was at least 18 years of age and a resident of Gallia County. Gabriel Chandler signed the license with his mark (XO), indicating that he was illiterate.^8,7,5
     Stella Alley was orphaned as a young girl and was raised by her Grandma & Grandpa Estep.^9,6 Stella R. Alley lived before 12 January 1892 at Gallia County, Ohio, United States, Marriage license states that Arstella Alle was a resident of Gallia County, Ohio.⁷ Marriage license shows name as Arstella Alle. Since Gabriel Chandler signed the license with his mark, he may not have known the proper spelling of the name "Alley" which is how my grandmother spelled Stella Alley's name. According to the 1930 US Census, neither Gabriel S. Chandler nor Stella R. Alley Chandler could read or write. It is possible, even likely, that both the first name and the last name are misspelled on the marriage certificate.¹⁰ As of 12 January 1892,her married name was Stella Chandler.⁸ As of 12 January 1892, Stella R. Alley was also known as Arstella Alley Marriage license shows name as "Arstella Alle". Since Gabriel Chandler signed the license with his mark, he may not have known the proper spelling of the name "Stella Alley", which is how my grandmother spelled the name. Need to investigate this further.⁷ Stella R. Chandler was enumerated as the mother of Elmer L. Chandler on the 1930 US Census for Part 4, Kyle District, Huntington, Cabell County, WV, on 8 April 1930. The following information was provided to the census-taker, Bertha L. Beatty: Place of Abode: 720-1/2 Fourteenth Street (Apartment)
Name: Chandler, Stella R.
Relation: Mother
Sex: Female
Color or Race: White
Age at last birthday: 54
Marital Status: Married
Age at First Marriage: 15
Attended School Within the Year: No
Able to Read and Write: No
Place of Birth: Kentucky
Father's Place of Birth: Kentucky
Mother's Place of Birth: Kentucky
Speaks English: Yes
Occupation: None.⁵
She lived with Elmer Lee Chandler and Leona Ethel Smith on 8 April 1930 at 720-1/2 Fourteenth Street, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States.⁵

Frank Smith^1,2,3 (M)
b. say 1873

     Frank Smith was born say 1873 at Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States.^2,4 He married Ella Riley say 1892 at Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States.²

Ella Riley^1,2,3 (F)
b. say 1874

     Ella Riley was born say 1874 at Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States.⁴ She married Frank Smith say 1892 at Kanawha County, West Virginia, United States.²
     As of say 1892,her married name was Ella Smith.²

Clarence Ezra Bruce^1,2,3 (M)
b. 6 October 1883, d. 26 June 1958
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     Clarence Ezra Bruce was born on 6 October 1883 at Getaway, Lawrence County, Ohio, United States.³ He was the son of Rufus Otho Bruce and Minerva Evelyn Logan.³ Clarence Ezra Bruce was born between 1884 and 1885 at Kentucky, United States.^4,5 He married Susie May Wellman, daughter of David H. Wellman and Kizzie Wilson, on 28 October 1906 at Fort Gay, Wayne County, West Virginia, United States.^4,5,3 Clarence Ezra Bruce died on 26 June 1958 at Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States, at age 74.³ He was buried after 26 June 1958 at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States.³
     According to my grandmother, Clarence "CE" Bruce owned a store with a cafeteria in it before the Depression. He decided to sell the business and two houses (the family home and a rental property) he owned in Huntington and move to Ohio and buy a "ranch". However, he was unable to make a go of the Ohio ranch and during the Depression he sold the property to move "back to West Virginia where I can farm". After the depression he built up a successful contracting business. Grandma said that some people said this about him "CE Bruce never did a lick of work in his life, but at least he's smart enough to hire others who do". She said the first part was really not true, they were just jealous of his success. She said the contracting business was known by his name "CE Bruce".⁶ The household of Clarence E. Bruce was enumerated on the 1930 US Federal Census as Household Number 131 and Family Number 131 in Greenfield Township, Gallia County, Ohio, on 14 April 1930. Clarence E. Bruce was shown as the Head of Household. Susie M. Bruce was listed as his wife. Leonard C. Bruce and Marvin R. Bruce were listed as his sons. The census listed Clarence E. Bruce as a white male, age 46, married, age at first marriage was 23, he did not attend school during the year and the census taker recorded that he could read and write. His place of birth was given as Kentucky, his father's place of birth was given as Ohio and his mother's place of birth was given as Kentucky. According to the census enumeration he owned the house they lived in. His occupation was given as Farmer and the Industry he worked in as "Stock Farmer". The census indicated he was employed and that he was NOT a veteran of any conflict. He was Clarence E. Bruce's occupation was shown as "Farmer" and the industry in which he worked was shown as "Stock Farmer" on the 1930 US Census. This fits with what my grandmother, Viola M. Dishman, told me about Clarence Bruce -- that he lost his business after the Stock Market Crash of 1929 and bought a farm in Ohio.

On 14 April 1930 at Greenfield Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. He and Susie May Wellman lived on 14 April 1930 at Greenfield Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. Clarence Ezra Bruce and Susie May Wellman lived at 1229 Adams Avenue, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States.^7,8

Susie May Wellman^1,2 (F)
b. 21 January 1889, d. June 1982
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     Susie May Wellman was born on 21 January 1889 at Salt Petre, Wayne County, West Virginia, United States, according to information provided by Susie M. Bruce on IRS Form 3227 dated 22 August 1962; Birth date given as 21 Jan 1889 on IRS Form 3227 which was completed and signed on 22 Aug 1962 by Susie M. Bruce.² She was the daughter of David H. Wellman and Kizzie Wilson.² According to the Social Security Death Index, Susie May Wellman was born on 24 January 1889 at West Virginia, United States. This date is 3 days off from the date of 21 Jan 1889 provided by Susie M. Bruce when she applied for a Social Security Number in August 1962.^1,3 She married Clarence Ezra Bruce, son of Rufus Otho Bruce and Minerva Evelyn Logan, on 28 October 1906 at Fort Gay, Wayne County, West Virginia, United States.^4,5,6 Susie May Wellman died in June 1982 at Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States, at age 93.^1,7
     As of 1907,her married name was Susie May Bruce.^4,5,2 She and Clarence Ezra Bruce lived on 14 April 1930 at Greenfield Township, Gallia County, Ohio, United States. Susie M. Bruce was enumerated as the wife of Clarence E. Bruce (Head of Household) on the 1930 US Federal Census on 14 April 1930 in Household Number 131, Greenfield Township, Gallia County, Ohio. Susie M. Bruce was listed as a white female, age 41, married, first married at the age of 18. The census indicated that she had not attended school during the year and that she could read and write. Her place of birth, and the place of birth of both her mother and father, was given as West Virginia. The census indicated that she could speak English. No occupation or employment information was listed on the census. Susie May Wellman and Clarence Ezra Bruce lived at 1229 Adams Avenue, Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States.^2,8 Her Social Security Number was 233-72-3481 issued in 1962 at West Virginia, United States.⁹

Louis Bartimoccia¹ (M)
b. circa 1962, d. 1998

     Louis Bartimoccia was born circa 1962 at Mahopac Falls, Putnam County, New York, United States.² He died in 1998 at Mahopac Falls, Putnam County, New York, United States; Cause of Death: Cancer.³

Virgil Stewart¹ (M)
b. 10 September 1914, d. 3 September 1991

     Virgil Stewart was born on 10 September 1914.^2,3 He died on 3 September 1991 at Huntington, Cabell County, West Virginia, United States, at age 76.^2,4,3
     His Social Security Number was SSN: 234-05-3227 before 1951 at West Virginia, United States.³

Gilbert Dumond¹ (M)
b. 5 January 1911, d. 18 April 1978
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     Gilbert Dumond was born on 5 January 1911 at Grand Isle, Aroostook County, Maine, United States.^1,2,3 He was the son of Jeoachim Violet and Olive Dumont. Gilbert Dumond married Leda Theriault, daughter of Dennis Theriault and Christine Thibodeau, on 24 November 1932 at Green River, Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada.^1,2 Gilbert Dumond died on 18 April 1978 at East Providence, Providence County, Rhode Island, United States, at age 67.^1,2,3
     His Social Security Number was SSN: 006-05-0305 before 1951 at Maine, United States.³ He lived before April 1978 at Riverside, Providence County, Rhode Island, United States.³

Leda Theriault¹ (F)
b. 6 September 1910, d. 15 June 1995
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     Leda Theriault was born on 6 September 1910 at Green River, Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada.^1,2,3 She was the daughter of Dennis Theriault and Christine Thibodeau. Leda Theriault married Gilbert Dumond, son of Jeoachim Violet and Olive Dumont, on 24 November 1932 at Green River, Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada.^1,2 Leda Theriault died on 15 June 1995 at Barrington, Bristol County, Rhode Island, United States, at age 84.^1,2,3
     As of 24 November 1932,her married name was Leda Dumond.^1,2 Her Social Security Number was SSN: 035-46-0083 between 1975 and 1976 at Rhode Island, United States.³ She lived before 15 June 1995 at Barrington, Bristol County, Rhode Island, United States.³

Emory Dumond¹ (M)
b. 3 August 1933, d. 1 December 1933
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     Emory Dumond was born on 3 August 1933 at Green River, Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada.^1,2,3 He was the son of Gilbert Dumond and Leda Theriault. Emory Dumond died on 1 December 1933 at Green River, Madawaska County, New Brunswick, Canada, at age 0.^1,2,3