What's New

Photo of the Month

Minerd.com Blog

Biographies

National Reunion

Interconnectedness

Cousin Voices

Honor Roll

In Lasting Memory

In the News

Our Mission and Values

Annual Review

Favorite Links

Contact Us

Josiah J. Dull -- also known as "Joseph" or "J.J." -- was born on Dec. 23, 1835 (or 1834 or 1837) in Somerset County, PA, the son of George and Christina (Younkin) Dull.

As a young man of age 18, he migrated to Iowa in 1855, establishing a home in Winnishiek County.

Three years after settling in Iowa, Josiah married 17-year-old Pennsylvanian Elizabeth G. Ross (1841-1920), daughter of William F. and Sarah J. (?) Ross, in Rossville, Allamakee County, Iowa. The ceremony was performed by George W. Miller at Rossville on Dec. 23, 1858, with the bride's parents serving as witnesses. (This date also has been shown in Iowa records as on Jan. 3, 1859.) 

The year following their marriage, in 1860, they made their home in Jefferson Township, Allamakee County, where Josiah labored as a carpenter.

The pair became the parents of the following known children -- Emma C. Skinner, Flora J. Tibbetts, William Frederick Dull, Loui Augusta Trapp, Charles A. Dull, Martha May (or "Mae") Cheney and Guy Haven Dull. 

In about 1863, they migrated to Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA, where Josiah continued his trade as a carpenter and joiner. As the Civil War was raging at that time, he registered for the military draft in June 1863.

Josiah acquired land on the east side of the Cedar River. In 1870, Elizabeth's 50-year-old mother and 11-year-old brother James lived under their roof.

Also making the move westward to Waterloo during that era were Josiah's brother John Dull (circa 1855) and married sister and brother in law, Samuel and Sarah Saylor, and their family of nine children (1860). John and his family remained in rural Waterloo for decades. The Saylors remained in Waterloo until about 1871, when they relocated to a farm near Jefferson, Bremer County, IA.

In a Waterloo Daily Courier article published many years later, an aged Josiah was interviewed about the early days in the town:

He bought the Grout property, corner Sixth and Franklin streets in that year for $600. He says at that time there was one meat market on the east side, located on the corner where the Golden Eagle clothing store now stands. He was able to drive a team directly from his home to the Cedar river bridge without encountering a building at that time. He says the old wooden bridge then spanned the Cedar but was carried away by the high water in the spring of 1864. He says the east side of the river at that time was a sandy stretch of territory over which a team could not draw a load of more than half a ton.

Josiah and family left Waterloo after 17 years and relocated again during the 1870s to Geneseo, Cerro Gordo County, IA, where they settled on a farm. Elizabeth's mother maintained a home with them during that time. When the Dulls' married daughter Flora Tibbetts became widowed during the 1890s, she and her sons moved into their home.

Rockwell's Fourth Street in the early 1900s, still in the era of horses

The 1900 census shows the Dull and Tibbetts families under one roof in Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, with Josiah earning a living as a carpenter. By that year, Josiah and Elizabeth had been wed for 42 years, and two of their children were deceased. 

When Vice President Theodore Roosevelt came to Josiah's old town of Waterloo to deliver a whistle-stop speech on Oct. 5, 1900, Josiah made a point of traveling there to hear it. Roosevelt gave his remarks from a special speaker's platform in the city park, witnessed by between 10,000 and 15,000 spectators, and is said to have congratulated his listeners on their courage, honesty and common sense.

In October 1903, Josiah returned to Waterloo to visit his brother John, and his story was featured in a Waterloo Daily Courier article headlined "Old Timer Comes Back."

Then in 1908, he was mentioned in a Somerset County, PA news obituary about his brother William.

By the time that the federal census was enumerated in 1910, the Dulls had moved to the Pacific Northwest. That year, they lived in Seattle, King County, WA, under the roof of Floyd S. and Ida M. (Trapp) Stowell, close relatives of their son in law Charles A. Trapp. Then during the decade between 1910 and 1920, they relocated again to Minnesota, where in 1920 they resided in St. Paul, Ramsey County with their son in law and daughter, James and Martha Mae/May Chaney.

Sadly, Elizabeth died at age 78, in Romney County on Jan. 14, 1920. Her remains were returned to Iowa for burial in the Rockwell Cemetery.

Josiah outlived her by more than nine years, and died at the age of 94 in Ramsey County on May 21, 1929. His body was transported to Iowa for burial beside his wife in Rockwell Cemetery. An obituary was printed the Rockwell Tribune on May 29, 1929. 

The Dull family Bible, published in Philadelphia in 1871, was passed down into the hands of granddaughter Jessie Morphew of Mason City, IA. In 1975, with transcription assistance by Donna M. Dull of Clear Lake, IA, the details were printed in the Hawkeye Heritage newsletter of the Iowa Genealogical Society. [View]

Early view of Rockwell Cemetery

~ Daughter Emma C. (Dull) Skinner ~

Daughter Emma C. Dull (1859-1883) was born on Nov. 19, 1859 in Allamakee County, IA. 

She wed Rev. David "Edmund" (or "D.E.") Skinner (Dec. 1854-1929) on May 14, 1879, when she was 19 years of age. He was the son of C.J. and Harriet (Salsbury) Skinner and was born in Pennsylvania. The nuptials took place in Black Hawk County, IA.

They had one known son, Haven Day Skinner, also misspelled as "Naren." At the time of the child's birth, the family dwelled in Butler County, IA.

In the Iowa Census of 1885, the Skinners are listed as making their home in Pitcher, Cherokee County, IA.

Tragically, Emma and Edmund only enjoyed three and a half years of married life together. At the age of 23, Emma died on March 9, 1883, of causes not yet known. Her passing was logged in the family Bible. Her remains were lowered into eternal repose in Rockwell Cemetery.

Edmund only waited a little more than a year to marry again. On May 19, 1884, in Charles City, Floyd County, IA, the 21-year-old was wedded to 21-year-old Eva Edith Smith (1863-1935). She was the daughter of T.J. and Mary (Forbes) Smith of Iowa. The couple went on to have at least two children of their own, Opal E. Skinner (1885- ? ) and Roy G. Skinner (1887- ? ).

The family moved frequently over the years as Edmund accepted positions to lead churches. In the late 1880s, after the first Congregational Church was formed in Kingsley, Plymouth County, IA, he briefly served as pastor. For this work, he is mentioned in volume two of the 1890 book by Will Leach Clark, entitled History of the Counties of Woodbury and Plymouth, Iowa. Later, they moved to a new church in Okoboji, Dickenson County, IA, where they lived in 1900.

By 1910, Edmund apparently had abandoned the pastoral work and the family moved to California, making its home on an alfalfa farm in Turlock, Stanislaus County. The Skinners remained in Stanislaus County during the decade of the 1910s, and in 1920 they dwelled on a farm in Ceres.

Edmund passed away on Jan. 5, 1929, with burial in Acacia Memorial Park in Modesto. Eva followed him to the grave nearly seven years later, on Dec. 9, 1935.

Son Haven Day Skinner, M.D. (1881-1931) was born on May 14, 1881 in Butler County, IA. As a youth, he lived in various Iowa places where his father pastored churches. At the age of 19, he and the family were in Okoboji, Dickenson County. He moved with his parents in about 1906 to California, and in about 1909 obtained his medical degree. Circa 1917, when he would have been age 36, Haven was wedded to Mabel C. (?) ( ? - ? ). In 1920, the Skinners lived in Hughson, Stanislaus County, CA. They had one known daughter, Ruth Skinner. Haven was active politically and in 1912 served on an election committee supporting the campaigns of Woodrow Wilson and Thomas Riley Marshall. He also was a member of the Stanislaus Lodges of the Masons and Odd Fellows, United Artisans of Modesto and the Hughson Woodmen of the World. Mabel had her own community interests and was treasurer of the Women's Improvement Club, with her activities reported in the Modesto Evening News. In 1920, their home was in Ceres, Stanislaus County. The family enjoyed vacations at Pismo Beach. Sadly, having endured a fatal illness for three months, Haven succumbed in his mother's home in Modesto just two days after Christmas 1931. Burial was in the Masonic Cemetery, following funeral services conducted by fellow members of the Odd Fellows lodge. An obituary in the Modesto News-Herald noted that he "had resided in California for twenty-five years" and named his half-siblings, Mrs. T.F. Simms of Modesto and Roy C. Skinner of Santa Barbara.

~ Daughter Flora J. (Dull) Tibbetts ~

Daughter Flora J. Dull (1861-1918) was born on April 27, 1861. (She thought her birth month was May.) 

On March 17, 1880, when she was 18 years of age, Flora wed Jeremiah W. Tibbetts (1859- ? ), son of Henry and Catherine Tibbetts of Jefferson Township, Bremer County, IA. Their marriage was not recorded in her parents' Bible. The ceremony took place in Cerro Gordo County, IA.

They produced three offspring -- Leta M. Schoenweich, Carl Tibbetts and Glenn Tibbetts.

Sadly, Flora became widowed by 1895, and she and her sons went to live with her parents. The 1900 census shows Flora and her sons in the Josiah Dull household in Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County. The Iowa State Census of 1905 shows Flora and her children living in Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County.

By 1910, Flora had moved to Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, and obtained work as a housekeeper in the residence of widowed rug manufacturer William Peedon, on West Seventh Street. Her son Glenn lived with her and at age 20 worked as a clerk in a drug store.

Seattle, early 1900s, with Mt. Rainier easily visible on the horizon.

Eventually Flora relocated to the West Coast and made her home in Seattle, King County, WA. Her home circa 1918 was at 2834 West 59th Street. There, she died on Sept. 27, 1918, at the age of 57. Interment was in the Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle.

Daughter Leta M. Tibbetts (1880-1983) was born on Dec. 14, 1880 in Waterloo. At the age of 21, on March 19, 1901, Leta was joined in holy matrimony with 22-year-old Adolph G. Schoenweich (1879- ? ). He was a native of Ackley, IA and the son of Theodore and Anna (Dorr) Schoenwich. The wedding took place in Alexander, Franklin County, IA, with Leta's mother and uncle Frederick Dull serving as witnesses. Leta died in Webster City, Hamilton County, IA in July 1983. Interment was in Evergreen-Washelli Memorial Park in Seattle where her mother also rests for eternity.

Son Carl Tibbetts (1885- ? ) was born in April 1885 in Iowa.

Son Glenn Tibbetts (1889- ? ) was born in April 1889 in Iowa.

~ Son William "Frederick" Dull ~

Son William "Frederick" Dull (1863-1933) was born on April 21, 1863 in Iowa. As a youngster, he completed eight grades of public education.

On April 14, 1885, in a ceremony held at Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, IA, the 22-year-old Frederick wed 21-year-old Ida Gertrude Holman (1864-1949), daughter of David and Sarah (Sencebaugh) Holman who had moved to Mason City in 1879 from Rossville, IA. Rev. James Alderson led the nuptials in Alexander, Franklin County, IA, with L.A. Dull and Lou Watkins serving as witnesses.

Their children were Harry Clinton Dull, Herbert H. Dull, James "Ross" Dull, Rollo Vanhorn Dull, Charles "Stillman" Dull, Ralph "Marion" Dull, Jessie E. Morphew, George Ole Dull, Elizabeth Hanson and Stella Jo Vina Magoon.

Circa 1900, when the U.S. census was taken, the Dulls lived in Scott Township, Franklin County, IA, with Frederick earning a living as a grain dealer. In 1909, they moved to 718 Kearney Street in Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, with William employed as a foreman in the Mason City Rug Company and the Mason City Steam, Dye & Cleaning Works. Two years later, in 1912, he worked as a lineman, probably for the Western Electric Telephone Company, and by 1915 had changed jobs again to become a store keeper, and in 1930 was a laborer at a local bakery. Their address in 1933 was 303 First Street Southwest.

They were members of the Baptist Church in Mason City and owned a summer cottage on the north shore of Clear Lake west of town.

Bathing stand at Clear Lake, Iowa

Frederick became "seriously ill" with pneumonia in late May 1933, reported the Mason City Globe-Gazette, which prompted a visit from his sister and brother in law, Martha May and James Cheney from St. Paul, MN. He died at the Clear Lake cottage on June 8, 1933 at age 70. Funeral services were held at the Baptist Church in Rockwell, led by A.W. Caul, followed by burial in Rockwell Cemetery.

The widowed Ida remained in Mason City for many years. In 1940, she headed a household that included her daughter and son in law Jessie and Vern Morphew and their young son, as well as six lodgers. At the age of 84, she passed away at the home of her daughter Jessie Morphew in Mason City on Jan. 4, 1949. An obituary in the Globe-Gazette noted that she was "a sister of Dr. H.D. Holman" -- had resided in Mason City "for the past 40 years" -- and was survived by 19 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Her remains were interred beside her husband's following funeral services led by Rev. Herbert P. Rumford of the First Baptist Church. During the service, Ruth Dougall sang Rock of Ages and Asleep in Jesus, accompanied on the organ by Mrs. Earl Ehlers. Laura Carter, Jessie Curtis and Esta Sullivan arranged flowers, and pallbearers included Dr. H.F. Pool, B.R. Dunn, Remley J. Glass, James Manley, Bernard Manley and Hugh H. Shepard.

Son Harry Clinton Dull (1885-1975) was born on Oct. 22, 1885 in Cerro Gordo County, IA, although one census source gives his birthplace as Nebraska. As an adult, he was of medium height and build, with blue eyes and light brown hair. In 1900, he dwelled in Scott Township, Franklin County, IA, and learned the occupation of farming. He married Eva Mary Marsh (1886- ? ) on Dec. 9, 1908, with the ceremony performed in Mason City, IA by Rev. R.R. Kinnan, and witnessed by Herbert H. Dull and H. Marsh. She was the daughter of Ambrose and Emma F. (Pringle) Marsh of Mason City. The couple produced had at least one son, Forest Clinton Dull. In 1910, the family resided under the roof of Harry's parents, and he earned income as a laborer. Harry was required to register for the military draft during World War I, and disclosed his occupation as "farming" and his nearest relative as his wife Eva. They resided in the Mason City area during the 1920s, '30s and '40s, with an address circa 1942 of 922 15th Place, Apartment E, in Mason City. In 1930-1940 Harry operated a crane in the Ideal Sand & Gravel pit owned by Grant McGovern. Harry died in Mason City at the age of 89 in June 1975.

• Grandson Forest Clinton Dull (1910-1964) was born in about February 1910 in Iowa. On June 14, 1932, at the age of 22, Forest was united in holy wedlock with 23-year-old Mildred Pearl Nemetz (1909-1992), daughter of Frank and Emma Nemetz of Britt, IA. Officiating was Rev. J.L. Pickett of the First Baptist church, with Lucille Fiedeman and R.K. Farrow [spelling?] attending as witnesses. Forest died on March 8, 1964 at the age of 54, with burial in Mason City's Memorial Park Cemetery. Mildred survived her husband and lived as a widow for nearly three more decades. She passed into eternity on Feb. 26, 1992, and rests beside Forest.

Mason City's Main Street, Fifth to State and Sixth, early 1900s

Son Herbert H. Dull (1887-1975) was born on Nov. 15, 1887 in Rockwell. He was of medium height and slender build, with red hair and blue eyes. At the age of 22 in 1910, unmarried, he lived with his parents and worked as a lineman for the Western Electric Telephone Company, later becoming part of Bell Telephone. Still single at age 32, in 1920, he earned income as a foreman with the local Mason City gas company. On July 6, 1925, Herbert finally married at age 38 to 34-year-old Ruth Rice (1891- ? ). It also was a first marriage for her and she was the daughter of Frank and Mary Anne (Eicly) Rice of Mason City. Rev. P.S. O'Connor, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in town, led the ceremony. They had one known daughter, Mary Dull. Herbert earned a living as a truck driver, first for a sand and gravel company in Mason City circa 1930, and then for a retail lumber yard in 1940. Their home in 1933 was at 310 Ninth Street Southeast in Mason City and they remained in the town through the 1950s. Herbert's employer in 1959 was Ideal Sand and Gravel Company. Herbert died in Mason City in February 1975 at the age of 87. Interment was in Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery. As a widow, Ruth lived for another nine years and succumbed in 1984.

Son James "Ross" Dull (1889-1950) was born on Nov. 19, 1889 in Rockwell, IA. As a young man, he was tall and slender, with blue eyes and sandy hair. Ross obtained work at age 20 as a tinner with Miles Hardware Company in Mason City and the following year, in 1910, was a foreman in a Mason City freight house. He then got a job as a freight brakeman with the Chicago and Northwestern Railway (C & NW) by 1912 and kept this job during the decade of the 1910s. On Nov. 10, 1917, at age 28, Ross was united in marriage with 27-year-old Evelyn E. "Eva" Hasleau (1890-1970), a resident of Kiester, MN who was born in Bancroft, SD. She was the daughter of Herman E. and Anna Hasleau. Rev. William J. Minchir officiated, with Ruth Rice and Herbert Dull serving as witnesses. The couple produced at least one daughter, Roslyn Ann Wollan Earl. In 1920, the couple dwelled in Minnesota in Fox Lake Township, Martin County at the time of birth of daughter Roslyn. Sadly, during the decade of the 1920s, Ross and Evelyn divorced. She returned to Mason City and obtained a job as a telephone operator and provided a home for her aged mother Anna Hasleau and roomer Thilda M. Nelson. Ross moved to the West Coast and in 1930 resided in Kalamath Falls, OR, where he continued his labors as a railroad brakeman. He was in Eugene, OR in 1949 when named in the Mason City Globe-Gazette obituary of his mother. Ross spent his final years in Modoc County, CA. There, he died on Feb. 8, 1950. Evelyn also relocated to California where she lived in Santa Ana, Orange County in 1970. She died in Santa Ana on June 25, 1970. Her remains were placed into eternal repose in LaCrosse Cemetery in LaCross, Whitman County, WA.

• Granddaughter Roslyn Ann Dull (1919-2004) was born on April 27, 1919 in Fox Lake, MN. She was twice married. Her first husband was (?) Wollan ( ? - ? ), and she used the Wollan name circa 1946. Later, she was wedded to (?) Earl ( ? - ? ) and dwelled in Orange County, CA. She died on New Year's Day 2004 in Orange County with interment in Santa Ana Cemetery.

Son Rollo Vanhorn Dull (1892-1997) was born on May 27, 1892 in Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, IA. In 1910, at age 18, he earned income as a billing clerk in a local freight house in Mason City. He had a slender build and was of medium height, with blond hair and blue eyes. On May 28, 1913, in Chicago, the 21-year-old Rollo married 20-year-old Grace Olivette Martin (1893- ? ). They produced at least two daughters, Virginia I. Dull and Eunice M. Dull. Following a family pattern, he became employed with the Chicago and North Western (C & NW) Railway and in 1917 was a clerk based in Cleveland, OH. By 1920 he had transferred back to Mason City. His home in 1930-1949 was in Omaha with continuing work as a railroad traffic agent. Their postal address in 1942 was 70th and Grover Streets in Omaha. Rollo died in Omaha in December 1977.

• Granddaughter Virginia I. Dull (1915- ? ) was born circa 1915 in Illinois.

• Granddaughter Eunice M. Dull (1921- ? ) was born in about 1921 in Ohio.

Son Charles "Stillman" Dull (1895-1961) was born on June 18, 1895 in Iowa. He apparently never married but was an Army veteran of World War I and World War II. At the age of 19, in 1915, he worked as a ticket agent, likely with the Chicago and Northwestern Railway station in Mason City. When the U.S. Census was taken in 1920, he was employed as an accountant in the railroad office in Mason City. Having entered the U.S. Army, Stillman in 1930 was stationed at Fort Cook Military Reservation in Nebraska. Stillman made his home in 1933 in Fort Snelling, St. Paul, MN. He was transferred to Honolulu on the Island of Oahu and in 1940 was stationed at Schofield Barracks. It's entirely possible though not proven that he may have undergone hostile enemy fire at Schofield Barracks during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941. By 1943, bearing the rank of captain, he lived in Salt Lake City but returned to his mother's home in Mason City over the Easter holiday. He eventually rose to the rank of major and retired on Dec. 14, 1945. Circa 1949, his residence was in San Francisco. Stillman passed away on Nov. 9, 1961 with burial in Rockwell Cemetery in Iowa.

The Chicago & North Western Railway (upper left) was one of 3 rail lines operating in Mason City, among the others the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and the Chicago & Great Western

Son Ralph "Marion" Dull (1898-1974) was born on Jan. 29, 1898 in Iowa. When he was 22 years old, in 1920, Marion held a position as private secretary for a Mason City railroad office, likely the Chicago and Northwestern Railway where his older brothers were employed. Circa 1922, at the age of 24, Marion was wedded to 23-year-old Evelyn Ariola Brunette (1899-1986), daughter of Edgar L. and Celia Brunette of Milwaukee. They produced three known offspring, Peggy Aileen Sullivan, Muriel Dull and Donald Dull. Their home in 1923-1930 was in Chicago, with Marion laboring in the roofing business. By 1933, they had relocated to San Francisco where they remained at least until 1940. The U.S. Census of 1940 shows husband, wife, three children and Evelyn's widowed father living under one roof in San Francisco. By 1949, they had relocated to nearby San Mateo, CA. Marion passed into eternity just a dozen days shy of his 76th birthday on Jan. 17, 1974 in Daly City, San Mateo County. His remains were placed into repose in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma, San Mateo County. Evelyn outlived her husband by a dozen years and at the end of her life was living in Shingletown, Shasta County, CA. She died there on Sept. 27, 1986.

• Granddaughter Peggy Dull (1923-1960) was born in 1923 in Iowa.

• Granddaughter Muriel Dull (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927 in Chicago.

• Grandson Donald Dull (1932- ? ) was born in about 1932 in Iowa.

Daughter Jessie E. Dull (1901- ? ) was born in 1901 in Iowa. When she was about 22 years old, on March 10, 1923, Jessie was wedded to Vern Morphew (1900- ? ), son of Henry and Ethel (Clough) Morphew. Mason City was the site of their nuptials. They had at least one son, Clinton Henry Morphew. In 1930, Clinton and Jessie lived with her parents in Mason City, and he worked as a baker in a local bakery. Their Mason City address in 1933 was 303 First Street Southwest. When the federal census enumeration was made in 1940, the Morphews remained in Mason City with Vern continuing his bakery work. By 1945, the Morphews relocated to Florida, making their home in Polk County, with Vern employed by Gulf Oil Company and 21-year-old son Clinton earning income as a dairy worker. They returned to Mason City later in the 1940s, where in 1950 Clinton was a clerk for Fairway Stores Inc.

• Grandson Clinton Henry Morphew (1923- ? ) was born on Oct. 22, 1923 in Mason City. He was wedded to Jeannette Mae Martin (1925-1994), daughter of John D. and Ada (Pentico) Martin of Pocahontas, IA. They eventually moved to Los Angeles. Jeannette died in Los Angeles on Feb. 16, 1994, while Clinton followed her to the grave on Nov. 10, 1995, also in Los Angeles.

Son George Ole Dull (1903-1952) was born on March 3, 1903 in Alexander, Franklin County, IA. He was five feet, six inches tall, and weighed 142 lbs. He learned the trade of mechanic and worked in this occupation in the early 1920s. On May 11, 1924, when he was 22 years old, George married 20-year-old Lois G. Greene (1904- ? ) of Mason City. Rev. J.F. Borge officiated, with Mrs. N. Hansen and Katherine Borge witnessing the ceremony. Lois was the daughter of S.R. and Nellie J. (Minear) Greene and a native of Eldora, IA. Their known son was Howard B. Dull. Circa 1930, they resided in Mason City, with George continuing his longtime work as an automotive garage mechanic. His employer in 1933-1935 was Thomas W. Summerhays. Unfortunately, George and Lois divorced in April 1935, after 11 years of marriage. He joined the U.S. Army on Sept. 2, 1940, some 14 months before the United States entered World War II. He served in Company D of the 417th Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, and was promoted to corporal. In February 1943, he wrote a letter to his mother that was printed in the Mason City Globe-Gazette, stating that he was in Scotland on leave and that "The Red Cross is a very nice place to stay.... I have been invited out to private parties and dances and am really enjoying myself." After the war, he returned to Mason City and was there in 1949. He moved to Oregon and died in Portland on June 19, 1952 at the age of 49. Burial was in Golden Gate National Cemetery, Section R, Grave 4380.

• Grandson Howard B. Dull (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927 in Mason City. Circa 1952, Howard made his home in Portland with an address of 921 Waters Street.

Daughter Elizabeth Dull (1906-1999) was born on May 10, 1906 in Alexander, Franklin County, IA. When she was age 18, on Sept. 27, 1924, Elizabeth married 22-year-old Lester Leland Hanson (1903-1955), son of Thomas Marcellus and Malisa Olive (Benson) Hanson. Rev. Henry Delong performed the ceremony at Council Bluffs, Pottawattamie County, IA, with Elizabeth's brother Rollo and his wife Grace attending. Lester, a mechanic at the time of marriage, was living in Omaha and was a native of Popejoy, IA. Their six known children were Wendell N. Hanson, Bonnie J. Hanson, David K. Hanson, Betty Hanson, Jo Ellen Hanson and Joyce Hanson. They resided at Clear Lake west of Mason City in the early 1930s, with Lester earning a living as an assistant with a grain elevator cooperative. They relocated to Southern California and in 1949 were in Ventura, CA. Sadly, Lester died at the age of 51 on March 29, 1955. Elizabeth outlived her spouse by a remarkable 44 years. She spent her last years in Mason City and died there on June 29, 1999. Burial was in Clear Lake Cemetery.

• Grandson Wendell N. Hanson (1927- ? ) was born in about 1927 in or near Clear Lake, IA.

• Granddaughter Bonnie J. Hanson (1929- ? ) was born in 1929 in or near Clear Lake, IA.

• Grandson David K. Hanson (1931-1994) was born in about 1931 in Clear Lake, IA. He married Cheryl L. (?) (1936-2006). David died in 1994 and rests for eternity in Clear Lake Cemetery. Cheryl outlived her husband by a dozen years. She succumbed at the age of 70, five days before 2006, while a patient at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Rev. Dean Hess preached her funeral sermon at Zion Lutheran Church.

• Granddaughter Betty Hanson (1933- ? ) was born in about 1933 in Clear Lake, IA.

• Granddaughter Jo Ellen Hanson (1935- ? ) was born in about 1935 in Clear Lake, IA.

• Granddaughter Joyce Hanson (1938- ? ) was born in about 1938 in Clear Lake, IA.

Daughter Stella Jo Vina Bell Dull (1910-1979) was born on Sept. 17, 1910 in Mason City. She learned the skill of stenography and worked in this occupation in 1930, when the federal census enumeration was made. On Aug. 25, 1933, in nuptials held at Clear Lake led by Rev. J.R. Tumbleson, west of Mason City, she married 25-year-old Lawrence Everett Magoon (1909-1968). Lawrence was a native of Mason City, was the son of Floyd and Elizabeth (Wilkins) Magoon, and at the time of marriage worked as a grocery man. He later got a job as a driver for Ideal American Laundry and Zoric Dry Cleaners in Mason City, with Stella working as a typist for the businesses. Their address in 1935 was 303 First Southwest, and in 1939 was 418 Rhode Island Avenue. When World War II erupted, Lawrence served with a military unit from 1943 to 1945. In 1949, the Magoons made their home in Colma, San Mateo County near San Francisco, CA, receiving their mail at 519 87th Street. Lawrence spent his final years in Daly City, San Mateo County, where he died on April 18, 1968. He is interred in Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma. Stella joined him in death on July 8, 1979 in San Francisco.

~ Daughter Loui Augusta (Dull) Trapp ~

Daughter Loui Augusta Dull (1866-1941) was born on May 3, 1866 in Waterloo, Iowa.

At the age of 20, on April 27, 1887, Loui married 23-year-old Minnesota native Charles A. Trapp (1864- ? ), son of Daniel S. and Margaret (Long) Trapp. The nuptials were held in Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, IA, with Loui's brother in law, Rev. David Edmund "D.E." Skinner, performing the ceremony.

Their three known children were Opal F. Whitney, Verna E. Cady Stokke and Donald Dull Trapp.

Charles and Loui first lived in Iowa before migrating to Washington State, making their home in Seattle, King County. There, their youngest son was born in 1909. Charles made a living in 1910 as a retail store merchant. Census records for 1920 show that Charles at age 55 was retired. Their postal address in 1928 was 2820 West 59th Street in Seattle.

Charles passed into eternity at the age of 72 just two days before Christmas 1936. Burial was in Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lake Forest Park, King County.

Loui maintained their home in Seattle and provided living space for her son Donald and daughter and son in law Opal and Robert Whitney. At the age of about 77, Loui succumbed to death on July 8, 1941, in Seattle. She rests for eternity in Acacia Memorial Park.

Daughter Opal F. Trapp (1888-1975) was born on April 12, 1888 in Spencer, Clay County, IA. As a girl, she moved to Seattle with her parents. On Oct. 17, 1911, at her parents' home in Seattle, the 23-year-old Opal was united in holy wedlock with 21-year-old Robert McNair Whitney (1890-1978). W.L. Riley and Ruth C. Whitney served as witnesses, with Rev. B.H. Lierqufelli officiating.  Robert stood 5 feet, 11½ inches tall, with black hair and grey eyes. They appear to not have reproduced. Robert was required to register for the military draft during World War I. He disclosed to the registration officer that he lived at 2824 West 58th Street in Seattle and worked as a lineman at the Lake Washington Central Locks for the United States Engineering Department. In 1930, the Whitneys lived with Loui's parents in Seattle, with both Opal and Robert earning income by working at a grocery store. Then again during World War II, when registering for the draft, the 52-year-old Robert revealed that he was self employed at 5900 20th Avenue Northwest in Seattle. Opal died in Seattle at the age of 86 on Feb. 1, 1975. Robert lived in widowhood for more than three years and succumbed at age 88 on Nov. 21, 1978.

Daughter Verna E. Trapp (1891- ? ) was born on Aug. 23, 1891 in Iowa. As a teenager, prior to 1910, she was joined in holy matrimony with Worth Dudley Cady ( ? - ? ). The groom was 11 years older than the bride. A native of Minnesota, Worth made a living as a salesman in a hardware store. Their children included Opal M. Cady and Max Cady. Heartache swept over the family in May 1910 when their infant daughter Opal died. By 1920, Verna and Worth divorced, with Worth going to live in a boarding house and working as a salesman in an auto accessory business. Verna married her second husband Norwegian immigrant William M. Stokke (1884- ? ) who had come to America at the age of three. As of 1920, he owned a barber shop in Seattle. Verna's second marriage was severed by William's death sometime during the decade of the 1920s. When the 1930 census was taken, the widowed Verna supported herself by working in sales at a dry goods store.

• Granddaughter Opal M. Cady (-1910-) was born in January 1910 in Seattle. Sadly, she was destined to live only a few months. She passed away on May 21, 1910. The cause of her untimely passing is not yet known.

• Grandson Lt. Col. Max Cady (1915-1995) was born on Jan. 7, 1915 in Seattle. He grew up in the household of his mother and step-father in Seattle. He married Ebba ( ? - ? ) and they remained together for 54 years. They produced three children -- Charles Cady, Bruce Cady and Diana Cady. Following graduation from Ballard High School, Max obtained an undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, serving there in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC). He served in World War II at Pearl Harbor and Okinawa, and then again during the Korean War. He was promoted to lieutenant colonel and received a medical discharge in 1951. In retirement, the Cadys enjoyed camping, hiking and skiing and were members of the Calvin Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed square dancing and gardening and joined the Masons lodge in Green Lake. Max died in Seattle on Dec. 29, 1995. An obituary was published in the Seattle Times.

Son Donald Dull Trapp (1909-2002) was born on Christmas Day 1909 in or near Seattle, King County, WA. At the age of 20, in 1930, he worked as a stenographer in Seattle and served as a city fire chief. By 1940, he had been transferred to the police system, continuing to engage in stenography. Circa 1942, he made his residence at 2810 West 59th Street in Seattle. After decades as a bachelor, Donald married at the age of 59 to 54-year-old Flora Catherine Gewalt (1914-2008), a native of Sedro Woodley, WA. The ceremony took place on July 12, 1969, with Rev. John B. Darrah officiating at the Magnolia Lutheran Church in Seattle, and with Georgia Sather and Susan Jean Trapp attending. Death claimed Donald on Aug. 3, 2002. His remains were placed into repose in Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lake Forest Park, King County. Flora survived for another six years and entered eternity on Nov. 5, 2008, and is interred with her husband.

~ Son Charles A. Dull ~

Son Charles A. Dull (1873-1883) was born on Jan. 27, 1873 in Iowa. He did not survive childhood.

He died at age 10 on June 4, 1883. His remains were laid to rest in the Rockwell Cemetery in Geneseo, and his passing recorded in the family Bible.

~ Daughter Martha May (Dull) Cheney ~

Daughter Martha May (or "Mae") Dull (1880- ? ) was born on May 22, 1880 in Geneseo or Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, IA.

She was wed on Christmas Day 1901, in Plymouth, IA, at the age of 21, to 25-year-old James Alonzo "Lon" Cheney (1876-1941). A native of Charles City, IA, James was the son of O.A. and Catherine (Cleveland) Cheney. The nuptials were performed by Rev. D.G. Youker, with Harry Bruce and Elsie Kellogg serving as witnesses.

The couple apparently did not reproduce. Lon was tall and of medium build, with blue eyes and brown hair.

When the federal census enumeration was made in 1910, the Cheneys lived on a farm shared with his brother Harrison in the Knippen Precinct of Perkins County, SD. By 1918, Lon and Martha relocated to St. Paul, Ramsey County, MN, with James employed as a railway mail clerk with the U.S. Post Office Service. Their address was 2023 Lincoln Avenue in St. Paul. Martha May's aged parents came from Iowa to reside under their roof and were there in 1920. They remained in St. Paul through the 1920s and 1930s, with Lon continuing his employment with the postal service. By 1940, Lon began a new job as operator of a retail grocery in St. Paul.

Lon died at the age of 64 on Sept. 2, 1941. His passing occurred at lakewood, Snohomish County, WA.

~ Son Guy Haven Dull ~

Son Guy Haven Dull (1884-1957) was born on Sept. 18, 1884 (sometimes given as May 1885) in Geneseo Township, Cerro Gordo County, IA.

On Aug. 29, 1906, in Rockwell, Cerro Gordo County, he married Leta May Roe (1885-1941), a native of South Dakota and the daughter of Charles E. and Rebecca (Ross) Roe. Their nuptials were performed by Rev. V.B. Hill of the Congregational Church of Rockwell. E.B. Johnson and Mrs. L.A. Paul were witnesses.

They had two known daughters, Virginia Elizabeth Dull and Dorothy Mae Dull.

Outdoor public market in Seattle

Guy was a barber, known as a "tonsorial artist" in the language of the early 1900s. The 1910 federal census shows the family living in Waterloo, Black Hawk County, IA, with Leta's widowed mother in the household. In 1912, the Mason City Directory shows him working as a barber for "Wallace & Avise" in Mason City.

As with several of his older siblings, Guy and his family migrated to Washington State, settling in Seattle, King County. He continued his line of work as a barber. Their address circa 1928 was 3016 West 63rd Street in Seattle. Sadly, the couple divorced around 1929. Guy went to live in a boarding house in Seattle.

Leta and daughter Virginia remained in Seattle, with Leta circa 1930 working in a gown shop and Virginia as a cashier in a dry goods store. On March 24, 1933, she married a second time to Icelandic immigrant and widower August P. Goodman ( ? - ? ), with the ceremony taking place by the hand of Rev. K. Simendsson of the Lutheran Church. He brought a daughter to that union, Irene A. Goodman. Circa 1940, August worked as a lockman at a government lock and dam facility. Leta died at age 53 in Seattle on July 6, 1941. Burial was in Acacia Memorial Park and Funeral Home in Lake Forest Park, King County.

Guy apparently never remarried. He died in Seattle on Dec. 13, 1957 at the age of 73. Burial was beside his former wife in Acacia Memorial Park.

Daughter Virginia Elizabeth Dull (1907- ? ) was born on March 6, 1907 in Hennepin County, MN.

Daughter Dorothy Mae Dull (1908- ? ) was born on Sept. 9, 1908 in Waterloo, Black hawk County, IA. Just five days before Christmas 1928, Dorothy was married to Wilbur Ester ( ? - ? ) in Seattle. Rev. Howard L. Wilhelm performed the ceremony, with Chester A. Ramage and Kay Hoyt serving as witnesses.