The Blue Octagonal Bowl

I printed this in booklet form a few years ago.  My computer, or rather Windows, is holding the booklet hostage so I'm going to try scanning each page . . . sigh . . . to post here.  If that doesn't work, I'll have to re-type the whole thing.  As I've typed, I've noticed errors and information that could be deleted and still make sense in this long entry.  Therefore, I'm going to edit some of the text on this page.

A small black notebook contains handwritten descriptions of some of the items in the home of Margie Marie Berry Chandler that had personal value.

"China Cabinet   1.  Blue Octagonal vegetable dish.  This belonged to my Grandmother Greer.  She evidently inherited it from her Mother.  My Mother, Alta T Greer Berry, placed the date at 1840.  It is to be given to Judy to keep until she wishes to hand it on to Dana."

This is the story of the women through whom the bowl has been passed down.




First Generation

Elizabeth CLARK was born about 1790 in Kentucky, although at that time it was a part of Virginia.  On the 6th of March 1808, she married Samuel WILSON in Pendleton County, Kentucky.  Elizabeth and Samuel had at least six children.

Samuel died in Clark's Creek, Grant Co, Kentucky before the 1850 census was taken.  Elizabeth appears the 29th of July 1850 in the Grant County, Kentucky census:

               1850 Kentucky, Grant Co, 29 July

               Elizabeth Wilson, 57, born Virginia
               Emeline, 16, b Kentucky
               Isaac T, 11, b Kentucky

Elizabeth moved to Iowa and appears the 3rd of June 1860 in the Wayne Co, Iowa census, living with her son Isaac "Ike" Wilson and his family.

             1860 Iowa, Wayne Co, Howard Twp, Warsaw, 3 June

               Isaac Willson, 35, farmer, born Kentucky
               Nancy, 32, born Kentucky
               S M, 12, female, attends school, born Kentucky
               J S, 11, male, attends school, born Kentucky
               Edmond, 9, attends school, born Iowa
               Isabell, 6, attends school, born Iowa
               J H, 5, attends school, born Iowa
               Geo W, 3, born Iowa
               Hiram 1, born Iowa

                 - - -

               Elizabeth Willson, 70, widow, born Kentucky

Elizabeth is thought to be buried in Greer Cemetery, Wayne County, Iowa.  There are two field markers in the area near the headstones of Preston and Emily Wilson Riddle and one is thought to be the marker for Elizabeth.

Second Generation

Emily WILSON, daughter of Samuel WILSON and Elizabeth CLARK, was born 10 November 1833 in Grant County, Kentucky.  Emily appears on the 29th of July 1850 in the Grant County, Kentucky census with her mother and nephew Isaac.

Emily married James Jefferson Smith on August 1st, 1850 in Grant County, Kentucky; Emily was 16 years old.  James was born about 1829 in Kentucky.

Emily and James appear in the 1860 Iowa Census on the 3rd of June, in the 

town of Warsaw, Wayne County.   James is 31, a farmer, and his personal estate is valued at $42.00.  Emily is 26 and their children Johnnie, Mary Elizabeth, and Susan are listed with them.  Susan's birthplace is shown on the census as Missouri.  Wayne county is on the southern border of Iowa.  Putnam County, Missouri is on the northern border of Missouri and adjacent to Wayne County.  The families travelled back and forth across the state line as if it didn't exist.

James Smith died before January 1867.  It is said that he served in the Civil War, but the National Archives is unable to locate any information on his service.  [I have since received his military records.  He fought for the Confederacy.]

Emily married a widower, Preston Riddle, of Putnam County, Missouri.  Their marriage is listed in the Putnam County, Missouri records as solemnized on the 27th of March 1868.  

Emily and Preston are listed the 20th of August in the 1870 Missouri census at Unionville, Putnam County with the children from Preston's first marriage and the children from Emily's marriage to James Smith.

               1870 Missouri, Putnam Co, York Twp, Unionville, 20 August

                 Riddle, Preston, 45, farmer, born Tennessee
                            Emily, 35, keeps house, born Kentucky
                            Sarah, 16, school, born Indiana
                            Mary E, 14, school, born Indiana
                           James A, 11, school, born Indiana
                           Elias, 10, school, born Missouri
                           Nancy A, 5, school, born Missouri
                           Louisa J, 1, born Missouri
                  Smith, Mary E, 16, school, born Kentucky
                  Smith, Susan, 14, school, born Missouri
                  Smith, Geo J, 9, school, born Missouri

In the 1880 Missouri census, York Township, Putnam Co, on the 6th of July, Preston and Emily are listed with some of the children of their marriage, as well as step-children.  Preston and Emily had two daughters and a son born of their marriage.  The son died as an adolescent, one daughter died at age 19 and the other daughter died at age 25.

Preston Riddle died in 1896 and Emily appears on the 16 June 1900 Missouri census alone.

               1900 Missouri, Putnam Co, York Twp, 16 June

                Riddle, Emily, head, born Nov 1833, 66, widow, 10 children 4 living, owner                            farm 102, born Kentucky Kentucky Kentucky

Emily died 21 September 1909 and was buried in the Greer Cemetery, Wayne County, Iowa, next to Preston.

Third Generation

Mary Elizabeth Smith, daughter of James SMITH and Emily WILSON, was born the 3rd of October 1853 in Owen County, Kentucky.  Mary Elizabeth appears on the 1860 Iowa census with her parents and on the 1870 Missouri census with her mother and step-father, Preston Riddle.

Mary Elizabeth married James Henry GREER on the 1st of January 1871 in Wayne Co, Iowa.  James was born the 30th of March 1850 in Marion Co, Iowa.  James and Mary Elizabeth appear together in the 1880 Missouri census in Putnam County, with their children Emma, Millard, and Alta T.

                           1880 Missouri, Putnam Co, York Twp
                           Greer, James H, 30, farmer, b Iowa 
                                      Mary E, 26, wife, b Kentucky 
                                      Emma E, 8, attends school, b Iowa 
                                      Millard M, 5, son, attends school, b Iowa
                                      Alta T, 1, b Missouri

They appear in the 1900 census with additional children Harley and Clinton and in the 1910, 1920 and 1930 censuses, all in Wayne Co, Iowa, where they lived the rest of their lives in the town of Clio.

The 62nd wedding anniversary celebration of Mary Elizabeth and James Henry Greer was reported in this unidentified newspaper clipping:

MR AND MRS GREER ARE WED 62 YEARS

          Mr and Mrs J H Greer of Clio reached another mile stone New Year's day, when they had the pleasure of celebrating their sixty-second wedding anniversary.
          A bounteous dinner was served at the noon hour by the children of this worthy couple in honor of the occasion.  A special item on the menu was a delicious fruit cake given to them by their grandson, Merlin Berry of Vici, Okla.
          The following children were present to enjoy this event; Mrs Alta Berry of Vici, Okla, who is spending the winter with her parents, Harley Greer and family of Humeston and Clint Greer and family of Kansas City, Mo.
          A delightful afternoon was spent visiting and playing games and all present had such a fine time they are looking forward to a similar celebration next year.
          Mrs Greer is in poor health, but Mr Greer is hale and hearty. We join with their many friends in extending congratulations to this well known couple.

Mary Elizabeth Smith Greer died of a cerebral hemorrhage on the 6th of January 1933, just a few days after the anniversary celebration.  She was buried in the Clio Cemetery and this unidentified clipping tells of her going.

MRS GREER IS BURIED IN THE CLIO CEMETERY

          Mary Elizabeth Smith was born in Owen county, Kentucky, October 3rd, 1853, and departed this life January 6th, 1933, at the age of 79 years, 3 months and 3 days.  When 3 years of age, she moved with her parents to Putnam county, Mo, where she grew to womanhood.  On January 1st, 1871, she was married to James H Greer, who survives her.  To this union there were born five children:  Emma Fordyce, who preceded her mother in death on December 14, 1928; Millard, of Engle, Idaho; Alta Berry, of Vici, Okla; Harley, of Humeston, Ia; and Clint, of Kansas City, Mo.
          Mrs Greer leaves to mourn her loss, three sons, one daughter, 19 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren, besides a great host of friends.
          She united with the Christian church at the age of 22 years, and has been a conscientious member during all the years and was faithful until the day of her homegoing.
          On January 1st, 1933, the last Sunday of her life, she and her husband, James H Greer, celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary with the immediate members of their family.
          Mrs Greer suffered a stroke on Wednesday, Jan 4th.  She passed away on Friday morning.  The services were conducted by Rev Frank T Carter of the Allerton and Humeston Christian church, at the Clio church.  Burial was made at the Clio cemetery, Sunday afternoon at 2 pm.

Her death was also reported in the Vici Beacon, Vici, Oklahoma, where her daughter's family lived.  Mary Elizabeth was buried in the Greer Cemetery, Wayne County, Iowa.

James lived nine years as a widower and died 3 June 1941 in Humeston, Wayne Co, Iowa, at the home of son Harley Greer, and was buried 4 June 1941 in the Clio Cemetery, Wayne Co, Iowa, next to Mary Elizabeth.

Fourth Generation

Alta Tryphena GREER, daughter of James GREER and Mary Elizabeth SMITH, was born on the 19th of March 1879 in Powersville, Putnam County, Missouri.  Alta appears in the 1880 census in Putnam County, Missouri with her parents, and in the 1900 census, this time in Clio, Iowa.

On the 24th of January in 1904, in Clio, Iowa, Alta and James Oatis Berry married.  "Oat" as he was called, was born the 16th of May 1872 in Monroe Co, Ohio.
Their marriage is recorded in Wayne County, Iowa:

          This certifies that on the 24th day of January 1904 at Clio in Wayne County, 
          Iowa, according to the law and by authority and license under the seal of the
          District Court, I duly joined in marriage Mr J O Berry and Miss Alta T Greer                  given under my hand this 24th day of January 1904. H G Waggoner, Christian                  Minister
          Witnesses: Cora Riddle, Otis Rynor

The witnesses, Cora and Otis, were soon to be married themselves, on the 4th of February, 104.  Cora was Alta's cousin.

Soon after their marriage Oat and Alta moved to Pawnee County, Oklahoma where two children were born, Conda, a son, in 1905 and Veda, a daughter, in 1906.  By 1910 the family had moved to Ellis County, Oklahoma and farmed a quarter section on Turkey Creek near Harmon.

1910 Oklahoma, Ellis Co, Rawdon Twp, 25 April
Berry, James O, head, 37, m 6 yrs, farmer, born Ohio
     Alta F, wife, 31, m 6 yrs, 2 ch 2 liv, born Missouri
     Conda J, son, 5, born Oklahoma
     Veda, dau, 3, born Oklahoma

Two more children were born while the family lived in Ellis County: daughter Vera was born in 1911 and son Merlin was born in 1914.  In 1915 tragedy struck the family as the oldest child of Oat and Alta, their son Conda, died in an accident on the farm.

Ellis County Capital, Arnett, Ellis Co, Oklahoma, Friday, 29 Oct 1915

"HAND CUT OFF  - BOY DIES FROM LOSS OF BLOOD"

    Word reached Arnett Wednesday shortly after noon that the 11 year old son of Mr & Mrs J O Berry, who live on a farm about 18 miles southeast of Arnett, on Turkey Creek, had in some manner got his hand cut off in a corn sled and bled to death.  Young Berry was in the field at the time of the accident, and when found was dead.  At the time of going to press we failed to learn any details of the accident.
    The Capital extends sympathy to the bereaved family.

Three-and-a-half years later, their last child, daughter Marie Berry was born.  The family appears in the 1920 census in Vici, having moved "to town".

               1920 Oklahoma, Dewey Co, Johnson Twp, Vici, Fourth Street
                  Berry, James O, 47, farmer, b Ohio
                         Alta, wife, 40, born Missouri 
                         Veda, dau, 13, born Oklahoma
                         Vera, dau, 8, born Oklahoma
                         Merlin, son, 5, b Oklahoma
                         Marie, dau, 8/12, born Oklahoma

The Berry family lived in Vici, and the children attended school there, but they held onto the quarter-section in Ellis county until the 1940s.  Three of their children attended Northwestern State Teacher's College at Alva, Oklahoma; Veda and Vera graduated with teaching degrees, Marie attended one year then married.  Merlin worked for a bakery, moving to Woodward, then to Colorado Springs where he became a master baker at the U S Air Force Academy.

These newspaper clippings tell some of Alta's activities.

Thursday, February 9th, 1928
Endeavorers Visit Mutual
     In response to an invitation from the C E Society of Mutual several members of the Vici C E motored over there Sunday afternoon, where delegates were gathered from Woodward, Seiling, Putnam and Taloga.
     In the afternoon a lady from Alva was the principal speaker.  At six o'clock Mutual Society served supper to the delegates in the basement of their church building, then then gathered in the main auditorium for a program and the regular services.
     A delightful and profitable evening was spent by all.
     Those attending from Vici:  Zellah Mae Salters, Edith Eden, Bertha and Leneta Sowle, Mariam Johnson, Arlie Moss, Vita and Vera Berry, Anna Lou Cain, Naida Beth Irwin, Ethel and Ray Tomlinson, Orlo Roberds, Loyd Gregory, Earl Hamilton, Mrs J O Berry, Mrs H E Sowle and Mrs Stone.

Ladies Aid Entertains For Mrs Berry
     Honoring Mrs J O Berry, who recently moved to Woodward, the Ladies Aid of the Church of Christ entertained Wednesday afternoon, December 2, with a handkerchief shower.
     Mrs Berry served the Aid in the capacity of president and secretary for seven years, and as a tribute to her faithful and untiring efforts her work was likened unto the song, "Nobody Knows but Mother."  The Aid as a body presented Mrs Berry with a pair of nice kid gloves, and she was showered with handkerchiefs from each guest.
     The ladies spent the afternoon very pleasantly quilting and visiting, and coffee and pie were served at the close of the afternoon to about twenty-five guests.

In 1936 Oat and Alta moved to Woodward at the request of his employer, an oil company.  Oat operated a filling station and Alta was active in church work.  They lived in Woodward until 1947 when the moved to Chickasha, Oklahoma, to live with daughter Veda and son-in-law, Lafe Eggleston.

The Woodward Tornado of April 9, 1947

     The most deadly tornado to ever strike withing the borders of the state of Oklahoma occurred on Wednesday, April 9, 1947 in the city of Woodward.  The Woodward tornadic storm began in the Texas panhandle during the afternoon of April 9, 1947, and produced at least six tornadoes along a 220 mile path that stretched from White Deer, Texas (northeast of Amarillo) to St Leo, Kansas (west of Wichita).
     The tornado that would strike Woodward began near Canadian, Texas.  Moving northeast, it continued on the ground continuously for about 100 miles, ending in Woods County, Oklahoma, west of Alva.  The tornado was massive, up to 1.8 miles wide, and traveled forward at speeds of about 50 miles per hour.  . . . In Ellis County, Oklahoma, the tornado did not strike any towns, passing to the southeast of Shattuck, Gage, and Fargo.  Even though no towns were struck, nearly 60 farms and ranches were destroyed and 8 people were killed with 42 more injured. Moving into Woodward County, one death was reported near Tangier.

     The violent tornado (F5 on the Fujita Scale) unleashed its worst destruction on Woodward, striking the city without warning at 8:42 p.m.  Over 100 city blocks on the west and north sides of the city were destroyed with lesser damage in the southeast portion of the town.  Confusion and fires reigned in the aftermath with over 1000 homes and businesses destroyed, at last 107 people killed in and around Woodward, and nearly 1000 additional injuries.  . . . Help for Woodward came from many places, inlcuding units from as far away as Oklahoma City and Wichita.  Beyond Woodward, the tornado lost some intensity, but still destroyed 36 homes and injured 30 people in Woods County before ending.
     In all, at least 116 lives were lost in Oklahoma on that fateful night.  Never before or since has a tornado been so costly to human life in the Sooner State.  . . . 

Oat and Alta lived with Veda and Lafe in a house that Lafe built.  It was a single story house, but had a full attic and a full basement.  The basement apartment was the home of Oat and Alta for the next 14 years.  In 1954 they celebrated their 50th anniversary and this was one of the newspaper articles that appeared.

"MR AND MRS J O BERRY OBSERVE 50TH ANNIVERSARY"

    Marking the 50th wedding anniversary today of Mr and Mrs J O Berry, 1828 Arizona, [Chickasha, Ok] will be an open house celebration from 3 to 5 pm in the home they share with a daughter, Mrs E Eggleston.

    Their four children are hosts for the occasion.  Included are Mrs Eggleston, Mrs C C Craven of Oklahoma City, Mrs Margie Chandler of Oklahoma City and Merlin J Berry of Colorado Springs, Colo. 

    Friends and acquaintances of the couple are invited to attend the reception honoring their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

    Fifty years ago today the couple exchanged vows in the home of her parents at Clio, Iowa.  The bride was properly attired in a floor length white bridal dress with long sleeves and a high-throated neckline and ruffled bodice.

    Their long courtship, branching from their school days, began when Mr Berry moved with his family, Mr and Mrs John A Berry from his birthplace in Ohio to Missouri.  He was born on May 16, 1872.

    In the same town Miss Alta Greer, later to become Mrs J O Berry, resided with her parents, Mr and Mrs J H Greer since her birth on March 19, 1879.

    Both children of farmers, the couple started school together and after her parents moved to Iowa, right over the dividing line from their same community in Missouri, the childhood sweethearts were married.

    They began farming near Cleveland, Okla., in Pawnee County after their marriage and their first son, the late Conda J Berry was born in January 1905.

    In the late part of 1905 the --- family moved to Pond Creek where another member was added to the Berry family, a daughter, Veda, now Mrs E Eggleston.

    Mr Berry continued farming even after filing a homestead claim in Ellis county during 1907.  There a son and a daughter Merlin J Berry and Vera, now Mrs C C Craven were born.

    But the family ended their farming days in 1919 when the Berrys and their four children moved to Vici, Dewey County, where another daughter, now Mrs Margie Chandler, was born.

    Mr Berry began work as a service station operator and was later employed in a grain elevator.  Seventeen years later they moved to Woodward where they lived for 11 years.

    In 1947 they moved to Chickasha where their daughter, Mrs Eggleston made her home and decided to settle here after his retirement.

    They attend the Christian Church regularly where Mrs Berry is a member of the White Circle and also a neighborhood club, The Jolly Neighbors Club.

    Mrs Berry is still the housekeeper and most of Mr Berry's spare time is spent reading favorite books and listening to the radio.
    They also have five grandchildren, J W Berry and Linda Faye Berry of Colorado Springs;  C T Chandler Jr,  Judy Chandler and Stephen Chandler of Oklahoma City.

Oat and Alta are buried side by side in Fairlawn Cemetery, just northwest of Chickasha, in Grady County, Oklahoma.  While they were living in Chickasha, with Veda and Lafe (who had no children of their own) the four of them helped raise the children of Margie Chandler.  Granddaughter Judy attended college in Chickasha and saw her grandparents often.  Grandsons CT and Steve spent much time in Chickasha, especially in the summer. 

Fifth Generation

Margie Marie BERRY, daughter of J O BERRY and Alta GREER, was born the 22nd of April 1919 in Vici, Dewey Co, Oklahoma.  She appears in the 1920 and 1930 Oklahoma censuses with her parents.

Margie was the name she chose for herself.  Her father called her Marie and her mother, brother and sisters and schoolmates called her Babe.  Margie was active in sports, drama, speech, and music while in school in Vici.  There are many newspaper clips about the activities of Vici students.

SCHOOL NOTES  "The following students have A in all their subjects for the first six weeks.  1st Grade - Margie Marie Berry . . .

School Notes: Just Imagine . . . "Babe Berry not talking . . . "

The high school girls glee club has been organized . . .First Sopranos . . . Delaphene Epperly . . .  Altos: . . . Margie Marie Berry. . ."

1934, Leedy Wins Fine Arts Meet, Taloga Takes Track, Vici Ranks 3rd in Both Contests
     "Pupils of Vici who placed in Dewey County Fine Arts Meet held in Vici Friday and Saturday nights of last week:   Class A  . . . Oration, girls, Margie Marie Berry, first"

---Vici School Notes: Junior Notes
"The Junior Class has elected as their sponsor Mr John Bish.  In the same meeting they elected the following officers:  President - Margie Marie Berry

---Vici Beacon, undated, School Notes:
-"The girls of the Junior Class want to know where they may find a boy with . . . the boys would like to find a girl with: . . . Babe Berry's eyes . . .  

---Vici Beacon, Thursday, October 10, 1935, Vici School News: What They're All Doing
"Babe Berry - Going to Alva to spend the weekend."

Margie appeared in many school plays performed for the community and at state contests.  She also gave speeches, recited poetry, and sang with a trio, all within the school and at state-wide contests, often winning top place.

In 1935, when Margie was 15 years old, she travelled with friends from Vici to Oklahoma City to attend the birthday party of an acquaintance of one of the friends.  At the party, in January of 1935, she met Clinton Taylor Chandler.  He wrote to her over the course of the next year.  In the spring of 1936, on the day of Margie's graduation from high school, Clinton proposed marriage.

After deliberation, she accepted his proposal, but they agreed to wait to be married.  On the 30th of October 1937 in Alva, Woods Co, Oklahoma, Clinton and Margie married.

Vici Beacon, Vici, Oklahoma, 

November 1937

     Miss Margie Marie Berry Is Bride of Clinton Chandler
     In a ceremony that was quietly solemnized, Saturday, October 30, Miss Margie Marie Berry became the bride of Clinton T Chandler.
     The marriage vows were read in the First Christian Church at Alva by a local pastor.
     The bride is a graduate of the Vici high school and later attended North Western State Teachers' college.
     The groom is the son of Mr and Mrs J M Chandler, 1409 SW 29th st, and is a graduate of the Capitol Hill senior high school.  He is now affiliated with the Superior Freight Lines.
     The couple is temporarily at home with the groom's parents but will establish a home in the near future.

Chandler - Berry Nuptials Last Saturday Morning

     Mr and Mrs J O Berry of Woodward announce the marriage of their daughter, Margie Marie, to Clinton F Chandler of Oklahoma City, son of Mr and Mrs J M Chandler.
     The ceremony took place Saturday morning at 8:30 in the Christian church at Alva, with Rev R G Vaughn officiating.
     The bride wore a dubonnet wool suit with black chinchilla trim, and matching accessories.  The couple were attended by the brides mother and sister, Miss Vera Berry.
     Mrs Chandler was reared and educated in Vici, where she graduated from the Vici High School qith the class of '36.  She also attended Northwestern State Teachers College at Alva.  She was always a leader in school and church activities.
     Mr Chandler is a graduate of Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, and is a highly respected young man.
     Immediately following the ceremony, a wedding breakfast was served at the Bell hotel to members of the wedding party and Mr and Mrs E Eggleston.
     The bride and groom left Saturday evening for Oklahoma City, where they will make their home.
     The Beacon joins the many friends here of Mrs Chandler in wishing this young couple much success and happiness.

Popular Alva Girl Weds Oklahoma City Man

     Of paramount interest to friends here is announcement of the marriage of Miss Margie Marie Berry, Alva, daughter of Mr and Mrs J O Berry, of Woodward, and Clinton T Chandler, son of Mr and Mrs J N [sic] Chandler, Oklahoma City.

     The wedding was quietly solemnized at 8:30 o'clock Saturday morning in the Christian parsonage with the Rev G R Vaughan, pastor, officiating.  The couple was attended by the bride's mother, Mrs J O Berry and sister, Miss Vera Berry.
     Following the ceremony the bride and groom, Mrs Berry, Miss Berry and Mr and Mrs E Eggleston had breakfast at the Bell Hotel.
     Mr and Mrs Chandler left Saturday morning for Oklahoma City, where Mr Chandler is 

connected with a motor company.
     Mrs Chandler was graduated from Vici high school and attended Northwestern State Teachers' college here.  For the past two years, she had been employed at the Rialto cafe in the city.
     Mr Chandler is a graduate of the Capitol Hill high school in Oklahoma City.

Shower Honors Mr and Mrs Chandler

     Miss Pat Hadlock entertained a group of friends at a miscellaneous shower to honor Mr and Mrs Clinton T Chandler Friday evening in the home of Mr and Mrs J M Chandler, 1409 SW 29th-st.  The honored guests were married recently at Ada [sic].
     Guests were Mrs G I Epperly, Mrs Forest Paull, Mr and Mrs Jack Chandler, Wallace Chandler, Mr and Mrs Jack Whittilow, Mrs J M Chandler, Miss Mary Elizabeth Chandler, Mr and Mrs Olen Armstrong, Miss Jackie Wycoff, Miss Lucille Moore, Miss Freeda Lackey, Miss Gladys Pyle, Fred Fuller, J B Floyd, Major Cooper, Emil Moore and Dick Brand.

Clinton was born the 20th of April 1916, in Dallas, Texas.  His birthday and Margie's were only two days apart. [Although several years apart.]  Clinton and Margie began married life in the home of his parents, Jim and Lora Chandler, in Oklahoma City.

Work was hard to find and Clinton was often out of town working.  Clinton was driving for a trucking company, ferrying cars across country.  Margie liked to tell a story about hiding in one of the automobiles on top of the carrier until they had left town, so that she could travel with her husband, even though company policy forbid it.

They lived in Eric, Oklahoma and several other towns, wherever employment took them.  Their first child, Judith Marie Chandler was born in 1940 in Oklahoma City and they continued to move about.  In 1942 they purchased their home at 1128 SW 37th Street, Oklahoma City.  Their second child, Clinton Taylor Chandler, Jr, was born in Oklahoma Ciy in 1943.  

In November of 1942, Clinton became a member of the U S Navy for a period of one year, but was deferred from active duty.  On the 1st of Dec 1943, he was called to active duty and sent to San Diego, California.

While Clinton was at sea, Margie worked at various restaurants.  There are photographs of her in waitress uniform and she liked to recount her ability to carry several plates of food at one time.  Steve remembers her serving at church dinners and stacking plates up and down her arms for carrying.

Clinton returned from service and worked with the Oklahoma City Fire Department.  Their third child, Stephen Edward Chandler, was born in 1948.

A few years later Clinton and Margie divorced.  Margie found employment at Tinker Field in Midwest City, Oklahoma and worked there for several years before transferring to the Federal Aviation Agency in Oklahoma City, about 1958.  She continued to work there until her retirement.

In 1974 Margie moved to 7717 Sherwood Avenue, Oklahoma City.  She lived there until her death in 2003 at the age of 84.  She is buried in Resthaven Cemetery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Margie kept everything.  There are many photograph albums from her childhood in The Chest of Drawers at the home of Dianna and C T Chandler, in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Sixth Generation

Judith Marie CHANDLER, daughter of Clinton CHANDLER and Margie BERRY, was born 7th of July 1940 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Co, Oklahoma.  She attended public school in Oklahoma City and college in Chickasha, Oklahoma, at Oklahoma College for Women, where she was involved in music.

On the 1st of June 1962, Judy married Charles Wesley STEVENS.  Wes was born the 29th November 1939 in Wichita, Sedgwick Co, Kansas.

CHANDLER - STEVENS

     June 1 is the date chosen for their wedding my Miss Judy Marie Chandler and Charles Wesley Stevens.  The couple will exchange vows at 7:30 pm in Draper Park Christian Church.  Hiram Cassel will officiate.

     The bride-elect is the daughter of Mrs Margie B Chandler, 1128 SW 37, and Clinton T Chandler, 1727 SW 17th.  Mr Stevens is the son of Mr and Mrs Charles W Stevens, 1126 SW 42.
     Miss Chandler is a graduate of U S Grant High School.  She attended Oklahoma College for Women, where she was a member of the Em Hi Social Club, and is now a student at Central State College.
     Mr Stevens was graduated from U S Grant High School, has served with the United States Navy and is attending Central State College.

Oklahoma City Times, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 

Saturday, June 2, 1962  photograph: Mrs Charles Wesley Stevens

Stevens - Chandler

     A home in Edmond is planned by Mr and Mrs Charles Wesley Stevens when they return from a wedding trip to Dallas.  The couple was married at 7:30 pm Friday in Draper Park 

Christian Church.
     The bride, formerly Miss Judith Marie Chandler, 1128 SW 37, is the daughter of Mrs Margie B Chandler, 1127 [sic] SW 37, and Clinton T Chandler, 1727 SW 17.  The bridegroom's parents are Mr and Mrs Charles W Stevens, 1126 SW 42.
     Hiram E Cassel, Burlington, officiated at the ceremony.  The church was decorated with white gladioli, greenery and candelabra.
     V M Hines escorted the bride. She wore a bolero of Chantilly lace over a dress of peau de soie.  Her veil was fastened to a pearl crown and she carried white roses and carnations.
     Mrs Larry J Warner was matron of honor.  Her frock was of mint green cotton satin under white lace and her headdress was a matching Dior bow with veiling.  She carried white daisies.
     Bridesmaids were Miss Betty Lou Proctor, Miss Carol Cummings and Mrs Richard Lathrop.  They wore dresses in shades of yellow, blue and pink, respectively, under white lace and matching headdresses.  They carried white daisies.
     Best man for his brother was Jay Stevens and ushers were Stanley Cobb, Okeene; Tom Dixon and Patrick Hogg.  Flower girl was Judy Hines and ring bearer was Richard Arnold.  The candles were lighted by Steve Chandler, the bride's brother, and Charles Craven, a cousin.
     A reception was held at the church.

Judy and Wes lived in Edmond, Oklahoma while Wes attended college then lived in Oklahoma City.  He received a teaching degree in music and was an instrumental music instructor in the Moore, Oklahoma school system.  Their first child, daughter Dana Marie, was bornin 1966 and their second child, son Kyle Wesley, was bornin 1969.  Judy and Wes moved to Moore and lived there for many years.  Wes was the choir director and Judy the organist at Draper Park Christian Church in Oklahoma City.  Judy was a fine pianist and played for many programs in the Oklahoma City area.

Wes accepted a job with Yamaha, a company manufacturing musical instruments, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the family moved there.  Judy was again involved in musical activities in her church and in the community.

Judy became ill in the autumn of 1988 and was treated for pneumonia.  It was determined in February of 1989 that she had lung cancer.  She died in December of 1989 at the age of 49, and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Obituary: Daily Oklahoman, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
     Stevens, Judy M, of Kentwood, Michigan, passed away at her home, December 13, 1989.  She was born July 7, 1940 in Oklahoma City and resided there until 1981 when she and her family moved to Michigan.  She is survived by her husband, Wes; her children, Dana and Kyle of Kentwood; her mother, Margie Chandler of Oklahoma City; her father, Clinton T Chandler, Sr; two brothers, C T Chandler, Jr, and Steve Chandler; a half-sister, Mary Lou Cornelius and three nephews, Lafe, Chris, and Barry Chandler, all of Oklahoma 

City.  Funeral and Committal Services were held December 15 at the Kentwood Christian Church, interment Woodlawn Cemetery [Grand Rapids, Michigan].  A memorial service will be conducted January 2, 1990, 7:00 p.m. at Draper Park Christian Church, 8500 S Walker, Oklahoma City.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Draper Park Christian Church Newsletter

Judy Stevens

     Her earthly sojourn ended Wednesday, December 13, 4:45 a.m. (EST).  The last year of her 49 years was one of illness and suffering with cancer.  It was also a year of great faith, and a determination to honor her Lord through her time of illness.  The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 15, 1:00 p.m., at the Kentwood Christian church, 5841 Kalamazoo SE, 49508, under the direction of the DeVries Funeral Home.  An Oklahoma City memorial service will be conducted at a time when Wes (Judy's husband) can be here, and will be announced later.
     Judy's request is that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.  For those desiring to send notes or make calls to Wes and his family . . . 

 Seventh Generation

Dana Marie STEVENS, daughter of Wes STEVENS and Judy CHANDLER was born 10 August 1966, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  

The bowl stayed in the home of Veda Eggleston after the death of Alta Greer Berry.  When Veda had a stroke, her belongings, including those of her parents, were moved to Oklahoma City and stored in the home of Margie Chandler.  The blue bowl travelled from Kentucky to Iowa to Missouri, toured Oklahoma, and now rests in Oklahoma City.  

Judy didn't have the opportunity to be entrusted with the care of the Blue Octagonal vegetable dish that has been passed down to the women of the family.

So, the dish travels again, this time to Michigan and is now delivered into the care of the seventh generation - Dana Marie Stevens.

The text assembled from documents, 

photographs, letters, recollections and 

memories in the possession of 

Linda Chandler, wife of Stephen E Chandler. 

26 August 2005, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Elizabeth Clark Wilson

born about 1790 in Kentucky,

died after 3 June 1860 probably in Iowa

at the age of at least 70 years

Emily Wilson Smith, 

born 10 November 1833 in Kentucky, 

died 21 September 1909 in Iowa

at the age of 75 years

Mary Elizabeth Smith Greer, 

born 3 October 1853 in Kentucky, 

died 6 January 1933 in Iowa

at the age of 79 years

Alta Tryphena Greer Berry,

born 19 March 1879 in Missouri, 

died 14 April 1961 in California,

at the age of 82 years

Margie Marie Berry Chandler, 

born 22 April 1919 in Oklahoma, 

died 19 December 2003 in Oklahoma

at the age of 84 years

Judith Marie Chandler Stevens, 

born 7 July 1940 in Oklahoma, 

died 13 December 1989 in Michigan

at the age of 49 years

Dana Marie Stevens,

born 10 August 1966 in Oklahoma

Information from bottom of bowl:

In cobalt blue:

Manufactured for & Imported by

E A & S R Filley, St Louis, Mo

in cobalt blue:

a 6 or a 9 or a y

an impression:

a round-cornered rectangle with a bar through the middle - 

in other words, two depressions either side of a bar level 

with the bottom - no color, just the impression

yellow-green lettering that is indistinguishable - 

looks as though written by hand with a brush or wide pen nib

The bowl was taken to Michigan by CT and Dianna Chandler.  

Dianna helped me photograph the bowl 

before it left on its journey; those are her lovely hands holding it.