Army Life – Dear Dad – Only 13 More Days – November 1, 1943

Today, we have a really short note from Lad with the latest details – very practical – except for Dan Cupid. and an announcement of a Tea to inform Marian’s friends of her upcoming wedding. We also have a second letter from Lad discussing some more practical matters.

Lad Guion and Marian Irwin

Mon. – Nov. 1, ‘43

Dad: –

Only 13 more days ‘til —–  !!!!  With only one exception (no rent, yet)  everything has been running very, very smoothly.

Naturally, the news about Venezuela Petroleum is most welcome, but at the moment I really don’t know just what is the best course to follow. Maybe it might be wise to sell some of them and take care of the balance at the bank right away. Then whatever we can realize on Marian’s car, we can use as a starter, in a bank account, which is something we should have. Maybe you can suggest something better or more practical, but one of the first things which should be taken care of is the bank, regardless of how it is done. You still have some securities tied up in that deal, too, haven’t you?

We have been trying to find a suitable silver pattern – but it is quite a job, and lots of nice ones are not being manufactured at present. Last Thursday afternoon I got a pass from camp and Marian and I spent a couple of hours looking at rings. We finally found a very pretty one for her and then it wasn’t too hard to find one for me which would match up fairly well. So now, we at least have the rings. That same afternoon we both had our medicals and blood tests, too. We are all set — I think.

I am (we’re) sorry you will not be present, but Dan Cupid didn’t take you into consideration I guess, when he took aim and drove his arrows so deeply through our hearts. But, at the first possible chance, you’ll see us, and until that moment, give my love to Aunt Betty and the rest, and the best of luck to you all-

Laddie

***********************************************

From the South Pasadena Review:

Romance Revealed at Sunday Afternoon Tea

Miss Marian Irwin, Camp Fire Girls Executive Director of South Pasadena is the bride elect of Sgt. Alfred Guion of the United States Army. This news was made known to 25 friends who were entertained at a tea on Sunday afternoon at the home of Mrs. J. Randall Irvine of 1751 La Senda Place.

Little scrolls, bearing the names of the betrothed couple, were attached to Gardenia corsages, which were given to each guest. Pouring at the tea table decorated with pink and white flowers, were Mrs. Irvine and Mrs. James S. Whitcott,  Ms. Betty Irvine assisted in greeting the guests at the door.

Miss Irwin, who was attired in black skirt with powder blue blouse with sequined trim, wore a Gardenia and Guwahati corsage. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mowry A.  Irwin of Orinda, California, and is a graduate of the San Francisco State College. Before coming to South Pasadena a year ago to serve as the Camp Fire Girls Executive, she taught in the schools of Bakersfield.

Sgt. Guion is the son of A. D. Guion of Trumbull, Connecticut, and was graduated from high school in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He is stationed at the Santa Anita Army Ordnance Training Center.

The wedding will take place on November 14th at Orinda, after which the couple will return to South Pasadena to make their home. The future bride will continue with her Camp Fire work.

Tomorrow and Sunday, more of the Mary Ellum Wilson Autobiography.

Judy Guion

Army Life – Dear Dad (May I?) – Marian’s First Letter To Grandpa – October, 1943

Marian Irwin

Today, we read Marian’s first letter to Grandpa. She tells him a little bit more about herself and the wedding plans, but her bright and cheerful personality shines through.

Friday –

Dear “Dad” (May I?)

Thank you so much for your thoughtful letter. I really feel as tho’ I do know you, because Al has told me quite a bit about you. Getting really acquainted however, is impossible by letter, so I, too, am looking forward to the time when I can meet you personally and we can compare “facts and figures”. Let’s hope that that time won’t be very far away.

I started this letter last night, but Al came over so I know you’ll understand when I say, “I just couldn’t get it finished! I tried but —-.” Anyway, I’m glad, now, that I waited, for I have the added pleasure of hearing from you, and somehow that makes you just that much closer.

Thank you, too, for having such a wonderful son. I know we agree fully on all the fine qualities he has – I don’t need to tell you how very nice he really is, but, even tho’ you’ve known him longer than I have, there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that he’s the one I’ve been waiting for. And may I say a word right here, to Aunt Betty. “Thank you so much for your good wishes. Your opinion of Lad only confirmed what I felt all along. Someday soon, Aunt Betty, we’ll get together and compare notes for I imagine we’ll agree on quite a number of things.”

Marian, Donald, Margaret, and Homer Irwin

I don’t know how much Al has told you about me. I haven’t led a very eventful life but I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I am the oldest of four children, two boys and two girls. One brother and my sister are married, and living in or near Berkeley. My youngest brother is in his second year at California (University of) and is living at home. “Home” is Orinda – a glorified country club, at one time, but is now a residential section with about three stores at the main intersection. Dad works for the Westinghouse Electric Supply Company in Oakland. All of his relatives, except his father who is here in California, are from the East, but I believe almost all of them are in Pennsylvania. Most of Mother’s family are here in California, about one hundred miles from where we live. It’s quite a tribe we have, and all of us have been quite close. Cousins have grown up together, Before the war we always went to my Grandmother’s for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Mother’s Day, and we lived close enough so that we could see each other over weekends and other holidays, too. When we all get together there are about 40 or 45 of us, so you can imagine what a time we must have. And we all love it! I know they’re going to take to Lad immediately – as a matter of fact  – who doesn’t ? – And I hope he won’t be too floored by meeting so many “in-laws” the very first thing. Seems to me I’m supposed to introduce them gradually, but they are all so nice, I don’t think they’ll floor him!

Marian Irwin’s first class – 4th, 5th and 6th grade in Arvin, CA (Marian is in the back row, 4th from the right)

I went to Berkeley High School and then across the bay to San Francisco State College. I taught school for five years – loved it but decided I wanted something different – so I am now the Camp Fire Girls Executive in South Pasadena. I love it, and will continue working after we are married – but only until Lad gets out of the Army. Then I’ll stop, with pleasure, and we can concentrate on such things as a family and getting really acquainted and besides- I’ve got to learn how to cook! Oh, I can manage to fry an egg or cook a vegetable, but I want to be able to do a really good job of it. You know, be famous for a special cake or a delicious stew etc.!

Lad probably told you that we were being married on Sunday, November 14th, (U.S. Gov’t permitting!) at Berkeley. The reception will be right afterwards for family and those friends who have the gas to drive out! I will be married in a suit, and we are having a double ring ceremony. I do wish you could be there, but will certainly be thinking of you all day long.

Seems to me I’ve rambled on enough. There are still lots of things I’d like to say, but I can’t put them all in one letter. I’ll write again, very soon, and give you more details.

My very best wishes to you and Aunt Betty. It won’t be very long before we meet each other.

With love,

Marian

Tomorrow and Wednesday, a letter from Grandpa,  on Thursday, another letter from Marian to Grandpa and on Friday, a letter from Lad to his father.

Judy Guion

Irwins – Marian (Rider) Irwin, Marian Dunlap Irwin’s Mother, Writes To Welcome Al Into Their Family – October, 1943

 Marian (Rider) Irwin and Mowry Addison Irwin, Marian’s parents.

Lad (Alfred Peabody Guion) had written a letter to Marian’s parents introducing himself and giving them a resume of sorts. Each of them wrote to Lad (they knew him as Al) welcoming him into the family.

Wednesday

Dear Al,

Marian knows that whomever she chooses for a husband would be welcome in her family, but I thought you might like a very special greeting all your own. We are very humorous, but not at all formidable, so don’t be dismayed at the prospect.

Being one of a fairly sizable family yourself you should know something about them.

Naturally, we would have liked knowing you before the wedding but it isn’t essential – it is just a pleasure awaiting us. Like most parents we want our children to lead healthy, normal lives, and feel that marriage has a very definite place in that program. After you try it for 20 or 30 years I hope you’ll be as much in favor of it as I am. There is some chance about practically everything in life; but I feel your chances for happiness without marriage are far greater than with it. (I  have a feeling this is not actually what she meant !)

This won’t be a very long letter because I have many things urgently requiring attention and our mail collection is about due: but the welcome extended is not in accordance with the size of the letter – it is just a sort of “filler in” until I can extend it in person.

Very sincerely,

Marian Irwin

Tomorrow, a letter from Mowry Addison Irwin, Marian’s Father, also welcoming Lad into their family.

Judy Guion

Special Pictures – Grandfather And Grandmother Irwin – Re-Post

I have just come across an envelope with pictures of my Mom’s parents and Grandfather. I am reposting this with the added pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

Mowry Addison Irwin is the only child  of Addison Mowry Irwin, who wrote the note to Carrie Snaman.

Mowry Addison Irwin, c. 1914

Marian Edith Irwin, Wedding Picture, c. 1914

 My Grandmother came to visit us in Trumbull shortly after my brother and I were born in 1946, and that was the only time she came. My Grandfather passed away before I was a year old. 

Marian Edith (Rider) Irwin and Mowry Addison Irwin, November 14, 1943

Mowry Addison Irwin and Marian Edith (Rider) Irwin, Marian Dunlap (Irwin) Guion and Alfred Peabody Guion November 14, 1943, my Dad and Mom’s wedding day, in her parent’s backyard in Orinda, CA

Marian Dunlap Irwin, c. 1915

Marian Dunlap Irwin and Homer Addison Irwin, c. 1918

The following is taken from a letter I received from my Mom’s sister, Margaret Edith (Irwin) Mitchell Sedberry, She told me it was from a death notice in a California newspaper dated May 10, 1947.

Mowry Addison Irwin was a prominent Civic  leader of Orinda, California. A resident of Berkeley for 10 years. Mr. Irwin and his family moved to Orinda seven years ago. He was President last year and a Director this year of the Orinda Association and was instrumental in helping to start the Orinda News, a community newspaper. He was employed by the Westinghouse Wholesale Sales Co.

Tomorrow I will begin a week of letters written in 1940. Lad is still in Venezuela and Dan and Ced have been in Anchorage, Alaska, for about a month.

Judy Guion

Special Pictures – Great-Grandfather and Great-Grandmother Irwin – Re-Post

I have just come across a large envelope that contained several pictures of my mother’s parents and grandparents. Quite a discovery. I am Re-Posting the originals with the added pictures. I hope you enjoy them.

This is a picture of Marian Dunlap (Irwin) Guion’s (my mother’s) Grandmother, Ellen Jane (Carrie) Dunlap Snaman. I have also included a note from Addison Mowry Irwin to Miss Snaman, asking for her company to a social event. He also asks her if he could see her some evening.  She must have agreed because they were married.

Ellen Jane  Dunlap Snaman

This picture of Addison Mowry Irwin, my Great Grandfather, was taken 52 years after he wrote this note to my Great-Grandmother, but it is the only picture I have of him.

City, Nov. 3, 1886

Miss Snaman:-

Please excuse the liberty of my request; but would you oblige me by giving me your company for the next German. If not unpleasant I should also like very much to call if you will allow me, and inform me of an evening. Trusting you have recovered from the fatigue of Monday evening, and that I will hear favorably from you.

I remain,

Respectfully,

A. M. Irwin

Room # 56

Lewis Block

City (Kansas City, Mo.

Tomorrow, I will Re-Post Grandfather and Grandmother Irwin and  childhood pictures of Marian Dunlap (Irwin) Guion.

Judy Guion

Special Pictures – My Grandfather and Grandmother Irwin

Mowry Addison Irwin is the only child  of Addison Mowry Irwin, who wrote the note to Carrie Snaman.

This is the only picture of my Grandparents. My Grandmother came to visit us in Trumbull shortly after my brother and I were born in 1946, and that was the only time she came. My Grandfather passed away before I was a year old. 

Marian Edith (Rider) Irwin and Mowry Addison Irwin, November 14, 1943

Mowry Addison Irwin,  Marian Edith (Rider) Irwin, Marian Dunlap (Irwin) Guion, Alfred Peabody Guion

November 14, 1943, Lad and Marian’s wedding in her parent’s back yard, in Orinda, California.

The following is taken from a letter I received from my Mom’s sister, Margaret Edith (Irwin) Mitchell Sedberry, She told me it was from a death notice in a California newspaper dated May 10, 1947.

Mowry Addison Irwin was a prominent Civic  leader of Orinda, California. A resident of Berkeley for 10 years. Mr. Irwin and his family moved to Orinda seven years ago. He was President last year and a Director this year of the Orinda Association and was instrumental in helping to start the Orinda News, a community newspaper. He was employed by the Westinghouse Wholesale Sales Co.

Tomorrow, more Special Pictures.

Judy Guion

Special Pictures – Great-Grandfather And Great-Grandmother Irwin

This is a picture of Marian Dunlap (Irwin) Guion’s (my mother’s) Grandmother, Ellen Jane (Carrie) Dunlap Snaman. I have also included a note from Addison Mowry Irwin to Miss Snaman, asking for her company to a social event. He also asks her if he could see her some evening.  She must have agreed because they were married.

Ellen Jane (Carrie) Dunlap Snaman

City, Nov. 3, 1886

Miss Snaman:-

     Please excuse the liberty of my request; but would you oblige me by giving me your company for the next German. If not unpleasant I should also like very much to call if you will allow me, and inform me of an evening. Trusting you have recovered from the fatigue of Monday evening, and that I will hear favorably from you.

I remain,

Respectfully, 

A. M. Irwin

Room # 56

Lewis Block

City (Kansas City, Mo.

Tomorrow, I will begin posting a week of letters written in 1940. Lad remains in Venezuela and Dan and Ced are in Alaska.

Judy Guion

My Ancestors (57 and 58) Jennings Rider and Sally Allen and (59 and 60) Dickerman Allen Rider and Almira Lillie and (61 and 62) Dickamon Allen Rider and Cordelia Pratt

Last June I read about a Challenge, 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks, and I was intrigued. I decided to take up the challenge. Some Ancestors may take more than one week, but I still intend to write about 52 Ancestors. I hope you enjoy reading about My Ancestors as much as I am looking forward to researching and writing about them. 

Governor William Bradford; (2) Joseph Bradford; (3)Elisha Bradford; (4)Laurana Bradford; (5) Hannah McFarland; (6) Jennings Rider; (8)Dickerman Allen Rider; (9) Dickamon Allen Rider; (10) Marian Edith Rider; (11) Marian Dunlap Irwin; (12)Judith Anne Guion

Two weeks ago, as I was going through the Lewis, Rider, Irwin folder where I started collecting information on these families in 1975, I came across a piece of paper that I had either forgotten about or did not notice.  It was sent to me by my mother’s sister, Margaret (Irwin) Mitchell Sedberry.  Her note at the bottom says, “This is from Virginia Rider, and she wrote, “You are now Mayflower descendants.”

I had known that my three daughters were Mayflower descendants through their father but never knew of my connection.  Needless to say I went exploring on the Internet.  I will be following this line from Governor William Bradford to Dickamon (various records have different spellings for this name) Allen Rider (1832 – 1904), whose descendants I have covered on previous Sundays.

 

(1) Jennings Rider; (2) Dickeman Allen Rider; (3) Dickamon Allen Rider, (4) Homer Marchant Rider; (5) Marian Edith  (Rider) Irwin; (56 Mairian Dunlop (Irwin) Guion; (7) Judith Anne Guion.

Jennings Rider, the only Child I have found from the marriage of Caleb Rider and Hannah (McFarland) Rider, was born in 1780. He married Sally Allen (1783-1869) )August 3, 1806 in Whitingham, Vermont.  Their children follow:

1. Alvin Rider (1807-deceased)
2.  Dickerman Allen Rider (1808-1899)
3. Moses Rider (1810-deceased)
4. Arabella Rider (1812-1813)
5. Isaac Tichenor Rider (1814-1870)
6. Arabella Rider (1815-1897).

Dickerman Allen Rider, sercond child of Jennings Rider and Sally Allen, was born October 11, 1808 in Whitingham, Windham, Vermont.. He married Almira Lilly (or Lillie or Lilley).

 

The only child I have now is Dickamon Allen Rider who married Cordelia Pratt (January 1, 1842-7 ?, 1928. They had four children:

1. Homer Marchant Rider 1864-1916)
2. Frank L Rider (1866- ?
3. Clara May (Rider) Madiera (1868- ?)
4. Jessie Mildred Rider (1871- ?)

As posted in a previous My Ancestors post, Homer Marchant Rider (January 6, 1864-November 23,1916) married Edith May Lewis (June 21, 1863-June 10,1961). He is my great-grandfather, father of Marian Edith (Rider) Irwin, the grandfather of Marian Dunlop (Irwin) Guion, my mother.  Now the Lewis, Rider, Irwin line goes all the way back to the Mayflower and William Bradford. Quite a surprise to me but a connection well worth mentioning.

Tomorrow I will begin a week of letters written in 1944. All five of Grandpa’s sons re scattered all over the world doing their part during World War II.

Judy Guion

 

 

My Ancestors (53 and 54) – Laurana Bradford and Elijah McFarland and (55 and 56) Hannah McFarland and Caleb Rider

Last June I read about a Challenge, 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks, and I was intrigued. I decided to take up the challenge. Some Ancestors may take more than one week, but I still intend to write about 52 Ancestors. I hope you enjoy reading about My Ancestors as much as I am looking forward to researching and writing about them. 

Governor William Bradford; (2) Joseph Bradford; (3)Elisha Bradford; (4)Laurana Bradford; (5) Hannah McFarland; (6) Jennings Rider; (8)Dickerman Allen Rider; (9) Dickamon Allen Rider; (10) Marian Edith Rider; (11) Marian Dunlap Irwin; (12)Judith Anne Guion

Two weeks ago, as I was going through the Lewis, Rider, Irwin folder where I started collecting information on these families in 1975, I came across a piece of paper that I had either forgotten about or did not notice.  It was sent to me by my mother’s sister, Margaret (Irwin) Mitchell Sedberry.  Her note at the bottom says, “This is from Virginia Rider, and she wrote, “You are now Mayflower descendants.”

I had known that my three daughters were Mayflower descendants through their father but never knew of my connection.  Needless to say I went exploring on the Internet.  For the next few Sundays I will be following this line from Governor William Bradford to Dickermon (various records have different spellings for this name) Allen Rider (1832 – 1904), whose descendants I have covered on previous Sundays.

(1)Laurana (Bradford) McFarland; (2) Hannah (McFarland) Rider; (3) Jennings Rider; (4) Dickeman Allen Rider; (5) Dickamon Allen Rider, (6) Homer Marchant Rider; (7) Marian Edith  (Rider) Irwin; (8) Mairian Dunlop (Irwin) Guion; (9) Judith Anne Guion

Laurane Bradfordl and, the fifth child of Elisha Bradford and Bathsheba Le Brocke, was born in 1726. She married Elijah McFarland (1722-1777) and they had thirteen children.

1. Mary (molly) McFarland (1747-1815)
2. David McFarland (1748 – 1778)
3. Selma McFarland (1748 – deceased)
4. Elijah McFarland (1749-1827)
5. Abigail McFarland (1752-deceased)
6. Hannah McFarland (1752-after 1812)
7. Joseph McFarland (1753-1803
8. Laurana McFarland (1755-1834)
9. Sara McFarland (1757-deceased)
10. Saba McFarland (1758-deceased)
11. Mackfarling (1759-deceased)
12. Sabra McFarland ( ? – ? )
13. Asaba McFarland (deceased)

 

Hannah McFarland, sixth child of Laurana (Bradford) and Elijah McFarland Sr., was born in 1752 and married Caleb Rider (1746-deceased) on December 15, 1768. I have only found one child born to them:

1. Jennings Rider (1780-1854).

Next Sunday I will continue this line of descent  from Jennings Rider to Homer Marchant Rider,

Tomorrow, I’ll begin a week of letters written in 1943. Lad and Marian are married and looking forward to the holidays.

Judy Guion

My Ancestors (51 and 52) – Elisha Bradford (1667-1747) and Bathsheba LeBrocke (1703-1758)

 

Last June I read about a Challenge, 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks, and I was intrigued. I decided to take up the challenge. Some Ancestors may take more than one week, but I still intend to write about 52 Ancestors. I hope you enjoy reading about My Ancestors as much as I am looking forward to researching and writing about them. 

Governor William Bradford; (2) Joseph Bradford; (3)Elisha Bradford; (4)Laurana Bradford; (5) Hannah McFarland; (6) Jennings Rider; (8)Dickerman Allen Rider; (9) Dickamon Allen Rider; (10) Marian Edith Rider; (11) Marian Dunlap Irwin; (12)Judith Anne Guion

Two weeks ago, as I was going through the Lewis, Rider, Irwin folder where I started collecting information on these families in 1975, I came across a piece of paper that I had either forgotten about or did not notice.  It was sent to me by my mother’s sister, Margaret (Irwin) Mitchell Sedberry.  Her note at the bottom says, “This is from Virginia Rider, and she wrote, “You are now Mayflower descendants.”

I had known that my three daughters were Mayflower descendants through their father but never knew of my connection.  Needless to say I went exploring on the Internet.  For the next few Sundays I will be following this line from Governor William Bradford to Dickermon (various records have different spellings for this name) Allen Rider (1832 – 1904), whose descendants I have covered on previous Sundays.

(1) Elisha Bradford; (2)Laurana (Bradford) McFarland; (3) Hannah (McFarland) Rider; (4) Jennings Rider; (5) Dickeman Allen Rider; (6) Dickamon Allen Rider, (7) Homer Marchant Rider; (8) Marian Edith  (Rider) Irwin; (9) Mairian Dunlop (Irwin) Guion; (10) Judith Anne Guion

Elisha Bradford, son of Joseph Bradford and Jael Hobart, was born about 1667. He married (1) Hannah Cole and (2) Bathsheba LeBrocke. Elisha and Bathsheba had fifteen children:

Hannah Bradford (1720 – 1758)

Joseph Bradford (1721 – 1743)

Sylvanus Bradford (1023 – 1723)

Nehemiah Bradford (1724 – 1747)

Laurana (Bradford) McFarlane (or McFarland) (1726 -1782)

Mary Bradford (1727 – 1727)

Elisha Bradford Jr. (1729 – 1753)

Lois Bradford (1731 – 1752)

Deborah (Bradford) Sampson (1732 – 1811)

Alice Bradford (1734 – 1795)

Azenath (or Asenath) (Bradford) Packard 1736 – 1818)

Carpenter Bradford (1739 – 1823)

Abigail Bradford (1741 – 1760)

Chloe Bradford (1743 – 1747)

Content Bradford (1745 – 1745)

Their daughter, Laurana Bradford married Elijah McFarland on Nov 14, 1718.

Next Sunday, more about Laurana (Bradford) McFarland and her husband, Elijah McFarland.

Tomorrow I’ll begin a week of Childhood Memories of Trumbull.

Judy Guion