Vernon Orval Wood

GEDCOM Note

November 1, 2006

Source: Hay Springs Nebraska: The First 100 Years 1885-1985

Vernon Orval Wood was born the 5th day of September, 1891 at his parent's Addison Albert Wood and Addie Mae (Marker) Wood homestead in Antelope Valley, Dawes County, Nebraska. He grew to manhood working on the farm.

Vern married Bertha L. Van Buskirk, November 24, 1915 in Rushville, Nebraska. Bertha Louise was born December 13, 1897 at her parent's Byron Osborn Van Buskirk and Matilda Etta (Van Horn) Van Buskirk home in Hay Springs. when Bertha was 1 1/2 the family moved to Canada by covered wagon where they lived for about seven years and then they returned to Hay Springs, Nebraska. She is still living there.

Vern and Bertha lived on several different farms in the area before they moved on the land his Mother gave them. They lived on the place nearly 50 years, farming it until 1970 when they moved to Hay Springs and retired.

They had 8 children all born at home. The first baby girl died at birth, Jane Edwin was born January 4, 1921, Duane Feilidng was born March 1, 1923, William Van was born December 5, 1924, Iola Mae was born October 5, 1926, Marion Orval was born October 12, 1928, and the twins, Irene Iris and Arlene Inis were born July 20, 1932.

The children all finished grade school at the local country school. Zane graduated from high school in Chadron, Nebraska and Duane, Bill, Iola, Irene and Arlene all attended high school in Hay Springs. Zane and Bill joined the U.S.Army and served overseas during World War II. Marion served with the U.S. Army in Korea.

Zane married Patricia Pentecost on July 11, 1963 in Las Vegas, Nevada and he adopted her daughter, Pattie Jean. They had a son Thomas Michael. They are now living at Corona, California where he is a real estate salesman.

Duane married Gladys Lenora Robbins, June 11, 1947 and live on the farm southwest of Hay Springs. They have a son David Eugene born May 6, 1952.

William married Josephine Ann Clarke in Hay Springs, August 25, 1947. They have 4 children, William Clark, born October 31, 1948, LaVern F. born June 6, 1950, Jann Alicia, born July 25, 1953, and Julie Adair born January 14, 1961. Bill and Joa Ann live in Bridgeport, Nebraska.

Iola M. married Lyle Henry Barth at Crawford on October 30, 1945. They now live in Rushville and had 4 children. Peggy Mae born June 24, 1948, Patricia Kay born December 11, 1950, and died April 2, 1952; Nancy Rae born February 3, 1956, and Melvin Henry born April 20, 1957.

Marion O. married Helen M. Ross, May 18, 1959 and they were later divorced. He died April 13, 1977 in Hay Springs.

Irene I. married Albert F. Schramm, July 7, 1950 at Rapid City, South Dakota and they now live at Hay Springs. They had 6 children, Janet Marie, died at birth, James Dean was born January 6, 1952, (the first baby of the year at Rushville); Karen Kay was born June 23, 1956, Steven Wayne was born March 13, 1958, and twins Lary Paul who was stillborn and Gary Orval were born February 10, 1962.

Alrene I. married William F. Reid on Jun 20, 1954 at the home of her parents. They had a son Dick Lee born December 26, 1954. The were divorced and she married Alvin Blakley on February 4, 1977 in Rapid City, South Dakota. They live at Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Vern lived his family, farming, horses, helping his neighbors and entertaining their 15 grandchildren with his harmonica. Bertha's retirement includes raising a garden, quilting dozens and dozens of quilts a year, playing in the Golden Age Swingers Band adn helping with crafts at the nursing hime each week.

Vern passed away at his home in Hay Springs on May 30, 1976 and was laid to rest in the Hay Springs Cemetery. - by Josephine A. Wood.