SIMON SPOELMAN, 5050 Barry Street, Hudsonville, Michigan 49426
went to be with his Lord on September 28, 1994.
Always an active person despite a weak heart, he died peacefully
on the farm that had been his love for 55 years.
Simon had been the neighborhood custom thresherman in the 40s
and 50s with Huber threshers and Huber and John Deere belt power.
He always remained interested in steam and gas power and enjoyed
going to the shows very much.
Submitted by his son Leonard Spoelman, 3221 Brookshire S.E.,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49508.
It saddens me greatly to have to report the passing of a true
legend, HARRY ‘PINK’ WOODMANSEE, age 91. He was born April
18, 1903 and died September 10, 1994.
Harry was quite well known nationwide and touched many, many
lives. He was the most knowledgeable person on steam engines I have
ever met. Not only was he a GREAT engineer but he was also a great
story teller. I have spent many an hour sitting in his living room
listening to his stories of bygone days. Harry, Ralph (Harry’s
brother), my dad and I traveled to many steam shows together and I
greatly enjoyed his company.
I’m sure there are a lot of stories that can be told about
Harry, and at a later date I will share some of my fondest
memories.
Harry always liked to put on a good show. He liked to belt up to
the separator blindfolded, and of course, climbing the high
ramp.
Steam engine fans have lost a great man, but the legend and
memories will live forever. I consider it an honor to have had him
as a friend.
Submitted by Larry Mix, Hastings, Michigan.
WILLIAM M. ‘Major’ BRAGG of Atwood, Illinois, age 98,
passed away September 20, 1994. He was preceded in death by his
wife, Marie Olive Bragg who died March 4, 1984. Survivors include a
son, Frank Bragg, a daughter, Marilyn Roze, four grandsons and
three great grandchildren.
‘Maj’ was a veteran of WWI and a farmer of the Atwood
area for 50 years until he retired. Upon his retirement he devoted
a large amount of his time helping others in the preservation of
farm equipment for future generations to enjoy. His homespun
stories always started out with, ‘Well now, I’ll tell you
fell as’. He was deeply loved by all who knew him and he never
had a bad word to say about anyone and disliked conversations of a
negative nature. He loved children and never missed an opportunity
to convey his kind words of wisdom to them. He was a promoter and
exhibitor of the Central States Threshermen Show in Pontiac,
Illinois, for many years and beginning in the 1970s directed a
great amount of his energy and talent to the Douglas County
Historical Steam Festival at Arcola, Illinois. ‘Maj’ was a
collector of many fine pieces of antique farm equipment and was
always admired at events when exhibiting his Heider tractor.
All of you gas and steam enthusiasts who have made William M.
Bragg’s acquaintance know what I mean when I say, ‘He was
one in a million and we shall forevermore be in his debt.’ We
will miss you, Maj, and you will always be in our hearts.
Submitted by Fred Nolan, Arcola, Illinois.
DUANE E. CLEGG, 42, of 1241 Perry Chapel Road, Lima, Ohio, 45804
died September 16, 1994 at Paulding County Hospital. He was born
September 9, 1952 in Bellefontaine to William A. and Cleo May Beaty
Clegg Jr. On March 27, 1981 he married Florence McNall, who
survives.
Duane worked as a certified biomedical electronic technician at
Lima Memorial Hospital.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Northwest Ohio
Antique Machinery Association, Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor
Association, Darke County Steam Threshing Association, Flat Rock
Creek Gas Engine, Steam and Tractor Club, Allen County Sportsmen
and Farmers Association, Buckeye Farm Antiques, Marion County Steam
Threshers Association, Van Wert Old Fashioned Farmers Association,
Maumee Valley Steam Threshers and Miami Valley Steam Threshers
Association.
Duane was one of the best friends and a steam and gas equipment
operator, teacher of old history and the hardest worker any show
could find. His father once said Duane could take a pile of horse
manure and make it do something or make a show of it.
He is also survived by his sister, Noritta A. Roush of West
Liberty.
Submitted by Bill C. Steinman, 1101 Broad Avenue, Findlay,
Ohio 45840. See back cover of this issue for a photo of Duane
performing a spark show.
