LESTER McKINNEY, 80, of Cairo, Missouri died February 10, 1975
in Woodland Hospital where he had been hospitalized one day. He
lived in the Jacksonville-Cairo area his entire life. He had been a
farmer, mechanic, garage operator and heavy equipment salesman for
Cooke Co. at Chillicothe. Mr. McKinney was active in the Old
Threshers Association and held many offices in the association as
well as being the owner of many displays.
Submitted by Mrs. L.H. McKinney, Cairo, Missouri 65239
MRS. ALICE JOHNSON, wife of Gilmar, from Fredric, Wisconsin
passed away October 22, 1974. I know she will be missed by many.
Elmer and I appreciated her greatly. She was a blond with a very
pleasant personality and a charming smile for all. Her efforts
helped in promoting our business, particularly at Mt. Pleasant
Show. Perhaps you can remember her by seeing them, she and Gilmar,
helping Elmer. Later years, when my hubby could no longer make that
trip, they ‘took over’ completely. They did a wonderful job
getting you acquainted with our magazines, jewelry and books. To
know her was to love her. Our sympathy goes to Gilmar in his hours
of loneliness. Mr. and Mrs. Duward Steinmetz now also are doing an
excellent job at the Mount Pleasant Show. We owe much to all these
kind folks. Thanks and God Bless the three of you – Gilmar and the
Steinmetzs.
Submitted by Earlene Ritzman [former editor] 808 Wertzville
Road, Enolga, Pennsylvania 17025
DONNA MILDRED ARY-of Union City, Indiana, some called her
‘Mid’, others Mildred. But thousands knew her as the very
first woman to balance a steam engine on the teeter totter which
she did at the Darke County Steam Threshers each summer. There
wasn’t an Iron Man who ever stood by and watched her handle the
throttle but what cheered for her, maybe even envied her. For the
old 12 horse Gaar-Scott Iron Horse was not an easy one to
balance.
For years Mildred helped out with the music at the Darke County
Threshers by singing with the Sweet Adelines. She put on comedy
shows; as well as played the piano while the congregation sang the
old familiar hymn ‘Bringing in the Sheaves.’
‘Mid’ was just different from all other women,’ says
Harold Ary who survives her. ‘Rev. Lillie Black Mote told us,
if anyone is in Heaven, Mildred is.’
Born July 8, 1908, Mildred passed away on January 2, 1975 at the
age of 66 years.
Those who knew her will miss seeing her drive the little model
Rumley Oil-Pull so lovingly constructed by her husband and nephew,
Kim Besecker, to help her get around over the reunion grounds so as
to not miss a thing going on at the shows. Her pluckiness, her many
talents and willing hands, always ready to help, lent a joy that
will be missed. Without her the Darke County Threshers just
won’t be the same.
Submitted by, Becky [Sharp] May, her granddaughter.
DANIEL V. BOOTHE, 78, Ellsworth, Wisconsin died January 4 in St.
John’s Hospital. At the time of his death, he was still
actively engaged in the well drilling business, a trade he learned
as a boy from his father. He was a steam engine enthusiast and
operated a threshing run in this area many years. He used to be on
hand at the Pierce County Fairs with his steam engine which was a
great attraction to young and old.
Submitted by Gust hind, R.D. 1, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011
LEWIS R. CARROLL died August 14, 1974 at age 85. He lived on
farm in his early years and loved seeing the old wheat threshing
engines in action. Though a semi-invalid for seven years, he
attended the Show at Layton’s farm near Federalsburg for the
first five years. He looked forward to receiving each new copy of
the Iron-Men Album. He lived each year in great expectation for the
next year’s Show to roll around and was disappointed when he
could no longer attend. The Magazine was the next best thing to
being there in person.
Submitted by Mrs. Lewis R. Carroll, 404 S. Aurora Street,
Easton, Maryland 21601
