George Franklin Evans
 b: 12/May/1879 - Athens Twp., Gentry Co., MO
 d: 30/Dec/1962 - Missouri Methodist Hosp., St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO - bur: High Ridge Cem., Stanberry, Gentry Co.

Father: James Johnson Evans
Mother: Mary Ella Welch

Spouse-1: Dollie Linda Miller - b: 1/Feb/1880 - Gentry Co., MO
  d: 24/Jan/1969 - Gentry Co., MO - bur: High Ridge Cem., Stanberry
  m: 25/Dec/1901 - Island City, Jackson Twp., Gentry Co., MO

Child-1: George, Jr. (Little George) - b: 1902/1903
          2: Leona Ellabeth - b: 17/Jul/1904 - Gentry Co., MO
                                       d: 18/Jul/1981 - Albany,  Gentry Co., MO - bur: Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cem., Maryville, Nodaway Co.
                                      m: Granville Maxwell - 15/Apr/1926 - King City, Gentry Co., MO
          3: Homer Harrison Gillespie (H. G.) - b: 4/Apr/1906 - Gentry Co., MO
                                                                    d: 29/May/1985 - bur: Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cem., Nodaway Co., MO
                                                                   m: Anna Lucile Wilson - 31/Dec/1927 - Albany, Gentry Co., MO
                                                                   m: Mrs. Gertrude Elizabeth Walton Miller - 30/Dec/1966 -Harrison Co., MO
          4: Jesse Bob - b: 6/Sep/1908 - Gentry Co., MO
                                 d: 8/Oct/1978 - St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO - bur: High Ridge Cem., Stanberry, Gentry Co.
                                m: Mabel Irene Darnall - 27/Apr/1929 - King City, Gentry Co., MO
          5: Ruby Fern - b: 3/Jul/1915 - Gentry Co., MO
                                 d: 1/Apr/2002 - Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO - bur: High Ridge Cem.
                                m: Henry Hance Combs - 30/Sep/1933 - Leavenworth, KS
          6: Jewel Franklin - b: Mar-Apr/1918 - Gentry Co., MO
                                      d: 5/Dec/1921 - bur: Lafayette Cem., Nodaway Co., MO

Biographical Details:

According to his obituary, George Franklin Evans was born "in a log cabin" in Gentry County, Missouri, near the town of Albany in Athens Township on May 12, 1879.1  His parents were James J. and Mary Ella Welch Evans.  Indeed, it is possible that the "log cabin story" is true; however, by the 1870's and 1880's, such dwellings had been generally replaced by frame construction.  In any case, the family moved to a large farm in Jackson Township approximately five miles south of the town of Stanberry in 1885.  George Franklin Evans and Dollie Linda Miller were married on December 25, 1901, at Island City by Rev. A. R. Willett.  It is not known why they should have chosen to be married on Christmas Day, but undoubtedly the festive nature of the holiday added to the joy of the wedding.  After their marriage, they reportedly settled on a farm in Andrew County.2  The location is not known; however, it may be supposed that it was in the northeastern part of the county, probably within Platte Township, but this is merely speculation.  Nevertheless, in 1904 George and Dollie purchased a farm from Sam Holt adjacent to the farm of George's father.  This almost certainly can be identified with the one hundred and sixty acres owned by G. F. Evans described in a plat of Gentry County published 1914, which by 1930 had been increased by acquisition to three hundred and eighty acres.3  Six children can be definitively attributed to George and Dollie Evans, of which four survived to adulthood.  Accordingly, family tradition identifies their oldest son as "Little George", who was evidently born in 1902 or 1903, perhaps, in Andrew County, and died shortly after birth.  However, he is not known from any civil or cemetery record, but, nevertheless, is believed to have been buried in the Lafayette Cemetery in Nodaway County.  Four more children, viz., Leona, Homer, Bob, and Fern, followed, all of whom survived.  Concomitantly, the population schedule of the 1920 US Census for Gentry County identified a third daughter, Mildred L, aged one year and nine months, which implies that she was born in March or April of 1918.  There is no further record of this child in any documentary source.  Moreover, there is a marker in the Lafayette Cemetery for "Baby Jewel F. Evans infant son of Geo. F. & Dollie Evans  Dec. 5, 1921", who is also affirmed by family tradition.  Clearly, this would imply seven rather than six children should be attributed to George and Dollie Evans.  Even so, it would seem unlikely that family tradition should be so mistaken.  Therefore, it is probable that these two children, viz., Mildred and Jewel, were one and the same; however, it also seems unlikely that a boy and girl should be confused.  This discrepancy can be resolved if one supposes that the population schedule is in error.  Indeed, such mistakes are not uncommon in census records, especially with respect to identification of small children.  George and Dollie Evans lived on their farm about a mile northeast of Island City for the remainder of their lives, producing high quality black Angus cattle and building a new house in 1951.  Concomitantly, George was active in community affairs serving on various boards and, although a loyal Republican, he evidently assisted in the distribution of subsidies provided by the Agricultural Adjustment Administration, a New Deal agency of the Depatment of Agriculture.  George and Dollie Evans were active members of the Island City Christian Church until they were overtaken by old age and infirmity in the 1950's and 1960's.  George Franklin Evans died at the Missouri Methodist Hospital in St. Joseph on December 30, 1962.  His wife survived six more years and died on January 24, 1969.  They are both buried in the High Ridge Cemetery in Stanberry as are two of their adult children.4
Source Notes and Citations:
1. "George F, Evans, Native of County, Dead at Age 83   George F. Evans, 83-year-old native Gentry Countian, died Sunday at Methodist Hospital, St. Joseph, where he had been a patient only a few days.
     His funeral was held at the Island City Christian Church, of which he had been a member more than sixty years, conducted by the Rev. Will Lane of St. Joseph, assisted by the Rev. Harriett Irwin, pastor, and burial was in High Ridge Cemetery at Stanberry.
     George Franklin Evans was born May 12, 1879, in a log cabin near Albany, Mo., a son of J. J. and Mary Ella Welch Evans, a pioneer Gentry county family.  He was a small child when the family moved to what became known as the J. J. Evans home place, where he lived until his marriage on Christmas day, 1901, to Dollie L. Miller, daughter of another pioneer Gentry county family.
     To this union were born six children.  The oldest, Little George, and the youngest, Jewel Franklin, died in infancy, and the others and their mother survive.
     Mr. and Mrs. Evans spent the first two years of their married life on a farm in Andrew county, then returned to the farm near Island City which had been their home ever since, and where they celebrated their fiftieth and sixtieth wedding anniversaries with open house receptions attended by many relatives, neighbors and friends.
     Mr. Evans was an eminently successful farmer and stockman and a good citizen who served his community well in numerous capacities.  During the ministry of the Rev. Henry Ward Beacher Myrick he became a Christian and joined the Island City church in September, 1895.  He served many years as a deacon and elder and continued an active member until declining health prevented his regular attendance in recent years.  He was a devoted husband and father, a good neighbor and a dependable friend.
     Surviving are his faithful companion of sixty-one years, who is the Tri-County News Island City correspondent; two sons, Homer H. G. Evans of Guilford and J. Bob Evans of Stanberry; two daughters, Mrs. Granville Maxwell of Ford City and Mrs. Hance Combs of Stanberry; eleven grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Ray Birbeck of King City; two brothers, James Homer Evans of Stanberry and Walter H. Evans of Albany, and a number of nieces and nephews."  (obituary: Tri-County News; King City, MO, Jan. 1963.)
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2. K. Bovaird, N. Newman, E. Miller, B. Phillips, N. Summa, and R. Pierce, Once Upon a Railroad, Stanberry, Missouri 1879-1979, Inter-Collegiate Press, Shawnee Mission, KS, 1979: pg. 244.
     "George and Dollie Evans   George Franklin Evans, a prominent citizen, farmer and stockman in Jackson Township, was born May 12, 1879, in a log cabin near Albany.  He was the son of James J. and Mary E. Welch Evans.  His maternal grandparents came from Texas and his paternal from Kentucky.
     He was married to Dollie Linda Miller, daughter of James M. and Elizabeth Emerson Miller, Island City, December 25, 1901.  Mr. and Mrs. Evans were parents of the following children: born in 1904, Leona Ellabeth Maxwell now living in Ford City; in 1906, Homer Harrison Gillispie living in Stanberry; in 1908, Jesse Bob, living on the home farm; and in 1915, Ruby Fern Combs residing on a farm south of Stanberry.  Two sons, Little George and Jewell, died in infancy.
     The Evans spent most of their married life on their farm they purchased from Sam Holt in 1904.  They later expanded it to 500 acres where they took much pride in their black Angus cattle.  In 1951, they built a new home on the farm and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
     Mr. Evans was interested in community affairs, was a faithful member of the Island City Christian Church where he served on the board many years.  He worked in the A. A. A. office out of Albany in the 30's, served on the Jackson Township board and on the Beggs school board.
     Mr. and Mrs. Evans are both deceased.  He died in 1962, and she in 1969.  They are both laid to rest in High Ridge Cemetery.   Submitted by Mrs. L. E. Cook"
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3a. Anonymous, Standard Atlas of Gentry County, Missouri, Geo A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, IL, 1914.
     G. F. Evans: 1) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 19; SE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres. 2) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 19; SW¼ of SE¼ - 40 acres. 3) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 30; NE¼ of NW¼ - 40 acres. 4) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 30; NW¼ of NE¼ - 40 acres.

b. Anonymous, Plat Book of Gentry County, Missouri, W. W. Hixson & Co., Rockford, IL, 1930.  (Available electronically at digital.library.umsystem.edu)
     G. F. Evans: 1) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 19; S½ of SW¼ - 80 acres.  2) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 19; S½ of SE¼ - 80 acres.  3) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 19; NE¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.  4) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 19; S½ of NW¼ of SE¼ - 20 acres.  5) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 20; SW¼ of SW¼ - 40 acres.  6) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 30; N½ of NW¼ - 80 acres. 7) Twp. 62 N; Rng. 32 W; Sec. 30; NW¼ of NE¼ - 40 acres.
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4. Descendants of George Franklin Evans are identified from civil and census records as well as oral family tradition:

First Generation

George Franklin Evans, born 12 May 1879 in Gentry Co., MO, died 30 Dec 1962 in Buchanan Co., MO, bured High Ridge Cem., Gentry Co., MO; married on 25 Dec 1901 in Jackson Twp., Gentry Co., MO, Dollie Linda Miller, born 1 Feb 1880 in Gentry Co., MO; died 24 Jan 1969 in Gentry Co., MO, bured High Ridge Cem.

1. George Evans, Jr., born 1902/1903 in MO, died as an infant.
2. Leona Ellabeth Evans, born 17 Jul 1904 in Gentry Co., MO, died 18 Jul 1981 in Albany, Gentry Co., MO, buried Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cem., Maryville, Nodaway Co.; married on 15 Apr 1926 in Gentry Co., MO, Granville Maxwell, born 14 Apr 1902 in Gentry Co., MO, died 12 Nov 1973 in Ford City, Gentry Co., MO, buried Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cem., Maryville, Nodaway Co.
3. Homer H. G. Evans, born 4 Apr 1906 in Gentry Co., MO, died 29 May 1985 in MO, buried Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cem., Maryville, Nodaway Co.; married (1) on 31 Dec 1927 in Albany, Gentry Co., MO, Anna Lucile Wilson, born 5 Jun 1907 in Nodaway Co., MO, died 21 Apr 1965 St. Francis Hosp., Mayville, Nodaway Co., MO, buried Nodaway Memorial Gardens Cem., Maryville; married (2) on 30 Dec 1966 in Harrison Co., MO, Mrs. Gertrude Elizabeth Walton Miller, born 17 Sep 1899 in Gentry Co., MO, died 12 Sep 1987 in Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO, buried High Ridge Cem.
4. Jesse Bob Evans, born 6 Sep 1908 in Gentry Co., MO, died 8 Oct 1978 in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, buried High Ridge Cem., Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO; married on 27 Apr 1929 in King City, Gentry Co., MO, Mabel Irene Darnall, born 1910 in DeKalb Co., MO, died 2002, buried High Ridge Cem., Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO.
5. Ruby Fern Evans, born 3 Jul 1915 in Gentry Co., MO, died 1 Apr 2002 Stanberry, Gentry Co., MO, buried High Ridge Cem.; married 30 Sep 1933 in Leavenworth, KS, Henry Hance Combs, born 18 Nov 1909 in Gentry Co., MO, died 29 Oct 1974 in Cooper Twp., Gnetry Co., MO, buried High Ridge Cem., Stanberry.
6. Jewel Franklin Evans*, born Mar-Apr 1918 in MO, died 5 Dec 1921 in MO, buried Lafayette Cem., Washington Twp., Nodaway Co., MO.
*Notwithstanding that Jewel Franklin Evans was evidently a male child, it is probable that he was the child listed in the 1920 population schedule as Mildred L. Evans, a female.  As indicated elsewhere, such mistakes in census population schedules were not uncommon.

Second Generation

2. Leona Ellabeth Evans and Granville Maxwell were married in 1926 in Albany by Probate Judge, Otis T. Whaley.  Prior to her marriage, Leona, had taught at the Crosswhite country school.  In 1930, Granville and Leona were apparently renting a farm in Jackson Township west of King City; however, by 1940 they were living with their two daughters just south of Island City.  At this time, Granville owned his own truck and was engaged in the transport business, presumably hauling livestock to market.  Subsequently, Granville and Leona Maxwell settled in Ford City, where they owned and operated a general store.  They were active members of the Island City Christian Church and Granville supervised many improvemnts to the building including construction of a basement, installation of a hardwood floor, and a remodel of the sanctuary.

2-1. Colina May Maxwell**, born 4 Aug 1927 in Gentry Co., MO, died 28 May 1983 in MO, buried Ford City Cem., Gentry Co., MO; married on 6 Apr 1946, Lloyd E. "Buster" Cook.  They had Max and Rex Cook.
2-2. Rose Marie Maxwell, born 1932/1933 in MO.
**"Lloyd and Colina Cook   Lloyd E. 'Buster' Cook, son of Lloyd and Cora Myrick Cook, and Colina May Maxwell, daughter of Granville and Leona E. Evans Maxwell, were married in 1946.  Lloyd was born in Ford City and Colina May, south of Stanberry.
     Lloyd served from 1946 to 1947 in the U. S. Army.  He was stationed at San Antonio, Texas and Presque Isle, Maine.  After his discharge, he and Colina May moved to his father's farm east of Ford City.  In 1949, they moved back to Ford City, where he has been engaged in trucking and farming since that time.
     Lloyd's ancestors were pioneers in Gentry County.  His great-grandfather, Israel Cook, homesteaded north of King City before 1845, and was among a group from Gentry County who went to California during the Gold Rush.
     Colina May attended Northwest Missouri State University and taught the Buckley School from 1945 to 1946, and the Walker School from 1948 to 1949.  From 1967 to 1971, she worked in the King City R-I Elementary School.
     They are the parents of two sons, Max and Rex.  Max is married to the former Betty Hall of King City.  They are the parents of two children, Christine and Brian.  Their home is in Kansas City.  Rex lives in King City and has one son, Chris.
     Lloyd and Colina May were active in Ford City Methodist Church until it closed in 1955.  Colina May is now the church pianist and teaches the Junior Sunday School Class at the Island City Christian Church.
     The Cooks have lived in Ford City for 31 years.  Submitted by Colina Cook"  (op. cit. (Bovaird et al): pg. 226.)

a. Children of Granville and Leona Maxwell can be identified from Gentry County census records.  (1930 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 115B, (microfilm: roll T626_1188; img. 232) & 1940 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 140A, (microfilm: roll T627_2106; img. 646)).

b. Marriage Records, Gentry County, Albany, MO:  Bk. 9, pg. 459, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 53447; img. 466)).

c. Ben Glick, "Ford City Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, www.dropbox.com/sh/slhfvw5i4zjmxft/AAAewbxHBhHPcfZ1_nBm5wxOa/FordCity.pdf?dl=0, 2014.)

3. Homer H. G. Evans** married Anna Lucile Wilson in Albany in 1927.  They eventually settled on a farm in Washington Township in southeastern Nodaway County.  Homer was a very successful farmer and producer of purebred livestock.

3-1. Doris Maxine Evans, born July-Aug 1928 in Gentry Co., MO; married Leonard Oliver.
3-2. Georgie Lee Evans, born 1931/1932 in MO, married.Carol Cooper.
3-3. Phyllis Nadine Evans, born 1936/1937 in MO, married Delman Davidson.
married (2) Mrs. Gertrude E. Walton Miller in 1966 after the death of his first wife in 1965.  She was the daughter of George Franklin and Mary Elizabeth Reddick Walton and married John D Miller on 20 Nov 1918 in Albany.  John died in 1958.

**"Homer H. G. Evans   Homer H. G. Evans, son of George and Dollie Miller Evans and Lucille Wilson, daughter of George and Ida Kemp Wilson, were married in 1927.
     They are the parents of three: Maxine married to Leonard Oliver; Nadine married to Delman Davidson; and Georgie Lee who married Carol Cooper.
     Homer lived and engaged in farming south of Stanberry until he bought a farm in Nodaway County near Guilford.  He was a very successful farmer, owning more than 900 acres of land, and a prominent purebred livestock producer of black Angus cattle and Duroc hogs.  He served as a leader of boys and girls 4-H and a committeman of the Republican Party many years.
     In 1960, he built a modern home and lived there until moving to Stanberry in December 1977.  His son and family now reside there.
     Lucille died in April 1965.
     Homer married Gertrude Walton Miller, the widow of John D. Miller, December 30, 1965.  She has two daughters, Fern Hammer and Mary Jane Messner.
     Gerturde worked at the Lunsford Variety Store several years.  When the store changed hands in 1965, she flew to Spain and stayed with her son-in-law and daughter, the Calvin Messners, several months touring other European countries before returning home.
     Homer and Gertrude enjoy traveling.  They toured the Hawaiian Islands in the spring of 1967; attended Expo '67 in Montreal, Canada, went to the Orient in 1970 and attended Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan.  They have spent several winters in Texas.
     Both are members of the Island City Christian Church where Homer is now serving as an elder.
     The Evans now reside in their new home on Alanthus Avenue.  Submitted by Homer H. G. and Gertrude Evans"  Although this account places the marriage of Homer Evans to Gertrude Miller in December of 1965, this is likely a misprint and the correct year is 1966 as indicated by other sources.  (op. cit. (Bovaird et al): pgs. 244-5.)

d. Children of Homer and Lucile Evans can be identified from Gentry and Nodaway County census records.  (1930 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 117B, (microfilm: roll T626_1188; img. 236) & 1940 US Census Population Schedule for Nodaway County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 341A, (microfilm: roll T627_2134; img. 704)).

e. Marriage Records, Gentry County, Albany, MO:  Bk. 10, pg. 83, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 37665; img. 90)).

f. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 0016495 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).

4. Jesse Bob Evans# amd Mabel Irene Darnall were minors and, thus, required the consent of their parents, Garfield Darnell and George Evans, when they applied for a marriage license in 1927.  They were married by Rev. W. C. Whitehouse in King City and settled on a farm in Jackson Township adjacent to the home farm.  Subsequently, Bob and Mabel moved to the home farm after the deaths of his parents, where they remained resident the rest of their lives.  They had four children, but sadly, one baby girl did not survive.

4-1. Robert Gene Evans, born 1930/1931 in  MO; married Avis Colville.
4-2. Carolee Rose Evans, born 1936/1937 in MO, married. Leon Riley.
4-3. Sandra Joyce Evans, born 14 Nov 1941 in Gentry Co., MO, died 8 Oct 1988, buried King City Cem., Gentry Co., MO, married James MacDonald.
4-4. Sondra Fern Evans,  born/died 14 Nov 1941 in Gentry Co., MO, buried King City Cem., Gentry Co., MO.  Lived only two hours and thirty minutes.
#"Bob and Mabel Evans   Occupying a farm six miles south of Stanberry are Jesse Bob and Mabel Irene Darnall Evans.
     Mr. Evans is the son of the late George Franklin Evans and Dollie Linda Miller Evans.  They live on the 500-acre farm where Mr. Evans was born.  He grew to manhood and has participated in the farm's operation to this date.  The present farm house is located a few feet east of the one where he was born.
     Mrs. Evans was born four miles northeast of Clarksdale, the daughter of Garfield Darnall and Anna Kemp Darnall Gregory.  When she was about three years old, her family moved to King City.  There they resided for two years, after which they moved to the Prarie Flower neighborhood.
     On April 27, 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Evans were united in marriage.  They became the parents of four children: Robert Gene, Carolee Rose, Sandra Joyce and Sondra Fern.  Sondra Fern was the twin of Sandra Joyce and died shortly after birth.
     Gene is married to the former Avis Colville and lives in Creston, Iowa.  They have three children: Bobbie, Randy and Mark.  Bobbie is married to Rich Reed and they have one son, Justin.  Randy married the former Leslie Konkler.  They have a son and daughter, Mason and Maggie.  Mark is in high school.  Gene is a college instructor at Southwestern Community College, and Avis is a cashier at the Farm and Home Supply Store.
     Carolee, after teaching several years, married Leon Riley, who is employed by Saint Gobain Industries.  They live in Basehor, Kansas and have three sons: Gregory, Joseph and Jason.
     Joyce is a part-time beauty operator, the wife of James MacDonald who is employed as civil defense director for the city of Cameron where they live.  Together they have four children: Darlene, Fred, Bret and Michelle.  Submitted by Bob Evans"  (op. cit. (Bovaird et al): pg. 243.)

g. Marriage Records, Gentry County, Albany, MO:  Bk. 10, pg. 155, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 37665; img. 164)).

h. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 38281 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).

5. Ruby Fern Evans#* married Henry Hance Combs## in 1933.  They had four children of which three survived to adulthood.

5-1. June Marlene Combs, born 1935/1936 in  MO; married Avis Colville.
5-2. Larry Max Combs, born 1937/1938 in MO, married. Karen *****.
5-3. Roger Evans Combs, born 1944/1945 in MO, married. Gloria *****
5-4. Gregory Leonard Combs, born 29 Sep 1958, died 30 Sep 1958 St. Joseph's Hosp., St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO, buried High Ridge Cem., Stanberry, Gentry Co.
#*"Ruby Fern Combs, 86, Stanberry, died April 1, 2002, at Pine View Manor in Stanberry.
     Ruby Fern Evans was born in Island City, Missouri Jul. 3, 1915 to George Franklin and Dollie Linda (Miller) Evans.
     She attended Beggs Grade School and graduated from King City High School at the age of 16.  She attended Northwest MO. State Teachers College in Maryville, where she earned a teaching certificate and then returned to Beggs Grade School, where she taught before her marriage.
     On Sept. 30, 1933, she married Henry Hance (H. H.) Combs in Leavenworth, KS.  She spent her entire married life on farms near Stanberry, and the last 60 years on the "Mule Shoe Ranch."  She and her husband owned and operated a Grade "A" dairy farm for many years.
     Mrs. Combs preceded in death by her husband, Henry Hance (H. H.) Combs in 1974 and an infant son, Gregory L. Combs.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, George F. and Dollie L. (Miller) Evans; two brothers, Homer H. G. Evans and J. Bob Evans and a
sister, Leona Maxwell.
     Survivors include a daughter, June Marlene McKenny, St. Joseph; two sons, Larry M. Combs and his wife, Karen, Stanberry, and Roger E. Combs and his wife Gloria, King City; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services were held on April 3 at First Christian Church in Stanberry, conducted by Rev. Russell Evans.  Music was provided by Betty Wilson, organist and Debbie Nickell and Paula Sager, vocalists.  Pallbearers were grandsons, Pat McKenny, Mike McKenny, Jim McKenny, Lance Combs, Matt Combs and Ryan McKenny.  Interment was in High Ridge Cemetery, Stanberry. Memorials may be made to Pine View Manor Nursing Home Auxiliary in care of Gibson Funeral Home, P. O. Box 552, King City, MO. 64463, who also handled arrangements."   (obituary: Tri-County News; King City, MO, Fri., Apr. 5, 2002.)

##"Henry Hance Combs   Henry Hance Combs, a lifelong resident of Gentry County, was born November 18, 1909, to William L. 'Billy' and Georgia A. Barker Combs.  Hance graduated from Lafayette High School.  He and his identical twin brother, Vance, were popular entertainers at community affairs, square dances, etc. and were employed by K. M. A. (sic -KMA) radio as the 'Missouri Twins.'  They took pride in the raising and showing of mules.
     On September 30, 1933, Hance married Ruby Fern Evans, daughter of George F. and Dollie L. Miller Evans.  Ruby Fern attended King City High School and Maryville State Teacher's College, then taught the Beggs School.  They moved to the present Combs farm, 'Muleshoe Ranch' in 1941, where they operated a Grade A dairy farm many years.
     They were members of the Stanberry Christian Church, where Hance served as a deacon and on the church board until his death October 29, 1974.
     Hance and Fern had three children: June Marlene married Joe McKenny.  They have five children and make their home in St. Joseph.  Joe is employed by Producers Livestock Commission and Marlene by Jerre Ann's Cafe.
     Larry Max and wife, Karen, live in Stanberry with their two children.  Larry operates the home farm and breeds American quarter horses.  They own a family apparel shop in King City.
     Roger Evans and his wife, Gloria, reside in King City.  They have two sons.  Roger is an attorney and the legal advisor of Workmans's Compensation in St. Joseph.  Submitted by Ruby Fern Combs"  (op. cit. (Bovaird et al): pg. 225.)

i. Children of Hance and Fern Combs can be identified from Gentry County census records.  (1940 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 137A, (microfilm: roll T627_2106; img. 640)).

j. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 58-031797 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).

(unpublished notes)
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Additional Citations:

5. 1910 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 263B, (microfilm: roll T624_781; img. 526).

6. 1920 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 133B, (microfilm: roll T625_919; img. 837).

7. 1930 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 111A, (microfilm: roll T626_1188; img. 223).

8. 1940 US Census Population Schedule for Gentry County, Missouri, National Archives, Washington DC:  pg. 135A, (microfilm: roll T627_2106; img. 636).

9. Marriage Records, Gentry County, Albany, MO:  Bk. 5, pg. 355, (Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO (microfilm: roll 37664; img. 324)).

10. marriage notice: Albany Ledger; Albany, MO, Fri., Dec. 27, 1901.

11. World War I Draft Registration Cards, National Personnel Records Center, National Archives-Southeast Region, Morrow, GA, (microfilm: roll MO-1683214; img. 4344).

12. Death Certificates, Missouri State Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Jefferson City, MO, (Death Certificate No. 62-045951 - Bureau of Vital Statistics, State of Missouri, Jefferson City, MO).

13. Don Raymond,"High Ridge Cemetery", unpublished. (Gentry County MOGenWeb Archives, 2005.)

14. High Ridge Cemetery, Gentry County, Missouri (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=1367686&CScn=High+Ridge&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1434&, continuously updated).

--------------------------------------

15. Lafayette Cemetery, Nodaway County, MO (www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=cr&CRid=179853&CScn=Lafayette&CScntry=4&CSst=26&CScnty=1470&, continuously updated).

16. Death Master File, Social Security Administration, Washington, DC, continuously updated.

17. Robert L. Evans, "Our Family's History", November 9, 2001, unpublished.

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