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Ali and Bill Chellis

Ancestors and Desendants of William and Alice Chellis


Louie Merle MAKINGS [Parents] was born 31 Oct 1895 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 9 Sep 1964 in Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado. Louie married Faye Annette DOTY on 25 Dec 1921 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Faye Annette DOTY was born 20 Oct 1901 in Wauneta, Nebraska. She married Louie Merle MAKINGS on 25 Dec 1921 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  M i Kenneth Oliver MAKINGS.
  F ii Bernice Faye MAKINGS.

Weaver Charles MAKINGS [Parents] was born 8 May 1893 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 28 Feb 1950 in Stratton, Hitchcock, Nebraska. Weaver married Grace PERKINS on 8 May 1921 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Grace PERKINS was born 26 May 1894 in Hitchcock, Nebraska. She died 23 Aug 1989 in Grant, Nebraska. Grace married Weaver Charles MAKINGS on 8 May 1921 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

"My Life"
by Grace Makings

I was born in a sod house May 26, 1894 about straight south of Culbertson, Nebraska just south of the Driftwood Creek.
There were no crops that year so my family went by covered wagon to Pawnee County, Nebraska. Were about 3 weeks on the way. On Jan 2, 1896 we started west again. There were a couple of other families and some young men, on horse back, driving the stock.
It was very cold some of the time but we had a stove in the covered wagon. Would have to buy fuel and feed for the stock along the way. Amy had her 16th birthday, Jan 30, 1896, on the way.
We arrived som time in February and lived on a farm, "The Bowman Place". Ollie was born there Dec 25, 1896. (I remember some of the things that happened there)
Jesse and Amy both got married in 1897.
We moved a few miles farther east, on a homestead in the spring of 1898. Mattie was born there May 13, 1899.
All this time in the west we lived in sod houses. For a while on the homestead we just had dirt floors. We were poor financially. We used kerosene lamps and have to use "grease lamps" (lard was put in a shallow pan with a strip of heavy material i it with one end on the edge for a wick).
Washing was all done on a washboard. Flat irons were heated on the wood burning stove to do the ironing. Our mother made our clothes by hand and knitted most of out stockings and mittens.
Our butter was made in a stone churn with a wooden dasher.
When we went to church, or anywhere, father and mother would sit on the spring seat of the wagon and we children in the back with a quilt over some hay. The first few years (just one year, I think) I went to school, we walked about 3 miles to a sod school house. Later a frame school house was built just 1 mile from home.
I had 2 brothers and 5 sisters. The six of us that were still at home had measles in 1905 and Ernest took a cold before he was fully recovered and died the next spring, Mar 23, 1906.
In the summer 2 Church of God mininsters, John M. Harrington and a Rev. Seaton were speakers at a camp meeting in Trenton, Nebraska. We all attended. Had a tent and all.
In the spring of 1908 we moved to the Cornell neighborhood and into a large frame house. Alma was married there May 14, 1908.
In the fall our family went by train to southern Missouri south of Springfield, but came back in the summer of 1910. Dora taught the Makings school in 1910. After her school closed, we went to Missouri again. Dora taught the Victory school and I the White Oak school in Douglas County, Missouri.
Amy's family came down there by covered wagon but decided not to stay so sold their outfil and went back by train. Charley and Carl were born that fall, Nov 29, 1911.
We came to Nebraska again in 1913. I got the Smith's school. Taught there 3 years, 1913-1915. Then taught Dyke school in 1916, Moses school in 1917, Smith's again in 1918. Then back to Dyke in 1920. Taught the Haining school in 1919.
I was married to a young farmer Weaver Makings, May 3, 1921. He had just served in the first World War. Was called in the first draft call in 1917. Fought in the most important battles over there. We lived in the little house on the state line until Oct. Then moved to a farm west of Atwood, Kansas.
We bought the home place and moved there to the stone house in the fall of 1922. We lived there eleven years. We decided to take a homestead in Park County, Colorado. Sold the farm to Fred Underhill and started to Colorado May 8, 1933 (Weaver's 40th birthday).
We lived in Mrs. Wilmont's house from May 10 to Sept 17. Built log buildings on the homestead and moved there Sept 17, 1933. Weaver started carrying the mail from Buena Vista to Trump. After proving up, we sold the homestead and bought the new house Lew had just built on Hi-way 24. This was May 1939.
Glen and Laura Lee went to school in Hartsel. Glenn graduated from High School in spring 1940. Lew bought the house back and they moved into it and we moved into the cabin.
Weaver and Glenn worked. Weaver was working on construction and had a bad heart attack, Coronary Throm., Dec 20, 1940. Was in Salida hospital for 10 days. Then Lew and Ray took us to Denver. Weaver to Fitzsimmons Hospital. The kids and I went to Raymond's, Dec 31, 1940. Later we moved into a motel or cabin.
Weaver was ther in the hospital until July 15, 1941. Glenn and Laura Lee and I went to Trenton June 23, 1941. Glenn worked at the Co-op and for Vern Pennell. I rented Smith's apartment July 9. I went to Denver on the train and Raymond took us to Trenton July 16, 1941.
I worked at the sewing project at the Tin Hall. We bought the little house and we moved into it Jan 17, 1944. Glenn bought the yellow house and we moved into it Jan 17, 1944. We bought Ma's (Makings) house and moved into it Sept 24, 1945. Laura Lee took a beauty course under Fern Bacon. She graduated from High School May 1949- went to Anderson College.
I worked at the Army Air Base at McCook from Feb 21, 1944 to Dec 1945. Worked at George's Grocery from May 1946 to Feb 1947. Then at Jack's Cafe from Feb 1947 to Sept 1949.
Weaver and I went to Colorado with Grace and Verne that fall. Weaver died Feb 28, 1950. I took Grandma Harrison in April 1950-1951, Mrs. Smith June 1950 to Oct 28. She was a dear friend. I had bonded with her 3 years while teaching their school. She died in my home Oct 28, 1950. I took Mrs. Roose June 1951 to June 1952.
I went to North Carolina to be with Laura Lee. Paula was born Oct 15, 1952. I came home and took Mrs. Williams again Nov 20, 1952 to Oct 20, 1952. I went to Detroit Nov 5, 1953 to take care of Paula while Laura Lee worked in a Beauty Shoppe. Came home May 9, 1954. I sold my house Aug 31, 1954 and moved into Ball's house Sept 25. John Makings died Dec 12, 1954. I went to stay with Mabel awhile.
Laura Lee got sick and called me so I went to Royal Oak, Michigan April 4, 1955. Karen was born May 5. I went to Morrison Hall, Anderson College as house mother, Aug 31. Was there from 1955-spring of 1960. On June 25, 1958 I went to Portland Oregon, till July 9 then went to Nebraska. Bertha and Jeanne visited in Nebraska, and Colorado and took me home to Anderson. June 1959 I went to Glenn's until July 17. Lew and Faye went to Glenn's to see me.
I went to Indianapolis and took care of the girls while Laura Lee worked. Back to M. Hall again in Sept. Had to see Dr. Killey. Had a stomach ulcer. I retired in the spring of 1960 after camp meeting. Took S. Security and my widow's pension and went to Glenn's until June 1961. To Laura Lee's until 1962. Springs in the summer and to the coast with Raymond's. Visited Mattie's in Portland, Robert's and Lawrence's on the coast and Charlotte in Salem, Oregon. Went to Crescent City, California. Saw the ocean several times. I had seen it in 1924 when Weaver, Glenn and I went to Oregon for awhile.
Before this Lew died Sept 9, 1964. May 9, 1965 Kenneth's brought Faye down. Bernice's came after her in two weeks. I left for Indianapolis May 23, 1965. Took care of Genie McNay while Jene and Becky went to Europe. Went to Laura Lee's in Anderson until Aug 9. We went to Florida. Saw the Atlantic. Had fun on the beach. Went to Marine Land.
I got sick, Inner ear infection and stomach ulcer. Went to the hospital for 12 days. Doug and the girls went home and Laura Lee stayed at Burquist's. We flew to Indianapolis by jet. I started home again Sept 30, 1965 a ten day visit with Darlene. They took me to Kearney and Glenn's came ther after me Oct 10th.
Bernice Stock came after me May 25, 1966. We went to Trenton and Cornell cemeteries for Decoration.
I went to Colo. Springs Aug 21, 1966 home Oct. 2. Then went again Nov 27-Jan 8, 1967. I moved out to Colo. Springs to live in Faye's apt. Nov 5, 1967. In Nov 1968 I had more stomach ulcer trouble and was in Penrose Hospital several days. I went to Laura Lee's in Anderson by jet in spring of 1968. Went again in Feb 19, 1969. They were in Alexandria. Came home Mar 6, 1969. Oct 9, 1969 I went to Trenton by bus for Mary's funeral.
May 24, 1970 I flew to Indianapolis again. Was there for Paula's graduation and camp meeting. Flew home June 21, 1970. Went to Glenn's Dec 23, 1970 for Christmas.
July 24, 1971 Laura Lee's came to Colo. Springs and stayed all night. Went to Denver after services at South Gate. Came again July 30. Then I went with them to Estes Park July 31. We went up Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake, to Big Thompson Canyon. Up Mt. Evans on Aug 2, to Central City. Home Aug 3. They started home after lunch, Glenn's were there, too. Then I went to Oldhams in Aug 1972.
Paula and John were married May 4, 1974. I flew to D.C. April 22, 1973. Home a month later. Laura Lee flew out to Colo. Springs July 6, 1974 for my 2nd eye surgery. I went to hospital July 7, 1974. (right eye) Carol and Dale were married June 30, 1968. Greg was born Aug 17, 1970. Terry and Mary were married Aug 14, 1971. Machelle Makings born Dec 9, 1973. Timmy Styles born Aug 4, 1974. Aug 15, 1975 I had surgery at Penrose- 3rd time. Laura Lee came for 2 weeks.
I lived in Colo. Springs until May 1976. Faye sold the house. I had a yard sale and gave away stuff. Glenn's came after me the last of May 1976. I got sick in June, went to Perkins County Hospital. Ther was no room in Golden Oaks so I went to Indian Hills Manor, Ogallala, on July 20, 1976 till May 31, 1979. Came to Golden Oaks June 1, 1979.
While I was in Indian Hills Laura, Paul's, Karen, and Jamaica came in a van. We all went to North Platte, had pictures. They went on to Estes Park.
While at Indian Hills, 1977, I went to Hastings to Dr. Geiger for my left eye surgery. April 25 (I think) had cataract surgery. Stayed at Darlene's at Harvard. Laura Lee came for about a week. Dr. Geiger turned the care over to Dr. Yoew at Grant. Came home to Indian Hills on May 7, 1978. Maurice's birthday. Glenn's and Terry's came to Darlene's and I came home with them. Had my lens changed once. Eye was fine for maybe, 3 years, then gets dimmer all the time. I use 2 kinds of drops in it. In May 1981 I got sick, went to hospital here.
Sam Cemer died June 5, 1981. Carol's birthday. In June 1980 went to Nealeigh reunion in Trenton. Ben and Belena and Hulda and Bill have come to see me several times. Glenn's took me to Haremza family Thanksgiving dinner at Hulda's in Ovid, Colorado 1979 or 1980.
Laurene and Boyde came March 26, 1982 and again Sept 4, 1982. Inez, Buck and Charlotte came Oct 3, 1982. Charley and Ruth came after the 2 funerals (don't remember the day). (Carl & Clarence, Orval Oct 22, 1982.)
I have arthritis so use a wheel chair nearly all the time. 1983 I used a white cane, then a walker, now a wheel chair. Nov 10, 1983 I had something like a light stroke. Blood didn't get to part of my brain and suddenly I couldn't move my legs or arms. Dr. said it would improve with medication and time. It has some, but I'm so helpless.

I gave my heart to the Lord and was baptized by Rev. John Underhill in a little stream outdoors, in my early youth and altho I haven't done much or witnessed as I should I really trust Him. He answers my prayers and has blessed me so much. His daily blessings are countless.


Grace died Aug 23, 1989 in Grant Nebraska. She now lays beside her husband Weaver in the Trenton Cemetery, Trenton Nebraska.

They had the following children:

  M i Glen MAKINGS.
  F ii Laura Lee MAKINGS.

Eldie Harry PRATHER was born 16 May 1891 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 1965 in Yuma, Yuma, Colorado. Eldie married Ada Ruth MAKINGS on 20 Jul 1913 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Ada Ruth MAKINGS [Parents] was born 13 Apr 1891 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. She died 9 Sep 1967 in Yuma, Yuma, Colorado. Ada married Eldie Harry PRATHER on 20 Jul 1913 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  M i Truman Frank PRATHER was born 8 May 1914 and died 21 Oct 1978.
  M ii Harry Frank PRATHER was born 16 Apr 1916 and died 19 Apr 1993.
  F iii Velma Lucille PRATHER was born 27 Jan 1918.
  M iv Robert Glen PRATHER was born 1 Nov 1919.
  F v Hazel Maxine PRATHER was born 30 Jul 1921 and died 5 Jul 1983.
  M vi Lloyd Dean PRATHER was born 7 Apr 1923 in Trenton, Hitchcock, Nebraska. He died 25 Jul 1943 in Yuma, Yuma, Colorado.
  M vii Leo Chris PRATHER.
  F viii Leota Cristeen PRATHER was born 24 Feb 1926 and died 7 Aug 1986.
  M ix Ray Ira PRATHER.

John Franklin OWENS [Parents] was born 7 Mar 1888 in Burchard, Pawnee, Nebraska. He died 3 Aug 1965 in McCook, RedWillow, Nebraska. John married Bertha Mae MAKINGS on 14 Nov 1907 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Bertha Mae MAKINGS [Parents] was born 2 Jan 1888 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. She died 19 Apr 1957 in McCook, RedWillow, Nebraska. Bertha married John Franklin OWENS on 14 Nov 1907 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  F i Nila OWENS was born 1908.
  M ii Francis OWENS was born 27 Feb 1911 and died 6 Oct 1975.
  M iii Melvin Lloyd OWENS was born 21 Dec 1912 and died 5 Feb 1977.
  F iv Viola OWENS was born 29 Nov 1914.
  F v Iola OWENS was born 27 Aug 1917.
  M vi Wilbur OWENS.
  M vii John Franklin , Jr. OWENS was born UNKNOWN. He died 3 Jan 1989.

Joseph Franklin MAKINGS [Parents] was born 22 Mar 1885 in Butler, Bates, Missouri. He died 6 May 1956 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. Joseph married Nellie Mae PALMER on 30 Oct 1907 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Nellie Mae PALMER [Parents] was born 10 Jul 1889 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. She died 11 Sep 1980 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. Nellie married Joseph Franklin MAKINGS on 30 Oct 1907 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  F i Nelma Viola MAKINGS was born 1 Dec 1908.
  M ii Charles Henry MAKINGS was born 26 Jul 1911 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 28 Jul 1911 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.
  F iii Ida Anzella MAKINGS was born 16 Apr 1913 and died 28 Jul 1980.
  M iv Leslie Frank MAKINGS was born 1 Jan 1915.
  F v Effie Irene MAKINGS was born 18 Dec 1916 and died 3 Mar 1992.
  M vi Roy William MAKINGS was born 21 Aug 1918 in Ludell, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 30 Jun 1985 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.
  F vii Mary Lucille MAKINGS.
  M viii Clifford Oliver MAKINGS was born 16 Jan 1924 and died 18 May 1993.
  M ix Dale Palmer MAKINGS.

Lavern PENNELL [Parents] was born 16 Mar 1899 in Driftwood, Hitchcock, Nebraska. He died 17 Oct 1980 in Colorado Springs, El Paso, Colorado. Lavern married Grace Iona MAKINGS on 7 Sep 1921 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Grace Iona MAKINGS [Parents] was born 28 Feb 1898 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. She died 19 Feb 1975 in Trenton, Hitchcock, Nebraska. Grace married Lavern PENNELL on 7 Sep 1921 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  F i Alvena PENNELL.
  F ii Beulah PENNELL.

John Oren MAKINGS [Parents] was born 28 Jan 1901 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 12 Dec 1954 in McCook, RedWillow, Nebraska. John married Mable Jane MARIETTA on 30 Jan 1926 in Colby, Thomas, Kansas.

Mable Jane MARIETTA [Parents] was born 22 Jan 1910 in Colby, Thomas, Kansas. She died 20 Aug 1975 in Bowdle, South Dakota. Mable married John Oren MAKINGS on 30 Jan 1926 in Colby, Thomas, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  M i Marvin C. MAKINGS was born 14 Apr 1927. He died 24 Jun 1962.
  F ii Lois MAKINGS.
  M iii Richard D. MAKINGS.

Ray MAKINGS [Parents] was born 2 Apr 1903 in Driftwood, Rawlins, Kansas. He died 31 Mar 1957 in Idaho. Ray married Martha Ellen MARIETTA on 30 Jan 1926 in Colby, Thomas, Kansas.

Martha Ellen MARIETTA [Parents] was born 21 Feb 1908 in Colby, Thomas, Kansas. She married Ray MAKINGS on 30 Jan 1926 in Colby, Thomas, Kansas.


Robert Henry PALMER [Parents] was born 28 Sep 1866 in Cass, Nebraska. He died 8 May 1965 in Rawlins, Kansas. Robert married Ida Lucinda STERNS on 18 Oct 1888 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

Ida Lucinda STERNS was born 26 Nov 1873 in Rochelle, Lee, Illinois. She died 3 May 1948 in Denver, Colorado. Ida married Robert Henry PALMER on 18 Oct 1888 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.

They had the following children:

  F i Nellie Mae PALMER was born 10 Jul 1889 and died 11 Sep 1980.
  F ii Ellie Verena PALMER was born Feb 1891. She died UNKNOWN.
  M iii James Roy PALMER was born 9 Apr 1892. He died UNKNOWN.
  F iv Grace Mable PALMER was born 26 Dec 1894. She died UNKNOWN.
  M v Frank Harvey PALMER was born 1 Apr 1896. He died UNKNOWN.
  M vi Clyde Glen PALMER was born 19 Feb 1899. He died UNKNOWN.
  F vii Blanche Agnes PALMER was born 3 Mar 1902.
  M viii Carl Gerald PALMER was born 1904.
  F ix Retta Amande PALMER.

Robert Cassens REID was born 26 Jan 1899 in Liberty, Gage, Nebraska. He died 23 Oct 1949 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. Robert married Nelma Viola MAKINGS on 5 Jan 1930 in Goodland, Sherman, Kansas.

Nelma Viola MAKINGS [Parents] was born 1 Dec 1908 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. She married Robert Cassens REID on 5 Jan 1930 in Goodland, Sherman, Kansas.

Other marriages:
LAVELL, Minor

They had the following children:

  F i Charlotte Mae REID was born 10 Dec 1930 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas. She died 22 Mar 1931 in Atwood, Rawlins, Kansas.
  M ii Robert Duane REID.
  M iii Carroll George REID was born 18 Jan 1937 and died 10 Dec 1973.
  M iv James Dean REID.

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