Bridget Shane and the Supreme Court of Iowa

Since I’m not a lawyer this lawsuit and its eventual appearance in the Iowa Supreme Court are somewhat baffling to me.  However, after reading the text for the 100th time (give or take a little) it seems to me that the situation is this:  when Robert and Bridget Shane  separated, Robert divided his property with her, and subsequently provided title to another person… in this case Mr. McNeill.  Here’s some of the text:

So…. Bridget was asserting her right to a portion of the property division when she and Robert separated, because she had never given up her right to it.

It’s amazed me to find an ancestor’s case referred to over and over again in law journals, in this case “Reports of Cases in Law and Equity, Determined in the Supreme Court of Iowa” page 459.  It must have been important enough to be referred to in later cases as citation for a decision.

I believe Bridget prevailed in her lawsuit (which is dated in 1889): She owned 200 acres of land at the time of her death.

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, February 5, 2010, All Rights Reserved

Bridget Shane Handwriting Analysis

Recently I asked Paula Sassi to analyze the handwriting of my great-grandmother, Bridget (Hogan) Shane.  Here’s a sample and Paula’s conclusions:

Bridget Shane’s handwriting sample.

“Bridget Shane’s handwriting shows that she was a quiet and somewhat stressed individual.  As the widowed Mother of eight children she carried a heavy burden and this is evident in the flattened form of her signature. She may have felt she was carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.  There are signs of depression in the first signature, but she could also rise to the occasion if something needed to be said. Her first name is written larger than her last since she is now on her own without the help of her husband.  Her narrow, retraced “g” loop indicates that she may have been selective in her relationships and perhaps did not venture far from the confines of her own family.  Although she could feel crushed by the responsibilities in her life, the small, almost indistinguishable hook at the end of her name, gives evidence of her tenacity to hold on to and care for her family.

From these indicators we can infer that she was a quiet woman with few connections outside of her family which was probably of her own choosing.  She most likely sublimated her own needs to that of her children and tried hard to meet her responsibilities even though the pressures of life caused her some anxiety and depression.”

Since my great-grandmother died in 1896 I have little to go on besides documents left behind, and now this analysis by Paula Sassi which I treasure.

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, February 3, 2010, All Rights Reserved.

Robert Shane Probate File

Good Evening,

The probate file for Robert Shane contains 46 pages, all hand written.  So rather than post them all I put up a few and try to explain a bit about what was going on and hopefully point out the “real” story behind the documents.

Robert Shane and his wife Bridget were separated at the time of his death, in fact as I mentioned in an earlier post he was living in a house next door to the family when the 1880 U.S. Census enumeration was taken.  According to the probate records and article about his death, Robert had divided the property with Bridget at the time of their separation.  In a later post I’ll outline what happened because of the property division including the legal action that was brought.

Robert did have some assets in addition to the farm:

This document tells us that Robert had a silver watch and keychain valued at $30.00, a trunk valued at $1.00, a suit of clothes (much worn) valued at $5.00 and property valued at $4.75.  Not significant by today’s standards, however $36.25 today would have a value of about $825.00 based on the CPI inflation factors.  And then there were bank accounts:

Robert’s bank account balances totaling $5,132.50 would be worth about $116,198.00 in today’s economy, again based on the CPI.  Then there was the property:

This map is intriguing as it shows property that comes into an ownership dispute.  And as a side note, the Shanes had bought and sold several properties in Iowa during their residency, including Robert’s initial land patent purchase of 95.92 acres in 1855 and Mary (Shean’s) 1858 sale of a property in Section 31 of Township 87 to Dennis Shean.  Mary is presumed to be the Mother of Robert Shane, Dennis Shean and Daniel Shehan. Note: Shean, Shehan and Shane are all variants of the same name, Sheehan in Ireland.

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Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, February 3, 2010, All Rights Reserved

Robert Shane in America

Robert Shane’s life seems shrouded in mystery and contradiction. Most ancestors I’ve written about have conveniently left pictures or writings, but except for one picture presumed to be Robert I really have nothing except the rather sparse records.  Here then, from census, probate and other documents is what I’ve learned about my Great-grandfather after he arrived in America….

Robert’s story begins in County Limerick Ireland, where he was born somewhere between 1818 and 1824.  The 1850 U.S. Census is the first place where I located Robert and  he was at that time living in Delaware County, Iowa. On that record Robert (age 27) is enumerated with Mary, (age 50) and Daniel, (age 23).  The surname is spelled “Shahan.”  Robert’s sister Johanna (Shane) Quirk was enumerated with her husband and children on the property next to Robert, and in 1850 her age is listed as 31 years.  Moving on to the 1856 Iowa State Census we find Robert and Mary  enumerated with  Dennis Shehan age 34. If we take these census records at face value we find:

Mary Shahan (presumed to be the Mother of Robert, Daniel and Dennis) , born c.1796.

Robert Shahan born c. 1818.

Johanna (Shane) Quirk born c. 1819.

Dennis Shehan born c. 1822.

Daniel Shahan born c. 1827

All were born in Ireland.

Note: There are some discrepancies in the census records so the above dates  are estimates, but I think they’re close.

Robert emigrated to America sometime prior to 1850 when he’s first enumerated on the Federal Census mentioned above.  Mary, his (presumed) Mother is buried in St. Martin’s Cemetery, Cascade, Dubuque County, Iowa in the same area as her daughter Johanna (Shane) Quirk, the date of her death comes from her grave stone as recorded by Richard Casey.

Robert married Bridget Hogan on September 3, 1858 in Jones County, Iowa which is just to the south of Delaware County. Their first child, Mary was born in 1860 according to the 1860 Federal Census for South Fork Township, Delaware County Iowa.  Sadly, little Mary died at the age of two months of “lung fever” a very sad event to be sure. Her death is recorded on the 1860 Federal Census Mortality Table for South Fork. Bridget and Robert were also parents to Elizabeth (Lizzie), Robert N.,  James, Mary, Michael Joseph (Joe), Johanna, Agnes Frances and John.  I’ve included biographical sketches for several of these people on the site.

“The History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present” published in 1910 states that in 1868 a Roman Catholic parish was founded in Monticello and Robert Shane is listed among heads of families who were instrumental in establishing the parish.

In 1855 Robert purchased 95.92 acres of land in Jones County and proceeded to farm there. The text of the patent describes the property this way:  The South East quarter of the North West fractional quarter, and the West fractional half, of the North West quarter of Section Six, in Township Eighty Six, North of Range Four, West in the District of Lands subject to sale at Dubuque Iowa, containing Ninety Five acres, and Ninety Two hundredths of an acre.

Robert later purchased land in Delaware County in Township 87 North, Range 31 West. After Robert’s death this property became the object of a legal challenge involving Bridget Shane, and the case eventually made its way to the Iowa Supreme Court.  But that’s getting ahead of the story……

Even though Robert and Bridget Shane had a large family together it seems there were difficulties in their marriage, and on the 1880 U.S. Census Robert is enumerated separately from the rest of the family, living on the property next door to Bridget. Both Bridget and Robert are listed as  Farmers. According to the article about Robert’s death he had divided the farm with his wife “on the occasion of their separation.”  Herein lie the seeds of the legal challenge and I’ll write about that in a future post.

Robert Shane died September 24,1884.

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, February 1, 2010, All Rights Reserved.

Shane Family Pictures

I’ve just finished putting together a picture gallery of Shane Family pictures… it includes 21 photos, some old, some new.  In order to access the gallery, click on and  open the
http://gallery.me.com/susaned Shane Gallery.  Enjoy!

Sue

Obituary, Bridget (Hogan) Shane

The remains of Mrs. Robert Shane, a former resident of this vicinity who died at her home in Cedar Rapids last Saturday night, were brought to this place last Tuesday morning for interment. The funeral was held at the Church of the Sacred Heart,  Tuesday morning at ten o’clock and the funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Father McCormick.  The maiden name of the deceased was Bridget Hogan.  She was born at Queenstown, Ireland, and came to this country and to this vicinity when eighteen years of age.  About the year 1860 she was united in marriage to Mr. Robert Shane, who died some years ago.  She was for about thirty-five years a resident of Bowen’s Prairie, but during the last few years of her life she had made her home at Manchester, Emmetsburg and Cedar Rapids.  She had resided at the latter place about a year at the time of her death.  The deceased was fifty-five years of age, and is survived by nine children, the youngest of whom is eighteen years old.  All of the children but one were present at the funeral.

SOURCE: Monticello Express, 30 January, 1896

* corrections:  (1) Bridget Hogan and Robert Shane were married September 3, 1858 Source: marriage register, Jones County, Iowa; (2) Bridget Shane was 56 years old at the time of her death.  Source: Death Certificate for Bridget Shane, Linn County, Iowa.

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls Washington, January 4, 2010.  All Rights Reserved.

Michael Joseph “Joe” Shane

Joe Shane was the fifth child of Bridget Hogan and Robert Shane. Records indicate a birth year of anywhere from 1861 to 1870 depending on the source.  When he was just young man, Joe went off to find his fortune and ended up in Butte, Montana employed as a miner for many years.  But in 1898 the Spanish American War was under way, and the brave young men of Butte responded to the call….. among them was Joe Shane.  Joe was a member of  Company B, 1st Montana Infantry. A news account of the unit states:

” It was in the spring of ‘98 that the First Regiment was called out by Gov. Joseph K. Toole and quickly, by voluntary enlistment raised to war strength of 50 officers and 1,019 me.  Butte provided more than its share of volunteers.

This regiment went to the Philippines and served there throughout the war, being 18 months in the service. …..

After successfully repulsing an attack of insurgents on San Fernando, the regiment, in August, 1899, boarded two transports and a month later reached San Francisco.  The formal mustering-out occurred Oct. 17th.  Six days later the regiment was welcomed in Butte, and for the last time, was drawn up here in regimental formation.  Each officer and enlisted man was presented here with a medal bestowed by a grateful state as the band payed, “When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again.”….”

This picture was taken on the unit’s return from Manila.

Although the soldiers aren’t identified, the second man from the right, front row looks very like a “Shane.”

1st Montana Volunteer Infantry Medal

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After the war Joe Shane was employed by the Butte police department, but eventually he was “released” according to this article in the Anaconda Standard, November 11, 1914:

SHANE IS RELEASED.

Joe Shane, a former member of the Butte police department, has been released upon a charge of creating a disturbance election night.  He denied striking “Big Mike” Sullivan, a democratic committeeman, and said that he only told Sullivan what he thought of him.

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Michael Joseph “Joe” Shane died May 17, 1916 in the SilverBow County Hospital of Pulmonary Tuberculosis of the right lung. His obituary reads:

SPANISH WAR VETERAN DIES OF TUBERCULOSIS

Joseph M. Shane, a veteran of the Spanish-American War and for many years a resident of Butte, died yesterday afternoon at a local hospital of tuberculosis. He was 45 years old, a native of Iowa.  He will be buried Saturday  by his comrades in their plot in the Catholic cemetery.

Mr. Shane served as a private in company D first Montana Regiment, and was in service in the Philippine Islands. Returning to Butte he was appointed a member of the police force by Mayor McCarthy and was driver of the patrol wagon. Later he was employed in the mines, his last work being on the surface at the Colorado. He was not married.

**Couple of errors:  according to the death certificate Joseph Shane was 55 years old when he died; his service was in Company B, not Company D

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, January 1, 2010, All rights reserved.

Robert Shane Handwriting Analysis

Good Evening,

Recently I asked Paula Sassi, Certified Master Graphologist to analyze the handwriting of my Paternal Grandfather, Robert N. Shane.  I had only a limited sample, a signature on the probate record for his Mother, Bridget (Hogan) Shane who died in 1896.  Even with such a small  sample Paula was able to provide fascinating insights on Robert, and since I never knew him it gave me a better understanding of his personality traits and how he interacted with his world.  Here’s the sample and Paula’s analysis:

“The following handwriting analysis is based upon the signature of your paternal grandfather, Robert N. Shane.  The signature represents the public self image of the writer or how he wants to project himself to the outside world.

Robert Shane’s signature indicates that he was a down-to-earth individual who had a moderate degree of self confidence.  As the oldest son in the family, he was willing to take on responsibility for others.  His t-cross shows that he could be domineering and willing to take charge when necessary.  His a’s and o’s show that he was discreet in his communications and could even withhold information if he felt that it was not necessary to reveal certain points.  He could be logical and quick minded and was responsive and somewhat extroverted, but anxiety and skepticism may have held him back from being too overtly open to others.  He writes his first name larger than his last indicating that he saw himself as an independent individual.  The loss of his father may also be the reason that his last name is not written as large or as clearly as his first name.  The ending stroke of the “e” also shows that he was feeling sad and depressed at the time of this signing which is not surprising due to the nature of the document.

From these indicators, we can infer that he was a responsible individual who most likely assumed leadership as the oldest male child.  He had a dominant nature, but probably was not harsh or overly requiring.  He kept his secrets and used common sense to get him through life.

Respectfully submitted

Paula A. Sassi, Certified Master Graphologist”

If you’re at the point where you’re interested in finding out about an ancestor’s personality traits I’d highly recommend that you contact Paula Sassi at her website or via Email at hci@hotmail.com.  You’ll benefit by what you learn and might have a surprise or two in the process!

*Analysis reprinted with the permission of Paula Sassi, Certified Master Graphologist

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, WA, 98252  December 28, 2009, All Rights Reserved.

The Treasures

Good Evening,

My sister Pat gave me a wonderful gift the other day:  Two books that belonged to our dad, Frank Shane.  The books were stored in an old trunk that was shipped from Iowa to Portland, Oregon, probably when my dad’s aunts moved there in the early 1900’s.  I’ll post a picture of the trunk one of these days.  Anyway, I didn’t know these books existed so am excited and honored to have them.  The books are “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriett Beecher-Stowe with a publication date of 1897,, and “The Christmas Fairy” by John Strange Winter with a publication date of 1900.  ”The Christmas Fairy” book also contains “Not Quite True” by Mrs. Molesworth, and “In the Chimney Corner” by Frances E. Crompton.  According to Google Books “The Christmas Fairy” book is now out of copyright.

“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is in pretty tough condition but contains “over 100 illustrations from Original drawings by celebrated artists” so it’ll be fun to share some of those illustrations in future posts. But tonight the post will be about “The Christmas Fairy”

According to Wikipedia, John Strange Winter was a pen name for English novelist Henrietta Eliza Vaughn Stannard, born January 13, 1856 in York.

“Henrietta was the daughter of Reverend H. V. Palmer, rector of St. Margaret’s, York and wrote fiction for magazines, producing sentimental stories, chiefly of army life. Two of these, “Booties Baby” and “Hoe-p-la” which appeared originally in “The Graphic” in 1885 established her reputation and she became a prolific novelist, producing some sixty other light and amusing books, the best of which deal with military life.  An indefatigable journalist on matters affecting women, she was the first president of  The Writer’s Club (1892) and presided from 1901 to 1903 over the Society of Women Journalists. In 1884 she married Arthur Stannard, a civil engineer.”

Dad’s copy of  ”The Christmas Fairy” bears an inscription “Frank from Raymond” so most likely was a gift to dad from his cousin, Raymond Samels. I’m not convinced that Raymond actually wrote the inscription as it appears to be adult handwriting and this is definitely a child’s book. Dad later added his own name and address to the same page.

The story deals with two boys in a boarding school who are unable to return to their homes for the Christmas Holiday and are very sad about it.  But they’re eventually “rescued” by the Aunt of one of the boys and so will have their holiday after all.

I’m sure this was a book that a youngster would have enjoyed, and dad and his family lived in for a time in Minneapolis where his Samels cousins lived as children, so might this have been a Christmas gift during the time the Shanes lived in Minneapolis?   Or perhaps it was a farewell present, or it might have been mailed to dad later after the Shanes moved to Oregon.  We’ll never know the answer, but I’m grateful to my sister for the gift of this lovely little book and the knowledge that our dad must have treasured it.

**P.S.  In some recent communications with Paula Sassi, she indicated that the signature on the first page of the book “Frank from Raymond” might have actually been written by a young person as they did  more teaching of handwriting in those years.  SJE

Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington, December 13, 2009.  All Rights Reserved.

Photographs are the sole property of Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, Washington

The Ice Castle

Just as soon as Evelyn announced the prompt for this month’s postcard, I thought of this one I inherited from my mom’s things.  It’s   a picture of an ice castle  built in Bemidji, Minnesota in January of 1932 for the Bemidji Winter Sports Carnival.  Just the perfect card, thought I…. then looked at the back and found, much to my chagrin,  that it’s not a postcard at all, but only a picture!  So Evelyn you need not post this, but I wanted you to have a look at it anyway….  it could have become a beautiful  postcard don’t you think?

Written for the Carnival of Postcards, December 13, 2009.  Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, WA.  All rights reserved.

Picture is the sole property of Susan J. Edminster, Granite Falls, WA