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Jane Augusta Bothwell
- known as Jennie
1855 - 1929
Illinois - Nebraska - Oregon
Jane Augusta and her twin, great grandfather James Augustus, were born September 26, 1855 in Albany, Whiteside County, Illinois.
Jennie was with her parents for the 1860 and 1870 Federal censuses and for the 1865 Illinois Census. She went out to Nebraska at some time in the 1870s - there was a lot of traveling back and forth, so the exact time she settled there is not known. In 1875 she married.
1875 Nov 28 - married WA Bratney - Book A Page 11 #120
Wm A Bratney Jennie Bothwell
resides Fairmont Ne Glengary Ne
age 24 21
b. Sangamon Co, Il Whiteside Co, Il
father Earlem Bratney Jeremiah Bothwell
mother Mary Bushfield Sarah Bates
by DS Robinson, JP in Glengary
in bride's mother's home
witnesses: James Bothwell
Nettie Niblack
The witness James Bothwell was her brother (presumably); Nettie Niblack was possibly a cousin of the woman her brother David was to marry four years later. (Stella McManus’s mother’s name was Julia Niblack.)
William Andrew Bratney was born in 1851; most of his family was wiped out in 1855 in a typhoid epidemic and he was raised by his mother’s people. He enrolled in a trade school in Lexington, Kentucky and learned blacksmithing. In 1871-72 he graduated from the trade school and went back to Illinois to look for work in the Springfield and Bloomington areas. On May 2, 1872 he wrote to his brother George that he had established himself as a blacksmith in New Berlin - but he lost interest in it, and in 1874 he moved out to Fairmont, Nebraska (his brother was by then living in York, Nebraska). First he worked as a clerk in a general store, then he went into the real estate and abstract business (with a lawyer, JW Eller). Since the Bothwells were so fond of real estate deals, he might very well have run into them in this capacity. In any event, he met Jennie and married her in 1875.
Their first child, Nella May, was born in Fairmont on October 8, 1876. In 1877 W.A. (I’m not sure what he was called - at one point young Jeremiah refers to him as Andy) headed for the Black Hills, to look for gold. Other miners got discouraged and returned home, but W.A. stuck it out - because he hoped to make enough to pay off some debts he hadn’t told Jennie about. (She found out about them from overhearing gossip in the street, which must have made for some interesting conversations between her and her relatively new husband when he returned.) W.A. finally returned to Nebraska in the fall. He seems to have been one of those eternally hopeful people - like his brothers-in-law Benjamin and Jeremiah (like Laura Ingalls’s Pa) - always starting over, always looking for the next good thing.
They had another daughter, Lulu Belle in 1878 (Nov 2) - they were still in Fairmont at the time.
They moved to Beaver City in time for the 1880 census . . .
1880 - Nebraska - Furnas - Beaver City - SD1, ED22, p. 1 stamp 677 - 7 June - line 28 7-8
Bratney, William A wm29 head keeps a restaurant Il Tn Ind
Jennie A wf26 wife keeping house Il Ire Ire
Nellie M wf3 daughter Neb Il Il
Lula B wf2 daughter Neb Il Il
. . . and their next daughter, Irvilla Maud was born in Beaver City on April 3, 1881. In 1882, they were in Hastings (Adams County) and W.A. was working as a blacksmith. Inez Grace was born there in 1883 (July 27). Their daughter Lulu died 3 May 1884 and is buried in the Hastings (now Highland Park) Cemetery.
In 1885, W.A. wrote to his brother that he had been working in a restaurant/bakery for a year and a half, and he is listed as a clerk in the next few Hastings City Directories.
1886 clerk (no store listed)
1888 clerk, Jacob Fisher (a restaurant and bakery)
Their son Earlem James was born June 1, 1886, and Elgin Floyd, their last child, was born May 18, 1888. (Jennie’s twin James named his two sons Earl Verne and Floyd .) Earlem was WA’s father’s name.
Jennie’s mother died one month after Elgin was born, on June 18, 1888. She was living with Jennie and W.A. at the time of her death, and was buried in the Hastings Cemetery, in the same plot with little Lulu.
W.A. apparently had trouble finding decent work. In 1889, he was in Denver, working as a porter in McGrew's Hotel for $20/mo. He stayed in Denver, lonely and despondent (according to letters) and finally returned home in May or June. In 1891, according to the Hastings City Directory, he was a clerk in the Shirley deli. In 1892, Jennie apparently wrote to brother Jeremiah, who ran a grocery store in Ottumwa, Iowa, about a job, but Jeremiah turned them down.
Ottumwa, IA 5/10 1892
Dear sister & brother
We received your welcome letter a few days ago and were glad to hear from you. We are well hope you are all well. You spoke of WA getting a position with me. I wish I could give him employment but I am not situated so I can at present. I have a man who has been with me for a long time and given entire satisfaction and that is all I hire. There has been three months continuous Rain Rain Rain here and things look very gloomy. there is no business here at all. Hope Andy will not be out of employment long. I know he is a good man. We are already taking a copy to the that is thoroughly drummed here (over)
so it seems as though I am not in it this time. how is Ben getting along. I often think of all the difficulties and diferent names he is forced to use and yet will insist in doing business. I never hear from David JA and I correspond occasionally. I suppose you know Mamie's mother died in Feb I can't think of anything of importance Mamie sends her love Write soon
Bro JW Bothwell
In 1893, W.A. was back with Jacob Fisher (unless, of course, Jacob Fisher was the one who owned the Shirley Deli).
In January 1898, W.A. was working as a candy maker, but later on that year (May) he was working in Omaha. In the 1899 City Directory, he was listed as simply a laborer. He died September 1, 1899, and was buried in the Hastings Cemetery in the same plot with his daughter Lulu and his mother-in-law, Sarah Bates Bothwell.
The Old Hastings Cemetery is now a pleasant park in the center of town - there are actually only a few gravestones scattered around. The lettering on this stone is quite faded. Lulu's stone is the little one lying down to the right. Mother-in-law Sarah Bates Bothwell's stone was to the left.
Hastings Republican, 2 Sept., 1899 (p. 5):
"It is with extreme regret the REPUBLICAN chronicles the death of W.A. Bratney, which occurred at the family home, 220 South Minnesota avenue, at 7 o'clock last evening. Mr. Bratney was taken ill bout seven weeks ago with an acute attack of typhoid fever. The fore part of last week it was thought that a change had taken place for the better, but he suffered a relapse and grew steadily worse until the end. Mr. Bratney was a good citizen of exemplary habits and character. He and his excellent family are highly esteemed in this community.
"William Andrew Bratney was born at New Berlin, Illinois, January 17, 1851, died September 1st, 1899. Removed to Nebraska in 1875. He has been a resident of Hastings for the past 17 years. He has been a consistent member of the Baptist church, uniting with this denomination in 1885. He was a member in good standing of the Ancient Order of United Workmen and also of the Fraternal Aid Association. He carried a life insurance policy of $2000 in the former and a $1000 policy in the latter. Both of these fraternities will officiate at the funeral services to be held at the Baptist church Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.
"Deceased leaves a wife and five children, three daughters and two sons, to mourn his death.
"The A.O.U.W. has been requested to assume full charge of the funeral ceremonies."
Jennie and the children stayed in Hastings for about 10 years after W.A. died, long enough for all the children to finish their schooling.
1900 Nebraska - Adams - Hastings 4wd Im 7 p. 124 (SD5, ED 12 Sheet 4) taken 4 June
W. 5th or 6th St 104 - 89-103
Bratney, Jennie head wf Sep 1855 46 wid. 6ch/5liv Il Ire Ire
Nellie M dau Oct 1877 22s
Irvilla M Apr 1881 19
Inez G July 1884 15
Erlem J June 1885 14
Elgin F May 1888 12 - all Neb Il Il
Bronillette, Ernest M lodger Nov 1876 Oh, Can(Fr) Can (Fr)
Graduates of Hastings High School
1897 - Nellie Bratney
1906 - Erlem Bratney
1907 - Elgin Bratney
Burton, William R and David J Lewis, eds. Past and Present of Adams Co, Nebraska. (Chicago : SJ Clarke Publishing Co, 1916), p 134, 136.
Jennie and James seem to have been particularly close, and he was always sending things for her to sign, and advising her on land deals; I think they looked out for each other.
1888 Apr 3 Strang Neb
Dr Brother
Yours of the 31inst and also the 3rd ult at hand and will say in regard the first, that I just saw the man a few minutes here and made no bargain with him but told him he might see you forks in regards it. but I am willing if you think it best we can do for the money to buy it. I notice he wants Parity? or bring to finish foundation stone which I trenched? and made commplete in place. the recept are all right. you need not mind in regard rev Jones recept don’t think we can go up there the 7th but may if we can get rate-exemption. We are all well except baby has been having summer? complaints some but not bad hope Jennie is better you said she was not well write
yours truly JABothwell
PS Ben has sold his interest in Ma? [Ma’s?] land. tell Jennie not to make any bargains until she lets me know.
1888 Strang Nebr Oct 4th 1888
Dear sister
Your letter received and in regard to mothers monument I think as you said “Our Mother” Sarah Bothwell died June 18th 1888 age 72 year or what her age is as I do not know would be better than what is and I think there would be time yet. Will you attend it. have just what you think best and send to Des Moines I will be ___ We did not go on our visit as I put in coal and have been busy besides took I could raise on that business. baby is well but Sadie is not very. Sorry you are having such a time with sickness hope this will find you better. I write this in a hurry so excuse rush
Yours
James
1888 letter from JA
Strang Nebr Nov 27 1888
Dear sister
I thought I would write you a few lines today. Well on opposite side of this sheet you will see statement of affairs as they now stand. The corn has not been sold yet as soon as it is I will pay your Ballinc (balance?) your due $30. is it not. the corn is gathered and I ordered it sold at once but if you are in need of money I will advance it but as you can see I am now behind Well (crossed out) is poor mother’s monument up yet?
Sadie and myself went back to Iowa in October & stayed (crossed out) she stayed one week I stayed two days We did not go to JWB I presume you know they had another child it was born the 7th inst and died next and he was feeling bad over it and Mariam was sick when he wrote. I wrote him before we went to Iowa that we might call on them & he wrote conditions so of course we didn’t go see them Hope you are all well we are baby is walking some and is much better. I believe I wrote you about her being sick with lung fever
your brother
JA
back is JA Bothwell administrator in account with estate of Sarah Bothwell deceased
1889 letter from JA - Ohiowa Nebr - Oct 4th 1889
Dear sister
Enclosed you will find deeds to the farms for signature. you will notice the consideration is for $200 which we made that way so Will Thomas could get better loan if he wished on the land but he really is to pay $1500 less the ninty? of 800 now on the Place. David say he is about to sell the house in Tobias at $550. I asked him to pay me back the taxes on it which he did. so you have got the taxes out of it for cost? and I sold our share of the rent on land to Will Thomas for note of $180 due Jan 1st and sold the note for $125 which is which is to divid? to us four. less the taxes for 1888 $8.75 and interest I pais in money $10.50 leaving $105.75 or $26.40 to your share above taxes and interest. as you probably know the ninty is $300 @ &% payable in May and Nov 1st there will be interest due in Nov again I enclose you Draft for your share. I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I have not determined what I will do yet
Your brother
JABothwell
1895 May 8 - letter from JA - Bruning Neb
Dear sister
I will write you today I have been threatening to for a week I guess We are having awful nice weather here now I never seen crops look better than they do now abound Bruning. We have been having nice rains here how is it as Hastings I hope Nebraska in general will have a good this year. I went down to Tobias Sunday & Dave shows me a paper from Savana with an account of death of Uncle John & Aunt Margaret. Did you know they were dead. Uncle John died March 15 and Aunt Margaret the 22. just one week after that. Leaves Pa almost alone doesn’t it (over)
I feel sorry for him as I know he must feel very lonesome now. I haven’t heard from him since in Jany or Febr. he wrote me then that the Party holding mortgage was about to commence foreclosure on the &800 mortgage but I wrote him I could not do any thing now as I had all I possible carry over our self until fall & if then had a good crops here I could then do something & he could get a stay of 1 year and the end of stay I would buy it if it went cheap and if it sold for about all it was worth he better let it go and take the money & use it himself but I got no answer from him. how are all the children and is WA still working for Fisher business has been better with us than usual for Past 30 day our deposits has increased over 25% at least will ___ hurried? close. Write soon & tell Edith to write me. I enclose draft for $8.00
Your brother James
Whenever you need your money I owe you just let me know & I will send it to you & indeed? to forget in my last letter to mention this & thought you might need it as you spoke about ____ interest money
1901 Mar 11 letter from JA - German Bank/ Bruning Neb
Dear sister
I herewith enclose you a release of Seneca & Clark Loan of $200 which sign before a Notary Public & return soon as convenient as it has to be recorded I collected 1 years interest bring to Sep 4 next on this & he ? too I enclose you statement
[then follows an accounting - at the end he mentions that Edith wrote]
Not long after her children graduated from high school, Jennie and most of her family moved west. James seems to have moved out to Oregon first; in 1907 he was acting as a real estate agent in Medford. Jennie had bought a 30-acre orchard there, as an investment (on James’s advice?), and that year (1907), her son Earlem went west to check it out. He apparently liked it a lot - in 1909 Jennie wrote that Erlem & Grace had been in Oregon for more than a year, and that she was selling everything in Hastings and was preparing to join them in April. In 1910, Estella, James’s wife, made a land claim for three parcels, totalling 160 acres, in Jackson County (which is where Medford is), but James and Estella and family had moved to Los Angeles in time for the 1910 census, and remained there for the rest of their lives. Jennie was in Oregon by 1910, and she stayed there.
1910 Washington - Jackson - S. Medford Image 7 p. 254a (SD1, ED397, Sheet 1a line 45
Bratney, Erlem J head mw 28 s Neb Ky Il farmer
Jennie A mother 55 wd Il Scot-Eng Ire-Eng
Grace I sister 25
Elgin F brother 21
Maud was living in Lincoln at the time
1910 Nebraska - Lancaster - Lincoln 2wd - Image 13 p. 78a (SD1, ED55, Sheet 12a) -1020 G St
Bratney, Isrilla M lodger fw 29s office work state house
I don’t know where Nellie was.
In 1913, two of the children got married - Elgin to Birdie Smith and Maud to Scott Begnol.
1913 May 1 - Elgin F. Bratney, 21, m Byrde Smith, 18. Medford, Ore
1913 Oct 8- Maud Bratney, 18, m Scott K. Beghtol, 21, of Douglas Nebraska
at the home of Mrs Jane A Bratney. There was a Baptist minister.
Earlem Bratney & James A Bothwell were witnesses - Medford, Ore
The ages are all wrong here - Elgin was b. 1888, so he was 24 or 25, and Maud (b. 1881) was actually 32.
In 1915, Earlem got married.
1915 Mar 13 - Earlem Bratney of Jackson, Ore, m. Bertha May Pierce
The minister was of the Christian Church.
at home of C.H. Pierce.
witnesses Grace Bratney, Clarence C. Pierce. Medford, Ore
Bertha was born in Kansas July 24, 1890; her father's name was Pierce, her mother's maiden name Myers.
In 1920, Jennie was in Portland - a boarder with William Robinson.
1920 Oregon, Multnomah, Portland - Vol 20 ED 74 Sheet 11 Line 20
Jennie Brahtney 64 Ils/ rooming with Wm Robinson
Elgin was also in Portland (he is indexed as Elfin Bradney), but I haven’t been able to find the other children - and considering the indexing, I’m not too surprised.
1920 Oregon, Multnomah, Portland - Vol 20 ED 85 Sheet 9 Line 68
Elgin F Bratney 32 Neb US Il
Birdie B 32 Ky WV Ky
Ruth L 16 Mo
Robt E 5 Ore
In 1920, Jennie’s brother Benjamin was in Oregon as well - he owned a chicken farm - but it is not clear how long he stayed there.
Jennie got (at least) two letters from brother Jeremiah in the 20s. He does not seem to have had a very happy life. In one letter, he is apologizing for not returning some money he borrowed from her sooner; in another he is sending her something of their mother’s which he had and she wanted. The Bratneys had saved many old letters, and they also had scraps of Sarah Bates Bothwell’s diary - I wonder if that was what Jeremiah sent.
Jennie died April 30, 1929 in Portland (death cert. #1416).
The Hastings Tribune of 16 May 1929 (p. 10) carried a brief item on Jennie's death:
"Word has just been received of the death of Mrs. J.A. Bratney, former Hastings resident, at her home in Portland, Ore., on April 30. Mr. & Mrs. Bratney made their home in Hastings until about eighteen years ago when they moved to Medford, Ore. They later moved to Portland."
Daughter Grace apparently never married. Nellie was married sometime around 1918, to Carl Heller, but in the 1930 census she was living with Grace. It is possible she was just temporarily with Grace - a letter from James A (dated Dec 1930) asks if she is going back to NY.
1930 Oregon Multnomah Portland Pct 209 ED26-173, DE31, Sheet 4a stamp 37 Apr 3
Bratney, Grace head o 3900 r no fw35s Neb Ind Ill adiphone operator - insurance co
Heller, Nellie M sister 54 m age 42 Neb Ind Ill housekeeper private house
Ladd, Evelyn C boarder 33s Ore Eng Us stenographer
Nellie lived until at least 1954 (she is mentioned in sister Maud’s obit); Grace died in 1974 in Portland.
Maud's death was reported in the Hastings Tribune on 25 Oct., 1954 (P. 17):
"Mr. & Mrs. Frank Conrad have received news of the death of Mrs. Maud Bratney Beghtol, former Hastings resident, in Portland, Ore., funeral services and burial for whom were in the Oregon city.
"Mrs. Beghtol's death came after an extended Illness.
"Her sisters, Nellie and Inez, and a brother, Earl Bratney, all former residents of the Hastings community, live now in Oregon."
It is interesting that Edith, James A's daughter, got married in Oregon at the home of a "Mr. Conrad."
Both Earlem and Elgin were in Portland in 1930 . . .
1930 Oregon Multnomah Portland Pct 278 ED26-363, SD3, Sheet 8a 112 stamp - Ap16
Bratney, Erlem J head o 3250 mw43 m28 Neb Ind Ill clerk, electric co?
Bertha M 39 m24 Ks Ia Ks
Janette N 14
Helen L 11
Kenneth E 3 ½
1930 Oregon Multnomah Portland Pct 171 ED26-215, SD3, Sheet 1b Apr 2
Bratney, Elgin F head o 4800 r mw43 m25 Neb Us Us clerk wholesale grocery
Betty B 44 m27 Ky Va Ky
. . . but Earlem eventually moved down to California. He died in Sonoma County, California in 1974. His wife Bertha died there in 1986.
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