The following is information I have gathered during my research of my great-grandmother:
Vena Bertha Clarke was the youngest child born to Christopher Columbus Clarke and his wife Martha Lea. The family moved from Macomb, Illinois to Bentonville, Arkansas when she was three years old. By 1900 the family had moved to Springdale, Arkansas.
In the Fall of 1902 Vena traveled to Shenandoah, Iowa to visit her sister Edith, who was married to Dr. Charles Forrest Perkins. The Perkins family lived at 108 Sheridan Avenue. Across the street at 109 Sheridan Avenue lived the James Lamb Cole family, with adopted son Berton. In those days it was popular to have get-togethers in the home with music for entertainment. People would bring various musical instruments to the party, and there was also singing. Both Vena and Berton had lovely singing voices according to various newspaper articles and this brought them together as a couple. Vena married Berton Vorce Cole November 5, 1902 in Shenandoah, at her sister Edith's home. Dr. Perkins walked her down the aisle as her parents weren't there. (See article below that describes the wedding.) Vena and Berton had a total of eight children: Richard Vorce (1903); Forrest, died at birth (1905); Ross C. (1907); Kathryn Lea (1909); Clarke Clifford (1910); Helen Marie (1916); Harry James (1919); Virginia Mae (1921).
Berton's adopted father, James Lamb Cole, was a very wealthy man with a large cattle ranch outside of town and a fine home in town. When James Cole died in 1904 everything was left to his adopted son Berton. Vena's parents were also very well to do. Vena was a loving and generous person who was used to being treated kindly. After Berton inherited everything, he began drinking, gambling and womanizing, at times leaving Vena alone with the children for months. She always took him back after his binges though.
By about 1915 Berton had lost all of their money, the ranch, and the fine home in town. The family left Shenandoah in disgrace and went first to Battle Creek, Michigan, where daughter Helen was born. In August 1918 the family was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan when Harry and Jessie Risteen came to visit. Jessie was Vena's sister. It can be surmised that they talked the Coles into moving to Williams, Arizona, because the following month Berton did move to Williams, with Vena and the children going there in October. Harry and Jessie lived in Williams, and Harry had been working for the Santa Fe Railroad for many years. Berton found employment right away with the Santa Fe, most likely due to Harry's help.
Berton's new job was in the freight depot in Seligman. At first he was living there alone, in a converted boxcar, while Vena and the children lived in Williams, but for some reason in January Vena and the kids moved in with him. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible that was. Vena's seventh child, Harry, was born in that boxcar.
In September 1919 Berton quit his job with the Santa Fe and moved the family back to Williams. He had found employment as a bookkeeper in town. That only lasted one month, no idea why. He went back to working for the Santa Fe, but at the freight depot in Williams. They moved into a tiny bungalow.
Vena became involved with the Methodist Church in Williams. She hosted meetings in her home and sang at church. She was well liked in the community. In October 1922 they bought a nicer home on the corner of Second and Hancock Streets.
Vena died of influenza and pneumonia in that house in 1923. After she died, her sister Jessie Risteen took the three youngest children to live with her and her husband Harry. By that time they were living in Fresno, California.
---------------------------------
Shenandoah World Friday 7 Nov 1902
Cole-Clarke Wedding
Last Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock, at the home of Doctor and Mrs. Perkins occurred the marriage of her sister, Vena B. Clarke to Mr. Burton V. Cole.
About 50 relatives and friends were present when on the stroke of the hour, Miss Nelle Perkins began playing Mendelessohn's beautiful wedding march and the bridal party descended the stairway. The bride, on the arm of Doctor Perkins, was proceeded by Miss Olive Ferguson. Miss Ferguson wore a most stunning gown of pale blue, trimmed in bands of panne velvet and honiton lace; she carried an armful of pink chrysanthemums. The bride looked most charming and every bit a bride in her gown of white broadcloth with yoke of crepe de chine and trimmed in duchesse lace. She wore a long tulle veil and carried an armful of white chrysanthemums. She was met at the alter by the groom and little ring bearer, Archie Perkins, dressed in white flannel and carrying a ring on a silver tray. The background to the bridal party was a most beautiful bower of greenery; the bay window was banked with palms and ferns and the bride and groom and their attendants stood between draperies of wild lily of the valley and passion flower vines. No lovelier picture of such a scene could be imagined.
Rev. J. H. Wright, former pastor of the Christian Church, performed the ceremony in an unusually impressive manner; his earnest and able delivery of the solemn words made them pregnant with meaning and the deep import of such vows not lightly passed over. During the ceremony Miss Perkins softly played the "Flower Song" and "Garden Song". When Rev. Wright pronounced these two young people man and wife the bridesmaid deftly drew back the bridal veil and Mrs. Berton Cole, as Mrs. Cole, received her first kiss from the proud and happy bridegroom. But it was not the only kiss, for everyone hastened forward to offer congratulations and best wishes and to claim their privilege of kissing the charming bride. In fact it is asserted that the bachelors present went around and around in a circle, instead of dropping out of line, as all well regulated bachelors should.
A short time was then spent by the guests in looking over the many beautiful gifts received and admiring the floral decorations in the different rooms which consisted of immense bronze, pink and white chrysanthemums. A most elegant six course wedding dinner was then served by the Misses Carrie Jennings, Cora Rankin, Chrystal Ferguson and Nelle Perkins. The guests received chrysanthemums as favors.
The wedding is a result of a pretty little romance in which for once "the course of true love" ran smoothly, and which developed with such rapidity that it quite took away one's breath. Miss Clarke came up here in the summer from Springdale, Arkansas, to visit her sister, Mrs. Perkins. Mr. Cole lived just across the street; Miss Clarke sang - so did Mr. Cole. Mutual admiration of each other's singing soon developed into something deeper, and it was not long until they decided that the joys of life rang much more truly in duet than solo form. When they discovered they were made for each other, what was the use of waiting? Mr. Cole was going out on his farm and he did not want to go alone. She agreed there was no sense or reason in his doing so, hence the early wedding.
Mrs. Cole is a jolly, sensible and lovely girl, who has made friends of all whom she has met since she has been here. Bert Cole is also jolly and sensible and a young man of sterling worth. Since he gave up clerking in Mr. Webster's drug store, he has been managing his fine farm, five miles west of town. There he has fitted up a home for his bride, where they drove after the wedding Wednesday evening. They were speed on their way by copious showers of rice and confetti given with an extra vengeance because of other brides and grooms who escaped. They will be at home to their friends after next Tuesday.
---------------------------------------------------------
Williams News (Williams, Arizona) 19 Jan 1923, Fri Page 1
MRS. BERTHA COLE PASSES AWAY
Williams was saddened Saturday by the word of the passing away of one of the community's dearly beloved members, Mrs. Vena Bertha Cole, wife of Mr. B. V. Cole, and mother of seven children, all of minor age. Death resulted from pneumonia and her last illness was so brief that her sudden demise came as a great shock to everyone.
Only a week before, Mrs. Cole was caring for her dear ones and going about among her friends apparently as robust and well as ever. The first hint of her impending illness came early Saturday morning, only a week before she answered the last call. Her illness came on quickly and she rapidly grew worse despite every medical assistance and the loving devotion of her family and friends.
As a friend and neighbor, Mrs. Cole was the type of woman that is welcomed to every community. Her optimism and good cheer were happily received at every gathering and her radiant and wholesome personality made friends of all who met her. She will be sadly missed in church and at neighborly gatherings.
Nor were Mrs. Cole's warm and admiring friends to be found in this community alone. This fact was well attested at the funeral service held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon. The wonderful floral offerings which could give but slight expression of the love and esteem of friends and relatives, came from cities distant as well as near. Friends from early years had not forgotten her and joined with those of more recent acquaintance in paying a floral tribute to her memory.
Mrs. Cole is gone from us but she will long be remembered and the good which her living has done will continue to be reflected in years to come through the lives of relatives and friends made better through having known her.
Mrs. Vena Bertha Clarke Cole was born in Macomb, Illinois February 17, 1880. When she was about three years of age her parents moved to Bentonville, Ark. and there she grew to womanhood.
In 1902 Miss Clarke was united in marriage to Berton V. Cole at Shenandoah, Iowa, which place was their home for 11 years. In 1918 Mrs. Cole came to this state with her husband and children, locating first at Seligman, then later at Williams, which has since been their home.
Mrs. Cole united with the Christian Church early in life, and remained a conscientious and devoted member of that church. She died Saturday, January 13th at her home here.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist Church and were conducted by Rev. W. T. Loomis. Music as furnished by a sextet, whose voices had always been a delight to Mrs.Cole and her husband.
The pallbearers had all been associated with Mr. Cole during his employment with the Santa Fe. They were.......
Interment was made in the local cemetery following the services at the church.
Mrs. Cole's sister, Mrs. H. C. Risteen, and her husband came from their home in Fresno, California upon hearing of her critical illness, arriving several days before her death. They and the immediate family were the only relatives able to attend the funeral services.
Mrs. Cole is survived by her husband and seven children: Richard, Ross, Kathryn, Clarke, Helen, Harry and Virginia Mae. She has two sisters living: Mrs. H. C. Risteen of Fresno, Calif.; and Mrs. C. F. Perkins of Rogers, Ark.
*the obit was followed by a very lengthy poem about God and a mother's love, then this:
Card of Thanks
We desire to express our heartfelt appreciation of the many kindnesses shown by loving friends and acquaintances during our hour of trouble.
B. V. COLE and FAMILY
MR. and MRS. H. C. RISTEEN
Vena Bertha Clarke was the youngest child born to Christopher Columbus Clarke and his wife Martha Lea. The family moved from Macomb, Illinois to Bentonville, Arkansas when she was three years old. By 1900 the family had moved to Springdale, Arkansas.
In the Fall of 1902 Vena traveled to Shenandoah, Iowa to visit her sister Edith, who was married to Dr. Charles Forrest Perkins. The Perkins family lived at 108 Sheridan Avenue. Across the street at 109 Sheridan Avenue lived the James Lamb Cole family, with adopted son Berton. In those days it was popular to have get-togethers in the home with music for entertainment. People would bring various musical instruments to the party, and there was also singing. Both Vena and Berton had lovely singing voices according to various newspaper articles and this brought them together as a couple. Vena married Berton Vorce Cole November 5, 1902 in Shenandoah, at her sister Edith's home. Dr. Perkins walked her down the aisle as her parents weren't there. (See article below that describes the wedding.) Vena and Berton had a total of eight children: Richard Vorce (1903); Forrest, died at birth (1905); Ross C. (1907); Kathryn Lea (1909); Clarke Clifford (1910); Helen Marie (1916); Harry James (1919); Virginia Mae (1921).
Berton's adopted father, James Lamb Cole, was a very wealthy man with a large cattle ranch outside of town and a fine home in town. When James Cole died in 1904 everything was left to his adopted son Berton. Vena's parents were also very well to do. Vena was a loving and generous person who was used to being treated kindly. After Berton inherited everything, he began drinking, gambling and womanizing, at times leaving Vena alone with the children for months. She always took him back after his binges though.
By about 1915 Berton had lost all of their money, the ranch, and the fine home in town. The family left Shenandoah in disgrace and went first to Battle Creek, Michigan, where daughter Helen was born. In August 1918 the family was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan when Harry and Jessie Risteen came to visit. Jessie was Vena's sister. It can be surmised that they talked the Coles into moving to Williams, Arizona, because the following month Berton did move to Williams, with Vena and the children going there in October. Harry and Jessie lived in Williams, and Harry had been working for the Santa Fe Railroad for many years. Berton found employment right away with the Santa Fe, most likely due to Harry's help.
Berton's new job was in the freight depot in Seligman. At first he was living there alone, in a converted boxcar, while Vena and the children lived in Williams, but for some reason in January Vena and the kids moved in with him. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible that was. Vena's seventh child, Harry, was born in that boxcar.
In September 1919 Berton quit his job with the Santa Fe and moved the family back to Williams. He had found employment as a bookkeeper in town. That only lasted one month, no idea why. He went back to working for the Santa Fe, but at the freight depot in Williams. They moved into a tiny bungalow.
Vena became involved with the Methodist Church in Williams. She hosted meetings in her home and sang at church. She was well liked in the community. In October 1922 they bought a nicer home on the corner of Second and Hancock Streets.
Vena died of influenza and pneumonia in that house in 1923. After she died, her sister Jessie Risteen took the three youngest children to live with her and her husband Harry. By that time they were living in Fresno, California.
---------------------------------
Shenandoah World Friday 7 Nov 1902
Cole-Clarke Wedding
Last Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock, at the home of Doctor and Mrs. Perkins occurred the marriage of her sister, Vena B. Clarke to Mr. Burton V. Cole.
About 50 relatives and friends were present when on the stroke of the hour, Miss Nelle Perkins began playing Mendelessohn's beautiful wedding march and the bridal party descended the stairway. The bride, on the arm of Doctor Perkins, was proceeded by Miss Olive Ferguson. Miss Ferguson wore a most stunning gown of pale blue, trimmed in bands of panne velvet and honiton lace; she carried an armful of pink chrysanthemums. The bride looked most charming and every bit a bride in her gown of white broadcloth with yoke of crepe de chine and trimmed in duchesse lace. She wore a long tulle veil and carried an armful of white chrysanthemums. She was met at the alter by the groom and little ring bearer, Archie Perkins, dressed in white flannel and carrying a ring on a silver tray. The background to the bridal party was a most beautiful bower of greenery; the bay window was banked with palms and ferns and the bride and groom and their attendants stood between draperies of wild lily of the valley and passion flower vines. No lovelier picture of such a scene could be imagined.
Rev. J. H. Wright, former pastor of the Christian Church, performed the ceremony in an unusually impressive manner; his earnest and able delivery of the solemn words made them pregnant with meaning and the deep import of such vows not lightly passed over. During the ceremony Miss Perkins softly played the "Flower Song" and "Garden Song". When Rev. Wright pronounced these two young people man and wife the bridesmaid deftly drew back the bridal veil and Mrs. Berton Cole, as Mrs. Cole, received her first kiss from the proud and happy bridegroom. But it was not the only kiss, for everyone hastened forward to offer congratulations and best wishes and to claim their privilege of kissing the charming bride. In fact it is asserted that the bachelors present went around and around in a circle, instead of dropping out of line, as all well regulated bachelors should.
A short time was then spent by the guests in looking over the many beautiful gifts received and admiring the floral decorations in the different rooms which consisted of immense bronze, pink and white chrysanthemums. A most elegant six course wedding dinner was then served by the Misses Carrie Jennings, Cora Rankin, Chrystal Ferguson and Nelle Perkins. The guests received chrysanthemums as favors.
The wedding is a result of a pretty little romance in which for once "the course of true love" ran smoothly, and which developed with such rapidity that it quite took away one's breath. Miss Clarke came up here in the summer from Springdale, Arkansas, to visit her sister, Mrs. Perkins. Mr. Cole lived just across the street; Miss Clarke sang - so did Mr. Cole. Mutual admiration of each other's singing soon developed into something deeper, and it was not long until they decided that the joys of life rang much more truly in duet than solo form. When they discovered they were made for each other, what was the use of waiting? Mr. Cole was going out on his farm and he did not want to go alone. She agreed there was no sense or reason in his doing so, hence the early wedding.
Mrs. Cole is a jolly, sensible and lovely girl, who has made friends of all whom she has met since she has been here. Bert Cole is also jolly and sensible and a young man of sterling worth. Since he gave up clerking in Mr. Webster's drug store, he has been managing his fine farm, five miles west of town. There he has fitted up a home for his bride, where they drove after the wedding Wednesday evening. They were speed on their way by copious showers of rice and confetti given with an extra vengeance because of other brides and grooms who escaped. They will be at home to their friends after next Tuesday.
---------------------------------------------------------
Williams News (Williams, Arizona) 19 Jan 1923, Fri Page 1
MRS. BERTHA COLE PASSES AWAY
Williams was saddened Saturday by the word of the passing away of one of the community's dearly beloved members, Mrs. Vena Bertha Cole, wife of Mr. B. V. Cole, and mother of seven children, all of minor age. Death resulted from pneumonia and her last illness was so brief that her sudden demise came as a great shock to everyone.
Only a week before, Mrs. Cole was caring for her dear ones and going about among her friends apparently as robust and well as ever. The first hint of her impending illness came early Saturday morning, only a week before she answered the last call. Her illness came on quickly and she rapidly grew worse despite every medical assistance and the loving devotion of her family and friends.
As a friend and neighbor, Mrs. Cole was the type of woman that is welcomed to every community. Her optimism and good cheer were happily received at every gathering and her radiant and wholesome personality made friends of all who met her. She will be sadly missed in church and at neighborly gatherings.
Nor were Mrs. Cole's warm and admiring friends to be found in this community alone. This fact was well attested at the funeral service held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon. The wonderful floral offerings which could give but slight expression of the love and esteem of friends and relatives, came from cities distant as well as near. Friends from early years had not forgotten her and joined with those of more recent acquaintance in paying a floral tribute to her memory.
Mrs. Cole is gone from us but she will long be remembered and the good which her living has done will continue to be reflected in years to come through the lives of relatives and friends made better through having known her.
Mrs. Vena Bertha Clarke Cole was born in Macomb, Illinois February 17, 1880. When she was about three years of age her parents moved to Bentonville, Ark. and there she grew to womanhood.
In 1902 Miss Clarke was united in marriage to Berton V. Cole at Shenandoah, Iowa, which place was their home for 11 years. In 1918 Mrs. Cole came to this state with her husband and children, locating first at Seligman, then later at Williams, which has since been their home.
Mrs. Cole united with the Christian Church early in life, and remained a conscientious and devoted member of that church. She died Saturday, January 13th at her home here.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist Church and were conducted by Rev. W. T. Loomis. Music as furnished by a sextet, whose voices had always been a delight to Mrs.Cole and her husband.
The pallbearers had all been associated with Mr. Cole during his employment with the Santa Fe. They were.......
Interment was made in the local cemetery following the services at the church.
Mrs. Cole's sister, Mrs. H. C. Risteen, and her husband came from their home in Fresno, California upon hearing of her critical illness, arriving several days before her death. They and the immediate family were the only relatives able to attend the funeral services.
Mrs. Cole is survived by her husband and seven children: Richard, Ross, Kathryn, Clarke, Helen, Harry and Virginia Mae. She has two sisters living: Mrs. H. C. Risteen of Fresno, Calif.; and Mrs. C. F. Perkins of Rogers, Ark.
*the obit was followed by a very lengthy poem about God and a mother's love, then this:
Card of Thanks
We desire to express our heartfelt appreciation of the many kindnesses shown by loving friends and acquaintances during our hour of trouble.
B. V. COLE and FAMILY
MR. and MRS. H. C. RISTEEN
The following is information I have gathered during my research of my great-grandmother:
Vena Bertha Clarke was the youngest child born to Christopher Columbus Clarke and his wife Martha Lea. The family moved from Macomb, Illinois to Bentonville, Arkansas when she was three years old. By 1900 the family had moved to Springdale, Arkansas.
In the Fall of 1902 Vena traveled to Shenandoah, Iowa to visit her sister Edith, who was married to Dr. Charles Forrest Perkins. The Perkins family lived at 108 Sheridan Avenue. Across the street at 109 Sheridan Avenue lived the James Lamb Cole family, with adopted son Berton. In those days it was popular to have get-togethers in the home with music for entertainment. People would bring various musical instruments to the party, and there was also singing. Both Vena and Berton had lovely singing voices according to various newspaper articles and this brought them together as a couple. Vena married Berton Vorce Cole November 5, 1902 in Shenandoah, at her sister Edith's home. Dr. Perkins walked her down the aisle as her parents weren't there. (See article below that describes the wedding.) Vena and Berton had a total of eight children: Richard Vorce (1903); Forrest, died at birth (1905); Ross C. (1907); Kathryn Lea (1909); Clarke Clifford (1910); Helen Marie (1916); Harry James (1919); Virginia Mae (1921).
Berton's adopted father, James Lamb Cole, was a very wealthy man with a large cattle ranch outside of town and a fine home in town. When James Cole died in 1904 everything was left to his adopted son Berton. Vena's parents were also very well to do. Vena was a loving and generous person who was used to being treated kindly. After Berton inherited everything, he began drinking, gambling and womanizing, at times leaving Vena alone with the children for months. She always took him back after his binges though.
By about 1915 Berton had lost all of their money, the ranch, and the fine home in town. The family left Shenandoah in disgrace and went first to Battle Creek, Michigan, where daughter Helen was born. In August 1918 the family was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan when Harry and Jessie Risteen came to visit. Jessie was Vena's sister. It can be surmised that they talked the Coles into moving to Williams, Arizona, because the following month Berton did move to Williams, with Vena and the children going there in October. Harry and Jessie lived in Williams, and Harry had been working for the Santa Fe Railroad for many years. Berton found employment right away with the Santa Fe, most likely due to Harry's help.
Berton's new job was in the freight depot in Seligman. At first he was living there alone, in a converted boxcar, while Vena and the children lived in Williams, but for some reason in January Vena and the kids moved in with him. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible that was. Vena's seventh child, Harry, was born in that boxcar.
In September 1919 Berton quit his job with the Santa Fe and moved the family back to Williams. He had found employment as a bookkeeper in town. That only lasted one month, no idea why. He went back to working for the Santa Fe, but at the freight depot in Williams. They moved into a tiny bungalow.
Vena became involved with the Methodist Church in Williams. She hosted meetings in her home and sang at church. She was well liked in the community. In October 1922 they bought a nicer home on the corner of Second and Hancock Streets.
Vena died of influenza and pneumonia in that house in 1923. After she died, her sister Jessie Risteen took the three youngest children to live with her and her husband Harry. By that time they were living in Fresno, California.
---------------------------------
Shenandoah World Friday 7 Nov 1902
Cole-Clarke Wedding
Last Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock, at the home of Doctor and Mrs. Perkins occurred the marriage of her sister, Vena B. Clarke to Mr. Burton V. Cole.
About 50 relatives and friends were present when on the stroke of the hour, Miss Nelle Perkins began playing Mendelessohn's beautiful wedding march and the bridal party descended the stairway. The bride, on the arm of Doctor Perkins, was proceeded by Miss Olive Ferguson. Miss Ferguson wore a most stunning gown of pale blue, trimmed in bands of panne velvet and honiton lace; she carried an armful of pink chrysanthemums. The bride looked most charming and every bit a bride in her gown of white broadcloth with yoke of crepe de chine and trimmed in duchesse lace. She wore a long tulle veil and carried an armful of white chrysanthemums. She was met at the alter by the groom and little ring bearer, Archie Perkins, dressed in white flannel and carrying a ring on a silver tray. The background to the bridal party was a most beautiful bower of greenery; the bay window was banked with palms and ferns and the bride and groom and their attendants stood between draperies of wild lily of the valley and passion flower vines. No lovelier picture of such a scene could be imagined.
Rev. J. H. Wright, former pastor of the Christian Church, performed the ceremony in an unusually impressive manner; his earnest and able delivery of the solemn words made them pregnant with meaning and the deep import of such vows not lightly passed over. During the ceremony Miss Perkins softly played the "Flower Song" and "Garden Song". When Rev. Wright pronounced these two young people man and wife the bridesmaid deftly drew back the bridal veil and Mrs. Berton Cole, as Mrs. Cole, received her first kiss from the proud and happy bridegroom. But it was not the only kiss, for everyone hastened forward to offer congratulations and best wishes and to claim their privilege of kissing the charming bride. In fact it is asserted that the bachelors present went around and around in a circle, instead of dropping out of line, as all well regulated bachelors should.
A short time was then spent by the guests in looking over the many beautiful gifts received and admiring the floral decorations in the different rooms which consisted of immense bronze, pink and white chrysanthemums. A most elegant six course wedding dinner was then served by the Misses Carrie Jennings, Cora Rankin, Chrystal Ferguson and Nelle Perkins. The guests received chrysanthemums as favors.
The wedding is a result of a pretty little romance in which for once "the course of true love" ran smoothly, and which developed with such rapidity that it quite took away one's breath. Miss Clarke came up here in the summer from Springdale, Arkansas, to visit her sister, Mrs. Perkins. Mr. Cole lived just across the street; Miss Clarke sang - so did Mr. Cole. Mutual admiration of each other's singing soon developed into something deeper, and it was not long until they decided that the joys of life rang much more truly in duet than solo form. When they discovered they were made for each other, what was the use of waiting? Mr. Cole was going out on his farm and he did not want to go alone. She agreed there was no sense or reason in his doing so, hence the early wedding.
Mrs. Cole is a jolly, sensible and lovely girl, who has made friends of all whom she has met since she has been here. Bert Cole is also jolly and sensible and a young man of sterling worth. Since he gave up clerking in Mr. Webster's drug store, he has been managing his fine farm, five miles west of town. There he has fitted up a home for his bride, where they drove after the wedding Wednesday evening. They were speed on their way by copious showers of rice and confetti given with an extra vengeance because of other brides and grooms who escaped. They will be at home to their friends after next Tuesday.
---------------------------------------------------------
Williams News (Williams, Arizona) 19 Jan 1923, Fri Page 1
MRS. BERTHA COLE PASSES AWAY
Williams was saddened Saturday by the word of the passing away of one of the community's dearly beloved members, Mrs. Vena Bertha Cole, wife of Mr. B. V. Cole, and mother of seven children, all of minor age. Death resulted from pneumonia and her last illness was so brief that her sudden demise came as a great shock to everyone.
Only a week before, Mrs. Cole was caring for her dear ones and going about among her friends apparently as robust and well as ever. The first hint of her impending illness came early Saturday morning, only a week before she answered the last call. Her illness came on quickly and she rapidly grew worse despite every medical assistance and the loving devotion of her family and friends.
As a friend and neighbor, Mrs. Cole was the type of woman that is welcomed to every community. Her optimism and good cheer were happily received at every gathering and her radiant and wholesome personality made friends of all who met her. She will be sadly missed in church and at neighborly gatherings.
Nor were Mrs. Cole's warm and admiring friends to be found in this community alone. This fact was well attested at the funeral service held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon. The wonderful floral offerings which could give but slight expression of the love and esteem of friends and relatives, came from cities distant as well as near. Friends from early years had not forgotten her and joined with those of more recent acquaintance in paying a floral tribute to her memory.
Mrs. Cole is gone from us but she will long be remembered and the good which her living has done will continue to be reflected in years to come through the lives of relatives and friends made better through having known her.
Mrs. Vena Bertha Clarke Cole was born in Macomb, Illinois February 17, 1880. When she was about three years of age her parents moved to Bentonville, Ark. and there she grew to womanhood.
In 1902 Miss Clarke was united in marriage to Berton V. Cole at Shenandoah, Iowa, which place was their home for 11 years. In 1918 Mrs. Cole came to this state with her husband and children, locating first at Seligman, then later at Williams, which has since been their home.
Mrs. Cole united with the Christian Church early in life, and remained a conscientious and devoted member of that church. She died Saturday, January 13th at her home here.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist Church and were conducted by Rev. W. T. Loomis. Music as furnished by a sextet, whose voices had always been a delight to Mrs.Cole and her husband.
The pallbearers had all been associated with Mr. Cole during his employment with the Santa Fe. They were.......
Interment was made in the local cemetery following the services at the church.
Mrs. Cole's sister, Mrs. H. C. Risteen, and her husband came from their home in Fresno, California upon hearing of her critical illness, arriving several days before her death. They and the immediate family were the only relatives able to attend the funeral services.
Mrs. Cole is survived by her husband and seven children: Richard, Ross, Kathryn, Clarke, Helen, Harry and Virginia Mae. She has two sisters living: Mrs. H. C. Risteen of Fresno, Calif.; and Mrs. C. F. Perkins of Rogers, Ark.
*the obit was followed by a very lengthy poem about God and a mother's love, then this:
Card of Thanks
We desire to express our heartfelt appreciation of the many kindnesses shown by loving friends and acquaintances during our hour of trouble.
B. V. COLE and FAMILY
MR. and MRS. H. C. RISTEEN
Vena Bertha Clarke was the youngest child born to Christopher Columbus Clarke and his wife Martha Lea. The family moved from Macomb, Illinois to Bentonville, Arkansas when she was three years old. By 1900 the family had moved to Springdale, Arkansas.
In the Fall of 1902 Vena traveled to Shenandoah, Iowa to visit her sister Edith, who was married to Dr. Charles Forrest Perkins. The Perkins family lived at 108 Sheridan Avenue. Across the street at 109 Sheridan Avenue lived the James Lamb Cole family, with adopted son Berton. In those days it was popular to have get-togethers in the home with music for entertainment. People would bring various musical instruments to the party, and there was also singing. Both Vena and Berton had lovely singing voices according to various newspaper articles and this brought them together as a couple. Vena married Berton Vorce Cole November 5, 1902 in Shenandoah, at her sister Edith's home. Dr. Perkins walked her down the aisle as her parents weren't there. (See article below that describes the wedding.) Vena and Berton had a total of eight children: Richard Vorce (1903); Forrest, died at birth (1905); Ross C. (1907); Kathryn Lea (1909); Clarke Clifford (1910); Helen Marie (1916); Harry James (1919); Virginia Mae (1921).
Berton's adopted father, James Lamb Cole, was a very wealthy man with a large cattle ranch outside of town and a fine home in town. When James Cole died in 1904 everything was left to his adopted son Berton. Vena's parents were also very well to do. Vena was a loving and generous person who was used to being treated kindly. After Berton inherited everything, he began drinking, gambling and womanizing, at times leaving Vena alone with the children for months. She always took him back after his binges though.
By about 1915 Berton had lost all of their money, the ranch, and the fine home in town. The family left Shenandoah in disgrace and went first to Battle Creek, Michigan, where daughter Helen was born. In August 1918 the family was living in Grand Rapids, Michigan when Harry and Jessie Risteen came to visit. Jessie was Vena's sister. It can be surmised that they talked the Coles into moving to Williams, Arizona, because the following month Berton did move to Williams, with Vena and the children going there in October. Harry and Jessie lived in Williams, and Harry had been working for the Santa Fe Railroad for many years. Berton found employment right away with the Santa Fe, most likely due to Harry's help.
Berton's new job was in the freight depot in Seligman. At first he was living there alone, in a converted boxcar, while Vena and the children lived in Williams, but for some reason in January Vena and the kids moved in with him. I can't even begin to imagine how horrible that was. Vena's seventh child, Harry, was born in that boxcar.
In September 1919 Berton quit his job with the Santa Fe and moved the family back to Williams. He had found employment as a bookkeeper in town. That only lasted one month, no idea why. He went back to working for the Santa Fe, but at the freight depot in Williams. They moved into a tiny bungalow.
Vena became involved with the Methodist Church in Williams. She hosted meetings in her home and sang at church. She was well liked in the community. In October 1922 they bought a nicer home on the corner of Second and Hancock Streets.
Vena died of influenza and pneumonia in that house in 1923. After she died, her sister Jessie Risteen took the three youngest children to live with her and her husband Harry. By that time they were living in Fresno, California.
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Shenandoah World Friday 7 Nov 1902
Cole-Clarke Wedding
Last Wednesday evening at 7 o'clock, at the home of Doctor and Mrs. Perkins occurred the marriage of her sister, Vena B. Clarke to Mr. Burton V. Cole.
About 50 relatives and friends were present when on the stroke of the hour, Miss Nelle Perkins began playing Mendelessohn's beautiful wedding march and the bridal party descended the stairway. The bride, on the arm of Doctor Perkins, was proceeded by Miss Olive Ferguson. Miss Ferguson wore a most stunning gown of pale blue, trimmed in bands of panne velvet and honiton lace; she carried an armful of pink chrysanthemums. The bride looked most charming and every bit a bride in her gown of white broadcloth with yoke of crepe de chine and trimmed in duchesse lace. She wore a long tulle veil and carried an armful of white chrysanthemums. She was met at the alter by the groom and little ring bearer, Archie Perkins, dressed in white flannel and carrying a ring on a silver tray. The background to the bridal party was a most beautiful bower of greenery; the bay window was banked with palms and ferns and the bride and groom and their attendants stood between draperies of wild lily of the valley and passion flower vines. No lovelier picture of such a scene could be imagined.
Rev. J. H. Wright, former pastor of the Christian Church, performed the ceremony in an unusually impressive manner; his earnest and able delivery of the solemn words made them pregnant with meaning and the deep import of such vows not lightly passed over. During the ceremony Miss Perkins softly played the "Flower Song" and "Garden Song". When Rev. Wright pronounced these two young people man and wife the bridesmaid deftly drew back the bridal veil and Mrs. Berton Cole, as Mrs. Cole, received her first kiss from the proud and happy bridegroom. But it was not the only kiss, for everyone hastened forward to offer congratulations and best wishes and to claim their privilege of kissing the charming bride. In fact it is asserted that the bachelors present went around and around in a circle, instead of dropping out of line, as all well regulated bachelors should.
A short time was then spent by the guests in looking over the many beautiful gifts received and admiring the floral decorations in the different rooms which consisted of immense bronze, pink and white chrysanthemums. A most elegant six course wedding dinner was then served by the Misses Carrie Jennings, Cora Rankin, Chrystal Ferguson and Nelle Perkins. The guests received chrysanthemums as favors.
The wedding is a result of a pretty little romance in which for once "the course of true love" ran smoothly, and which developed with such rapidity that it quite took away one's breath. Miss Clarke came up here in the summer from Springdale, Arkansas, to visit her sister, Mrs. Perkins. Mr. Cole lived just across the street; Miss Clarke sang - so did Mr. Cole. Mutual admiration of each other's singing soon developed into something deeper, and it was not long until they decided that the joys of life rang much more truly in duet than solo form. When they discovered they were made for each other, what was the use of waiting? Mr. Cole was going out on his farm and he did not want to go alone. She agreed there was no sense or reason in his doing so, hence the early wedding.
Mrs. Cole is a jolly, sensible and lovely girl, who has made friends of all whom she has met since she has been here. Bert Cole is also jolly and sensible and a young man of sterling worth. Since he gave up clerking in Mr. Webster's drug store, he has been managing his fine farm, five miles west of town. There he has fitted up a home for his bride, where they drove after the wedding Wednesday evening. They were speed on their way by copious showers of rice and confetti given with an extra vengeance because of other brides and grooms who escaped. They will be at home to their friends after next Tuesday.
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Williams News (Williams, Arizona) 19 Jan 1923, Fri Page 1
MRS. BERTHA COLE PASSES AWAY
Williams was saddened Saturday by the word of the passing away of one of the community's dearly beloved members, Mrs. Vena Bertha Cole, wife of Mr. B. V. Cole, and mother of seven children, all of minor age. Death resulted from pneumonia and her last illness was so brief that her sudden demise came as a great shock to everyone.
Only a week before, Mrs. Cole was caring for her dear ones and going about among her friends apparently as robust and well as ever. The first hint of her impending illness came early Saturday morning, only a week before she answered the last call. Her illness came on quickly and she rapidly grew worse despite every medical assistance and the loving devotion of her family and friends.
As a friend and neighbor, Mrs. Cole was the type of woman that is welcomed to every community. Her optimism and good cheer were happily received at every gathering and her radiant and wholesome personality made friends of all who met her. She will be sadly missed in church and at neighborly gatherings.
Nor were Mrs. Cole's warm and admiring friends to be found in this community alone. This fact was well attested at the funeral service held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon. The wonderful floral offerings which could give but slight expression of the love and esteem of friends and relatives, came from cities distant as well as near. Friends from early years had not forgotten her and joined with those of more recent acquaintance in paying a floral tribute to her memory.
Mrs. Cole is gone from us but she will long be remembered and the good which her living has done will continue to be reflected in years to come through the lives of relatives and friends made better through having known her.
Mrs. Vena Bertha Clarke Cole was born in Macomb, Illinois February 17, 1880. When she was about three years of age her parents moved to Bentonville, Ark. and there she grew to womanhood.
In 1902 Miss Clarke was united in marriage to Berton V. Cole at Shenandoah, Iowa, which place was their home for 11 years. In 1918 Mrs. Cole came to this state with her husband and children, locating first at Seligman, then later at Williams, which has since been their home.
Mrs. Cole united with the Christian Church early in life, and remained a conscientious and devoted member of that church. She died Saturday, January 13th at her home here.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist Church and were conducted by Rev. W. T. Loomis. Music as furnished by a sextet, whose voices had always been a delight to Mrs.Cole and her husband.
The pallbearers had all been associated with Mr. Cole during his employment with the Santa Fe. They were.......
Interment was made in the local cemetery following the services at the church.
Mrs. Cole's sister, Mrs. H. C. Risteen, and her husband came from their home in Fresno, California upon hearing of her critical illness, arriving several days before her death. They and the immediate family were the only relatives able to attend the funeral services.
Mrs. Cole is survived by her husband and seven children: Richard, Ross, Kathryn, Clarke, Helen, Harry and Virginia Mae. She has two sisters living: Mrs. H. C. Risteen of Fresno, Calif.; and Mrs. C. F. Perkins of Rogers, Ark.
*the obit was followed by a very lengthy poem about God and a mother's love, then this:
Card of Thanks
We desire to express our heartfelt appreciation of the many kindnesses shown by loving friends and acquaintances during our hour of trouble.
B. V. COLE and FAMILY
MR. and MRS. H. C. RISTEEN
Inscription
Mother Mrs. V. B. Cole Died Jan. 13, 1923
Family Members
Spouse
Siblings
