April 13, 1940 Death of Martha Jane O'Neill

Today's ancestor is Martha Jane O'Neill. She was born on March 22, 1861 in Douglas County, Kansas and died on April 13, 1940 in Alta Vista, Wabaunsee County, KS.

Martha Jane O'Neill is my Great Grandmother on my Father's side:

• Donald Martin (1930-1975); son of Henry Franklin Dockins and Elsie May Horne
• Elsie Mae (1903-1988); daughter of William August Horne and Martha Jane O'Neill

What do we know about Martha Jane O'Neill? She was the 5th child of of Irish immigrant, Anthony Daniel O'Connell O'Neill and Elizabeth H. W. Carson. Martha married William August Horne on July 31, 1886 in Junction City, Kansas. They were wed by Probate Judge James Franklin Ayars pictured below (as recorded in a family bible).

After William and Martha married they settled on a farm in eastern Geary County on McDowell Creek.  While William came from a fairly well appointed family I can only surmise that farm life in Kansas at this time was not easy. Below is a photo of their very small home probably about 1890 or so. In September of 1919 they left the farm to reside in Alta Vista.

Below is a family photo of William and Martha with their sons William (standing) and Purley.

William August Horne and Martha Jane O'Neill's children were:

• Frances Myrtle Horne born June 6, 1887 and died November 9, 1887
• William Henry Horne born August 15, 1888 and died Oct 1962. He married Elizabeth Ellen McArthur on November 27, 1913 by Reverend Holshouser
• Purley Martin Horne born April 24, 1890 and died July 16, 1971. He is buried at Welcome Cemetary in Alta Vista, KS. He married Beulah Anita Sisson on October 18, 1911 by Reverend Holshouser
• Clarence Lester Horne was born February 28, 1892 and died May 19, 1898
• Elsie Mae Horne born June 1, 1903 in Geary Co., KS and died September 3, 1988 in Encinitas, San Diego Co., CA. Married Henry Franklin Dockins on June 13, 1924

Here is a wonderful photograph of my Grandmother Elsie with her mother Martha Jane O'Neill Horne.