The abstract for our house dates back to July 15, 1856, when the land was originally granted from the United States government to John Courier. Between the years of 1856 & 1888, the land changed hands several times.

The Schwartz Family

John Theodore Schwartz was born October 3, 1830 in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. His wife, Charlotte Polk LaFlesh., was born August 26, 1832 in Portsmouth, Ohio. They had 7 children; Clarence George (1848), John Theodore (1855), Alice R. (1857), Emily Ann (1859), Froney (1864), Ella Mae (1866), and Ivie Wilkison (1872).

John Schwartz built our house in 1889, as a retirement home for he and his wife. Since John Schwartz was quite the colorful character, I decided to include a little bit of his history before he actually built the house we live in…

1880

The Schwartz’ were a pioneer farming family who owned a farm near Sergeant Bluffs (which is just south of Sioux City. In 1880-81, they left their farm and moved to Sioux City, with their first residence being very close to the downtown business district:

John Schwartz will presently remove from his farm just west of Sergeant Bluffs to a brick residence which he will build on lower Fourth street.
Sioux City Journal, 8/29/1880

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 15, 1880 has more details on the move and new residence:

John Schwarts of Woodbury has bought the west half of lots 1, 2 and 3 in block 36, middle Sioux City, of Charles Murphy for $1,250.  Two years ago the whole of the quarter block was offered in vain for $1,200, and now half of it sells for more than what was asked for all of it then.  Mr. Schwartz will put up a brick residence on the property.  The land is just beyond the St. Paul grocery store, and adjoins the lots on which John Lessenich has built,
Sioux City Journal, 9/15/1880

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 30, 1880 has more details of the progress on the new residence:

John Schwartz of Woodbury will receive to-day the first of the brick for the residence which he hopes to finish and occupy this season, on Fourth street, near the corner of Virginia.
Sioux City Journal, 9/30/1880

1881

By the summer of 1881, the new residence was nearing completion, as described in the Sioux City Journal dated July 21, 1881:

New Buildings. The Growth in the Residence Part of the City - Business Blocks on Fourth Street - About Town. Even the street reporter, whose business necessarily takes him about the city frequently, was surprised yesterday in a little trip through the eastern part of the town by the number of new buildings going up. The corner of the city lying between Virginia street, Eighth street and the break of the bluff to the southeast is being covered with new residences. North of Eighth street in the ridgey ground east of Jennings there is likewise active building, and generally a good class of houses. New grading, sand heaps and piles of lumber show where homes are yet to rise this season. The air is laden with the sound of the saw and hammer. Looking southeast the long walls and great derrick used for moving the heavy timbers and stones of the new pork-house, rise beside the lower Floyd bridge. Coming on down the hill and turning city-ward up Fourth street M. C. Davis' neat pair of double brick houses, on which the brick work has been finished the day before, show up a little to one side of the main street. The two lots that James Puck bought last week near the foot of Virginia street, are alive with workmen, and the foundation walls of his new hotel are showing above ground. Just below the large residence that John Schwartz of Woodbury is building is under way and nearly enclosed. Coming further toward the city, the new Chicago house looms up - the brick walls nearly ready for the second-story joists. On the other side of the street opposite the Central school grounds the block of four stores that Capt. Barlow is building has the foundation nearly ready for the frame part that a small army of carpenters are preparing.
Sioux City Journal, 7/21/1881

1884

An interesting notice in the Sioux City Journal dated February 5, 1884:

A team, understood to belong to John Schwartz, of No. 1013 Fourth street, ran away yesterday morning. When it crossed the Floyd bridge going toward Morning Side there were but three wheels on the wagon.
Sioux City Journal, 2/5/1884

1885

Another interesting notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 19, 1885:

Mrs. Mary Sills, of Beardstown, Ill., is visiting her only sister, Mrs. John Schwartz, of this city. The ladies had not seen each other for twenty-three years.
Sioux City Journal, 3/19/1885

Apparently, the Schwartz farm near Sergeant Bluffs was retained by the family and rented to tenants. There were some legal issues according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 20, 1885:

The other day there was a suit before the Sergeant Bluffs justice in which John Schwartz sought to evict his tenant, Irvine Brown. That did not end it. A complaint has been entered by John Schwartz charging Irvine Brown with malicious mischief. The examination is expected to be before Justice Foley to-day.
Sioux City Journal, 3/20/1885

An update on the legal issues according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 24, 1885:

The Justices' Courts. Irvine Brown, charged by John Schwartz with malicious mischief, was released by Justice Foley yesterday. It appeared in evidence that Brown is a tenant on the farm of Schwartz, near Sergeant Bluffs, and that he let down a fence contrary to the wishes of Schwartz.
Sioux City Journal, 3/24/1885

The legal issues escalated, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated May 8, 1885:

From time to time items have been given as they occurred about a disagreement between John Schwartz, of this city, and the tenant on his farm in Woodbury township, James D. Brown. Awhile ago Brown was arrested on the charge of malicious mischief, in that he had moved a fence. He was discharged. Now comes Brown and gets back at Schwartz with a warrant for his arrest on the charge of willful tresspass, or something of that sort. The parties will be brought before Justice Brown to-day. If Messrs. Schwartz and Brown are paying their own costs in these interminable suits the public is not particularly interested. If the county is to pay the costs then citizens would much prefer
Sioux City Journal, 5/8/1885
that Messrs. Brown and Schwartz raise less Cain and more corn.
Sioux City Journal, 5/8/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated May 15, 1885:

The trial of the Schwartz-Brown tenant and landlord war was resumed in Justice Brown's court yesterday afternoon.
Sioux City Journal, 5/15/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated May 16, 1885:

John Schwartz, et al., have been bound over to the district court for breaking down the improvements on the farm owned by Mr. Schwartz, but now somewhat in possession of his tenant Mr. Brown.
Sioux City Journal, 5/16/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 8, 1885:

John Schwartz vs. James Brown - Defendant files motion to strike out second count of plaintiff's petition.
Sioux City Journal, 9/8/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 9, 1885:

John Schwartz vs. James Brown. Defendant files supplied and supplemental answer.
Sioux City Journal, 9/9/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 10, 1885:

John Schwartz vs. James Brown; jury empannelled and trial begun.
Sioux City Journal, 9/10/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 11, 1885:

Circuit Court. In the circuit court yesterday the time was occupied in the trial of the case of John Schwartz vs. John Brown, in which the defendant is charged with forcible entry and trespass. During the forenoon Jurer J. W.
Sioux City Journal, 9/11/1885
Grosh was taken suddenly ill, and had to be taken home. By the consent of both parties the trial was continued to the eleven jurors remaining. The case was given to the jury at about 6 P.M., and verdict returned in favor of defendant.
Sioux City Journal, 9/11/1885

Legal issue update, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 12, 1885:

John Schwartz vs. James Brown; plaintiff files motion for new trial.
Sioux City Journal, 9/12/1885

Possibly the end of the legal issues, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated October 3, 1885:

John Schwartz vs. James Brown; motion of plaintiff for a new trial overruled. Judgement against plaintiff as per verdict.
Sioux City Journal, 10/3/1885

Fire at the farm, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated October 20, 1885:

The two barns on John Schwartz's place near town, on the place occupied by Jim Brown, burned last night. Mr. Brown lost three mules, four horses and a lot of hogs and machinery. He saved only one horse, a trotting horse that was in the little brown barn adjoining the red ones.
Sioux City Journal, 10/20/1885
Fire Near Sergeant Bluffs. The large barns on the farm of John Schwartz, sr., near Sergeant Bluffs, burned on Sunday night. The barns contained five head of horses, two mules, two wagins, a large quantity of oats, and harnesses, all of which were destroyed. The loss is about $3,000. The contents of the barns belonged to James Brown, who lives on the place. About a year ago Schwartz endeavored to remove Brown from the farm, and the case being taken into court it was decided that Brown could hold possession by virtue of a lease until next March. A short time later Schwartz and his son attempted to remove the smaller barn and a number of sheds from the place. They were arrested and bound over by Justice Brown to appear in the district court. The case was continued and will come up at the next term. The fire is supposed to be an incendiary.
Sioux City Journal, 10/20/1885

Addition requested to the new residence, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated December 2, 1885:

Oscar Larson and other residents of block 33, Middle Sioux City, asked for a permit to build an addition to the house of John Schwartz, at 1013 Fourth street. Referred to committee on fires with power to act.
Sioux City Journal, 12/2/1885

Addition approved to the new residence, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated December 9, 1885:

The committee also recommended that John Schwartz be allowed to build a frame addition to his house, 1013 Fourth street, the property-holders on the street giving their consent. The report was approved.
Sioux City Journal, 12/9/1885

1886

Business addition information, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 4, 1886:

John Schwartz, on Fourth street near Court, is preparing to move his residence back from the street and put up a business building in front. He has also fitted up a large tenement house in the same vicinity.
Sioux City Journal, 3/4/1886

Evidently, the business front they added was a saloon. Between 1886 & 1887, the city began cracking down on liquor establishments, trying to enforce the 1882 Iowa Constitutional Liquor Prohibition.

Below are several articles from the Sioux City Journal with mentions of John Schwartz’ place of business:

Sioux City Journal, 10/29/1886
Sioux City Journal, 10/29/1886
Sioux City Journal, 12/9/1886
Sioux City Journal, 12/9/1886
Sioux City Journal, 12/9/1886
Sioux City Journal, 12/9/1886
Sioux City Journal, 12/9/1886

1887

Specific raid information, according to a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated October 19, 1887:

The Schwartz property, 1013 Fourth street, was raided yesterday by the officers, but no beer was found. The scent was there, but the beer was gone.
Sioux City Journal, 10/19/1887

1888

On December 28, 1888, the land to build the new residence was purchased by John Schwartz for $1500.00.

Henry J. Taylor to John Schwartz: Lot 3, block 22; lot 6, block 23; lot 6, block 24, Table addition. 1,500.00
Sioux City Journal, 12/30/1888

1889

We discovered the house was built in 1889 after locating a notice in the Sioux City Journal dated April 14, 1889. It states:

Building. A Few New Houses. John Schwartz is preparing to build a $3,000 residence at Morning Side.
Sioux City Journal, 4/14/1889

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated June 27, 1889 describes how, nearing completion, the house was struck by lightning:

The new and handsome residence of John Schwartz, just nearing completion at Morning Side, was badly shattered by lightning on Tuesday evening during the storm.  Prompt action of the workmen suppressed a blaze, which would doubtless have brought the house to ashes had the lightning made its visit after dark.  The damage is estimated at $300.
Sioux City Journal, 6/27/1889

While rebuilding the chimney, in 2016, we were able to get some good photos of what looked like to be old fire damage up in the uppermost eastern dormer. I’m now wondering if this fire damage was the result of this lightning strike?

1890

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 11, 1890 talks about the purchase of a horse team:

William Gould sold a fine gray team to John Schwartz, of Sioux City, for $300.
Sioux City Journal, 3/11/1890

1892

A couple of notices in the Sioux City Journal dated December 23, 1892 refer to a new legal issue:

John Schwartz vs. Mildred Schwartz; a suit to establish the title to a certain tract of land.
Sioux City Journal, 12/23/1892
John Schwartz vs. Mildred Schwartz; a suit is brought to determine the title of real property.
Sioux City Journal, 12/23/1892

1893

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 26, 1893 refer to yet another legal issue:

J. W. Jamieson and Hattie Hartman vs. John Schwartz; plaintiff sues for $1, 050 damages, alleged to have been sustained by them because defendant broke into a room they rented of him at 505 Court street, and threw all their effects into the street.
Sioux City Journal, 9/26/1893

1894

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated January 30, 1894 with updated information on the damages suit:

The Hartman Suit. Before Judge Ladd the trial of the case of Hattie Hartman vs. John Schwartz is on trial. In this case the plaintiff sues for $1,050 damages to furniture which it is alleged the defendant moved out of his house rented by plaintiff without authority and allowed to remain out during a rainstorm.
Sioux City Journal, 1/30/1894

1897

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated July 29, 1897 describing a pig pen dispute:

A Malodorous Pig Pen. John Schwartz is one of the prominent residents of Morning Side, but that did not prevent some of his neighbors having him arrested. The charge is maintaining a nuisance. The nuisance in question is a pen of hogs, to which his neighbors seriously object, and they made complaint to Marshal O'Shonnessy. The case was continued for trial to next Wednesday.
Sioux City Journal, 7/29/1897

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated October 30, 1897 describing a land use dispute:

Suing for Farm Rent. A temporary writ of injunction was granted in the case of John Schwartz vs. Emory Smith et al., restraining the defendants from removing, destroying or feeding any corn raised on certain premises, or selling any of the crop.  The plaintiff stated in his petition that he owns 116 acres of land in this county, and accretion amounting to upwards of 100 acres more, and that he leased the same to the defendants for a period of one year.  According to the terms of the contract, Schwartz was to pay $330 for the use of the land.  Further it is claimed that during the last summer the defendants have been pasturing mortgaged cattle on the land, and the owner of the mortgage has taken possession of them, without the plaintiff receiving any compensation for the pasturage.  He says the defendants are engaged in feeding the crop to animals, and that his rent is unpaid.  He therefore brought this action to protect his claim.
Sioux City Journal, 10/30/1897

1900

An article in the Sioux City Journal dated September 11, 1900 describing a legal case concerning estate mismanagement:

NEW PHASE IN CATHCART CASE. Todd Christopherson Makes Answer to Miss Jordan's Allegations by Charging Her Grandfather Guardian with Mismanagement.
Sioux City Journal, 9/11/1900
ACCUSES THE GRANDFATHER. Todd Christopherson Files Sensational Answer in Cathcart Case.  In the case of Mildred S. Jordan vs. L. L. Cathcart and Todd Christopherson, of Homer Neb., in which she charged fraud had been practiced on her in the disposal of certain lands of hers, an answer was filed by Christopherson, whose wife is a cousin of the plaintiff.  miss Jordan lived in his home for some time.  He denies that the land transaction was caused by undue influence exerted by himself, and alleges that John Schwartz, of Morning Side, Miss Jordan's grandfather and guardian, was responsible for the deal by his mismanagement of her estate.  In the answer he alleges that John Schwartz made...
Sioux City Journal, 9/11/1900
an exorbitant claim against her property and allowed it to go to tax sale that he might establish his claim against it and dispose of the property.  Christopherson alleges further that it was this impending loss of her eighty acres of land which impelled Miss Jordan to seek to make the trade with him for the house in Homer, and that it was at her motion that he was induced to trade with her.
Sioux City Journal, 9/11/1900

1902

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated September 26, 1902 describing a legal case concerning a title:

John Schwartz vs. John T. Hanna et al.; decree quieting title.
Sioux City Journal, 9/26/1902

1903

An article in the Sioux City Journal dated August 30, 1903 describing the judgement of the legal case concerning estate mismanagement:

CATHCART LOSES HIS CASE - LUDGE OLIVER DECIDES SUIT OF LONG STANDING. - CONSPIRACY WAS THE CHARGE - L. L. Cathcart and Tod Christopherson Were the Principal Defendants and Mildred Swartz Jordon Was the Plaintiff.
Sioux City Journal, 8/30/1903
Sioux City Journal, 8/30/1903

1905

An article in the Sioux City Journal dated February 14, 1905 describing the aftermath of the legal case concerning estate mismanagement:

EX-ALDERMAN IS CENSURED - L. L. CATHCART SHARPLY CRITICIZED BY SUPREME COURT. - THE FACTS INDICATE FRAUD - In Ruling on Suit Brought by a Woman Over a Land Deal, Supreme Court Affirms Lower Court and Roasts Sioux City Lawyer.
Sioux City Journal, 2/14/1905
Sioux City Journal, 2/14/1905
Sioux City Journal, 2/14/1905

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 10, 1905 about the continuing legal case concerning estate mismanagement:

In the case of John Schwartz vs. Mildred Schwartz a judgement against the defendant has been entered for $996.70.
Sioux City Journal, 3/10/1905

1906

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated April 8, 1906 listing juror selections:

Special Venire Drawn. A special venire of jurymen for the March term of court was drawn yesterday to report next Monday morning. The names are as follows: ... John Schwartz, Woodbury; ...
Sioux City Journal, 4/8/1906

1907

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated December 11, 1907 concerning a real estate transfer:

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS. ... John Schwartz and wife to Ivie W. Schwartz: (see record) ........ 1.00
Sioux City Journal, 12/11/1907

1908

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated January 14, 1908 concerning a property transfer:

John Schwartz and wife to Mary E. Feldman: North 40 feet lot 3, block 38, Middle Sioux City...... 1.00
Sioux City Journal, 1/14/1908

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated January 22, 1908 concerning a property transfer:

John Schwartz and wife to Emma A. Cork: Lot 3, block 22, and lot 6, block 23, Table addition .... 1.00
Sioux City Journal, 1/22/1908

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated January 26, 1908, John Schwartz’s (they misspelled his last name) obituary:

DEATH OF AN OLD SETTLER. - John S[ch]wartz had Lived in County Since 1864.  John S[ch]wartz who was a resident of Woodbury county for nearly half a century, is dead at his home in Morning Side after an illness of two weeks.  Bright's disease was the cause of death.
Taken ill at practically the same time as her husband, Mrs. S[ch]wartz lies in a dangerous condition and hopes for her recovery are slight.  A general breakdown caused by advanced years is the cause of her illness.
Mr. S[ch]wartz was born at Milton, Pa., and on coming west in the early 50s settled in Dubuque, Io.  He was married to Miss Charlotte P. LaFlesh in 1851.  In 1858 Mr. S[ch]wartz moved to Harrison county, where he engaged in farming and teaming.  the teaming was done for the United States government.
Selling his holdings in 1864 Mr. S[ch]wartz moved to Sergeant Bluffs, where he farmed until 1881, when he moved to Morning Side.  He was 77 years of age at the time of his death.
The deceased man is survived by the following children: John T. S[ch]wartz, South Morning Side; Mrs. A. R. Graham, Waterloo, Io.;   Mrs. Emma A. Cork, Ewing, Io.; Mrs. Mary E. Feldman, Sioux City, and Iva[Ivie] W. S[ch]wartz, Sergeant Bluffs.
Sioux City Journal, 1/26/1908

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated February 1, 1908, more Schwartz family tragedy:

THREE DEATHS IN ONE WEEK - Sorrowful Record in the Family of John Schwartz.
Three deaths in one week is the sorrowful record at the home of the late John Schwartz, who died last Saturday of Bright's disease.  Following the death of Mr. Schwartz his son-in-law, E. W. Cort, and Mrs. May A. Sills, sister of Mrs. Schwartz, who had come to act as nurses, died.  Mrs. Schwartz herself is now hovering between life and death, and she has not been apprised of the deaths which followed that of her husband.
Mr. Cort was engaged in the cattle business and was 45 years of age.  He came to Sioux City from Ewing, Neb.  Mrs. Sill came from La Platte, Mo., and was 67 years old.
Sioux City Journal, 2/1/1908

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated February 27, 1908, Charlotte Schwartz’s obituary:

MORE GRIEF FOR SCHWARTZES - Four Deaths have Occured in as many Weeks. 
The silent reaper of death has cast another gloom over the Schwartz home in Morning Side and for the fourth time within a period of four weeks the grim specter claimed another victim last night when the death of Mrs. John Schwartz occurred at her home, 2907 Jay street.
The death of John Schwartz, which occurred January 25, just about a month ago, was the first of what has eventually proved to be a sorrowful record for the Schwartz family.  Mr. Schwartz died of Bright's disease and within one week after his demise his son-in-law, E. W. Cort, of Ewing, Neb., and Mrs. May A. Sills, of La Platte, Mo., a sister of Mrs. Schwartz, who had left their homes and come to Sioux City to act as nurses at the Schwartz home, both died.  Mr. Cort was engaged in the cattle business in Ewing and was 45 years of age.  Mrs. Sills was 67 years old.  Mrs. Sills died at 1 o'clock on the morning of January 31 and the death of Mr. Cort occurred six hours later.  Both died from pneumonia.  Mr. Cort left a wife and two children.
At the time of the remarkably sad occurrence Mrs. Schwartz, who died last night, was so ill that her death was then momentarily expected.  She was a sufferer from paralysis and was 76 years of age.  Her death occurred at 5 o'clock last evening.
Mrs. Schwartz is survived by the following children:  Mrs. H. W. Feldman, of Sioux City;  Mrs. A. R. Graham, of Waterloo;  Mrs. E. W. Cort, of Ewing, Neb., and J. T. and I. W. Schwartz, of Sergeant Bluffs.
Sioux City Journal, 2/27/1908

A funeral notice in the Sioux City Journal dated February 28, 1908:

FUNERALS - SCHWARTZ - The funeral of Mrs. John Schwartz will be held at the residence, 2907 Jay street, Morning Side, at 1 p. m. Sunday and at the Sergeant Bluffs Methodist Episcopal church at 2 o'clock, Rev. Dr. W. T. Macdonald officiating.  Interment will be in the Sergeant Bluffs cemetery.
Sioux City Journal, 2/28/1908

Another funeral notice in the Sioux City Journal dated March 2, 1908:

Funerals. SCHWARTZ - the funeral of Mrs. John Schwartz, whose death occurred at her home, 2907 Jay street, Wednesday night, was held yesterday.  A short service was held at the Schwartz home, after which the remains were taken to Sergeant Bluffs, where the regular service was held in the Methodist Episcopal church.  Rev. Dr. W. T. Macdonald officiated at both services.  the interment was made in the cemetery at Sergeant Bluffs.
Sioux City Journal, 3/2/1908

An article in the Sioux City Journal dated March 6, 1908:

TWO PIONEERS WHOSE DEATHS CAME JUST A MONTH APART - John Schwartz - Mrs. John Schwartz - Mrs. John Schwartz, 1907 Jay street, Morning Side, died at her home at 4 o'clock Wednesday evening, February 26, of paralysis, at the age of 76 years.  The deceased was born in Ohio, August 26, 1832, and was married in 1851 to John Schwartz whose death preceded her's four weeks and one day.  The aged couple had resided in Woodbury county since 1864, having been engaged in farming.  they retired to Morning Side from their farm near Sergeant Bluffs eighteen years ago and lived there until their death.
Sioux City Journal, 3/6/1908

The house was left to their daughter, Emily (Emma) A. Cork.

1911

A notice in the Sioux City Journal dated November 10, 1911 concerning a property transfer:

Emma A. Cork to Mary Gibson: Lot 3, block 22, and lot 6, block 23, Table addition ....... 3,500.00
Sioux City Journal, 11/10/1911

Samuel and Mary Gibson become the new owners of the house.

Above is a photo of Samuel & Mary Gibson.  This detail was taken out of a photograph that our next door neighbor, Marie Rembe, gave to us.

This is a scan of the full photograph (to view an extra large version, click here).  This photo was taken sometime between 1911 and 1920, because Samuel died in 1920.

After Samuel died, Mary married Charles Wilsen. She was then known as Mary Gibson Wilsen. Charles died in 1961, and Mary died in 1963.

1954

The book, “History of Pioneer Valley – The Story of a Century at Sergeant Bluff” by Allienne Baker Lindgren was published. Within the book, there is an entire section about John & Charlotte Schwartz:

1963

The house was left to Inga Hernepont.

Inga was married to Delbert Hernepont at the time that the house became hers. In 1967, Delbert died. Inga owned the house until she died on January 19, 1995. We were told that Inga was conned into leaving the house to her “caretaker” Mary Ann Copenhaver. If true, this was a sad day for the house. Inga had inherited all of Mrs. Wilsen’s antiques along with the house. Shortly after Inga’s death, Mary Ann Copenhaver had an estate sale, where she sold everything, and then disappeared.

Miscellaneous Information

An interesting side note, right after we moved into the house, we discovered some initials painted on some of the rafters in the attic. They are “IWS.” We figured that John Schwartz had built the house, but at that time, we didn’t know that they had had any children. So, the initials were a mystery. Upon discovering the family listing in the 1880 census, we found that they had a son, Ivie Wilkison Schwartz! Even more interesting is while removing paint on the exterior, I was able to see the very first colors that the house was painted. The painted initials in the attic are in these very same colors! Since Ivie would have been about 17 when the house was built, we figure he was probably the one given the task to paint it and he decided to “leave his mark” in the attic rafters. Since then, I have discovered a few other places where Ivie carved his initials into the wood in the attic.

More to come…