SHELL, Frank
Source: Kingman Star Friday, July 21, 1944
Frank Shell, well known Fountain County man who died this week, wrote several articles during the years for this paper on the early saga of the county. THis is his last contribution ... his obituary which he
wrote himself.
Frank has no regrets but that he could not live another life. He enjoyed life and lived a long one. which he appreciated. Here is his own story:
Frank Shell as they call me - my name is Francis Marion Shell. I was b. Oct 17, 1857, on a farm in Mill Creek Twp. one mi. N of Steam Corner, bordering US 41 on the W. My father's name was Strother Shell, born in Virginia near Winchster. My mother was Eliz. Moudy b in Ohio, near Eaton. They were married Dec 8, 1836. 12 ch. were b. to them 7 boys & 5 girls. All grew to man and womanhood. I was the 10th child and only survivor. My education was of the District Schools in Mill Creek Twp. I grew up under the influence of the United Brethren and New light Christian Church the latter of which I was at one time an active member but in later years have changed my mind and beliefs. Oct 28, 1875 I was married to Miss Mary Ann Hutts who was 3 years my Sr. Nine children were born to this union 5 dying in infancy and childhood. One son, Clinton, age 46. 3 survive: Flora Alice Shell Carter, Kingman; Dennis Shell, Indianapolis; Lula H. Shell Carter, Chino, Calif; 9 grandchildren and 7 great granchildren. My wife Mollie died June 3, 1927. She was almost 73 which time I have lived alone. Back in the 1880s I served 8 years as JP having married quite a few couples and it has been my pleasure to be present at and eat dinner with a few of them at their golden wedd anniversaries. Aug 26, 1890 I was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason Kingman Lodge F&AM 314. I have enjoyed many a good time with the Brethren in the different lodges rooms and elsewhere. Nov 1900 I was elected Twp Trustee of this Mill Creek Twp and served until Jan 1, 1905. Nov 14, 1918 I was appointed Postmaster at Yeddo and was retired Jan 31, 1940 with a small annuity for the balance of my life, having served 21 years being at that time in my 83rd year. All my life this Millcreek Township has been my home except about 5 years my wife & I lived temporarily in the Western part of Idaho. Hunting with a gun has been my fav sport, the wild woods, the rolling prairies the Rocky Mts, the hills & valleys the rivers, creeks and little streams have always been natures beauty to me. ...- thanks to Betty D
Source: Veedersburg News July 15, 1944
Kingman, July 14 - Francis M .Shell, 86 years old, former Yeddo postmaster, and Mill Creek trustee died here today at the home of a daughter, Mrs William Carter, Sr. He had been in failing health several years. Born Oct 27, 1887, in Fountain County, the son of Strother and Elizabeth Moudy Shell, he was married Oct 28, 1875 to Mary Ann Hutts, who died in June 1927. Mr. Shell served as postmaster at Yeddo five years, leaving office because of failing health. He also was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge and Order of Eastern Star in Yeddo. Surviving besides the daughter at whose home he died are:one daughter, Mrs. Lulu Carter of Chino, Cal if; a son, Dennis Shell of Frankfort, and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon at the home of the daughter in Kingman, with Masonic Lodge in charge. Burial will be at Centennial Cemetery.
Source: Kingman Star Thursday, July 20, 1944
Francis M. Shell, aged 86, who retired as postmaster at Yeddo five years ago, died at 12:30 Friday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Carter, Jr., in Kingman. He had been in ill health several years and had been at the home of his daughter the past two months.
Mr. Shell was born Oct. 16, 1857 in Fountain County, the son of Strother and Elizabeth Moudy Shell. He was married to Mary Ann Hutts on Oct. 26, 1875, she dying June 3, 1927.
He served as trustee of Millcreek Township, a charter member of the Yeddo Masonic Lodge, and was an Eastern Star member. Every year he attended the Yeddo Old Settlers’ meeting.
Besides the daughter at whose home he died, he leaves a daughter, Mrs. Lula Carter of Chino, Calif., and a son, Dennis Shell, of Frankfort.
Funeral services were held at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon at the home of the daughter, Mrs. Carter, in Kingman, the Masonic Lodge conducting their service, and burial was made in the Fraternal Cemetery.