William Wilber Fitzgerald married Mary Jane McLimans December 25,1870 In Wisconsin. They homesteaded in Kill Creek Township in 1879, and lived there in a dugout for 10 years. Five children were born to the couple, but two sons died, leaving Ida, Nellie, and Grace. In 1889 William, Mary and Grace moved on to Yakima, Washington. William died in 1911. Mary Jane died in 1936 at age 87.
Grace, Mary Jane, William and Nellie Fitzgerald. Nellie's sister Mrs. Ida M. Bechner, died in 1901. Grace moved with William and Mary Jane to Yakima, Washington in 1889 and became Mrs. Grace E. Olson.
There are no photos of the dugout structure. It wouldn't be much different than M D's. We do have the exact location of the structure in the 'west pasture'. The site is unimpressive, and would easily be missed by casual observer. The landmark involves the iron wheels and axle assembly that is 80 ft southwest of the dugout depression. There is a spring 100 ft south of the homesite. This spring continues to have water 150 years later. While growing up at the ranch in the 1950s and 60s, I (Kyle) would drink from the running water when working the fields - just because Great Grandmother Nellie drank there.
Mary Jane was active in both the Women's Relief Corps, and the Grand Army of the Republic. Both groups related to the Civil War which William Fitzgerald fought in on the Union side. Below are a sample of the encampment badges from several years.
Nellie LaRosh home in Osborne.
This is Nellie (Grandma Great) Holding Kyle LaRosh in her right arm and Van Hanks in her left arm. Connie Hanks seated on chair.
Kyle LaRosh on the left, Van hanks on the right. Connie Hanks on chair arm.
From Left to right: Mike, Kyle, Kathy, Jill, Van was Santa Clause, Doug and Jhan (in front of Santa) Gloria, Connie holding Mark. Kye Lyn and Laurie on the front row. Grandma Great just cut off on right. This was her last Christmas.
Nellie LaRosh 1961 in her home at 291 South fifth street, Osborne, Kansas
Nellie seated in her favorite chair in Osborne in June 1963. Nellie died March 9, 1964 at 93 years of age.
Laura Wineland, Will LaRosh, Nellie LaRosh, Francis Taylor Christmas about 1962 or 1963 in Osborne home.
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