52 Ancestors In 52 Weeks: Last One Standing

Born during the Civil War…died after World War II. When she entered the world, Abraham Lincoln was the president of a divided nation. When she left the world, Dwight Eisenhower was the president during the time of the Cold War. At the end, she would be the last one standing of her parents and siblings.

A child of the Illinois prairies, Helen Boultinghouse was born while her father had recently left for war. He would return when she was a toddler. Her babyhood was spent with her French mother on the family farm along with seven siblings. She knew the security of family bonding together for the sake of survival. What character traits would be gifted to her at this impressionable time of development?

At the tender age of nine years old, her parents felt a call to move the family to Kansas. Gathering up family and possessions, they went by wagon train to make their new home in Osborne County, Kansas. What experiences in being a child pioneer were felt most by her?

At the tender age of 18, Helen married 35 year old Willard Comer originally from Canada. They married in June, 1880, in Russell County, Kansas, where they remained for the rest of their lives. How did they met, and was this a love match or marriage of convenience?

During their marriage, Willard was a real estate agent…Helen’s background was farming so town life was new to her. Two daughters, Pearle and Brownie, completed their family. They lived ordinary lives until Willard became ill. He suffered for three years and was bedridden for the last year. Not only a wife and mother, Helen was a devoted caregiver. He passed in 1916. How did it feel to be a widow at age 54 in a small Kansas town?

For the next 34 years, Helen was alone except for her daughters who remained at home and never married. The world around her was constantly changing, not only nationally but also for her personally. Her parents and siblings were now gone…last one standing. What did she tell herself to make these losses lessen and the grief bearable?

Helen Boultinghouse was my great grandaunt. I never heard anyone speak of her. I could not find much written about her. Today I discovered her and brought a part of her story to light. So, Aunt Helen, what else would you like me to write to bring your memory alive?