Person Page - 1108

     Shirley Euphemia Holcombe was born on 24 April 1895 at Coggon, Linn Co., IA.¹ She was the daughter of Darwin Hinkley Holcombe and Louisa Jane Livingstone.¹ Shirley Euphemia Holcombe married Orrie Francois Watkins, son of Charles Eacer Watkins and Sarah Catherine Lodwick, on 20 June 1925 at Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA.¹ Shirley Euphemia Holcombe died on 12 January 1970 at Moline, Rock Island Co., IL, at age 74.¹ She was buried at Rose Lawn Memorial Estates, Moline, Rock Island Co., IL.

Shirley was a graduate of Coggon High School class of 1913 and of Coe College, Cedar Rapids, magna cum laude, class of 1919. She worked on campus, taught school and it is believed had some financial assistance from Laurena to attend Coe. In 1923 her allegory, The Richest Jewel, was published by the Alpine Press, a division of the Stratford Company of Boston, MA.

She met Orrie at Keosauqua, IA, where she taught English. He had returned to finish school after working in the Quaker Oats Mills in Cedar Rapids during World War I. After marriage they moved to Moline, IL. They became members of the First Congregational Church, transferring from the Presbyterian denomination for her and the Baptist for him. He was mainly employed as a factory worker and became active in the union. Shirley did some substitute and tutorial teaching. In the late 1950's or early 1960's her booklet, The Heart Bows Down: Eighteen Worship Services and Poems, was published by the Congregational Church Woman's Fellowship of Illinois. Poems and Prayers, a collection of her articles, poetry, and drawings was compiled in 1989-90 by her daughter Jean. Shirley died of pneumonia and arteriosclerosis, with the beginnings of Parkinson's. Orrie died of cardio-respiratory arrest, about two years after treatment for colon cancer.²

     Orrie Francois Watkins was born on 1 September 1902 at near Mt. Sterling, IA.^1,2 He was the son of Charles Eacer Watkins and Sarah Catherine Lodwick.¹ Orrie Francois Watkins married Shirley Euphemia Holcombe, daughter of Darwin Hinkley Holcombe and Louisa Jane Livingstone, on 20 June 1925 at Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., IA.¹ Orrie Francois Watkins died on 17 March 1984 at Moline, Rock Island Co., IL, at age 81.^1,2 He was buried at Rose Lawn Memorial Estates, Moline, Rock Island Co., IL.³

     Sharon Lauraine Watkins was born on 31 December 1930 at Moline, Rock Island Co., IL.^1,2 She was the daughter of Orrie Francois Watkins and Shirley Euphemia Holcombe.¹ Sharon Lauraine Watkins died on 9 December 1982 at Rochelle, IL, at age 51.^3,2

Sharon graduated in the class of 1948 at Moline High; class of 1958 Illinois State Normal University, Normal, IL. She taught elementary level before and after graduation and after her marriage. John has a twin brother Roger and has three sons and a daughter by a first marriage. Sharon died of breast and lung cancer.³

     Fannie Alderman was born on 27 February 1857 at IA.¹ She was the daughter of Capt. Edwin Buckley Alderman and Lydia A. Osborn.¹

     Ada M. Alderman was born on 11 July 1859 at IA.¹ She was the daughter of Capt. Edwin Buckley Alderman and Lydia A. Osborn.¹

     Etta Louise Alderman was born on 8 May 1868 at IA.¹ She was the daughter of Capt. Edwin Buckley Alderman and Lydia A. Osborn.¹ Etta Louise Alderman married Guy Edwin Perin Shirley.¹

     Guy Edwin Perin Shirley married Etta Louise Alderman, daughter of Capt. Edwin Buckley Alderman and Lydia A. Osborn.¹