Millard Clark Gatchell on the Railroad

Millard Clark Gatchell known more commonly as Mick was an engineer on the railroad (see Wikipedia's entry for Rail Transport for a complete history). Mick's father Ralph Millard Gatchell was also employed by the railroad as well as many of his uncles and extended family.

Anna Maie (Clark) Gatchell's Obituary

Maie Gatchell's obituary as published in The Fort Wayne Journal-Gazetter 10 Nov 1924; Page 2, Column 3.

Mrs. Maie Gatchell, wife of Ralph M. Gatchell , 2102 Drexel Blvd. died last night at 8:25 o'clock at the Methodist hospital following an illness of two weeks of complications. Surviving besides the husband are three daughters and one son, and the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clark of Akron, O. She was a member of the O.E.S . and the L.A. to B. of __(maybe Eastern Star?). Funeral announcements will be made later.

Marriage of Ralph Gatchell & Mae Clark

My Great-grandfather Ralph M. Gatchell married my great-grandmother Mae Clark on 25 Sep 1917 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. I've included a copy of their marriage license.

At this time Ralph was 25 years old and Mae was 21 years old. Ralph reports his occupation as Engineer. He worked on the railroad. It's also reported that his father Grant Gatchell was a 'railroader' obviously also employed by the railroad. No occupation is given for Mae but her father is reported to me a "Messenger."

The two witnesses to the marriage are Solly Frankenstein and Louis Pietz. Solly was a good friend of Ralph's that help administer the estate of Ralph & Mae after their death during the time their children were still minor age.

Mae (Clark) Gatchell

Anna 'Mae' (Clark) Gatchell was born 29 Mar 1896 in Sheldon, Iroquios County, Illionois to Charles H. Clark & Matilda M. Hoagland. Mae passed away 9 Nov 1924 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. She died in child labor the story is told to me by my family. There are only a few known pictures of her. Mae Gatchell is my Great-Grandmother. She is buried in Lindenwood Cemetery, Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. She married Ralph Millard Gatchell on 25 Sep 1917 in Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana. Mae & Ralph had four children together.