Dora Maude Lee ~ an inspiration to my family history.

Meet my great great great grandmother Dora Maude Lee ~ formally known as Maude Lee.

Maude was born January 12, 1880 in Mechanicstown, Pennsylvania (the daughter of David Sand Shamp and Sarah Jane Monigold); and passed away April 16, 1965 at the ripe age of 85 years old.

Her first husband was Edward “Edwin” Selwyn Owens (born 1872), whom she had 5 children with. They were: Robina Priscilla-who married a Deets, Lena Berdella (my great great grandmother)-who married Clyde Brenton Elkins, Ellen-who married Roy Broadbent, Herman, and Merle. Sadly her two youngest (Herman & Merle) died late August of 1906 only a day apart caused by an attack of Diphtheria. Due to personal issues between Maude and Edward, they were divorced soon after that period; and Maude remarried a William C. Lee. Edwin Passed away of Alcoholism April 13, 1954 and is buried by Herman and Merle at Spring Grove Cemetery (East Liverpool, Columbiana County, Ohio). William and Maude had the following children: William C. Lee Jr., Charles (who I have no information for at this time), and Geraldine-who married a Smith. William and Maude lived a very happy life together on a small farm outside of East Liverpool. Maude was a wonderful cook, and was known to ride into town on one of her horses (which she owned several). One day, she tripped over her dog; and broke her hip badly. My grandmother told me that Maude died of complications many years later from that accident. Maude’s beloved husband William died the next year December 8, 1966. William and Maude are at eternal rest together at Calcutta United Presbyterian Cemetery (Calcutta, Columbiana County, Ohio).

I told you this story, because Maude was one of my inspirations. My grandmother let me look through a box of her old family photos once, and Maude’s was in there (along with many other precious photographs). I was just beginning to gain an interest in family history at the time. I just felt so nostalgic looking at her photo and imagining that at one time this ancestor of mine led a life too; a life of importance, and influence on her community. My grandmother told me many stories about Maude and her daughter Lena (my grandmother’s grandmother), and it really brought the person in the photo to life-giving greater meaning to my heritage. It is so neat to think of all the grandparents that came before you, and the lives they led. Although Maude had many sufferings in her life, she finally found happiness; and I am sure she influenced the lives of those she knew at her bygone time. After finding that photo, I took the first steps in recording my family history; and have been doing it ever since. Maude’s family was the first I documented in my binders.

Below I took the liberty to also add Maude’s obituary for you to read. If you are related to me, or would like to supplement any information ~ like corrections, or missing names/dates/or places; feel free to email me at jacktyger@frontier.com. 

“Mrs. Maude Lee, 122 W. 3rd St., a former potter and wife of William Lee, died this morning (April 16, 1965) at 7 at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Robert (Geraldine) Smith, 833 Riverview St., following an illness of about 12 years.

She had been residing with her daughter recently because of her health. She was 85.

Mrs. Lee was born in Mechanicstown Jan. 12, 1880, and had lived in this vicinity virtually her lifetime. She worked at the Homer Laughlin china Co. for 50 years and was a finisher when she retired 18 years ago. She was a member of the First Church of Christ, its Bethany Class and Ladies League.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, William C. Lee of West Point; two others daughters, Mrs. Roy (Ellen) Broadbent of Sebring and Mrs. Robina Deets of Tampa, Fla.; three sisters, Mrs. Lena Silverman and Mrs. Laura Jones, both of East Liverpool, and Mrs. Rose Ralston of Greenville, Pa.; a half-sister, Mrs. Mary Dawson of Beaver; five half-brothers, Simon Shamp of Hookstown, Dave Shamp and Raymond Shamp, both of Aliquippa, Clyde Shamp of Wooster and John Shamp of East Liverpool; 24 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services will be held Monday at 2 p.m. at the Martin Funeral Home by the Rev. E. C. Traylor. Burial will be in the Calcutta United Presbyterian Church Cemetery.”

*Note: Photo of William & Maude's Stone from Findagrave.com.*