Who was Eleanor Lena Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995?

Who was Eleanor Lena Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995?

Eleanor Lena Schuler arrived 26 April 1910 at the home of her maternal grandparents in Seneca, LaSalle County, Illinois. “Eleanor” was for her maternal grandmother Laura Eleanor Armstrong, 1857-1931. “Lena” was for her paternal grandmother Lena Henrietta Baumgarten, 1842-1916. Aunt Eleanor intrigued me with stories of her first year living on a riverboat. Eleanor’s father was a pilot and her mother did the cooking for the crew. An example, for her safety, she was tethered with one end of the rope around her waist and the other end of the rope to the washing machine.

By 1912, the family lived in a home on 8^th Street in Lockport, Will County, Illinois. They lived next door to her paternal grandmother Lena Baumgarten. Eleanor’s siblings were born in Lockport; Uncle Lloyd was born in 1912, followed by Marie born in 1914 and died in 1914, followed by my mom Mildred born in 1919 and Aunt Dorothy born in 1921.

According to Eleanor, she was plagued with an inferiority complex; did she grow up feeling “tied” to something? Yet, she described her summers and Christmas holidays with her maternal grandparents in Seneca, LaSalle County, Illinois, as the “happiest time of her life.” In a college paper, she wrote about the paper dolls she received for Christmas.

Eleanor attended Lockport grade school and Lockport Township High School, 1925-1928. With her love for children, she had always planned to become a kindergarten teacher. Her feelings of inadequacy caused her to rethink her plans. She went into nursing instead.

In 1928 Eleanor entered the Silver Cross Hospital School of Nursing. Her laundry bag was made by her maternal grandmother Laura Eleanor Armstrong Couch.

Eleanor Lena Schuler became a Registered Nurse in 1932. She was Director of Nursing Arts at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, Illinois for more than 20 years. When I attended Joliet Junior College of Nursing in 1983, one of my instructors graduated from Silver Cross Hospital school of nursing with Eleanor as her instructor. “Don’t you dare ask your aunt how old I am.” Eleanor also served as a nurse in hospitals in the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.

 This blog is part followed by a blog titled Who was my Aunt Eleanor Lena Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995?

Henry Kampe 1916-1983, what was his relevance in Liberia?

Everyone has a story to tell. This short narrative is just a piece in the life of my dad, Henry Kampe, 1916-1983. What compelled him to travel to Liberia? Who did he meet in Liberia? So, as a historian, I will work from the known to the unknown. Hopefully others will fill in my many blanks and unanswered questions. The three people involved in this saga include Eleanor Schuler Boldt, 1910-1995, William Boldt, 1905-1989, her husband and Henry Kampe, my dad and her brother-in-law. Eleanor is my aunt, my mother’s sister.

Aug 1990 my question to Eleanor, “Is this the people and place that you visited? Is this the place where dad’s radio equipment went?” Her answer in tears, “Yes, gone, all gone.” We never brought up the topic again.

Liberian Troops Accused of Massacre in Church

… Survivors of the attack said Government troops had broken into St. Peter's Lutheran Church, in the city's Sinkor refugee district, and killed men, women, children and babies with knives, guns and cutlasses... The survivors said a group of 30 soldiers firing machine guns had broken the door and fired point blank at some of the 2,000 refugees who had been there since rebel forces reached the capital three weeks ago….

 “Liberia Troops Accused Of Massacre in Church.” New York Times. 31 July 1990. Accessed on-line 26 April 2019.

Spring 1983 Henry died February 1983, mom knew that Liberia was very close to dad’s heart. Dad was a ham radio operator, W90KM; his call name was “Old King Midas.” Dad was very active in ham radio, civil defense, jamborees, and world-wide contests or ham days. After dad’s death, some of his radio equipment was donated to a radio station in Monrovia, Liberia.

Again, what was my dad’s connection? The following is only speculation; please help me verify the connection!!!

ELWA website

...ELWA traces its roots back to 1952 when SIM (then known as the Sudan Interior Mission) joined with the West Africa Broadcasting Association to start the first Christian radio station in Africa. Radio ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa), located outside of Liberia’s capital city, Monrovia, aired their first broadcast in January 1954...

When civil war broke out in Liberia in 1990, SIM missionaries were forced to abandon the ELWA campus as it became a battleground between the National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) and government troops. Without any resolution in the civil conflict, missionaries returned to rebuild the ministries in 1991 under a cloud of uncertainty....

How come I chose this radio station? Dad was very involved with radio, was this how come he went to Liberia, to possibly assist with their new station in the 1950s? The ELWA Ministries Association USA address is Warrenville, Illinois. This is close to where my parents lived in Illinois. Dad may have kept in touch with them all the years between his trip and death.

  

August 1959, dad was on a solo trip through Egypt, Afghanistan, Russia and other mid eastern countries. On another venture around this time, dad, Bill and Eleanor traveled through several African countries. On their trip, they spent time in Monrovia, Liberia. It was at this time that dad became acquainted with and built his friendship with the Liberian people. William, Uncle Bill to me, and Eleanor Boldt were liaisons between the missionaries and the Lutheran mission board in the U.S. Since this was way before computers and internet, Bill and Eleanor traveled around the world to support missionaries. What were their needs? How were they using their resources? What would further the mission work of telling the world of the love of Jesus Christ?

A dear friend loaned me the following four books. Thank you authors for sharing your story!

DeShield Sadie L. and Leonard T. DeShield. Beneath the Cold War: The Death of a Nation. Professional Press.  Chapel Hill, NC. 1999. Thank you, Mrs. Deshield for sharing your personal memories on the ongoing war, bloodshed and murder.

Lawyers Committee for Human Rights. Liberia: A Promise Betrayed. New York. 1986. A Report on Human Rights. What difference has this report made on Liberia?

Norman, Christine Tolbert, compiler. It Is Time For Change: Speeches of William R. Tolbert, Jr. Victory Publishing. 2002 updated 2014. “…President Tolbert, a visionary, had a concern for mankind and this was his challenge.” Introduction to Acceptance Speech 17 July 1979 by Leonard DeShield (Chief of Protocol, 1980). Written in Greensboro, N.C. 2002.

The Liberian Civil War Through The Eyes of Children. Published by The Education Secretariat, Catholic Archdioceses of Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). 1992. This is the result of an art project.

The Isaac A David School, Paynesville, Liberia, mentioned in several books connected to Tolbert and DeShield. This will give rise to a very interesting research topic for another article.

Stories will never be complete. Hopefully someone will be able to fill me in with names and dates for Liberia.

"Emigration to Liberia" by Matthew F.K. McDaniel

Mathew F.K. McDaniel presented Emigration to Liberia: From the Chattahoochee Valley of Georgia and Alabama, 1853-1903 as the program for the April 2014 Georgia State Archives Lunch and Learn series. Mr. McDaniel took the broad topic of the emigration and narrowed it to the Columbus, Georgia area for his master’s thesis. McDaniel received a Master of Arts degree in history from Louisiana State University in 2007. The Historic Chattahoochee Commission recognized the value of his material and published the thesis as a book in 2013. The Chattahoochee Trace of Alabama and Georgia, provides a pleasing blend of Old South traditions and New South innovations, is a fascinating place to visit and live.

Now is the time to update the histories of Columbus, Georgia, and Eufala, Alabama. History needs to reflect the lives of the 447 people who were part of the 4,093 black emigrants the American Colonization Society (ACS) sponsored and sent to Liberia after the American Civil War. In both Mr. McDaniel’s lecture and book, he explains the extensive research necessary to know more about the black emigrants that sailed on the ship Golconda bound for Bexley, Liberia in late 1867 and early 1868.

The American Colonization Society had supporters in the North and the South. According to Mr. McDaniel’s research, the supporters’ motives depended on where they lived. If the person lived in the North, the move to an African colony would chip away at the slave system and provide no prospects in a white supremacist society. If the person lived in the South, the move to an African colony would remove free blacks who were a destabilizing influence.

The chapter titled Emigrants 1867-1868 analyzes the make-up on the people. This includes their ages, occupations, educational backgrounds, and religious affiliation. The chapter titled Liberia, 1867-1903, relates what the country offered. On page 64, the author ends with “For those willing to adapt to Liberia as they found it, rather than as they wished it to be, the Liberian dream could be realized.” The book offers thorough notes and a full bibliography. Emigration to Liberia: From the Chattahoochee Valley of Georgia and Alabama, 1853-1903 is a must read for everyone interested in the history of Georgia and the Liberian colonization project.

My personal interest was to hear and see the photographs of Liberia. My father, Henry Kampe (1916-1983), my aunt, Mrs. Eleanor Schuler Boldt (1910-1995), and uncle, Rev. William J. Boldt (1905-1989), went to Monrovia, Liberia in 1959. They travel extensively in Africa and brought back many interesting stories.

Comments or questions, please contact Selma Blackmon, thank you!

Sunday's Obituary - BOLDT, William John (1905 -1989)

Rev. William Boldt

 
The Rev. William J. Boldt, 84, of 5508 Jackson Court, died at 2:50 a.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Medical Center.
He was a retired Lutheran minister, serving for more than 50 yrs in Kansas, Chicago, Wisconsin, and Evansville, where he was an interim pastor at St. Mark's Lutheran and Grace Lutheran churches.
Rev. Boldt held a bachelor of arts degree from Wittenberg University, a bachelor of divinity degree from Wittenberg Seminary and a master's of art degree from Emporia State Teachers College at Emporia, Kan.
In 1989 he obtained a doctorate of theology and doctorate degree from Trinity Theological Seminary in Newburgh. Rev. Boldt also taught at Wheaton, Ill. College and Bethany College in Lindsberg, Kan.
Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Eleanor; a daughter, Suzanne Johnson of Evansville; grandchildren, David Johnson of Bloomington, Ind., Robert Johnson of Evansville and Martha Agee of Denver, Colo.; and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. tomorrow at Alexander Funeral Home East Chapel, the Revs. George Stiles and Dr. John Brooke officiating, with burial in Park Lawn Cemetery.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.
The family said friends, if they wish, may make memorial contributions to any favorite charity.

"Rev. William Boldt," obituary, Evansville Press, 12 December 1989, unknown. clipped copy of paper.

Sunday's Obituary - SCHULER, William Lloyd (1912-1965), BAUGH, Rosa Belle LEE (1916-1978)

WILLIAM LLOYD SCHULER
William Lloyd Schuler, 53, of 918 S. Jefferson St., Lockport, died Wednesday (Aug. 4, 1965) at his home.
He had been under a doctor's care for some time but was stricken suddenly. The Lockport Fire Department inhalator was summoned. Mr. Schuler had just returned from a vacation trip.
A native of Lockport born June 1, 1912, he was a lifetime resident. He owned and operated a Texaco Service Station from 1940 to 1950, when he retired due to ill health. He owned the station at the time of his death and the Schuler Mobile Home Court in Lockport. He was member of First Methodist Church and Lockport Lodge A.F. and A.M. No. 538. He was preceded in death by his father, William J. last Dec and a sister, Marie.
Surviving are his widow, the former Rosa Belle Lee: daughter Eleanore, both of Lockport, 2 sons, Lee of Lockport and Raymond of E. Peoria; five grandchildren; his mother Mrs. Nettie E. Schuler, of Lockport; three sisters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt of Muskego, Wis., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet and Mrs. Frank (Dorothy) Subka of Lockport.
Services will be at the Goodale Funeral Home, Lockport, Friday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Merle Hall will officiate. Burial will be in Lockport City Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Masonic services will be at 8 p.m. The family has suggested that memorials may be made to the First Methodist Church.

obituaries
SCHULER, William Lloyd-Age 53 years of 918 So. Jefferson Street, Lockport. Passed away suddenly at his home August 4, 1965. Preceded in death by his father, William J. Schuler, and a sister, Marie. Survived by his wife, Rosa Belle nee Lee, one daughter, Miss Eleanor Schuler, both of Lockport; two sons, Lee of Lockport and Raymond of East Peoria, Illinois; five grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Nettie E. Schuler nee Couch of Lockport; three sisters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt of Muskego, Wis., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet and Mrs. Frank (Dorothy) Subka of Lockport. Nieces and nephews. Member of First Methodist Church and Lockport Lodge AF and AM No. 538. Remains are at the Goodale Funeral Home where services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Interment Lockport City Cemetery. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday. Masonic services will be held Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorials to the First Methodist Church will be appreciated.

"WILLIAM LLOYD SCHULER," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, 5 August 1965, unknown. clipped copy from paper.

William Schuler
William Lloyd Schuler, 53, 918 S. Jefferson, died Aug. 4 at home. Born June 1, 1912 in Lockport, he had been a lifelong resident. A member of the First Methodist Church, Lockport Masonic Lodge AF and AM 538, Sarah D. Moon Chapter, Order of Eastern Star #191, he had owned and operated a service station and Schuler Mobile Homes from 1940 to 1950 when he was forced to retire due to ill health. He leased the service station from 1950.
His father, William J., preceded him in death in 1964. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Marie.
Survivors are his widow, the former Rosa Belle Lee; his mother, Nettie Ethel, nee Couch; a daughter, Eleanor, Lockport; two sons, Lee of Lockport and Raymond of East Peoria; five grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt of Muskego, Wis., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet and Mrs. Frank (Dorothy) Subka of Lockport; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Friday at 2 p.m. from the Goodale Funeral Home with Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Interment was in Lockport City Cemetery.

"Obituaries William Schuler," obituary, Graphic News, 12 August 1965, page 15. clipped copy of paper.
 
BAUGH, ROSA BELLE
nee Lee, 62 of Ft. Myers, FL. March 17, 1978 at Graham Hospital, Canton, IL. Born Sept 2, 1916 in Ashland, AL, she resided in Lockport for 36 years, moving to Ft. Myers, FL in 1966. Member and past-matron of Sarah D. Moon O.E.S. Chapter 191 and member First Methodist Church, Ft. Myers, FL. Preceded in death by her husbands, William Lloyd Schuler, and Jesse L. Baugh; her parents James and Mindie (Carpenter) Lee. Survived by a daughter, Mrs. Douglas (Eleanor) Kwasigroh of Heyworth, IL, two sons, William Lee Schuler of Lockport, and Raymond E. (Mary) Schuler of Canton, IL. two step-sons, Jesse Baugh and Jerry (Patricia) Baugh, both of Toledo, OH.; 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Ruby Oswalt, Junction City, AZ. Mrs. Frank (Una Mae) Perseghin, Dudalk, MD. two brothers, James W. (Eulah) Lee of Margate, FL, and Edward Lee of Dudalk, MD; nieces and nephews. Services will be held at the Goodale Funeral Home, 912 S. Hamilton St., Lockport Tuesday, March 21, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Charles J. Meyer officiating, Interment Lockport City Cemetery, Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday.

"BAUGH, ROSA BELLE," undated clipping, March 1978, from unidentified newspaper; Blackmon Collection Family Papers; privately held 2013 by Selma Blackmon, [address for private use], Norcross, Georgia.

Sunday's Obituary - SCHULER, Nettie Couch (1884-195), William John (1871-1964)

NETTIE E. SCHULER
Mrs. Nettie E. Schuler, 81, who had resided in Lockport for a half-century, died Sunday (Oct 3, 1965) in her home, 815 Madison St., Lockport.
Death followed a brief illness. She was the widow of William J. Schuler who was a retired employee of Texaco, Inc. at the time of his death last December. Her husband was known as Captain Schuler. He was a mule skinner when the Illinois-Michigan Canal was Lockport's most thriving traffic artery.
Besides her husband she was preceded in death this past August by a son, William Lloyd, and in November 1914 by a daughter, Marie.
Born in Seneca on Jan. 12, 1884, Mrs. Schuler lived in Lockport since moving there from Pekin in 1915.
Mrs. Schuler is survived by three daughters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt, of Muskego, Wis., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet, and Mrs. Frank (Dorothy) Subka of Lockport; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Mildred Culbertson of Lockport.
She was a member of the First Methodist Church of Lockport; the Sarah D. Moon Chapter 191 of the Order of Eastern Star; the Woman's Society of Christian Service of the church and the Royal Neighbors of America. She was associated with the latter for 50 years.
Services will be in the Goodale Funeral Home, Lockport, Wednesday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Merle HALL will officiate. Burial will be in Lockport City Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The family has suggested that memorials may be made in Mrs. Schuler's name to the First Methodist Church of Lockport.

obituary
SCHULER-Nettie E., nee COUCH Age 81 years. Of 815 Madison St., Lockport. Passed away Oct 3, 1965, at her home. Preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene COUCH; her husband, William J. Schuler (Dec., 1964); 1 son, William Lloyd (Aug. 1965); 1 daughter, Marie (Nov. 1914). Survived by 3 daughters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt, Muskego, Wisconsin; Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet; Mrs. Frank (Dorothy) Subka of Lockport; 9 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Mrs. Mildred Culbertson of Lockport; nieces and nephews. Member of First Methodist Church, Sarah D. Moon Chapter No. 191 O.E.S., W.S.C.S. of First Methodist Church, 50 year member Royal Neighbors of America. Remains are at the Goodale Funeral Home where services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Merle HALL officiating. Interment Lockport City Cemetery. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday, Memorials to the First Methodist Church will be appreciated.

"NETTIE E. SCHULER," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, 4 October 1965, unknown. microfilm. Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Illinois.

WILLIAM JOHN SCHULER

W.J. Schuler Dies; Native of Lockport
William J. Schuler, 93, of 815 Madison St., Lockport, a retired steamship captain, died suddenly Thursday, (December 31, 1964) at home.
A lifelong resident of Lockport, he was born Sept. 12, 1871, to the late John and Lena Schuler.
As a young boy, he drove mules on the old Illinois and Michigan Canals when tow boats were moved by this method between Joliet and LaSalle.
Mr. Schuler was licensed a captain of steam propelled vessels on the Chicago and Mississippi Rivers in 1898. In October 1914 he made the last trip aboard any canal boat on the I and M Canal.
He was employed by Texaco Inc. in 1914 and worked there for 25 years, retiring in 1939 as a yard foreman. He was the oldest living retired employee of the Refinery.
He was a director of the Lockport Savings and Loan Association, member of the First Methodist Church, the Lockport Lodge A.F. and A.M. 538 and the Sarah D. Moon chapter 9 Order of Eastern Star.
Mr. Schuler is survived by his wife, Nettie; three daughters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt of Muskego, Wisc., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet and Mrs. Dorothy Startz of Lockport; one son, Lloyd of Lockport, nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the Goodale Funeral Home in Lockport. The Rev. Merle Hall will officiate. Masonic services will be held at the funeral home at 8 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in the Lockport City Cemetery.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. today and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Memorials to the Education Building of the First Methodist Church will be appreciated.
SCHULER, William John-Age 93, of 815 Madison St., Lockport. passed away suddenly at his home December 31, 1964. Preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena Schuler, 1 daughter Marie, 3 sisters and 1 brother. Survived by his wife Nettie E. nee Couch, 3 daughters. Mrs. William [Eleanor) Boldt of Muskego, Wisc., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet and Mrs. Dorothy Startz of Lockport and 1 son Lloyd of Lockport. 9 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. Member of the First Methodist Church, Lockport Lodge AF & AM No. 538 and Sarah D. Moon Chapter OES No. 191. Remains are at the Goodale Funeral Home from where services will be held Monday at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Interment Lockport City Cemetery. Visitation 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday. Masonic services will be held at the funeral home Sunday at 8 p.m. Memorials to the Education Building of the First Methodist Church will be appreciated.

"W.J. Schuler Dies; Native of Lockport," obituary, Joliet Herald-News, January 1965, unknown. microfilm. Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Illinois.

Obituaries
William J. Schuler
William John Schuler, 93, 815 Madison st. died Dec. 31 at home. Born Sept. 12, 1871 in Lockport, he was a lifelong resident. A director of the Lockport Savings and Loan Association, he was a member of Masonic Lodge 538 AF and AM and Sarah D. Moon Chapter 191, Order of Eastern Star.
Retiring in 1939, he had been a yard foreman at Texaco, Inc. for 25 years. At 14, he drove mules pulling cargo along the canal, Later he became a captain of the boatmen on the I and M Canal and drove the last cargo thru the old canal.
His parents, a daughter, Marie, and 3 sisters preceded him in death.
Survivors include his widow, Nettie E., nee Couch; 3 daughters, Mrs. William (Eleanor) Boldt of Muskego, Wis., Mrs. Henry (Mildred) Kampe of Joliet, and Mrs. Dorothy Startz of Lockport; a son, Lloyd of Lockport; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday at 2 p.m. from the Goodale Funeral Home with Rev. Merle Hall officiating. Burial was in Lockport City Cemetery.

"William J. Schuler," obituary, Graphic News, 7 January 1965, unknown. microfilm. Joliet Public Library, Joliet, Illinois.

William Schuler Dies;
Piloted Last Canal Boat
Seneca-William J. Schuler, 93, husband of the former Nettie Couch of Seneca, died recently at his home in Lockport, it was learned here today.
As a young boy he drove mules on the old Illinois-Michigan Canal, when towboats were moved by this method between Joliet and LaSalle.
In 1898 he was licensed a steamship captain, traveling until 1914, when he made the last trip aboard any canal boat on the I. and M. Canal.
His death broke a marriage tie of 56 years. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Lockport, director of the Lockport Savings and Loan Assn., member of Lockport lodge AF and AM no. 538, and the Sarah Moon chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Surviving are his widow, three daughters, one son, nine grandchildren, eight [great] grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at the Goodale Funeral Home in Lockport with the Rev. Merle Hall officiating.

"William Schuler Dies; Piloted last Canal Boat," Undated clipping, 1965, from unidentified newspaper; Blackmon Collection Family Papers; privately held 2013 by Selma Blackmon, [address for private use], Norcross, Georgia.