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Marcella Gertrude Michael (b. November 05, 1924, d. date unknown)

Marcella Gertrude Michael (daughter of Earl Michael) was born November 05, 1924 in Westfield, Iowa, and died date unknown in Living. She married John George Ferguson, son of Ira Elmer Ferguson and Stena Elizabeth Cornford.

Notes for Marcella Gertrude Michael:
Marcella Gertrude Michael was born Nov 5, 1924, in a drafty old farmhouse in Iowa. It was snowing, and there was a fire in the wood-burning stove. She weighed only 2 pounds, and the doctor left saying there was nothing that could be done for her. The midwife in attendance wrapped her up, put her in a cigar box, and set it close to the stove for warmth. It was a miracle that she survived. Four days after her seventh birthday, her mother, Ettie Forest Campbell Michael, died, leaving her father, Earl Michael, with four children to raise and a farm to work. This was during the depression. About a year later, her father suffered a ruptured appendix and nearly died. He was taken
to a hospital in Indiana and was away from the children for about a year. During this time, Rob, the oldest boy worked the farm. A young
couple who were cousins lived with them and helped care for the children. Finally, Earl was able to come home. He was an invalid for some time. Mother remembers that he had a tube coming out of his side that drained for a long time. She learned to shave him at that time. I remember seeing her give Papa a shave many times when we were living in Iowa. The doctor who cared for Earl said
he had never seen a man with such a will to live. He knew he had 4 children who needed him. This was in the days before antibiotics. People in this country now don't know much about hardship. When I think of all that our forebears endured, I am very grateful for the blessings we now enjoy.

from Jon Michael Fergusnn 9,2000: Been busy driving cars(after working regular job)from auto auction in Dallas here to Wichita Falls. When I do that, I usually don't get back in til around eleven or twelve o'clock. Anyways, got some stunning information on mother's ancestry line !!! Got a stack of papers from Studebaker Family National Association that I am still trying to look at. Can trace mother's line back to Peter Studebaker who came over from Germany with his brother(Clement)and a cousin (Heinrich) in 1736 on the ship "Harle" arriving in Philadelphia.

The three families began farming in what where then frontier lands. At this time, the French were stirring up their Shawnee and Delaware Indian allies against the English colonies. On March 3,1756, they raided Heinrich's farm,south of Welsh Run Creek. Heinrich was killed almost immediately;his wife and three of his four children were taken prisoner. Eager to to get out of the area before other settlers could come to the rescue,the Indians began a forced march in which they killed Heinrich's expectant wife and baby. Years later, three of the children were rescued, and two of them eventually married and raised families.

Several of the Studebakers went into blacksmithing and wagon-making.They settled on a design which became world famous........
the Conestoga wagon. They eventually started the Studebaker Wagon Company, the forerunner to the Studebaker Corporation.

My maternal gggrandparents; Samuel Michael married Hanna Studebaker. Altho I knew the name of my great grandfather, I didn't know names of siblings and who they were married to. Just great stuff. At least, I have names to look up with dates going back to 1736.

They were associated with the Dunkards /Dunkirds or Church of the Brethren whom have an excellent internet site. Also have a Bedford County, Pennsylvania site ancestor stories of Wills Creek Church: a collection of Eugene Wierbach (my grandfather's cousin)from the library at Ball State University. He was married to Betty Ball...of Ball family of Indiana which the university is named. I think I have heard that this is the family that owned Ball Glass Manufacturing.

also called "Gert" during WWII she stayed with John & Mary Mckee Ferguson (her uncle). Came out to be with John as he was stationed out there in the service and her friend Ruth came out with her. Two bunkbeds in room.

More About Marcella Gertrude Michael:
Fact 1 (2): Nickname: Mary.

Children of Marcella Gertrude Michael and John George Ferguson are: