NOTE: The "A'Bair" surname with its apostrophe, was a nod to the family's French-Canadian "Hébert" surname. To keep people unfamiliar with French pronunciation from pronouncing the name as [ HER bert ], the family adopted the phonetical [ ey BAIR ] spelling and threw in the apostrophe to mimic the ague accent on the first e of Hebert.
Peter was the son of Lewis A'Bair and Sarah E. Warner, who married on 9 Mar 1884 in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis and Sarah raised four children together and lost two children together: Marion Elno/Elmer (1880-1957); an unnamed infant daughter (b./d. Jul 1884); Peter Ora (1885-1971); Mary Etta (1888-1956); Augusta F. (1891-1975); Sadie R. (d. 1897).
The now-lost 1890 Census would have provided a wonderful snapshot of the family. Alas and alack, water damage after a fire where the records were being stored deemed the collection unsalvable and they were eventually destroyed.
The 1900 Census placed the Abairs in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis A'Bair (A-Boeore on the record), 40, was a farmer. Sarah, 40, reported that only four of her six children had survived to that census, a sad reminder or the loss of their infant daughter in 1884 and daughter Sadie in 1897. There with their parents were Marion, 20; Peter, 14; Etta, 12; and Augusta, 8.
On 7 Jul 1907, Peter's father Lewis was claimed by tuberculosis at age 47.
Sarah, widowed, aged 51, appeared without her helpmate and companion on the 1910 Census, still living in the Argos area, noted as a farm manager. She again reported that four of her six children were living. As it happens, all four were still there with her—Marion, 29; Peter, 24, both helping with the farm; Etta, 22; and Augusta, 18, noted sweetly as a "dairy maid," which suggests the farm was a dairy farm or that at least there were cows on the farm.
Five years later, Peter's mother Sarah died, passing on 19 Dec 1915 at age 56. She would miss seeing son Peter marry Nellie Alnora Large on 24 Jul 1916. They would bring two children into the world—Velma Leona (10 Jun 1919 – 6 Jul 2004), and Harold Ralph (23 Jun 1922 – 27 Feb 1986).
Peter was a farmer, one aspect of that career apparently relieving sheep of their wool. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 23 May 1918 p. 4) "Harvey Pontius and Peter Abair are the busy men, just now, as everyone wants their sheep sheared at the same time."
A year later, the stork paid the couple a visit. (The Argos Reflector-Week of July 10, 1919) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair are the proud parents of a baby girl [Velma], born Thursday July 10."
The 1920 Census reflected the addition of Velma to the family. They were living in Green Twp. (Argos area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter A'Bair, 34, was noted as a farmer. Nellie, 31, was home with 5-month-old Velma.
Two years after that census, Velma got herself a baby brother. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Jun 1922 p. 5) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter A'bair are the proud parents of a boy [Harold] since Friday, June 23 [Thursday, June 22 was the correct date]."
In the spring of 1926, the family's home went up in flames. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 8) "Last Wednesday [ 21 Apr] the alarm was given that Pete Abair's house was on fire. By the neighbors' assistance they managed to save the contents of the house except the kitchen range and coal oil stove. It is a loss to the family, and as there was an empty house close by they moved in that evening. He carried insurance." (Thu 24 Jun 1926 p. 4) "Peter Abair is making progress in replacing the house recently burned." (Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 1) "NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. We wish to express our gratefulness to the many neighbors and friends for the kindness and help they gave us during our fire. –Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair"
Life went on, as it tends to do. The Abair clan was still living in Green Township when the 1930 Census enumerators began knocking on doors. Peter Abair, 44, was busy with the family farm. Nellie, 41, was tending to the household and to their two growing children—Velma, 10, and 7-year-old Harold.
A month later, daughter Velma had a health crisis. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 22 May 1930 p. 4) "Velma, little daughter of Pete and Nellie A'Bair became very sick with appendicitis, was taken to Kelly hospital and operated on Friday. She is in a very critical condition. The family have the sympathy of the community." By the grace of all that is good, Velma made a complete recovery.
The 1940 Census caught back up with the family, still residing in Green Township. Peter Abair, 54, was still noted as a farmer. Nellie, 52, was home with Velma, 20, and Harold, 17.
Three years later, on 2 Mar 1943, Peter and Nellie's son Harold married Dorothy Brock. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 18 Mar 1943 p. 3) "About 65 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair gave them a fine shower Saturday evening at the home of Harold's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair. The evening was spent visititing and the couple received many nice and useful presents. Mrs. Peter Abair served lovely refreshments of cookies, sandwiches, jello and coffee. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair treated with candy clusters and cigars. The couple was given an old fashioned belling [i.e a noisy mock serenade made by banging pans and kettles to a newly married couple] after the shower."
During WWII, Harold served in the Army. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Nov 1945 p. 1) "Pvt. Harold R. Abair recently arrived on Okinawa according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair."
By the time the 1950 Census rolled around, Nellie and Peter's nest was empty. Peter, 64, did not have anything noted in the occupation line. Nellie, 62, was still at his side.
Daughter Velma didn't find her soulmate until she was 36. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1954 p. 3) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair R.R. 3, Argos, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Velma, to Arthur Cordes, son of Lewis Cordes of R.R. 1, Argos. No date has been set for the wedding." (13 Jan 1955 p. 8) "Miss Velma Abair Weds Arthur Cordes, Saturday. Miss Velma Abair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair route 3, Argos, and Arthur Cordes, son of Louis Cordes, route 1, Argos, recited marriage vows in the Richland Center Methodist Church at eight o'clock Saturday evening. The double ring service was read by the pastor, Rev. Dale Hamilton. Attending the couple were Mrs. Grace Boothe, cousin of the bride and Jack Glass, both of Plymouth. The bride was attired in a dress of teal blue taffeta worn with a yellow rose corsage. The matron of honor wore an aqua dress and a red rose corsage. The bridegroom served overseas in World War II and is employed at McCord factory in Plymouth. The couple plans to reside near Argos on route 3, as soon as their house is ready for occupancy."
It was about that same time that Peter's wife Nellie began her battle with diabetes. Four years after watching daughter Velma walk down the aisle, Nellie succumbed to her illness, five days before Thanksgiving Day on 22 Nov 1958. She was 70 years old.
Peter hit a bump in the road the week before his eightieth birthday. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 9 Sep 1965 p. 1) "Peter Abair, farmer, R.R. 3, Argos, was admitted on Monday to Parkview Hospital for treatment of a broken hip. Mr. Abair fell in his home when he stumbled, resulting in the injury."
Peter lived on, not passing into the light until 17 Mar 1971 at age 85.
Peter was the son of Lewis A'Bair and Sarah E. Warner, who married on 9 Mar 1884 in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis and Sarah raised four children together and lost two children together: Marion Elno/Elmer (1880-1957); an unnamed infant daughter (b./d. Jul 1884); Peter Ora (1885-1971); Mary Etta (1888-1956); Augusta F. (1891-1975); Sadie R. (d. 1897).
The now-lost 1890 Census would have provided a wonderful snapshot of the family. Alas and alack, water damage after a fire where the records were being stored deemed the collection unsalvable and they were eventually destroyed.
The 1900 Census placed the Abairs in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis A'Bair (A-Boeore on the record), 40, was a farmer. Sarah, 40, reported that only four of her six children had survived to that census, a sad reminder or the loss of their infant daughter in 1884 and daughter Sadie in 1897. There with their parents were Marion, 20; Peter, 14; Etta, 12; and Augusta, 8.
On 7 Jul 1907, Peter's father Lewis was claimed by tuberculosis at age 47.
Sarah, widowed, aged 51, appeared without her helpmate and companion on the 1910 Census, still living in the Argos area, noted as a farm manager. She again reported that four of her six children were living. As it happens, all four were still there with her—Marion, 29; Peter, 24, both helping with the farm; Etta, 22; and Augusta, 18, noted sweetly as a "dairy maid," which suggests the farm was a dairy farm or that at least there were cows on the farm.
Five years later, Peter's mother Sarah died, passing on 19 Dec 1915 at age 56. She would miss seeing son Peter marry Nellie Alnora Large on 24 Jul 1916. They would bring two children into the world—Velma Leona (10 Jun 1919 – 6 Jul 2004), and Harold Ralph (23 Jun 1922 – 27 Feb 1986).
Peter was a farmer, one aspect of that career apparently relieving sheep of their wool. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 23 May 1918 p. 4) "Harvey Pontius and Peter Abair are the busy men, just now, as everyone wants their sheep sheared at the same time."
A year later, the stork paid the couple a visit. (The Argos Reflector-Week of July 10, 1919) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair are the proud parents of a baby girl [Velma], born Thursday July 10."
The 1920 Census reflected the addition of Velma to the family. They were living in Green Twp. (Argos area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter A'Bair, 34, was noted as a farmer. Nellie, 31, was home with 5-month-old Velma.
Two years after that census, Velma got herself a baby brother. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Jun 1922 p. 5) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter A'bair are the proud parents of a boy [Harold] since Friday, June 23 [Thursday, June 22 was the correct date]."
In the spring of 1926, the family's home went up in flames. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 8) "Last Wednesday [ 21 Apr] the alarm was given that Pete Abair's house was on fire. By the neighbors' assistance they managed to save the contents of the house except the kitchen range and coal oil stove. It is a loss to the family, and as there was an empty house close by they moved in that evening. He carried insurance." (Thu 24 Jun 1926 p. 4) "Peter Abair is making progress in replacing the house recently burned." (Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 1) "NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. We wish to express our gratefulness to the many neighbors and friends for the kindness and help they gave us during our fire. –Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair"
Life went on, as it tends to do. The Abair clan was still living in Green Township when the 1930 Census enumerators began knocking on doors. Peter Abair, 44, was busy with the family farm. Nellie, 41, was tending to the household and to their two growing children—Velma, 10, and 7-year-old Harold.
A month later, daughter Velma had a health crisis. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 22 May 1930 p. 4) "Velma, little daughter of Pete and Nellie A'Bair became very sick with appendicitis, was taken to Kelly hospital and operated on Friday. She is in a very critical condition. The family have the sympathy of the community." By the grace of all that is good, Velma made a complete recovery.
The 1940 Census caught back up with the family, still residing in Green Township. Peter Abair, 54, was still noted as a farmer. Nellie, 52, was home with Velma, 20, and Harold, 17.
Three years later, on 2 Mar 1943, Peter and Nellie's son Harold married Dorothy Brock. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 18 Mar 1943 p. 3) "About 65 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair gave them a fine shower Saturday evening at the home of Harold's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair. The evening was spent visititing and the couple received many nice and useful presents. Mrs. Peter Abair served lovely refreshments of cookies, sandwiches, jello and coffee. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair treated with candy clusters and cigars. The couple was given an old fashioned belling [i.e a noisy mock serenade made by banging pans and kettles to a newly married couple] after the shower."
During WWII, Harold served in the Army. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Nov 1945 p. 1) "Pvt. Harold R. Abair recently arrived on Okinawa according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair."
By the time the 1950 Census rolled around, Nellie and Peter's nest was empty. Peter, 64, did not have anything noted in the occupation line. Nellie, 62, was still at his side.
Daughter Velma didn't find her soulmate until she was 36. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1954 p. 3) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair R.R. 3, Argos, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Velma, to Arthur Cordes, son of Lewis Cordes of R.R. 1, Argos. No date has been set for the wedding." (13 Jan 1955 p. 8) "Miss Velma Abair Weds Arthur Cordes, Saturday. Miss Velma Abair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair route 3, Argos, and Arthur Cordes, son of Louis Cordes, route 1, Argos, recited marriage vows in the Richland Center Methodist Church at eight o'clock Saturday evening. The double ring service was read by the pastor, Rev. Dale Hamilton. Attending the couple were Mrs. Grace Boothe, cousin of the bride and Jack Glass, both of Plymouth. The bride was attired in a dress of teal blue taffeta worn with a yellow rose corsage. The matron of honor wore an aqua dress and a red rose corsage. The bridegroom served overseas in World War II and is employed at McCord factory in Plymouth. The couple plans to reside near Argos on route 3, as soon as their house is ready for occupancy."
It was about that same time that Peter's wife Nellie began her battle with diabetes. Four years after watching daughter Velma walk down the aisle, Nellie succumbed to her illness, five days before Thanksgiving Day on 22 Nov 1958. She was 70 years old.
Peter hit a bump in the road the week before his eightieth birthday. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 9 Sep 1965 p. 1) "Peter Abair, farmer, R.R. 3, Argos, was admitted on Monday to Parkview Hospital for treatment of a broken hip. Mr. Abair fell in his home when he stumbled, resulting in the injury."
Peter lived on, not passing into the light until 17 Mar 1971 at age 85.
NOTE: The "A'Bair" surname with its apostrophe, was a nod to the family's French-Canadian "Hébert" surname. To keep people unfamiliar with French pronunciation from pronouncing the name as [ HER bert ], the family adopted the phonetical [ ey BAIR ] spelling and threw in the apostrophe to mimic the ague accent on the first e of Hebert.
Peter was the son of Lewis A'Bair and Sarah E. Warner, who married on 9 Mar 1884 in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis and Sarah raised four children together and lost two children together: Marion Elno/Elmer (1880-1957); an unnamed infant daughter (b./d. Jul 1884); Peter Ora (1885-1971); Mary Etta (1888-1956); Augusta F. (1891-1975); Sadie R. (d. 1897).
The now-lost 1890 Census would have provided a wonderful snapshot of the family. Alas and alack, water damage after a fire where the records were being stored deemed the collection unsalvable and they were eventually destroyed.
The 1900 Census placed the Abairs in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis A'Bair (A-Boeore on the record), 40, was a farmer. Sarah, 40, reported that only four of her six children had survived to that census, a sad reminder or the loss of their infant daughter in 1884 and daughter Sadie in 1897. There with their parents were Marion, 20; Peter, 14; Etta, 12; and Augusta, 8.
On 7 Jul 1907, Peter's father Lewis was claimed by tuberculosis at age 47.
Sarah, widowed, aged 51, appeared without her helpmate and companion on the 1910 Census, still living in the Argos area, noted as a farm manager. She again reported that four of her six children were living. As it happens, all four were still there with her—Marion, 29; Peter, 24, both helping with the farm; Etta, 22; and Augusta, 18, noted sweetly as a "dairy maid," which suggests the farm was a dairy farm or that at least there were cows on the farm.
Five years later, Peter's mother Sarah died, passing on 19 Dec 1915 at age 56. She would miss seeing son Peter marry Nellie Alnora Large on 24 Jul 1916. They would bring two children into the world—Velma Leona (10 Jun 1919 – 6 Jul 2004), and Harold Ralph (23 Jun 1922 – 27 Feb 1986).
Peter was a farmer, one aspect of that career apparently relieving sheep of their wool. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 23 May 1918 p. 4) "Harvey Pontius and Peter Abair are the busy men, just now, as everyone wants their sheep sheared at the same time."
A year later, the stork paid the couple a visit. (The Argos Reflector-Week of July 10, 1919) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair are the proud parents of a baby girl [Velma], born Thursday July 10."
The 1920 Census reflected the addition of Velma to the family. They were living in Green Twp. (Argos area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter A'Bair, 34, was noted as a farmer. Nellie, 31, was home with 5-month-old Velma.
Two years after that census, Velma got herself a baby brother. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Jun 1922 p. 5) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter A'bair are the proud parents of a boy [Harold] since Friday, June 23 [Thursday, June 22 was the correct date]."
In the spring of 1926, the family's home went up in flames. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 8) "Last Wednesday [ 21 Apr] the alarm was given that Pete Abair's house was on fire. By the neighbors' assistance they managed to save the contents of the house except the kitchen range and coal oil stove. It is a loss to the family, and as there was an empty house close by they moved in that evening. He carried insurance." (Thu 24 Jun 1926 p. 4) "Peter Abair is making progress in replacing the house recently burned." (Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 1) "NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. We wish to express our gratefulness to the many neighbors and friends for the kindness and help they gave us during our fire. –Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair"
Life went on, as it tends to do. The Abair clan was still living in Green Township when the 1930 Census enumerators began knocking on doors. Peter Abair, 44, was busy with the family farm. Nellie, 41, was tending to the household and to their two growing children—Velma, 10, and 7-year-old Harold.
A month later, daughter Velma had a health crisis. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 22 May 1930 p. 4) "Velma, little daughter of Pete and Nellie A'Bair became very sick with appendicitis, was taken to Kelly hospital and operated on Friday. She is in a very critical condition. The family have the sympathy of the community." By the grace of all that is good, Velma made a complete recovery.
The 1940 Census caught back up with the family, still residing in Green Township. Peter Abair, 54, was still noted as a farmer. Nellie, 52, was home with Velma, 20, and Harold, 17.
Three years later, on 2 Mar 1943, Peter and Nellie's son Harold married Dorothy Brock. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 18 Mar 1943 p. 3) "About 65 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair gave them a fine shower Saturday evening at the home of Harold's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair. The evening was spent visititing and the couple received many nice and useful presents. Mrs. Peter Abair served lovely refreshments of cookies, sandwiches, jello and coffee. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair treated with candy clusters and cigars. The couple was given an old fashioned belling [i.e a noisy mock serenade made by banging pans and kettles to a newly married couple] after the shower."
During WWII, Harold served in the Army. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Nov 1945 p. 1) "Pvt. Harold R. Abair recently arrived on Okinawa according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair."
By the time the 1950 Census rolled around, Nellie and Peter's nest was empty. Peter, 64, did not have anything noted in the occupation line. Nellie, 62, was still at his side.
Daughter Velma didn't find her soulmate until she was 36. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1954 p. 3) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair R.R. 3, Argos, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Velma, to Arthur Cordes, son of Lewis Cordes of R.R. 1, Argos. No date has been set for the wedding." (13 Jan 1955 p. 8) "Miss Velma Abair Weds Arthur Cordes, Saturday. Miss Velma Abair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair route 3, Argos, and Arthur Cordes, son of Louis Cordes, route 1, Argos, recited marriage vows in the Richland Center Methodist Church at eight o'clock Saturday evening. The double ring service was read by the pastor, Rev. Dale Hamilton. Attending the couple were Mrs. Grace Boothe, cousin of the bride and Jack Glass, both of Plymouth. The bride was attired in a dress of teal blue taffeta worn with a yellow rose corsage. The matron of honor wore an aqua dress and a red rose corsage. The bridegroom served overseas in World War II and is employed at McCord factory in Plymouth. The couple plans to reside near Argos on route 3, as soon as their house is ready for occupancy."
It was about that same time that Peter's wife Nellie began her battle with diabetes. Four years after watching daughter Velma walk down the aisle, Nellie succumbed to her illness, five days before Thanksgiving Day on 22 Nov 1958. She was 70 years old.
Peter hit a bump in the road the week before his eightieth birthday. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 9 Sep 1965 p. 1) "Peter Abair, farmer, R.R. 3, Argos, was admitted on Monday to Parkview Hospital for treatment of a broken hip. Mr. Abair fell in his home when he stumbled, resulting in the injury."
Peter lived on, not passing into the light until 17 Mar 1971 at age 85.
Peter was the son of Lewis A'Bair and Sarah E. Warner, who married on 9 Mar 1884 in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis and Sarah raised four children together and lost two children together: Marion Elno/Elmer (1880-1957); an unnamed infant daughter (b./d. Jul 1884); Peter Ora (1885-1971); Mary Etta (1888-1956); Augusta F. (1891-1975); Sadie R. (d. 1897).
The now-lost 1890 Census would have provided a wonderful snapshot of the family. Alas and alack, water damage after a fire where the records were being stored deemed the collection unsalvable and they were eventually destroyed.
The 1900 Census placed the Abairs in Green Twp., Marshall Co., Indiana. Lewis A'Bair (A-Boeore on the record), 40, was a farmer. Sarah, 40, reported that only four of her six children had survived to that census, a sad reminder or the loss of their infant daughter in 1884 and daughter Sadie in 1897. There with their parents were Marion, 20; Peter, 14; Etta, 12; and Augusta, 8.
On 7 Jul 1907, Peter's father Lewis was claimed by tuberculosis at age 47.
Sarah, widowed, aged 51, appeared without her helpmate and companion on the 1910 Census, still living in the Argos area, noted as a farm manager. She again reported that four of her six children were living. As it happens, all four were still there with her—Marion, 29; Peter, 24, both helping with the farm; Etta, 22; and Augusta, 18, noted sweetly as a "dairy maid," which suggests the farm was a dairy farm or that at least there were cows on the farm.
Five years later, Peter's mother Sarah died, passing on 19 Dec 1915 at age 56. She would miss seeing son Peter marry Nellie Alnora Large on 24 Jul 1916. They would bring two children into the world—Velma Leona (10 Jun 1919 – 6 Jul 2004), and Harold Ralph (23 Jun 1922 – 27 Feb 1986).
Peter was a farmer, one aspect of that career apparently relieving sheep of their wool. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 23 May 1918 p. 4) "Harvey Pontius and Peter Abair are the busy men, just now, as everyone wants their sheep sheared at the same time."
A year later, the stork paid the couple a visit. (The Argos Reflector-Week of July 10, 1919) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair are the proud parents of a baby girl [Velma], born Thursday July 10."
The 1920 Census reflected the addition of Velma to the family. They were living in Green Twp. (Argos area), Marshall Co., Indiana. Peter A'Bair, 34, was noted as a farmer. Nellie, 31, was home with 5-month-old Velma.
Two years after that census, Velma got herself a baby brother. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Jun 1922 p. 5) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter A'bair are the proud parents of a boy [Harold] since Friday, June 23 [Thursday, June 22 was the correct date]."
In the spring of 1926, the family's home went up in flames. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 8) "Last Wednesday [ 21 Apr] the alarm was given that Pete Abair's house was on fire. By the neighbors' assistance they managed to save the contents of the house except the kitchen range and coal oil stove. It is a loss to the family, and as there was an empty house close by they moved in that evening. He carried insurance." (Thu 24 Jun 1926 p. 4) "Peter Abair is making progress in replacing the house recently burned." (Thu 29 Apr 1926 p. 1) "NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. We wish to express our gratefulness to the many neighbors and friends for the kindness and help they gave us during our fire. –Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair"
Life went on, as it tends to do. The Abair clan was still living in Green Township when the 1930 Census enumerators began knocking on doors. Peter Abair, 44, was busy with the family farm. Nellie, 41, was tending to the household and to their two growing children—Velma, 10, and 7-year-old Harold.
A month later, daughter Velma had a health crisis. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 22 May 1930 p. 4) "Velma, little daughter of Pete and Nellie A'Bair became very sick with appendicitis, was taken to Kelly hospital and operated on Friday. She is in a very critical condition. The family have the sympathy of the community." By the grace of all that is good, Velma made a complete recovery.
The 1940 Census caught back up with the family, still residing in Green Township. Peter Abair, 54, was still noted as a farmer. Nellie, 52, was home with Velma, 20, and Harold, 17.
Three years later, on 2 Mar 1943, Peter and Nellie's son Harold married Dorothy Brock. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 18 Mar 1943 p. 3) "About 65 relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair gave them a fine shower Saturday evening at the home of Harold's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair. The evening was spent visititing and the couple received many nice and useful presents. Mrs. Peter Abair served lovely refreshments of cookies, sandwiches, jello and coffee. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Abair treated with candy clusters and cigars. The couple was given an old fashioned belling [i.e a noisy mock serenade made by banging pans and kettles to a newly married couple] after the shower."
During WWII, Harold served in the Army. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Nov 1945 p. 1) "Pvt. Harold R. Abair recently arrived on Okinawa according to word received by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair."
By the time the 1950 Census rolled around, Nellie and Peter's nest was empty. Peter, 64, did not have anything noted in the occupation line. Nellie, 62, was still at his side.
Daughter Velma didn't find her soulmate until she was 36. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 29 Apr 1954 p. 3) "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair R.R. 3, Argos, have announced the engagement of their daughter, Velma, to Arthur Cordes, son of Lewis Cordes of R.R. 1, Argos. No date has been set for the wedding." (13 Jan 1955 p. 8) "Miss Velma Abair Weds Arthur Cordes, Saturday. Miss Velma Abair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Abair route 3, Argos, and Arthur Cordes, son of Louis Cordes, route 1, Argos, recited marriage vows in the Richland Center Methodist Church at eight o'clock Saturday evening. The double ring service was read by the pastor, Rev. Dale Hamilton. Attending the couple were Mrs. Grace Boothe, cousin of the bride and Jack Glass, both of Plymouth. The bride was attired in a dress of teal blue taffeta worn with a yellow rose corsage. The matron of honor wore an aqua dress and a red rose corsage. The bridegroom served overseas in World War II and is employed at McCord factory in Plymouth. The couple plans to reside near Argos on route 3, as soon as their house is ready for occupancy."
It was about that same time that Peter's wife Nellie began her battle with diabetes. Four years after watching daughter Velma walk down the aisle, Nellie succumbed to her illness, five days before Thanksgiving Day on 22 Nov 1958. She was 70 years old.
Peter hit a bump in the road the week before his eightieth birthday. (The Argos Reflector – Thu 9 Sep 1965 p. 1) "Peter Abair, farmer, R.R. 3, Argos, was admitted on Monday to Parkview Hospital for treatment of a broken hip. Mr. Abair fell in his home when he stumbled, resulting in the injury."
Peter lived on, not passing into the light until 17 Mar 1971 at age 85.
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