Albert Monroe Bodwell (1873-1942)

Son of: Franklin 1844

In the spring of 1909, Albert moved to the neighborhood of Monroe, South Dakota along with a number of other founding fathers of the town. Albert and Estelle were instrumental in establishing the Lakeview Methodist Church, the first Protestant church in Tripp County. The church began in their home in July 1909, with six members and three probationers. In October 1909, the Methodist district sent a tent to be used for meetings. Twenty members were added and plans were developed for building a sod church. Song books were purchased with money received from the sale of three live rattlesnakes for five dollars. Albert caught the snakes. The tent served as a meeting place until a 20 by 34 foot sod church was built and dedicated in August 1911.

Albert Monroe Bodwell Family
In the front seat: Albert Monroe, Effie Estelle, on the rear seat from left to right Bess, Marge and Lou ( The dog is unnamed) The little fellow in front is Albert Benjamin. This photo was taken around 1916 or 1917.

Albert Monroe Bodwell Children
left to right are Marge, Ben, Bess and Lou.

Born Died Married Spouse

14 Feb 1873 21 Sep 1942 8 Jun 1892 Effie Estelle Elliott

Big Rapids, Mi Brownsville, Tx Creston, Iowa b. 4 Mar 1874

Children of Albert and Estelle (Elliott) Bodwell

Name Birth Date Birth Place Death Date Death Place

1. Mary Louella 29 Nov 1901 Parker, Sd 30 April 1976 St. Charles, Il

2. Bessie Elliott 4 Oct 1903 Parker, Sd 1 Jan 1984 Olympia Fields, Il

3. Albert Benjamin 15 Aug 1911 Tripp Co, Sd 6 Jun 2002 Chagrin Falls, Oh

4. Margarie 24 Jun 1913 Cedar Falls, Ia

Information from Abert Benjamin via Dick Bodwell, Chagrin Falls, Oh.

02/15/97 05/05/97

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Contact: charlie@bodwellfamily.org