From the 2006 Manning Quasquicentennial History book...

Earl and Mabel Weems

Back: Leona, Eldis, Evelyn, Lois
Front: Opal, Earl, LaRae, Mabel
Earl Stuart Weems, son of Charles and Rosa (Millett) Weems, was born April 2, 1896 near Jefferson, Iowa (Greene County). The family moved from the Jefferson area to Shelby County around 1904 and lived on various farms. In the later years, Rosa and sons, Burl, Homer, and Eldon made their home in Botna, Iowa. Earl was the oldest of six boys. His brothers were Charles "Burl," Homer, Ralph, Newton and Murace "Eldon." Earl was a veteran of World War I and Burl, Newton and Eldon were veterans of World War II.

Mabel Anna Crouch was born near Irwin, Iowa, on August 9, 1900, the daughter of Frank and Nettie (French) Crouch. Mabel's identical twin sister, Maudie Pearl, died from complications of pneumonia and whooping cough at the age of 2. Mabel's family also included five brothers: Ora, Harold, Ivyl, Ancel, and Virgil. The children all grew up in the Irwin area. Mabel attended country school near her home and worked as a hired girl for neighbors and friends. She also served as the pianist for her local church.

Earl and Mabel were married November 5, 1919. Their first home was southwest of Botna where they worked for Marion and Nettie Armentrout. Their first child and only son was born on this farm.

In 1921, the family moved to the Charles Wooster farm three miles south and 3/4 mile east of Botna. The Weems' five daughters were born on this farm. They continued to live on this farm until December of 1946. Due to cancer, Earl was no longer able to farm so they purchased a home in Manning. Earl was able to do some limited work for Priebe & Sons and also worked part-time as custodian at the Fireman's Hall. Mabel cooked in restaurants, worked for Ross Graner's Produce Company, and cleaned homes.

Earl passed away in April of 1958, and Mabel continued to live in their home at 616-4th Street in Manning, until February of 1977. She then moved to the Elm Crest Apartments, where she lived until she entered the Manning Plaza in January of 1989. Mabel passed away in March of 1993 at the age of 92. At the time of her death, Mabel had been blessed by the birth of 6 children, 30 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren.

Earl and Mabel's six children included: Eldis "Bud" Weems, deceased in 1999; Evelyn (Mrs. Harold Borkowski), deceased in 1982; Leona (Mrs. Lewis Hemminger), Elk Horn, Iowa; Lois (Mrs. George Wegner), Manning; Opal (Mrs. Dale Christensen), Humboldt, Iowa; LaRae (Mrs. Richard Heller), Carroll, Iowa.