Ralph and Fannie

Arthur's older brother was William Ralph Raymo, eldest son of Theodore Raymo. Ralph, as he was called, was born in Nankin, Michigan on 23 October 1872. On 14 September 1895, Ralph married Fannie E. Norris, daughter of Frank Norris and Ellen Gloss.

Together, they had four children:

• Ellen M. Raymo, born 11 August 1896, died 15 August 1897.
• Marion Raymo, born 18 Jun 1898, died 7 April 1953. Marion married Arthur H. Bills.
• Norris D. Raymo, born 28 September 1899, death date unknown. Norris married Elsie J. McCalloster.
• Melvin Raymo, born 28 September 1904, died 18 March 1977.

Ralph died in January 1951. I have not yet determined when Fannie passed away.

(Thanks to Elaine for providing the photograph.)

Brothers and Sisters

Arthur Elsworth Raymo's surviving siblings, around the time of Arthur's funeral in 1926.

(from left to right)

Leslie T. Raymo (1876-1932), Hazel (Raymo) Krumm (1886-1974), Fannie (Norris) Raymo (b.1874), W. Ralph Raymo (1872-1951)

Roger

Today, August 19th 2010, is the 100th birthday of Roger D. Raymo (1910-1997). Roger, fourth child of Arthur and Margaret Raymo, was born on this day in 1910 in Dearborn, Michigan. Roger married Helen Comber in 1940 and they had three children. During World War II, Roger served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater. After the war, he worked as an engineer for the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation in Marietta, Georgia.

Roger D. Raymo (aged 16) in 1926

Letters from Emma

After the tragedy of Arthur's death, his family received two letters from his 73 year old mother, Emma (Handeyside) Raymo. This first letter was written after Emma received word of Arthur's accident, but before he succumbed to his injury later that day:

Mar 19, Wayne, Mich.

My dear ones, one and all. Your message received and am so sorry to hear such sad news. But you will have to forgive any absence for I feel too poorly to make the trip, but Ralph, Fannie and Hazel will leave Detroit on the 11:15 tonight. They will be there before this letter does. I have been sick, not out of the house for six weeks. Not very good yet but my prayers will be for my son and your dear daddy that he shortly will be better and be restored to you all. May God bless you all. My sorrow is pretty near greater than I can bear, but I shall hope and trust to hear better news. From Grandma to all, Emma Raymo.  

Charlotte, my dear, I can't express my sorrow.

Once Emma learned the news of her youngest son's death, she wrote this letter:

Mar 20, 1926

My dear ones all. Just a few lines to tell you of mine and your sorrow. To think such terrible things can happen and how sorry that I am not able to be with you to help one and other, to help bear it together. But you, his dear children, help your dear mother to bear her grief. Be good and patient with her. Every one of you must help her to be brave and I will surely try to think and you will all be good and put your trust in God. My folks, Ralph, Fannie and I hope Hazel will be with you before you get this. My heart is too full to think so good morning. Love to all. Tell Uncle Ralph and Aunt Fannie, Melvin rested very good last night and is lots better this morning. Charlotte, do try and write to me when you get so you can and please don't forget.

From Grandma, who loved your daddy and loves his family. This is a sad thing to happen but I hoped your first message might prove too serious, but not so. Love to all.

Note: Ralph and Hazel were Arthur's siblings. Fannie (Norris) was Ralph's wife. Melvin (Raymo) was the son of Ralph and Fannie.

Mourning

Margaret (Merrow) Raymo at the graveside of her husband of twenty years, Arthur E. Raymo. Arthur was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Chattanooga.

Tragedy

On March 19th, 1926, my great grandfather, Arthur Elsworth Raymo, was killed in a terrible industrial accident at his alloy plant.

The tragedy was described in the next day's Chattanooga Times:

     Arthur E. Raymo, Sr., general superintendent of the plant of the Southern Ferro Alloys company, died at Chattanooga hospital yesterday evening at 6 o'clock following the loss of his right arm in an accident at the plant yesterday morning at 10:30.
     Mr. Raymo is said to have been inspecting machinery when the glove on his right hand got caught under a wide unloading conveyor belt, which threw him against a post and tore his arm off at the shoulder.
     He was taken to the hospital and given surgical treatment, physicians entertaining hopes of his recovery until late in the afternoon, when it became apparent that blood transfusion would have to be resorted to. Tests of the blood of individuals was made preparatory to making the transfusion and, a donor suitable blood having been found, the physicians were preparing to take blood from him when the injured man died.
     Mr. Raymo, who was 46 years of age, came to this city from Detroit, Mich., ten years ago and resided at 1025 East Ninth street. He was well known in Chattanooga, being an active member of SS. Peter and Paul's church and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
     Surviving him are his wife and four children, Arthur, Jr., Charlotte, Chester and Roger, and his mother, sister and two brothers, Mrs. William Krumm, Detroit: Ralph Raymo, Wayne, Mich., and Lester Raymo, of Ypsilanti, Mich..
     Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The last photograph we have of Arthur Elsworth Raymo (1880-1926)

Frosty the Engineer

Chester T. Raymo, Arthur J. Raymo, Arthur E. Raymo, Roger D. Raymo

Chattanooga, Winter 1925/26

Scenic Center of the South

Chester T. Raymo (aged 16)

Roger D. Raymo (aged 15)

Chattanooga, 1925

Twenty Years of Marriage

Margaret (Merrow) Raymo and Arthur E. Raymo

1925