William’s sister Virginia (2 years younger to the day) pushed William to ask Sara’s sister; Iris out on a date.  So he asked her out to the fair and they rode a Farris wheel.  Then later William asked Sara Louise out to a Christian endeavor one Sunday night taught by the minister’s wife (Mr. Schockney).  They dated for some time by attending church programs and then Sara said she did not want to go out – not much to do.  Then when Sara found out that William was going to the service she asked him at church when he came in to get his hat if he would like to drive her Studebaker – Feb 1941, so he came out that afternoon and they started going together again (Movies & Church) and they corresponded.  While stationed in Louisiana during training and Mississippi, William would come back a weekend.  One weekend they went to Angola – Pokagon State park – warm weather – did not go in the water.

After William came back from the service he quit taking Atterbin (medication for overseas to keep from getting Malaria from bad water).  That summer William had malaria 3 times.  Once he was in Minnesota on a trip after Labor Day when Sara and William went on a vacation.  A lot of others had Malaria too, but William’s boss thought he was making it up.  Dr. Hammond was a service doctor during the war. So he knew how to treat Malaria so he got medication for William.  During the War, William drove trucks – hauling food for supplies and Japanese prisoners that were detained in the Philippines.

They said it was good for William to work in a hot factory because he was used to being in the Philippines.

Sara said William’s Mom (Lula) was the cold one, that William’s Dad Harry would try and be affectionate with Lula and she would say “Harry grow up”. 

William went to the service in Feb 1941, part of the 152nd Infantry 38th Division, Headquarters Co. 3rd Battalion.

Sara was working at the Franks Greenhouse from high school till William returned from the Army.

Sara and William were married Feb 3rd 1946 at West Walnut Street Church of Christ.  Attendance was Sara’s parents and William’s parents.  Sara made her own wedding dress – white – floor length – long sleeves, high collar with a pearl necklace William gave her (the dress was made with Satin material and buttons down the back).  Carolyn used the same wedding dress – added some laces.

Moved to the farm last of May 1949

Glen, first son was born.

John was born Sep 2nd 1949.   and died a week later due to a non-connected esophagus. Anna Lillian Coulson held John while William drove them to the hospital in Indianapolis. Iris also went down one day with William to give blood.  Iris asked William why he did not ask her out again – he said he did not know why.  John’ s stomach was not connected to his esophagus. They attempted to do surgery.  Sara said that hers is also not “perfect”.  John would drink milk and then the milk would run back out on the sheets.  He was buried in Green Park Cemetery next to the Turners – Anna, Abraham Eyman Turner paid for the lot.

Carolyn, only daughter was born.

Merritt, youngest son was born.