Person Page - 284

     Col. John Kenneth Sells was born on 24 September 1900 at Cripple Creek, Teller Co., Colorado.¹ He was the son of John Calhoun Sells and Annie Kezia(h) Harn. Col. John Kenneth Sells married Hattie Lewis Ellis, daughter of William Akin Ellis and Eula Lee Hancock, circa 1928.

California Passenger Ship list has John Kenneth Sells and Lewis Ellis Sells arriving in San Francisco on 07Apr1930 from Manila-Philippines on the ship US Grant. It lists Lewis born in Denver on 29Mar1902, John born in Cripple Creek-Colorado on24Sep1899.²

Col. John Kenneth Sells lived in September 1930 at Fort Clark, Kinney Co., Texas, when daughter Ann was born. Birth Certificate for Ann, says father was 31 years old, born Colorado.

The Official Army Registry, published by the US Government Printing Office, for the years of 1930-1949, state the following:
John Kenneth Sells was born 24Sep1899/1900 in Colorado. The 1930 and 1936 editions have birth in 1899. The 1946, 1947, 1949 editions of The Army Registry have birth in 1900. His Army service record number was 014770. Graduated Calvary School, Basic Course in 1922, Regular Course 1937, and Command and General Staff School in 1940. He went through the ranks of Private, Private 1st Class, Corporal and Sergeant, Troop I, 5th Calvary, enlisted 12 Mar 1918 to 02 Apr 1919. As Private and Sergeant Troop I, 5th Calvary 03 April 1919 to 21 Aug 1921. Discharged as first lieutenant and appointed second lieutenant 15 Dec 1922, acts 30 Jun 1922 and 14 Sep 1922. Was in the Air Service from 01 Sep 23 to 20 Nov 1923. Promoted to first lieutenant on 18 Feb 1926; Captain on 01 Aug 1935; Major on 01 Jul 1940; Lt. Colonel on 03 Aug 1944; and Colonel on 11 Mar 1948. John K. Sells was awarded the Legion of Merit and Bronze Star Medal with Oak-leaf cluster.
The Legion of Merit came into being about 1942, to be awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services. The Bronze Star came into being about 1944, to be awarded for heroic or meritorious service. Generally an Oak-leaf cluster signified a second or subsequent award of the basic decoration.

Obituary notice of Annie Harn Sells (20Nov1947), said that Colonel John K. Sells was stationed at Nashville, Tennessee. Obituary notice of John C. Sells (23Sep1954), said that John K. Sells was living at Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) lists the claim number for John K. Sells as #18177595, and date of death listed as 25 Nov 1975. Place of death was not available.

Letter sent to the Veterans Affairs in Nov 1994 to obtain information from VA file, was returned in Feb 1995, by the National Personnel Records Center, St. Louis, MO. Form letter stated that "Under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, we must have the written consent (signature) of the individual whose records are involved before considering your request." However, on the form, the Social Security number for John K. Sells was listed, 452-76-6104.

The Social Security Death Index lists a John Sells, with a Social Security number of 452-76-6104 issued in Texas, born on 24Sep1900, died on Nov1975, with the usual place of residence listed as El Paso, Texas.

John Kenneth Sells completed an Application for Social Security Account Number (SS-5), on 04Dec1962, when he was living at 319 E. Nevada St., El Paso, TX. Listed himself as unemployed, and born on 24Sep1900.

Lewis Sells completed an Application for Social Security Account Number (SS-5), on 11Jul1962, when she was living at 325 E. Berger, Santa Fe, NM. She stated that her name given at birth was Hattie Lewis Ellis.

Contacted the National Cemetery and Santa Fe Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. They had no reference of Sells.

Research at the Santa Fe County Courthouse, was unable to find a related Sells female in the 1947-1966 marriage indexes.

Research at the Santa Fe County Courthouse, found no Sells in the Probate Indexes.


He lived in November 1947 at Nashville, Davidson Co., Tennessee.³ Letter from J.C. Sells dated July 1951. He lived in 1955 at 325 E. Berger, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co., New Mexico.⁴


The Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory for 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, lists John K. Sells and wife, Lewis E., living at 325 E. Berger.

There is no SELLS in the 1964 Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory. At 325 E. Berger, there lives an Edmund R. Delgado. There are no SELLS listed in the 1981-1985 Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory.

The Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory for 1967, 1968, lists Lewis Sells, widow of J.K. Sells, as retired, living at 423 Orchard Drive, apartment 3.

The Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory for 1969, 1970, lists Lewis Sells, retired, as living at 423 Orchard Drive, apartment 3.

The Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory for 1980, lists Lewis E. Sells, retired, living at 663 Washington Ave., Apt 51, El Matador Apartments. In the 1981 Directory, there is someone else living in Apartment 51.

The Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory for 1966, lists Lulu Sells, widow of J.K. Sells, living at 423 Orchard Drive, Apt 3.

The Hudspeth's Santa Fe City Directory for 1970, lists Mrs. Sondra Sells, living at 1920 W. Alameda St.


He died on 25 November 1975 at Hill Haven Nursing Home, El Paso, El Paso Co., Texas, at age 75.^5,6,7 The cause of death was metastatic carcinoma from undetermined primary site, severe Parkinsonism.⁵ His Social Security Number was 452-76-6104.

SELLS

John K. Sells. 75, 2301 N. Oregon passed away Tuesday. He had been a resident of El Paso 14 years. Col. John K. Sells retired from U.S. Army after more than 36 years of active service in 1954. Graduate of the Basic Course Cavalry School; Regular Course Cavalry School; Regular Course command and General Staff College; The British Intelligence School, Matlock, Derbyshire, England. He completed the Asiatic Studies Course at Yale University and received credit for the Regular course Armed Forces Staff College. Survived by: wife, Mrs. Lewis Sells. Santa Fe. N.M; 2 daughters, Mrs. Ann S. Kern, Delray Fla., and Mrs. Sonya Withers, Decatur, Ga; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 Tuesday at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, with military honors. Directed by Martin. 3839 Montana 566-3955

El Paso Times
El Paso, Texas
01 Dec 1975, Mon - Page 37.⁸

He was buried on 2 December 1975 at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, El Paso, El Paso Co., Texas.^5,7

     Sonya Ellis Sells was born on 5 December 1933 at Del Rio, Val Verde Co., Texas.^1,2 She was the daughter of Col. John Kenneth Sells and Hattie Lewis Ellis. Letter from J.C. Sells dated 7-1951, says Sonya Ellis is alive. Obituary notice of Annie Harn Sells (20Nov1947), said Sonia Ellis was residing in Santa Fe, NM. Sonya Ellis Sells lived in November 1947 at Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co., New Mexico.³ She lived in 1951 at 325 E. Berger, Santa Fe, Santa Fe Co., New Mexico.⁴ She married Peter Craig Withers Sr., son of William Price Withers and Anna Kathleen Craig, on 10 October 1953 at Ft. Knox, Kentucky.¹ Sonya Ellis Sells lived in November 1975 at Decatur, DeKalb Co., Georgia.⁵ She lived in 1993 at 3607 Paddock Dr, Decatur, DeKalb Co., Georgia.⁶ She died on 6 December 2011 at Georgia at age 78.^1,2

Sonya Sells Withers

Sonya Sells Withers, age 78, died peacefully Tuesday morning, December 6, 2011. She was born in Del Rio, Texas to Hattie Lewis Ellis and John Kenneth Sells on December 5, 1933. Because her father was in the military, her family lives a somewhat nomadic life as an "Army brat". However, she did spend her teenage years in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky until she met (then) Lt. Pete Withers. They were married at Ft. Knox on October 10, 1953. Sonya continued living a nomadic life supporting her husband's military career. Among her homes were Ft. Benning, Georgia; San Marcos, Texas; Ft. Rucker, Alabama; Stuttgart, Germany; Ft. Carson, Colorado and Ft. McPherson, Georgia. She has lived in the Atlanta area since 1973 living in South DeKalb, Doraville, Lilburn, and lastly King's Bridge Retirement Center. They count 30 moves during their marriage. Sonya was a 35 year member of Holy Trinity Parish in Decatur, during which time she was Wedding Director, Head of Altar Guild, prominent in Daughters of the King and a graduate of EFM. She also loved cooking, her grandchildren, playing bridge and was an antique aficionado.

Sonya is survived by her husband of 58 years, Peter Withers; an estranged son; a daughter, Julianne Withers of Alpharetta; a daughter and son-in-law, Richard and Diane Belden of Clifton, Virginia; and two grandchildren, Jessica Belden and Stephen Belden of Clifton, Virginia. A celebration of life including mass will be on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Holy Trinity Parish, 515 E. Ponce de Leon Ave, Decatur, GA at 3:00 PM, The Rev. Mtr. Joan Pritcher celebrating. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Wounded Warriors Project are appreciated. The family will receive friends this evening (Friday) from 4-6 PM at A. S. Turner & Sons, Decatur.¹

She was buried at Holy Trinity Parish Memorial Garden, Decatur, DeKalb Co., Georgia.²

     SOURCE: Obituary of John Calhoun Sells, list parents. William F. Sells was born circa 1845. He married Louisa Caroline Perkins. William F. Sells was buried at Little Wilson Cemetery, Volney, Grayson Co., Virginia, May not have a stone.¹ He died on 22 March 1910.¹

     Clara Selmer married Russell Paulus.

     Lela Sena was born on 6 September 1924 at Colorado. She married Alvin Leroy Egbert, son of Samuel Joseph Egbert and Lottie Maxine Warfel, on 24 August 1942 at Jackson, Teton Co., Wyoming. Lela Sena died on 13 November 2006 at Alaska at age 82.

     Caroline Ann Senescal married Daniel Joseph Squires, son of Gordon Justus Squires and Stella Marie Vrzal, on 11 August 1961 at Hennepin Co., Minnesota. Caroline Ann Senescal and Daniel Joseph Squires were divorced on 29 January 1973 at Hennepin Co., Minnesota.

     Mildred L. Sens married Vermel J. Draheim.¹

     (?) Sesler married Emma Watson, daughter of Andrew B. Watson and Anna F. (?), before 1907; (according to Emma's Marriage Certificate to Robert Levi Harn.) (?) Sesler died before June 1907; (according to Emma's Marriage Certificate to Robert Levi Harn.)

     Allene Elizabeth Sester was born on 26 January 1913.¹ She married Howard William Browning, son of Oliver Wesley Browning and Alberta Fellows. Allene Elizabeth Sester died on 8 December 2004 at age 91.¹ She was buried at Decatur Cemetery, Decatur, Benton Co., Arkansas.¹

     Molly Seymour married Kenneth Merle Connally, son of Merle E. Connally and Ione Madeline Goodrich, on 26 September 1953 at Mason Co., Washington.

     Clarence A. Shade married Orie (?)

     Rosemary Louise Shade was born circa 1912 at New Mexico. She was born on 23 January 1912 at New Mexico.¹ She was the daughter of Clarence A. Shade and Orie (?) Rosemary Louise Shade married Robert Segure Cleveland on 28 October 1931 at Vancouver, Clark Co., Washington. Rosemary Louise Shade and Robert Segure Cleveland were divorced before 1935. Rosemary Louise Shade married Eldon Stevenson on 18 May 1935 at Multnomah Co., Oregon. Rosemary Louise Shade married James R. Christian on 10 October 1951 at Marion Co., Oregon. Rosemary Louise Shade was buried at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon.¹ She died on 13 July 1965 at Multnomah Co., Oregon, at age 53.¹

     Sarah Elizabeth Shade was born on 23 September 1796 at Shade Gap, Huntingdon Co., Pennsylvania. She married Emanuel Warfel, son of Hans Adam Werfel, in 1817 at Blair, Blair Co., Pennsylvania. Sarah Elizabeth Shade died on 16 May 1858 at age 61.¹ She was buried at Grant Cemetery, Grant, Montgomery Co., Iowa.¹

     Sherry Shafer married Frank James Trombley, son of Frank L. Trombley and Sylvia Lee Barry.¹

     Anna Belle Shaffer was born on 26 February 1858.¹ She married Wesley W. Harn, son of Samuel D. Harn and Mary Moore, in 1880. Anna Belle Shaffer died on 6 March 1919 at age 61.¹ She was buried at McClellandtown Presbyterian Cemetery, McClellandtown, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania.¹

     Eleanora L. Shaffer was born on 21 May 1934 at Nappanee, Elkhart Co., Indiana.¹ She married Donald Stouder in 1951. Eleanora L. Shaffer died on 21 January 1991 at Elkhart, Elkhart Co., Indiana, at age 56.¹ She was buried at Union Center Cemetery, Nappanee, Elkhart Co., Indiana.¹

     Helena M. Shaffer married Clyde Ellsworth Harn, son of Abraham Wesley Harn and Edith Ellen Ambrose, on 15 June 1963.

     Katherine Shaffer was born in 1708. She married Hans Melchior Werfel in 1742. Katherine Shaffer died in 1754 at Strasburg, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania. She was buried at River Corner Mennonite Cemetery, Conestoga, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania.

     Calvin Shakes married Florence M. Bowman, daughter of David Bowman and Lucinda Hall.¹

     Inez Shakes was the daughter of Calvin Shakes and Florence M. Bowman.

     Lila Sophia Shapton was born on 24 January 1892 at Charlevoix, Charlevoix Co., Michigan.¹ She married Paul Bradley Purdy, son of Charles M. Purdy and Margaret Bradley, on 24 November 1915 at Flint, Genesee Co., Michigan. Lila Sophia Shapton died circa March 1978 at Flint, Genesee Co., Michigan.²

     Lorraine Sharar was born on 9 July 1920 at Minnesota.¹ She married John George Kranz, son of John William Kranz Sr. and Margaretha Caroline Henriette Bittner, on 5 September 1940 at Dodge Co., Minnesota. Lorraine Sharar died on 22 February 1997 at Cambridge, Isanti Co., Minnesota, at age 76.¹ She was buried at Union Cemetery, Cambridge, Isanti Co., Minnesota.¹

     Angelina M. Shattuck was born on 24 April 1887 at Augusta, Butler Co., Kansas.¹ She married William Arthur Greenwood, son of Van Buren Greenwood and Harriet Longley.¹ Angelina M. Shattuck died on 1 June 1963 at Dowagiac, Cass Co., Michigan, at age 76.¹ She was buried at Dailey Cemetery, La Grange, Cass Co., Michigan.¹

     Albert John Shauer was born on 8 September 1869 at Grant Co., Minnesota. He married Hannah Emma Perkins, daughter of Llewellyn Dennison Perkins and Bertha G. Olson, on 25 November 1903 at Stevens Co., Minnesota. Albert John Shauer died on 14 January 1948 at Olmsted Co., Minnesota, at age 78.

     Male Shaughnessy married Wanda Szermeta, daughter of Paul John Szermeta and Frances Kordyiak.

     Beatrice June Shaw married Clyde Henry Scott.

     Floyd D. Shaw was born on 15 June 1927 at Pennsylvania. He was the son of Floyd Dale Shaw and Margueriete Ann Harn. Floyd D. Shaw died on 21 August 2010 at age 83.

     Floyd Dale Shaw was also known as Lloyd.¹ He was born on 9 March 1908 at Franklin, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. He married Margueriete Ann Harn, daughter of Aden Green Harn and Martha Ellen Huey, on 2 January 1926.² Floyd Dale Shaw died on 17 January 1978 at Bentleyville, Washington Co., Pennsylvania, at age 69.³ His Ancestral File Number is FDP7-84, submitted by Gregory Len Fletcher. He was buried at Pleasant View Cemetery, Smock, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania.⁴

     Madeleine Celeste Shaw is the daughter of Robert Clarence Shaw and Katherine Szela.¹

     Randall Shaw is the son of Robert Lee Shaw and Ruth Emily Condon.