The George W. and Alvena Sharp Family History: LETHA LEA SHARP

LETHA LEA SHARP

LETHA LEA SHARP was born on January 30, 1900 in Jamesport, Livingston County, MO to George William and Alvena (Maxey) Sharp. Letha married Lester Chumbley on July 6, 1918, in Trenton, Grundy County, MO. They had four children: Venice Ruth Breeden (11/10/1919-9/23/1996), Betty Jean Hays (9/17/1925-1/28/2003), Vivian Maxine Ensley (12/21/1927-9/24/2013) and William Thomas (4/11/1937-6/13/2019).

Letha and Lester lived in Jackson, Livingston County, MO during the 1920s and 1930s before moving to Jamesport, Livingston County, MO in 1935 and then moved to Trenton, Grundy County, MO. Lester was a farmer and Letha worked for a short time at a hotel. Letha worked for the Service Laundry Company for 15 years, retiring in 1961. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Trenton, Grundy County, MO. Lester died August 11, 1952 and sometime after that, Letha moved to Silvis, Rock Island County, IL near her daughter, Ruth. Letha died in Silvis, IL, but is buried in Maple Grove Cemetery in Trenton, Grundy County, MO next to Lester.

Lester Chumbley was born on March 4, 1896 in Livingston County, MO and died August 11, 1952 in Trenton, Grundy County, MO. Lester was a private in the US Army during World War I, enlisting July 25, 1918 and was released January 24, 1919. He served in the 70th Infantry, 10th Division, Company L. Lester is buried with Letha in Maple Grove Cemetery in Trenton, MO.

CENSUS

1900 - Jackson, Livingston County, MO. Letha is living with her parents and 3 brothers. She is 4 months old.

1910 - Jefferson, Grundy County, MO. Letha is living with her parents and 8 siblings. She is 10 years old and able to read and write.

1920 - Jackson, Livingston County, MO. Letha is living with her husband Lester and daughter. Lester is working as a farm laborer.

1930 - Jackson, Livingston County, MO. Letha is living with her husband Lester and 3 daughters. Lester is working as a farm laborer and they are renting a house.

1940 - Trenton, Grundy County, MO. Letha is living with her husband Lester and Betty Jean, Maxine and Billy. The census shows that they lived in Jamesport, MO in 1935. Lester is working as a farm laborer and Letha is working at a hotel. Shows Letha's highest grade level was 7th grade and Lester's 6th grade. They are renting a farm.

1950 - Trenton, Grundy County, MO. Letha is living with her husband, Lester and son William at 820 W 12th Street in Trenton. Letha is working at a laundry where she checks clothes.