Murlie May Herrell1
F, #68, b. 27 November 1902, d. 17 September 2001
- Relationship
- Grandaunt of Sheila Sue Altenbernd
| Father* | Frank Royer Herrell2,3 b. 11 February 1875, d. 7 February 1915 |
| Mother* | Francis Anna Mae Reeder2,3 b. 14 February 1884, d. 1 July 1957 |
Murlie May Herrell was also known as Muriel Sanders.
When Muriel as a child, her uncle Frank lived with them for awhile. He would have nightmares that scared Muriel and Herald.4
Muriel's Childhood Story
Added by albersdorf on 8 Apr 2008
A Story of My Childhood
by Muriel Sanders
We had a large family, in fact, there were eight of us, four boys and four girls. I was next to the oldest one, Loyd.
My brother, Loyd, died when he was six years old, and I was four. He had pneumonia. I can remember him well. We had so much fun together and I didn't know what I was going to do without him. We were together all the time, and I missed him and couldn't quite understand it. I was alone now, and no?one to play with. What was I going to do? I kept thinking that he would come back and I looked for him and asked all kinds of questions, but none of the answers seemed to satisfy me. I looked behind things for him, thinking he was hiding from me. It is hard for a four year old to understand death. They told me that he was in Heaven, and I imagined I could see his face up in the clouds. I was so lonesome and sad.
Mama made me a new dress not long before and we had our pictures taken together while I had it on. I said to mama, "May I wear my new dress today"? It was very pretty with lots of lace on the collar and I couldn't leave that collar alone; it fascinated me so much. I loved it, and felt so dressed up. I did my best to leave the collar alone.
There was a real nice family living next door to us and I thought I am going to visit them. They showed me a lot of attention, so I decided to visit them the next day, and I got to where if they asked me for dinner, I would go up to the table am make myself at home. They didn't have any children and they had a good looking high chair there. I don't know why they had it, but they would put me up in that chair and I was really getting attention. One day mama got onto my tricks and she met me out on the porch with my little trunk packed and said "You like it so well over at your friend's, I packed your clothes and you can live over there, as you are over there most of the time anyway." I thought for a minute or two and said to myself ?? maybe I better go back home and stop running off every day, so I told mama "I believe I had rather live with you and papa". She turned her head and I saw her smile, and that was the end of that. Anyway, I was happy to know I hadn't lost my home.
Not long after this, the Doctor came to our house and when he left, there was a baby there. That was fine, but he did this over and over again until we had too many babies. I had to take care of them as I got older and I had no time for myself. I was getting tired as I had to wait on the table and I didn't like that everything would get cold, but my father was a stern man and I didn't have much choice but to obey. The kids would come to me the same as their mama. I would be called on for everything. It's no fun to be the oldest in the family. You're grown up before you're ready.
They used to have these Camp Revival Meetings and my folks would go and they never seemed to let us out. On one occasion they took us and they put us on a quilt on the floor, and I was frightened to death, for when these people would go to shouting, they jumped over the seats and could have stepped on me. I was really scared, but no one ever got hurt. One night mama and papa went to the Revival and left me with the kids, one small baby. I must have gone to sleep in the rocking chair, for when they came home, the baby was gone and I was sound asleep. I wasn't very old, about nine years, and the neighbors had heard the baby crying and took him over to their house. I don't recall them leaving me anymore soon, but perhaps after I got older. It was near mid?night when my parents came home. We never used to lock our doors, no one bothered and the neighbors could come in and go out as they cared to, but it seemed to me that I would never grow up. I used to wish that I would grow up so I could do what I wanted to most of all to get away from taking care of the kids and doing a lot of the house work, but people seemed to have more time for one another then. We had no TV or radio and no air conditioners or record?players, so we had more time to go out and talk to our friends. We didn't have anything to keep us inside. We walked a couple of miles to school and we three sat in one long seat with a desk to match. You couldn't do much as it was crowded and you got in one another's way some times. My brothers would walk ahead of me going home and a bull chased me all the way home one day. I was scared half to death and couldn't get my breath.
People used to seem to have more work to do, but they had more time for one another and more time to visit.
There were no cars in my early life and no airplanes, so we would walk a lot. There were no modern devices like we have today, so we were outdoors a lot. We have lots today to keep us busy and a lot of things to entertain us, yet people don't seem to be any happier than we were, but I think that this is a great time to be alive, as you can just about do anything you want to today ?? that is, most of us can jump in a car and get where they need to, and airplanes can take you anywhere in a matter of hours.
We used to ride the trains, and there were horses and buggies in the earlier part of the 1900's, but I never cared for the horse and buggy. The only time I drove a horse and buggy I didn't know anything about it, and we tried to drive this horse that a friend had tied to our tree, and I must have pulled her reins too much and she ran away with us. My girl friend was with me and I told her to jump out as that's what I did. But she got run over and her face was cut pretty bad. I was hung up on a barb?wire fence. We sure had to do some talking to get out of that.
I am not afraid of the car. I have to say that I like these modern conveniences.
Now, Papa, as we called him, died when I was twelve years old. I felt like the whole world had fallen in on us. I was the oldest, and my baby sister, Lois, was only thirteen months old. None of us were old enough to go to work, except Mama and she was in her early thirties, so she had to take me out of school to take care of the other children and keep the house, while she went to work. I soon learned to cook plain foods and pretty much the same thing every day. There was no social welfare or any help to be had in those days. I managed to get my last grade of school completed at home but it wasn't easy between taking care of the baby and cooking and washing dishes, but the teacher was nice to come to my house and help me with my studies. The Church too was nice and helped us whatever way the could. They gave us a food shower and I was so embarrassed that I left home the night of it, because I thought we were awfully poor and it made me ashamed. I went to my girl friend's house that night. I wouldn't feel that way about it now, but kids are funny and proud.
The Minister that preached my Papa's funeral services, baptized me and my Mama and Papa. I'll never forget the text, he took it from Job, 14th chapter "Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble". I still go over it and read it yet. I shall never forget it. All kinds of thoughts went through my head, how could I help mama with her big load. I was only twelve years old, yet I went hand in hand with mama in everything she did and I had her grief as well as mine by the time I really felt all grown up. I was able to cook fairly well. Three boys eat a lot and I will always remember the many times I used to get after them for running away. I would have to chase them over a big corn?field nearby to see that they were home and safe at night. They were good boys, but they wrestled half of the time and I tried to stop them. They would scuffle in bed and I didn't like that so I would get papa's leather strap after them, but I could never catch them. They were strong and not afraid of me. I would tell mama, but the boys will be boys.
Later on, we were all fortunate to find good positions. We had a neighbor living next door to us in this small town of Oran, Missouri, and in those days they delivered telegrams from the Railroad Stations, and my three brothers helped around there and finally got to deliver telegrams. Telephones were not popular then, and so people sent more telegrams it was a way to get the message delivered. My brothers got to be sender and receiver and one would send messages and the other would receive them. They learned the Morse Code and by the time they were old enough, they were both recommended for a job with the Railroad, and they both made it their life's work. In the meantime, I had decided that I wanted to work for the telephone company. I practiced on my own time and was ready to go to work by the time they called me. You had to be sixteen, so I had a job offered me in the little town where I worked for a while and I got mama a job with the telephone company. Now we were making it pretty good. I worked days and mama worked nights so one of us could be home with the young ones. I got transferred to a larger place and I worked myself up to night chief and then day chief operator. I was happy and glad to get away from the house work and make some money. I needed some pretty clothes. I especially wanted some silk stockings. I had not had any pretty things and I loved them, and they were cheap then, but we didn't make much. I had to pay board and live on what I made, but I would buy one thing one week and something else next time. The girls had a place to trade and you could put it on charge. We would go every week and get what we needed and pay the merchant a payment each week. He knew we all had good jobs and would pay him. I worked for fifteen years for the telephone company and this was in Sikeston, Missouri. A car?load of us went out one night and I met my girlfriend's boy friend, and later he asked me to marry him. After being apart for a while, we finally met again and we were married in St. Louis, Missouri. By this time, mama had met a man that was working for the telephone company and she had gotten married, and I didn't have to worry about her any more. I was glad for she had had a hard time. I used to get homesick as I had never been away from home. I finally got used to it and never was home much after that. I went to work. Mama and my Stepfather lived together thirty five years before they died. There was a bad tornado in Poplar Bluff in May of 1929, May 9. I had just gotten back to Poplar Bluff and the tornado struck. It flattened out Main Street and tore the roof off my boarding place. We had to work all night and the Red Cross brought us doughnuts and coffee. We couldn't go out cause wires were down. My step?father and mama mailed me a huge box of foods which I shared with the telephone girls and employees where I worked. By the way, I received a large portion of my education from the Telephone Co. They are good to work for. We used to do more of the actual work then while it is mostly all mechanical now. I married while I was still working, but I soon quit and we moved to St. Louis, as my folks lived here. Now my husband has passed away and I have a son and a daughter and eleven grand?children that I love very much. I have lived in what they call "The Good Old Days", but I also enjoy the modern conveniences of today. The Lord have been so wonderful to me.
At this writing, I have eleven grandchildren and five great grand? children and I adore them all so much. I have a very wonderful son in law. My Church has been my guide and strength. The Lord has been my companion. He didn't put us here to waste time. He fills my every need. For ten years I sang in the Choir. We also sang at Nursing Homes and at funerals. I have visited nursing homes and people sick at home with Mrs. Cobb for years and we really enjoyed that. If I have helped one person, it is all well worthwhile. We were put here to love one another and to live at peace. Don't be afraid of each other, and don't be afraid to become involved. If you don't let the other person know that you love him or her, how will they know? God loves us all and we need one another. We show our love for him by letting others know that we love them. People need people. It has all been well worth it. Love you all!
Muriel Sanders.5
Murlie May Herrell was born on 27 November 1902 in Caruthersville, Pemiscot County, Missouri, USA.2,3 She was the daughter of Frank Royer Herrell and Francis Anna Mae Reeder.2,3 Other sources show Murlie was born in Caruthersville, Pemiscot County, Missouri, USA, on 27 November 1901.6,2
Photo of Muriel Herrell in Oran, Scott County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Murlie May's was three years old when she attended an Old Time Revival meeting. Pallets were put on the floor the kids. Once everyone got going, Muriel was afraid she would get trampled.4
Photo.
Murlie May Herrell was listed as Frank Royer Herrell's daughter on the 1910 US Federal Census of Little Prairie Township, Pemiscot County, Missouri, enumerated 13 April 1910.7 Her age at her last birth date was listed as 8. She was born in Missouri. Her father was born in Tennessee. Her mother was born in Missouri.7 She spoke Engllish.8 She did attend school. She was able to read. She was able to write.8
Photo.
Murlie worked at Bell Telephone Company, Oran, Scott County, Missouri, USA, on 5 August 1918. She worked as a chief operator.9,10
Photo of Muriel Herrell in center circa 1920. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Muriel frequently was part of a bowling league when she worked for the phone company.4
Murlie May Herrell was listed as Anna Mae Herrell's daughter on the 1920 US Federal Census of Oran, Sylvania Township, Scott County, Missouri, enumerated 28 January 1920.11 Her age at her last birth date was listed as 18. She was born in Missouri. She was single. Her father was born in Tennessee. Her mother was born in Missouri.11 . Her occupation was operator. She worked for the telephone company.11 She did not attend school since September 1, 1919. She was able to read. She was able to write. She was able to speak English.11
Murlie May Herrell and Fred Munzell had 0 children.2
Fred Munzell married Murlie May Herrell, daughter of Frank Royer Herrell and Francis Anna Mae Reeder, in 1923.2
When Margie was young, her mother would put a name tag on her, put her on a bus and send her to Poplar Bluff, Missouri to see Muriel Sanders.10
Murlie was divorced from Fred Munzell in 1927.2
Muriel and Kim Sanders came to live with Gus, Anna Mae, and Margie Sadler when Margie was about 7 or 8. This was during the depression. circa 1928.10
Murlie May Herrell played the piano.10
Per Margie Seago, Muriel was a vivacious and sweet sister. She had a great personality and laugh. She had auburn hair, blue eyes, and a lovely smile.10
Kimble Jones Sanders married Murlie May Herrell, daughter of Frank Royer Herrell and Francis Anna Mae Reeder, in St Louis, St Louis County, Missouri, USA, on 31 January 1931.2
Anna Marie, Francis Anna Mae, Gustave McCager, Murlie May, Kimble Jones and Loice Beatrice residing at at 208 Zeppo Street, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, and Anna Marie, Francis Anna Mae, Gustave McCager, Murlie May, Kimble Jones and Loice Beatrice sent a letter to Floyd Bible Herrell on 5 July 1933 .
Dear Floyd,
Your telegram today. We are all grieved to hear the sad news.
Regret that we are unable to come. But send our Deepest sympathy to you and Bill and the family.
We've all been praying that she would be spared to you but He knows best. He must have needed her.
We only wish some of us could be with you now. Lois is trying to arrange to come and perhaps Mom. They'll let you know.
We're all thinking of you & Bill & you'll understand I know if we can't come.
This goes for all the family old man. I told them I'd wire or write you for all. Remember we're all thinking of you & you must feel free to call on us if you need us.
All we can say is "we're sorry" - maybe someday he'll help us to understand why it had to be.
Give our regards to the family.
Love to you & Billie & our sympathy.
Always,
Cecil, Marie & kiddies
Mother Gus & Family
Muriel & Kim
Lois & Al.12
Photo of Muriel and Kim Sanders circa 1935. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Murlie May Herrell and Kimble Jones Sanders lived at 3307 South 18th Street, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1936.13
Amy Nell and her husband spent their wedding night at Muriel and Kim Sander's house. All of the kids spied on them during the night.14,15
Photo of ?,?, Herold, Kim, Lila, and Muriel Sanders,?,? Circa 1945. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo of Floyd and Dorothy Herrell, Kim and Muriel Sanders circa 1950. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Photo of Amynell and Al Farr, Kim and Muriel Sanders circa 1950. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
"Mama got a TV first. We would all go over and line up the chairs to watch."4
Photo of Amy Nell and Al Farr, Muriel and Kim Sanders. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)16
Photo of Muriel Sanders, Cecil Herrell, Dorothy Herrell at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Photo of Muriel Sanders, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Dorothy Herrell at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Photo of Toni Herrell, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Floyd Herrell,Muriel Sanders at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Photo of Toni Herrell, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Floyd Herrell,Muriel Sanders at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders lived at 2830 South Jefferson Avenue, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1970.18
Her attended at Olive Branch Presbyterian Church, Sidney, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA.
A Story of My Childhood
by Muriel Sanders
We had a large family, in fact, there were eight of us, four boys and four girls. I was next to the oldest one, Loyd.
My brother, Loyd, died when he was six years old, and I was four. He had pneumonia. I can remember him well. We had so much fun together and I didn't know what I was going to do without him. We were together all the time, and I missed him and couldn't quite understand it. I was alone now, and no?one to play with. What was I going to do? I kept thinking that he would come back and I looked for him and asked all kinds of questions, but none of the answers seemed to satisfy me. I looked behind things for him, thinking he was hiding from me. It is hard for a four year old to understand death. They told me that he was in Heaven, and I imagined I could see his face up in the clouds. I was so lonesome and sad.
Mama made me a new dress not long before and we had our pictures taken together while I had it on. I said to mama, "May I wear my new dress today"? It was very pretty with lots of lace on the collar and I couldn't leave that collar alone; it fascinated me so much. I loved it, and felt so dressed up. I did my best to leave the collar alone.
There was a real nice family living next door to us and I thought I am going to visit them. They showed me a lot of attention, so I decided to visit them the next day, and I got to where if they asked me for dinner, I would go up to the table am make myself at home. They didn't have any children and they had a good looking high chair there. I don't know why they had it, but they would put me up in that chair and I was really getting attention. One day mama got onto my tricks and she met me out on the porch with my little trunk packed and said "You like it so well over at your friend's, I packed your clothes and you can live over there, as you are over there most of the time anyway." I thought for a minute or two and said to myself ?? maybe I better go back home and stop running off every day, so I told mama "I believe I had rather live with you and papa". She turned her head and I saw her smile, and that was the end of that. Anyway, I was happy to know I hadn't lost my home.
Not long after this, the Doctor came to our house and when he left, there was a baby there. That was fine, but he did this over and over again until we had too many babies. I had to take care of them as I got older and I had no time for myself. I was getting tired as I had to wait on the table and I didn't like that everything would get cold, but my father was a stern man and I didn't have much choice but to obey. The kids would come to me the same as their mama. I would be called on for everything. It's no fun to be the oldest in the family. You're grown up before you're ready.
They used to have these Camp Revival Meetings and my folks would go and they never seemed to let us out. On one occasion they took us and they put us on a quilt on the floor, and I was frightened to death, for when these people would go to shouting, they jumped over the seats and could have stepped on me. I was really scared, but no one ever got hurt. One night mama and papa went to the Revival and left me with the kids, one small baby. I must have gone to sleep in the rocking chair, for when they came home, the baby was gone and I was sound asleep. I wasn't very old, about nine years, and the neighbors had heard the baby crying and took him over to their house. I don't recall them leaving me anymore soon, but perhaps after I got older. It was near mid?night when my parents came home. We never used to lock our doors, no one bothered and the neighbors could come in and go out as they cared to, but it seemed to me that I would never grow up. I used to wish that I would grow up so I could do what I wanted to most of all to get away from taking care of the kids and doing a lot of the house work, but people seemed to have more time for one another then. We had no TV or radio and no air conditioners or record?players, so we had more time to go out and talk to our friends. We didn't have anything to keep us inside. We walked a couple of miles to school and we three sat in one long seat with a desk to match. You couldn't do much as it was crowded and you got in one another's way some times. My brothers would walk ahead of me going home and a bull chased me all the way home one day. I was scared half to death and couldn't get my breath.
People used to seem to have more work to do, but they had more time for one another and more time to visit.
There were no cars in my early life and no airplanes, so we would walk a lot. There were no modern devices like we have today, so we were outdoors a lot. We have lots today to keep us busy and a lot of things to entertain us, yet people don't seem to be any happier than we were, but I think that this is a great time to be alive, as you can just about do anything you want to today ?? that is, most of us can jump in a car and get where they need to, and airplanes can take you anywhere in a matter of hours.
We used to ride the trains, and there were horses and buggies in the earlier part of the 1900's, but I never cared for the horse and buggy. The only time I drove a horse and buggy I didn't know anything about it, and we tried to drive this horse that a friend had tied to our tree, and I must have pulled her reins too much and she ran away with us. My girl friend was with me and I told her to jump out as that's what I did. But she got run over and her face was cut pretty bad. I was hung up on a barb?wire fence. We sure had to do some talking to get out of that.
I am not afraid of the car. I have to say that I like these modern conveniences.
Now, Papa, as we called him, died when I was twelve years old. I felt like the whole world had fallen in on us. I was the oldest, and my baby sister, Lois, was only thirteen months old. None of us were old enough to go to work, except Mama and she was in her early thirties, so she had to take me out of school to take care of the other children and keep the house, while she went to work. I soon learned to cook plain foods and pretty much the same thing every day. There was no social welfare or any help to be had in those days. I managed to get my last grade of school completed at home but it wasn't easy between taking care of the baby and cooking and washing dishes, but the teacher was nice to come to my house and help me with my studies. The Church too was nice and helped us whatever way the could. They gave us a food shower and I was so embarrassed that I left home the night of it, because I thought we were awfully poor and it made me ashamed. I went to my girl friend's house that night. I wouldn't feel that way about it now, but kids are funny and proud.
The Minister that preached my Papa's funeral services, baptized me and my Mama and Papa. I'll never forget the text, he took it from Job, 14th chapter "Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble". I still go over it and read it yet. I shall never forget it. All kinds of thoughts went through my head, how could I help mama with her big load. I was only twelve years old, yet I went hand in hand with mama in everything she did and I had her grief as well as mine by the time I really felt all grown up. I was able to cook fairly well. Three boys eat a lot and I will always remember the many times I used to get after them for running away. I would have to chase them over a big corn?field nearby to see that they were home and safe at night. They were good boys, but they wrestled half of the time and I tried to stop them. They would scuffle in bed and I didn't like that so I would get papa's leather strap after them, but I could never catch them. They were strong and not afraid of me. I would tell mama, but the boys will be boys.
Later on, we were all fortunate to find good positions. We had a neighbor living next door to us in this small town of Oran, Missouri, and in those days they delivered telegrams from the Railroad Stations, and my three brothers helped around there and finally got to deliver telegrams. Telephones were not popular then, and so people sent more telegrams it was a way to get the message delivered. My brothers got to be sender and receiver and one would send messages and the other would receive them. They learned the Morse Code and by the time they were old enough, they were both recommended for a job with the Railroad, and they both made it their life's work. In the meantime, I had decided that I wanted to work for the telephone company. I practiced on my own time and was ready to go to work by the time they called me. You had to be sixteen, so I had a job offered me in the little town where I worked for a while and I got mama a job with the telephone company. Now we were making it pretty good. I worked days and mama worked nights so one of us could be home with the young ones. I got transferred to a larger place and I worked myself up to night chief and then day chief operator. I was happy and glad to get away from the house work and make some money. I needed some pretty clothes. I especially wanted some silk stockings. I had not had any pretty things and I loved them, and they were cheap then, but we didn't make much. I had to pay board and live on what I made, but I would buy one thing one week and something else next time. The girls had a place to trade and you could put it on charge. We would go every week and get what we needed and pay the merchant a payment each week. He knew we all had good jobs and would pay him. I worked for fifteen years for the telephone company and this was in Sikeston, Missouri. A car?load of us went out one night and I met my girlfriend's boy friend, and later he asked me to marry him. After being apart for a while, we finally met again and we were married in St. Louis, Missouri. By this time, mama had met a man that was working for the telephone company and she had gotten married, and I didn't have to worry about her any more. I was glad for she had had a hard time. I used to get homesick as I had never been away from home. I finally got used to it and never was home much after that. I went to work. Mama and my Stepfather lived together thirty five years before they died. There was a bad tornado in Poplar Bluff in May of 1929, May 9. I had just gotten back to Poplar Bluff and the tornado struck. It flattened out Main Street and tore the roof off my boarding place. We had to work all night and the Red Cross brought us doughnuts and coffee. We couldn't go out cause wires were down. My step?father and mama mailed me a huge box of foods which I shared with the telephone girls and employees where I worked. By the way, I received a large portion of my education from the Telephone Co. They are good to work for. We used to do more of the actual work then while it is mostly all mechanical now. I married while I was still working, but I soon quit and we moved to St. Louis, as my folks lived here. Now my husband has passed away and I have a son and a daughter and eleven grand?children that I love very much. I have lived in what they call "The Good Old Days", but I also enjoy the modern conveniences of today. The Lord have been so wonderful to me.
At this writing, I have eleven grandchildren and five great grand? children and I adore them all so much. I have a very wonderful son in law. My Church has been my guide and strength. The Lord has been my companion. He didn't put us here to waste time. He fills my every need. For ten years I sang in the Choir. We also sang at Nursing Homes and at funerals. I have visited nursing homes and people sick at home with Mrs. Cobb for years and we really enjoyed that. If I have helped one person, it is all well worthwhile. We were put here to love one another and to live at peace. Don't be afraid of each other, and don't be afraid to become involved. If you don't let the other person know that you love him or her, how will they know? God loves us all and we need one another. We show our love for him by letting others know that we love them. People need people. It has all been well worth it. Love you all!
Muriel Sanders.
Photo of Muriel Sanders taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) in June 1991 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel was born Murlie Mae. She didn't like the name and after she started school she changed it to Muriel.
She went to work for the Bell Telephone Company August 5, 1918 at Oran, Missouri. She later worked in Dexter, Morehouse, Essex, Portageville, Poplar Bluff, Chaffee, and Commerce, Missouri.
Some years after Kim's death, Muriel began dating Ammon Polk. They dated for several years, but never married. Ammon also died of emphysema.
In the mid 1960's Muriel was stricken with cancer. She overcame it and continued living on her own for many years before moving in with her daughter.
Muriel sang at her church, Olive Branch Presbyterian Church, 2201 Sidney St., and at various organizations around St. Louis, such as the Guitner Home. On many of those occasions Armen Bogosian would play the organ. This is the same man would later play the organ for St. Matthew church and for John Altenbernd's (#102) funeral,
In 1989, Muriel moved to Overland Park, Kansas to live with her daughter Lila and her family. Muriel's health was such that it was difficult for her to continue to live by herself. She moved to Overland Park to stay with her daughter Lila and her family.
Muriel has trouble with her eyes. She had surgery in April 1992 to remove some excess skin and fatty tissue from her eyelids. This extra tissue causes her to get frequent eye infections. At some point, she also had a cataract in her right eye.
Muriel has a good sense of humor and can laugh at herself. In a visit with her in 1993 she recalled this story. Muriel was in the waiting room of her doctor's office with her daughter Lila. She was rummaging through the magazines and couldn't find anything to her liking. She said the doctor needed to get some "Playboy" magazines in there. She even offered to bring in some of her own. This raised a few eyebrows of other waiting patients. After all what does a 90 year old woman want with Playboy magazines? What she meant was "People" magazines.
Due to continued problems with Muriel's eyes, she had surgery again in June of 1993.
In early 1994, Muriel began having some trouble with her blood pressure. At one point, it was as high as 210/88.
Muriel is acquainted with Father Rernert at St. Louis University. When it came time for her granddaughter Jenny to begin looking for colleges, Muriel wrote him to let him know she had a granddaughter looking for a college.
In August 1994, Muriel lost her balance and broke her hip. She moved to Carondolet Manor in Kansas City, MO to recuperate.
Near Christmas 1994, Muriel suffered from a high blood pressure attack that sent her to the emergency room. Then right before Christmas Eve, she came down with a respiratory virus and lost her voice for several days.
On February 15, 1995, Muriel was crowned "Queen of the Court" at Carondelet Manor. She was given a crown and a red cape for the occasion. Muriel is having continued problems with her eyes and will probably need more surgery.
The following article was written by Muriel and appeared in February, 1997 in the monthly newsletter distributed by Carondolet Manor.
A MINUTE WITH MURIEL
Well, we made it! That is, we made it into the year 1997. Now, let's all make a resolution that we will get together this time next year.
Speaking of New Year's resolutions, I've broken more than I care to remember. Now I just resolve to make the most of every moment and of every opportunity to help somebody. This brings to mind the story of the well?dressed man who, on his way to work, boarded the bus and sat next to an old woman who wore very shabby and thin clothing. This was a very cold day and she had no gloves. Her hands were blue from the cold and she rubbed them together as she sat there shivering. She mentioned in their conversation that she was on her way to work, and he could tell that she seemed proud
that she had a job.
The man wanted to reach out to the older woman and help her, but did not want to offend her. So, when it was time for him to get off the bus, he took off his own gloves and laid them on the seat next to the woman and smiled at her. Her tired eyes seemed to sparkle a little as she looked down at the gloves. Before she could respond he stepped off the bus. As the bus moved away, he waved a gloveless hand at the woman, and they both felt warm inside. ~
As this story points out, sometimes opportunities to help someone come up unexpectedly, and we have a chance to respond if we will only act on it
I had another little vacation stay at St. Joseph Health Center recently, but was glad to return here, first in the H Hall, and now to my room in A Hall. I missed all of my friends so much and am glad to be back again with my roommate, Mary. Thank you for the warm welcome back. Those hospital spas are a nice place to visit when necessary, but I wouldn't want to stay there too long.
We are sad that Trista, one of our activity directors, is leaving us. She said she will miss us all and I know we will all miss her. She is a lovely lady who has worked hard to help us all. Thank you, Trista, and don't forget to visit us.
Happy New Year and Happy New Day to all.
Muriel Sanders
Resident.
Photo of Muriel Sanders taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) in September 1992 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Photo of Muriel Sanders (#68) taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) on 13 March 1993 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
A MINUTE WITH MURIEL
For many years, we lived in South St. Louis ? not in the county, but the inner city. At one time, we had the old Bellefontaine Streetcar running right in front of our home on Eighteenth Street. Often on Sunday afternoons for entertainment, we would use our weekly pass and ride the streetcars to see the rest of the city. We could transfer to other streetcars and see lots of interesting and new sights without paying any additional fares. The streetcar passes were used by lots of people for going to work and going downtown and other places. Many people did not own cars, but got by very nicely with the city transportation system, even if it was cold waiting on the corners in the wintertime. Later, there were busses and, eventually, the streetcars were phased out. We knew all the schedules and there usually was not a long wait for the next streetcar or bus.
There were some small shopping centers out in the county. But we always shopped either in the downtown area where there were several department stores and many other shops and dime stores, or at closer neighborhood stores. My very favorite shopping area for many years was a little four block area of Cherokee Street, where there were many small stores. We could either take the streetcar or bus directly there, or we could walk. When we lived on Eighteenth Street, that meant we would usually walk over Pestalozzi Street to Jefferson Avenue, which took us down to Cherokee Street. On Jefferson Avenue, we passed Benton Park (where we had heard that the dreaded Blackie Gang hung out; but we still had picnics there sometimes and were never confronted by them). When we reached this wonderful area of South St. Louis, there was a great deal of hustle and bustle and activity. You were immediately met with the delightful aromas of hamburgers, caramel popcorn, and baked goods coming from the three dime stores, hamburger stand, and bakeries nearby. I did a lot of shopping at the J.C. Penney Store which had two levels and usually a cash register at each counter. There was even a lingerie store with lovely nighties and unmentionables (I guess they had not heard that love is blind). You could truly find anything you wanted on this little stretch of streets.
During the day, I would often saunter down to this wonderful spot and spend time just looking in the windows and strolling through the many stores. I would always see many people I knew doing the same thing. At Woolworth's, we could enjoy the best lunch and ice cream sodas that were absolutely "larapin" (a word from my southeast Missouri youth that means "the most"). The famous Casa Loma Ballroom was located right off Cherokee Street then and is still there.
As my grandchildren came along, I introduced them to Cherokee Street. They always looked forward to riding the bus, something new to them, and visiting this magical location with me and having lunch. Sometimes, we came home with gold fish in a bag. One Easter season, my mother?in?law from out of town visited us. She insisted on walking to Cherokee Street in her high heels and all around when we got there. She had a great time.
I guess it was bound to happen. Slowly, Cherokee Street started to change. The small shops closed up and moved away. There was no more J.C. Penney's where Santa always sat on his throne at Christmas time; no more dime stores; no more delectable ice cream sodas. Now the area is known as a popular antique shopping area, and most people shop at large shopping malls. Young people, you don't know what you have missed.
Muriel Sanders, Resident.
Murlie May Sanders lived at Carondelet Manor - Room A-12, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, between July 1994 and March 1999 Muriel Sanders told Margie Seago that she spent the happiest days of her life in Carondolet Manor.17,1
Muriel fell and broke her pelvis in 3 places.
Muriel's hearing is getting worse.
Insurance was running out and Muriel was worried about having to move out of Carondelet Manor. Since she never moved, Bill and Lila Behan must have been able to work something out.
Muriel was in room 104 at Carondelet Manor.
She played in the band. There were 24 in the band. Muriel was the only woman.4
Muriel's roommate at Carondolet Manor was the same age she was and and blind.4
Photo of Muriel Sanders - Crowned "Queen of the Courts" taken by Lila Behan (#318) in February 1995 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)19
She was ill with "Lila called me last night and she is (maybe has already) going to send you an e-mail but wasn't sure she would get time to do it for a few days so told me to give you information. Aunt Muriel is in hospital. She's been in pretty much the same condition for last six months but just doesn't get better. At first, the doctors thought she had TB but decided it was TB scarring, probably had it when she was a child. She has a lot of congestion in chest - finally determined it was pneumonia. She's being treated and will probably be back in Nursing Home shortly. But with her age, etc - you never know. " - Sue Myers
"Muriel seems to be recuperating and will probably be moved back to her room on Friday (10/27). " - Lila Behan in October 2000.20,21
Photo of Muriel Sanders (#68) in November 2000 Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). 99th Birthday Party.17
Photo of Muriel Sanders (#68) taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) on 7 July 2001 at Carondolet Manor, Overland Park, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Margie had a drug rash when Muriel died and couldn't get back for the funeral. on 16 September 2001.1
Murlie died on 17 September 2001 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, at age 98.20
When Muriel as a child, her uncle Frank lived with them for awhile. He would have nightmares that scared Muriel and Herald.4
Muriel's Childhood Story
Added by albersdorf on 8 Apr 2008
A Story of My Childhood
by Muriel Sanders
We had a large family, in fact, there were eight of us, four boys and four girls. I was next to the oldest one, Loyd.
My brother, Loyd, died when he was six years old, and I was four. He had pneumonia. I can remember him well. We had so much fun together and I didn't know what I was going to do without him. We were together all the time, and I missed him and couldn't quite understand it. I was alone now, and no?one to play with. What was I going to do? I kept thinking that he would come back and I looked for him and asked all kinds of questions, but none of the answers seemed to satisfy me. I looked behind things for him, thinking he was hiding from me. It is hard for a four year old to understand death. They told me that he was in Heaven, and I imagined I could see his face up in the clouds. I was so lonesome and sad.
Mama made me a new dress not long before and we had our pictures taken together while I had it on. I said to mama, "May I wear my new dress today"? It was very pretty with lots of lace on the collar and I couldn't leave that collar alone; it fascinated me so much. I loved it, and felt so dressed up. I did my best to leave the collar alone.
There was a real nice family living next door to us and I thought I am going to visit them. They showed me a lot of attention, so I decided to visit them the next day, and I got to where if they asked me for dinner, I would go up to the table am make myself at home. They didn't have any children and they had a good looking high chair there. I don't know why they had it, but they would put me up in that chair and I was really getting attention. One day mama got onto my tricks and she met me out on the porch with my little trunk packed and said "You like it so well over at your friend's, I packed your clothes and you can live over there, as you are over there most of the time anyway." I thought for a minute or two and said to myself ?? maybe I better go back home and stop running off every day, so I told mama "I believe I had rather live with you and papa". She turned her head and I saw her smile, and that was the end of that. Anyway, I was happy to know I hadn't lost my home.
Not long after this, the Doctor came to our house and when he left, there was a baby there. That was fine, but he did this over and over again until we had too many babies. I had to take care of them as I got older and I had no time for myself. I was getting tired as I had to wait on the table and I didn't like that everything would get cold, but my father was a stern man and I didn't have much choice but to obey. The kids would come to me the same as their mama. I would be called on for everything. It's no fun to be the oldest in the family. You're grown up before you're ready.
They used to have these Camp Revival Meetings and my folks would go and they never seemed to let us out. On one occasion they took us and they put us on a quilt on the floor, and I was frightened to death, for when these people would go to shouting, they jumped over the seats and could have stepped on me. I was really scared, but no one ever got hurt. One night mama and papa went to the Revival and left me with the kids, one small baby. I must have gone to sleep in the rocking chair, for when they came home, the baby was gone and I was sound asleep. I wasn't very old, about nine years, and the neighbors had heard the baby crying and took him over to their house. I don't recall them leaving me anymore soon, but perhaps after I got older. It was near mid?night when my parents came home. We never used to lock our doors, no one bothered and the neighbors could come in and go out as they cared to, but it seemed to me that I would never grow up. I used to wish that I would grow up so I could do what I wanted to most of all to get away from taking care of the kids and doing a lot of the house work, but people seemed to have more time for one another then. We had no TV or radio and no air conditioners or record?players, so we had more time to go out and talk to our friends. We didn't have anything to keep us inside. We walked a couple of miles to school and we three sat in one long seat with a desk to match. You couldn't do much as it was crowded and you got in one another's way some times. My brothers would walk ahead of me going home and a bull chased me all the way home one day. I was scared half to death and couldn't get my breath.
People used to seem to have more work to do, but they had more time for one another and more time to visit.
There were no cars in my early life and no airplanes, so we would walk a lot. There were no modern devices like we have today, so we were outdoors a lot. We have lots today to keep us busy and a lot of things to entertain us, yet people don't seem to be any happier than we were, but I think that this is a great time to be alive, as you can just about do anything you want to today ?? that is, most of us can jump in a car and get where they need to, and airplanes can take you anywhere in a matter of hours.
We used to ride the trains, and there were horses and buggies in the earlier part of the 1900's, but I never cared for the horse and buggy. The only time I drove a horse and buggy I didn't know anything about it, and we tried to drive this horse that a friend had tied to our tree, and I must have pulled her reins too much and she ran away with us. My girl friend was with me and I told her to jump out as that's what I did. But she got run over and her face was cut pretty bad. I was hung up on a barb?wire fence. We sure had to do some talking to get out of that.
I am not afraid of the car. I have to say that I like these modern conveniences.
Now, Papa, as we called him, died when I was twelve years old. I felt like the whole world had fallen in on us. I was the oldest, and my baby sister, Lois, was only thirteen months old. None of us were old enough to go to work, except Mama and she was in her early thirties, so she had to take me out of school to take care of the other children and keep the house, while she went to work. I soon learned to cook plain foods and pretty much the same thing every day. There was no social welfare or any help to be had in those days. I managed to get my last grade of school completed at home but it wasn't easy between taking care of the baby and cooking and washing dishes, but the teacher was nice to come to my house and help me with my studies. The Church too was nice and helped us whatever way the could. They gave us a food shower and I was so embarrassed that I left home the night of it, because I thought we were awfully poor and it made me ashamed. I went to my girl friend's house that night. I wouldn't feel that way about it now, but kids are funny and proud.
The Minister that preached my Papa's funeral services, baptized me and my Mama and Papa. I'll never forget the text, he took it from Job, 14th chapter "Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble". I still go over it and read it yet. I shall never forget it. All kinds of thoughts went through my head, how could I help mama with her big load. I was only twelve years old, yet I went hand in hand with mama in everything she did and I had her grief as well as mine by the time I really felt all grown up. I was able to cook fairly well. Three boys eat a lot and I will always remember the many times I used to get after them for running away. I would have to chase them over a big corn?field nearby to see that they were home and safe at night. They were good boys, but they wrestled half of the time and I tried to stop them. They would scuffle in bed and I didn't like that so I would get papa's leather strap after them, but I could never catch them. They were strong and not afraid of me. I would tell mama, but the boys will be boys.
Later on, we were all fortunate to find good positions. We had a neighbor living next door to us in this small town of Oran, Missouri, and in those days they delivered telegrams from the Railroad Stations, and my three brothers helped around there and finally got to deliver telegrams. Telephones were not popular then, and so people sent more telegrams it was a way to get the message delivered. My brothers got to be sender and receiver and one would send messages and the other would receive them. They learned the Morse Code and by the time they were old enough, they were both recommended for a job with the Railroad, and they both made it their life's work. In the meantime, I had decided that I wanted to work for the telephone company. I practiced on my own time and was ready to go to work by the time they called me. You had to be sixteen, so I had a job offered me in the little town where I worked for a while and I got mama a job with the telephone company. Now we were making it pretty good. I worked days and mama worked nights so one of us could be home with the young ones. I got transferred to a larger place and I worked myself up to night chief and then day chief operator. I was happy and glad to get away from the house work and make some money. I needed some pretty clothes. I especially wanted some silk stockings. I had not had any pretty things and I loved them, and they were cheap then, but we didn't make much. I had to pay board and live on what I made, but I would buy one thing one week and something else next time. The girls had a place to trade and you could put it on charge. We would go every week and get what we needed and pay the merchant a payment each week. He knew we all had good jobs and would pay him. I worked for fifteen years for the telephone company and this was in Sikeston, Missouri. A car?load of us went out one night and I met my girlfriend's boy friend, and later he asked me to marry him. After being apart for a while, we finally met again and we were married in St. Louis, Missouri. By this time, mama had met a man that was working for the telephone company and she had gotten married, and I didn't have to worry about her any more. I was glad for she had had a hard time. I used to get homesick as I had never been away from home. I finally got used to it and never was home much after that. I went to work. Mama and my Stepfather lived together thirty five years before they died. There was a bad tornado in Poplar Bluff in May of 1929, May 9. I had just gotten back to Poplar Bluff and the tornado struck. It flattened out Main Street and tore the roof off my boarding place. We had to work all night and the Red Cross brought us doughnuts and coffee. We couldn't go out cause wires were down. My step?father and mama mailed me a huge box of foods which I shared with the telephone girls and employees where I worked. By the way, I received a large portion of my education from the Telephone Co. They are good to work for. We used to do more of the actual work then while it is mostly all mechanical now. I married while I was still working, but I soon quit and we moved to St. Louis, as my folks lived here. Now my husband has passed away and I have a son and a daughter and eleven grand?children that I love very much. I have lived in what they call "The Good Old Days", but I also enjoy the modern conveniences of today. The Lord have been so wonderful to me.
At this writing, I have eleven grandchildren and five great grand? children and I adore them all so much. I have a very wonderful son in law. My Church has been my guide and strength. The Lord has been my companion. He didn't put us here to waste time. He fills my every need. For ten years I sang in the Choir. We also sang at Nursing Homes and at funerals. I have visited nursing homes and people sick at home with Mrs. Cobb for years and we really enjoyed that. If I have helped one person, it is all well worthwhile. We were put here to love one another and to live at peace. Don't be afraid of each other, and don't be afraid to become involved. If you don't let the other person know that you love him or her, how will they know? God loves us all and we need one another. We show our love for him by letting others know that we love them. People need people. It has all been well worth it. Love you all!
Muriel Sanders.5
Murlie May Herrell was born on 27 November 1902 in Caruthersville, Pemiscot County, Missouri, USA.2,3 She was the daughter of Frank Royer Herrell and Francis Anna Mae Reeder.2,3 Other sources show Murlie was born in Caruthersville, Pemiscot County, Missouri, USA, on 27 November 1901.6,2
Photo of Muriel Herrell in Oran, Scott County, Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Murlie May's was three years old when she attended an Old Time Revival meeting. Pallets were put on the floor the kids. Once everyone got going, Muriel was afraid she would get trampled.4
Photo.
Murlie May Herrell was listed as Frank Royer Herrell's daughter on the 1910 US Federal Census of Little Prairie Township, Pemiscot County, Missouri, enumerated 13 April 1910.7 Her age at her last birth date was listed as 8. She was born in Missouri. Her father was born in Tennessee. Her mother was born in Missouri.7 She spoke Engllish.8 She did attend school. She was able to read. She was able to write.8
Photo.
Murlie worked at Bell Telephone Company, Oran, Scott County, Missouri, USA, on 5 August 1918. She worked as a chief operator.9,10
Photo of Muriel Herrell in center circa 1920. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Muriel Herrell in center
Muriel frequently was part of a bowling league when she worked for the phone company.4
Murlie May Herrell was listed as Anna Mae Herrell's daughter on the 1920 US Federal Census of Oran, Sylvania Township, Scott County, Missouri, enumerated 28 January 1920.11 Her age at her last birth date was listed as 18. She was born in Missouri. She was single. Her father was born in Tennessee. Her mother was born in Missouri.11 . Her occupation was operator. She worked for the telephone company.11 She did not attend school since September 1, 1919. She was able to read. She was able to write. She was able to speak English.11
Murlie May Herrell and Fred Munzell had 0 children.2
Fred Munzell married Murlie May Herrell, daughter of Frank Royer Herrell and Francis Anna Mae Reeder, in 1923.2
When Margie was young, her mother would put a name tag on her, put her on a bus and send her to Poplar Bluff, Missouri to see Muriel Sanders.10
Murlie was divorced from Fred Munzell in 1927.2
Muriel and Kim Sanders came to live with Gus, Anna Mae, and Margie Sadler when Margie was about 7 or 8. This was during the depression. circa 1928.10
Murlie May Herrell played the piano.10
Per Margie Seago, Muriel was a vivacious and sweet sister. She had a great personality and laugh. She had auburn hair, blue eyes, and a lovely smile.10
Kimble Jones Sanders married Murlie May Herrell, daughter of Frank Royer Herrell and Francis Anna Mae Reeder, in St Louis, St Louis County, Missouri, USA, on 31 January 1931.2
Anna Marie, Francis Anna Mae, Gustave McCager, Murlie May, Kimble Jones and Loice Beatrice residing at at 208 Zeppo Street, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, and Anna Marie, Francis Anna Mae, Gustave McCager, Murlie May, Kimble Jones and Loice Beatrice sent a letter to Floyd Bible Herrell on 5 July 1933 .
Dear Floyd,
Your telegram today. We are all grieved to hear the sad news.
Regret that we are unable to come. But send our Deepest sympathy to you and Bill and the family.
We've all been praying that she would be spared to you but He knows best. He must have needed her.
We only wish some of us could be with you now. Lois is trying to arrange to come and perhaps Mom. They'll let you know.
We're all thinking of you & Bill & you'll understand I know if we can't come.
This goes for all the family old man. I told them I'd wire or write you for all. Remember we're all thinking of you & you must feel free to call on us if you need us.
All we can say is "we're sorry" - maybe someday he'll help us to understand why it had to be.
Give our regards to the family.
Love to you & Billie & our sympathy.
Always,
Cecil, Marie & kiddies
Mother Gus & Family
Muriel & Kim
Lois & Al.12
Photo of Muriel and Kim Sanders circa 1935. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Muriel and Kim Sanders
Murlie May Herrell and Kimble Jones Sanders lived at 3307 South 18th Street, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1936.13
Amy Nell and her husband spent their wedding night at Muriel and Kim Sander's house. All of the kids spied on them during the night.14,15
Photo of ?,?, Herold, Kim, Lila, and Muriel Sanders,?,? Circa 1945. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
?,?, Herold, Kim, Lila, and Muriel Sanders,?,?
Photo of Floyd and Dorothy Herrell, Kim and Muriel Sanders circa 1950. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Floyd and Dorothy Herrell, Kim and Muriel Sanders
Photo of Amynell and Al Farr, Kim and Muriel Sanders circa 1950. Original photo in the possession of Sue Myers (#130.)
Amynell and Al Farr, Kim and Muriel Sanders
"Mama got a TV first. We would all go over and line up the chairs to watch."4
Photo of Amy Nell and Al Farr, Muriel and Kim Sanders. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)16
Amy Nell and Al Farr, Muriel and Kim Jones
about 1950
about 1950
Photo of Muriel Sanders, Cecil Herrell, Dorothy Herrell at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders, Cecil Herrell, Dorothy Herrell
Photo of Muriel Sanders, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Dorothy Herrell at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Dorothy Herrell
Photo of Toni Herrell, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Floyd Herrell,Muriel Sanders at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Toni Herrell, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Floyd Herrell,Muriel Sanders
Photo of Toni Herrell, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Floyd Herrell,Muriel Sanders at Las Cruces, Dona Ana County, New Mexico, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Toni Herrell, Marie and Cecil Herrell, Floyd Herrell,Muriel Sanders
Muriel Sanders lived at 2830 South Jefferson Avenue, St Louis, Independent City, Missouri, USA, in 1970.18
Muriel Sanders Home on Jefferson Avenue, St Louis, Missouri, taken May 1994
Muriel Sanders Home on Jefferson Avenue, St Louis, Missouri, taken May 1994
Olive Branch Presbyterian Church
Olive Branch Presbyterian Church
A Story of My Childhood
by Muriel Sanders
We had a large family, in fact, there were eight of us, four boys and four girls. I was next to the oldest one, Loyd.
My brother, Loyd, died when he was six years old, and I was four. He had pneumonia. I can remember him well. We had so much fun together and I didn't know what I was going to do without him. We were together all the time, and I missed him and couldn't quite understand it. I was alone now, and no?one to play with. What was I going to do? I kept thinking that he would come back and I looked for him and asked all kinds of questions, but none of the answers seemed to satisfy me. I looked behind things for him, thinking he was hiding from me. It is hard for a four year old to understand death. They told me that he was in Heaven, and I imagined I could see his face up in the clouds. I was so lonesome and sad.
Mama made me a new dress not long before and we had our pictures taken together while I had it on. I said to mama, "May I wear my new dress today"? It was very pretty with lots of lace on the collar and I couldn't leave that collar alone; it fascinated me so much. I loved it, and felt so dressed up. I did my best to leave the collar alone.
There was a real nice family living next door to us and I thought I am going to visit them. They showed me a lot of attention, so I decided to visit them the next day, and I got to where if they asked me for dinner, I would go up to the table am make myself at home. They didn't have any children and they had a good looking high chair there. I don't know why they had it, but they would put me up in that chair and I was really getting attention. One day mama got onto my tricks and she met me out on the porch with my little trunk packed and said "You like it so well over at your friend's, I packed your clothes and you can live over there, as you are over there most of the time anyway." I thought for a minute or two and said to myself ?? maybe I better go back home and stop running off every day, so I told mama "I believe I had rather live with you and papa". She turned her head and I saw her smile, and that was the end of that. Anyway, I was happy to know I hadn't lost my home.
Not long after this, the Doctor came to our house and when he left, there was a baby there. That was fine, but he did this over and over again until we had too many babies. I had to take care of them as I got older and I had no time for myself. I was getting tired as I had to wait on the table and I didn't like that everything would get cold, but my father was a stern man and I didn't have much choice but to obey. The kids would come to me the same as their mama. I would be called on for everything. It's no fun to be the oldest in the family. You're grown up before you're ready.
They used to have these Camp Revival Meetings and my folks would go and they never seemed to let us out. On one occasion they took us and they put us on a quilt on the floor, and I was frightened to death, for when these people would go to shouting, they jumped over the seats and could have stepped on me. I was really scared, but no one ever got hurt. One night mama and papa went to the Revival and left me with the kids, one small baby. I must have gone to sleep in the rocking chair, for when they came home, the baby was gone and I was sound asleep. I wasn't very old, about nine years, and the neighbors had heard the baby crying and took him over to their house. I don't recall them leaving me anymore soon, but perhaps after I got older. It was near mid?night when my parents came home. We never used to lock our doors, no one bothered and the neighbors could come in and go out as they cared to, but it seemed to me that I would never grow up. I used to wish that I would grow up so I could do what I wanted to most of all to get away from taking care of the kids and doing a lot of the house work, but people seemed to have more time for one another then. We had no TV or radio and no air conditioners or record?players, so we had more time to go out and talk to our friends. We didn't have anything to keep us inside. We walked a couple of miles to school and we three sat in one long seat with a desk to match. You couldn't do much as it was crowded and you got in one another's way some times. My brothers would walk ahead of me going home and a bull chased me all the way home one day. I was scared half to death and couldn't get my breath.
People used to seem to have more work to do, but they had more time for one another and more time to visit.
There were no cars in my early life and no airplanes, so we would walk a lot. There were no modern devices like we have today, so we were outdoors a lot. We have lots today to keep us busy and a lot of things to entertain us, yet people don't seem to be any happier than we were, but I think that this is a great time to be alive, as you can just about do anything you want to today ?? that is, most of us can jump in a car and get where they need to, and airplanes can take you anywhere in a matter of hours.
We used to ride the trains, and there were horses and buggies in the earlier part of the 1900's, but I never cared for the horse and buggy. The only time I drove a horse and buggy I didn't know anything about it, and we tried to drive this horse that a friend had tied to our tree, and I must have pulled her reins too much and she ran away with us. My girl friend was with me and I told her to jump out as that's what I did. But she got run over and her face was cut pretty bad. I was hung up on a barb?wire fence. We sure had to do some talking to get out of that.
I am not afraid of the car. I have to say that I like these modern conveniences.
Now, Papa, as we called him, died when I was twelve years old. I felt like the whole world had fallen in on us. I was the oldest, and my baby sister, Lois, was only thirteen months old. None of us were old enough to go to work, except Mama and she was in her early thirties, so she had to take me out of school to take care of the other children and keep the house, while she went to work. I soon learned to cook plain foods and pretty much the same thing every day. There was no social welfare or any help to be had in those days. I managed to get my last grade of school completed at home but it wasn't easy between taking care of the baby and cooking and washing dishes, but the teacher was nice to come to my house and help me with my studies. The Church too was nice and helped us whatever way the could. They gave us a food shower and I was so embarrassed that I left home the night of it, because I thought we were awfully poor and it made me ashamed. I went to my girl friend's house that night. I wouldn't feel that way about it now, but kids are funny and proud.
The Minister that preached my Papa's funeral services, baptized me and my Mama and Papa. I'll never forget the text, he took it from Job, 14th chapter "Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble". I still go over it and read it yet. I shall never forget it. All kinds of thoughts went through my head, how could I help mama with her big load. I was only twelve years old, yet I went hand in hand with mama in everything she did and I had her grief as well as mine by the time I really felt all grown up. I was able to cook fairly well. Three boys eat a lot and I will always remember the many times I used to get after them for running away. I would have to chase them over a big corn?field nearby to see that they were home and safe at night. They were good boys, but they wrestled half of the time and I tried to stop them. They would scuffle in bed and I didn't like that so I would get papa's leather strap after them, but I could never catch them. They were strong and not afraid of me. I would tell mama, but the boys will be boys.
Later on, we were all fortunate to find good positions. We had a neighbor living next door to us in this small town of Oran, Missouri, and in those days they delivered telegrams from the Railroad Stations, and my three brothers helped around there and finally got to deliver telegrams. Telephones were not popular then, and so people sent more telegrams it was a way to get the message delivered. My brothers got to be sender and receiver and one would send messages and the other would receive them. They learned the Morse Code and by the time they were old enough, they were both recommended for a job with the Railroad, and they both made it their life's work. In the meantime, I had decided that I wanted to work for the telephone company. I practiced on my own time and was ready to go to work by the time they called me. You had to be sixteen, so I had a job offered me in the little town where I worked for a while and I got mama a job with the telephone company. Now we were making it pretty good. I worked days and mama worked nights so one of us could be home with the young ones. I got transferred to a larger place and I worked myself up to night chief and then day chief operator. I was happy and glad to get away from the house work and make some money. I needed some pretty clothes. I especially wanted some silk stockings. I had not had any pretty things and I loved them, and they were cheap then, but we didn't make much. I had to pay board and live on what I made, but I would buy one thing one week and something else next time. The girls had a place to trade and you could put it on charge. We would go every week and get what we needed and pay the merchant a payment each week. He knew we all had good jobs and would pay him. I worked for fifteen years for the telephone company and this was in Sikeston, Missouri. A car?load of us went out one night and I met my girlfriend's boy friend, and later he asked me to marry him. After being apart for a while, we finally met again and we were married in St. Louis, Missouri. By this time, mama had met a man that was working for the telephone company and she had gotten married, and I didn't have to worry about her any more. I was glad for she had had a hard time. I used to get homesick as I had never been away from home. I finally got used to it and never was home much after that. I went to work. Mama and my Stepfather lived together thirty five years before they died. There was a bad tornado in Poplar Bluff in May of 1929, May 9. I had just gotten back to Poplar Bluff and the tornado struck. It flattened out Main Street and tore the roof off my boarding place. We had to work all night and the Red Cross brought us doughnuts and coffee. We couldn't go out cause wires were down. My step?father and mama mailed me a huge box of foods which I shared with the telephone girls and employees where I worked. By the way, I received a large portion of my education from the Telephone Co. They are good to work for. We used to do more of the actual work then while it is mostly all mechanical now. I married while I was still working, but I soon quit and we moved to St. Louis, as my folks lived here. Now my husband has passed away and I have a son and a daughter and eleven grand?children that I love very much. I have lived in what they call "The Good Old Days", but I also enjoy the modern conveniences of today. The Lord have been so wonderful to me.
At this writing, I have eleven grandchildren and five great grand? children and I adore them all so much. I have a very wonderful son in law. My Church has been my guide and strength. The Lord has been my companion. He didn't put us here to waste time. He fills my every need. For ten years I sang in the Choir. We also sang at Nursing Homes and at funerals. I have visited nursing homes and people sick at home with Mrs. Cobb for years and we really enjoyed that. If I have helped one person, it is all well worthwhile. We were put here to love one another and to live at peace. Don't be afraid of each other, and don't be afraid to become involved. If you don't let the other person know that you love him or her, how will they know? God loves us all and we need one another. We show our love for him by letting others know that we love them. People need people. It has all been well worth it. Love you all!
Muriel Sanders.
Photo of Muriel Sanders taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) in June 1991 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders, June 1991, Overland Park, Kansas
Muriel Sanders, June 1991, Overland Park, Kansas
Muriel was born Murlie Mae. She didn't like the name and after she started school she changed it to Muriel.
She went to work for the Bell Telephone Company August 5, 1918 at Oran, Missouri. She later worked in Dexter, Morehouse, Essex, Portageville, Poplar Bluff, Chaffee, and Commerce, Missouri.
Some years after Kim's death, Muriel began dating Ammon Polk. They dated for several years, but never married. Ammon also died of emphysema.
In the mid 1960's Muriel was stricken with cancer. She overcame it and continued living on her own for many years before moving in with her daughter.
Muriel sang at her church, Olive Branch Presbyterian Church, 2201 Sidney St., and at various organizations around St. Louis, such as the Guitner Home. On many of those occasions Armen Bogosian would play the organ. This is the same man would later play the organ for St. Matthew church and for John Altenbernd's (#102) funeral,
In 1989, Muriel moved to Overland Park, Kansas to live with her daughter Lila and her family. Muriel's health was such that it was difficult for her to continue to live by herself. She moved to Overland Park to stay with her daughter Lila and her family.
Muriel has trouble with her eyes. She had surgery in April 1992 to remove some excess skin and fatty tissue from her eyelids. This extra tissue causes her to get frequent eye infections. At some point, she also had a cataract in her right eye.
Muriel has a good sense of humor and can laugh at herself. In a visit with her in 1993 she recalled this story. Muriel was in the waiting room of her doctor's office with her daughter Lila. She was rummaging through the magazines and couldn't find anything to her liking. She said the doctor needed to get some "Playboy" magazines in there. She even offered to bring in some of her own. This raised a few eyebrows of other waiting patients. After all what does a 90 year old woman want with Playboy magazines? What she meant was "People" magazines.
Due to continued problems with Muriel's eyes, she had surgery again in June of 1993.
In early 1994, Muriel began having some trouble with her blood pressure. At one point, it was as high as 210/88.
Muriel is acquainted with Father Rernert at St. Louis University. When it came time for her granddaughter Jenny to begin looking for colleges, Muriel wrote him to let him know she had a granddaughter looking for a college.
In August 1994, Muriel lost her balance and broke her hip. She moved to Carondolet Manor in Kansas City, MO to recuperate.
Near Christmas 1994, Muriel suffered from a high blood pressure attack that sent her to the emergency room. Then right before Christmas Eve, she came down with a respiratory virus and lost her voice for several days.
On February 15, 1995, Muriel was crowned "Queen of the Court" at Carondelet Manor. She was given a crown and a red cape for the occasion. Muriel is having continued problems with her eyes and will probably need more surgery.
The following article was written by Muriel and appeared in February, 1997 in the monthly newsletter distributed by Carondolet Manor.
A MINUTE WITH MURIEL
Well, we made it! That is, we made it into the year 1997. Now, let's all make a resolution that we will get together this time next year.
Speaking of New Year's resolutions, I've broken more than I care to remember. Now I just resolve to make the most of every moment and of every opportunity to help somebody. This brings to mind the story of the well?dressed man who, on his way to work, boarded the bus and sat next to an old woman who wore very shabby and thin clothing. This was a very cold day and she had no gloves. Her hands were blue from the cold and she rubbed them together as she sat there shivering. She mentioned in their conversation that she was on her way to work, and he could tell that she seemed proud
that she had a job.
The man wanted to reach out to the older woman and help her, but did not want to offend her. So, when it was time for him to get off the bus, he took off his own gloves and laid them on the seat next to the woman and smiled at her. Her tired eyes seemed to sparkle a little as she looked down at the gloves. Before she could respond he stepped off the bus. As the bus moved away, he waved a gloveless hand at the woman, and they both felt warm inside. ~
As this story points out, sometimes opportunities to help someone come up unexpectedly, and we have a chance to respond if we will only act on it
I had another little vacation stay at St. Joseph Health Center recently, but was glad to return here, first in the H Hall, and now to my room in A Hall. I missed all of my friends so much and am glad to be back again with my roommate, Mary. Thank you for the warm welcome back. Those hospital spas are a nice place to visit when necessary, but I wouldn't want to stay there too long.
We are sad that Trista, one of our activity directors, is leaving us. She said she will miss us all and I know we will all miss her. She is a lovely lady who has worked hard to help us all. Thank you, Trista, and don't forget to visit us.
Happy New Year and Happy New Day to all.
Muriel Sanders
Resident.
Photo of Muriel Sanders taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) in September 1992 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders, September 1992, Overland Park, Kansas
Photo of Muriel Sanders (#68) taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) on 13 March 1993 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders -- March 13, 1993
A MINUTE WITH MURIEL
For many years, we lived in South St. Louis ? not in the county, but the inner city. At one time, we had the old Bellefontaine Streetcar running right in front of our home on Eighteenth Street. Often on Sunday afternoons for entertainment, we would use our weekly pass and ride the streetcars to see the rest of the city. We could transfer to other streetcars and see lots of interesting and new sights without paying any additional fares. The streetcar passes were used by lots of people for going to work and going downtown and other places. Many people did not own cars, but got by very nicely with the city transportation system, even if it was cold waiting on the corners in the wintertime. Later, there were busses and, eventually, the streetcars were phased out. We knew all the schedules and there usually was not a long wait for the next streetcar or bus.
There were some small shopping centers out in the county. But we always shopped either in the downtown area where there were several department stores and many other shops and dime stores, or at closer neighborhood stores. My very favorite shopping area for many years was a little four block area of Cherokee Street, where there were many small stores. We could either take the streetcar or bus directly there, or we could walk. When we lived on Eighteenth Street, that meant we would usually walk over Pestalozzi Street to Jefferson Avenue, which took us down to Cherokee Street. On Jefferson Avenue, we passed Benton Park (where we had heard that the dreaded Blackie Gang hung out; but we still had picnics there sometimes and were never confronted by them). When we reached this wonderful area of South St. Louis, there was a great deal of hustle and bustle and activity. You were immediately met with the delightful aromas of hamburgers, caramel popcorn, and baked goods coming from the three dime stores, hamburger stand, and bakeries nearby. I did a lot of shopping at the J.C. Penney Store which had two levels and usually a cash register at each counter. There was even a lingerie store with lovely nighties and unmentionables (I guess they had not heard that love is blind). You could truly find anything you wanted on this little stretch of streets.
During the day, I would often saunter down to this wonderful spot and spend time just looking in the windows and strolling through the many stores. I would always see many people I knew doing the same thing. At Woolworth's, we could enjoy the best lunch and ice cream sodas that were absolutely "larapin" (a word from my southeast Missouri youth that means "the most"). The famous Casa Loma Ballroom was located right off Cherokee Street then and is still there.
As my grandchildren came along, I introduced them to Cherokee Street. They always looked forward to riding the bus, something new to them, and visiting this magical location with me and having lunch. Sometimes, we came home with gold fish in a bag. One Easter season, my mother?in?law from out of town visited us. She insisted on walking to Cherokee Street in her high heels and all around when we got there. She had a great time.
I guess it was bound to happen. Slowly, Cherokee Street started to change. The small shops closed up and moved away. There was no more J.C. Penney's where Santa always sat on his throne at Christmas time; no more dime stores; no more delectable ice cream sodas. Now the area is known as a popular antique shopping area, and most people shop at large shopping malls. Young people, you don't know what you have missed.
Muriel Sanders, Resident.
Murlie May Sanders lived at Carondelet Manor - Room A-12, Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, between July 1994 and March 1999 Muriel Sanders told Margie Seago that she spent the happiest days of her life in Carondolet Manor.17,1
Muriel Sanders Room at Carondolet Manor -- March 6, 1999 -- Overland Park, Kansas
Hallway to Muriel Sanders Room at Carondolet Manor -- March 6, 1999 -- Overland Park, Kansas
Muriel fell and broke her pelvis in 3 places.
Muriel's hearing is getting worse.
Insurance was running out and Muriel was worried about having to move out of Carondelet Manor. Since she never moved, Bill and Lila Behan must have been able to work something out.
Muriel was in room 104 at Carondelet Manor.
She played in the band. There were 24 in the band. Muriel was the only woman.4
Muriel's roommate at Carondolet Manor was the same age she was and and blind.4
Photo of Muriel Sanders - Crowned "Queen of the Courts" taken by Lila Behan (#318) in February 1995 in Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)19
Muriel Sanders - Crowned "Queen of the Courts"
"Muriel seems to be recuperating and will probably be moved back to her room on Friday (10/27). " - Lila Behan in October 2000.20,21
Photo of Muriel Sanders (#68) in November 2000 Missouri, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172). 99th Birthday Party.17
Photo of Muriel Sanders (#68) taken by Sheila Altenbernd (#172) on 7 July 2001 at Carondolet Manor, Overland Park, Kansas, USA. Original photo in the possession of Sheila Altenbernd (#172.)17
Muriel Sanders -- July 7, 2001 -- Overland Park, Kansas
Margie had a drug rash when Muriel died and couldn't get back for the funeral. on 16 September 2001.1
Murlie died on 17 September 2001 in Kansas City, Jackson County, Missouri, USA, at age 98.20
Last Edited=2 June 2023
Family: Murlie May Herrell and Fred Munzell
Child of Murlie May Herrell and Kimble Jones Sanders
- Herald Kimble Sanders+2 b. 11 January 1932, d. 24 July 2007
Citations
- [S259] Interview with Margie Seago (#443) (Ft Myers, Florida), by Sheila Altenbernd (#172), September 13, 2003 - September 14,2003. Sheila Sue Altenbernd (7461 River Bend Circle, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, USA, at). (Document Source Number: 00443-2003-09-13-01).
- [S78] William Herrell (#128), "Bill Herrell's Genealogy Records (copy)" (New Haven, Missouri). Supplied by Mike Herrell - 1991 . Hereinafter cited as "Bill Herrell Records."
- [S1579] Muriel Sanders (#68), social security application Circa 1946, (Document Source Number: 00068-1946c-00-00-01).
- [S267] Murlie May Herrell unknown date.
- [S23] "Herrell (#68), Muriel - Life Story," (MS; unknown location); unknown repository reference, unknown repository; unknown repository address . Hereinafter cited as "Herrell (#68), Muriel - Life Story."
- [S80] Murlie May Herrell unknown date.
- [S1497] Frank Herrell (#27) household, April 13, 1910 U.S. Federal Census, Pemiscott County, Missouri, population schedule, town of Little Prairie Township, enumeration district (ED) 128, supervisor's district (SD) 12, sheet 6A, dwelling 100, family 102, National Archives micropublication . Viewed at www.familysearch.org . (Document Source Number: 00027-1910-04-13-01). Hereinafter cited as Herrell,Frank (#27) 1910 Missouri Census.
- [S1496] Maze Herrell (#69) Oran News, Scott County Democrat, Benton, Missouri, June 30, 1921, page 4, column 3, www.newspapersarchive.com on May 12,2020 (Document Source Number: 00069-1921-06-30-01) . Hereinafter cited as Scott County Democrat.
- [S239] Herrell Family, Sadler, Anna (#39) - Family Record (n.p.: n.pub., November 19, 1926); Presently in the possession of Sue Myers (#130), unknown location . Hereinafter cited as Family Record.
- [S1834] Letter from Margie Seago (#443) (Ft Myers, Florida) to Sheila Altenbernd (#172) (7461 River Bend Circle, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee, USA, at) 2003. (2023). (Document Source Number: 00443-2003-00-00-01).
- [S1498] Anna Herrell (#39) household, January 28, 1920 U.S. Federal Census, Scott County, Missouri, population schedule, town of Sylvania Township, enumeration district (ED) 199, supervisor's district (SD) 12, sheet 7B, dwelling 140, family 143, National Archives micropublication . Viewed at www.familysearch.org . (Document Source Number: 00039-1920-01-28-01). Hereinafter cited as Herrell,Anna (#39) 1910 Missouri Census.
- [S392] Letter from Cecil Herrell (#71) (208 Zeppo Street, St. Louis, Missouri) to Floyd Herrell (#70) (unknown recipient address), July 5, 1933; unknown repository (unknown repository address).
- [S282] City Directory - St. Louis City - 1936 (n.p.: n.pub., 1936) . Hereinafter cited as City Directory - St. Louis City - 1936.
- [S713] Personal knowledge of Sue Myers (#130) (Scottsdale, Arizona, USA) , on September 30, 2006.
- [S714] Personal knowledge of Lila Behan (#319) (Overland Park, Kansas, USA) , on September 30, 2006.
- [S25] John Stoerker Altenbernd unknown date.
- [S157] Sheila Sue Altenbernd unknown date.
- [S279] City Directory - St. Louis City - 1970 (n.p.: n.pub., 1970) . Hereinafter cited as City Directory - St. Louis City - 1970.
- [S173] Letter from Lila Jean Sandersto Sheila Sue Altenbernd February 24, 1995.
- [S154] Sara Sue Herrell unknown date.
- [S71] Lila Jean Sanders unknown date.
Wherever you see this icon, you can click on it to see an attached image. These are low resolution pictures. Reach out to me if you would like a higher resolution copy.
When you see this in the index, it indicates a primary image exists for this person. 
Born in Chile
Born in Germany
Born in Honduras
Born in Ireland
Born in Jamaica
Born in Korea
Born in Prussia
Born in Russia
Born in Scotland
Born in Switzerland
Born in United Kingdom
Born in Viet Nam