1912 Paul Chevalley and Milca L'Eplattinier were married on November 20.
Alton Evening Telegraph, Alton, Illinois, November 21, 1912. [22]
1885 Milca Zélina L'Eplattenier, daughter of Zénas L'Eplattenier and Hortense Zélina Othenin-Girard, was born on December 13 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland. [1]
1891 Paul Louis Chevalley, son of Louis Chevalley and Irma Bühler, was born on April 7 in Yverdon, Vaud, Switzerland.
1892 Milca L'Eplattenier came to Alton, Illinois from La Chaux-de-Fonds, Neuchâtel, Switzerland, to live with her uncle Elihu L'Eplattenier and his wife Emma. Milca sailed with her aunt Emma on the ship La Champagne from Le Havre and arrived in New York on November 21. [2] [3] Her Uncle Elihu had returned earlier on the ship La Bourgogne from La Havre and arrived in New York on September 8, 1892. [4]
c 1893 Milca attended school in Alton for a short time. Years later she told the following story to her grandchildren about her school experience: [5]
The teacher had Milca stay after school to learn English. The teacher's method was to say English words and have Milca repeat the words. One afternoon, the teacher said the word honest. Because honest sounds like the French word for a female donkey, Milca thought it was a bad word and didn't think she should repeat it. The teacher repeated the word "honest" over and over expecting Milca to say it, but Milca would not say it. When the teacher began shouting the word honest, Milca went home in tears. She told her aunt and uncle that she didn't want to go to school. They allowed her to quit school. She learned at home and worked in her uncle's grocery store.
1895 Elihu, Emma, and Milca L'Eplattenier visited Switzerland. They sailed back to the U.S. on the ship La Bourgogne from Le Havre, arriving in New York on September 30, 1895. Their destination was Alton, Illinois. Elihu's occupation was merchant, and all three were citizens of the United States. [6]. Their ship, La Bourgogne, was built by Chantiers de la Mediterranee, La Seyne, France, in 1886 (7,395 gross tons; 495 (bp) feet long; 52 feet wide). It had a compound engine, single screw, service speed 17.5 knots. The ship was sunk following a collision off Newfoundland on July 4, 1898, and 549 lives were lost. [7]
1899 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca r [residence] 614 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [8]
1901 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca r 614 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [9]
1902 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca r 614 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [10]
1905 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca, r 642 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [11]
1906 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca r 614 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [12]
1908 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca r 642 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [13]
1908 Elihu L'Eplattenier (age 55, listed as "Elu Eplateiner"), his wife Emma (age 52, listed as Ehea), and niece Milca L'Eplattenier (age 21, listed as Milka) sailed on the ship La Savoie from Le Havre on October 10, 1908, and arrived in New York on October 17, 1908. Their nearest relative was Marc "Eplateiner" of Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, brother of Elihu, brother-in-law of Emma and Unkel of Milca. Elihu was a merchant and their destination was Alton. [14] Paul Chevalley, age 17, cooking clerk, sailed on the same ship. His nearest relative was his mother, Mrs. L. Chevalley in Yverdon, and his destination was Alton, Illinois. [15].
1909 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on February 22, [16]
Youth Four Months in America
Wins $125 by Skill in Writing Sentence. Thinks America Is All Right
Paul Chevalley, a young man who came to Alton from Switzerland about four months ago with Louis L'Eplatenier and family, and who makes his home with them, has an
idea that America is all right in all respects. Recently he participated in a contest of skill conducted by a St. Louis business house, and today received a check from the house for $125 that being the amount of the prize won by him in the contest. The contest required the writing of a sentence of 29 letters on a space three inches by four in size and Paul succeeded in writing the sentence on the small piece of paper in a legible hand 932 times.
When he first came to Alton, Paul Chevalley was a baker and worked at the Stratford Hotel. Later, at Easter time, he baked a wonderful cake with twelve egg yokes called sunshine cake. [17]
1910 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca, r 642 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [18]
1911 "L'Eplattenier, Miss Milca r 642 e 2d" was listed in an Alton, Illinois, directory. [19]
1912 "Milca was active in the Cherry Street Baptist Church. She initially refused Paul's marriage proposal because she wanted to become a missionary, but when he said he would jump from the Lewis and Clark Bridge, she agreed that she would marry him if he went to Switzerland and obtained her mother's permission for the marriage." [20] Paul Chevalley visited Switzerland in the summer of 1912. On his return, he sailed from Bologne on the ship Konigen Luise and arrived in New York on September 22, 1912. [21] Apparently he returned from Switzerland with Milca's mother's permission as Paul and Milca were married two months later.
1912 Paul Chevalley and Milca L'Eplattenier were married on November 20 at the Cherry Street Baptist Church in Alton, Illinois. The Alton newspaper reported,
Chevalley-L'Epplattenier.
Last night at nine thirty at the Cherry Street Baptist church the Rev. S.D. McKenny officiating, occurred of Paul Chevalley and Miss Milca L'Epplattenier, niece of Mr. and Mrs. Elihu L'Epplattenier.
The young couple were preceded down the left aisle of the church by their attendants, Mr. Leon Migot and Miss Ida Chanel, to the strains of the Lohengrin wedding march, played by Miss Harriet Bilderbeck. The ring ceremony was used and the bridal pair knelt to receive the final prayer. Leaving the church as Mendelsohn's wedding march peeled out, they proceeded to the parsonage where their many friends extended hearty good wishes and congratulations, and as a final token of their good will showered them with rice as the[y] entered the carriage.
The bride was more than usually charming in a gown of white chiffon over white satin, exqui[si]tely made. The bridesmaid wore a beautiful cashmere imported from Switzerland.
Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley went to their own home last night, a cottage on Spruce street.
1914 Paul and Milca appeared in the Alton directory as "Paul L Chevalley (Milca) wks [works] L Eplattenier, r [residence] 820 Spruce, Alton, Illinois." [23]
1916 Paul and Milca appeared in the Alton directory as "Paul L Chevalley (Milca C) wks E L Eplattenier, r 526 Sanford, Alton, Illinois." [24]
1917 Paul Chevalley registered for the draft on June 5 in Alton, Illinois. His WWI draft registration card lists him as Paul L. Chevalley, 2519 Sanford Ave, Alton, Illinois, age 26, born 7 Apr 1891 in Yverdon, Vaud, Switzerland, citizenship declared intention, occupation clerk, employed by E. L'Eplattenier, tall, medium build, brown eyes, black hair. He had a wife and 2 children ages 3 yrs and 6 m solely dependent on him for support and claimed exemption from draft on grounds of dependence. [25]
1917 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on October 23, [26]
Apple Picking Continues on Sunday
Fear That Weather Would Ruin Fruit Causes Pickers to Work All of the Day Picking and Packing.
Paul Chevalley and a gang of apple pickers worked all day yesterday in the orchard near Dorsey Station purchased some time ago by Elihu L'Eplattenier in an effort to get all the apples off the trees before the weather "broke." Today Paul had a rabbit feast at his home as a result of his expertness as an apple thrower yesterday. He told a Telegraph reporter that rabbits are running around orchards and fields in great numbers, and he managed to kill a couple of them by throwing apples at them.
Farmers generally in the vicinity of Dorsey, Moro and other places in that direction picked apples all day yesterday, and Mr. Chevalley says that help is much more plentiful than It was a few Weeks ago. It is thought that many who are engaged at other work during the week concluded to help out the farmers on Sunday, the high wages offered being offered being some inducement, of course. Unless the weather becomes very bad and the cold intense, he does not think much of the apple crop will be lost despite the pessimistic predictions of a week or ten days ago.
1918 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on January 8, [27]
Paul Chevalley, the general overseer at the L'Epplattenier commssion houses while unloading some packages of fruit this morning had his right hand torn and lacerated very badly by some copper wire, one end of which broke as the heavy box was being lifted, and striking into the flesh of his hand plowed its way through when the box dropped. First aid attention was given the hand but he will have to be carried [careful?] with it, to prevent further disaster.
1919 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on February 14, [28] [Note: Louis was born in 1914, but reckoning his birth as his first birthday, this was his sixth birthday.]
Birthday Party.
Fifteen young folks were entertained last evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley at their home in Upper Alton in honor of their son, Louis, who was 6 years old yesterday.
A fine program of amusements had been arranged and pleased the little ones greatly, aud fine refreshments were served during the evening by Mrs. Chevalley.
1920 On January 12 Paul L. "Shevalley" (age 29) and his wife Milca Z. (age 34), both born in Switzerland, lived in Ward 6 of Alton, Madison County, Illinois, at 820 Spruce Street with children Louis P. (age 5 11/12), Robert E. (age 3 0/12), and Erma M. (age 10/12), all born in Illinois. Paul was the manager of a wholesale fruit company. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1908 and was naturalized in 1910. [29] [30]
1921 "Paul Chevalley. Confectionery and Fruits. 602 E Broadway, Alton, Illinois" was listed in the Alton Directory. [31]
1922 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on October 14, [32]
Two Food Stores Change Hands
O. D. Lemonds has sold his store on Central avenue to Paul Chevalley and will retire from that business tonight. Mr. Chevalley will take possession on Monday morning. The store which Mr. Chevalley has been conducting, the old L’Epplattenler stand, he has sold to Fischer and Lenhardt and has turned it over to his successors. The change is an Interesting one. Mr. Lemon built up a good business on Central Avenue and merited the confidence of those who traded with him. He says he has not decided what he will do, and plans a rest, first. Mr Chevalley has disposed of a business which Mr. Chevalley conducted three years and Elihu L'Epplattenier conducted for thirty six years up to the time of his death.
1922 Paul stated in the Alton Evening Telegraph on October 16, [33]
Notice to Public.
I have purchased the grocery business from O. D. Lemond and take charge of the business on next Monday morning. I shall continue to merit the trade of the customers now dealing with the store and shall make every endeavor to make this a complete food store, with service that shall be such that my customers shall always be taken care of. I shall make a specialty of fruits and vegetables, at the same time carrying a general line of groceries, etc. I shall continue to handle the Ferndell line of canned goods.
Paul Chevalley
1923 "Paul Chevalley (Malca). Groceries. 1415 Central Av, Alton, Illinois" was listed in the Alton Directory. [34] [35]
1924 "Paul Chevalley. Grocer and Meats. 1415 Central Av, Alton, Illinois" was listed in the Alton Directory. [36] [37]
1927 "Paul Chevalley, 1415 Central Avenue, Groceries, Meats & Fresh Vegetables All Year Round, phone 300-2475, Alton, Illinois" was listed in the Alton Directory. [38] [39] [40]
1927 The Alton Evening Telegraph published the following story about Paul Chevalley's grocery business on April 9. [41]
Business News of Firms You Should Know
Chevalley Grocery
A Busy Service Giving Store
The distribution of foodstuffs is the biggest business in Alton, there being a total of $12,000 of the $25,000 earnings in the 50,000 population zone spent for foodstuffs.
Paul Chevalley used to be in business down on Broadway and he decided that he would go up on the hills and buy the O. D. Lemond store.
Being a fruit and vegetable man he has made himself a big distributor of all that there is in the food line by paying strictly to his business and looking to a careful service of distribution. Mr. Chevalley holds his customers because he gives them a good service and because he takes particular care to select the best line of foodstuffs and be careful as to what he sends out in his orders.
It has been said that the grocery in the neighborhood is the most useful and most convenient thing the housewife has. Mr. Chevalley has made this come true as to his store and he now has a business that is a convenience to his customers and becoming more of a convenience to them every day.
And for this reason Mr. Chevalley has prospered.
1928 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on April 9, [42]
Paul Chevalley Surprised
Paul Chevalley, who resides at 1415 Central avenue, was surprised Saturday night by a party of friends, the guests gathering after Mr. Chevalley had closed his place of business. The gathering was arranged in honor of Mr. Chevalley’s birthday and was attended by 23 guests. Bunco was played and other entertainment was enjoyed. Among the gifts received by Mr. Chevalley was a large birthday cake.
Guests at the party were Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Calame, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest LaMarsh. Mr. and Mrs Henry Girth. Mr. and Mrs Carl Girth, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Krepel, son and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. "Shorty” Long, son and daughter; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boschert, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley.
1928 The Alton, Illinois, directory listed "Paul (Milka) Chevalley, 1415 Central Avenue, Paul Chevalley and Meinard Lang fruit and produce, Alton, Illinois." [43]
1928 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on July 14, [44]
Paul Chevalley Sells Store, to Take Long Rest
Announcement was made today that an important business deal has been arranged under which Roy Oiler of Eliot avenue, a grocer of long experience, will purchase the store building and business of Paul Chevalley at 1415 Central avenue. It is the plan to take immediate inventory of the stock and the sale will be consumated Monday at which time Oiler is to take charge of the business. Chevalley, for the time at least, will retain his residence at 1415 Central avenue. The sale was promoted by the realty firm of Bishop and Weber. Oiler formerly had a business on Highland avenue, but leased his business building there a year or two ago. Now he is to return actively to the grocery trade.
Now that he has disposed of his store, Chevalley told a reporter today, he and Mrs. Chevalley plan to enjoy a deferred honeymoon They had planned, he said. to return this summer to their native land of Switzerland for an extended visit. But sale of the store has come so late in the season that they now think they will compromise on a vacation tour of this country and make the trip abroad next year. Both he and Mrs. Chevalley, the retiring grocer said, have been looking forward for years to a visit in Switzerland and would like to make the trip without further delay, but to do so now would mean that their son could not enter high school on time this fall, and they hesitate to make a visit abroad and keep him out of school. It has been 17 years since Chevalley visited Switzerland, and 21 years since Mrs Chevalley was there. Mrs. Chevalley was a niece of the late Louis L’Epplatenter, and came 21 [note: should say 36] years ago to make her home here with her uncle. For the immediate future Chevalley said, he has no business plans He feels entitled to a good vacation and a wedding tour he and his bride had no opportunity to make at time of their marriage and proposes to have both.
1928 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on November 27, [45]
Tribute Demand Phoned to Alton Produce Dealer
Paul Chevalley Told He Must Pay $50 Weekly to "Racketeers"
Another phase of the "racket" operating against fruit and produce dealers of the Alton community came to light today when It became known that the firm of Chevalley-Lang recently established at a location in the 600 block on East Broadway had been subject of a telephonic demand for tribute of $50 a week.
The demand was made in a long distance telephone call to Paul Chevalley, senior member of the firm. He was able to establish that the call came from St. Louis, but not from what telephone number in that city.
Given Time to Consider
Chevalley was told that he would be given hours to consider the demand and that he might give his answer when another telephone call would be made at 8 p.m. yesterday. Chevalley waited for the second telephone call, but it failed to materialise.
Chevalley was reticent about the matter today, although the demand had not been kept secret. He indicated that threats on the life of his business were made if he did not comply with the levy on his business profits demanded by the "racketeers."
To a reporter at noon today Chevalley indicated that his firm would resist the efforts of the "racketeers" with all means in their power.
Chevalley, formerly a grocer on Central avenue, sold his store last summer, and it was reported at that time that he would take a European tour, visiting his native land of Switzerland. But rather than keep his children out of school this fall, he postponed the trip. and later formed the fruit and produce firm.
Demands Net Reported
While demands of the "racketeers" have not been given by some of the dealers here who are known to have suffered depredations at their hands, it was specifically reported to authorities in one instance that a five per cent levy was demanded.
This instance of "racketeering" was one of the first brought to attention of the sheriff's office, and came to light three weeks ago after a dealer had been halted with a truckload of produce, en route to Alton, and held prisoner while his goods were taken.
He Is said to have been informed by his captors that they considered the load they had taken as about what their weekly tribute should be, and would expect a five per cent payment in cash in future. After being held several hours, he was released, and told where he could find his truck, abandoned about five miles from the point in the Bottoms where be had been detained.
County authorities, it is indicated, seek to learn just who is back of the "racketeering," that is, what particular gang may be concerned in the activities that already have forced one Alton fruit firm out of business and caused heavy losses to three others, and threats to a fifth.
Sheriff Hermann was in Alton today checking details of recent "racketeering" reports, and completing some specific observations in a plan of county officials toward coping with the situation that has developed in the last few weeks.
The fact that the "racket" apparently has a headquarters in another state make the task of protecting Madison county business men the more difficult.
The load of fruit taken several days ago from the Crivello Seslen firm, which Monday suspended business, apparently as a direct result of the "racketeering" depredations and reported threats of personal nature was, found last Sunday in a shack near Chouteau Slough, it is reported. Authorities are said to have lain in wait for someone to come for the produce, but no one appeared to attempt its removal.
Paul's son Louis told his children the following account: Racketeers demanded payment from Paul. Paul, Louis, and Milca went to Paul's business location in the evening to meet the agent of the racketeers. Louis and Milca hid behind the counter. When the racketeering agent arrived, Paul refused his demands. The agent accepted Paul's refusal and left.
1930 "Paul L (Milca) Chevalley, 824 McKinley blvd, Alton fruit and produce, Alton, Illinois" was listed in the Alton directory. [46]
1930 "Louis D Chevalley, 824 McKinley av, stu [student] H S, Alton, Illinois" was listed in the Alton directory. [47]
1930 In the U.S. census, Paul L. (age 39) and Milca (age 43) Chevalley lived at 824 McKinley Blvd in District 5 of Alton, Madison County, Illinois. Their house was owned and was worth $6,500. Paul was married at age 21 to Milca at age 25. They and their parents were born in Switzerland. Their language before coming to the United States was French. Their children Louis D. (age 16), Robert E. (age 13), and Irma M. (age 11), were all born in Illinois. Also living with them was Edward Chevalley (age 13), Paul's nephew. Paul was a proprietor in the wholesale produce industry. [48] [49]
1933 Paul Chevalley lived in Alton, Illinois. [50]
1933 The Chevalley-Dixon Company ran an advertisement in the Alton Evening Telegraph on December 30, stating, [51]
Happy New Year
May Happiness and Good Fortune favor you all, through Nineteen Thirty Four.
Is the wish from
Chevalley-Dixon Co.
Distributors for
Edelweiss Beer
Phone 3468
1935 Paul Chevalley lived in Alton, Illinois. [52]
1938 Milca, Louis, Robert, and Irma, and Milca's aunt Emma L'Eplattenier left Alton in late June to sail to Europe to visit family and travel. [53]
1938 On 31 October, Louis, Paul, Robert, Irma, and Milca Chevalley, and Emma L'Eplattenier of Alton, Illinois, arrived in New York from Havre, France on the ship Ile de France. [55]
[56]
1940 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on February 12, [57]
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley, Robert Chevalley and Miss Ruth [Irma?] Chevalley left this morning for Akron, O.. to visit their son and brother, Louis Chevalley. Before returning they will visit in Toledo and Chicago.
1940 Paul Chevalley (age 49) and Milca Chevalley (age 51) lived at Alton, Alton Twp, Madison County, Illinois with daughter Irma (age 21) and son Robert (age 23). [58]
1941 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on November 22, [59]
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley and daughter, Miss Irma Chevalley, returned Wednesday from a western trip. After attending the marriage of their son and brother, Louis Donald Paul Chevalley and Miss Judith Schafer in Pullman, Wash., on November 9 Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley and daughter visited Los Angeles, San Francisco, the Grand Canyon and other places.
1942 Paul Louis Chevalley registered for the draft on April 27. His residence was 824 McKinley, Alton, Illinois, and his phone number was Alton 2-1366. He was self-employed, and the address of his place of employent was 414 Piasa St in Alton. He was age 51, born April 7, 1891, in Yverdon, Switzerland. His height was 5'11", his weight 205, his eyes brown, hair gray, and complexion ruddy. [60]
1946 At a meeting on January 25, Paul and Milca were named as members of the Fellowship Council of the Alton Congregational Church. [61]
1946 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on Friday, May 17, [62]
Wedding at Congregational Church
Wedding of Harry W. Niedernhofer and Miss Irma Chevalley will take place this evening at 7:30 o'clock in the Congregational Church, with the Rev. Reuben R. Trickey officiating. A reception will follow the nuptials, taking place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr and Mrs. Paul Chevalley, 824 McKinley boulevard.
Mrs. Stanley J. Fisher of Macomb, Ill., will be matron of honor, and Mina Simone Fontaine, cousin of the bride, of France, will be maid of honor.
Kenneth Peters will be best man, Robert Chevalley, groomsman, and Robert Niedernhofer, Dean Ntedernhofer, Gene Bryant and Durand Smith ushers. Chevalley is a brother of the bride and Robert Dean Niederhofer are brothers of the prospective groom.Dinner for Bridal Party
Mr. and Mrs Paul Chevalley of 824 McKinley boulevard gave a rehearsal dinner Thursday night, at Mineral Springs Hotel, honoring their daughter. Miss Irma
Chevalley, and her fiance, Harry W. Ntedernhofer. Covers were arranged for 18 guests at a horseshoe shaped table, ornamented with a mound of Miring blossoms.
Guests included the Rev. Reuben R. Trickey and Mrs. Trickey; members of the bridal party, parents of the groom-to-be, and out of town guests here for Miss Chevalley's wedding. Miss Simone Fontaine of Auxerre, Frarce, Mrs. Stanley J. Fisher of Macomb and Edward Chevalley of Dayton, O., were among those present.
1946 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on June 21, [63]
Miss Simone Fontaine addressed a picnic of Red Cross volunteers at La Vista Lodge this afternoon. Miss Fontaine told of her experiences es a French citizen, a prisoner in Germany and a member of the French underground. She brought a first hand picture of France in the war. Miss Fontaine is a niece of Paul Chevalley of Alton.
1947 At a meeting on January 25, Paul and Milca were named as members of the Fellowship Council of the Alton Congregational Church. [64]
1947 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on April 15, [65]
Paul L. Chevalley Flying to Switzerland
Paul L. Chevalley of 824 McKinley left St. Louis Monday at 11:15 p. m. by plane for Switzerland to visit his mother. Mrs. Irma Chevalley, at Yverdon. The plane is scheduled to arrive in Switzerland Wednesday at 3 p. m.
Mr. Chevalley has not seen his mother, who is nearing her eightieth birthday, for nine years. He plans to spend two months in Europe and will also visit a sister, Mrs. Anicy [Amicy] Fountaine, in France. Mrs. Fountaine is the mother of Miss Simone Fountaine, who visited in Alton at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley, her uncle and aunt, after the war. Miss Simone Fountaine is now attending school at St. Paul, Minn.
1947 Paul Chevalley arrived in New York on June 15 from London on American Overseas Airlines. [66]
1948 Paul and Milca were re-elected to the Fellowship Council of the Alton Congregational Church. The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on January 16, [67]
Congregational Annual Meeting
Reports of a successful year were made at the seventy-eighth annual meeting, Thursday night, of First Congregational church …
Following are church officers, some of whom were reelected: …
Fellowship Council …
Paul Chevalley, Mrs. Paul Chevalley …
1948 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on June 3, [68]
Visit at Akron
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley and family of 824 McKinley went Friday to spend the holidays at Akron, O., with their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Louis Chevalley and children.
1949 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on November 16, [69]
Great-Grandmother, 80, Will Fly Back to Switzerland
Following four full months of enjoying her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and traveling in the United States, Mrs. Irma Chevalley will leave New York, Friday, for her home in Yverdon, County of Vaud, Switzerland. Mrs. Chevalley, who celebrated hereightieth birthday Nov. 11, made the trip to the States by plane and will fly home. She will leave LaGuardia Field, New York at 2 p. m. Friday and will arrive in Switzerland at 11 a. m. Saturday., 21 hours later. The air-minded gradnmother said: "Flying is the only way to travel."
Mr. and Mrs. paul Chevalley will accompany his mother to New York and they will remain there several days as guests of Miss Lena L'Eplattenier, cousin of Mrs. Chevalley.
While visiting in the States, Mrs. Chevalley made her headquarters with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and mrs. Paul Chevalley of 824 McKinley. She visited relatives in Dayton and Akron, O., and in Kentucky, and a family reunion was held here in delebration of her birthday. Those attending included Mrs. Antone Sletner, the former Mademoiselle Simone Fontaine of Berkeley, Calif., a granddaughter of Mrs. Chevalley, a niece and nephew of Chicago, a niece and nephew of Dayton, O., a son, Armand Chevalley, and wife of Kentucky; a gradson, Louis, and wife and two children, Robert and Janet Paulette, of Akron, O.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Niedernhofer, Mrs. Niedernhofer is her grandmother's namesake; Mr. niedernhofer's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Niedernhofer, and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley and son, Robert, at whose home the celebration was held.
The kind and lovable manner of the spry and plucky gradmother has won her many firends here. Her friends have been wishing her a pleasant trip home and are all looking forward to another visit fomr her.
The French-speaking woman has expressed through her son and daughter-in-law the wondres and beauty of America and said she has enjoyed this trip more than the one she made here 16 years ago.
1952 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on September 26, [70]
Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley Return to Alton
Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Chevalley returned Wednesday from a trip through southern and eastern states. They traveled through the Smoky Mountains, and in Akron, O., were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Chevalley.
Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley were recently married at Carrollton. Mr. Chevalley is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley, and Mrs. Chevalley is the former Imogene Logan, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Logan Sr., of Carrollton. For the next three months they will reside at the home of the bridegroom's parents, 824 McKinley Blvd.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley left by plane this morning for a three months' vacation in France and Switzerland. While in Switzerland they will visit Mr. Chevalley's mother, Mrs. Irma Chevalley, who will obseve her 85th birthday in November. They also will visit other relatives while in Europe.
1952 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on December 17, [71]
Personal Notes
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley will spend Christmans in Switzerland, and they plan to sail for the United States on Dec. 26. Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley have been touring France and Switzerland since leaving Alton on Sept. 26. They have spent some time with Mr. Chevalley's mother in France, who is 83 years old, and who visited in Alton four years ago, and Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley each have a sister in France. After landing in this country the couple plan to spend some time in New York, and then will visit with a son Louis Chevalley in Akron, O., before returning to Alton in January.
1952 Paul and Milca Chevalley arrived in New York on December 26 from "Zuerich Switzerland" on Swissair. [72]
1953 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on January 8, [73]
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley of 824 McKinley boulevard, have returned from a three months' trip in Europe visiting with relatives and friends in France and Switzerland. During their absence, Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley's son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chevalley, who were married early in the fall, stayed in the parents' home. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chevalley plan to move into their new home at 2139 Marquette Drive the first of next week. In France mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley visited with Mr. Chevalley's sister and family, and with his mother, who, while they were there celebrated her eighty-third birthday. mrs. Chevalley has made two trips to the United States, and is planning to return next year. While in Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, Mrs. Chevalley's birthplace, there was a three foot deep snowfall, and after snowplows had cleared the streets, snow was piled up to the depth of almost six feet. Mr. Chevalley's birthplace is Yverdon, Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley spent Christmas with their relatives and sailed on Dec.26 for the United States.
1953 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on February 12, [74]
Truck Driver Robbed of $400 on Highway 67
Three unmasked highway bandits stole $350 to $400 in cash and another $200 in checks from Robert McBride, beer truck driver for Chevalley-Dixon Distributing Co., 850 Belle St. after they forced the truck to stop at 3:45 p.rn. Wednesday on U S 67 five miles south of Jerseyville.
McBride told state police and his employer, Paul Chevalley, that he was driving back to Alton at the end of his day’s deliveries and collections to 21 taverns when a ’42 black Cadillac was driven in front of his truck and he was forced to stop.
He said two men each armed with a pistol, got out of the car, came up to where he was seated in the cab of his truck, and ordered him to hand over the money, and his watch. They allowed him to keep a ring when he told them he could not get it off his finger.
Meanwhile, the third man remained in the bandit car and turned the car around headed toward Jerseyville. The two armed men told him to "keep going and not turn around," Chevalley said McBride reported, and then they reentered the Cadillac and sped away.
McBride drove to a nearby tavern, telephoned his office and state police were notified.
Chevalley told the Telegraph this morning that he believes the holdup has no connection with a suspected racket boycott in Chicago of Budweiser beer the brand distributed by Chevalley-Dixon.
1955 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on December 14, [75]
Sarah Hudson Guild Names Officers
Sarah Hudson Memorial Guildvof the Church of the Redeemer, Congregational, were entertained Tuesday with a Christmas party by Mrs. A. H. Sonntag and Mrs. Earl Culbertson, at the home of Mrs. Sonntag, 725 Euclid place.
After luncheon was served a business session was held, and officers were elected for the coming year. Mrs. William H. Stofft was elected president; Mrs. Paul Chevalley, vice-president; Mrs. William J. Meyers Jr., treasurer, and Mrs. I-co H. Ernst, secretary and publicity chairman.
1956 Paul Chevalley (age 65), of 824 McKinley St, Alton, Illinois, arrived in New York on October 17 from Le Havre, France on the ship Liberte. [76]
1960 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on May 2, [77]
Chevalleys Host Dinner Party
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chevalley and Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley entertained in the home of the former with a family dinner party Saturday evening honoring Mr. and Mrs. Edmond Fontaine, of Auxerre, France. The occassion also marked the birthday of Mrs. Fontaine, who received gifts, including a floral bouquet from her son, Jean, in Lyon, France.
Out-of-town relatives included Mr. and Mrs. Armand Chevalley of Bowling Green, KY.: Edward Chevalley of Springfield, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Edward Steitz of Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Neidernhofer and children of Lafayette, Ind.
Mrs. Fontaine is a sister of Paul and Armand Chevalley. Prior to coming to Alton, she and Mr. Fontaine had visited their son, Edmond in Norwalk, Conn.; a daughter Miss SImone, in San Francisco; and at the home of Louis Chevalley in Akron, Ohio. The entire trip is being made by plane. They will leave Alton Saturday for their return trip to Europe.
1962 Paul and and Milca celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on November 20. The Alton Evening Telegraph reported, "200 Call at Chevalley Open House." [78] [79]
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Chevalley who are observing their 50th wedding anniversary today, received some 200 friends Sunday during an open house in the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chevalley, 2139 Marquette Drive.
Mrs. Robert Gearing, Miss Janet Chevalley and Mrs. James Grandone poured at the reception; and Mrs. Lester Brown and Mrs. Lawrence Edwards assisted the hosts.
Guests included Mr and Mrs. Harry Niedernhof and sons of Indianapolis; Mr. and Mrs. Louis Chevalley and children of Akron, Ohio; and Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Bucker and family of St. Louis.
1965 Paul Chevalley died on April 7 in Manchester, Hartford County, Connecticut. His residence was in Illinois, and he was born 7 April 1891. [80] He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton, Illinois. [81]
1965 The Alton Evening Telegraph reported on July 14, [82]
Paul L. Chevalley, 74, retired Alton businessman died Thursday [8 July] at 11 p.m. at Manchester, Conn., where he and his wife had been visiting a daughter, Mrs. Harry Niedernhofer, en route home from a two months visit in Europe. They arrived in the United States the middle of June. Mr. Chevalley suffered a paralytic stroke two weeks ago and had been hospitalized at Manchester Memorial Hospital. A son, Robert of Alton, flew to Connecticut after his father was stricken ill, and later returned to Alton.
A native of Switzerland, Mr. Chevalley was born April 7, 1891, at Yverdon. He came to Alton in 1908 and during his early life was associated with Elihu L'Eplattenier in the produce business. He had been in various enterprises in Alton and at one time operated a grocery store on Central Avenue. Later he became a part in the Chevalley-Dixon Distributing Co, from which he retired in 1959.
Mr. Chevalley had made several trips to Europe where a sister and brother lived. He was married in Alton in 1912 to the former Milca L'Eplattenier, who survives. They observed their golden anniversary in 1962. For many years Mr. and Mrs. Chevalley lived at 824 McKinley Boulevard. Four years ago they moved to an apartment at 218 E. Sixth St. Mr. Chevalley was a member of First Congregational Church, Alton, and belonged to the Elks Lodge.
Surviving beside his widow and son, Robert, and daughter Mrs. Niedernhofer, are a son Louis, Akron, Ohio; a sister, Mrs. Amicy Fontaine, Auxerre, France; a brother, Maurice, Switzerland, and six grandchildren. A brother, Armand, preceded him in death.
1969 Milca L'Eplattenier Chevalley died on July 12. She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Upper Alton, Illinois. Her obituary states, [83]
Chevalley
Mrs. Milca Chevalley, 83, born in Switzerland and resident of Alton since 1891, died in Eunice Smith Nursing Home Saturday at 1:30 a.m.
She was born in Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland Dec. 13, 1885 and moved to the United states at the age of 6.
She was the widow of Paul Chevalley, who she married Nov. 12, 1912 and who died in 1965. They celebrated their golden anniversary in 1962.
Mrs. Chevalley had been a member of the First Congregational Church in Alton, where she been active in church work. She was also a member of WBA Lodge, St. Anthony's Hospital Auxiliary, and the Red Cross.
She is survived by two sons, Robert P. and Louis D.; a daughter, Mrs. Harry (Irma) Neidernhofer of Baltimore, Md.; six grandchildren; and a sister Sarah DuBois of Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland.
Funeral services are to be held at Gent Chapel Monday at 11 a.m., with Rev. Robert Chatfield Kemper officiating.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Gent Chapel.
Burial will be in Upper Alton Cemetery.
Ship Notes:
The ship La Savoie was built in 1901 by Chantiers de Penhoet, St. Nazaire, France. Description: 11,168 gross tons, 580 (bp) feet long, 60 feet wide, steam triple expansion engines, twin screw, 1,055 passengers (437 first class, 118 second class, 500 third class). Built for French Line, French flag, in 1901 and named La Savoie. Le Havre-New York service. Refitted as a French Navy auxiliary cruiser in 1914. Resumed Le Harve-New York service 1919-27. Scrapped at Dunkirk in 1927.
The ship Konigen Luise was built in 1897 by A/G Vulcan Shipyard, Stettin, Germany. Description: 10,566 gross tons, 552 (bp) feet long, 60 feet wide, steam quadruple expansion engines, twin screw, service speed 14.5 knots, 2,400 passengers (225 first class, 235 second class, 1,940 third class). Built for North German Lloyd, German flag, in 1897 and named Konigen Luise. Bremerhaven-New York and Australia, also Mediterranean-New York service. Laid-up throughout World War I, 1914-18. Given as reparations to Orient Line, British flag, in 1919 and renamed Omar. UK-Australia and Mediterranean-New York service. Sold to Byron Steamship Company, British flag, in 1924 and renamed Edison. Piraeus-Mediterranean ports-New York service. Transferred to Greek registry in 1929. Scrapped in Italy in 1935.
[1] Family Document, Musée d'histoire., From: Musée d'Histoire de La Chaux-de-Fonds [mailto:MuseeHistoire.VCH@ne.ch], Sent: Thursday, November 13, 2003 2:57 AM, To: 'janwolfe@umich.edu', Subject: RE: records Dear Janet, We have done some researchs about about Milca L'Eplattenier and that's what we have found: We can confirm that L'Eplattenier, Milca Zélina is born on the 13th December 1885 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Her father was L'Eplattenier, Zénas and her mother was Hortense Zélina, maiden name Othenin-Gi(r)ard. On her fatherside, her grandfather was L'Eplattenier, Henri Louis et her grandmother Fanny, maiden name Weibel. On her motherside, her grandfather was Othenin-Gi(r)ard, Paul Philibert and Madelaine Henrielle, maiden name Weibel. The origin of L'Eplattenier family is the village of "Les Geneveys-sur-Coffrane". Now the administration for this commune is in Boudevilliers. Here is their e-mail: commune.boudevilliers@ne.ch. If you have some other questions, you can ask directly to them. We hope these informations could be interesting to you and send you our best regards. Danièle Sandoz, Musée d'histoire, 31, rue des Musées, CH-2300 La Chaux-de-Fonds. Tél. 032 913 50 10 Fax 032 913 44 45 e-mail: daniele.sandoz@ne.ch.
[2] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[3] image of ship La Champagne, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[4] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[5] Personal Communication, told by Milca to grandchildren Robert and Janet, c 1958.
[6] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[7] Wikipedia article about SS_La_Bourgogne, content subject to change, [Wikipedia].
[8] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1899 (Alton, Illinois), 150, [AncestryImage].
[9] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1901 (Alton, Illinois), 150, [AncestryImage].
[10] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1902 (Alton, Illinois), 157, [AncestryImage].
[11] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1905 (Alton, Illinois), 162, [AncestryImage].
[12] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1906 (Alton, Illinois), 179, [AncestryImage].
[13] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1908 (Alton, Illinois), 182, [AncestryImage].
[14] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[15] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[16] Alton Evening Telegraph, February 22, 1909, p. 4, col. 3, top, [NewspaperArchive].
[17] Personal Communication, Conversation with Irma Chevalley Niedernhofer, August 2005.
[18] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1910 (Alton, Illinois), 196, [AncestryImage].
[19] McCoy's Alton City Directory 1911 (Alton, Illinois), 177, [AncestryImage].
[20] Personal Communication, Conversation with Irma Chevalley Niedernhofer, 2005.
[21] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, image 317, [AncestryImage].
[22] Alton Evening Telegraph, Alton, Illinois, Thursday, {6}, page {7}, November 21.1912.1, [NewspapersClip].
[23] Leshnick's Alton City Directory 1914 (Peoria, Ilinois), 69, [AncestryImage].
[24] Leshnick's Alton City Directory 1916 (Peoria, Ilinois), 72, [AncestryImage].
[25] United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918, [FamilySearchImage], [FamilySearchRecord].
[26] Alton Evening Telegraph, October 23, 1917, col. 4 center, [NewspaperArchive].
[27] Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8, 1918, p. 5, [NewspaperArchive].
[28] Alton Evening Telegraph, February 14, 1919, p. 5, [NewspaperArchive].
[29] United States Federal Census, 1920, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[30] United States Federal Census, 1920, [FamilySearchImage], [FamilySearchRecord].
[31] Leshnick's Alton City Directory 1921 (Peoria, Ilinois), 475, [AncestryImage].
[32] Alton Evening Telegraph, October 14, 1922, p. 11, [NewspaperArchive].
[33] Alton Evening Telegraph, October 16, 1922, p. 11, [NewspaperArchive].
[34] Leshnick's Alton City Directory 1923 (Peoria, Ilinois), 154, [AncestryImage].
[35] Leshnick's Alton City Directory 1923 (Peoria, Ilinois), 485, [AncestryImage].
[36] Alton Directory Company's 1924 Alton Directory, 566, [AncestryImage].
[37] Alton Directory Company's 1924 Alton Directory, 556, [AncestryImage].
[38] Huber's Alton City Directory 1927 (Alton, Illinois), 604, [AncestryImage].
[39] Huber's Alton City Directory 1927 (Alton, Illinois), 617, [AncestryImage].
[40] Huber's Alton City Directory 1927 (Alton, Illinois), 33, [AncestryImage].
[41] Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9, 1927, p. 14, [NewspaperArchive].
[42] Alton Evening Telegraph, April 9, 1928, p. 3, [NewspaperArchive].
[43] Huber's Alton City Directory 1928 (Alton, Illinois), 174, [AncestryImage].
[44] Alton Evening Telegraph, July 14, 1928, p. 7, [NewspaperArchive].
[45] Alton Evening Telegraph, November 27, 1928, p. 20, [NewspaperArchive].
[46] Huber's Alton City Directory 1930 (Alton, Illinois), 175, [AncestryImage].
[47] Huber's Alton City Directory 1930 (Alton, Illinois), 175, [AncestryImage].
[48] United States Federal Census, 1930, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[49] United States Federal Census, 1930, [FamilySearchImage], [FamilySearchRecord].
[50] Huber's Alton City Directory 1933 (Alton, Illinois), 165, [AncestryImage].
[51] Alton Evening Telegraph, Saturday, December 30, 1933, p. 12, [NewspaperArchive].
[52] Huber's Alton City Directory 1935 (Alton, Illinois), 170, [AncestryImage].
[53] Alton Evening Telegraph, Alton, Illinois, June 11, 1938, page 9, [NewspapersClip].
[54] Alton Evening Telegraph, Alton, Illinois, June 11, 1938, page 9, [NewspapersClip].
[55] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[56] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage], [AncestryRecord].
[57] Alton Evening Telegraph, February 12, 1940, p. 6, [NewspaperArchive].
[58] United States Federal Census, 1940, [FamilySearchImage], [FamilySearchRecord].
[59] Alton Evening Telegraph, November 22, 1941, p. 6, [NewspaperArchive].
[60] U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, [AncestryRecord], [AncestryImage].
[61] Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1946, p. 2, [NewspaperArchive].
[62] Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1946, p. 10, [NewspaperArchive].
[63] Alton Evening Telegraph, June 21, 1946, p. 17, [NewspaperArchive].
[64] Alton Evening Telegraph, January 24, 1947, p. 11, [NewspaperArchive].
[65] Alton Evening Telegraph, April 15, 1947, p. 13, [NewspaperArchive].
[66] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage].
[67] Alton Evening Telegraph, January 16, 1948, p. 12, [NewspaperArchive].
[68] Alton Evening Telegraph, June 3, 1948, p. 32, [NewspaperArchive].
[69] Alton Evening Telegraph, November 16, 1949, p. 1, [NewspaperArchive].
[70] Alton Evening Telegraph, September 26, 1952, p. 10, [NewspaperArchive].
[71] Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17, 1952, p. 14, [NewspaperArchive].
[72] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage].
[73] Alton Evening Telegraph, January 8, 1953, p.14, [NewspaperArchive].
[74] Alton Evening Telegraph, Thursday, February 12, 1953, p. 1, [NewspaperArchive].
[75] Alton Evening Telegraph, Wednesday, December 14, 1955, p. 16, [NewspaperArchive].
[76] New York, Passenger Lists, 1820-1957, [AncestryImage].
[77] Alton Evening Telegraph, Monday, May 2, 1960, p. 10, [NewspaperArchive].
[78] Newspaper, November 20, 1962, page 11, column 7.
[79] Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1962, page 11, column 7, [NewspaperArchive].
[80] United States Social Security Death Index, [FamilySearchRecord].
[81] Find A Grave Memorial 157784018, [FindAGrave].
[82] Alton Evening Telegraph, July 9, 1965, p. 13, [NewspaperArchive].
[83] Find A Grave Memorial 157785096, [FindAGrave].