Ruth M. McDowell STRODE

I have an old studio photograph identified as Ruth M. STRODE which was taken at the Erler Studio in Peoria, IL in the 1890’s or early 1900’s most likely. Ruth appears to be in her teens or 20’s at the time the photograph was taken. Based on limited research I was able to locate the following information regarding Ruth and her family:

Ruth M. MCDOWELL was b. 27 Sept 1879 in Lewistown, IL to parents Edward B. MCDOWELL (1851-1921) and Carrie B. HARRIS (1857-1939). Ruth had two siblings, Rueben Ross MCDOWELL (1887-1955) and Tracy Lorensberry or Lounsberry MCDOWELL (1889-1963). Ruth married Walter Lucien STRODE in Lewistown, IL on 17 Jun 1903.

The couple moved to Tulsa, OK in 1905 and later to Claremore, OK and then to Stillwater, OK in 1914 where they purchased the McTaggart and Hull Furniture and Undertaking Co. Her husband died in 1917 and she operated the business until she sold it in 1931.

Ruth died 3 Mar 1946 in Stillwater, OK and is buried in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown, IL. Her obituary lists her surviving family members including a son, Edward McDowell STRODE of Philadelphia, PA; a brother Ross MCDOWELL of Oklahoma City, OK; a niece Mrs. Ruth MCDOWELL COZART of Houston, TX; and granddaughters Merry Carolyn STRODE and Stephanie Starr STRODE both of Philadelphia, PA.

I’d like to get this photograph back to a family member and would appreciate you contacting me if you are a member of this family or know someone who might be.

Thanks,
Shelley