John Magnison was born December 24, 1859, in Indiana, of Swedish immigrants.
     It is thought he and a brother (possibly twin) started west together, but
     were separated before reaching Kansas.
       Emma Frances, born October 23, 1859, Baiers, Ohio, one of nine children
     of D.E. and Elizabeth Tippy Tedrow, came with her family to Finney County,
     in 1884.
       John and Emma met through a tragic happening - a well had caved in on her
     brother, and John was one of those who came to help with the futile rescue.
       Married December 24, 1888, Garden City, their first son, Herbert, was born
     February 24, 1890, Sherlock. A second son, Homer, was born July 11, 1891, 
     Mingona.
       Around 1903, the family moved to a half-section of land, in Eagle Township.
     Cottonwood saplings were hauled in a wagon from along Medicine River, and
     planted east of where the house would be. They eventually provided shade
     and sturdy limbs for hanging butcher animals and machinery hoists. Only one
     tree and a tall stump remain.
       John soon became afflicted with strokes of paralysis, and died December
     27, 1907. At his request, Emma had taken time from a busy afternoon to read
     aloud from the Bible - a memory that would bring her much comfort.
       Emma continued to operate their farm, with their sons help. In 1918, Herbert
     was killed while serving with the U.S. Army. Hommer, married in 1911, had his
     own family and land to manage.
       A woman of sense and determination, Emma bought a home in Medicine Lodge,
     206 East Kansas, and opened a boarding house for school teachers. She had
     married at nineteen, was widowed at thirty-eight, and at forty-nine began 
     a new endeavor.
       With teachers who both boarded and roomed and others who came just for
     meals, the business was evidently a success. A series of pictures of the
     home shows various improvements and additions were made.
       Emma was known by most as Aunt Em - even, her oldest granddaughter recalls,
     the black ice man called her Aunt Em.
       Her grandchildren were in her home frequently, and lived with her during
     the winter to attend high school. The high school was a block north, located
     in the east half of the present Intermediate School, 100 East First.
       Special benefits were derived from living with their grandmother. Family
     ties were strengthened, and the education and knowledge gained from living
     among her young school teacher-BORDERs was vast.
       Mrs. Magnison held life membership in the American Legion Auxiliary, and
     was the first Gold Star Mother of Medicine Lodge.
       She was faithful to her church (First Christian), and the grandchildren
     recall she never allowed her busy-ness at home to keep her from services.
     Meals were served on schedule, special birthday parties organized for each
     BORDER, housework done, family services rendered, and outside volunteer
     work done - but church was also attended.
       Emma Magnison died March 27, 1941. Scripture texts read at the service
     included Proverbs 31, the descripton of a virtuous woman, one wise in
     business and thoughtfull of her family.
                 
     Source:Chosen Land - Barber County, Kansas,  pg. 312 
     Submitted by: Janet Magnison Roland