Dell was born in the Isabel Ashton community, and lives about one mile
     from his birthplace, having moved only twice. He is the second son of Charles
     and Jennie Blackwelder, brothers Forest (deceased) and Max who resides in
     Wichita. 
          Dell attended Ashton Grade School, Isabel High School and Wichita
     University. During this time he lived three miles north and one west of
     Isabel, where his son Kenneth and family now reside.
          He was active in 4-H Club, and was County Health Champion one year,
     and was also active in community affairs.
          Dell married Gladys Goodrich in 1940 in St. Paul Methodist Church in
     Wichita. Gladys graduatd from Wesley Hospital School of Nursing; she followed
     her profession in Wichita until she moved to the Isabel community. She worked 
     part time at Medicine Lodge Hospital for many years.
          Gene, Donna and Kenneth were born at Nashville Hospital. They attended
     Ashton Grade School and Isabel High School. Gene graduated from Emporia State
     College. He and his family reside in Salt Lake City, Utah. He is affiliated
     with the University of Utah. Donna received her RN degree from Grace Hospital
     Hutchinson. She and her family live in Ellinwood, Kansas. She is employed at 
     Ellinwood Hospital. Kenneth is a Fort Hays State graduate. He farms and he
     and his family live on the farm where his grandparents lived.
          Dell farmed with his father raising grain and livestock until his father
     retired in 1946. Dell participated in Pratt County affairs. He served as
     President of Farm Bureau, board member of Pratt Junior College, ASCS committee
     and Gove Township Assessor. He also served on the Isabel Co-op Board. He
     attended Sunday School and Church at Ashton and Isabel Methodist where he
     served as Superintendent and Layleader. He and his wife were youth leaders
     and teachers. They were also 4-H leaders.
          We have many fond memories of our friends and neighbors, and are glad
     to have been a part of this community. We enjoy our grandchildren, four boys
     and four girls, and are proud of their accomplishments.
          We spend our leisure time inour home on wheels, seeing and appreciating
     the beauty of God's creation.
          **Sam Blackwelder was 30 years older than his second son Charles. 
     Charles was 30 years older than his second son Dell. Dell was 30 years older
     than his second son Kenneth. Kenneth was 30 years older than his second son
     Kraig.**
              
     Source: Isabel, Kansas - The First 100 Years, 1887 - 1987,  pg. 44  
     
     Submitted by: Dell Blackwelder