An American Family History

Etta Fox O'Dea was born in Benton Township, Lucas County, Iowa in 1875. She was the daughter of John Newton Fox and Sarah Jane Ricketts.  She was five at the time of the 1880 census. She was listed as Ettie. At the time of the 1895 census, she was living with her sister Clara Wood.

According to her nephew, Jack Smith she lived around Grinnel, Iowa which is half way between Davenport and Des Moines. 

Etta married James T. O'Dea (O'Day) about 1909. At the time of the 1910 census they were living in Davenport, Scott County, Iowa. James was born about 1864 in Nebraska and was Irish Catholic. The census record indicates that she had given birth to one child who was living. Her marital status was M3 which may mean that this was her third marriage. He was a railway motorman and she was a proprietress of furnished rooms. They had two boarders.

A James F. O'Dea, who was possibly their son, died on June 18, 1913 and was buried at St. Marguerite's Cemetery which is now known as Mount Clavary Cemetery

At the time of the 1915 Iowa state census, Etta and James were living at 208 Tremont Avenue in Davenport. James was a motorman and earned $900 in 1914. They both attended school through 8th grade.

Etta died on August 15, 1915 in Davenport.

According to the Tombstone Records of Scott County, Iowa James died on January 2, 1929. James and Etta are buried together at Oakdale Cemetery in Davenport.