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Elmer, Missouri - Early History
Mr. and Mrs. Pat Wigal
(Reprinted from Elmer Centennial, 1987)
When driving over a rough railroad crossing, people often state that Pat Wigal was not the foreman at that crossing or it would be smoother. Pat moved to Elmer in 1917. He worked on the Elmer branch of the Santa Fe as a section foreman. He had previously worked as a foreman and telegraph operator at Kentwood, Missouri. While working on the railroad, he was operator for two years, track foreman, extra gang foreman, and section foreman. He drew a salary of $50.00 per month on to a higher scale. At the age of 18, Mr. Wigal started work as a telegraph ooperator. He retired at the age of 65, after more than forty-seven years of service on the railroad.
Pat Wigal and Gertrude (Robinson) Wigal were married on May 14, 1919. Their home was always in Elmer. They enjoyed a wide circle of friends. Mrs. Wigal has been clerk of the Elmer First Baptist Church for 60 years, and she has taught a Sunday School class for a number of years. She has received 50 year membership pins from the Order of the Eastern Star, the Rebekah Lodge, and the Royal Neighbors of America. She participates in community activities with interest. The Wigals celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1969. At the time of his death in September, 1976, Mr. Wigal was a member of the I.O.O.F. Lodge in Hurdland and the Modern Woodman. He was also a member of the Elmer Baptist Church.