Fannie “Hazel” Oetzel Nee. Higgins (212)

Born: 10/28/1927 Tipton County, Tennessee

Died: 9/25/2000 Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois

Parents: Arthur Alexander Higgins and Mary Elizabeth Nee. Rackley

Spouse: Jack Oetzel (

Children:

Bio:

In 1930, Hazel is two years old, the youngest of 6 kids to Farmer parents living on rented property. The kids attend school and also live with a 37 year old boarder named J.R. Yahbro. He is a German speaker from Germany and is a veteran of the first World War although he immigrated in 1900 and has become naturalized, indicating he fought on the side of the allies. J.R. is also a general farmer.

In 1940, Hazel is living in Rural Tipton County, TN with her older sisters Louise and Thelma, Thelma's husband Jessie (his house), as well as Jessie’s mom, Mary and niece, Norma. Jessies is a general farmer and makes $270 a year, the highest compared to his neighbors who are all farmers as well. The next family on the census is a black family, also with a rural address. They are the Alston family and are all from Tennessee. Father Whit and mother Elnora have 8 kids ranging in age from 33 to 11. Three of the adult kids have been to high school, with Whit Jr. and Alberta completing all four years. There is no income listed for the family, indicating they were subsistence farmers.

In 1946, Jack and Hazel would also have their first child, Ron, followed by Clyde “Duke” in 1952.

On December 12, 1945, Hazel was married to Jack Oetzel in Tipton County, TN.

On September 25, 2000, Hazel passed away in Peoria, IL.