The Life and Legacy of Myrtle Fillmore

Myrtle and Charles began their married life in Gunnison, Colorado, then a few months later moved to the booming town of Pueblo, Colorado. Two of their three sons were born there—Lowell Page on January 4, 1882, and Waldo Rickert, known as Rickert or Rick, on June 1, 1884. (He was named for Ralph Waldo Emerson, whose Transcendental writings were a major influence on the Fillmores.) An economic downturn that year led the family to relocate to Omaha, Nebraska, before settling in Kansas City, Missouri, a few months later. Their youngest son, John Royal, known as Royal, was born in Kansas City on July 16, 1889. Although the family brought very little with them, they prospered as Charles’ real estate business succeeded. But their health was not strong. Myrtle and Charles talked about returning to Colorado for the climate but stayed in Kansas City after Charles had a dream that he would do a great work there.

Myrtle, Lowell, Rickert, and Royal Fillmore Portrait Photograph, December 12, 1898