Well, after I posted the previous message, I decided I would check in my Great Grandma Johanna Kortum (Hass) Kortum's Autograph Book and see if there was an autograph from a Mary Kotum, and there was.

This is what and when she wrote.

Dear Sister,
Remember me when this you see
For long on earth I may not be
For if the grave be first my bed
Remember me when I am dead.

From your sister Mary Kortum

April 3, 1898

I am going to check with my Dad and see if he remembers a Mary Kortum.