McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....Jan-Jun 1912 Deaths in Newspaper
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McKean County Miner 1912
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JAN-JUN 1912
FROM THE
MCKEAN COUNTY MINER NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean County Miner from January
through June during the year of 1912. The date of publication is shown prior
to the item(s). There is no implication that this is all that may have been
published in these editions since some editions may be missing and many of the
pages or portions thereof are unreadable.
Transcribed by Ronald J. Reid, 2010
January 4, 1912
Page 1.
Pennsylvania Trains Kills Five Men
Three Accidents in This County During Past Week
Geo. Robbins killed Saturday
He was an aged man and resided at Coryville - Three Italians Killed Near
Keating Summit On Thursday - William Shields Killed at Eldred on Wednesday.
Within the past week there has been three fatal accidents on the
Pennsylvania Railroad in this county which caused the death of five men. The
dead are:
George Robbins of Coryville
William Shields of Eldred.
Seme Benizoni of Keating Summit
Joe Frisina of Keating Summit
Michael Mairaffa of Keating Summit.
Accident at Coryville.
George Robbins of Coryville, aged 73 years, was struck by a Pennsylvania
freight train at the Coryville station at about 10 o'clock last Saturday
morning and received injuries which caused his death.
Mr. Robbins, who was very deaf, had come to the station for the purpose of
making a shipment. As the local freight was drawing into the station the old
gentleman inadvertently stepped on the track, his back toward the incoming
engine, when it was only a short distance from him. Other persons who were
about the station tried to warn him of his danger and get him out of harm's
way, but he did not understand and there was not sufficient time for any of
them to assist him.
The train was running slowly when it struck him, but he was hit with
sufficient force to receive fatal injuries. One leg was badly mangled, and
arm crushed and his skull fractured.
He was picked up and place on the train and taken to Smethport as soon as
possible. Dr. Burg Chadwick was notified and was at the station at East
Smethport to meet the train. The injured man was taken immediately to the
home of Mrs. Alfred Provin, a professional nurse, at East Smethport and
preparations were being made for the necessary surgical attention, when Mr.
Robbins passed away.
Mr. Robbins had been a resident of Coryville all his life and was one of the
most highly respected citizens of that vicinity. He never was married and for
years made his home with his sister, Mrs. George Hibbard. He is also survived
by another sister, Mrs. Anna Spencer who lives in California. He was an
honest, industrious and honored citizen and a host of sincere friends will
mourn his untimely demise.
His remains were taken in charge by Undertaker H.H. Sasse who prepared him
for burial. He was taken to the home of his sister and the funeral was held
on Monday, Rev. Miller of Port Allegany officiating, and his remains were laid
at rest in the Coryville cemetery.
Three Killed Near Keating Summit.
On Thursday morning of last week at 10:20 o'clock three men were struck and
killed by a work train on the main line of the Pennsylvania railroad at a
point about two miles south of Keating Summit. The victims were Seme
Bonizoni, Joe Frisina and Michael Marraffa, all of Keating Summit.
All of the men were track hands and were engaged in their work with others,
when the work train came along at a lively clip and unnoticed until too late,
crushed out the lives of the laborers. Frisina lived until he reached
emporium. The other two were killed almost instantly.
The accident happened during a severe snow storm and it was difficult at the
time to see a train or hear its rumble owing to the wind which was blowing
almost a gale.
Of the dead all were single except Marraffa who leaves a widow and one child.
The bodies were taken to Emporium and then brought back to Eldred.
The accident occurred in McKean county territory near a point where the
counties of McKean, Cameron and Potter join and word was sent to Bradford
notifying Coroner Sherman. He went there and conducted an inquiry. No formal
inquest was necessary.
Killed at Eldred
The Port Allegany Reporter says: William Shields, aged 38 years, a resident
of Eldred, was hit by a south bound Pennsylvania train there Wednesday and
instantly killed. He is survived by his mother, five sisters and four
brothers.
McKean County Miner January 11, 1912.
Page 1.
Two Killed At Straights On Tuesday
Carl Lindgren Crushed Under a Load of Chemical Wood
A special to the Bradford Era dated Straights, Pa., Jan. 9, says: This
community was shocked today by two fatalities in the woods of this vicinity
the victims being Carl G. Lindgren and an Italian wood chopper, whose name is
unknown. Both were young men.
Carl G. Lindgren was a resident of Bradford, his home being on Maplewood
avenue, that city. His widow is a sister of Contractor Johnson has been
busily engaged of late in getting out large supplies of wood for one of the
large chemical plants, Mr. Lindgren was assisting his brother-in-law and was
today engaged in hauling wood when his life was ended.
He was driving a team attached to a large bobsled and had a heavy load of
wood on the conveyance going down a steep hill, when the forward part of the
sleigh rack gave way. He was seated on the front of the load and when the
rack broke apart he plunged forward with the wood to the ground between the
horses' feet.
He uttered one shriek 'whoa," to the horses and both animals tried to stop
but the onrushing mass of wood and the steep declivity, made this impossible.
The sleigh was dragged over the unfortunate driver who had been covered under
the wood.
In the vicinity were some men who witnessed the occurrence and they hurried
to Lindgren's assistance. But when extricated from his awful predicament the
man was dying. His skull was broken,, as was his back and one hand was torn
off almost completely. His death had been a horrible one.
The deceased was a well known man hereabouts and his very shocking death has
produced much grief among the people. Great sympathy is expressed for his
widow, who, at present is here. Her sorrow is of the keenest character.
(additional story follows about unnamed Italian)
(article immediately following the one above)
Carl Lindgren, who was killed at Straights, Pa., yesterday lived at No. 8
Maplewood avenue, this city, before going to work in the woods. He was about
35 years old and belonged to the Order of Vasa, Bradford lodge 169, a Swedish
fraternal society. His remains will be taken to Jamestown, N.Y. for burial.
Page 5.
Mrs. Eva Lillibridge, mother of County Superintendent of Schools C.W.
Lillibridge, died at her home in Port Allegany on Friday, Jan. 5, 1912,
pneumonia being the cause of her death. She was 57 years of age. She was one
of Port Allegany's most estimable women and her death will be deeply mourned
by a large circle of friends. The funeral services were held on Monday.
Interment in the Port Allegany cemetery.
Page 5.
Saturday afternoon at Franklin Geo. S. Arnott, aged about 32 years, was
found in a bathroom at his home with the top of his head blown off with a
heavy pistol bullet. At his side lay a .44 calibre Belgium revolver and an
empty shell in one of the chambers and all the others entirely empty. While
members of the family profess to believe that Arnott accidently shot himself
from the appearance of the wound it could not but have been self-inflicted.
No cause is known for the rash act, but it is thought that the victim of the
shooting had some financial difficulties unknown to his relatives.
January 18, 1912
Page 1.
Rev. Father Hamel Dead.
Pastor of St. Mary's Church at Olean, Expired Monday Morning.
Olean, N.Y., Jan. 15. - This morning at 5:15 occurred the death of Rev. J.J.
Hamel, pastor of S. Mary's church, this city. The deceased had been ill for
some time, a sufferer from paralysis.
He was a widely known clergyman and he was held in high regard by all
classes.
Father Hamel was born in Brooklyn, May 17, 1850. He received his earlier
education in the parochial school in Brooklyn, and his classical course at St.
Vincent's Benedictine seminary in Westmoreland county, Pa., and for a short
time was a student at Niagara University.
His theological studies were pursued at St. Bonaventure's seminary,
Allegany, where he was ordained in 1875, by the late Right Rev. Bishop Ryan.
After being raised to the priesthood he was appointed as assistant to the
pastor of St. Joseph's Cathedral, Buffalo, and was later assistant to Rev.
Father Gleason, at Batavia, and to the vicar General at Buffalo. He was also
located for short periods in New York and Bennington, Pa.
On thanksgiving day, 1878, he was appointed by the bishop to take charge of
the Olean mission as its first pastor; and the field included Olean, North
Olean, Portville and Westons.
He had traveled extensively and his lectures on foreign lands were of rare
interest. His work as a pastor was zealously done and his amiable kindly
disposition, added to which was a touch of quiet humor, rendering him a man of
magnetic personality. The funeral services will be held at St. Mary's church
Thursday morning, interment at Brooklyn, N.Y.
Page 3.
Charles Castor, of Johnsonburg, Pa., dropped dead on Wednesday of last week
from heart failure at Bosler's drug store soon after entering same. He had
lived in that place but two months, having gone there from Pittsburgh, and
purchased the Star studio. The deceased is survived by his widow and three
children.
Page 5.
The remains of Mrs. Church, mother of the late M.L. Church, who formerly
lived in this place, were brought here from Oklahoma on Tuesday for burial.
Mrs. Church was a resident of this borough for a number of years and she had
many friends here who will deeply mourn her demise.
January 25, 1912.
Page 1.
Suicide in Bradford.
A Rochester Man in Hard Luck Ends His Life Monday
Tuesday's Era says: In Koch's undertaking rooms is the dead body of a
Rochester man, named Charles L. Thayer, 62 years old, whose life was ended in
this city yesterday afternoon. The was a suicide.
It was not long after 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon when Thayer was observed
in front of the St. James hotel as he suddenly sank down on a window ledge,
overcome by deadly sickness. He was pale and apparently in great distress.
Soon he lapsed into unconsciousness. Then he was carried into the building
and Koch's ambulance was called. He was hurried to the hospital and died soon
after that institution was reached.
Drs. Ash and O'Hern were both called but they could do nothing for the
sufferer. He had swallowed carbolic acid. The partly filled vial from which
he had quaffed the death dealing drug was found in a pocket in the man's
clothing.
Coroner Sherman gave permission to have the corpse taken to Koch's
undertaking establishment. From papers in the man's pocket it was learned
that he was Charles L. Thayer of No. 198 South Avenue, Rochester, N.Y.
No money was found in the dead man's pockets. He was down and out.
An inquiry made by the Era, last evening, brought information from the
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle to the following effect:
Thayer was a tinsmith. He left home Saturday night, intoxicated. His
family did not know where he was going. There was no known reason for his
coming to Bradford, nor for his suicide. He had been a sufferer from asthma
for the past 30 years and had been out of regular work for the past four or
five years. He was employed occasionally as janitor in a theatre building.
He is survived by a widow; two sons age 20 and 9 years respectively, and
one daughter, 14 years of age. The eldest son will be here today after his
father's remains.
Page 3.
Mrs. Anna, wife of Kearon Hamlon of Port Allegany died at her home in that
place on Thursday last, aged 60 years. She is survived by her husband and
five grown children. She was a most estimable woman and her death will be
deeply mourned by all who knew her. Interment in Sartwell cemetery on Tuesday.
Page 3.
James Moore three years old son of George Moore of Cumberland near
Pottstown, died from the effects of inhaling steam from a tea kettle. He
climbed on a chair and placed his mouth over the spout of the kettle from
which steam was pouring. He inhaled the steam and his lungs were literally
cooked the physician said.
February 1, 1912
Page 1.
Mother Dies in Childbirth
Baby Who Was Born After Mother's Death is Strong and Healthy.
The Port Allegany Reporter says: Mrs. Belle May Sino, wife of Thomas Sino
of Galeton, died at the McGranor hospital, Monday evening, of endocarditis
developed by childbirth. A strong and active baby was born shortly after the
death of the mother. The child is getting on nicely. The funeral was held
from St. Gabriel's church Thursday morning, Father William Becker officiating,
after which Undertaker Schoonover took the remains to Sartwell where they were
interred in St. Mary's cemetery. She was only twenty-one years of age.
Mr. and Mrs. Plano, of the tannery, the parents of the woman, have been Port
Allegany residents for very many years, and she was a most estimable young
woman. The husband is employed at Galeton and didn't arrive until after the
death of his wife. The husband and parents have the sympathy of everyone in
the death of a loving wife and daughter.
February 8, 1912.
Page 1.
August Cicerello Found Dead at His Home Monday Evening.
Tuesday's Bradford Era says: August Cicerello, 57 year old, a native of
Italy, was found dead at his home, No. 36 Centre street, last evening when the
locked door of his house was broken open by the police.
Cicerello, who lived alone, had not been seen about the place since Saturday
when some of the neighbors observed him entering his home. His non-appearance
Sunday and Monday led to suspicious that perhaps he was dead and last evening
the police were asked to investigate. This they did and the frozen corpse of
Cicerello was found in the front bedroom lying face downward on the floor.
He had evidently been seated on a chair and was preparing to retire, when
seized by a fatal attack of heart disease or apoplexy. He had removed one of
his shoes and that was as far as he had proceeded in the act of disrobing when
he plunged forward helplessly and died. This was probably on Saturday evening.
He had not started any fire in the small gas stove in the room and owing to
the intense cold that had prevailed during the past few days the body was
rigidly frozen.
Coroner Sherman was notified and investigated. Not finding any evidence of
foul play he decided that death had been due to natural causes.
In the same house, in the month of January, 1911, the dead man's wife
committed suicide with carbolic acid.
Two sons and a daughter, all living in Bradford, survive. The sons are
Louis and Nicholas Cicerello and the daughter is Mrs. Louis Capatri.
The deceased was formerly employed as a railroad laborer. Of late he had
done but little work. Some years ago he was a frugal man and saved up
considerable money. He belonged the Knights of the Maccabees and had lived
here many years.
Page 5.
Word was received in this place Monday of the death of George O'Neil, which
occurred at his home in Buffalo that afternoon. He is survived by a widow,
two daughters and one son. Mr. O'Neil has been a frequent Smethport visitor
in past years where he has been the guest of his cousin, Mrs. T.H. Purtle. He
made many friends in Smethport who were shocked to learn of his demise. For
some time past Mr. O'Neil has conducted the College Inn at Geneva, N.Y., up to
several weeks ago, the time he was seized with the illness which resulted in
his death.
February 15, 1912.
Page 1.
Hon. J.R. Clark Dead.
Junius Randolph Clark died at his home, No. 59 Seward avenue, Sunday
afternoon at 8:40 o'clock. He had been and invalid for some years and his
death had been anticipated, says the Bradford Era.
Mr. Clark was born at Smethport, Pa., July 24, 1836. He attended the
schools of that place and subsequently studied law at Randolph, N.Y. He
located at Warren, Pa., and there practiced his profession for a considerable
period, being very successful as an attorney. He was professionally
associated with Hon. L.D. Wetmore, who later became a judge of the Warren
county courts. The deceased was honored by the voters of Warren county with
election to the State legislature and served his constituents with ability and
integrity.
Mr. Clark was formerly identified with the oil business, being the organizer
and vice-president of the Philadelphia Oil exchange. Of late years, owing to
a general breaking down of his system, he had been living in retirement from
business cares. HE was a man of broad intellect and one who possessed most
excellent qualities.
He is survived by his widow, two sons, Mortimer and J.P. Clark; two sisters,
Miss Mary E. Clark and Mrs. Ellen C. Hannah, all of Bradford; and a brother,
Edward P. Clark, who resides in Binghamton, N.Y.
Page 5.
Louis H. Sendker, aged 65 a well-known shoe man of Bradford, was found dead in
his bed at his home Monday forenoon. Mr. Sendker had not been well for a few
days, but his condition was not considered serious.
February 22, 1912.
Page 5.
At Lansdale, Pa., yesterday, Miss Jennie Heaton, aged 25 years, committed
suicide by locking herself in the barn of Oliver Morris and setting fire to
the building.
February 29, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. Agnes McCarthy
Mrs. Agnes McCarthy, a long time and beloved resident of this place, died at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stephen McLaffetry, at Hazelhurst, at 4:15
p.m., Thursday, February 22nd, in her 77th year, from a complication of
ailments incidental to old age, from which she had suffered for months past.
Miss Agnes Cunningham was native of Glasgow, Scotland, where she was born
August 15th 1835. In her early life she came to this country with her
parents, settling at Blossburg, Pa., where the family resided for a number of
years, finally locating at Coudersport, Pa. At the latter place she was
united in marriage with Jerry McCarthy on April 15, 1856 and together they
established a home at Coudersport, where they remained for a number of years,
finally moving to Smethport, where they continued to reside until the death of
the husband one year ago last August, since which time Mrs. McCarthy has made
her home with her children in neighboring towns.
There were born to Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy twelve children, five sons and
seven daughter, eight of whom survive, namely: John McCarthy of Erie, Pa.;
Mrs. W.V. Provin, of Olean, N.Y.; David McCarthy of Mt. Jewett; Mrs. John
Keeley of Omulgee, Okla.; William McCarthy of Chillecothe, Ohio; Mrs. A.L.
Colegrove of Olean, N.Y., and Mrs. Stephen McLafferty of Hazelhurst. She is
also survived by 27 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Mrs. McCarthy, who spent the greater portion of her life in Smethport, was
most dearly beloved by all who knew her. She possessed the sweet, kind,
loving and forgiving disposition that endeared her in the hearts of all her
friends and neighbors. Her home life was as near perfect as human life is
made. She bore her troubles and the troubles of those near and dear to her
with a patient and true Christian spirit. Her mission in life seemed to be to
make everybody around her happy and she used her best efforts in this
direction. Her death is not only mourned by her large family of descendants,
but by all who knew this most lovable woman.
Her remains were brought to this place on the morning train Monday and the
funeral services held immediately afterward at St. Elizabeth's church, of
which she was a lifelong member, Rev. J.F. Dugan officiating. Her remains
were laid at rest in the family plot in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 5.
With her face to the ground and her body partially covered with snow the body
of Mrs. Amy Wallace was found near the barn at her home in Kinzua Friday
evening. She had been dead many hours. J.W. Green, justice of the peace,
conducted an investigation and decided that death was due to heart failure.
Mrs. Wallace lived alone in a small house one-half mile from Kinzua village.
The theory is that she had started for the barn to do the evening chores and
when near the barn was attacked with heart failure. The cow was found loose
nearby and its appearance indicated that it had not been cared for within 36
hours.
March 7, 1912
Page 1.
Boy Killed By Cars.
Raymond Ryan, aged 15 years, of Mount Alton, was run over by an Erie freight
train near his home in that place on Saturday afternoon. The injured youth
was brought to this city on the train that had fatally injured him and was
conveyed from the depot to the Bradford hospital I Still's ambulance. Dr.
O'Hern was called.
At the hospital it was found that one leg had been crushed just below the
knee; the foot of the other leg had been crushed and one of the boy's hands
had been mangled by the car wheels. He was also injured internally. At 10
p.m. the boy died.
The remains were taken in charge by Undertaker Still and prepared for
burial. Yesterday the body was taken to Mount Alton.
The accident occurred almost directly in front of the boy's home. He had
made an attempt to jump aboard the moving freight rain and slipped, falling
beneath the wheels.
Martin Wade, a flagman, who resides at No. 48 Thompson avenue, this city, in
an attempt to save the lad's life, was also painfully injured. He was dragged
about ten car lengths sustaining severe bruises and lacerations about the
face. - Bradford Era.
Page 1.
Killed At Lewis Run.
James Thompson, an aged resident of Lewis Run, was fatally injured shortly
after the noon hour, Saturday. He was crossing the tracks of the B.R.&P.
railroad at Lewis Run and was pulling a handsled. He was deaf and did not
hear the bell and whistle of a fast passenger train as it approached, says the
Bradford Era.
The pilot struck the man and hurled him for some distance. Mr. Thompson was
carried to his home where Dr. Egbert of Custer City, gave him attention.
Dr. Egbert found that besides a fracture of one arm and one leg, the latter,
in two places, he had sustained internal injuries. He was taken to the
Bradford hospital in Koch's ambulance, but died shortly after reaching that
institution.
The body was removed to the Koch undertaking room and prepared for burial.
Mrs. Thompson the widow, who was visiting friends in Erie, was notified.
She arrived home last evening.
Page 3.
To have a wife and child die, and a fire almost wholly destroy most of his
worldly possessions, all within a week's time, has been the experience of
Isaac Weaver, a well known railroader of Punxsutawney. A week ago last Sunday
Mrs. Isaac Weaver died of tuberculosis, aged 31 years. She was buried on
Wednesday, and that evening the Weaver home with practically all its contents
was almost totally destroyed by fire. No insurance was carried. Friday
evening the eight weeks' old child of Mr. Weaver died at the home of his
parents where it had been taken following his mother's death. The little body
was given burial yesterday. Bradford Star-Record.
Page 3.
Tuesday's Bradford Era says: The B.R.&P. passenger train due in this city
yesterday forenoon at 11:30 o'clock struck and instantly killed Eric Reed of
Sawmill Run, Cattaraugus county, N.Y. A horse which he was driving was also
killed and the cutter in which he was riding was badly smashed. The accident
happened at what is known as Red House crossing near Great Valley. Mr. Reed
was driving from the direction of Peth. There is a deep cut near where the
accident happened. Mr. Reed was thrown about 100 feet. His skull was
fractured and both arms and legs were broken. Mr. Reed was about 35 years of
age and is survived by a widow and a number of children.
Page 5.
Harry Lewis, aged 86 years, one of the pioneers of Liberty township, died at
his home on Wednesday of last week.
Page 5.
Miss Maggie A. Bradley, aged 81 years and a highly respected resident of
Bradford, died in that city last Saturday.
Page 5.
Albert O. Clearwater, an aged and well know resident of Wilcox died at his
home in that place on Saturday last.
Page 5.
Mrs. Elvina Foster, an aged and well known lady of Bradford, died in her home
in that city last Friday night. She is survived by one brother, C.C. Melvin,
and one sister, Mrs. ??yd Ward, both of Bradford.
Page 5.
Thomas Keeler, aged 80 years one of the old residents of this section, died
at his home in Warrenon Tuesday. Mr. Keelor was the father of D.D. Kellor of
Kane who struck the 50,000,000-feet gas well in that section a few years ago.
March 14, 1912.
Page 1.
Well-Known Citizen Died Early Monday
Daniel L. Forsythe died at his home on East Main street, this borough, on
Monday morning, March 11, 1912, at 12:35, after an illness of several seeks.
Several months ago Mr. Forsythe had a slight stroke of paralysis and although
he recovered from that and was able to attend to his duties for a time he has
not been real well since. The immediate cause of his death was inflammation
of the bladder. He was aged 78 years, 11 months and 20 days.
The subject of this sketch was born at Independence, N.Y., on March 31,
1833, where he lived with his parents Guy and Nancy Forsythe, until he reached
manhood and came to this place where he has since resided and followed the
occupation of carpenter. He was a carpenter and builder of the old school
house and always did his work carefully and thoroughly. In politics he was a
Democrat and during his life filled several local offices with credit to
himself and the community.
In 1856 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Comes of Norwich township and
to them two children were born, Mrs. Elmer E. Heath of this borough, and Mrs.
Jennie Tracy, who died Dec. 19, 1909. His first wife died on September 8,
1874. On January 11, 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Jane E. Neely of
Howell, Mich., who survives him. Besides his wife and daughter he is survived
by two sisters, Mrs. J.D. Jacobs of Whitesville, N.Y., and Mrs. J.E. LaMore of
Colerain, Mass., who deeply mourn the demise of a kind and loving husband,
father and brother.
The funeral services were held at his late home Wednesday afternoon at 3
o'clock. Rev. J.W. McGavern and Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating. His remains
were laid at rest in the family plot in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. Helen Olive Brewer.
Well Known Pioneer of Potato Creek Passed Away at Mt. Jewett.
The Herald says: Mrs. Helen Olive Brewer died at the home of her son W.W.
Brewer, in Mt. Jewett, Saturday afternoon, March 2nd, in her 90th year, from
the effects of ailments peculiar to advanced age. Mrs. Brewer had been in
about her usual health until a couple of days before her death, when she
repaired to her bed never to arise again. Her death was peaceful in the
extreme, she having conversed with her granddaughter, Mrs. Harry Means, who
has administered a dose of medicine to her but a few moments before. Mrs.
Means leaving the room after giving the medicine and returning in a few
moments found the aged woman with her hands folded across her breast,
apparently asleep, but a second glace conveyed the intelligence that she was
asleep in that sleep that know no waking.
The deceased was the daughter of Luther and Jemima Colegrove Haven, two of
the first settlers on the headwaters of Potato creek, and was born on what is
now the Jonathan Colegrove farm, Norwich, Pa., August 9, 1822. ON September
16th, 1841, she was united in marriage with Allanson Perry Brewer, also of
Norwich, and son of the first settler on the head of Potato creek. Mr. and
Mrs. Brewer at once established a home on what has since been known as the
Brewer farm at Norwich Corners, and there during all the long span of her life
had she made her home until within the comparatively recent past, when she
came to make her home with her son in Mt. Jewett; and on the farm of her
birth, with 100 feet of the house where she was born, and within 100 feet of
the church where she had worshipped all her life, her body was laid to rest on
Monday last in the quiet country church yard, at the end, beside that of her
husband, who died April 14th 1898.
She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Fredell Wolfert, aged 84 years, who
resides at Union, Ill.; and one son, W.W. Brewer, of Mt. Jewett; three other
children that were born to Mr. and Mrs. Brewer, Milton A, Melvin F. and Nellie
A. dying in their youth.
Mrs. Brewer was of the self-reliant type of men and women who in the early
days forced their way into what was then a dense wilderness, and carved
therefrom homes for themselves and their children and their children's
children. There was little of sentiment in the composition of these people,
their rule of life being the Ten Commandments, of t them, beyond most people,
the Book of Books. Hard work and plain living produced a race that has lived
on and on past the ordinary allotted time of men and women.
But those who now remain are few in number. The passing of Helen Olive
Brewer marks one more advance toward that day when the men and women of that
olden time will be known but in the history of the community, and in the
memories and hearts of those who are following closely, so very closely, in
their footprints.
Page 3.
Mrs. John Moran, aged 75 years, and her son, Thomas Moran, were cremated
with their home which burned on their farm five miles from Genesee, Potter
county yesterday before daylight. From the position of the charred bodies
found in the embers it is thought that both were making efforts to leave the
house when overcome by flames and smoke. The fire is supposed to have caught
from an overheated stove in the cellar. The Morans have lived alone on the
farm for seven years. The son, a bachelor, was well known as an eccentric
character. - Whitesville News.
Page 3.
Roulette -Recorder: Thursday morning at about five o'clock the home of Alfred
Butters at Brookland was destroyed and with it the bright and precious lives
of their two sons, Harry and George. The mother jumped from a window with a
babe in her arms and was so severely injured that her recovery may be
impossible, while the baby was less severely injured. Mr. Butters had got up
and built the kitchen fires and went out to attend the chores at the barn when
he noticed him home in flames, but could not get back into the house to save
anyone, or any of their furniture. It is a sad blow to them
Page 5.
Squire A. Hanks, a well-known and highly respected resident of Portville
aged 63 years, was found dead in his barn on Monday of last week. Mr. Hanks
went to the barn in the morning to do his work there and not returning at the
usual time, Mrs. Hanks sent a grandchild to see what caused his delay. The
child found him dead. Heart disease is given as the cause of death.
Page 5.
Word was received yesterday from Port Allegany that Mrs. James Kellet of that
place had died that morning. Mrs. Kellet was formerly Miss Mary Griffin of
this place and she was about 30 years of age. She is survived by her husband
and two or three small children. She had many friends in this vicinity who
unite with her husband and children in mourning the loss of a good woman.
March 21, 1912.
Page 5.
John S. Blair, a well-known Bradford druggist aged 60 years, died suddenly at
his home yesterday afternoon.
Page 5.
William Patrick Bane, aged 68, died at the hospital at Washington, Pa.,
Saturday night. He was a survivor of the Civil war, and his friends claimed
for him that he was the tallest man in the service, his height being 7 feet
and 4 inches. He served as a private in Company A, Twenty-second cavalry.
Although born and raised in Greene county, he was possibly as well known
throughout the country at large as any one member of the Grand Army of the
Republic. He attended practically all of the State and National encampments
of that organization, and was generally placed at the heads of the marching
column in the parades.
March 28, 1912.
Page 1.
Here Well-Known Men Pass Away
Chester A. Burdick, John F. Hewitt and John F. Rooney.
Chester A. Burdick, one of Smethport's well-known citizens and business men,
died at his home on King street at 5:50 o'clock Thursday afternoon, March 21,
1912, after an illness covering the past year.
Up to about a year ago Mr. Burdick was an unusually healthy man, when he was
taken with an ailment which finally developed into diabetis. At times his
health improved but he could get no permanent help and for the past two or
three months he has gradually grown worse until the end finally came on
Thursday.
The subject of this sketch was born in Norwich township, this county, on
September 5, 1860, his parents being among the early settlers on Potato
creek. He received a common school education and spent his early manhood on
the Burdick farm and various occupations in this vicinity. About thirty years
ago he entered into a partnership with the late Wm. Haskell and under the firm
name of Haskell & Burdick, did a flourishing business as agents for insurance,
sewing machine and musical instrument companies. Some twenty years ago, Mr.
Burdick purchased Mr. Haskell's interest in this business and successfully
conducted it up to the time of his death.
Mr. Burdick was a member of McKean Lodge, No. 389, I.O.O.F., and Smethport
Encampment, No. 273.
He is survived by his wife, Sue B., (nee Hebner) formerly of Harrisburg,
three sons, Ralph E., secretary and treasurer of the Hamlin Bank & Trust
company of Smethport; Claude A., secretary and treasurer of the Wheeler Oil &
Gas company of Albany, Ind., and Sidney A., Junior member of the firm of C.A.
Burdick & Son Insurance agency and music store of this place. He is also
survived by three brothers, Byron F. of Syracuse, N.Y.; Frank A. of Smethport
and Emmett F. of Pittsburgh, Pa., all of whom deeply mourn the loss of a kind
and loving husband, father and brother.
The funeral services were held at his late home on King street Saturday
afternoon, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke,, pastor of St. Luke's church, and Rev. J.
Booth, pastor of the Baptist church, officiating, and his remains were laid at
rest in the family plot in the Colegrove cemetery.
John Frederick Hewitt.
John Frederick Hewitt, an old and well-known resident of Keating township,
died at his home on the Farmers Valley road about three miles from town
yesterday morning. He was aged 73 years.
Mr. Hewitt has been in ill health for the past year, having a lung trouble due
to inhaling coal dust in the mines in which he worked when comparatively a
young man. A short time ago he contracted a hard cold which developed into
pneumonia and caused his death.
Mr. Hewitt was born in England 78 years ago and when 23 years of age came to
this country and located near Mt. Alton, working in the mines at what was then
called Bond Vein. About 34 years ago he bought the farm on Potato creek on
which he has since resided and successfully followed that occupation up to the
time of his death.
While living at Bond Vein he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Hardy of
Mt. Alton, and their union was blessed with six children who with their aged
mother survive to mourn the loss of a kind, indulgent and loving husband and
father. The surviving children are Miss Elizabeth of Washington, D.C.; Mrs.
F.H. LeRoy of Syracuse; N.Y.; John Frederick, of Keating township; David L.,
of Pittsburgh; Miss Ada J., of New York city, and Mrs. C.S. Van Dusen of Erie.
The deceased was a member of the Church of England and brought up his family
according to the Episcopal creed, which is similar. He was a man of many
sterling qualities, a man of strict honesty and a true friend to his friends,
of whom he had many who will deeply regret his demise, although he lived to
enjoy a ripe old age.
The funeral services will be held at the family home at two o'clock Friday
afternoon, Rev. W.E. Van dyke and Rev. J.H. McCandless officiating, and his
remains will be laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery.
John F. Rooney
John F. Rooney, a well-known and popular resident of this borough, died at
his rooms in the Hotel Imperial Wednesday afternoon, March 27, 1912, the cause
of his death being Bright's disease. He was 68 years of age.
A week ago Mr. Rooney was taken with Bright's disease in a very acute form
and was taken to his bed. His attack was so severe that he was rendered
unconscious and did not fully regain consciousness up to the time of his death.
Mr. Rooney was born in Portageville, Wyoming county, N.Y., February 14,
1844, and was a son of James and Ann (Lavelle) Rooney, both of whom died when
he was quite young. During the early oil excitement he came to Bradford and
was for a time located in that city, Custer City and Coleville. In the early
80's he came to Smethport and opened a meat market in the Rockwell House, now
the Hotel Imperial, and later moved into a market he erected on Main street
where he continued in business until just about three years ago when his
place, together with D.C. Young's store, Anderson & Carlson's shoe store and
the Nash building were destroyed by fire. Since that time he has devoted his
time to his farm and off and other interests in this county.
He was a square, straight-forward business man and became very popular in
Smethport and vicinity, and although a Democrat in a Republican community he
was elected to several local offices of trust. He was a charter member of the
Smethport Fire Department and in former years took a very active interest in
that organization.
About 38 or 40 years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Moran at
Filmore, N.Y., and this union was blessed with a son, John H., of Austin, who
is his only surviving near relative. Mrs. Rooney died 34 years ago, and one
brother, Henry, and one sister Mary, died a number of years ago. He was a
consistent member of the Roman Catholic church and of the C.M.B.A.
The funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth's church, Rev. J.F. Dugan
officiating, at 9 o'clock Friday morning and his remains will be laid at rest
in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
(Memorial from friends printed on April 25, 1912 on page 8.)
April 4, 1912.
Page 5.
The funeral of the late John F. Hewitt was held at the family home on the
Farmers Valley road last Friday afternoon and despite the inclement weather,
was largely attended. His remains were laid at rest in Smith cemetery.
April 11, 1912.
Page 1.
Hon. Jos. M. McElroy
Hon Joseph M. McElroy died at the home of his son, Fred W. McElroy at
Lockport, N.Y., Easter Sunday morning. The cause of his death was acute
stomach trouble of a cancerous nature. He was aged 70 years, one month and 15
days.
In 1884 Mr. McElroy was elected prothonotary of this county and came to
Smethport to reside, and being reelected twice he was a resident of this place
upwards of nine years., During that time he became acquainted with everyone
in Smethport and a large percentage of the people of this county. He was a
man who possessed a kind heart and a charming manner, always considerate of
the welfare of others, that won him a host of firm friends in Smethport and
McKean county who will join with The Miner in deeply mourning his demise. He
was a firm and loyal friend of the editor of The Miner, one whom we greatly
regret to lose. He is survived by two sons, Howard, of Bradford, and
Frederick of Lockport. He also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Isabelle Bell and Mrs.
Katherine Finney, both of Pittsburgh, and two brothers, John McElroy of Oil
city and wood McElroy of Cincinnati, Ohio.
The following history of his career is taken from the Oil City Blizzard.
'He was born in Allegheny county, February 23, 1842; attended the public
schools and was a graduate of the Turtle Creek, Pa,., academy. In November,
1861, he enlisted in Company A 102d Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry, better
known as the 'Old thirteenth" and was honorably discharged at the close of the
war. He was taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville but fortunately
paroled before he had been confined for any great length of time in one of the
southern prisons.
(bio goes on at length)
His remains were taken to Oil City on Monday and on Tuesday afternoon at 3
o'clock the funeral services, which were largely attended, were held at the
home of his brother, John H. McElroy, Rev. S.A. Cornelius, DD, pastor of the
Second Presbyterian church officiating, and his remains were laid at rest in
Grove Hill cemetery, under the direction of Tabbot Commandry, Knights Templar,
of Oil City, and the beautiful burial ritual was given by the officers of
Trinity Commandry of Bradford. The pall bearers were Sir Knights George N.
Reed, George W. Magee, E.V.D. Sheldon, Garde C. Duncan, Thomas Farmer and
Harvey Fritz.
The friends and relatives afro a distance who attended the services were Mr.
and Mrs. F.W. McElroy, Lockport, N.Y.; Howard McElroy, Bradford, Mr. and Mrs.
Harry ?Finney, Mrs. Isabelle Bell, Mrs. William d. Grimes, Mrs. H.A. Snively
and daughter, Helen, of Pittsburgh; James Woodburn, Mrs. David W. Boulton,
Mrs. Donaldson, Franklin; John W. Campbell, Warren, E.A. Bayne, L.M. Ferney,
Thomas Thompson, Jr. Walker and John Levy, of Bradford.
Page 1.
Frederick Ritchie Dead.
News was received here Monday evening that Frederick Ritchie, a brother of
George Ritchie, manger of Brownell's grocery, had fallen from an electric
light pole in St. Marys that afternoon and received injuries which caused his
death in a short time.
Later we learned that the unfortunate young man, who was superintendent for
the St. Marys Electric Lighting & Power company, had fallen while working on a
pole and broken several ribs, some of which had pierced his lungs and caused
death in a short time.
The deceased was a capable, energetic young man who had a host of friends
who will deeply regret his sudden demise. He is survived by a wife and two
small children. The funeral was held in St. Marys yesterday morning.
Page 1.
Suffocated In Smoke.
Thomas Callahan, a well-known resident of this city for over 30 years, met
death in fire and smoke at his home, No. 19 Howard street, at about 8 o'clock
Sunday morning. It is presumed that he was suffocated by smoke before the
flames reached his sleeping apartments, says Monday's Bradford Era.
The fire was first discovered by neighbors who turned in an alarm from box
31. The fireman made a quick response and upon reaching the scene found that
the building was filled with smoke and that flames were coming out through
windows. Mr. Callahan lived alone I the house and his failure to appear led
to the belief that he had perished.
As soon as the flames had been checked to some extent firemen entered the
rear upstairs part through a window from a shed. There they found the body of
the man lying on the floor near his bed. From all appearances he had made an
attempt to get out. He still wore all his clothing, but the bed clothing had
been turned back, as if he was about to retire. The body was taken out
through the window.
Coroner Sherman was notified and the body was taken in charge by Undertaker
Still and prepared for burial at the undertaking rooms.
Thomas Callahan was born in Ireland on March 12, 1850. He came to this
county in 1866 and located at Baltimore, Md. Ten years later he came to
Bradford where he had since lived. He was in past years largely interested in
construction work as a contractor. When the No. 2 reservoir was constructed
he officiated as superintendent. For two terms he was road supervisor of
Bradford township and was an intelligent, energetic man.
Besides his widow, he leaves two sons, ex-Councilman John Callahan and
Thomas P, Callahan, four daughters, Mrs. J.J. Riley and the Misses Mary,
Margaret and Elizabeth Callahan, all of Bradford.
Page 4.
Killed At Duke Center.
Percy bunker, aged 26 years, was killed early Saturday morning while engaged
in drilling operations for his father, Contractor Leon Bunker, who was
employed on the McKeown farm by an oil company of which Charles Duke is
president. The farm is located one-half mile from Duke Center. At 1:30
o'clock, Mr. Bunker in company with George Starr, a fellow workman, was
engaged in pulling tools. He was pressing down on the bull rope when he
slipped and fell, striking on the rope which drew him under the bull wheel,
breaking his neck.
The body was taken to a physician's office in Duke Center and later prepared
for burial by Undertaker J.M. Sloan of Bradford. The body was taken to the
home of the father. Deceased was a member of the K.O.T.M. lodge, to which he
had belonged one month.
He is survived by his father, mother, two brothers and one sister, all
residents of Duke Center. He had been a resident of Duke Center for many
years and was well known and generally esteemed. - Sunday Herald.
Page 5.
Mrs. George Clark, of Kane, formerly Miss Rose Fields of Marvin Creek, died
at her home in Kane at 3 a.m. Thursday, from the effects of cancer, aged 38
years. The deceased is survived by her husband, and six children, the eldest
14 and the youngest three years of age. The remains were brought to Mt.
Jewett, and taken from here to Marvindale Saturday morning, and at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, after services at the Marvindale school house, Rev. A.S.M. Hopkins
of Hazelhurst officiating, they were laid at rest in Kasson cemetery. - Mt.
Jewett Herald.
April 18, 1912.
Page 3.
Robert Lee Ray, the nine-months old son of Mr. and Mrs. W.I. Ray, died on
Tuesday, April 9, 1912, at 8 a.m. at the Lee Hotel, Johnston city, Tenn., the
cause of the little fellow's death being whooping cough and measles. Mrs. Ray
was formerly Miss Mabel Essensa of this place and her many friends here will
sympathize with her in her bereavement.
April 25, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. James Sweeney.
Mrs. James Sweeney, nee Margaret Mullin, formerly of this place, who resided
in Tulsa, Okla., died at a hospital in Rochester, Minn., on Monday, from the
effects of an operation for a tumor.
The deceased, who was about 50 years of age, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
John Mullin and was born and spent her young womanhood in this place and she
has many friends in Smethport who will deeply mourn her demise. She was a
devoted member of the Roman Catholic church, having been brought up in the
faith from infancy.
She is survived by her husband and two children, Miss Alice and Paul, and
two brothers, William Mullin, who lives in the West, and John E. Mullin of
Kane, and two sisters, Mrs. William DeGarmo and Miss Mary Mullin both of
Washington, Pa., who will deeply mourn the loss of a kind and loving wife,
mother and sister.
Her remains arrived here on the 10:10 Pennsylvania train this morning and
were taken to the home of Hon. James A. McKean, where they will be left until
tomorrow morning at 8 o'clock when the funeral will be held from St.
Elizabeth's church, Rev. J.F. Dugan officiating, and her remains will be laid
at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. Esther Parker
Died, at East Smethport, April 20, 1912, Mrs. Esther A. Parker, widow of the
late A.J. Parker, and daughter of William and Esther Steele Talburt. Mrs.
Parker was born at Hartford, Conn., Sept. 6th, 1837.
Her parents moved to Pennsylvania many years ago and bought a small farm in
Lafayette township and for more than forty years resided there.
In March, 1885, Esther became the wife of A.J. Parker, and the remainder of
her life was passed at Smethport. She has lived to see every member of her
family 'cross the river;" her willing hands and tireless feet ministered to
the needs of many of them. If service will add to the luster of her crown
then Esther Parker will be a bright one indeed.
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S.R. Parrett, assisted by Rev.
J.W. McGavern, in the Union church at East Smethport. Many friends gathered
to show their love and respect for their old friend and neighbor. The tired
body was laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery, awaiting the dawn of the
Resurrection morning.
Page 1.
Drowned Near Eldred.
Carl Kolbe, a young man who lived in Eldred township, was drowned in the
Allegheny river last Sunday afternoon while trying to rescue a baseball.
Young Kolbe was playing baseball near the river and the ball was batted into
the stream. Kolbe and another young man named Carl Pratt waded into the
stream to recover the ball. It was floating rapidly with the current and both
young men were soon in water over their heads. Both could swim and there were
no thoughts of danger. Pratt recovered the ball and started back for the
shore. He overtook Kolbe, who was struggling desperately to keep afloat and
calling for help. He had become chilled and was disabled by cramps. Pratt
tried to help his companion, but Kolbe sank beneath the water an instant
before the swimmer reached him.
Pratt continued to shore and an immediate search for Kolbe's body was
instituted. After two hours the body was found quite a distance down the
stream. Kolbe was 21 years of age and a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Kolbe,
who live across the river from Eldred. He was a well known young man and his
untimely death is generally regretted in the Eldred community.
Page 1.
Child Was Poisoned.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin E. Bradley, who reside at Simpson, were bereaved
yesterday afternoon by the death of their four-year-old son, Lawrence Bradley,
says Friday's Era.
The child had found some poisonous tablets and was playing with them when
discovered by Mrs. Bradley. The mother was alarmed, but the little one, in
reply to questions, said he had not eaten any of the tablets. Some time
later, however, the boy while at a neighbor's house, got drowsy and fell into
a sleep from which he could not be roused.
Dr. Haley of Mt. Alton exerted his skill to save the child's life but was
not successful, death ensuing at 5 o'clock. The fatality was due to the
poisonous tablets; so the doctor said.
Besides his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin E. Bradley, the little one leaves
one brother, Glen Bradley, aged 11 years.
Mr. Bradley, the father of the child, is employed by the South Penn Oil
company at Simpson.
The grief-stricken parents will have much sympathy from a large circle of
friends.
May 2, 1912.
Page 1.
George Bernard Suicides.
George Bernard a former Eldred young man who was the proprietor of a barber
shop at No, 120 West State Olean committed suicide by taking a large dose of
carbolic acid in a North street saloon in that city Monday afternoon,.
At 3:30 o'clock Bernard walked into the saloon and calling for a glass of
beer, stepped into a back room with it, returned for another glass, saying he
had broken the first one, and a few minutes later came out and announced that
he had taken a good dose of carbolic acid.
Dr. J.J. Loughlen was called and, with Bernard's wife and brother, was in
the ambulance with him on the way to the General hospital, shortly after 6
o'clock, when he died. Coroner Smith, considering an autopsy unnecessary, the
body was taken to an undertaker's and later to the home at No. 415 West State
street.
Bernard, who at one time worked at his trade in this place for a short time,
was about 35 years of age and is survived by a wife and one child. He had
been in poor health for some time and that with the partial loss of the sight
of one eye is supposed to have driven him to the rash act. He is said to have
left a note for his wife in which he asked her to bring up their child to love
and respect him and, bidding them good-bye, he added, 'I cannot help it."
Page 1.
Mrs. John Steinhauer.
Mrs. John w. Steinhauer died at her home in Clermont, Pa., last Sunday
evening, April 28, 1912, at 8:30 o'clock from the effects of cancers. She was
age 62 years and 19 days.
For the past year Mrs. Steinhauer has suffered from cancers, and has been at
hospitals in buffalo several times in the hopes of having the growths
stopped. About a month ago she came home from buffalo, where the doctors had
given up all hopes of helping her, and since that time had been confined to
her bed, until death came to relieve her sufferings Sunday night.
Augusta Henrietta Muller was born in Fregenateyn, Germany, on April 9,
1850. In 1868 she was united in marriage to William Weldel of the same place,
and in the year 1871 they came to this country to make their future home, at
last settling in Clermont, Pa., where her husband died in 1887. In 1888 she
was united in marriage to John W. Steinhauer of that place, and since that
time they had always lived in Clermont.
Besides her husband, she is survived by 9 children. Mrs. Joseph Fiddler of
Westville, Pa., Mrs. L.A. Lyman, and William Weldel of Buffalo, Mrs. Christian
LaBarr of Clermont, Mrs. Caroline Haase of Olean, Max Weldel, of Bradford; the
Misses Bertha and Ella Weldel, and Sofia Steinhauer all of Clermont, who will
deeply mourn the loss of a kind and loving wife and mother. She is also
survived by 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
She was a devout member of the Methodist church of Clermont and had always
lived as a true Christian. And at the last when her suffering was well nigh
unbearable her faith never wavered, and died believing He must have thought it
best. She was one of God's true noble women and was one of the most earnest
and most loving workers in the church in that community.
Her death will be sorely and sincerely mourned not only in her home but in
the community in which she lived.
The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist church in
Clermont, Rev. J.A. Perkins of Colegrove officiating, and her remains were
laid at rest in the Clermont cemetery. The floral tributes were many and
unusually beautiful.
Page 1.
Mrs. Hilda Lindholm
Mrs. Hilda Lindholm of Crosby died at the private hospital of Dr. McGrainor
in Port Allegany on Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The cause of her death was
peritonitis, which resulted from an ulcer on her side. She was aged about 20
years.
Mrs. Lindholm was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hendrickson of
Crosby, and has always resided in that vicinity. About three years ago she
was united in marriage to Charles Lindholm, and the fruits of this union was
one daughter, Marlon Grace, aged two years, who with her grandparents will
deeply mourn the loss of a fond and loving mother and daughter.
Mrs. Lindholm is said to have been a most lovable and highly respected young
woman, prominent in the church work of Crosby and her death will be sincerely
mourned by a large circle of friends in that vicinity.
Her remains were brought to the home of her parents in Crosby yesterday and
the funeral services were held at eleven o'clock this morning and burial in
the Colegrove cemetery.
Page 1.
An Estimable Smethport Woman Dead.
Mrs. Alfred H. Kidder died at her home on Fulton street, this borough at
three o'clock last Friday morning, April 26, 1912, the cause of her death
being peritonitis. Although Mrs. Kidder had not been feeling well for some
time she had only been real sick for a few days, and only a few of her most
intimate friends realized that her condition was dangerous, and therefore the
news of her death came as a shock to her many friends.
Miss Elizabeth I. Bowes was born in Birdsall, N.Y., on September 8, 1873,
and was therefore in her thirty ninth year of life. Later she moved with her
family to Eldred, where she resided until her marriage. On September, 15,
1893, she was united in Marriage to Alfred M. Kidder and came here to reside,
where she remained until death removed her from our midst.
This estimable woman is survived by her husband two daughters, Miss Norine
Vivian, aged 17 years, and Miss Helen Marian, aged 16 years, her mother Mrs.
James Bowes, one brother, James Bowes, Jr. and one sister Mrs. S.E. Ellis, all
of Nicholson, Pa. She was a kind and devoted and loving wife, mother,
daughter and sister and her sudden death is a severe blow to the surviving
member of her family as well as to a large circle of friends.
She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Ladies Aid
society and the Women's Foreign Missionary society of that church; a member of
the L.O.T.M., of which organization she was the commander, and the Record
Keeper sends us the following tribute.
She was at her death Commander of Brown Hive, No. 49, L.O.T.M. and had
served the last three terms before this in the same chair. And many terms
previous. Each member felt there was no other member of our Hive who was
equally capable of meeting all conditions with the same smiling impartiality
and justice as Elizabeth Kidder. We feel a broken circle and paid a last
tribute to her by attending the funeral, those of us within reach, in a body
and as flower bearers.
Some of the Ladies of the Macabees were with her at the last and constantly
from death until burial thereby showing the deep esteem and friendship they
held for her.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church on Sunday
afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. J.W. McGavern, pastor of that church,
officiating. The services were largely attended, the church being crowded to
its full capacity by loving friends and neighbors who came to pay their last
respects to a noble woman who had used her best efforts in uplifting and had
been suddenly called to her reward above. The Smethport Fire Department, of
which Mr. Kidder is a member, and the L.O.T,M. attended in a body. The choir
sang 'Rock of Ages," 'Jesus Lover of My Soul," and 'Abide With Me." The
floral offerings were unusually profuse and beautiful, including pieces from
the various organizations of which deceased was a member, and from the
Smethport Hose company, the K.O.T.M., the Woodmen and the Smethport High
School. Interment took place in rose Hill Cemetery.
(Resolutions of Respect published May 2, 1912)
Page 2.
Willard Rounds of Ceres, N.Y., died Sunday afternoon. He was injured on
Friday when his team became frightened at a passing trolley car. Mr. Rounds
was thrown from his wagon and dragged for some distance his left side being
crushed in.
Page 5.
The parents of little Theodore Morton, who was drowned in the Allegheny
river, near his home in Salamanca, N.Y., April 15, have offered a reward of
$50 for the recovery of his body. Warren fishermen and others, whom pleasure
or business calls to the vicinity of the river, are urged to keep a close
watch for the remains of the lad, as it is supposed that the current may have
carried the body this far down the stream since the date of the fatality. -
Warren Mirror.
Page 5.
John A. Erickson of Ridgway, a young man aged 20 years, had his life crushed
out under the wheels of a B.R.&P. freight train at Johnsonburg late last
Friday night or early Saturday morning. Young Erickson had been at
Johnsonburg in attendance at the I.O.O.F. celebration and late that night he
evidently attempted to catch a freight train home, and was crushed under the
wheels. His body was horribly mangled, almost beyond recognition and it was
some time before it could be identified even by his friends.
Page 5.
Death of Harrison Leonard.
Harrison Leonard died at the home of Gerald McGee, Thursday morning, April
25, 1912, of Bright's disease, aged 69 years.
Mr. Leonard was born at Beaver's Dam, N.Y., Nov. 9, 1842. He was a soldier
in the Civil War. In March, 1863, he was united in marriage to Eliza J.
Austin who died 5 years ago.
He is survived by seven children; Mrs. T.M. Mattison of B???; William, of
Keech, Potter county; Bert, of Emporium; James, of Cameron; Mrs. Milard
Lupole, of Cameron; John, of Norwich, and Mrs. Gerald McGee, of Colegrove.
The funeral service was held at the Union church at Colegrove, Saturday at 2
o'clock, Rev. Perkins officiating. Interment was in Colegrove cemetery.
May 9, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. Alfred Peterson.
Mrs. Alfred Peterson died at her home a short distance west of this place on
the Mt. Jewett road at 3:30 Tuesday evening, May 7, 1912, aged about 42 years.
The cause of her death was pellagra, a very uncommon disease in this country
and said to be the first ever reported in this county. Although quite-common
in some of the foreign countries pellagra is so seldom found in this country
that little is known of remedies and therefore it is almost always fatal. It
starts with a rash on the face and hands, followed by loss of flesh, hands
become crusted, disturbances of the stomach and bowels and later melancholy,
loss of mind and finally death. Mrs. Peterson had been suffering from this
disease about a year and death relieved her sufferings before her mind became
seriously impaired. The disease is said to be caused by eating or handling
decayed or unwholesome food, more especially vegetables and the mystery is how
this estimable woman contracted it.
Mrs. Peterson was a devout member of the Swedish Lutheran church, a good
neighbor and a most estimable woman and her decease will be deeply mourned by
a large circle of friends.
The funeral services will be held on Friday, Rev. J.W. McGavern will hold a
prayer at the home at 10 a.m. after which the body will be taken to Mt. Jewett
where the funeral services will be held at the Swedish Lutheran church, Rev.
Fredenberg officiating. Her remains will be laid at rest in the cemetery at
that place.
Page 3.
After a search lasting four days and nights, the dead body of Mrs. Anna Poux
of Punxsutawney, was found Monday morning in a swamp two miles from her home.
Mrs. Poux, aged 81, lat Tuesday night disappeared from her home. She had
wandered from the road into the swamp. Torn bushes and other evidences of her
last struggle were many. The body was taken to Guys mills.
Page 3.
Clarence Vandenburg, 14 years old, was shooting at a tin can with a 22
calibre rifle, Friday evening, near his home at Cherry Grove, Warren county.
Warren Vandenburg, brother of the shooter, was tossing the can into the air
for the young marksman to perforate. Accidentally, Clarence fired too low and
a bullet struck warren in the head. On Saturday the wounded lad died at the
Warren Emergency Hospital. The parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Vandenburg are
nearly distracted.
Page 3.
A correspondent in writing from Hickox, Potter county, says: 'Mr. and Mrs.
Leonard Simmons were called to Wellsboro on Wednesday, April 17th, by the
death of their daughter, Mrs. Mattie Lewis. Mrs. Lewis had been sick for some
time and her death was not unexpected. Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were accompanied
on their sad journey by their son, Burt Simmons, and wife, of Whitesville,
N.Y. Mattie Simmons was born about forty years ago and was the only daughter
of Leonard and Nellie Hackett Simmons. In early life she was married to
Ormand Nourse and to them was born one daughter, Alean, who resides in
Wellsboro. She was later married to Alfred Lewis, who survives her. She
leaves three brothers: Burt, of Whitesville, Delano and Lloyd of Wellsboro.
She was a woman of bright, cheerful disposition and had many friends wherever
she was known."
May 16, 1912.
Page 1.
Three Citizens Passed Away This Week.
Three will-known citizens in Smethport and vicinity have passed away within
the past week.
'
Anson P. Smith.
Anson P. Smith, one of the best known farmers of Norwich township died at
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pratt on Sunday evening. He was aged 71 years,
one month and 25 days, and the causes of death was a general break down of
health and old age.
Mr. Smith was born on the Ezekel Smith farm in Norwich township on March 17,
1841, and spent all his life in the Potato creek valley. When a young man he
was united in marriage to Miss Diana Rugg and took up his residence on the old
homestead which is located only a short distance below Crosby on the west side
of the creek. On this place he always resided until a few weeks ago when he
was brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Pratt in East Smethport that he
might receive better care during his illness.
Mrs. Smith died a number of years ago and as they had no children, his only
living near relative is a brother Wm. T. Smith, who resides in Canoie, Minn.
However, he has a number of nieces and nephews in this vicinity, among whom
are C.D., M.S. and E.F. Comes and Mrs. L.B. Kelley.
Mr. Smith was a good citizen, a companionable neighbor and a man who had
many friends. The writer has known him for a great many years and always
counted him a true friend. His death will be deeply mourned by a large circle
of friends.
On Tuesday at noon a prayer was held at the Pratt home and Mr. Smith's
remains were taken to the Colegrove church where services were held by Rev.
J.W. McGavern, pastor of the M.E. church at Smethport. His remains were laid
at rest beside those of his wife in the Colegrove cemetery.
Thomas O'Brien.
Thomas O'Brien died at his home on Bank street, this borough, on Tuesday
afternoon between three and four o'clock, May 14, 1912. The cause of his
death was Bright's disease from which he has been a sufferer for the past six
or eight months. He was aged 56 years, five months and two days.
Thomas O'Brien was born at Baker's Bridge N.Y., on Dec. 12, 1855, and came
to Smethport in 1872. For a time he was employed on the Clermont branch of
the Pennsylvania Railroad and later worked in the woods. He assisted in
building the Smethport Extract works and held apposition with that company
until a few years ago when they ceased operations in Smethport. He then
bought the Tyler farm at the mouth of Reilly hollow and conducted that until a
year or so ago when he moved to town again and bought a home on bank street.
On April 18, 1875, he was united in marriage to Miss Julia, daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. Callhan McCarthy of this place and the fruits of this union were
seven children, six of whom survive with their mother to mourn the loss of a
kind, loving and indulgent husband and father. The surviving children are;
Thomas of Olean; Leo, Edward and John of this place; and Mrs. L.F. Schlosser
and Miss May O'Brien of Smethport. He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs.
C.T. Scott and Mrs. J. Gunter of Wellsville, N.Y., and Mrs. J. Driscoll of
Cuba, N.Y., and two brothers, M.P. O'Brien of this place and J. O'Brien of
Wellsville.
Thomas O'Brien was a man who had a host of friends. He was honest and
square in all his dealings, a capable workman and a good citizen in every
sense of the word. His death will be keenly felt by all who knew him in this
section.
The funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth's church, of which he was
a member, at 9 o'clock Friday morning, Rev. J.F. Dugan officiating and his
remains will be laid at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. J.H. Sprague.
Anna, wife of J.H. Sprague, who resides in Keating township on the Farmers
Valley road, died at the Kane hospital on Sunday last, aged about 45 years.
The cause of her death was peritonitis following an operation for rupture.
Mrs. Sprague has been a resident of Farmers Valley for about twelve years
having come there with her husband fro Elk county. She is spoken of as a
woman of many admirable qualities and her death will be mourned by her husband
and many friends. She was of English birth and as she had no children her
only near relative in this vicinity is her husband.
The funeral services were held for the home of Fred Brockham on Tuesday
afternoon and her remains were laid at rest in Smith cemetery.
Page 1.
16-Year-Old Boy Killed.
George Donahy, a 16-year-old boy, who was employed by F.L. Bouquin, of
corwin Center, as a farm hand, was instantly killed shortly after 6 o'clock
last evening by being crushed by a farm roller, says the Bradford Sunday
Herald.
The unfortunate boy had been working in the field, rolling the soil and was
on his way to the barn to put the team in the stable for the night when the
accident occurred.
The farm roller is a heavy affair, weighing about 3,000 pounds. A team was
hitched to the roller and the young man was sitting on the front of the rack
driving the horses. When he came to the road he drove over the ditch in which
there were some boards and in passing over these the roller tilted, causing
the young man to lose his balance, throwing him to the ground directly in
front of the roller. The team kept on pulling the heavy roller and the big
weight passed over his body, crushing his skull and breaking both legs,
besides badly crushing the entire trunk.
The farm house was nearby and the residents quickly came to the young man's
aid and carried him into the house, but he died almost immediately after he
was brought into the farm residence. Dr. Ash was telephoned for and
responded, but, of course, the young man was dead and the doctor after
examining the body, said that his death was almost instantaneous.
The young man, since his employment with Mr. Bouquin, has been making his
home with his employer. He is survived by an uncle, gust Kopanske, of No. 444
South avenue.
May 23, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. McGowan Dies In Buffalo Last Thursday.
Mrs. James McGowan died at the general hospital in buffalo last Thursday
evening, as the result of an operation she had undergone for gall stones the
previous week, and when the news reached Smethport that this estimable woman
had passed away it cast a deep shadow of sadness over a wide circle of her
friends here.
At first it was thought that the operation was going to be successful for
she improved for a time, but on Wednesday evening she had a bad spell and her
eldest daughter, Miss Emogene, hastened to her bedside on Thursday morning and
was with her at the time of her death. James, who is attending Allegheny
College at Meadville, arrived there a short time after her death.
Miss Anna Hocuason?? Was born in Holland, Sweden, on February 17, 1866, and
was therefore in the 47th year of life. In 1873 she with her family, came to
this country and located at Wilcox. Later she came to Smethport and met James
McGowan, whom she married in October, 1886, at Cuba, N.Y., and to them were
born seven children, four boys, namely, George, James, Charles and Leonard,
and three daughters, Emogene, Helen and Anna, all of whom survive with their
father to mourn the loss of a kind, loving, indulgent and noble wife and
mother.
For a number of years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McGowan lived in the
Ormsby oil field, but about ten years ago they moved to Smethport.
During her residence her Mrs. McGowan has won a host of loving friends by
her kind and loving spirit and her many noble traits, both in and out of her
home. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church and a
member of the local Grange, and notwithstanding the fact that she was a busy
and constant worker in her home she found time to do much good work in these
organizations. Although a very busy woman she was always ready to help in any
worthy cause and many a stricken family has known her kindly ministration.
Her warm heart and genial manner, combined with an unfailing and irresistible
fund of humor made her a delightful companion in joy, and in sorrow she showed
an unfailing tenderness and sympathy.
The remains were brought to the family home Friday night and the funeral was
held from the Baptist church on Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock, the Rev. J.W.
McGavern of the Methodist Episcopal church officiating. The funeral was
largely attended and the floral offerings were unusually numerous and
beautiful. The Methodist choir furnished the music. The honorary bearers
were Hon. J.W. Bouton, George W. Mitchell, W.P. Walsh and H.C. Wells. The
active bearers were Hon. R.W. Hilton, S.W. Hubbard, Oscar Engstrom, D.M.
Cooper, F.L. Sherburne and W.F. Specht.
Among those present from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Carl Engstrom and
family and Mrs. Clara Stuart, of Kane; Mrs. John Peterson and daughter of
Wilcox; Harry Wheeler of Wheeling, W. Va., and Mrs. W.E. Scott and Miss Mary
Conwell of Simpson.
The remains were interred in Rose Hill cemetery, there to await the
resurrection of the just.
(Resolutions of Respect were published in May 30 edition, on page 1)
Page 3.
Bradford Era of Wednesday; Coroner Sherman was notified yesterday afternoon
of the death of William Hall, a well known resident of Coleville. Mr. Hall
was about 76 years of age and lived alone. He was in Bradford on Monday and
was apparently in his usual health. Yesterday afternoon however, he dropped
dead from heart disease. Coroner Sherman drove to Coleville and made some
inquiries relative to the sudden death. Heart disease was given as the cause.
May 30, 1912.
Page 1.
Death of John D. Dugan.
John D. Dugan, father of Rev. J.F. Dugan, passed away at the home of his son
at St. Elizabeth's parochial residence in this place at 12:15 o'clock Saturday
afternoon, May 25, 1912, at the advanced age of 94 years, after an illness of
one week, due to the infirmities of old age.
Mr. Dugan had been a resident of this place for the past two years and had
enjoyed good health up to the time of the illness which took him away.
Mr. Dugan was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1818. He came to this
country in 1842 and located in Pittsburgh. In 1849 he went to California.
Upon his return from California in 1861 he was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza Daugherty in Philadelphia. Subsequently he went to Erie county, Pa.,
and purchased a farm where the family lived until about two years ago when Mr.
and Mrs. Dugan came to /Smethport to live with their son.
The deceased was a devout Catholic and had always lived up the true
teachings of its creed. He was an exceptionally bright and intelligent old
gentleman and during his residence here made many warm friends who hoped that
he might live to pass the century mark of life.
He is survived by his aged wife, three sons, Rev. Father J.F. Dugan, of this
borough; John and Edward Dugan, of Erie, and two daughters, Mrs. Margaret
Kinter and Mrs. Susan Berry, both of Erie, Pa., all of whom deeply mourn the
loss of a kind and affectionate husband and father.
On Monday morning Mass was held at St. Elizabeth's church at 8:30 o'clock,
after which his remains were taken to Erie on the Pennsylvania train. The
funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock in St. Patrick's
church of which congregation the deceased was the oldest member. His remains
were laid at rest in Trinity cemetery at Erie.
Page 3.
Mrs. Mary Devine, aged 78 years, fell down stairs about two o'clock this
morning while wandering around the house in her sleep, at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. A.T. Crouse, at East Kane, and died soon after the accident
from the shock of the fall owing to her advanced age. She received a long cut
over the right eye but the skull was not fractured. Mrs. Devine was formerly
of Phillipsburg but came here to live with her daughter less than a month
ago. - Monday's Kane Republican.
Page 5.
Bertha Ocelia, the eldest daughter of James Bray, of Farmers Valley, died at
the home of her uncle in Moody Hollow on Sunday last, after a short illness of
pneumonia, aged 12 years. Funeral was held at the Coryville church Tuesday,
interment in Moody Hollow cemetery. - Eldred Eagle.
Page 5.
Paul J. Altman, aged one year, son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman J. Altman, of
Butler, strangled to death Sunday morning. The child had been placed on its
bed upstairs by the grandmother, and left alone. In some manner it rolled to
the side and fell through a crevice between the bed and wall. The child hung
suspended until it died.
June 6, 1912.
Page 3.
A horrible accident occurred at Helvetia, near DuBois, on Saturday morning,
when the clothes of Edwin Brent, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. George
Brent, caught fire as he played with a small bon fire and burned him so badly
that he died in awful agony five hours later. The accident happened at an
early hour. The father is a prominent miner of Helvetia and shortly after he
went to work Mrs. Brent set several pieces of paper on fire in her back yard
and then stepped into the door of her neighbor to see a sick woman. Two
minutes later she was startled to hear one of her older daughters screaming
for help and ran out to fine the little boy burning. She hastily beat out the
fire on his clothes, burning her hands in doing so but not before the lad had
been seared so badly as to result fatally.
Page 5.
George Schnell of Clearfield, Pa., was found dead early last Friday along
the Belle Valley creek. He had been killed some time during the night when
his horse, becoming frightened at some object in the dark, dashed over an
embankment. Schnell was thrown out of the buggy and against a fence with such
force that his skull was fractured. The body was found by men the next
morning who were on their way to work. Schnell was an employe of the P.&E.
railroad at Langdon station.
June 13, 1912.
Page 1.
J.H. Biever Passed Away On Sunday.
J.H. Biever, one of Smethport's well known and well liked citizens passed
away at his home on Water street Sunday evening, June 8, 1912. He was aged 68
years, three months and 26 days.
For a great many years Mr. Biever has suffered with asthma and for some time
this disease has given him a great deal of trouble, and for several months he
has been unable to lie down, even to sleep. It was this trouble, with
complications, which caused his death.
Mr. Biever was born in Buffalo on February 8, 1844, and when about 20 years
of age he came to Smethport and has resided here ever since. ON May 29, 1878,
he was untied in marriage to Miss Mellissa A. Irons, a daughter of Oliver
Irons of Keathing township, and to them were born four children, three girls,
Miss Jennie, of this place; Mrs. Ora Davis, of Bridgeport, Ill.; and Mrs.
Margaret Powell, of Adamston, W. Va., and one son Fred, who is station agent
here for the Pittsburg, Shawmut & Northern R.R. Co. His beloved wife preceded
him into the Great Beyond about three years ago. Mr. Biever was a kind and
affectionate father and his death is deeply mourned by his loving children.
Henry Biever was a hard-working, honest and industrious man and a good
citizen. He was a member of the borough council for a number of years and
made a good representative of the people. For a great many years he held the
position of fireman in Gifford's mill and about twenty years ago he nearly
lost his life by being shot in the neck by Guy Gifford, who was handling a
revolver, when it accidentally went off.
Mr. Biever was a volunteer fireman in Buffalo before he came here and when
the Smethport Fire Department was organized he was one of the promoters and a
charter member. He always took an active interest in the department and has
filled most of the offices in that organization. At the time of his death he
was one of the trustees of the department and janitor of the fire house and
parlors. He had a host of friends in Smethport and vicinity who will deeply
regret his demise.
The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church yesterday
afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. J.W. McGavern officiating, and his remains were
laid at rest beside those of his life-companion in Rose Hill cemetery. The
Smethport fire Department attended in a body to pay honest respect to their
comrade and brother.
Page 1.
A shocking accident occurred in the village of Galeton early Monday when
Mrs. Clarence Ross who lived with her family just below Oleona was thrown
under the wheels of a Buffalo & Susquehanna locomotive.
Mr. and Mrs. Ross had driven to town to do some shopping,. They were
driving a young colt beside an old mare, and when nearly opposite the Laurel
hotel the team became frightened at the approach of the train from behind.
They started to run and one of the bits broke in the horse's mouth; without
control they ran up the street and attempted to cross the track ahead of the
engine, No one seems to know whether Mrs. Ross Jumped from the wagon or was
thrown out, but she landed squarely on the track with her neck across the
rail. Her head was completely severed from the body. The team and wagon with
Mr. Ross cleared the track in safety.
The family are recent comers in Oleona and were attempting to clear a patch
of land for a home not far from the school house.
Page 1.
Death of George Covely.
George Covely, a former Smethport boy, died at the Ridgway hospital on
Monday, June 10, 1912, at about 10 o'clock in the morning. He was aged 33
years and 6 days. The cause of his death was typhoid fever, from which he has
been suffering for the past three months.
George Covely was born in Smethport on June 4, 1879, and when about 16 years
of age he moved with his father to Johnsonburg, where he has resided most of
the time since.
In February, 1902, he was united in marriage to Miss Estella Underwood of
Mt. Jewett, and to them were born two girls, Edna, aged 8 years, and Hazel,
aged 3, who with their mother deeply mourn the loss of a kind, loving and
considerate husband and father. He is also survived by his aged father,
William Covely, of Johnsonburg; three sisters, Mrs. E. W. Jones, of this
lalce; Mrs. Bessie McCluskey, of Freeport, Ill,; and Mrs. Minnie Sloppy, of
this place, and one brother, John Covely, who is employed in Brownell's store,
who will sincerely mourn his untimely death.
George Covely was a capable young man, who during his residence in
Johnsonburg has made many friends in both a business and social way and his
death will be keenly felt by a large circle of friends, both there and here.
His remains were taken to his home in Johnsonburg and the funeral services
were held in that place at 9 o'clock this morning.
June 27, 1912.
Page 1.
R.K. Godding Dead.
His many friends in Smethport and vicinity were shocked when the sad news
reached them that Rollen K. Godding, editor of the Kane Daily Republican and
postmaster of Kane had died at the Kane hospital after a brief illness. He was
aged nearly 62 years.
The cause of his death was uraemic poisoning followed shortly before his
death by an apoplectic stroke. He had not been in good health for about a
year past but was only taken to his bed one week before his death.
Mr. Godding and family came to Smethport in 1893, and was employed in the
Democrat office for two years and then was employed in this office about a
year. During this time he became acquainted with nearly all of our citizens,
among whom he had many firm friends up to the time of his death. From here he
went to Mt. Jewett and was employed in the Herald office and from there to
Kane where he took a position with Col. Rogers in the Republican office as
local editor and advertising manager. In further relation to his history we
clip the following from the Republican:
'The deceased was born in Little Valley, N.Y., June 27th, 1860, being a son
of Carlos and Harriet (Knox) Godding, his mother being a descendant of the
celebrated Lincoln family. When nine years f age Mr. Godding's parents moved
to Boone, Iowa, where he received his education in the public school. He
learned the printer's trade at the age of seventeen, and the larger portion of
his life has been spent in the printing and publishing business. He returned
to Little Valley in 1885, and in 1886, on February 3rd, was united in marriage
to Ella Frances Hover, of that place. He resided Albion, Spartansburg,
Smethport and Mt. Jewett before coming to Kane, some fifteen years ago.
Entering the employ of Col Lucius Rogers, editor and proprietor of the Kane
Daily Republican, he served in the capacity of local editor until the Colonel
assumed the office of postmaster. January 1st, 1900, he bought an interest in
the paper and became treasurer and business manager of the company which was
then formed and incorporated. In 1906 he purchased a controlling interest in
the company and assumed the editorship of the paper. In July, 1909, he was
commissioned postmaster of Kane, and in August assumed these added duties.
He is survived by his wife, three daughters, Mable, Gladys and Hazel, also
one son, Carl; one brother, Clyde, of Vancouver, B.C., and one sister, Mrs.
Maude Rutherford, of Tacoma, Wash.; also his mother.
Mr. Godding was a good citizen for Kane. The columns of his paper as well
as his best and most energetic personal efforts were always used for the
betterment of the town, both morally and in an industrial way. He was a
forceful, fearless writer and was always ready to take up the fight for the
good of mankind and the community in which he lived. In the death of R.K.
Godding, Kane has lost a good citizen and his family has lost a kind, loving
and indulgent husband and father.
The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, under the
direction of Kane Lodge, No. 412, I.O.O. F., at the Congregational church,
Rev, George A. Sutton of the Presbyterian church delivering the funeral sermon
and was assisted by Rev. T.R. Corutice, Rev. C.M. Conaat and Rev. Charles F.
Hahn.
June 27, 1912.
Page 3.
Robert, the seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Muff of Ridgway was
instantly killed at the Ridgway ice plant. The boy had brought his father's
dinner to him and about an hour afterward an employe of the place found the
boy crushed to death under a 300-pound cake of ice. It is thought that Robert
had gone up stairs where this cake of ice was suspended and accidentally
released the spring which held it and he crushed. The huge cake of ice was
removed from his chest and a doctor summoned, but he had been dead for some
time. Besides crushing his body his skull had been fractured.
Page 5.
A Mt. Jewett dispatch dated June 24 says; Joe Ross, employed as a laborer on
the B.R.&P. railroad, was killed this afternoon about 3 o'clock and another
laborer whose name was not obtained, was severely injured. The two men were
raising the track when a lever they were using was suddenly released. The
iron bar struck Ross on the jaw and his neck was broken. His companion also
received a blow from the same lever and he was cut and bruised about his
chin. Dr. Elliott was summoned. Coroner Sherman was notified and will
investigate. Undertaker A.O. Lantz took charge of the body. Ross, the victim
of the accident was 35 year of age and leaves a wife, one son and one
daughter. Only last Saturday, it is said, that he sent money to the old
country to have his family come to America to join him.
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