McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....July-Dec 1912 Deaths in Newspaper
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McKean County Miner 1912
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JULY-DECEMBER 1912
FROM THE
MCKEAN COUNTY MINER NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean County Miner from July
through December 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
July 4, 1912.
Page 1.
Miss Anna Grace Herrick, a sister of John P. Herrick, of Olean, the well
know editor and newspaper writer, died at a hospital in Paris on Thursday,
June 20. The Olean Times says:
Miss Herrick was completing a course of study at the University of Paris, or
the Sorbonne, and her illness came during the final examination period. Miss
Herrick left Olean a year ago. Last summer she traveled over Europe, entering
the Sorbonne in the fall. She was an accomplished linguist, speaking and
teaching French, German, Spanish and Italian. She was also an accomplished
musician.
Miss Herrick graduated from the Bolivar high school in 1898, won a Cornell
State scholarship in competitive examination and graduated from Cornell in the
class of 1902. She made a specialty of languages. After graduating, she
taught one year in a girls school in Mississippi, three years in the Des
Moines, Iowa, high school, then spent a year at the University of California
in special work. From Berkeley she went to Mexico, where she taught four
years. During her last year in Mexico she conducted a private school for
children of wealthy families in Monterey, preparing them for college. In
Mexico she perfected her Spanish and did considerable special writing for the
newspapers. She was in love with the people and the country. One of her
feats was to scale Mt. Popocatapetal with a party of friends, the trip
occupying three days and nights. She left Mexico a year ago in April owing to
the revolution, spending several weeks in Bolivar, Shinglehouse and Olean en
route for Europe. Miss Herrick was 31 years old. To study at the historic
Sorbonne was one of the ambitions of her life. After completing her course of
study in Paris, it was her intention to go to Mexico when the country was
again tranquil. The news of her death came as a great shock for her
homecoming a few weeks hence was being looked forward to. Mr. Herrick cabled
Paris friends last night to have the body prepared for shipment home.
Miss Herrick is survived by her mother, Mrs. M.A. Herrick of Shinglehouse; a
sister, Mrs. H.L. Pearsali of Shinglehouse; and five brothers, Frank A.
Herrick, editor of the Bolivar Breeze; Robert L. Herrick, of Bolivar; Charles
A. Herrick, editor of the Oswayo Valley Mail of Shinglehouse, Orrin C. Herrick
and John P. Herrick of Olean. Arrangements for the funeral and burial will be
made after the arrival of the body on this side of the ocean.
Page 5.
Ms. Dora Kelley of Warren, Pa., aged 66 years, dropped dead on Bennett
street, Bradford, last Friday night shortly after eleven o'clock, while going
from the home of one friend to another she was taken ill and got on to the
porch of T.H. Lockwood. Members of the Lockwood family saw her and while
making arrangements to have her taken to the home of one of her friends she
expired.
Page 5.
A Ceres correspondent says: Bert Krone, 26 years old, and a well known
farmer was drowned in Oswayo creek Wednesday. He had been at work in the
field of his farm near Ceres, this county. About 11 o'clock he left his
horses in the field and went to the creek to swim. When he did not return for
dinner his wife became anxious and went in search of him. She found his
clothes on the bank of the stream and immediately started a searching party.
Late in the afternoon the body was recovered from the creek. It is believed
that the young man was seized with a cramp, at the water is not deep at this
point. A ten-year-old boy who was working in a field nearby said he heard
cries from the direction of the creek about noon, but paid no attention to
them. Krone was married only four weeks. He was a resident of Cuba until
last fall, when he purchased the farm near Ceres.
July 11, 1912.
Page 1.
Saturday's Bradford Era: Laverne Lockwood, of this city, committed suicide
by drowning in the Allegheny river some time previous to Thursday morning when
his body was found floating on the water near riverside Park, by a man named
D.W. Gilligan.
Coroner Martin of Salamanca was notified. The body was removed to a morgue
in Salamanca where the identity of the corpse was established by papers in the
man's clothing. Bradford relatives were notified and went to Salamanca
Thursday evening and arranged to have the body brought to this city. Funeral
services will be held at the family residence No. 162 Sammer street, this
afternoon at 2 o'clock. Burial at Elmstone.
Lockwood had been in failing health for some time and recently went to
Buffalo to consult a specialist. He returned to Buffalo and about a week ago
disappeared. His friends heard no more of him until notified of his death.
It is surmised that he committed suicide by jumping into the river. He was
very despondent before he went away a week ago and had expressed a desire to
end his life. As there were no indications of foul play, Coroner Martin did
not consider an inquest necessary.
Lockwood was 28 years of age and an expert driller. He had been employed in
South America and in the Mexican oil fields. Last October he returned from
Mexico. Soon afterwards his health gave out.
He is survived by his mother and five brothers and four sisters.
Page 3.
Mrs. Drusilla Hays wife of John Hays, a drayman of Bradford, committed
suicide by swallowing the contents of a two-ounce bottle of carbolic acid on
Monday, July 1. The tragedy was the second to be enacted in the West
Washington street home of the Hays family within a year, the woman's daughter,
Mary L. Hays, aged 14, having committed suicide by shooting herself on October
11, 1911. Mrs. Hays is survived by her husband, one daughter, Mrs. Lizzie
Ferry of Sharon Pa., and one son, Charles Hays, whose present whereabouts are
unknown.
Page 5.
The body of Milo Caffo, who so mysteriously disappeared from his home in
Potter county on Wednesday, June 26, was discovered Friday afternoon of last
week by two young boys who were fishing in the Allegheny river. They saw the
head of a man floating in the water and immediately gave the alarm. When the
body was rescued it was found to be that of MR. Caffo. The funeral was held
on Saturday. Mr. Caffo is survived by his wife and four sons. There is but
little doubt that the unfortunate man was overcome by the extreme heat and in
an insane moment deliberately ended his life.
Page 5.
The body of Miss Anna G. Herrick, who died in Paris, June 20, left for New
York Saturday, aboard the steamer Lapland. The funeral and burial will be
held at the Bolivar Methodist Episcopal church at 4 o'clock Tuesday
afternoon. July 9. Bolivar Breeze.
July 25, 1912.
Page 5.
Benjamin Cummings, of Eldred, aged about 70 years, died at the County Home
last Friday. He had been suffering from paralysis for some time past, and
this, coupled with ills incident to old age, brought on his death. Mr.
Cummings entered the County Home about three months ago. Undertaker Sasse
took charge of the body and it was taken to Eldred for burial.
August 8, 1912.
Page 3.
Word was received in this place yesterday of the death of the two months old
child of Mr. and Mrs. J. Baker, of Coudersport, which occurred Monday. Mrs.
Baker was formerly Miss Margaret Durst, and her many friends in this place
will be grieved to hear of their bereavement.
August 15, 1912.
Page 1.
John R. Zook, aged 81 years, died at the Bradford hospital last evening at
9:10 o'clock as the result of injuries which he sustained in falling from an
East Main street trolley car on Tuesday afternoon of this week.
Mr. Zook was in the rear vestibule and when the moving car rounded the curve
near the American House, he lost his balance and fell backward, helplessly, to
the pavement. At first he was not considered seriously injured, although he
was suffering from the severe shock when he was taken to the hospital. His
recovery was expected until yesterday morning when the attending physician
found that the patient had developed dangerous symptoms and relatives were
notified. The aged man continued to fail rapidly during the day and expired
at the hour named. Concussion of the brain was the principal cause of death.
The remains were taken in charge by Undertaker Koch and will be removed to
the late residence, No. 64 South avenue, today. The funeral arrangements will
be announced later.
John r. Zook was born at Williamsville, N.Y., a suburb of Buffalo, May 21,
1831. He received his education at that place and at Buffalo. About 29 years
ago he came to Bradford and opened a wall paper and house furnishing store on
Main street. He followed the wall paper and decorating business during his
entire time of his residence in Bradford.
Old age did not interfere with his energies. He was very alert and no
person would imagine to observe his movements, that he was an octogenarian.
He was in all regards a model citizen, upright, conscientious and fair-
dealing. His friends were numerous. Mr. Zook was a member of the First
Methodist church.
Besides his widow, he leaves one son, Frank Zook, of Bradford; and four
daughters, Miss Evelyn s. Zook, of New York city; Miss Clara B. Zook of
Bradford; Mrs. William O'Reilly of Smethport, and Mrs. Lee Robbins of this
city. Two grandchildren are Dorothy and Francis Robbins, of Bradford.
Mr. Zook was the surviving member of a family of nine. Seven brothers and
two sisters preceded him to the grave. Friday's Bradford Era.
Page 1.
Death of Eugene Hussey.
Well-Known Keating Township Resident Passed Away Yesterday.
Eugene Hussey, a well-known farmer who resided in Irish Hollow, Keating
township, died at his home yesterday afternoon. He was aged about 64 years,
and his death was due to pneumonia which had confined him to his bed for the
past week.
Eugene Hussey was born in Irish Hollow and has always resided in this
immediate vicinity. He conducted a meat market in this place for some time
which he afterwards sold to George H. Denning. Most of his life was devoted
to farming and lumbering and he has many friends in this section who will
deeply regret his demise.
He leaves a wife and one sister, Mrs. D.M. Dunsmore, of Reynoldsville, who
will deeply mourn the death of a kind and loving husband and brother.
The funeral services will be held tomorrow morning from St. Elizabeth's
church and his remains will be laid at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 1.
A. Judson Oviatt.
Died in Portland, N.Y., on July 30, Aged 68 years.
A.Judson Oviatt died at his home in Portland, N.Y., on July 30th, 1912, heart
disease being the cause of death.
Mr. Oviatt was born in Farmington, Pa., July 12, 1844, and therefore was 68
years of age. He was a half-brother of the late William S. and J. Beaman
Oviatt, of this place. He is survived by one son, Fred Oviatt, of Niobe,
N.Y., and four daughters, Mrs. Bertha Holcomb and the Misses Fern, Rhea and
Rhetta Oviatt, all of Portland, N.Y.
Page 1.
Timothy J. Dunbar died August 9, 1912, at the home of his son, Volney Dunbar,
at Portville, N.Y., after a brief illness of rheumatism of the heart. He was
aged sixty-five years.
Mr. Dunbar was born April 21st, 1847, at Port Allegany, Pa. Moving from
there to Christian Hollow when a boy of five years, where he lived until last
fall, when he sold his farm and went to live with his son, Volney.
When about twenty years of age he was converted and united with the Baptist
church. ON Dec. 31, 1878, he was married to Miss Flora J. Gallup of the same
place. Six children were born to them, one dying when seven years of age.
His wife also preceded him seven years ago to the Great Beyond. He was a
man of temperate habits and kind disposition. He leaves to mourn his loss
five children; Volney, of Portville, N.Y.; Roy, Mildred, Lillian and Francis,
of Buffalo, N.Y. Also a large circle of friends who mourn the loss of a kind
neighbor and a good citizen.
August 22, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. W.W. Brewer, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed residents of Mt.
Jewett, died at the family home on High street at 1:15 a.m., Thursday, August
15th in her 70th year.
It is about five years since Mrs. Brewer sustained a serious fall, and while
she apparently recovered from the effects of this mishap, the failure of her
health in general may be said to date from then. During several months past
she has been confined to her bed, first one thing then another appearing to
lie at the seat of her trouble, and while every effort has been put forth in
the hope of bringing relief, it was all to the above end.
The deceased, whose maiden name was Orpha A. Horner, was the daughter of
Timothy A. and Lydia Cease Horner, and was born at Angelica, N.Y., June 22nd
1843. When but a child her father, who was a millwright by occupation, met
his death in accidental manner while erecting a mill at Angelica. Eventually
her mother married N.C. Gallup of Norwich, this county, and at the age of 12
years she came with her mother and step-father to this county. On the 9th day
of April, 1865, she was united in marriage with William Wallace Brewer, a
native and resident of Norwich, and with him established a home there, where
they resided for six or seven years when they moved to Ridgway, where they
lived for about five years when they returned to Norwich, remaining there
until 1882, when they moved to Mt. Jewett, where they have continued to reside
with the exception of a period of about five years spent at Newton, this
county.
She is survived by her husband and two daughters; Mrs. Harry Means, of Sandy
Lake, Pa., and Miss Hetty , of Mt. Jewett; and two brothers, H.W. Horner of
Allegany Springs, and C.H. Horner of Truman, Forest county, Pa., and one half-
brother, H.H. Gallup of Norwich.
Funeral services will be conducted at the home at 6:30 a.m., Saturday, Rev.
J.H. McCandless, pastor emeritous of St. Luke's Episcopal church, Smethport,
officiating, after which the remains will be escorted to Norwich and there
laid to rest in the quiet God's acre, beside those of her friends who have
preceded her on the Great Journey.
From the hour of her arrival until the end, Mrs. Brewer has stood as one of
the mothers of this community a mother in that broader sense which includes
the poor and friendless, the lame, the halt and the blind, of whatever degree
as a member of her family; misfortune in others the sign manual to her
sympathetic heart. And today while a feeling of thankfulness pervades the
hearts of this community that she is at last beyond suffering, deep in the
innermost recesses of each heart lies a yet greater measure of thankfulness
that she has lived. Mt. Jewett Herald.
Page 3.
H.J. Sprague, an old and well known resident of this county died at the Kane
hospital on Sunday. He was 72 years of age and the cause of his death were
the ills incident to old age and a broken constitution. For a number of years
he has lived on the Farmers Valley road near Smethport, and his remains were
brought to the home of his daughter, Mrs. F.E. Brockham, where the funeral
services were held on Tuesday, and his remains were laid at rest in the Smith
cemetery. He is survived by two sons, three daughters and one brother all of
whom reside in nearby towns.
Page 5.
Mary, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lanzel, of
Benzinger road, near St. Mary's, was burned to a crisp Monday afternoon when a
large barn owned by her father was destroyed by fire. The fire started about
1:30 o'clock and how it originated is not known. The little girl was missed
from her home but it was not known that she was in the structure until her
remains were found after the fire had subsided. Besides the loss of their
child, which alone is a severe shock to Mr. and Mrs. Lanzel, 160 bushels of
oats, fifteen tons of hay and straw and all their farming implements were
destroyed. The loss of the barn and implements is estimated at $2,000 which
is partly covered by insurance.
August 29, 1912.
Page 1.
Death of Dr. Chas. Richards.
Dr. Charles Richards, a former Smethport young man, died at this home in
Sturgis, South Dakota on Sunday, Aug. 18, 1912. His death was due to the
bursting of the coronary artery, caused by overwork. He was in his 41st year,
having been born on Marvin creek, near Hazelhurst, on March 29, 1872.
In speaking of his death the Sturgis Weekly Record says;
In 1904 he came to Terry, So. Dak. And after two years moved to Thermopolis,
and in 1908 came to Sturgis where ever since he has enjoyed an increasing
professional practice, and as a family physician won a very warm place in the
hearts and homes of his large hosts of true and loyal friends.
On March 3, 1897, he married Bertha Hunt, at Buffalo, and from this union
there were six children born, all of whom died in early infancy, save a boy,
Claire, who lived to be six years old, and a daughter Bertha Evangeline, now
living with her mother at Buffalo, N.Y.
The deceased is survived by a wife and daughter at Buffalo, N.Y.; one
brother, George, at Smethport, Pa.; three sisters, Mrs. Sarah Randall of
Hazelhurst, Pa.; Mrs. Mary Moran, and Mrs. Alice Rhinehart of Bartlesville,
Okla. The three sisters arrived for the funeral services which were conducted
from the Presbyterian church on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. C.D. Erskine
officiating. The church edifice was too small to accommodate the great number
of friends who had gathered to pay their last respects and love for so dear a
friend.
The casket was conveyed with most beautiful and profuse flowers, the emblem
of sympathy and friendship. The choir of the church sang feelingly Lead
Kindly Light, Sometime We'll Understand and Heaven is My Home, Rev. Rapp
of the Baptist church offered the prayer. A tribute of affection and
admiration, written by Rev. H.L. Case, who was unable to be present owing to
the attendance at general conference, was read at the service. The services
were marked by deepest solemnity and the entire audience was profoundly moved
to tears and grief as they realized their beloved friend and physician had
crossed to the other shore. By all it was admitted to be one of the saddest
funerals ever held in this city, and rarely has there ever been a congregation
so representative of the influential business men and of the fraternal orders
and in fact, all classes of people.
Dr. Richards loved little children with a passion, and there are many whom he
has saved from death by his skill, patience and perseverance, without any
thought of remuneration. His big hearted generosity knew no bounds, and was
the friend of the poor and the needy, going all hours of the night, through
storms on long drives, forgetting his own health and comfort to minister to
others. He was admitted to be one of the ablest and most skillful physicians
in the Black Hills.
The pallbearers were Messrs. H.O. Anderson, Theo. Haas, Wesley A. Stuart,
D.J. Newell, D.F. Catterton and U.S. Allison. Interment was in Bear Butte
Cemetery.
Page 3.
Mary Loraine the 11 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Johnson of
West Branch, near Bradford, died Sunday morning at 5:20 o'clock from injuries
which she received Saturday afternoon by being scalded by hot water. The
child was creeping on the kitchen floor near the stove when a pail of hot
water which was on the stove accidently upset and the contents were scattered
over the child's body, so that her form from her shoulders down was terribly
blistered.
September 5, 1912.
Page 1.
W.H. Knight Takes Poison Causing Death.
Wesley H. Knight, a well-known and estimable man of this borough, ended his
life Monday morning at his home on the corner of Main and Nelson streets by
taking a dose of poison, which caused his death about an hour after he had
taken the drug.
Mr. Knight has suffered considerably from stomach trouble and other ailments
for the past 25 years, but he was always an industrious man and worked at his
trade whenever his health would permit. However, for the past two or three
years he has not been able to do much work, and of late he has suffered so
much that he showed signs of being discouraged and at times had spoken of not
wanting to become a burden upon his family.
Monday morning he was about the house as usual and at about nine o'clock he
went up stairs. Coming down in a short time he went to the faucet in the
kitchen and took a drink of water, and then went to the living room and laid
down on the couch. Mrs. Knight was at the door at the time, in answer to a
call and when she returned she noticed that her husband had an unnatural look
to his eyes. She asked him what was the matter and he replied: I guess I
have taken an over-dose and then lapsed into unconsciousness.
Mrs. Knight hurried to James McGowan's residence across Nelson street, and
had physicians summoned. Drs. McCoy and Ostrander responded and did their
best to save his life. Antidotes for morphine were given and his stomach was
pumped out, but to no avail and he passed quietly away shortly after 10
o'clock.
On examination a small bottle was found on a stand upstairs which evidently
had been recently emptied. On this bottle was an old prescription label
showing that the contents were prescribed by Dr. J.C. Brown, who moved from
her to Williamsport about five years ago, and a home-made poison label.
A letter addressed to his wife was also found. It was evidently written
some days previous to his death and it is thought that the postscript was
written that morning or the night before. The letter was pathetic and loving
and shows that while he thought he must end his own life, he had but the
kindest thoughts for his family and his fellow men. The fact that his tenant
house on the same lot was struck by lightning Sunday afternoon, may have
spurred him on to do the deed he had long been contemplating, but that is only
a surmise. The letter read:
Dear Jessie I have no fault to find with this beautiful world or with
anyone in it, but poor health, growing poorer, and the great dread of being a
burden to myself and others, (perhaps for a long time) makes it seem best to
step quietly out and avoid so much trouble and suffering. We must all go home
sometime and I am only taking a short cut to save a long and tedious route.
For He keeps house and makes it home.
Whichever way the Children come.
You must cheer up. Do the best you can do not grieve for me. Remember me
with love to Brother Edgar and family; to Emmet, to Jim George and all friends
and relatives.
And now dear, with tenderest love to you and very best wishes for
everybody, good-bye until we meet again.
WESLEY
P.S. I thought it would be better all around to go before cold weather sets
in and while George was with you. I am so glad that George came and I thank
him for his kindness and help. You must do just as you think best about
everything.
Coroner Sherman was notified at once and came to Smethport at noon. After
viewing the remains and learning the circumstance surrounding his death, he
decided that an inquest was not necessary and gave permission to have the body
prepared for burial.
Wesley H., Knight was born at Randolph, N.Y., May 30, 1848, and at the time
of his death was 64 years, three months and three days old. On May 2, 1880,
he was united in marriage to Miss Jessie Foreman, at Emporia, Kansas, and in
October 1881, they moved to Smethport, where he followed his trade of mason
and paper hanger, when his health would permit. About 25 years ago his health
failed him and sometime after that he and his wife moved to Havana, Tenn.,
hoping that he might regain his health. After staying there a year and a half
he returned home, no better, where he has since resided.
Mr. Knight was one of our most honest, industrious and highly respected
citizens, in fact he followed his trade when other men would have been in
bed. He was kind to children and considerate of the rights and wishes of
others and there is no man who knew him that did not admire and respect him.
Mr. and Mrs. Knight never had any children and he is survived by his wife,
one brother, Edgar, of Harding South Dakota, and one cousin, Emmett Putnam, of
Columbus, Pa., who deeply mourn his loss.
The funeral services will be held at his late residence this afternoon at 2
o'clock, Rev. J.W. McGavern, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church
officiating and his remains will be laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. Walter Daly.
Mrs. Walter Daly passed away at her home on Mechanic street, this borough,
on Monday morning, September 2, 1912. She was aged 33 years one month and
eight days.
One week previous to her death, Mrs. Daly gave birth to a boy.
Notwithstanding the fact that she had not been in very good health for some
time previous, she rallied fairly well from the illness of childbirth for a
day or two and then a change came for the worse. Despite the best efforts of
the attending physician she gradually but steadily kept on losing strength
until she passed away, practically from exhaustion, there being no
complications whatever.
The death of this estimable woman is particularly sad because she not only
leaves an infant only a week old, and two other small children who always need
a mother's care, but she also leaves an aged and sickly mother who had been
with her for some months past.
Miss Bessie Brittain was born at Upperton, New Brunswick Canada, on July 8,
1879, and when about eight years of age moved with her parents to Waltham,
Mass., where she received her education. In 1897 she, with her family came to
this county and located on Potato creek. On April 16, 1900, she was united in
marriage to Walter Daly at St. Bonaventure's College, Allegany, N.Y., and this
union was blessed with three boys, namely, Clarence, aged 11; Paul, aged 2,
and the infant only a week old. She is also survived by her husband, Walter
Daly, her mother, Mrs. Sarah Brittain, three sisters, Mrs. Levi Sherwoodof
Maple Grove, Maine; Mrs. W.H. Tabor, of Waltham, Mass., and Mrs. Edith
Cranson, of East concord, N.Y., and one brother, Stephen Brittain of
Hazelhurst, all of whom will deeply mourn the sudden and untimely death of a
most devoted, kind and loving wife, mother, daughter and sister.
Mrs. Daly possessed a kind, loving and friendly disposition, was a devoted
and self-sacrificing wife and mother and had those admirable qualities which
made her respected by all who met her and beloved by all who knew her well.
Her loss will be keenly felt not only in her home but by all who knew her and
her estimable family have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community.
The funeral services were held at St. Elizabeth's church at 9 o'clock
Wednesday morning and were conducted by Rev. J.F. Dugan and her remains were
laid at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 3.
William Barrett, a woodsman, aged about 55 years, dropped dead at Norwich on
Saturday last form heart failure. He had eaten his dinner and started out to
work from one of the camps when he dropped dead. Coroner Sherman was notified
and he decided that his death was due to natural causes.
Page 3.
A dispatch from Elmira dated August 30 says: Mrs. Anna Palmer, of Owego,
died here today from the shock of an artillery salute for Governor Dix
yesterday at the dedication of a monument erected in honor of General
Sullivan, her great grandfather. When the cannon were fired, she fainted and
an apoplectic seizure followed.
Page 3.
John Ericson, a glass worker of Kane, was found dead in the lockup at that
place on Friday last, at about noon. He was picked up about an hour previous
in a helpless state of intoxication and taken to the lockup by Officer
Wilcox. Chief Ives found him as above stated. Coroner Sherman was called and
decision was made that his death was due to acute alcoholism.
Page 5.
Charles Foster, a veteran of the Civil war, aged 83 years, died at his home
in Larabee last Friday, morning, of old age. A Widow survives. Funeral was
held Monday, Rev. Cady of Port Allegany officiating; interment being made at
Eldred. Eldred Eagle.
September 12, 1912.
Page 1.
Miss Mantz is Dead.
Miss Mary Mantz, one of Smethport's most highly respected citizens, passed
peacefully from this world Sunday afternoon, September 8, 1912, at three
o'clock at her home on Green street, at the age of 71 years, 10 months and 26
days.
Miss Mantz was born October 12, 1840 at Nea??, Nurti?gen Co., Wurttenburg,
Germany, and came to America with her parents and sister, August 15, 1848. On
May 4, 1887, she came to this place where she has since made her home, her
niece, Miss Rose Curtiss, living with her.
She has been a lifelong member of the Methodist Episcopal church, also a
member of the Ladies' Aid and W.C.T.U. Miss Mantz has been a great sufferer
with rheumatism for the past forty years and the greater part of the last
twelve years she has been confined to her home most of the time. Her interest
in the welfare of the church and its societies never grew less during her
illness and sufferings. She was of a kind, loving disposition and those who
were fortunate enough to know her have lost a dear friend and neighbor.
Miss Mantz is survived by two nieces, Miss Rose Curtis, who has lived with
and cared for her during her illness, and Mrs. S.W. Cole of Minard Run, also
two nephews, Geo. Curtis, of Bradford and Chas. Curtis, of Oklahoma.
The funeral services were held at the M.E. church yesterday afternoon at
3:00 o'clock. Rev. J.W. McGavern officiating. The remains were taken this
(Thursday) morning to Hanover Center, Cattaraugus county, N.Y. and interred in
Evergreen Cemetery, where he parents are buried.
Page 3.
Michael Russell, aged about 65 years, was instantly killed while running the
passenger elevator in the paper mills at Johnsonburg on Monday evening of last
week. The accident which caused his death was not observed by anyone but his
body was found with his skull crushed. It is supposed he was caught between
the floor and the elevator.
Page 3.
George Lewis, vice-president of the Oil City Trust Co., and one of the best
known men in Oil City, shot and killed himself in the bath room of his home at
an early hour Monday morning. Mr. Lewis had not been feeling well for the
past few days and it is thought that the intense heat affected his brain. He
was aged 69 years. He has been interested in various oil companies for the
past 40 years and was a resident of Bradford during the early oil excitement.
He was well known to many of the old residents of this county.
September 19, 1912.
Page 1.
Infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Corwin died on Monday.
Caroline Emily, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry C. Corwin, died at the
home of her parents in Youngstown, Ohio, at 2 o'clock Monday morning,
September 16, 1912, aged one month and ten days.
The little mite was not very strong and all the efforts of physicians to
find a food that would agree with her were unavailing and she passed away.
The remains were brought to this place on Wednesday morning and the funeral
services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Specht at 2 o'clock
yesterday afternoon. Interment in Rose Hill cemetery.
The grief stricken parents have the sympathy of many relatives and friends
in Smethport.
Page 1.
Charles P. Byron, one of Bradford's best known citizens and a prominent oil
man, passed away at his home on Congress street, that city, last Friday
morning. He was 67 years of age and his death was due to a malignant throat
trouble which had impaired his health for several years.
Mr. Byron was well-known in Smethport and throughout the county as an able
business man, a sincere friend and a good citizen who will be greatly missed
in the entire community. The following relating to his life history is taken
from the Bradford Era:
Mr. Byron was born in Clare county, Ireland, 67 years ago. When a mere lad
he with his father came to America and located at Little Falls, N.Y. There
the father made his home and there he died.
Charles P. Byron, even as a boy, was filled with energy and self-reliance. He
acquired the rudiments of education which in subsequent years became more
thorough through close study and practical experience. He was a persistent
reader and was well informed on many subjects.
At the age of 14 years he shipped on board a whaling vessel as an
apprentice in seamanship and during a three years cruise acquired a practical
knowledge of the life and duties of a sailor. Being of a somewhat adventurous
nature he became attached to the hazardous calling of a mariner. On returning
from that trip he engaged as a sailor before the mast, on a merchant vessel,
the Cavalier, which subsequently was wrecked in the Indian ocean, being
overwhelmed by a typhoon. All hands on board were cast upon the inhospitable
shores of Mauritias Island, where they remained for some weeks before a
British vessel discovered them and took the party to Liverpool. Mr. Byron
returned to the United States and with him were the other members of the
rescued party.
In New York, naval volunteers were then in great demand to serve under
Farragut in the Civil war and nearly all of the Cavalier's crew enlisted,
including the subject of this sketch. Mr. Byron was detailed to a vessel that
was doing scout, and blockade duty off the southern coast. He was soon
transferred, however, to the Oneida, a gunboat in Admiral Farragut's fleet.
The Oneida was in the battle of New Orleans and in other naval engagements
fought on the Mississippi river. The deceased had the honor of being an
oarsman in the boat that was sent to demand the surrender of Vicksburg.
After receiving an honorable discharge from the navy, Mr. Byron started
across the plains of the West with a wagon train. The party reached Kansas
after the hardships that usually befell the plainsmen of that period. But Mr.
Byron did not remain long in the West. He returned to Buffalo and later went
to Erie where he entered the service of William L. Scoot, who at that time
owned a large number of lake vessels. For two years the deceased was first
mate of different ships belonging to Scott.
The oil excitement was at its height in the lower country at that time and
Mr. Byron concluded to relinquish the life of a sailor and see what he could
do in the oil business.
He went to Petroleum Center and in a short time became familiar with oil
well work. Later he again concluded to try the west and made another trip
into Kansas and Nebraska. His next venture in the oil regions was in the
vicinity of Pleasantville and Pithole.
(obituary continues at great length and is not all contained herein)
The deceased is survived by a son, Thomas P. Byron, and a daughter, Miss
Alma Byron, both of this city; two sisters, Mrs. B. Clancy, of Bradford, and
Mrs. John Lally, of Little Falls, N.Y.; and by a niece, Miss Lucy Clancy of
this city.
Mrs. Charles P. Byron preceded her husband to the grave many years ago.
The funeral services were held at St. Bernard's church at 8 o'clock Sunday
morning. The remains were taken to Little Falls for interment.
Page 5.
George E. Cutler, proprietor of the Connolly House at Port Allegany, died in
that place on Wednesday of last week, aged 39 years. He is survived by his
wife and two small girls.
Page 5.
Fatally Injured By Bicycle.
Tuesday's Bradford Star says: Nathan S. Minniss, a well known Bradford
citizen, died at the hospital at 1 o'clock this morning from injuries received
last evening by being run down by a bicycle.
Mr. Minniss was coming South avenue at Tibbits avenue at 7 o'clock last
evening. John Valentine Jr. was riding swiftly down the hill on a bicycle.
He saw Mr. Minniss and swerved his machine to one side expecting to pass him.
Mr. Minniss had defective vision and evidently neither saw nor heard the
bicycle. As it approached, he stepped directly in front of the machine so
that it was impossible for its rider to avoid a collision. Mr. Minniss was
hurled violently to the pavement. The rider of the bicycle was thrown from
his machine, but he escaped injury. Young Valentine, realizing that Mr.
Minniss had been seriously injured, ran to Kick Brothers' undertaking rooms
and had an ambulance prepared to remove the injured man to the hospital. The
young man then returned to where Mr. Minnis lay and in a few moments the
ambulance arrived and hurried the victim of the accident to the hospital,
where he received attention from Drs. White, Hogan and Johnston. The
physicians found that his face and head had been painfully injured and the
right thigh fractured.
Mr. Minniss remained in an unconscious condition through the night. It is
concluded that there was a fracture of the skull and that a brain hemorrhage
cause death. Mr. Minniss was 74 years of age and had been a resident of
Bradford for 33 years. For a long period he acted as manager of the store of
L. Emery & Company. He had many friends in Bradford and its vicinity who will
regret to learn of his death. Mr. Minniss was a member of Petrolla lodge No.
363, F.&A.M. of Oil City.
Coroner Sherman is investigating the accident this afternoon.
September 26, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. Z.D. Gifford, a well known lady of this place, died at her home on the
corner of Green and Union streets, this borough, on Thursday afternoon,
September 19, 1912. She was in her 63rd year of life and her death, which was
very sudden, was due to strangulated hernia.
Miss Emma Bishop was born near Port Allegany on October 9, 1849, and when
nine years of age moved with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Amos Bishop, to
Smethport, where she attended school. On December 24, 1868, she was united in
marriage to Z.D. Gifford of Smethport and this union was blessed with three
children, who with their father survive to mourn the loss of a kind, loving
and devoted wife and mother. The surviving children are: Guy H. Gifford, of
Olean, N.Y.; Mrs. Harry H. Weaver, of Davis, W.Va., and Miss Beatrice Gifford,
of Smethport, who was in New York training for a nurse in a hospital. She is
also survived by one sister, Miss Ann e. Bishop, of this place.
Mrs. Gifford was a lifelong member of St. Luke's Episcopal church and a
woman who fully lived up to the noble teachings of this church. She was good
neighbor, kind and generous to all and the world is better for her having
lived in it.
The funeral services were held at her late home on Saturday afternoon, at 2
o'clock, Rev. J. Heber McCandless and Rev. W.E. Van dyke officiating, and her
remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Leo K. Moore Killed.
Leo K. Moore, 24 years old, was instantly killed by an explosion on Saturday
morning at the lease of H.E. Camp, of b Radford, at Coleville, this county.
On the lease a gasoline plant was installed several years ago and the young
man who lost his life was working at this, making gasoline, when the fatality
occurred.
In the manufacture of gasoline from natural gas, after the gas is reduced to
a liquid state, there is a treating or refining process and it was in this
part of the work that Moore was engaged when a drum of about 55-gallon
capacity, was unexpectedly blown up by excessive gas pressure.
A portion of the drum struck the young man just under the left eye and tore
off the top of his head. He was standing directly over the receptacle when
the accident occurred and received the full force of the explosion. Portions
of the drum were hurled high into the air. The dead man fell near the spot
where he had been standing and was found there, soon after, when men from
other leases in the neighborhood, on hearing the explosion hurried to the
scene.
The chance of having such an occurrence as that said a man familiar with the
details was about one in a thousand. And that was the chance that snuffed out
the life of one of the most exemplary and capable young men I have ever
known. He was careful, trustworthy, and competent and enjoyed the confidence
of all who knew him. I can account for the accident only on the supposition
that there was too strong a gas pressure in the drum at the time.
The deceased is survived by his widowed mother, Mrs. Mary Moore, of
Coleville; also by three brothers, Theodore Moore, of Rew; O.B., and Guy
Moore, of Coleville; and two sisters, Mrs. Harvey Hosman, of Duke Center and
Mrs. David Culberson of Clarendon, Pa. He was a member of a local band and
was widely known in Rew, Coleville and vicinity, having lived thereabouts all
his life. He had been employed on the Camp lease several months. Bradford
Era.
The body was taken to the house of the bereaved mother at Coleville, where
the body was prepared for burial. The funeral services were held on Monday
afternoon at 2 o'clock and his remains were laid at rest in the Farmer Valley
cemetery.
Page 3.
Edward Schnautz, the six year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schnautz, of
Germania, died while being carried in his mother's arms to the office of a
physician a mile from her home. The woman ran nearly the entire distance.
When she reached her destination and found her little one was lifeless, her
grief was heart-rending. In the morning the boy had complained of his throat
hurting. Later in the day he told his mother that the pain was going down
into his chest. I know I am going to die, Mother he whispered.
Page 4.
John C. Doyle died at his home on the Doyle farm at Sartwell, Friday,
September 13th, after an illness of three years duration, of pulmonary
troubles.
The deceased was a native of Sartwell, where he was born May 10th, 1860, and
has made his home there throughout his life, engaging in lumbering and farming.
On Oct. 16th, 1885, he was united in marriage to Miss Kathryn Butler, also
of Sartwell, who, with the following children survive him: Mrs. Edward
Mullin, of Wakeman, Ohio;
Clayton, Paul, Edna K., and Mary V. Doyle, of Sartwell,. Also by two
brothers, A.D. Doyle, of Tulsa, Okla., and Arthur R. Doyle, of Sistersville,
W.VA., and one sister, Mrs. T.J. butler, of Mt Jewett.
The funeral was held Sunday at the Catholic church at Sartwell, Rev. Father
Doyle officiating, at the conclusion of which the remains were laid at rest in
the local cemetery.
Mr. Doyle was an energetic, hustling man, who leaves many friends in the
community in which he spent his life, and throughout the county. Mt. Jewett
Herald.
Page 5.
Donald, the 11-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. James Mundy of Olean, died
Saturday afternoon. The child had been visiting his grandmother, Mrs.
McDivitt, near Eldred. Saturday he was taken ill with appendicitis, and was
being hurried to the Olean General hospital in an automobile when his death
occurred. Bradford Star Record.
Page 8.
Coroner Sherman, of Bradford, was notified Tuesday of the death of Gus
Sweander, who lived alone at Lafayette corners. When neighbors failed to see
the man about the house as usual, an investigation was made, and his dead body
was found in bed. A brother-in-law visited Sweander the evening before and
went home early. When he left the man was apparently in good health. Heart
disease was the probable cause of death. The coroner is making some further
inquiries regarding the sudden death of the man. Undertaker Lantz, of Mt.
Jewett, took charge of the body.
October 3, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. O.D. Howell a Suicide
Wednesday's Bradford Era says: Despondent and tired of suffering from
illness, Mrs. Margaret Howell, wife of Orville D. Howell, of No. 585 East Main
street, ended her life yesterday afternoon by cutting her throat with a
razor. Her lifeless body was found later by her two daughters in the attic of
the Howell home.
Mrs. Howell had been ill for many months and but recently had been a patient
at the Bradford hospital where she underwent a surgical operation. She was
able to be up and about the house at intervals and yesterday afternoon left
her bedroom and entered the kitchen commenting on the fruit which was being
canned by the daughters supposed that she had gone to her bedroom.
About 5 o'clock it was discovered that the sick woman was not in her bedroom
and a search was instituted.
The two daughters searched the lower floors of the house and even went to
the barn. Not finding their mother, the two young ladies went to the attic on
the third floor and there were horrified to find the body of their mother
lying on the floor, her head resting on a small roll of carpet. There was a
pool of blood about the body.
Neighbors were summoned and Dr. Haines was called. The physician found that
the woman had been dead for some time. Mrs. Howell had used a razor and had
slashed her throat and her left wrist. She had apparently cut her wrist before
deciding to cut her throat as there was blood about the stairs leading to the
attic. The wound in the throat was almost from eat to ear and very deep.
Mr. Howell was at work on an oil lease drilling when he was notified of the
tragic death of his wife. He was brought to his home in Dr. C.M. Brooks
automobile.
Coroner Sherman was notified and visited the Howell home. It was learned
that continual illness had about unbalanced Mrs. Howell's mind and it was
stated that she had on a previous occasion expressed a desire to end her
suffering by suicide. For that reason a close watch had been kept on her
actions of late.
Mrs. Howell who was 52 years of age, had lived in Bradford for many years
and had a large circle of friends. She was a most excellent woman.
Besides her husband she leaves two daughters, Mrs. Cyrus Eddy, of Bradford,
and Mrs. Harry Donegan, of Cumberland, Md.; one son, William B. Howell, of
Cairo, W.Va., two sisters, Mrs. Anna Flickinger, of Sandy Lake, pa., and Mrs.
Julia Scott of Punxsutawney, and one brother, Albert Gibson, of Sandy Lake,
Pa.
Page 1.
John Gardner, a well-known Smethport man, passed away at the Wellsville,
N.Y., Sanatarium, where he has been receiving treatment for some time past, at
about 11 o'clock last evening. For several days he had been in a serious
condition and his daughter, Mrs. Thomas A. Morrison, was with him at the time
of his death.
His remains will be brought here today and taken to the home of Hon. Thomas
A. Morrison on West Main street, where private funeral services will be held
at 3 o'clock Friday afternoon, Rev. W.E. Van dyke officiating, and his remains
will be laid at rest in rose Hill cemetery. Friends of the late Mr. Gardner
are invited to attend the funeral. A more complete obituary will appear in
our next issue.
October 10, 1912.
Page 1.
John Gardner passed from this life Wednesday October 2nd, 1912. His death
occurred at the Wellsville General hospital, where he had been a patient since
April 1911.
He was born in North Wethersfield Wyoming county, N.Y., December 5, 1826.
He was the son of Easton Gardner, the pioneer woolen manufacturer of Western
New York, who was a descendant of George Gardner, one of the early settlers of
Newport Rhode Island. IN 1849 he was married to Hannah Elizabeth Stevens. IN
1863 he removed to Warsaw, N.Y., where he remained until the death of his
wife, which occurred in 1880. Since that time he has resided in Smethport
with his daughter, Mrs. Thomas a. Morrison, until his removal to the
Wellsville hospital.
John Gardner's life leaves little to add to its own true record. He lived
for 23 years among the people of our town and all knew him for an honest,
manly and fair minded man. He was intelligent, a good judge of human nature
and blessed with a quiet sense of humor which made him exceedingly
companionable. His was a long life and full of cheerful industry and surely
such lives are the best of all inheritances to those who come after them. One
daughter, Helen s. Gardner, wife of Thos. A. Morrison, two grandchildren, Mrs.
S.E. Bell and Thos H. Morrison, and three great-grandchildren survive him.
His funeral was held at the home of Judge Thos A. Morrison, Friday, October
4th, 1912, at three o'clock p.m., the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating, and was
attended by many friends of the family. The burial in Rose Hill was private.
Page 3.
L.L. Lillibridge, a former well-known resident of Port Allegany died at the
Warren hospital for the insane on Monday. His remains were taken to Port
Allegany yesterday for interment.
Page 3.
O.D. Coleman, an old and well known resident of Kane died at the Kane summit
hospital on Saturday. His death was due to paralysis and brain trouble, and
he was 79 years of age.
Page 3.
B.D. Keeler, one of Kane's most prominent citizens, died at the hospital in
that place on Wednesday of last week, aged 51 years. He was one of the Keeler
Brothers who struck the 50,000,000 gas well west of Kane some six or seven
years ago, and has always been prominently identified with the upbuilding of
Kane.
Page 3.
D.W. Hevner, one of the oldest and best known residents of Mt. Jewett, died at
his home in that place on Monday after an illness of several weeks. His death
was due to tumor of the brain. He is survived by a wife and two daughters,
Mrs. Percy E. Brown, of Bradford, formerly of this place, and Miss Daisy
Hevner of Mt. Jewett. Mr. Hevner had many friends in Smethport who will
regret his demise.
Page 5.
Card of Thanks
John McCready and family wish to thank their many friends and neighbors for
the many kindnesses showed them during the illness and death of their three-
months-old son, John
John McCready and Family, Clermont, Pa.
October 17, 1912.
Page 5.
Gordon T. Bell, aged 25 years, a former Bradford young man, being the son of
the late W.J. Bell, who was a well-known Bradford merchant, committed suicide
in Rochester, N.Y., on Saturday last, at his room in a hotel by taking cyanide
of potassium mixed with a drink of whiskey. Bell was despondent over trouble
with his young wife and died with her picture in his hand. Bell and his wife
separated about a year ago. It is said that the young man could not earn
enough money to satisfy the expensive tastes of his wife, whose family is
wealthy. Frequent disagreements over financial matters resulted in the wife
leaving her husband. Bell had continually brooded over the separation and
this brooding finally resulted in suicide. Bell was a salesman for a branch
of the Standard Oil company.
October 24, 1912.
Page 1.
Miss Donna Herzog.
Miss Donna, the seventeen-year-old daughter of Mrs. Conrad Herzog, died at
her home on Potato Creek, near Colegrove, at four o'clock Monday afternoon,
October 21, 1912. The cause of her death was pneumonia.
Miss Herzog was 16 years and 10 months of age and was an exceptionally
intelligent and beautiful young lady who was very popular with a large circle
of friends in that vicinity and her death will be deeply mourned by all who
knew her.
She is survived by her mother and seven sisters and brothers, namely,
Charles, Bert, Edna, Mrs. William Dodge, Mrs. William Scanlon, Cecil and
Harry, who are heart broken by the untimely death of most kind and loving
daughter and sister.
The funeral services were held at the Colegrove church this morning at
10:30, Rev. Perkins conducting the services, and her remains were taken to
Farmers Valley, where they will be laid at rest in Smith cemetery this
afternoon.
Page 1.
Jonathan Colegrove, a life-long resident of McKean county and for many years a
prominent merchant of this borough died at his home on East Main street at
1:35 on Saturday morning, October 19, 1912.
Last January, Mr. Colegrove fell and dislocated his shoulder while doing
some work back of his store on Main street and although his shoulder went back
in place all right he has not been real well since. It is thought that he
injured his spine when he fell, which caused a slight paralysis of his stomach
and liver and eventually caused his death.
Jonathan Colegrove was born at Colegrove, this county on November 22, 1844
and was therefore nearly 68 years of age. He spent his boyhood on a farm on
Potato creek and when the Civil War broke out he enlisted with the famous
Bucktails and served his country through the war. He was wounded in the
Battle of Gettysburg on July 2nd, 1863. He was a good, faithful soldier and
loved by all his comrades.
On January 1st, 1866, he was united in marriage to Hattie M. Purple, of
Troy, Pa., and the fruits of this union were two boys, Samuel P. who died in
1877 and Albert L. now of Olean. Miss Mamie Colegrove who has been in charge
of the Colegrove store here for some time is an adopted daughter being a child
of the late Mrs. Colegrove's brother. Mrs. Colegrove died on May 3rd, 1897.
On November 22nd 1897, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Lellie T. Capehart,
who survives him, together with his son Albert L. of Olean and Miss Mamie.
He is also survived by one brother, B.D. Colegrove, of this borough and one
sister, Mrs. Mary Greeley, of Eldred. Mr. Colegrove was a kind and
affectionate husband, father and brother and his loss will be deeply mourned
by all his surviving relatives.
After returning from the war, Mr. Colegrove was engaged in farming and the
lumber and oil business on Potato creek, being in the employ of the Standard
Oil company part of the time until 1890, when he moved to Smethport and
engaged in the mercantile business, which vocation he followed up to the time
of his death.
He was honest and square in all his business dealings and everybody who knew
him honored and respected him.
In January 1892, he was appointed Superintendent of the County Home and Farm
and faithfully performed his duties for three years.
He was a member of the various Masonic bodies, including McKean Lodge No.
388, F.&A.M., and of Trinity Commandry, Knights Templar of Bradford. He was a
charter member of McKean Post, No. 347, G.A.R., and also a charter member of
Smethport Circle, Protected Home Circle. Among these various orders he had
hosts of friends who deeply regret the loss of a true and valued brother.
The funeral services which were largely attended were held at the First
Methodist Episcopal church in this place at 10:30 Tuesday morning Rev. J.W.
McGavern, officiating and his remains were taken to the cemetery at Colegrove
and laid at rest in the family plot. The Masonic fraternity of Smethport
attended the funeral in a body and took charge of the burial service at the
cemetery. A delegation from Trinity Commandry of Bradford was in attendance
to pay their last tribute to their deceased brother. McKean Post and local
P.H.C. turned out in a body in honor of their departed comrade and brother.
All the business places in town were closed during the funeral out of respect
to him.
The floral tributes were many and unusually beautiful, showing the high
esteem in which he was held by all.
October 31, 1912.
Page 1.
DuBois, Pa. Oct. 30. Bewildered by the onrush of a passenger locomotive
Mrs. Merlotte Mercer, a resident of Sandy township, jumped from a rig at the
Brady street crossing at DuBois, at 2 o'clock yesterday morning and was
instantly killed, while two others had a narrow escape from the same fate.
The deceased, who was a widow, had started to drive to her home at an early
hour in company with James Meade, of DuBois, who had been attentive. The rig
had been hired form a DuBois liveryman and an employe of the livery designated
to drive
At the Brady street crossing the boy who was driving, pulled up when he saw
the rays of the electric headlight of the northbound morning flyer. He
hesitated a moment, then lashed his horse. Mrs. Mercer, blinded by the
glaring light of the big locomotive, grew confused and despite the efforts of
the other to hold her, she jumped from the rig almost directly in the path of
the on-sweeping engine, and a second later her lifeless body was lying
alongside the track. The horse had carried the other occupants of the rig to
safety.
The confusion was such that no one was able to tell the precise nature of
the accident, but it is supposed that when the young woman jumped she fell
with her head toward the tracks. The indications are that she was struck by
the step on the pilot of the engine. Death was instantaneous.
Page 1.
John C. Hamlin Died Friday Morning.
This community was filled with sorrow and a sense of loss, to hear, on last
Friday morning of the death of MR. J.C. Hamlin, one of Smethport's oldest and
most highly esteemed citizens, whose whole life has been spent in this place.
The funeral service were held at St. Luke's Church on Saturday, the Rev. J.H.
McCandless, officiating.
We take the following form the History of McKean, Cameron and Potter
Counties of Penna., published in 1890:
John Cogswell Hamlin, hardware merchant, son of Orlo J. and Orra L. Hamlin,
born March 4, 1836, at Smethport, McKean county, pa., where he was educated
and where, in 1865 he opened the first store exclusively for hardware, a
business he still engaged in up to 1908. In 1857 he married Charlotte M.
McCoy, daughter of Dr. Wm. Y. McCoy, one of the first practicing physicians of
Smethport, which union was blessed with three children. Wm O., C. Aline (now
Mrs. Lewis H. Robinson, of Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Mary E. (now Mrs. Charles
Bosworth, also of Brookyn, N.Y.). Wm. O. married Miss Julia Lightbody, and is
also a resident of Brooklyn. Mr. Hamlin is a member of McKean Lodge F.&A.M.,
No. 388; of Bradford Chapter, R.A.M. and Trinity Commandery, No. 78,, Knights
Templar. He is a democrat, but not a politician, devoting his time and
energies to business cares. He and his family are member of St. Luke's
Episcopal church. The foundation and prosperity of the church afford an
example of the reward of twenty years of untiring labor by Mr.. and Mrs.
Hamlin, who maintained the Sunday school, and church affairs in general, from
1857 to about 1880, when St. Luke's had grown to be a strong parish, and since
then it has become one of the largest and most flourishing in the country.
The above brief extract refers to a few leading facts in the outward history
of Mr. Hamlin's long life of 78 years. The character of his life was shown in
those inward qualities of mind and soul, which reveal every man as he is,
independent of circumstances. A few prominent traits blended together to form
his well settled, well known character which was simple, cheerful and strong.
His life displayed integrity, loyalty, sincerity, charity. His words were
truth; he was reliable, honorable and honest; his integrity was one of the
chief assets of his business. He was loyal in all his relations, in his faith
and duty. Sincerity marked him, he was without pretense or deceit, and was
frank and genuine. And, best of all, there was charity enfolding all, the
charity which thinketh no evil, the disposition to think well of others;
the good will, which ought to be so easy and natural, but which is so
strangely withheld and repressed in many lives. After thirty-two years of
close friendship, the writer cannot remember a single occasion of a censorious
or uncharitable criticism, made by his friend, who would keep silent where he
could not excuse and defend. Measured by the one true standard the humble,
faithful Christian life of John Cogswell Hamlin was a success one receiving
the reward of righteousness. His Christian faith was positive, and his
Christian life practical. He was the oldest communicant in St. Luke's church;
the chief pioneer in establishing it in Smethport; one of the wardens of the
church nearly all the last thirty three years; who never tired in his work for
it, and rejoiced over its prosperity. The name and memory of this sturdy and
devout Christian man, will not be lost in the church, or in the community.
May he rest in peace, and may light perpetual shine upon him.
November 7, 1912.
Page 1.
Card of Thanks
Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Evans and family wish to thank the people of Smethport
and Keating township who rendered their family so many kindnesses and donated
so liberally in restoring their financial loss in the fire which destroyed
their home and in which their son Earl, lost his life.
Page 5.
Albert C. Schamel, of Olean, aged 20, was killed in a runaway on the Schamel
farm two miles from Olean where he went for a load of hay. This he had on the
wagon and started to climb on the front end of his load when the team
started. They ran into the highway and into a tree. He clung to the tongue
of the wagon until it hit the tree, then he was thrown off and the wheels ran
over his hips, both of which were crushed.
November 14, 1912.
Page 1.
Frank Niles Taylor, aged 56 years, died at the Baptist, hospital in Memphis,
Tenn., on Wednesday, November 6, 1912, the cause of his death being a
complication of diseases from which he had been suffering for the past four
years.
For the past nineteen years Mr. Taylor had spent most of his time in the
South. This summer, however, he came to Smethport and spent several weeks
visiting friends, returning to the south about six weeks ago.
Frank N. Taylor was born in Smethport on Sept. 20, 1856, and was therefore
56 years of age. He was the only son of Hon. And Mrs. A.N. Taylor, and when
twenty years of age he was united in marriage to Miss Kate, the eldest
daughter of Dr. and Mrs. S.D. Freemen. To them were born one child a
daughter, now Mrs. Robert Hamilton. He is also survived by his wife and one
sister, Mrs. D.C. Young of this place.
He received his education in the Smethport schools and when he became of age
he and his father opened a general store in Tarport, which was then a bustling
oil town and is now know as East Bradford. Some years later he returned to
Smethport and took charge of the Grand Central Hotel, which was then the
property of his mother and he continued to conduct this popular hostelry until
about 1890. He then became interested in a hotel at Sizerville which he
managed until he went South, where he has been engaged in various enterprises.
Frank Taylor was not without his faults. Who is? But he was also a man of
many admirable qualities and he had many friends wherever he was known who
will mourn his demise as that of a loyal friend.
HE was always ready with a pleasant word of greeting and a good joke when he
was in the hotel business and his hostelry was known far and wide as one of
the most popular in the country. He was liberal to a fault and therefore
never accumulated any of this world's goods, but he had a good time in life
while he had his health and did many things to make his friends happy and for
this we should condone his faults which were more of the head than of the
heart.
His remains were brought here and taken to the home of his daughter, Mrs.
Robert Hamilton and where on Monday afternoon the funeral services were held,
the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, rector of St. Luke's church officiating and his
remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. Mary E. Keeley died at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. William M.
Digel, on Center street, this borough, on Sunday morning at 1 o'clock, Nov. 3,
1912, of acute Bright's disease and dropsy, aged 79 years.
Mrs. Keeley was born in Covington, Crawford county, Pa., on April 20, 1833.
She was a kind-hearted and lovable woman, ever willing to lend a helping hand
to the best of her ability. She lived in Smethport for the past five years
and formerly lived in Bradford, where she resided for 35 year, before coming
to Smethport.
She leaves three sons and one daughter, one granddaughter, two brothers and
two sisters to mourn her loss; John and William of Oak??nge, Oklahoma, and
James of West Virginia, Mrs. Ada Howell, of Red Rock Pa. Her brothers Perry
Childs and John Childs live at Warren Dale, Allegheny county, Pa., and St.
Peter ??nn., respectively and her sisters, Mrs. Cella Miller and Mrs. Lora
Lane reside at Franklin, Pa. She is also survived by three great grand
children Robert, Charles and William Jr. Digel, of Smethport.
The funeral services were held at her late home on Center street on Tuesday,
Nov. 5, at 2 p.m. the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating and her remains were laid
at rest in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 8.
Farmers Valley
On Oct. 21, 1912, in Buffalo, Mabel H., beloved wife of E.J. and mother of
Dorothy M. Swain died at her home on No. 167 Arkansas St. She was well-known
in this place when young as the only niece of D.W. Derby.
November 21, 1912.
Page 1.
Mrs. Ida C. Karlson, of Marvindale, Pa., was found dead in bed by her
husband as he returned at 6 o'clock I the morning of Nov 12. Mr. Karlson goes
to his work at mid-night and came home to wake her up. Not being able to do
so he called the neighbors and a physician, Dr. Cleveland from Mt. Jewett the
doctor said she had been dead for about 1 hours before Mr. Karlson entered
the room at 6 o'clock. Coroner Sherman was called and the pronounced her death
being due to heart failure, an investigation was not necessary. The deceased
leaves her husband, Mr. Elof Karlson, 3 small children, Signe, Maude and
Ivan, 3 to 6 years old, her father MR. F.A. Shelander and step-mother, 3
brothers, John, Harry and Ed. And one sister Sigrid, all of Marvindale, also
one sister Mrs. James Bloomster of Crosby, Pa., besides other relatives and
friends.
Mrs. Karlson was born at Clermont, Pa., Oct. 12th, 1883 and was united in
marriage to Elof Karlson, February 24, 1906, was at her death 29 years and 30
days old.
Interment was made at Kasson cemetery, on Thursday.
Page 1.
Mrs. McAlee Dead
AT 9:50 o'clock yesterday morning the Death Angel entered the home of Joseph
McAlee Sr., on Mary street, this place and removed therefrom the beloved wife
and mother. Mrs. McAlee had been in ill health for the past two years, but it
was for only the past two or three weeks that her life was despaired of. Her
death was due to a complication of diseases.
The funeral will be held at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning from the Catholic
church, burial being at the Catholic cemetery at Rolfe. Requiem High Mass
will be celebrated at the church, the pastor of the church officiating.
The deceased was born in Ravendale, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania on
January 25, 1850, she being therefore in her 63rd year at the time of her
death. Mrs. McAlee whose maiden name was Miss Elizabeth Brennen, was married
to Mr. Joseph McAlee at St. Clair , Schuylkill county forty-one years ago.
Following their marriage they went to Smethport where they resided for twenty-
one years. They then moved to Johnsonburg where for the past twenty years
they have made their home. She is survived by her husband an by nine
children, eight sons and one daughter, the children being Christopher E.,
Michael, Joseph and James, all married and residing in Johnsonburg; Frank who
is married lives in Maine. The other children are Paul, Anna, John and Emmett
at home. The deceased is also survived by nineteen grandchildren. She had no
near surviving relatives outside of her immediate family.
Mrs. McAlee was a consistent member of the Catholic church of this place and
a member of the Lady Maccabees. She was a very amiable lady and had a host of
friends among her acquaintances.
Page 1.
J.D. McGee Found Dead
Tuesday's Bradford Star-Record: J.D. McGee, a long time resident of Rixford,
was found dead at 7:30 o'clock this morning. Mr. McGee lived alone and was
employed as a pumper on a lease in the vicinity of Rixford. He had been in
poor health for several years but had been able to do the work that was
required of him as a pumper. This morning it was noticed that he had not left
home at the usual hour and Albert Connor made an investigation. HE found the
doors of the house locked. He looked through the windows of the sitting room
and saw the body of McGee lying upon the floor. The door was then forced open
and Coroner Sherman of this city notified of the man's death. It was
concluded that Mr. McGee had arisen at his usual hour this morning and after
dressing himself preparatory to going to work, had sat down to put o his
overshoes. One of the shoes was on his foot and the other in his hand when
death came suddenly. There was no indication of a struggle and it is
concluded that Mr. McGee died quickly and probably painlessly. He was about
70 years of age and is survived by a sister who lives in Youngsville, Pa., and
a daughter who is a resident of Pittsburgh.
Page 1.
Elizabeth Kelley, a 14-year-old girl who resided with her parents at Wrights,
about five miles up the river from Port Allegany, died at an early hour from
the effects of poison.
It is aid that the young lady had been told that if she ate the heads of
matches the brimstone would improve her complexion and it is supposed that she
ate so many that the poison from them caused her death.
Coroner E.R. Sherman of Bradford, was notified and went to Wrights where he
gathered the facts and came to the conclusion that her death was due to eating
matches.
Page 5.
The funeral, of D.W. Johnson who died at his home in Bullis Mills on Tuesday
of last week, was held at the County Home on Thursday last and his remains
laid at rest in the cemetery there. He was aged 89 years and is survived by
his wife. While bringing the remains to this place last Wednesday evening
Undertaker Herman Sasse had an unusual experience. Coming up Heinlein hill,
near Farmers Valley, the king bolt broke releasing the horses and the front
wheels. The animals ran away and were not found until the next morning. Mr.
Sasse got another rig and brought the body through that evening. The horses
when found the next morning were uninjured, except for a few small cuts and
scratches.
Page 5.
Charles Force, aged 17, of Britton Run, Crawford county, was so badly
wounded last Saturday, that he died in the Corry hospital on Sunday. He was
hunting in company with Ellwood Dorn, of about his own age. The youths had
chased a rabbit into a brush heap and laid their guns down while they kicked
it out, a process known to local hunters, and which consists of jumping on
the dry brush, the commotion and noise causing the rabbit to seek another
refuge. While the young men were jumping the rabbit came out and Force
grabbed for the gun of Dorn, which was the nearest to him. He was dragging it
towards him by the muzzle when the triggers caught and it was discharged, the
contents of one barrel lodging in his right side.
Page 5.
Edward smith, aged about 50 years, was found dead in his apartment in the
building at No. 134 Main streetat about noon on Sunday. Coroner Sherman was
notified and visited the scene. It appears that Mr. Smith was formerly a
night watchman at the Emery Refinery. About three weeks ago he became ill and
had to leave his work. Since that time he had been in his room. Sunday about
noon when an attach went to his room to get his order for dinner, he found
the man dead, seated in a chair. Deceased is survived by one daughter, Miss
Ada Smith, of McKees Rocks, Pa., and one son, Eugene Smith, of Warren, Pa
Bradford Era.
Page 9.
Miss Helen Foster, a popular young lady who lived in Canfield hollow, died
at her home on Monday of last week. She was aged 25 years and her death was
due to diabetes.
Page 9.
From the Bridgeport, Ill., Leader, we learn that B.D. Christley, formerly of
Colegrove, Pa., died at that place on Thursday, Nov. 14, 1912, after a brief
illness, and his burial took place there on Sunday, Nov. 16. He was born in
Olean, N.Y., May 13, 1873, and was a resident of Colegrove for a good many
years working for C.A. Anderson in his store. He was married to Miss Kate
Scanlon about fifteen years ago but they have not lived together for some
time. He has no immediate relatives in this vicinity.
November 28, 1912.
Page 1.
Six-Year-Old Boy Killed At Clermont.
Burg, the six and a half-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Searfoss, of
Clermont, was instantly killed last Thursday about noon, in a hunting accident
while the rifle was in the hands of his brother, Earl, aged 10 years.
The two boys without the knowledge of their parents, took a 22 calibre rifle
out of the house an started out for day's hunt for deer. They went out to the
coal chutes on the Pennsylvania tracks and there the older boy, Earl, shot
three times at a mark. Then Burg thought he ought to try the rifle, but his
brother objected and the little fellow attempted to take the gun away from his
older brother. Burg got hold of the muzzle of the rifle and was pulling it
toward himself when the gun was discharged, the bullet entering his left
breast just above the nipple. The bullet passed through his heart and came
out at his back, killing him instantly.
Earl the older boy realized in an instant what had happened and picking up
the body of his lifeless brother he started for home. Earl, however, is
unusually small for his age and could not carry the body far, but when he
could carry it no farther he dragged the body on the ground until he reached a
point near the Pennsylvania tracks. The local freight happened to be coming
into Clermont at that time, and some of the members of the crew seeing what
had happened, stopped the train and took the body and Earl into the caboose
and brought them to the station. They then took the body of Burg to the home
of his parents.
The shock was so terrible to Mrs. Searfoss when her lifeless boy was brought
home that for a time it was though that she would lose her reason but the
tender administrations and kindly sympathy of loving neighbors pacified her to
a certain extent and that danger is now passed.
Coroner Sherman, of Bradford, was notified and went to Clermont Friday
morning, but after learning the facts of the case, he decide that an inquest
was unnecessary.
Mr. and Mrs. Searfoss have been residents of Clermont for a number of years
and are highly respected by all who know them. Mr. Searfoss has been an
employee of the United National Gas Company for some time.
Burg was one of ten small children and was unusually bright for his age and
his untimely death will be keenly felt by the family and a large circle of
friends.
The funeral services, which were largely attended, were held on Saturday
afternoon and his remains were laid at rest in the Clermont cemetery.
Page 1.
Thomas Van Sickle Dead
Died at his home on Bush Hill, Saturday, November 23, 1912, after a short
illness of pneumonia, Thomas Van sickle, at the age of 39 years. He is
survived by his wife and six small children, also a step son and a step
daughter, besides two sisters, Mrs. E.E. Crum, of Cleveland, O., and Mrs. A.E.
Wilson, of Angelica, N.Y.
Thomas Van Sickles was a hard working, honest, industrious man who has met
with numerous misfortunes, but always bore up under them manfully. Much
sympathy is felt for the bereaved family in their sad affliction.
Short services were held at the house Tuesday morning the remains were then
taken to the Grimes district church, where the funeral was conducted and the
body laid to rest in the Grimes district cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. Louesa Shurtz
Mrs. Fitz A. Shurtz, a well-known Port Allegany lady died Wednesday evening,
November 20, 1912, at eight o'clock, at her home on Main street. Though she
has been ill for a couple of years and dangerously so for several months, the
end was unexpected. The cause of death was Bright's disease and its
complications from which she had been a great sufferer, but which has been
borne, heroically. She was fifty-three years of age, and has been a resident
here for many years, a lady greatly respected and liked.
Her maiden name was Louesa Mangold, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Mangold,
of Buffalo. The mother, Mrs. Ely, resided here for several years after her
second marriage. Louesa Mangold married F.A. Shurtz in 1876. The husband
and two daughters survive her. Mrs. Vada McCarthy of this city and Mrs.
Lourene towers of Buffalo. She is also survived by three brothers, John and
William Mangold and Henry Ely, the latter a half brother, of this city, and
three sisters, Mrs. Henry Lynch, Mrs. John coy and Miss Mary Cole, all of this
city.
The funeral was held Saturday afternoon at two o'clock from the house the
Rev. M.L. Tatts, rector of Emanuel Episcopal church, of Emporium, conducting
the services in the absence of a local Episcopal rector of which church she
was a member. The services at the grave were conducted under the symbolic
rites of the Order of the Eastern Star, of which organization she was a
member. The members of the Lodge attended in a body.
The interment was made in the Shurtz lot in the Port Allegany cemetery.
Port Allegany Reporter.
Page 4.
Clarence Helm, aged 24, of Kane, was instantly killed Monday morning on the
Pennsylvania railroad. He was superintendent of the Sargeant Chemical
company. At 9:30 he left the works to go home for his breakfast. He was
walking on the railroad track and hearing a train approaching from the rear,
stepped off onto the other track to avoid it. The day was stormy and Helm had
a cap pulled down over his eyes. He did not see that on the track upon which
he stepped a train was approaching. He fairly stepped into it and in a moment
he was struck by the pilot. His skull was fractured, jaw broken and both legs
broken. Helm was the son of C.H. Helm, a prominent chemical manufacturer and
had been married only a few months ago.
December 5, 1912.
Page 1.
Carl Sasse Dies Suddenly Tuesday Night.
This community was shocked Tuesday evening when it was learned that Carl
Sasse, one of Smethport's oldest and best known business men, had passed away
at his home on Mechanic Street at about 7:30. The cause of his death was
pneumonia and he had only been sick a few days.
On Wednesday of last week he was attending to his duties at the furniture
store of Specht & Sasse, he being the junior partner of this well known firm.
The writer was in the store this day and although Mr. Sasse had a little cold,
he seemed to be feeling quite well. On Thursday his cold grew worse and he
did not come to the store on Friday or Saturday but he did not take to his bed
until a few minutes before he died, although he showed a well developed case
of pneumonia on Monday.
Carl Sasse, who was 74 years of age was born in Duderstadt, Hanover, Prussia,
in 1833 and came to America in 1863 and located in Smethport where his half-
brother and the senior partner of the firm of Specht & Sasse had come some
years before. H became engaged in the cabinet making business which he
followed for some time. Later he and William Specht engaged in the furniture
business which he followed until death took him away.
He has always been prominent in the affairs of the borough and has always
used his best effort in assisting in the upbuilding of Smethport. HE was a
charter member of the A.O.U.W. and was prominent in the affairs of this order
when it was in a flourishing condition. In politics he was a Democrat and
although the Democratic party has been hopelessly in the minority for many
years, Mr. Sasse has held various office of trust in this borough, which
attests to his popularity and the esteem in which he was held by his fellow
citizens.
He came from good German stock and possessed the firm, religiously honest
character that is so common among the German people and this together with an
unusually kind heart won him legions of firm friends who will deeply regret
his demise.
In 1867 he was united in marriage to Margaret Koenig, also a native of
Dunderstadt and the fruits of this union were five children, namely: Leonard
(deceased), Miss Amanda, who has always lived at home and for the past six
years, since the death of Mrs. Sasse, has had charge of the house; Herman, who
is associated with E.W. Jones in the livery business and manages the
undertaking business for Specht & Sasse; Rudolph, who is employed in the
Backus Novelty company factory, and Waldo who is employed in a store in
Kane. Mr. Sasse's home life has always been unusually pleasant, he being one
of the men who fully enjoyed his home life and always did his full share to
make home pleasant. Therefore his death will be a severe blow to his children
and grandchildren of which he had five.
The funeral services will be held at his late home tomorrow (Friday)
afternoon at 2 o'clock, and his remains will be laid at rest beside those of
his wife in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1
Ervin Evans Dead
Ervin Evans, the nineteen-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Evans, died at
the home of his parents at East Smethport on Friday, November 29, 1912. The
cause of the young man's death was pneumonia and he had been sick only a few
days previous to his death.
This is the second affliction this family has had in a very short time. On
the evening of October 29, last, the house in which the family lived was
burned to the ground and Earl the nine-year-old brother of the subject of this
sketch was burned to death in the building and his body was not recovered
until the next morning.
The deceased is spoken of as a bright, energetic young man who had many
friends and his death will be deeply mourned by his parents and brothers and
sisters as well as by his friends.
The funeral services were held at his late home o Sunday and his remains
taken to Lafayette for burial.
Page 1.
Death of W.A. Van Dyke
Winfield A. Van Dyke, aged 29 years died at home of his mother, Mrs. M.J.
Van Dyke, at No. 19 Congress place, Tuesday morning at 9:15 o'clock. His
death was the result of injuries which he sustained eight years ago when he
fell from an oil tank at Noedesha, Kansas, while in the employ of an oil
company. His spine was injured.
Mr. Van Dyke was a member of the Church of the Ascension and was a young man
of many excellent qualities.
Besides his mother, he leaves three brothers, the Rev. William E. Van dyke,
of Smethport; Frederick J. Van Dyke and L. Mortimer Van dyke, both of Olean
and one sister, Mrs. H.M. Campbell, of Tunesassa, N.Y.
The funeral services will be held at the house Thursday afternoon at 1:30
o'clock, the Rev. W.H. Overs, Ph.D. rector of the Church of the Ascension
officiating. Interment at Oak Hill. Bradford Era.
Page 3.
The body of the man which was found on last Thursday morning along the
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh tracks near Carman and which was removed to
the VanAken undertaking rooms in this place was identified as that of John
Nelson. As no relatives could be found and no claim made for the body the
remains were buried at this place on Monday. Elk County Democrat.
Page 3.
About 5 o'clock last evening a man named Bell Toder, married and residing at
Emporium, attempted to board a freight train about a mile west of Emporium.
He was not only a trespasser on the company property but was under the
influence of liquor. He missed his footing and fell under the train, his
right leg being taken off near the thigh and his left leg near the knee. He
died about 7 o'clock last night, says last night's Kane Republican.
Page 3.
While attempting to rescue a 3-year-old boy who had fallen through the ice on
Glady Fork River, near Elkins, W.Va., Carl Erickson, aged 6, son of Fred
Erickson, proprietor of a hotel at Evanwood, where the accident occurred, was
drowned. The smaller boy managed to cling to the ice for several minutes and
was rescued. The remains of the little hero will be interred at his old home
in Kane, Pa.
Page 3.
A tiny fragment of bone, a splinter from a splintered leg, killed 15-year-
old George W. Hayes, when it touched his heart, according to physicians at the
Children's Homeopathic Hospital at Philadelphia. According to physicians the
boy was injured in a football game on Nov. 11. He was taken to the hospital
with a broken leg. The break was apparently healing well when the boy
complained of pains in the heart. He died Nov. 27.
Page 3.
A tiny fragment of bone, a splinter from a splintered leg, killed 15-year-
old George W. Hayes, when it touched his heart, according to physicians at the
Children's Homeopathic Hospital at Philadelphia. According to physicians the
boy was injured in a football game on Nov. 11. He was taken to the hospital
with a broken leg. The break was apparently healing well when the boy
complained of pains in the heart. He died Nov. 27 and the physicians learned
that a small piece of bone had been carried through the veins to the heart.
It lodged there and caused his death.
December 12, 1912.
Page 1.
Little Girl Dies Suddenly Last Sunday.
Maud, the seven-year-old daughter of Norman Stanton died at the home of her
grandparents Mr. and Mrs. William Stanton I Reilly Hollow, Keating township,
at five o'clock last Monday? Afternoon, after an illness of less than three
hours.
At two o'clock that afternoon Maud was playing around the house with her
brothers and sisters and a short time afterward she came up to her grandmother
and said that she was sick. Almost immediately Mrs. Stanton saw that the
child was in a serious condition and a member of the family was hurried to the
nearest telephone to summon a doctor. The child soon went into convulsions
and one followed another until death removed the little one of her suffering.
Doctor Ostrander arrived at the Stanton home a few minutes after four
o'clock, but was unable to help her and she passed away at ten minutes of
five. The doctor says that the convulsions were similar to those of the worst
cases of infantile paralysis or a rupture of a blood vessel around the heart,
but he says that in infantile paralysis death rarely comes so suddenly after
being stricken and he is at a loss to know just what was the cause of her
sudden death.
There is another rumor that she found some strychnine tablets around the
house that William Stanton had for heart trouble and that she ate several of
these, but this rumor cannot be verified, and Dr. Ostrander says the symptoms
did not indicate strychnine poisoning, although he says that might possibly
have been the case.
Since the death of Mrs. Norman Stanton, something over 3 years ago Norman
Stanton and his six children have been living with his parents. She is
survived by her father, her grandparents, two sisters; Ethel and Thelma, and
three brothers; Roy, Ernest and Arthur.
She is spoken of as an exceptionally birth little girl and her sudden death
will be deeply mourned by the family and a large circle of little friends.
The funeral services were held at East Smethport yesterday afternoon at 2
o'clock, the Rev. Parrott officiating, and her remains were laid at rest in
Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. Starsky Dead
A cablegram from Jerusalem, Holy Land, Arabia, reached here Monday morning
for Prothonotary Benjamin F. Starsky stating that his mother had died in that
place, but the cablegram was so muddled that Mr. Starsky did not know whether
his mother was very ill or dead, but on Tuesday he received further word that
his mother had passed away on Saturday. No further details are given and Mr.
Starsky will not be able to get any further information until he receives a
letter from a distant relative who resided with his mother.
Mrs. Bessie Starsky was about 72 years of age and was a resident of Buffalo,
N.Y., for a number of years. When her husband died she went back to Jerusalem
where she has since resided.
She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Anna Openheim, of New York City, two
sons Lewis of Buffalo, and Benjamin F. Starsky of this place, who deeply mourn
her demise. Mr. Starsky has many friends I Smethport and throughout the
county who will sympathize with him in his bereavement.
Page 1.
Death of a Pioneer
Port Allegany Argus: Alva Norton Lillibridge, one of the pioneer residents
of this place, died Tuesday morning at 7:15 o'clock of paralysis. He had a
first stroke of paralysis on the 27th of last January, which crippled his
right side, and he had not been well since that time. This coupled with his
age resulted in his death.
Alva was the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Lodowick Lillibridge. He was a
grandson of Judge Samuel Stanton, who died in 1816 while on his way to move
here with his family, which included Mr. and Mrs. Lodowick Lillibridge. Seven
years after the arrival of his parents here they being among the earliest
settlers when the entire section was virgin forest, Alva Norton Lillibridge
was born. His birth took place August 19, 1823, in a building occupying the
same location as the present residence on south Main street. Mr. Lillibridge
lived here his entire life of almost ninety years, being away during all that
time only for short trips. HE lived in the present residence about forty
years.
HE was engaged in the lumber business here for many years, conducting a
sawmill, and a general store in connection with it. On July 24, 1847, he
married Leora S. Viner. Two children were born to the, Mason A. who died
several years ago, and Mrs. Ora L. Snyder of Buffalo, who survive him. He is
also survived by two sisters, Mrs. G.M. Hull of Scranton and Mrs. Hanna Green
of this place. His wife preceded him in death by five years.
For twelve years Mr. Lillibridge has been blind, his blindness being the
ultimate result of an accident which happened to him eight days after his
marriage at Smethport on the Fourth of July 1847. A rocket struck him,
entering one eye, and causing its destruction and nearly causing his death.
He suffered from this the rest of his life, and it finally caused the loss of
his other eye also. On account of his blindness he has been confined to his
home to a large extent for a number of years.
Being one of the earliest residents here, and having lived in this place for
so many years, Mr. Lillibridge has left indelibly his record in Port Allegany,
and has done a great deal for its development. He was well known and greatly
respected among the older residents, and his history d achievements speak for
themselves.
The funeral services will be held tomorrow, Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock
from the residence. Rev. Havard Griffith of the Baptist church will
officiate. Interment will be made in the Port Allegany cemetery.
Page 1.
Boy Kills Himself
Yesterday's Kane republican says: Because his sweetheart wrote him a
letter, rejecting him, Arthur Hill, the 19-year-old son of John Hill, a farmer
residing at Highland Corners, in Elk county, about 8 miles south of this
place, shot himself last night, his death resulting early this morning.
Young Hill is an employee of the American Plate Glass Company at James city,
but had not been at work for a few days past on account of a slightly injured
hand. For some months past he had been keeping company with a young lady
residing at Loleta, Forest County, and a few days ago he received a letter
from her in which she rejected his suit.
According to the young man's family he was very much broken up over the
letter and went about the house dejected and morose and in spite of their
efforts to comfort him freely stated that life held nothing more for him.
Yesterday he seemed to be in better spirits and last evening assisted his
father with the feeding of the stock, etc. About 6:30 he came from his room.
Shortly afterwards the report of a gun was heard and the mother rushing
upstairs made the discovery that he had shot himself.
He had placed the muzzle of a double-barreled shotgun to his left side and
leaning over pushed the trigger with his hand. The shot tore a hole in the
left side of his back and penetrated the lung. Dr. M.W. Cox of this city, was
summoned and made a hurried trip to the scene of the tragedy but found the
young man beyond medical or surgical aid. Hill was conscious when the
physician arrived. He did not regret his rash act, but implored that he be
chloroformed, saying that he did not desire to recover.
Death relieved him of his suffering at 6:15 o'clock, this morning. The
young man is the oldest of several children and the father and mother are
heart broken over his untimely fate.
The coroner of Elk county was notified, but as the case is clearly one of
suicide an inquest was deemed unnecessary.
Page 6.
J.W. Blandin, aged 62 years of Ridgway, was found dead shortly after 7
o'clock Sunday morning near the glazing department of the Hyde-Murphy plant,
says the Kane Republican. The dead man was found in a crevice between the
embankment and building by the night watchman of the plant, John /Curtis, who
was making his rounds at the time. Just how long Blandin had been in the
place no one seems to know as he was last seen Saturday evening about 9
o'clock and it is thought he was going along Race street shortly afterwards
and fell over the embankment and was so injured that he was unable to rise and
died from his injuries (remainder is unreadable)
December 19, 1912.
Page 1.
Aged Resident Of Keating Township Dead.
James Donnelly, one of Keating township's oldest and most highly respected
residents passed away at his home on the Farmers Valley road last Thursday
night, his death being due to the ailments incident to old age. He had been
in poor health for a number of years an dhis death, although somewhat sudden,
was not a surprise to his many friends in this vicinity. Mr. Donnelly was
born in Scotland and when a young man came to this country, locating in Mt.
Alton nearly ?? years ago, where he was employed as a miner at Bon View for a
number of years., About 34 years ago he moved to Potato creek and settled on
a farm where he resided up to the time of his death. Years ago he followed
the lumbering business part of the time but of late he has successfully
followed the occupation of a farrier.
Mr. and Mrs. Donnelly were the parents of a large family, ten children in
all, seven of whom survive with their aged mother to deeply mourn the loss of
a kind and affectionate husband and father. The surviving children are;
William Donnelly, Mrs. Margaret ??; A.S. Donnelly, James Donnelly and
Clarence, who are located in Oklahoma oil fields; Mrs. Elizabeth Barton of
Ormsby, and Mrs. Ag[atha]Palmer.
MR. Donnelly was an honest, upright and big hearted man in every way, who
considered it better to give than to receive and all his neighbors and friends
will unite with his [lov]ing family in deeply mourning the loss of a good
friend and neighbor,.
The funeral services which were largely attended, were held Sunday
afternoon, the Rev. Luther officiating and his remains were laid at rest
in ??? Hill Cemetery.
Page 1.
F.E. Hoffman Killed.
F.E. Hoffman, employed by the United natural Gas company at Halsey, Pa., was
killed by the cars near Mt. Jewett some time during Saturday night. His
remains were found strewn along the B.R.&P. railroad tracks Sunday morning.
Coroner Sherman of this city, was notified.
The body was mangled frightfully. After falling under the wheels, the man
apparently was dragged half a mile. The remains were found almost in front of
the station at Griffiths but from the condition of the tracks and road bed,
the conclusion was reached that Hoffman fell from the train at a point half
mile south of Mt Jewett, which is about a mile from Griffiths.
Coroner Sherman learned that Hoffman was in Mt. Jewett Saturday. HE visited
a furniture store there selected $110 worth of furniture and was soon to
commence keeping house at Halsey, Pa. He had been employed at the Halsey
plant of the United Gas company only about a month. In his pockets were a
number of letters, one from his wife dated at De Young Pa., in which the
latter appeared greatly pleased to learn that she and her baby were soon to
join Mr. Hoffman and live at a point near his work. A number of Christmas
cards were also found. A leather pocketbook in which were some bills, had
been run over by the car wheels and so crushed that the paper money was in
pieces.
Hoffman was spoken of as a first class workman and was held in high esteem
by his employers. He was about 30 years of age and leaves besides his wife
and nine-month-old baby at De Young, Pa., his parents who live in Warren.
Bradford Era.
Page 3.
Bruce H. Matson, a well-known Bradford young man died at the Hotel
Lafayette, buffalo, last Saturday, the cause of his death being pneumonia. He
was a son of the late Hon. Myron Matson and was 27 years of age. He is
survived by his wife and one son, Myron, his mother Mrs. Bertha Matson and one
brother, C.S. Matson all of Bradford. The funeral services were held in
Bradford on Monday.
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