McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....July - Dec 1914 Deaths in Miner Newspaper
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The McKean Democrat 1914
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JULY-DECEMBER 1914
FROM THE
THE MCKEAN DEMOCRAT NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean Democrat from July through
December during the year of 1914. 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 2, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Henry H. Hamlin
Henry H. Hamlin, a life-long resident of Smethport, died at his home on East
street, at about 11:30 a.m., Sunday, June 28, 1914, in the 67th year of his
age.
Mr. Hamlin had been confined to his home for a week with a severe attack of
heart disease, which had given him much trouble for some time past. About
noon Saturday he suffered a stroke, and from that time on until the end he lay
in an unconscious condition, and quietly passed away at the time above
mentioned.
Mr. Hamlin, who was son of the late Asa Darwin and Viola Hamlin, who were
among the earlier settlers of Smethport, was born in this place on Dec. 19,
1847, and had spent his entire life in this vicinity. The deceased was an
industrious, hard working man who was honorable and upright in his dealings
with his fellow men. He was a professed Christian who endeavored to live the
life of a true believer. It was very seldom, when in health, that Mr. Hamlin
was missed from his place in church. That he was sincere in his professions
no one who knew the man for one moment doubted, as in his daily walks he lived
the life of a meek and lowly follower of the Master. The deceased was never
married, having for a number of years past lived at the old homestead on East
street alone, conducting the little productive farm attached thereto, and he
was a familiar figure in this section and now that he has gone to his reward
his presence will be missed.
Mr. Hamlin is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Flora Backus, Mrs. Eliza
Sherer, Mrs. George Badger, all of Smethport, and Mrs. S.C. Townsend, of
Lancaster, Ohio, besides a number of nephews and nieces.
The funeral was held at the Union church, East Smethport, at 2:30 o'clock
Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Shaner pastor of the U.B. church, officiating.
The remains were laid to rest in the family plot in rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Dr. Sanford B. McClure, one of Allegany, N.Y., oldest practicing physicians,
dropped dead at his home in that place Tuesday morning. Heat disease is
ascribed as the cause of death. Dr. McClure was in the 80th year of his age.
July 9, 1914
Page 1.
Death of George Lemmler
Charles Lemmler received a telegram Wednesday morning conveying the sad news
that his brother, George Lemmler, had died very suddenly at his home in
Angola, N.Y., that morning. While Mr. Lemmler had not been in the best of
health for some time past, the seriousness of his condition was not known to
his relatives of this borough, and the news of his sudden passing away came as
a distinct shock to his brother.
Mr. Lemmler was at the time of his death almost 62 years of age. He had
been a resident of Angola for many years, where he had conducted a clothing
store. Several years ago he visited his brother in Smethport, and during that
visit he met many of our citizens. He is survived by his widow and two sons.
Besides his immediate family he is survived by his widow and two sons.
Besides his immediate family he is survived by four brothers, Charles of
Smethport; Jacob, of Eldred, and John and William, of Buffalo.
The funeral will be held in Angola Saturday afternoon.
Page 1.
Marshal chase, aged 40 years, a resident of Two Mile, near Port Allegany,
was found in an unconscious condition at 7 o'clock Wednesday morning beside
the tool shed about a quarter of a mile from the C.&P.A. depot in that
borough. The man had evidently lain where he was found all night. He was
discovered by section hands and rushed at once to the McGranor hospital where
he died at 7:30 o'clock, while the physician was trying to revive him. The
dead man is reported to have been drinking heavily and death was due to
alcoholic poisoning. He leaves a wife and a large family of children.
Page 5.
Mrs. Anna Burdick, of Eldred, who had been an inmate at the County Home
since May 1st, died at that institution on Saturday last, of cancer, aged
about 45 years. She is survived by several children. Superintendent Taylor,
of the Home, took the remains to Eldred last Sunday.
July 16, 1914
Page 1.
Olean Times Saturday: Lewis D. Voorhies, the young man who was so severely
injured Tuesday morning when his automobile turned turtle near Cuba, but who
was thought to be out of danger, suffered a collapse this morning about 10
o'clock and in spite of all that could be done for him failed to rally. The
end came about 1:30 this afternoon. There was no signs f pneumonia or other
complications but the patient seemed merely to lose his strength.
No announcement has been made for the funeral at the hour of going to
press. Mr. Voorhies, who was 22 years of age, is survived by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. William Voorhies of 212 South Union street, with whom he made his
home, and two sisters, Ruth Edna Voorhies of this city, and Mrs. Arthur Peck
of Patchogue, Long Island, who is expected to come to Olean tomorrow evening.
Mr. Voorhies was a member of the Odd Fellows and of Olean Aerie, 616,
Fraternal Order of Eagles. He was a young man of excellent prospects and well
liked by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances in the city. The news of
his death following the announcement of his probable recovery will come as a
great shock to his many friends who had been anxiously awaiting the outcome of
his injuries.
The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock from the late home on
South Union street, Rev. S.E. Grayes of Boardmanville officiating. Interment
was made in Mt. View cemetery.
The funeral was in charge of Olean Aerie, No. 616, Fraternal Order of
Eagles, and was also attended by the Royal Lodge, No. 723 of Odd Fellows, Mr.
Voorhies having been a member of both orders.
Page 1.
Mrs. Fritz Block Dead
Mrs. Fritz block, of Hazelhurst, died at the Kane Summit hospital on Monday
morning, July 6th, from heart failure, following an operation for gall stones.
The body was brought to the home oat Hazelhurst on Monday evening, and
funeral services were held at St. Edmunds church on Wednesday morning,
conducted by the pastor, Rev. Father P.J. Blake. The burial took place at
Kasson.
Mrs. Block was 62 years old. She was one of the best known women of the
community, having lived in the Marvin Valley and at Hazelhurst for the past 35
years. She was highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
She is survived by her husband, two sons and five daughters, and several
grandchildren.
The Herald joins the many friends in sympathy for the family and especially
to the aged husband w3ho mourns a life-long companion. Mt. Jewett Herald.
Page 5.
Samuel P. Bozell, died at his home in Ormsby Monday morning at 9:30 o'clock
aged sixty years. Surviving are his wife and a daughter, Mrs. Geo. Miller of
Simpson. Deceased had been a resident of Ormsby for the past 12 years. Mr.
Bozell had been in a feeble condition for some time past, but had managed to
keep about until almost the last. He was a Smethport visitor only a few days
before his demise and was at that time apparently as well as he had been
during the past year or so. The funeral was held Tuesday evening. The
remains were taken to Bradford Wednesday morning, and laid to rest in Oak Hill
cemetery.
July 23, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Silas E. Scott
Silas E. Scott, of Kushequa, died at the Kane hospital at about one o'clock
last Saturday morning, July 18, 1914, aged 59 years.
Two or three days before, Mr. Scott had been stricken with a stoppage of the
bowels. His complaint not yielding to treatment it was decided to take him to
the hospital, where he was operated on soon after he reached that institution,
but the disease had by that time progressed so far that even an operation did
not bring the much desired relief, and he only survived the operation a few
hours.
Silas Scott was a locomotive engineer, and for many years he ran an engine
on the Kushequa Route, and subsequently was advanced to the responsible
position of master mechanic on that road, with headquarters at Kushequa, which
position he held at the time of his death. Mr. Scott was a most popular man
among his associates, and his death came as a distinct shock to his host of
friends throughout the county.
Mr. Scott was a member in good standing of Mt. Alton Lodge, I.O.O.F., and of
the order of Locomotive Engineers.
Mr. Scott is survived by his widow, two sons, H.B. Scott, of this borough,
locomotive engineer on the Kushequa Route; Lewis Scott, of Kane; and two
daughters, Mildred and Mary Scott, both at home, and a brother, of Bradford.
The funeral, which was largely attended, was held at the house, at 2:30 Sunday
afternoon, Rev. Mr. Bance, of Kane, officiating. The remains were taken to
Limestone, N.Y., Monday morning, at which place the interment was made.
Page 1.
Death of Guy L. Burt
While on a visit at Spruce, W.Va., Guy Burt, a well known resident of this
place, dropped dead of heart failure on Monday. He had left here last
Thursday evening, and after a visit with his brother-in-law, Walter Moore, was
going to work there. The body was brought back here today, and funeral
services will be held Friday at the residence.
Mr. Burt was 41 years of age, and was a son of Belden Burt, a pioneer
resident of Burtville. In 1889 he came to Port Allegany and went into the
mercantile business, buying out Tom McDowell in the firm of McDowell & Moore.
Later he bought out Walter Moore's interest in the business. He was engaged
in that business for about three years, after which he bought out Pat Kilday's
inters in the Allegany House which hotel he also conducted about three years.
Mr. Burt is survived by his wife, three children, Payson, Matian and Helen,
one brother, George, of Galeton, one sister, Mrs. Floyd VanSlyke, of Linwood,
Delaware. Port Allegany Argus.
Page 5.
The body of Ignafo Egger, and Italian, was found in the woods near Port
Allegany, on Wednesday morning. The man had been at work on a lumber job on
Skinner creek for a short time. The man had only been dead a few minutes when
his body was discovered. Coroner Sherman, of Bradford, was notified, and went
to Port Allegany and made an investigation. The cause of the man's death was
thought to have been the excessive heat of that day.
Page 5.
Mrs. Sarah Shaw, aged 71 years, dropped dead at the home of her son, Herbert
Shaw, of Kane, with whom she made her home, last Monday morning. Heart
disease from, which she had been a sufferer for a long time, was the cause of
her sudden taking off.
Page 5.
Fred R. Carson, one of Bradford's best known and popular citizens, committed
suicide by shooting himself in the mouth, Tuesday afternoon, in a park near
North East, Pa. It appears that Mr. Carson had a violent quarrel with Mrs.
Carson, at their home in Bradford last Saturday evening, and it is said that
the enraged man fired two shots at his wife, but before he had done any damage
was disarmed. That same night he left Bradford and brought up at North East,
and in a fit of despondency took his own life as above stated. Mr. Carson was
prominent in fraternal circles of the oil metropolis, and was justly popular
with all with whom he was thrown in contact and was one of the last men in the
world who would be taken as being capable of committing such a horrible deed.
The deceased was well and favorably known to many of the citizens of
Smethport, all of whom will be shocked to hear of his death. He is survived
by his widow and one son.
July 30, 1914
Page 1.
Mrs. Nellie D. Huntoon died at the hospital last evening at 7 o'clock from
the effects of a dose of corrosive sublimate taken, evidently with suicidal
intent at her apartments No. 49 Forman street on the afternoon of Monday, July
20.
But little is known of the circumstances leading up t the rash act as the
family had but recently occupied the rooms in the house where the deed was
committed. About 3 o'clock in the afternoon of that day, Dr. H.I. Woodhead
was summoned to the house and found the woman suffering the well known effects
of the deadly corrosive. Antidotes were promptly administered and everything
possible was done to relieve her but her condition did not improve and on the
following day she was taken to the hospital where the insidious poison
gradually performed its fatal function. No cause other than despondency has
been assigned for her action She was 27 years old and is survived by her
husband, Fred A. Huntoon, a three year old daughter, and her parents, Mr. and
Mrs. Benjamin Keesler of Smethport. The body was removed to Koch's
undertaking rooms where funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2
o'clock. Burial will be made in Oak Hill. Bradford Era, Wednesday.
Page 5.
Thrown into Crystal Spring lake, near Kane, by the upsetting of their boat,
John Horscheck, 29, and John Cardensea, 27, both of James City were drowned
late Sunday before aid reached them. Neither was able to swim. Horscheck's
four-year-old son saw his father drown.
Page 5.
Dr. Adelaide Griffin Tucker died quite suddenly at the Bradford hospital
last Friday afternoon. Dr. Tucker had not been in robust health for some
time, and on Thursday she underwent an operation, from the effects of which
she made successful rally, and seemed to be getting along nicely, but Friday
afternoon the patient had a relapse and soon after expired. The deceased was
about 44 years of age, and is survived by two children, two brothers and four
sisters.
Page 5.
Dorr Fuller, of New Hudson, N.Y., was drowned in Cuba Lake last Saturday
afternoon, in front of his cottage on the lake. Mr. Fuller was out on the
lake in a boat, and after leaving the shore missed the oars of the boat, and
took off his shoes and started to swim to the shore, when he sank in twenty
feet of water. It was an hour afterwards before the body was recovered.
Page 5.
The death is announced of George W. Cottrell, the Kane popcorn man, who
was quite well known in Smethport, which occurred at the home of his daughter,
at Akron, Ohio, where he was visiting, last Saturday morning. Some weeks ago
Mr. Cottrell fell from the porch at his home in Kane and suffered a fracture
of the skull, which with a sunstroke he recently suffered was the cause of his
death. The deceased was about 64 years of age, and is survived by his widow
and two daughters. The remains were brought to Kane, and the funeral was held
at the M.E. church in that place on Tuesday afternoon. The remains were laid
to rest in Forest Lawn cemetery at that place.
August 6, 1914
Page 5.
The headless body of Fred Martin, of Vandaba, N.Y. was found one mile south
of that station on the Salamanca branch of the Pennsylvania railroad early
Monday morning. The body was terribly mutilated and had evidently been
struck by some train during the night. From its position it is supposed that
Martin went to sleep on the track, with his head resting upon one of the
rails. As yet it is not known what train hit the trespasser. Martin was 27
years old and a sand worker. The remains were turned over to Dr. Martin, the
coroner at Salamanca, N.Y.
August 13, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. Wesley McDowell
Died at her home on the Marvin creek road, two and one-half miles from
Smethport, last Friday, Mrs. Wesley McDowell, aged about 60 years.
Mrs. McDowell's illness dates back about three years when a malignant growth
developed on her hand which terminated in a cancer, which finally caused her
death. Mrs. McDowell kept about unitl almost the last, and it was not
generally known that she was in a critical condition when her death was
announced. The deceased had resided in this vicinity for many years, and was
well known to many in this section, and the announcement of her death came as
a surprise to her friends and acquaintances.
Mrs. McDowell is survived by her husband, five daughters and two sons, who
will have the sympathy of all in their bereavement.
The funeral was held at the house at 2:00 o'clock, Sunday afternoon, Rev. O.
Grey Hutchinson, pastor of the Smethport Baptist church, officiating. The
remains were laid to rest in Smith's cemetery, at Farmers Valley.
Page 1.
Father Keegan Dead
The many friends of Rev. Father Joseph B. Keegan, of Emporium, formerly of
Crown, were pained and surprised to learn of his sudden death about 3 o'clock
yesterday morning after an illness of about three weeks. He was suffering
from pleurisy and pneumonia. Although his condition was serious his friends
did not think he would not recover. During the fire at his church last Sunday
he was removed from his bed to the home of Postmaster Charles Seger, a
neighbor and exposed to the inclement weather he caught a little more cold,
which no doubt hastened his death. Father Keegan was transferred to this
charge last March, taking the place of Father Thomas B. Downey, who went to
Franklin. During his short pastorate here he made many friends. Kane
Republican, Saturday.
Page 1.
Death of Earl G. Shiffler
Olean times, Monday: Earl G. Shiffler died last night at the home of his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clinton W. Shiffler at Rock City. Mr. Shiffler, who
would have been twenty years old next month, had been ill for the past 8
months. After his graduation from the Olean high school in 1912, he studied a
year at Syracuse University, then commenced a course in forestry at the
University of Michigan, but was compelled to discontinue his studies on
account of ill health. In the early spring Mr. and Mrs. Shiffler moved to
rock City on account of their son's health, but he has not been confined to
his bed until within the past week.
Mr. Shiffler was a young man of sterling qualities, well liked in his student
days by all of the young people, and his death in the first years of manhood,
is mourned by a wide circle of friends.
The funeral of Earl Shiffler, whose death occurred last night at Rock City,
will be held tomorrow morning at 10:00 o'clock at the home of Mrs. William
Duke on North Clinton street. The body will be brought to Mrs. Duke's home at
9 o'clock, and following the short prayer service at 10 will be taken on the
Pennsylvania train to Lebanon, Pa., the family's former home, for burial.
For several years the deceased resided with his parents in Smethport, where
he was well known. The family removed from Smethport to Olean, where they
have since resided.
The many friends of the family in this borough will unite in extending their
sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Shiffler in mourning the death of their idolized son.
Page 1.
Kane Republican, Monday: Robert M. Mitchell, father of L.L. Mitchell, of
Mt. Jewett, was found dead near the Mt. Jewett water works Saturday, about
noon. Mr. Mitchell, who was past seventy years of age, had gone out to pick
berries. Later some children found his lifeless body.
Coroner Sherman was notified and he gave undertaker Lantz instructions to
prepare the body for burial. The remains were taken to the home of L.L.
Mitchell in Anderson street, from which the services were held today, after
which the body was taken to Custer City for burial.
Coroner Sherman came to Mt. Jewett Sunday to make inquiries and pronounced
death due to heart disease. Mr. Mitchell is survived by two sons, A.A.
Mitchell, of Hazelhurst, and L.L. Mitchell, of Mt. Jewett, with whom he has
made his home for several years past.
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. Jane L. Russell
Bradford Star Record, Friday: Word arrived in the city this morning of the
death of Mrs. Jane L. Russell, widow of the late Dr. W.J. Russell, which
occurred suddenly last evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Westervelt in
Los Angeles, Cal.
Mrs. Russell was stricken at the dinner table with a ceberal hemorrhage and
death ensued soon after.
Prior to the fatal attack Mrs. Russell was enjoying good health and making
preparations to return to her home in this city.
The body will be placed in a receiving vault temporarily and funeral
arrangements will be announced later. Mrs. Russell was one of the best known
and best liked women in the city of Bradford, where she had lived for the past
thirty-five years and the news of her death was received with genuine sorrow
and regret. Mrs. Russell and Dr. Griffin-Tucker, whose death took place last
week, were very close friends.
Jane Dixon Russell was about 55 years of age and came to Bradford thirty-
five years ago with her first husband, the late Dr. James, who was a prominent
and successful physician in this community. Several years after the death of
Dr. James, she was married to Dr. W.J. Russell, who died about five years
ago. Mrs. Russell was a general favorite with all who knew her and very
prominent in the social affairs of this city.
Last fall, Mrs. Russell left this city for a visit with her sister, Mrs.
Frank Chapman, and other relatives in Los Angeles, Cali. Deceased was a
devout member of the Church of the Ascension and belonged to the Country club.
Page 5.
The seven-year-old child of Joseph G. Sells, a farmer living about two miles
from St. Marys, was killed by a bolt of lightning Friday, which destroyed his
house, barn and recently harvested crops. The loss is $3,000.
August 20, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. David France
Mrs. David France died at her home on the Holmes & Gilfillan's farm, near
East Smethport, last Tuesday under the most sad and distressing circumstance
childbirth after an illness of only a few days, aged 35 years.
The family have resided in Smethport for some time. Last April, after
Holmes & Gilfillan had purchased the Dodge & Sherburne farm, the family
removed from this borough onto the same, where they have since continued to
reside. Beside her husband Mrs. France is survived by two children, who will
have the sincere sympathy of all in the great loss they have sustained.
The funeral will be held at the Union church, East Smethport, Friday
afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. The remains will be laid to rest in Rose Hill
cemetery.
Page 1.
Death of N.E. Torrey
Bradford Star-Record, Thursday: N.E. Torrey, aged 82 years, died suddenly
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W.J. Fredericks, No. 98 South avenue, last
night at 11:30 o'clock. Mr. Torrey had displayed no signs of illness and had
enjoyed a pleasant social evening with several callers. At his usual hour he
retired to his room, after bidding the members of the household a genial good
night. Shortly afterwards, the sound of a heavy fall issued from his room,
and an investigation by his son-in-law, Dr. Fredricks, revealed the
unconscious body of the aged man lying on the floor. Death came in a few
minutes. His sudden death was a great shock to his family and friends as,
despite his advanced age, Mr. Torrey had heretofore enjoyed the best of
health. Deceased had made his home with his only surviving relative, Mrs.
Fredericks, for the past sixteen years. Private funeral services will be held
at 8:30 o'clock and the body will be taken on the 9:30 o'clock B.R.&P. train
to Springville, N.Y., for burial.
Page 5.
Rev. Father Bernhard Hermann Kloecker, pastor of St. John's Catholic church,
Erie, Pa., died at the parochial residence of that church, at an early hour
last Friday morning after an illness of two weeks, in the 63d year of his
age. Father Kloecker was the second priest located at Kane, being assigned to
that parish in 1882, where he remained until 1887, when he was transferred to
Erie, where he was stationed up until his death. The funeral was held Tuesday
morning.
August 27, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Edward Denning
Edward Denning, age 40 years, died at his home in Eldred last Friday night.
Mr. Denning had not been in good health during the past year, but had kept
up and about until almost the last. The deceased was born at Eldred, and had
spent all his life in that vicinity, and was popular with a wide circle of
friends.
He is survived by his widow, three sons and a daughter; also by five
brothers, George H. Denning, of this borough being a brother of the deceased.
The funeral was held at the house Monday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Osborne
officiating.
Page 1.
D.B. McDivitt Dead
Daniel Bates McDivitt, a pioneer oil producer, died at his home in Haymaker,
at 5 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, after a short illness, of obstruction of the
bowels and heart complications.
The death of this estimable man came as a sad event in the lives of those
who were acquainted with him. He was one of the oldest residents of Haymaker
and a man of that character which one is proud to call a friend; a loving and
indulgent husband and father, a good citizen.
Deceased was born in Warrior's Mark, Center County, Pa., February 8, 1841,
the seventh of ten children, born to James and Mary McDivitt. In September,
1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Alice Davis, of Harrisville, Pa.,
and about four years later, moved his family to Haymaker, where they have
since resided. His earlier life was spent in drilling and contracting in the
oil fields of Oil Creek and Haymaker, he later affiliating with the Dusenbury
Wheeler & Co., lease on which his home stands. He had just completed the
remodeling of his home when death deprived him of the enjoyment thereof.
Last Sunday morning he complained of not feeling well and for a couple of
days, suffered considerably, but Wednesday, while in less pain, his condition
was not improved and was considered hopeless, and although everything possible
was done for him, death came as a silent messenger of peace.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. McDivitt, three of whom survive;
Mrs. Ada Ostrander, of Smethport; Mrs. Lena Green, of Shinglehouse, and Frank
Smith McDivitt, at home, whom, with the widow, and four grandchildren, mourn
their loss, and have the sympathy of a legion of friends. The funeral will be
held from the house, Sunday, at 1 o'clock, Rev. Osborne officiating, and
interment will be made in Oak Hill. The remains of his daughter, Hattie, who
died in 1882, now interred in the Cook's cemetery, will be disinterred and
buried in the same grave with him, in fulfillment of his wish, - Eldred Eagle.
Page 5.
Mrs. Sue Burdick received a dispatch Monday morning apprising her of the
death of her niece, Miss Edith Hebner, which said event occurred at her home
in Harrisburg last Saturday night. Miss Hebner was 19 years of age, and was a
bright and winsome young lady, who was very popular with a wide circle of
friends and acquaintances. Last October her father died at Washington, D.C.,
and the family subsequently located in Harrisburg. Miss Hebner is survived by
her mother and a brother, who will have the sympathy of a wide circle of
friends in the great affliction that has befallen them. Mrs. Burdick left
Monday evening for Harrisburg for the purpose of attending the funeral.
September 3, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Daniel Woodring
The death of Daniel Woodring occurred at 3:15 o'clock Thursday afternoon at
his home in Ormsby as the result of a fall from a derrick sustained the
previous Monday. Woodring went up the rig to perform some work and while
leaning on a girt of the derrick, the support broke and precipitated him to
the ground where he alighted upon his head. He remained in a semiconscious
condition until death. He was an employe of the South Penn Oil Co., and had
resided in Ormsby and vicinity for the past 27 years. Surviving are his wife,
Estella; two sons, Paul, of Cambridge Springs, and Stanley, of Ormsby; two
daughters, Marion and Mildred Woodring, of Ormsby; two brothers, Henry and
Alfred Woodring, of Akron, O., and a sister, Miss Anna Woodring, of
Saegertown, Pa. He was a member of Tunungwant lodge, No. 111, A.O.U.W. of
Bradford. Funeral services were held at the home Friday evening at 7:30
o'clock, Rev. O. Grey Hutchinson,of Smethport, officiated. The body was taken
to Saegertown Saturday where the burial took place.
Page 1.
Death of Lawrence Scanlon, Sr.
Lawrence Scanlon, Sr., a long time resident of Colegrove, died at his home
in that place Wednesday morning, after a long illness, at the age of 75 years.
For a long time Mr. Scanlon was the engineer at the pump station at that
place, and was well known in this section where he had many friends, who will
regret to hear of his demise.
The deceased is survived by his widow, five sons and two daughters, who will
have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends.
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. George Selle
The St. Marys Gazette says: Mrs. Selle passed away on Sunday night last at
11:30 o'clock at the home of her daughter Mrs. Conrad Friedl, on Chestnut
street, following an illness of five months. On Thursday last she suffered a
stroke of paralysis and since that time gradually grew worse until the end
came.
Mrs. Selle was born on November 2nd 1833, in Ramagen, Bermany, and was
therefore in the 81st year when death claimed her. At the age of 16 she came
to the United States with her parents, who settled in Cooper Settlement,
Clearfield county. In 1854 she was united in marriage to George Selle. Eight
children blessed the union, of whom six survive. They are Mary, (Mrs. Michael
Wittman) Frances, (Mrs. Conrad Freidl) Theresa, (Mrs. Joseph Feunfinger) Anna,
(Mrs. John Freidl) Joseph, all of St. Marys, and Barbara, (Mrs. Henry
Kleisath) of Smethport.
One brother, Nicholas Kurchner, of Herndon, Kansas, also survives. He has
but recently returned to the West from a three months visit in St. Marys.
For the past five months the deceased had made her home with her daughter,
Mrs. Conrad Freidl, prior to which time she lived with her son, Joseph, on the
Windfall road.
Mrs. Selle was a devout Christian, a member of the St. Mary's church and
also of the Altar Society, which organization attended the funeral in a body.
The funeral was held yesterday morning at 9 o'clock from the St. Mary's
church with Rev. Father Luke, O.S.B. officiating and was largely attended by
relatives and friends of the deceased. Interment was made in the Catholic
cemetery.
Mrs. Selle was one of those women who pass through life scattering sunshine
and flowers of happiness by the way. She lived close to the bosom of her
family and there her life work lay close by the fireside. Her demise leaves a
void which can never be filled and which time only can partly efface.
Those who attended the funeral from out of town were: Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Kleisath, of Smethport; Mrs. Emma Selle, Rasselas; Mrs. James Carroll and
daughter and Miss Mayme Breindel, of Buffalo, Mr. and Mrs. J. McKnight, of
Johnsonburg, Joseph Feunfinger and daughter, of Pittsubrgh and Mrs. Emma
Herbatritt, of Beechwood.
Page 5.
A Warren dispatch of Tuesday says: The lifeless body of a man who was
identified as John Kilety of Olean, was found in a clump of bushes in Pleasant
township just across the borough line yesterday morning by a tramp named Tom
Hurley. A post mortem revealed the fact that the man came to his death from
pneumonia and alcoholism. Kilety was about 50 years old and had been employed
as a pipe line man. The body was sent to Olean for burial.
September 10, 1914
Page 1.
Peter Blanchard of Norwich, Receives Injuries Which Caused Death
On Monday of last week, Peter Blanchard, of Norwich, while assisting in
loading ties on a car on the Goodyear lumber job in Norwich township, received
injuries which resulted in his death the following day. It appears that Mr.
Blanchard was at work with a number of other men in loading a car with ties
and during the progress of the work the car, which was standing on a grade,
started down the incline, and as there were other cars standing on the track
further down the line, the first thought of the unfortunate man was the life
and safety of those who were working about these cars, and to protect these
men Mr. Blanchard stuck to the cars in hopes that he could check its speed and
thus avert an accident, but as the brake was then set to its capacity he was
absolutely powerless to control the speed of the car, which by this time had
gotten under such headway that to jump meant death, and he decided to take his
chances in remaining on board the runaway car. When the car which he was on
collided with those which were obstructing the track the concussion shifted
the ties on the same in such a manner that Mr. Blanchard received terrible
injuries about the chest and his forehead was badly cut. Fellow workmen did
all in their power to make the condition of the injured man as comfortable as
possible, and he was conveyed to his home as soon as possible. On Tuesday he
was taken to the Ridgway hospital, but Mr. Blanchard died about the time he
reached that institution. The remains were brought back to his late home in
Norwich Wednesday.
Mr. Blanchard had been a valued and faithful employe of the Goodyears during
the past twenty years, and was universally well liked by all who came in
contact with him. He was a most genial and companionable gentleman in every
sense of the word, and his untimely death was a shock to his host of friends.
He was 53 years of age, and he is survived by a widow and four children, one
daughter and three sons, who will have the heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle
of friends I their bereavement. Mr. Blanchard was a cousin of George Richie,
of Fry & Comes of this borough.
The funeral was held Saturday morning at the Catholic church, Norwich, Rev.
Father Carpenter of Clermont officiating. The remains were brought to
Smethport and interred in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 1.
H.W. Horner Dead
H.W. Horner died at Allegany Springs, Pa., on Tuesday of last week, aged 74
years.
Mr. Horner had been in poor health for a long time previous to his demise.
Some time ago he was stricken with paralysis from which he never fully
recovered. The deceased was born in Allegany county, N.Y. on July 7, 1840.
On April 9, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Cassie S. King, daughter
of the late Mrs. Agnes King, of Smethport. The fruits of this union were
three daughters, Mrs. Marion Gerow, of North Carolina; Mrs. Mabel Gallup, of
Youngsville, Pa., and Mrs. Mildred Fulton, of Tionesta, Pa., who with Mrs.
Horner survive.
Mr. Horner was for a long time a resident of McKean county, where he was
well known, and numbered his friends by the legion all of who were shocked on
learning of his death.
The funeral was held in Irvington Thursday morning, and the remains were
brought to Smethport Friday afternoon, accompanied by the family. The
interment was made in St Elizabeth's cemetery, this place.
The Democrat unites with a wide circle of friends in extending its sympathy
to the stricken family. A good man has gone to his reward.
Page 5.
James Walker, aged 67 years, a respected resident of Duke Center, dropped
dead Monday afternoon on an oil lease near that town. He is survived by three
sons.
September 17, 1914
Page 1.
Warren, Sept. 10 Mrs. J.P. Jefferson, one of the most prominent women of
Warren, was stuck and instantly killed by a special train on the D.A.V.&P.
railroad at 8 o'clock last night. The accident occurred in front of the
residence of W.W. Rankin on Fourth avenue, between Market and East streets,
where the railroad curves from East street on to Fourth avenue.
Mrs. Jefferson was evidently crossing the track, apparently going to the
Rankin home, where she was a frequent caller. Engineer Charles Kepple in
charge of the train, applied the emergency brakes and it was found that the
drive wheel was across the middle of her body. Claude Timmons was conductor
of the train which was hauling extra coaches used in handling the Labor Day
traffic.
Coroner George A.W. DeForest was called as was also Dr. R.B. Stewart, the
railroad physician.
Mrs. Jefferson was a daughter of the late Lansing D. Wetmore, and is
survived by her husband, J.P. Jefferson, and two brothers, Edward Wetmore, of
this city, and Albert Wetmore, of New York city.
Mrs. Jefferson was prominent in the First Presbyterian church and was one of
the foremost in society.
Page 1.
The Olean Times, of Friday, says: The funeral of Chas. F. Collins, of
Austin, was held this morning at 11 o'clock, at St. Bonaventure's church, at
Allegany. The young man died Monday evening, at 7 o'clock, at Norwich, after
a week's illness, death being caused from tonsolitis and blood poisoning.
Aside from his father he is survived by two sisters and three brothers, Dr.
Geo. Collins, of Avon, N.Y., Mable, Esther, John and Clarence, of Austin. He
was, at one time, a student at St. Bonaventure's college, and was well known
and highly respected in both Olean and Allegany.
The remains were brought here on the 10:26 Pennsylvania train, where they
were met by a delegation of the local K. of C., of which order he was a
member. The services at Allegany were conducted by Father O'Brian of Austin.
He was buried in St. Bonaventure's cemetery by the side of his mother, who
died about a year ago.
Page 5.
Mrs. W.H. Davis, one of Kane's best known and most estimable ladies, died at
her home in that place at an early hour Saturday morning. Mrs. Davis had
recently returned from Atlantic City, where she underwent a serious operation,
from which she was apparently making a satisfactory recovery, but on Friday
her condition took a turn for the worse, and heart trouble developed, which
was the immediate cause of her death. She was in the 43d year of her age, and
is survived by her husband, a son and a daughter. Besides her own immediate
family she is survived by her mother and a sister.
September 24, 1914
Page 1.
Coudersport, Sept. 19. Judge Arthur G. Olmsted, one of the prominent figures
in Potter county and Pennsylvania state politics for many years, died early
today at his home here, after a long illness from diseases incident to old age.
Judge Olmsted retired from the bench about 12 years ago, after having served
for along terms president judge of the 48th judicial district of Pennsylvania,
which comprised Potter and McKean counties. For several years past he has
been in poor health, and his death was not unexpected.
Although the greater part of his life had been spent in Pennsylvania, Judge
Olmsted was a native of New York state, having been born in Masonville,
Delaware county, September 30, 1827. He was the son of Daniel and Lucy
Olmsted, who moved to Ulysses, in Potter county, when the boy was only nine
years old. After finishing a course at the Coudersport academy, young Olmsted
began the study of law in the office of John S. Mann. He was admitted to the
bar in 1850, and the same year was elected district attorney.
(Obituary continues with life achievements not included here)
He is survived by his wife and two children, Mrs. W.F. DuBois and Robert A.
Olmsted, all of whom reside in Coudersport.
The funeral ceremonies of Judge Olmsted were held at the residence Monday
afternoon and were largely attended, being conducted by the Rev. George
Donoghue, D.D., of the Presbyterian church of Coudersport, and the Rev. C.H.
Dodd, D.D., of Germantown, Pa. Dr. Dodd was himself a farmer boy of Potter
county, who wandered away from his companions in his youth and has now become
a noted pulpit orator of the Baptist church. His discourse on the life and
character of Judge Olmsted was singularly eloquent and appropriate. It was
listened to not only by a large gathering of the residents of the borough and
vicinity but also by distinguished citizens of neighboring counties.
(A list of attendees follows)
Page 1.
William C. Kennedy Dead.
The Bradford Sunday Herald says: Last evening, at 7:30 o'clock, at his home
in this city, there passed from the ranks of the living, William C. Kennedy,
one of the foremost citizens, widely known in this city and state.
It had been known for several days that MR. Kennedy was steadily approaching
the brink of those earthly affairs in which he bore such an active useful, and
honorable part.
(Obituary is length and portions have been omitted)
On September 7, Mr. Kennedy was overcome by heart fatigue while he was
climbing a hill at his lease at Lewis Run, and was unable to recuperate.
Mr. Kennedy was born in New York city in March, 1842. He attended the
public schools in that city, and also the New York academy. After completing
his education, he went to Belmont, N.Y., to engage in the lumber business.
From Belmont he went to Sawyer City where he also engaged in the lumber
business, and in 1870 came to Bradford, engaging in the lumber and oil
business.
Mr. Kennedy was married in 1869 to Miss Sarah Hess, of Belmont, who died.
One daughter, Margaret, was born of this union. In 1876 he married Ella C.
Crocker of Bradford who died some years ago.
He is survived by two daughter, Mrs. W.B. Chapman, of Pittsburgh, Mrs.
Harold C. Bailey, of New York city and one son, C.P. Kennedy of Barbourville,
Ky.; also three sisters, Mrs. Margaret C. Morgan, Miss Mary Kennedy and Miss
Charlotte Kennedy of Brooklyn, N.Y.; T.H. Kennedy and S.P. Kennedy are nephews
of the deceased.
October 1, 1914
Page 1.
Awful Auto Accident
Wife of Representative Howard, of Emporium, died, and Mrs. William Howard Will
Probably die.
Williamsport, Pa., Sept. 27. Mrs. Josiah Howard of Emporium, wife of
Representative Josiah Howard now a candidate on the Republican ticket for the
State Senate, died I the Williamsport hospital today as the result of an
automobile accident which happened last night about eight miles from
Emporium. Mrs. William Howard also of Emporium, is also in the Williamsport
hospital not expected to live
The Mesdames Howard were members of a motor party that went to Kane
yesterday to witness the shooting of an oil well owned by Henry Helm. They
were on their way home when the accident occurred. With them were Henry Achu,
Dorothy Howard, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Howard, Theodore Howard, and
the chauffeur, Charles Clark. The car was running about 15 miles an hour when
something went wrong with the steering gear, the car swerving and going over a
40 foot embankment. The chauffeur tried to steer the car back, but was
unsuccessful, and the car turned over two or three times before it reached the
bottom of the embankment.
Mrs. Josiah Howard's skull was fractured; Mrs. William Howard, broken leg
and injured internally; Henry Achu, body severely wrenched, arm and shoulders
sprained; Theodore Howard escaped serious injury; Chas. Clarke, body bruises
and cuts.
Dorothy Howard ran a mile to Howard's siding, where a telegraph operator
sent word to Emporium for physicians, who responded in autos.
Page 1.
This community was greatly shocked to learn of the sudden death of George W.
Anderson, which occurred on Thursday morning, September 24, 1914, of heart
disease.
George W. Anderson, fourth child of Lewis and Jane Anderson, was born in
Ellicottville, N.Y., April 11, 1849. Later his parents moved to Machias,
N.Y., and when he was ten years of age the home was made in Allegany, N.Y. He
was united in marriage with Edith Jane Wright, at Smethport, Pa., April 10,
1877. They began housekeeping on the Bennett farm and after four years moved
to the present home where they have resided for over 32 years. He is survived
by the widow, only son, Lewis, one sister, Belle Chaffee, of Thompson, O., and
three brothers, John C. Archibald K., and Charles L. Anderson, of Olean, N.Y.,
and little Mary Jeanette Anderson, the only grandchild.
For many years he has held membership in Smethport Lodge, No. 389, I.O.O.F.,
and the Grange, at Smethport, Pa. The kind husband and father friend and
neighbor, loyal citizen and fraternal brother will be greatly missed.
The funeral was held from the family home on Saturday. Services were
conducted by Rev. A.S.M. Hopkins, of Erie, Pa., also by Smethport Lodge, No.
389, I.O.O.F., of Smethport, Pa. The body was taken on the afternoon train to
Olean, and interment was made in the family plot in Mt. View cemetery.
The following persons from out of town were present: John C., Charles L.,
and Archibald K. Anderson, of Olean, N.Y.; Mrs. B.E. Davis and son, John, of
Shinglehouse, Pa.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sanford, of Olean.
Page 1.
Joseph Craft died at the Kane Hospital on Sunday last, after a short
illness, of typhoid fever, in the 48th year of his age. The deceased was
taken to the Kane hospital a week ago last Monday suffering from that dread
disease. He is survived by his widow and four children. The remains were
brought to Smethport Monday. The funeral was held at the Baptist church
Wednesday afternoon. The interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. The
Democrat unites in extending its sympathy to the stricken family.
October 8, 1914
Page 1.
F.J. Silfies Meets Death At St. Marys
The wide circle of Smethport friends of Fred J. Silfies, the well known and
popular proprietor of the Clermont House, Clermont, were shocked last Friday
morning on the receipt of news that that gentleman had been killed at an early
hour that morning in an automobile accident, and that Bernard Amend, also of
Clermont, who was in the car with Mr. Silfies, had been badly injured.
(Article is two columns long so only portions have been included here,)
It appears that Mr. Silfies, in company with his friend, Bernard Amend, had
gone to St. Marys Thursday for the purpose of attending the Elk county fair.
The trip was made in Mr. Silfies car, driven by that gentleman himself, who
was considered to be one of the most careful drivers in this section. After
the evening entertainment on the fair grounds Mr. Silfies and Amend had gone
to St. Marys for the purpose of getting a lunch preparatory to their trip
home. At about midnight they made the start. When near the Elk County Home
they came to the forks of two roads, and Mr. Silfies headed his car for one of
these roads, but instantly discovered his mistake and shifted the course of
the car to the other road. IN doing this the car struck a stone pile and
turned turtle pinning both men under the machine in a helpless condition.
Mr. Amend, from whom we got the particulars of this distressing affair, said
that they were pinned down by the car for fully a half hour, that he began to
think that neither of them would ever be rescued alive, but that their dead
bodies would be discovered the next morning when he heard the cheering sound
of an approaching auto, and notwithstanding the fact that his breathing had
been nearly shut off by the heavy pressure of the machine on his chest, he
succeeded in attracting the attention of the driver of the approaching auto,
who would not have seen the disabled car, by his calls for help. The Good
Samaritan, who was a small man, at once undertook to raise the car
sufficiently to release the imprisoned men, but his strength was inadequate to
task and informed the unfortunate man that he would hurry to St. Marys for
assistance. Mr. Amend told him that would be useless, as both of them would
be dead before assistance form town could be secured. Then the stranger made
a superhuman effort to raise the car, which he succeeded in doing so to as
make it possible for Mr. Amend to crawl from under the auto. With all his
painful bruises Amend seized hold of the side of auto with the strength of a
giant, and with the assistance of the other man right the car up in an
instant. Mr. Silfies, who was still faintly breathing, was tenderly picked up
and placed in the auto and a hasty trip was made to St. Marys, but before that
town was reached the flickering spark had departed, and Fred Silfies had gone
to that bourne from which no traveler returns.
F.J. Silfies was born at Albrightville, Pa., 52 years ago last April. Earl
in life he came to Emporium, Pa., where he was located for some time.
Subsequently he came to Clermont, where he was engaged in the lumber business
for some time. Eventually he entered the hotel business at Clermont and from
the start made a success of that business, and at the time of his death was
the owner and manager of the Clermont House, one of the best arranged country
hotels in this section. . He was married twice, his first wife died in 1896
and his second wife in July three years ago. He is survived by the following
children, Oscar F., of Olean; Ida and Blanch, of Clermont, and Effie of Kane.
Besides his immediate family he is also survived by the following brothers and
sisters: Henry of Blakslee, Pa.; George, of Clermont; Charles, of Lehighten,
Pa.; and Frank, Keyser, W.Va., and Mrs. Wm. Getz, Lehighton, Pa.; Mrs. Edwin
Getz of Albrightville, Pa., and Mrs. Dennis Geppa, Wilmington, N.C.
The funeral which was one of the largest ever held in this section took
place at Clermont Sunday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Perkins, pastor of the Colegrove
M.E. church officiating. The choir of the Smethport M.E. church furnished the
music for the occasion. The remains were laid to rest in the Clermont
cemetery.
October 15, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Thomas D. Nash
News reached Smethport last week that Thomas D. Nash had passed away in
Erie, Pa., on the 5th inst. No particulars are obtainable. Mr. Nash, who was
a native of Vermont, was a former resident of McKean county, living both at
Smethport and Bradford. He was prominent in local politics and was for
several years chairman of the Democratic county committee of this county. His
age was 73 years. The funeral services were held at St. Peter's cathedral in
Erie, Thursday morning. As the Democrat is not in a position where it can say
anything in favor of the deceased, it will certainly say noting to his
detriment. Death should in every instance, and does in all instances with
self respecting publishers, close the books after a man has gone beyond the
great divide. At one time Mr. Nash was a man we esteemed, but like many
another of our erstwhile political friends he betrayed our confidence, and
that was enough, and while we are sorry to hear of his demise, we cannot
eulogize him now that he is gone. May he rest in peace.
Page 5.
Word was received in Smethport Wednesday afternoon of the death of Mrs.
Nelson Rice, of Coryville, aged about 70 years. The deceased is survived by
her husband and three sons. The deceased was a sister of Patrick Layden, of
Sartwell, and an aunt of Mrs. F.L. McCary of Smethport. The funeral will be
held at Sartwell Friday morning at 9:00 o'clock.
October 22, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Frank M. VanWormer
The Shinglehouse Mail says: F.M. VanWormer, a retired lumberman and a
veteran of the Civil war died at his home in Ceres Tuesday morning, Oct. 13,
after being in ill health for two years.
Francis Marion VanWormer was born at Cohocton, N.Y., Feb. 18, 1836. At the
age of sixteen he went to Monroe, Mich., where he attended high school, living
in the home of an uncle. Later on he went with relatives to Iowa where he
spent several years prospecting government land. In the spring of 1858 he
came to Ceres where he remained until the first call was made for volunteers
for the Civil War. He joined Co. A., 23rd N.Y. volunteers on April 21, 1861,
serving his country faithfully and well.
After his return to Ceres, he formed a partnership with Leonard P. White in
the lumber business, which continued until 1882, when Mr. White retired. Mr.
VanWormer continued the business alone until 1900.
He was married in 1864 to Elizabeth Brown, who died in 1907. Four children
were born of which two survive. They are: Mrs. Frank A. Walsh of Erie, Pa.,
and Mrs. Clarence Bissell of Birmingham, Alabama. He also leaves one brother,
Erving VanWormer of Ceres, N.Y.
Mr. VanWormer was a man of wide interest, of generous, hospitable nature; a
keen mind which year of reading and travel had enriched.
The funeral was held from his late home at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon
with interment in the Ceres cemetery.
Page 1.
Death of Miss Theresa Mulvaney
Miss Theresa Mulvaney died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Chas.
Mulvaney, at Shamrock, Tuesday, August 4, of yellow jaundice, after an illness
of about three weeks. The deceased was born in the town of Little Falls,
Monroe county, December 22, 1878, and came to Shamrock several years ago.
During her illness all that loving hands and skillful medical treatment could
do was done to relieve her, but without avail, and she peacefully passed away
last Tuesday evening at about 6 o'clock.
A feeling of deep sorrow has not only entered her home but has also cast a
gloom over the community in which she lived. She was an earnest, industrious
and upright young woman, and those qualities, together with her personality,
caused her to make many friends with one of whom she was to form a closer
alliance. During her entire life she was warmly devoted to her parents and
was likewise a kind and loving sister, and will be sadly missed in the home,
where she was greatly admired. Services were held at the Catholic church,
Shamrock, Friday forenoon and were conducted by Rev. Father Br(???) and were
largely attended.
Those from a distance who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Albert
Tabian and Mrs. Will Hae(?)ner of Melrose; Mrs. M. Bolger of Roaring Creek;
Mr. and Mrs. John McAuliffe, of Sparta; also Mr. Albert Thiele, of St. Paul,
Minn.
Miss Mulvaney is survived by her mother and father, one brother and five
sisters; Mrs. Dolph Roow and Mrs. Fabian, of Melrose; Libbie, Mary, and
Charley at home.
All of the relatives were in attendance at the funeral and they have the
sympathy of the entire community in this great sorrow.
One brother, Willie, preceded her to the great beyond, two years ago.
October 29, 1914
Page 1.
Mrs. Marion B. Melvin Dead
Bradford Star, Monday: Mrs. Marion B,. Melvin, aged 64 years, and one of
the most esteemed early residents of the Tuna valley, died at her home No. 555
East Main street last evening at 5:45 o'clock following an illness of nine
weeks duration. Nearly her entire life has been spent in this immediate
vicinity. She was married September 28, 1869, to Thomas J. Melvin, who
preceded her to the grave ten years ago. Mrs. Melvin possessed excellent
qualities which endeared her to all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.
Surviving are her four sons, John P. Melvin, Charles C,. Melvin, 2nd, Milton
P. Melvin and Thomas J. Melvin, Jr., and one sister, Mrs. Kate Berry, all of
this city.
Page 1.
Fatal Hunting Accident
The Bradford Era of Monday says: Herman Gerard, a widely known and highly
esteemed citizen of Bradford, met heath under peculiarly sad circumstances
Saturday afternoon about 12:30 o'clock when he was almost instantly killed by
the discharge of a gun in the hands of William Fizzell, also of this city, who
was hunting with the former at Klondike.
Gerard, who was employed as a line-type operator by the Star-Record during
the past fifteen years, had not of late been enjoying good health. Believing
that life in the open air for time would be of benefit to his physical
condition, he secured a three month's leave of absence and with some friends
erected a hunting lodge in the vicinity of Klondike where he spent the past
three weeks. He was an enthusiastic sportsman and was visited regularly by
friends from this city who reported him as enjoying his novel experience and
improving in health.
Mr. Fizzell and James Reardon went to Klondike to hunt on Friday and met Mr.
Gerard who invited them to dinner Saturday and also volunteered to guide them
in their quest for birds. It was while pursuing the latter that the accident
occurred. Mr. Gerard and Mr. Fizzell were following a line of pull rods
through the thick undergrowth with the former slightly in advance of his
companion when the gun of the latter was accidentally discharged as he was
crossing the line. The charge struck Mr. Gerard in the side, passing through
his back. It is supposed that spinal cord was severed as the wounded man
dropped instantly and died within a few moments.
Fizzell shouted at Reardon who had started in an opposite direction and the
latter responded at once but the victim was dead before he was reached. The
grief stricken men hastened to Klondike, four and one-half miles away and
telephoned the sad intelligence to this city.
O.H. Miller, manager of the Star-Record, secured the services of Still's
motor ambulance and started for the scene at once, arriving in the city at
6:30 o'clock with the body which was taken to Koch's undertaking room sand
prepared for burial. Mr. Reardon and Mr. Fizzell returned also with the
ambulance conveying the body. The latter, who is wholly unable to explain the
accident is almost prostrated with grief over the unfortunate outcome of what
was intended as a pleasant holiday.
Herman Gerard was 37 years old and had lived in this city for the past 15
years, coming here from Elmira, N.Y. He was known as a rapid, accurate
workman and was held in high regard by his fellow craftsman. He was also
prominent fraternally being a member of the Protected Home circle and vice
president of its grand lodge; he was recording secretary of Bradford
Typographical Union, No. 185; a member of the local organization of Red Men,
of the Rebeckahs and of Tuna lodge No. 411, I.O.O.F., in which organization he
had passed through all the chairs.
Thirteen years ago he was married to Miss Lillian Hervey of this city who
survives him together with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Gerard, three
sisters, Mrs. Fred Dauzhaf, Mrs. Kate Hughes and Miss Wilhelmina Gerard and
two brothers, George and Charles Gerard, all of Elmira, N.Y.
Funeral services will be held in Odd Fellows temple tomorrow afternoon at
2:30 o'clock. Rev. John Richelsen, pastor of the First Presbyterian church,
will officiate and the services will be under the direction of Tuna lodge No.
411, I.O.O.F. Burial will be made in Oak Hill.
November 5, 1914
Page 1.
Wm. N. George and Daughter, of Duke Center, Received Fatal Injuries
Bradford, Nov. 2. A gas explosion in their home at Duke Center Saturday
evening at 5:15 o'clock resulted in the death at the hospital shortly after
midnight Saturday of William N. George, long a resident of that section, and
his daughter, Alma, who acted as his housekeeper.
The cause of the explosion is not definitely known. The family used gas
from a lease which ceased pumping for the day shortly before the accident and
an over pressure from this source may have resulted. It is also stated by
neighbors that a small heater in the sleeping room of Miss George was
connected to the pipes by a hose. An unusual accumulation of gas must have
been present as persons who witnessed the result of the explosion describe the
pieces of roof which were thrown in the air as soaring to an immense height.
Miss George, who was slightly indisposed and was lying on the bed of her
room, was hurled through the window to the ground, where she was found with
her clothing ablaze by N.S. Sullivan, who occupied the adjoining house. Mr.
Sullivan extinguished the flames and assisted in her removal.
Meantime Mr. George, terribly burned, had escaped from the building
unaided. Willing hands accorded him immediate assistance and both received
surgical attention.
The victims were hurried to the hospital in this city where they arrived
about 9 o'clock but skill was unavailing to save them.
The force of the explosion in the George residence demolished all the
windows in one side of the building and also blew the windows of the Sullivan
residence adjoining, inward. Flames immediately followed and the second story
of the latter was quickly ablaze. Recalling the trying experience of one
month ago when practically the entire business section of the town was
destroyed, a hurry call was sent to the fire department of this city for
assistance and Chief Henderson with the chemical apparatus and several firemen
made a record run to the scene. Meantime an effective bucket brigade had been
organized and with the aid of a tank of water the residence of F.E. Wilson
situated about twenty feet from that of Mr. Sullivan was saved and the fire
prevented from spreading.
The firemen from this city were able to give considerable help in the work
of protecting property, but the George and Sullivan residences were entirely
destroyed. A portion of the household goods in the latter was saved but the
destruction of the George household goods was complete.
William N. George had been a resident of Duke Center since the beginning of
the oil development in that locality and was a pioneer in the work. He was 75
years old and a veteran of the rebellion in which he served as a member of
Company L. 11th Pennsylvania cavalry. Miss George was 29 years old, a native
of Duke Center and since the death of her mother a few years ago had served as
housekeeper for her father. The surviving relatives are two daughters of the
former, Mrs. George Denning and Miss Nina George of Eldred, and a son who also
reside in Eldred.
The bodies were taken in charge by Undertaker Sloan and were shipped
yesterday morning to Hornell, where the funeral and interment will take place
tomorrow.
Page 1.
Was Smothered in Clay at Sewer Pipe Works
Vincenzo Frederico who is employed at the Clermont Sewer Pipe company's
plant at Clermont, met with a horrible death about 3:00 o'clock last Thursday
afternoon.
Frederico and two other laborers were working on top of a large bin into
which ground clay was being sifted. A spout, or conduit, several feet in
length, leading from the bottom of the bin, which conveys the clay to a mixing
machine became clogged, and Frederico descended into the bin by aid of a
ladder to adjust the trouble. He succeeded in doing this but before he could
get out of the bin an intake in the machine dragged him into the spout up to
above his waist. The man's cries attracted his two companions and they
descended the ladder and seized Frederico by the hands. But another intake
threatened to draw the two other workmen from the ladder and into the vortex
and they were compelled to relinquish their hold on Frederico and the great
mass of clay drew the unfortunate man into the spout and completely submerged
him. The spout, where it joins the machine, narrows down and the body lodged
here. To remove the remains it was necessary to take this part of the pipe
apart.
Coroner Sherman, of Bradford, was notified but did not deem an inquest
necessary. Undertaker H.H. Sasse, of Smethport went to Clermont Friday
evening and prepared the body for burial.
Frederico, who has been located in Clermont for several years past, was 24
years of age and is survived by his father and two sisters who reside in that
place.
The funeral was conducted by Rev. Carpenter at St. Sabina's church,
Clermont, Saturday morning. The remains were brought to Smethport on the
afternoon Shawmut, being accompanied by a large delegation of fellow workmen
of the deceased and interment was made in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Page 1.
John Moonan Had Both Legs Crushed by Locomotive
Bradford Star, Friday: Joseph Moonan, whose home was on Clarion street,
died at the Bradford hospital about 7 o'clock this morning from injuries which
he sustained early last evening when he was struck and run over by the
locomotive of the passenger train, due in this city at 7:05 o'clock. Both
legs were crushed, the right below the knee and the left between the knee and
hip.
The accident occurred in the yards at a point near the Tuna Iron Works while
Engineer T.G Riley was running his locomotive to the round house after the
arrival of the train. Owing to the darkness Engineer riley is unable to tell
whether Moonan was walking or lying on the tracks and he did not know that he
struck the man until he heard his cries. The locomotive was quickly stopped
and Moonan was found lying on his back on the westerly rail.
An ambulance was called and the injured man was taken to the hospital, where
he was attended by Dr. W.C. Hogan. On account of his condition it was
considered inadvisable to operate on him during the night. The remains were
taken to Still's undertaking rooms and prepared for burial.
Besides his widow he leaves eleven young children: Charles, Thomas, Robert,
Francis, Richard, Paul, Bessie, Mary, Celia, Margaret and Kathryn Moonan, al
of Bradford.
Page 1.
Mrs. Emma Greer passed away at her home on South Franklin street, last
evening, at about 6:00 o'clock after an extended illness.
The deceased was the youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. A. Reilly,
of this borough, and had spent nearly all of her life in this vicinity. About
twenty years ago she was united in marriage to M.B Greer, who preceded her to
the grave last March. Since the death of Mr. Greer, Mrs. Greer has been
gradually failing in health, and for some days past had been lying in a
precarious condition, and her death was not unexpected.
At the time the Democrat goes to press, as far as we were able to learn, the
time for the funeral has not been set.
Page 1.
Mrs. Mary Decker, wife of Willard Decker, of Clermont, died at the Bradford
hospital Tuesday morning. Several weeks ago Mrs. Decker fell at her home in
Clermont, sustaining a fractured hip, mention of which was made in the
Democrat at the time and she was taken to the Bradford hospital.
Mrs. Decker was 81 years of age. She was a woman who was possessed of high
Christian traits of character and was loved and esteemed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her husband and the following son: Albert, Roy, James
and Charles Decker, all of Clermont, and Marion Decker, of Red House, and Fred
Decker, of Buffalo.
The remains were taken to Clermont yesterday where the funeral will be held
and interment made.
Page 5.
Clark Lamont, an aged resident of Coudersport, and a veteran of the Civil
war, suddenly expired, following a stroke of paralysis while at a hunting camp
at Gardeau, this county, Monday afternoon. A son was with him at the time.
Coroner Sherman was notified and ordered the body moved to Port Allegany,
where it will be viewed by Mr. Sherman today before being shipped to
Coudersport.
Page 5.
Bradford Star Tuesday: Coroner E.R. Sherman returned last evening from
Kane, where he spent the afternoon investigating the death of the late Henry
J. Welker, employed as night inspector by the Pennsylvania railroad. Welker
was instantly killed Saturday night at 11:20 o'clock, while attempting to make
a coupling. His skull was crushed and a leg and arm run over. The family of
the deceased yesterday demanded an inquest and Coroner Sherman proceeded to
impanel a jury, which viewed the body. The coroner and jury adjourned to meet
again tomorrow morning at 9:30 o'clock in the city building in Kane. The late
Mr. Welker lived with his mother, Mrs. Mary Welker at No. 133 Fraley street.
November 19, 1914
Page 1.
Ted Shannon Received Fatal Wounds
The Bradford Era of Tuesday says: Another lamentable tragedy marred the
local hunting season yesterday when Ted Shannon died at 4:15 o'clock in the
Bradford hospital from a gun shot wound received early in the day while
engaged in hunting near his home at Derrick City.
Yesterday morning Shannon, accompanied by Ralph Delo, went into the woods
near Derrick City in pursuit of such game as abound in that section and about
9 o'clock, after traveling some distance, started a rabbit which took refuge
in a hole before it was possible to fire upon it. The young men laid down
their guns and proceeded to dig the animal out of his lair. While so engaged
the rabbit suddenly made its appearance at another opening further up the
hill. Shannon was standing on the upper side of the entrance to the burrow
and Delo below. Both reached for their guns simultaneously. The remainder of
the story will never be told with accuracy owing to the excitement, but Delo's
gun was discharged unintentionally and the charge entered the thigh of
Shannon. The wound was a large one and Delo, realizing that no time was to be
lost picked his wounded companion up, carried him in his arms to the residence
of Howard Fox and with the assistance of the latter carried him to Derrick
City. Fro that point the injured man was quickly removed to the hospital in
Koch's ambulance. Drs. Benninghoff and Russell attended him. The hemorrhage
had been severe one and as the patient suffered much from shock, he was made
as comfortable as possible at once and it was decided to await developments.
The young man failed to rally, however. Gradually his strength failed until
death ended his sufferings.
Shannon and Delo had been companions from boyhood and the latter is much
depressed by the unfortunate fate of his fellow hunter.
Ted Shannon was the son of Mr. and Mrs. S.A. Shannon of Derrick City, where
he was born June 20, 1893, and where he had resided all his life. In addition
to his parents there are surviving two brothers, Harry F. Shannon and James G.
Shannon of Derrick City and one sister, Mrs. T.P. Thompson Jr., of this city.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at an hour to be announced
later.
Page 5.
P. Frank Pierotti, a prominent business man of Kane, passed away at his home
in that place on Wednesday of last week. Death resulted from an attack of
blood poisoning which resulted from a slight cut on one of his fingers.
Deceased who is 63 years old, is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Amelica Fox,
Mrs. Frank Robinson, Mary, and Jennie, and two sons Louis and Raymond, all of
Kane.
December 3, 1914
Page 1.
Sudden Death of Jas. Leach
Mrs. Chas. Pratt returned Monday from Mayburg, Forest County, where she was
called to attend the funeral of her brother-in-law, Mr. James Ashley Leach, a
former resident of Backus. His death comes as a shock to his family and
friends. Mr. Leach had not been feeling well for a few days but went to work
as usual, taking a bottle of medicine with him, which he place beside a bottle
of wood alcohol in a cupboard. By mistake he drank the wood alcohol instead
of the medicine and died in great agony ten hours later. He is survived by
his widow, five children and one brother. Mr. Leach made friends during his
residence in this section, who will deeply regret to learn of his untimely
demise.
Page 1.
Death of Wesley Barron.
Wesley Barron, the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. John Barron, of Coryville,
died at the Bradford hospital Saturday afternoon at 2:15 o'clock. The lad was
taken ill last week with appendicitis and on Friday he was taken to the
hospital where an operation was deemed necessary. The patient's condition was
such that he failed to rally from the ordeal. Young Barron was fourteen years
of age on the day he entered the hospital.
The funeral was held at the Barron home Monday afternoon, Rev. Fullom, of
Farmers Valley, officiating. Interment was made in the Stulltown cemetery.
Page 1.
Terrible Shooting Accident at Turtle Point.
As a result of shot gun which he was handling, accidentally exploding,
William Hendrickson, aged 17 years, a son of Mr. and Mrs. George Hendrickson,
of Turtle Point, Pa., met with almost instant death, about 9 o'clock Sunday
morning. The charge of shot entered the lad's chin, taking an upward and
backward course, tearing a terrible hole in his head.
Young Hendrickson had spent Saturday night at the home of Adelbert Nunn, a
chum, whose parents were on a visit to Port Allegany. On arising Hendrickson
had taken down a gun, which was thought to be empty, and was seated in front
of a stove, examining the weapon, while his companion was in an adjoining
bedroom. Nunn heard a sudden explosion and on hurrying into the other room
was horrified to find his chum expiring in his chair, while the still smoking
gun lay on the floor in front of him.
Medical aid was immediately summoned but the victim expired within a few
moments.
It is thought from the appearance of the wound that young Hendrickson was
pulling the gun toward him while holding onto the muzzle when the firearm was
accidentally discharged. The gun was a 12-guage, single barrel weapon of old
fashioned design, having no guard on the hammer.
Coroner Sherman, of Bradford, was notified and at once instructed Undertaker
Gallup, of Port Allegany, to take charge of the remains. The body was taken
to the home of the grief stricken parents where it was prepared for burial.
Coroner Sherman conducted in investigation but did not deem an inquest
necessary as everything pointed to this deplorable affair being entirely
accidental.
The victim is survived by his parents and three brothers and sisters. He
was a young man of pleasing personality who was well known throughout this
section, and possessed hosts of friends. The funeral was held at Turtle Point
yesterday.
December 10, 1914
Page 1.
Kane Republican Monday: Sitting on a bench talking with several
acquaintances, Ira Patterson, aged 60 years, a patient at the State Hospital
for the Insane at North Warren, lurched forward and fell to the floor dead at
2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. He was a resident of Clermont, this county,
and had been a patient at the institution during the last two years. He was
in the hall at the time of his death and was apparently in good physical
condition, although in the past he has suffered somewhat from heart trouble.
Dr. W.C. DeForest, acting coroner was summoned and arrived at the hospital
within an hour after his death. He pronounced the death due to heart failure
and deemed an inquest unnecessary. Patterson is survived by one sister, Mrs.
Addie Houbou of Bradford.
Page 1.
Death of John R. Walkinshaw
This community was saddened last Friday noon on receipt of the intelligence
that John R. Walkinshaw, for many years a prominent Smethport resident had
suddenly passed away at St. Barnabas institution at McKeesport that morning
about 9:30 o'clock. Mr. Walkinshaw had been in feeble health for several
years past and of late his condition had become such as to make hospital
treatment advisable. In hopes that improvement could be brought about in his
health, arrangement were made for his entrance to St. Barnabas, which is
conducted under the auspices of the Episcopal church, of which Mr. Walkinshaw
was for many years a member and devoted worker. Monday of last week Mr.
Walkinshaw made the journey to McKeesport, being accompanied by Rev. W.E.
VanDyke. He stood the journey very well and on entering St. Barnabas
expressed his perfect contentment with the surroundings at that splendid
institution. When Rev. VanDyke left Mr. Walkinshaw to return to Smethport the
aged gentleman was resting comfortably and was in his usual health. His
condition remained unchanged until Friday morning when he was stricken with an
attack of heart failure attendant with advanced age, from which he failed to
rally and he peacefully passed away at the hour above mentioned.
John R. Walkinshaw was born May 4th, 1837, in Newry, County Down, Ireland.
He was the eldest of eight children all of whom, three sisters and four
brothers, died many years ago, the last of his family a brother dying in
1876. Mr. Walkinshaw learned the line-draper trade with Henry Hawkins & Co of
Newry and Belfast Ireland furnishing his apprenticeship in 1858.
He came to this country in 1859 landing in New York May 4th, 1859. HE
worked for a time in Chicago and became a naturalized citizen of Illinois. In
1862 he enlisted in the 15th Reg., State militia. He was called out at the
battle Antietam.
Mr. Walkinshaw came to Pittsburg (unreadable) where he worked in the store
of Geo. R. White who had the largest business place in Pittsburg at that time,
where he remained many years. H subsequently went to Oil City at the time of
the oil excitement and later came to Bradford.
In 1884 when the late J.M. McElroy was elected Prothonotary of McKean County
Mr. Walkinshaw came to Smethport and acted as clerk in that office. At that
time the Prothonotary, Recorder, Register and clerk of courts offices were all
in one, and Mr. Walkinshaw transacted the responsible duties of this office in
a most efficient manner for several years.
Eventually Mr. Walkinshaw started a fruit and confectionery store and news
room in Smethport and soon built up a profitable business which he conducted
for many years, up to the time failing health compelled him to sell his
establishment and retire from active business pursuits about nine years ago.
Mr. Walkinshaw had been a communicant in the church of Ireland and the
Episcopal church for about sixty years. He was always an earnest worker in
the interest of his religion and was one of the most liberal supporters of the
local church. During the past few years while Mr. Walkinshaw was in feeble
health, owing to advances age the communicants of St. Luke's parish were most
active in seeing that the aged patron of the local church received every
comfort and attention in his declining years. It was entirely fitting that he
should enter a peaceful sleep in the arms of the church of which he was a
devoted member for so many years.
Possessed of high intellectual attainments and of charitable inclinations
and deeds Mr. Walkinshaw was a true Christian gentleman whose friendship was
to be cherished and no one has gone from among the members of this community
who was more generally revered by all, both young and old.
The body was brought to Smethport Saturday from McKeesport, and was taken to
St. Luke's church, where it reposed until Sunday afternoon. The funeral was
held Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating.
Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
St. Marys, Dec. 7. Jerome Bauer, the 13-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs.
George J. Bauer, Sr., of 263 Brussels street, was run over by a freight train
near the siding of the Elk Fire Brick company, about a quarter of a mile west
of this place, at 3:45 o'clock yesterday afternoon and died at 6:15 o'clock
from his injuries. As had been the custom of the boy, he, in company with
several others, walked to the brick works and awaited an eastbound freight
train so that they might ride back to town. Young Bauer had gained a foothold
on the cars but lost it and stepped through.
The wheels passed over his left hip and lower left part of the abdomen and
severed the left arm near the shoulder. The vital organs were exposed and
they, as well as the arm and leg, were badly cut and mangled. Three doctors
were called but little could be done except to make him as comfortable as
possible. He was placed upon a stretcher and retained consciousness until a
few minutes before his death, displaying remarkable nerve.
The boy left home in the afternoon to attend vespers and his parents
supposed he was at church. He was in the fifth grade of the public school.
Page 1.
The Bradford Star-Record of Monday says: A. Garfield Taylor, a former well
known resident of Bradford, was almost instantly crushed to death between two
cars at C.&M. junction yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock.
Taylor was employed by the B.R.&P. Railway company as a brakeman and the sad
accident happened while the man was fulfilling his duties. His train had
stopped on a curve and Taylor reached in between two gondolas to turn an angle
cock, preparatory to cutting off a number of cars which were to be set off at
the junction. ON account of the train stopping on a curve, the opening
between the cars was necessarily cramped and when the slack of the train ran
out, Taylor was caught and severely pinched between the cars. He managed to
extricate himself unaided and when his fellow trainmen reached his side, he
was able to tell them how he was injured. His death ensued in about ten
minutes. There were no abrasion on his outer skin and his internal organs had
evidently been smashed by the severe squeezing to which his body had been
subjected.
Deceased is survived by his wife; two sons, Kenneth and Wellington, his
father A.L. Taylor, one brother William Taylor and one sister, Mrs. J.J.
Whelen, all of this city, and another sister, Mrs. G.W. Lynch, of Alden N.Y.
December 17, 1914
Page 1.
Chas. Labarr Killed By The Cars
The mangled remains of Charles LaBarr of Clermont was found lying alongside
the Kushequa railroad track in this borough at an early hour last Saturday
morning. The grewsome discovery was made by Vere Wooster, a well known
Smethport young man Wooster had spent Friday evening in Hazelhurst and as he
is a pedestrian of considerable ability, he decided to walk the distance from
Hazelhurst to Smethport rather than to wait all night and part of the next day
for a train to convey him home. Following the Shawmut tracks he reached
Smethport about 4 o'clock Saturday morning. ON reaching the point in the
Shawmut yards where that road is crossed by the tracks of the Kushequa
railroad he turned onto the tracks of the latter road as a short cut to his
home on the South side. He had peceeded about 200 yards from the crossing
when he came upon the body. Wooster at once hunted up Chief-of-Police Foote
and led him to the place where he made the discovery.
The sight which greeted the officer's eyes was a horrible one. The victim
had been hit by the Kushequa passenger train due in this place at 7:30 Friday
evening. The head had been completely severed and lay several feet away from
the body, part of the right foot was amputated, the torso was frightfully
mangles and the various organs of the body were strewn alongside the track.
The victim was identified by papers found in his pockets. His pockets also
contained money amounting to $1.86.
Officer Foote summoned Sheriff Choate and undertaker Sasse and got in
communication with Coroner Sherman of Bradford by telephone. The coroner
instructed undertaker Sasse to take charge of the body, which was taken to Mr.
Sasse's undertaking rooms on Union street and prepared for burial.
The accident happened at a point almost directly back of the residence of
S.S. Fry, on Water street where the Kushequa railroad makes a slight turn to
cross the Shawmut tracks. There is a switch at this point which leads to the
old Island park. The accident occurred on this switch. A short distance from
this spot, alongside the Shawmut track was found the body of John Barrett
several years ago. An examination disclosed the fact that the man had met
with foul play, and following the finding of the body of LaBarr rumors of foul
play in this case started in circulation. These rumors were strengthened by a
report that LaBarr had $90 in his pocket when he came to Smethport. County
Detective Jones investigated the case and found that the man's death was
purely accidental. After learning the facts of the case Coroner Sherman
deemed an inquest unnecessary.
LaBarr was a rig building and had been in the employ of the United Natural
Gas company for a long time. On Friday he received a pay check from that
company for $27.45. Leaving all his money at home, with the exception of
about $5, he boarded the afternoon train for Smethport on the Pennsylvaniam,
arriving here at 4:00 o'clock. The man had been having financial worries, and
his property was advertised to be sold at sheriff's sale last Saturday, but he
had made arrangements by which this sale was postponed. On arriving in
Smethport he consulted a lawyer in regards to his affairs. LaBarr is well
known in Smethport and during the afternoon he renewed a number of
acquaintances. The last seen of him was at 7:30 o'clock when he bade farewell
to several friends, stating that he was on his way to the Shawmut station to
take the 8:00 o'clock Shawmut train for home.
Several little girls who were passing along Mechanic street report having
seen a man, who was in an intoxicated condition, and who answered LaBarr's
description, turn off from Mechanic street and start up the Kushequa track, a
short time before the evening passenger train from Larabee came along. It
appears to be an established fact that instead of turning up Water street to
the Shawmut station, LaBarr continued along Mechanic street until he reached
the Kushequa crossing, and mistaking it for the Shawmut, started up the track
in search of the depot. It is supposed that the man stumbled and fell and lay
across the rails in a stunned condition when the train came along. Certain it
is that the man would have had ample time to have gotten off the track if he
had been on his feet, as the train stops at the Mechanic street crossing to
discharge passengers, and as it is a distance of only a few blocks to the
Shawmut crossing, it travels at a slow pace at the point where the accident
occurred and member of the train crew tell the Democrat that they could not
possibly have missed seeing a man standing on the track ahead. That the man
was alive when the engine hit him is proved by the fact that blood spurted for
fully a hundred feet, leaving marks in the snow.
D. LaBarr, a hotel keeper, of Richburg, N.Y., who had been visiting his son
in Clermont, and Max Weidell of Bradford, a brother-in-law of the deceased,
came to Smethport Saturday and took charge of the body. They left with the
remains on the 4:00 o'clock train for Richburg, where the funeral and
interment took place.
LaBarr was 40 years of age and is survived by a wife and four small
children. He is said to have been a temperate and industrious man, who was
well liked by all who knew him. The stricken family will have the heart felt
sympathy of all in their deep affliction.
Page 1.
Stanley Silfies, aged 3 years, died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs.
George Silfies, of Clermont, yesterday morning. Death resulted from
convulsions. Stanley was a bright little boy and his sudden taking away has
saddened all who knew him. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday
afternoon at Clermont.
Page 1.
Mrs. Wallace Russell Passes Away.
At about eight o'clock Tuesday evening, Mrs. Elizabeth Jane, wife of Wallace
Russell, died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. L.F. Rice, on elm street,
after a long illness of a complication of diseases, and of old age.
Deceased was about 74 years of age, and had lived in Eldred about eight
years, moving here from Clermont, where she had resided with her husband since
1875.
She leaves her invalid husband, one son, W.G. Russell and one daughter, Mrs.
L.F. Rice, to mourn her death. Eldred Eagle.
Some years ago Mrs. Russell, while a resident of Clermont, was seized with
an affection of the eyes, and in hopes that the affliction could be relieved
she was taken to Olean for treatment which did not avail, and she was taken to
the home of her daughter in Eldred where she and her crippled husband took up
their residence, where they have continued to reside until death seized the
devoted wife. Mr. and Mrs. Russell were one of the most devoted couples we
ever knew. For many years Mr. Russell has been a cripple, the result of an
accident he sustained at Clermont, and for a long time the only way of getting
about was by the aid of crutches, and the pain he suffered from his injuries
was almost constant, but notwithstanding his suffering he always put the best
side out, and always was of a most cheerful disposition, and when Mrs.
Russell's eye sight began to fail her afflictions greatly distressed her
loving husband and when her death removed the sharer of his joys and sorrows
last week the affliction was of a most crushing nature to Mr. Russell and he
was unable to accompany her remains to the grave last Friday, S.J. McKendrick,
of Smethport, a friend of many years, remained at the house with the sorely
afflicted husband.
The funeral was held Friday at the late home in Eldred, and the remains were
laid to rest in the cemetery at that place.
Page 1.
Ridgway, Pa., Dec. 15. Two children were burned to death last night when
the home of Andrew Spleen, of Skelvey summit, seven miles from here, was
destroyed by fire of unknown origin.
The children were Dorothy Spleen, aged 4, and Jerome Spleen, aged 2.
The family was aroused by smoke pouring into the bedrooms and the flames had
gained such headway that the members of the family were forced to jump from
windows in their night clothes. Flames prevented the rescue of the two
children who were in another room.
Page 5.
William Simpson employed on a lease at Shinglehouse, committed suicide by
shooting himself in the head with a 32 calibre revolver at the Commercial
hotel at Shinglehouse, where he was stopping, Monday morning. Despondency is
said to have been responsible for his rash act.
Page 5.
F.L. Holmes received a dispatch last Friday apprising him of the death of
his mother at Selins Grove, Pa., that day Mrs. Holmes was eighty years of age,
and up to comparatively recently was unusually active for one of her advance
age. Mr. Holmes left for Selins Grove Saturday morning for the purpose of
attending the funeral. The stricken family will have the sympathy of all in
this office.
December 24, 1914
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. Rebecca J. Holmes
The Selinsgrove Times of last week published the following account of the
death of Mrs. Rebecca J. Holme's, brief mention of which was mad in the
Democrat last week.
In the death of Mrs. Rebecca J. Holmes this town loses an estimable citizen,
her church a faithful worker and the family a Christian mother.
The deceased woman, aged 79 years, 9 months and 11 days, died at her late
home on North Market street Friday of last week from a lingering illness
caused by the infirmities of old age. Funeral services were held from the
home Tuesday forenoon at 10:30 o'clock and were conducted by Rev. J. Earl
Jacobs, of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Mrs. Holmes was born February 16, 1835, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel
Feehrer. She was wedded to Wells O. Holmes, and is survived by her five sons:
George F. Holmes, Selinsgrove; C. Lloyd Holmes, Hammondsport, N.Y., Grant E.
Holmes, Eldred, F. Leroy Holmes, Smethport, and E. Forest Holmes, Selinsgrove.
Mrs. Holmes was a devout member of the local Methodist Episcopal church and
took an active interest in its welfare throughout her life.
Among those who attended the obsequies were: Mrs. Frank Stratton and sister,
Mrs. Robinson, of Buffalo, N.Y.; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Holmes, of Williamsport;
Mr. and Mrs. A.N. Lupfer and Mrs. H.F. Lupfer of Steelton; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph
Dunn, of Thompsontown, and Mrs. Amos Mortz of Williamsport.
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. Mary Masterson.
Mrs. Mary Masterson, aged 51 years died at her home at Sartwell, Tuesday
evening after an extended illness. Last June she was operated upon at the
McGranor hospital at Port Allegany, and had apparently gotten along very well
until within the last few days before death claimed her.
She leaves a husband, five children, John, of Erie; Mrs. E. Abbey of Keating
Twp; Charley, Rose and Pearl of Sartwell; and one sister, Mrs. Rose Robarts of
Port Allegany, and one brother, Thomas Hand, of Eldred. The funeral was held
at the Catholic church at Sartwell, this morning, interment being made in the
cemetery at that place.
Page 1.
Death of Mrs. Wm. Simkins
Mrs. Wm. Simkins, aged 58 years, died at her home in this borough at 1:00
o'clock Monday afternoon. Mrs. Simkins, for several weeks past had been in
poor health but she had managed to keep up and about her household. On Monday
morning she was seized with a sudden sinking spell, from which she failed to
rally, and death resulted at the time above mentioned.
Mrs. Simkins was a woman of estimable qualities and during the several years
she has resided in Smethport she has made many friends who were deeply shocked
at the news of her sudden death, and the stricken family will have the
heartfelt sympathy of all in their hour of affliction.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Simkins is survived by three daughters; Mrs. John
Chapman, of Smethport, Mrs. Victor Digel, of Bradford, Mrs. Bertha Dunton, of
Kalamazoo, Mich., and two sons; W.D. Simkins,of Hazelhurst, and Denber
Simkins, of Smethport.
The funeral will be held at the home this afternoon t 2 o'clock, Rev.
Fleming of the M.E. church, officiating.
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