McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....July-December 1925 Deaths in Democrat Newspaper
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McKean County Democrat 1925
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JULY THRU DECEMBER 1925
THE MCKEAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean County Democrat from July
thru December during the year of 1925. 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, 2011
July 2, 1925.
Page 1.
The death of Mrs. Johanna Johnson, aged 85 years, occurred in Port Allegany
Saturday. Death was due to infirmities incident with old age.
Mrs. Johnson was born in Abild, Sweden, March 17, 1840 and came to this
country in 1900. She resided in Port Allegany until last October when she
came to Smethport to live with her son, John A. Johnson of Water street. In
May, this year, she returned to Port Allegany.
Deceased was the mother of ten children, eight of whom survive, as follows:
Mrs. August Swanson, Oscar Johnson, Albert Johnson, Edward Johnson, all of
Port Allegany; Mrs. Nels Burgeson of Kinzua, Pa.; Mrs. Nels Anderson of Akron,
O.; Mrs. Claude Johnson of Seattle, Wash., and John A. Johnson of this borough.
Besides her children she is survived by 69 grandchildren, 27 great-
grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Tuesday in the Swedish Lutheran church, Port
Allegany and interment was made in the latter place.
Page 1.
Truman E. Morgan, a man 72 years of age, employed as a farm hand at the farm
of Mrs. Louisa Marlin on the Farmers Valley road, near Smethport, died at the
Bradford hospital at 2:00 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from injuries he received
when struck by an automobile opposite the farm where he was employed late last
Saturday afternoon.
The car which is supposed to have hit Mr. Morgan was driven by Henry Kinsel,
a well known citizen of Olean who immediately stopped and did everything
within his power to assist the aged man. According to Mr. Kinsel's version of
the accident give a representative of the Democrat directly following the
accident, Mr. Morgan was walking across the highway, apparently unaware of the
proximity of the automobile. Mr. Kinsel immediately brought his car to a slow
speed and in an effort to dodge the aged man drove completely off the right
side of the road. The car, he said, did not hit Mr. Morgan head on, but may
have grazed him with sufficient force to throw him to the pavement.
The accident victim was carried into the Martin homestead, where Dr. W.A.
Ostrander of this borough attended him soon after. On Sunday, when it became
apparent that Mr. Morgan's injuries were of more than a superficial nature,
the injured man was taken to the Bradford hospital where an X-ray examination
was made which disclosed the accident victim was suffering from a fractured
skull, probably received when his head struck the pavement in falling.
Nothing could be done to relieve the unfortunate man's condition.
Both Mr. Kinsel and his wife who was riding with him, were terribly
depressed by the unfortunate accident and neither were of the opinion that the
slowly moving car had actually hit the injured man. In light of the details
no blame seems to attach to the automobile driver, who apparently exercised
every precaution in the emergency.
Mr. Morgan was for many years a resident of Eldred, accepting employment at
the Martin farm several months ago, since which time he had resided there. He
is survived by his sister, Mrs. Helen s. Bone of Eldred and a niece, Mrs. John
Chole of Rew city. The body was taken to Eldred where the funeral is being
held this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery
in that town.
Page 2.
Bradford, June 29. One of Bradford's oldest physicians, Dr. J.W. King of
37 Main street, died yesterday at the Bradford hospital at noon. His death
was caused by complication arising from concussion of the brain which he
sustained when he fell in front of his residence on Thursday night.
Dr. King was 59 years of age. He had resided in Bradford for the past 30
years. He practiced as a specialist and was the local practitioner of the
Abrams treatment.
He was a member of all the local Masonic bodies, the Coudersport consistory,
Ismalia Shrine of Buffalo and the Bradford lodge, B.P.O. Elks.
Dr. King is survived by his wife, one son, Ralph W. King of Cleveland, O.;
one daughter Mrs. Marion K. Fitzgerald of Bradford; a brother, Amos King of
Easton, Pa., two sisters, Mrs. James Kay of Roselle, N.Y. and Mrs. Peter
Pittinger of Easton, Pa.
The remains have been removed from the hospital to Koch's mortuary but
arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.
Page 2.
After a month's illness Otto Anderson died Saturday, June 20th at Depew,
N.Y., where he lived with his daughter, Mrs. Albert Nelson since October, 1923.
For many years Mr. Anderson resided in this borough and was a good,
industrious citizen, respected by all who knew him. He was born Nov. 25, 1839
in the province of Kalmar, Sweden. He was married to Charlotte Johnson in
1863 and they came to live in Smethport in 1886. Since his wife's demise
about 11 years ago Mr. Anderson lived at the home of his son, John Ottoson in
this borough until last fall. From there the funeral was held Tuesday, June
22, at 2:00 P.M. Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.
Surviving are two daughters Mrs. Theodore Norman of Smethport and Mrs.
Albert Nelson of Depew, N.Y. and one son, John Ottoson of Smethport, also
eighteen grandchildren.
Page 2.
Phillip C. Freeman, a well known oil producer and contractor, died Friday
morning at 10:15, at his home 130 Seward avenue at the age of 70 years.
Deceased had been a resident of McKean county for 50 years. He was a highly
respected resident of Bradford for many years. He is survived by his wife,
Henrietta, four sons, Charles A. Freeman of Derrick City, and Bertram, Melvin
and Marcus Freeman of Bradford; and two brothers, Charles W. Freeman of
Smethport and S.B. Freeman of Bradford. Bradford Sunday Herald.
Page 2.
Kane Republican, Saturday. Wm. M. Deveraux of Wilcox who was employed by
Fred Ross, road contractor on the road between Johnsonburg and Wilcox, was
instantly killed yesterday afternoon at Tambine, three miles east of Wilcox,
when he was struck by train 8941. Deveraux, who was a crossing watchman,
stood in the middle of the track as the train approached and gave his usual
warning to a truck. He made no effort to leave the track but was struck and
instantly killed.
Page 3.
Bradford Sunday Herald. Another chapter dealing with automobiles and
intoxicants was written into the fatality chronicles of this section when
Joseph Brono was fatally injured in a smashup last night on the Limestone road
about 1,000 feet west of Lyle Latham's roadside stand. The accident occurred
at about 10 o'clock Saturday night.
From eye witness accounts of the accident, it appears that the Ford truck in
which Brono was riding was moving along at a fair rate of speed toward
Bradford, zig-zagging on the roadway from side to side.
The truck was driven by Salvatore Coghi.
A man by the name of Dieterman, of Salamanca was driving by in a Ford coupe
going in the opposite direction. He says he tried to avoid striking the truck
but that conveyance swerved into the coupe with a sharp crash.
Both cars went together in a head on collision and the force of the impact
was sufficient to throw Brono through the windshield, cutting him badly about
the neck and head.
Dr. S.A. McCutcheon attended him. The effort to save the man was futile.
He died at 1 o'clock this morning.
The dead man's throat was cut and he suffered internal injuries.
Salvatore Coghi, the driver of the truck, told the hospital authorities that
he was driving Brono to his home in Carrolton when the smashup occurred, but
it is not explained how the Ford truck was headed in the direction of Bradford
if the driver was proceeding toward Carrolton to take Brono to his home.
Coghi's explanations were not very clear, it is said.
Reports have it that a bottle of moonshine whiskey was found in the Ford
Truck.
Brono was a track walker employed by the Pennsylvania railroad. The victim
of the accident leaves a wife and nine children, who have not been located up
to this writing.
Page 3.
Edward McFadden, well known in Smethport died Sunday at his home in Sartwell
after a long illness.
He is survived by the following children; Mrs. William Cookley, Washington,
D.C.; Miss Marion McFadden, Akron, O.; Edward McFadden, Buffalo; Mrs. John
butler, Kane; Mrs. Merton Howell, Sartwell; Henry McFadden and the Miss Margie
and Elizabeth McFadden at home; Miss Agnes McFadden, Jamestown.
July 9, 1925.
Page 1.
Mrs. H.R. Mason, one of the occupants of the wrecked Ford sedan, an account
of which follows, died at the Bradford Hospital this morning at 3:00 o'clock
without regaining consciousness. The unfortunate lade was 42 years of age.
A terrible accident occurred on the state road between this place and
Hazelhurst on Wednesday afternoon in which at least one person was probably
fatally injured.
H.R. Mason of 192 Summer St., Bradford, driving a Ford sedan and accompanied
by his wife and sister-in-law, Miss Gusta Collins of Ripley, N.Y., was plunged
into by a motor truck belonging to the Swift Packing Co. of Bradford, driven
by A.G. Ayers of that place, and demolished, throwing Miss Collins from the
rear seat through the side window and pinning Mr. and MRs. Mason in the front
seat. The accident occurred at a point opposite the Duffey farm.
(Article continues about the particulars of the accident.)
Page 1.
The death of Mrs. Julia Vincent occurred at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Susie Yerdon in Jamestown, N.Y., Saturday, July 4th. Mrs. Vincent had been in
failing health for about two years.
She was born in Owego, N.Y., and was aged 86 years and 25 days. For three
years from 1886 to 1899 she resided in Smethport where she was well and
favorably known.
Mrs. Vincent is survived by two sons and two daughters, Millard E. Vincent
of Buffalo, N.Y.; Earl R. Vincent of Ellery Center, N.Y.; Mrs. Susie Yerdon of
Jamestown, N.Y. and Mrs. E. Bacon of Smethport.
Page 8.
Bradford Era, Tuesday. Early yesterday morning Samuel Echelberger of 125
East Main street, who was injured with two companions when his car turned over
on the Salamanca road near Carrolton died at the Salamanca hospital.
Echelberger's back was broken and he was paralysed until his death. Harry
Smith of Bradford who was driving Echelberger's car at the time of the
accident is suffering from a broken arm and injuries to his chest. Jerry
Dooley, the other member of the party escaped with minor injuries.
July 16, 1925.
Page 1.
John G. McDermott, aged 40, a prominent oil producer of Davis City died
suddenly Sunday morning, the body being found in a born near the family
residence.
Deceased is survived by his father, W.H. McDermott, four brothers and six
sisters.
The funeral was held yesterday at 9:00 a.m. at St. Bernard's church,
Bradford. Burial was in St. Bernard's cemetery, that city.
Page 1.
John Dotterweich, a boy hero of the World War is dead. The untimely demise
of the young man, as the result of injury received under German gunfire during
the terrific drive which resulted in the breaking of the Hindenburg line,
occurred at the State Hospital at Gowanda, N.Y., Wednesday night, July 8th, at
11:30 o'clock.
Private Dotterweich was barely 23 years of age at the time of his death and
was but a slip of a youth, fifteen years of age, when he responded to his
country's call for volunteers back in 1917. He enlisted in Olean, N.Y. and
served overseas with the famous 27th Division, seeing extensive service when
the Hindenburg line was penetrated and in the terrible campaign through
Belgium, being shell-shocked in action. In 1919 young Dotterweich returned to
America with two decorations but with his health permanently ruined from shell-
shock.
The lad was for a time a patient at a government hospital, but local
relatives obtained his discharge and he returned to Smethport, making his home
with his grandfather, John Cramsie of Willow street. For a time the young
veteran appeared to improve in health, but eventually suffered a relapse and
the government took charge of his case. Since that time he has been receiving
treatment at the Gowanda hospital, but his condition grew steadily worse until
death.
The body was brought to Smethport Friday evening and the funeral was held at
St. Elizabeth's Catholic church Saturday morning, the Rev. P.J. Donohue
officiating, at 9:00 o'clock. Interment was made in St. Elizabeth's
cemetery. The burial under the auspices of Bucktail Post, American Legion,
with the impressive military honors. A firing squad fired volleys at the
grave and taps were sounded as the body was consigned to the grave.
The case of young Dotterweich, a real hero and patriot, brings forcibly,
sadly to mind the debt America owes to its maimed sons who faced the fury of
German gunfire for their country's defense.
Page 2.
Bradford Era. Saturday. the fifth automobile fatality to occur in the
vicinity of Bradford in the past two weeks took place yesterday when Samuel
Cohn, five years old, was run down by a car driven by John Desmond of 72
Sherman street. The accident happened near the intersection of State and
Center streets, a few steps from the boy's home.
According to the report received by the police, Samuel was playing in the
street and ran directly in the path of the car. No blame was attached to
Desmond by the police and he was not held.
Desmond told the police he was driving south down the hill on Center street
when the lad ran directly in front of his machine. He applied the brakes but
the car skidded on the wet pavement and struck the boy. Desmond picked him up
to take him to the hospital, but was unable to start his car and the lad was
carried by another autoist.
He died almost as soon as the hospital was reached. His skull was fractured
and he was injured internally.
Witnesses of the accident corroborate Desmond' story and say that his car
was not going fast when it hit the boy.
Samuel was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Cohn of 76 North Center street.
The funeral services will be held from the home Monday morning at 10 o'clock.
The burial will be in Oak Hill cemetery.
Page 8.
Mrs. Etta Baker, wife of P.R. Baker of Coleville, died at the Bradford
hospital at 6:10 o'clock Saturday evening, July 4th. This well known lady was
stricken with the attack of illness five weeks previous to her death. She had
been a patient at the hospital for one week. Death resulted from a stroke.
Etta Annette Hullette was born in Willing, Allegany county, N.Y., the
daughter of MR. and Mrs. W.A. Hullette. The family came to this section many
years ago, the father, W.A. Hullette being a prominent resident of Crosby for
many years. The subject of this sketch married P.R. Baker 46 years ago. She
would have been 63 years of age in September.
Mrs. Baker was a lady of most estimable qualities, a devoted wife and mother
and a considerate, kindly neighbor. Besides her husband, one daughter, Mrs.
Frank LeBarren and a son, Cecil Baker, survive to mourn her loss.
The funeral was held at the family residence, Coleville, at 2:00 o'clock on
Tuesday afternoon, July 7th, the Rev. Chase of Rew City officiating. The
final obsequies were largely attended and the floral tributes were of an
unusually beautiful nature. Burial was made in the family plot at Smith
cemetery, Farmers Valley.
July 23, 1925.
Page 1.
Martin C. Caskey of Smethport, a veteran of the Civil War, died at the home
of his niece, Mrs. Anna Hopkins of Kane Saturday evening, July 18th. He had
been ailing for some time but was confined to his bed only six weeks.
He was born in Pike county, Pa., March 9th, 1842, the son of Wilhelmus and
Eliza Caskey. He spent his early days in Orange county, N.Y., enlisting in
Co. H, 3rd regiment, New York Infantry, during the Civil war. He was
honorably discharged at the close of the war. He went to Wilcox, Pa., about
forty-five years ago, and from there to Sheffield and then to Smethport, about
forty years ago. The entire forty years have been spent in and about
Smethport, he having come to Kane only three months ago when he was no longer
able to care for himself.
Mr. Caskey was an industrious citizen who was the soul of honor in his
dealings with his fellowmen. Mr. Caskey for many years had resided on East
King street, this borough.
He is survived by two brothers, Munson Caskey, of Johnsonburg, and Alonzo
Caskey of Mongaun, N.Y.
The funeral was held at the home of his niece, Mrs. Anna Hopkins, 423 Biddle
street, Kane, Monday afternoon. Interment was in the Soldiers' Lot in Forest
Lawn cemetery, Kane.
Page 3.
John S. Speer, one of St. Marys most prominent and well known business men,
dropped dead on the golf links at that place yesterday afternoon t 5:30
o'clock from heart failure. Mr. Speer was a member of the St. Marys team
engaged in playing a golf tournament with the Wellsville, N.Y., team and had a
nice score to his credit and was eagerly anxious to continue the game to the
finish, but death intervened just as he had raised his club to make a shot and
he fell to the ground stone dead. He was 57 years old.
Page 3.
Isaac Alonzo Mulholland passed away at his home in Hazelhurst at 12:50 P.M.
Sunday, July 12, after a lingering illness of one year duration from heart
ailments and complications. Born at Greenville, Mercer county, Pa., August
3rd, 1873. In 1894 he married Alice Slade who with two children survive.
William and Marguerite, both of Hazelhurst and one grandchild, Harold. He is
also survived by three brothers and two sisters.
He had lived in Hazelhurst for twenty-seven years and been active in social
and political affairs.
He was a devoted member of the Methodist church, member of the Masonic
fraternity, of Mt. Jewett I.O.O.F. of Hazelhurst, P.H.C. at Mt. Jewett,
Macabees and also Window Glass cutters and flattener's Association of America.
The funeral services were conducted at the home Wednesday afternoon t 2:30
o'clock, Rev. Shope and Rev. Perry officiating. Interment at Bridge View
cemetery under auspices of Masonic fraternity.
Page 5.
The death of Clarence Powell, aged about 68 years, occurred at his home at
King's corners, East Smethport about 1:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon. For
many years Mr. Powell was a prominent building contractor of this place, but
for a long time past has been in failing health from a complication of
ailments. He was a splendid, upright citizen who will be greatly missed.
Mrs. Powell died a few months ago.
At the time the Democrat goes to press funeral arrangements have not been
announced.
July 30, 1925.
Page 1.
The death of Mrs. William Glavin, a well known and highly esteemed local
lady, occurred at the family residence on North Fulton street about 5:00
o'clock Saturday evening, July 26th.
Mrs. Glavin had been in failing health for several years past and for
several months past her condition, aggravated by a complication of ailments
has been critical. During her long illness she had been a patient sufferer.
Elizabeth Dermott was born January 13, 1869, at Mt. Alton. She was united
in marriage to William Glavin of Smethport in this borough August, 12, 1886,
and the family has since resided here. Children of this union are Edward, a
civil engineer employed by the Pennsylvania railroad at Lancaster, Pa.; Mrs.
F.J. Nichols of Smethport and Mrs. John Swift of Bradford, who with the
husband and father survive to mourn the loss of this good woman. Mr. Glavin
is also survived by two sisters, Janette and Marguerite, and two brothers,
Robert and Will Dermott of Bolivar.
The funeral was held at St. Luke's Episcopal church of which the deceased
was a member Tuesday morning at 10:00 o'clock, then Rev. W.E. Van Dyke
officiating. The body was taken to Bolivar, N.Y. for burial.
Page 3.
Cuba, N.Y. July 24. the eating of toadstools, instead of mushrooms, proved
fatal again when Stanley Trusiechi, Jr., three year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Stanley Trusiechi of Lyndon died in the Cuba Memorial hospital today.
Rita, aged 2, the dead boy's sister is in a critical condition.
The children were near their home yesterday in search of mushrooms and
plucked the toadstools and ate them.
Page 5.
The funeral of Clarence E. Powell, prominent local building contractor who
died at his home in East Smethport on Wednesday afternoon of last week, brief
mention of which was made in these columns last week, was held at the family
residence Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. W.E. Van dyke of St.
Luke's Episcopal church, of which Mr. Powell was a member, officiating.
Interment was in the family plot in Rose Hill cemetery. Mr. Powell was born
in Smethport on January 22, 1852, and his entire life was spent here, where he
was highly esteemed in his business and social relations with his fellow
citizens. He was a man of splendid qualities. Mr. Powell married Bertha
Maria Chapin of this place August 24, 1880. Mrs. Powell died last February.
Mr. Powell is survived by two brothers, Jerome and P. Powell of Ridgway.
Page 5.
The death of Mrs. A.S. Burdick, prominent Smethport lady, occurred at the
family residence on Rose Hill avenue last Friday evening about 5:00 o'clock.
While it was known that Mrs. Burdick had been in failing health for the past
year and that her condition was considered critical when she was compelled to
seek her bed a short time before her demise, the news of her death came as a
shock to her wide circle of friends and acquaintances. Heart trouble was the
cause of death.
Ida M. Bennett was one of seven children of David R. and Carmina Chapin
Bennett, pioneer residents of Smethport and proprietors of the historic
Bennett House, a tavern which was famed far and wide in the early days. She
was born in Smethport January 15, 1854 and her entire life was spent here.
Mrs. Burdick was a lady of admirable qualities and generous nature, who was
held in the deepest affection by her wide circle of friends. Besides her
husband she is survived by a sister, Mrs. Caroline Armstrong and one brother,
Edward Bennett, both of Smethport.
The funeral was held at the family residence on Rose Hill avenue Monday
afternoon t 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke of St. Luke's Episcopal
church officiating. Interment was made in the family plot in Rose Hill
cemetery.
Page 8.
Mrs. D.M. Dunsmore, well known in Smethport, died at her home in Pinellas
Park, Florida, Friday, July 24.
Margaret Hussey Dunsmore was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Hussey,
pioneer residents of this section, who lived in Irish Hollow years ago.
Besides her husband, deceased is survived by two children, Mary Lierd Foster
of Pinellas Park and C.M. Foster of fort Scott, Kansas, also a stepson, D.M.
Dumsmore of Monte Christi, Haiti.
Mrs. Dunsmore had a wide circle of friends in Smethport who will regret to
learn of the death of this estimable woman.
The body is being brought to Smethport where funeral services will be held
in St. Luke's Church, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating, Saturday afternoon at
2:00 o'clock. Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery.
August 6, 1925.
Page 3.
Bradford, Aug. 3. Struck by an automobile at Washington and Pearl streets
at 6 o'clock Saturday night, Bernard Ellison, six year old son of Mr. and Mrs.
Louis Ellison of No. 80 School street, received injuries that proved fatal.
He died at the Bradford hospital three hours later, having sustained a
fractured skull.
Leo Doolin of No. 27 Webster street, a chauffeur employed by Miles and
company, was the driver of the Hudson coach, which struck the Ellison boy Eye
witnesses state the driver was proceeding west on Washington at a moderate
rate of speed when the child suddenly darted from the curb directly into the
path of the machine. Doolin did everything in his power to avert the
accident, according to witnesses, but the left front fender struck the child
and knocked him to the pavement. The car brought to an immediate stop did not
run over the boy.
Doolin and Ralph Johnson of Cole avenue, a passenger in the car, rushed the
Ellison boy to the hospital, where Dr. W.C. Hogan did everything in his power
to relieve his condition.
Page 6.
Coudersport, July 30. Leonard root, Jr., 20 years old, an employee of the
Coudersport silk mill, accidentally shot and killed himself last night when a
revolver with which he was twirling on his finger in approved wild west style
went off the bullet piercing his lungs. He died instantly before the
horrified gaze of his fellow-workmen. The young man's father, Leonard Root,
of Shinglehouse, was notified and will come to Coudersport today to claim his
son's body.
August 13, 1925.
Page 1.
Rev. P.J. Donahue received a cablegram last Friday informing him of the
death of his brother, Daniel Donahue, which occurred July 28th, in Caven,
Ireland.
On Sunday Rev. Donahue received a message summoning him to the bedside of
his brother, James Donahue, who is seriously ill at his home in Greenville, Pa.
Page 3.
Kane Republican, Friday. Charles Carlson, a woodsman, was found dead along
the banks of a creek, near the Seven-mile-road in Elk county, this morning, by
Frank Williams, of LaMont, who is employed as a leaseman by the United Natural
Gas company. Carlson was last seen alive on Sunday evening and from the
condition of the body it is believed the man had been dead since the first of
the week. O.G. Brown, undertaker, of Kane was notified by MR. Williams of the
ghastly find soon after the man's body was discovered. The remains were
brought to Kane.
Dr. Luhr of St. Marys, coroner of Elk county was also notified of the man's
death. Carlson, who was apparently about 45 years old, has been employed in
the woods in the vicinity of Kane for the past 15 years. So far as is known
he has no relatives in this section. The man, it is said, has been drinking
since July 4th and it is believed he died from acute alcoholism. He was
without funds, and what disposition is to be made will have to be determined
by the Elk county authorities.
Page 3.
Floyd Card, 40, died very suddenly at the Mississippi Glass Factory, Friday
afternoon, following an attack of heart failure. He had gone to work that
morning, in good spirits and apparently feeling as well as usual. While
engaged at his work he collapsed due to a heart attack and in a short time was
dead. Dr. D.C. Hanna was hastily summoned and worked over him for some time
in an attempt to revive him but could do nothing to help.
He is survived by his wife and three children, Floyd Jr., William and Ruth.
He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Alice May Cody of Latham, Cal.
Page 5.
The death of Harriett Elizabeth Gallup, prominent and beloved Smethport
lady, occurred at her residence on Green street at 12:25 o'clock, Tuesday
morning, August 11th, 1925.
Smethport residents were saddened by the passing of this highly esteemed
lady who for so many years has taken an active part in the life of the
community. Mrs. Gallup had been in failing health for some time past, but
remained active up until ten days previous to her death, when she was
compelled to seek her bed. Death resulted from complications incident to the
infirmities of declining years.
Harriett Elizabeth Shepard was born near the site of what is now Bradford,
November 10th, 1846, the daughter of Darius and Abigail Shepard, pioneers of
this section of Pennsylvania. Her mother was of the Barrett family of
prominent pioneers and the history of her ancestors is closely interwoven with
the reclamation of this great region of Pennsylvania from its primal forest
state. Grandma Shepard for many years made her residence with her daughter
here, her death occurring in 1916 at the advanced age of 91 years.
Mrs. Gallup was united in marriage in Smethport then her residence, on May
24, 1871, to William D. Gallup, who for many years, up to the time of his
death I 1900 was a prominent financier and merchant of this place.
The subject of this sketch is survived by one son, Fred D. Gallup, a
prominent lawyer, now residing in Bradford; one daughter, Mrs. Rena G. Walker
of Smethport; one grandson, William D. Gallup of Bradford and one grand-
daughter, Mrs. Marion Potter of Smethport. She is survived by one great
grandson, Gurdon Gallup Potter of this place.
Mrs. Gallup was a lady of noble, womanly qualities which endeared her to all
who were privileged to possess her acquaintance during her residence in
Smethport, which was practically all her life, and she was fairly idolized by
the members of her family to whom her passing causes a grievious loss. Mrs.
Gallup was n active parishioner of St. Luke's Episcopal church, this borough,
and for many years was a member of the Smethport Travelers' club, taking a
prominent part in the affairs of that organization. She was also a valued
member of the Smethport chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.
Funeral services are being conducted at the family residence on Green street
this Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, rector of St.
Luke's church, officiating. Interment will be in the family plot in Rose Hill
cemetery.
August 20, 1925.
Page 3.
Port Allegany was saddened this week by deaths of two of its esteemed
residents; Mrs. Ada E. Laymon passed away at her home on Mill street Monday
evening, August 10, death being due to creeping paralysis. She had been in
poor health since April, but gradually grew worse until the end, despite all
medical aid. She was the widow of the late Chas. O. Laymon, for many years
editor of the Port Allegany Reporter. The many friends of Dr. W.W. Rinn were
saddened by the news of his death which occurred at his residence on Broad
street late Monday, August 10, after an illness of some weeks. He was born at
Middleport, N.Y., August 12, 1855 and had been a resident of Port Allegany for
40 years.
Page 5.
John J. Burns, 49, of Lafayette, died at the Bradford Hospital last Friday
from septic poisoning which developed from a cut on the high inflicted by an
axe while working on a South Penn lease near Mt. Alton, August 7.
Page 8.
Mrs. Catherine Wilhelmina Hafner, for many years a highly revered resident
of Clermont, died at her home in that place last Thursday, August 13 following
an attack of pneumonia.
Mrs. Hafner was 87 years and nine months of age and is survived by three
sons, Adam, Frank and John Hafner and by one daughter, Mrs. A.H. Kidder of
Smethport.
Funeral services were held at the Union church in Clermont Saturday
afternoon t 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. Arthur Gregson of the Coudersport Methodist
Episcopal church, officiating. Interment was in the Clermont cemetery.
Page 8.
Fernand Louis Mathieu of Bradford, deputy internal revenue collector for
this district was drowned Sunday afternoon while swimming in Brook Park pool,
near that city. Mr. Mathieu who was not a strong swimmer, went down when
seized with cramps. Wm. Peckham, a high school youth, recovered the body by
diving. Mathieu was 23 years of age and is survived by a wife and son. The
body was taken to Dorchester, Mass., for burial.
August 27, 1925.
Page 3.
Benjamin F. Brown, 73 years old, was instantly killed on East Main street,
Bradford, Saturday night, when struck by an automobile driven by Kenneth
Wilson of that city. It is said that Brown was engaged in picking up an
object from the street and in that position the driver was unable to see him.
Page 3.
Dr. Albin Victor Ohlson, aged 29, well known young Kane physician, passed
away at the Kane summit hospital Saturday morning.
Page 8.
Mr. and Mrs. N.A. Emig, prominent residents of Colegrove, were surely
bereaved last Thursday by the death of their 11 year old daughter, Velma,
which sad event occurred at the Bradford hospital.
The young girl was taken to the hospital on Saturday, August 15th where she
underwent an operation for appendicitis. She was apparently recovering in a
satisfactory manner until Wednesday of last week when peritonitis developed
which produced death.
Velma was born at Colegrove, Nov. 4, 1914. She was a lovely child and her
death has saddened the family's wide circle of friends. Besides her parents
she is survived by one brother by adoption, Darrell.
The funeral was held at the family residence Sunday afternoon at 2:00
o'clock, the Rev. Bailey of the Colegrove Methodist Episcopal church
officiating. Interment was in Colegrove cemetery.
September 3, 1925.
Page 1.
Residents of Smethport were saddened last Thursday by the receipt of news of
the death of Fred T. Norman, son of Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Norman of this
borough, which occurred in a Chicago hospital Wednesday evening, August 26, at
10:20 o'clock. Death followed an operation.
Fred Norman was 35 years of age, being born in Smethport where he has a
large number of friends. In 19__ he went to Chicago where he soon become very
successful in his chosen field of endeavor, the manufacture of pianos. At the
time of his death he was superintendent of the big Newman Bros piano factory.
Several years ago the subject of this sketch patented a player piano which was
successful in sales and is a magnificent instrument.
Deceased is survived by his wife, his parents, five brothers, Seth and
George of Smethport; Burt Norman of Lancaster, o.; John Norman and Arthur
Norman of Chicago; and seven sisters, Mrs. Gustave Hansoa, Jr., Miss Sivrid
Norman and Miss Florence Norman, all of Chicago, Mrs. Stanley Kelley of
Hillsboro, O.; and the Misses Ethel Edna, and Mabel Norman of home.
Burial was made in Chicago Friday. Theodore Norman of this place attended
the funeral.
Page 3.
Janet Eloise Walker, 14, daughter of Alson Walker, of Russell, near Kane,
was killed late Tuesday afternoon of last week in an automobile accident on
the Randolph-Little Valley road when a car, driven by the Child's father left
the road turning over twice at the point in the road known as the Narrows.
The child suffered a fractured skull which caused her death within a few
minutes.
Page 3.
Port Allegany, Aug. 28. Fred Mathew Nordstrom, aged ten years, died Sunday
afternoon as the result of injuries sustained when he fell from a bicycle the
day previous. The lad, riding slowly, waved his hand at his father and
brothers who were approaching in a car and in so doing lost his balance and
fell. It afterward developed that he had ruptured intestines, following which
peritonitis developed.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock at the family
residence, Rev. G.S. Larson officiating. Interment was made in Fairview
cemetery.
Page 3.
The death of David Barnhart Zillafro, aged 85 years, one of this county's
oldest citizens, occurred Wednesday, August 26, at his home in Rixford.
Mr. Zillafro was born in Clarion county on February 12th, 1840. He was a
veteran of the Civil War, serving for three years as a member of the Eleventh
Regular Company L Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry. He was wounded and taken
prisoner in the last year of the war.
The funeral was held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock from the family home,
Rev. F.L. Barber officiating. Burial was in the Duke Center cemetery.
Page 5.
Injuries received in a fatal automobile crash at the Holliday crossing on
the Hinsdale-Cuba road, near Cuba, Sunday, Aug. 28, resulted in the death of
John C. O'Donnell, 38 years old, of East Genesee street, Buffalo. O'Donnell
died at the Mountain Clinic, Olean, late Sunday, Aug. 30.
O'Donnell was injured when his automobile after failing to make the sharp
turn at the narrow, dangerous crossing, crashed into a huge Stop sign at the
side of the highway.
September 10, 1925.
Page 1.
This community was saddened by news of the death of Mrs. Clementene Keefer
Schroth, wife of Geo. Schroth of Mechanic street, which event occurred at the
Bradford hospital Thursday, Sept. 3, 1925, at 1:30 p.m.
Mrs. Schroth underwent an extensive surgical operation at the hospital about
the first of the present year, recovering to an extent that she was able to
return to her home. In July a recurrence of her former illness necessitated
her going to Buffalo for x-ray treatments which did not furnish the expected
relief and two weeks before her demise she entered the Bradford hospital again
and from that time her condition grew steadily weaker.
Mrs. Schroth was born in Smethport July 4th, 1882, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Chas. Keefer, and here she grew to lovely young womanhood and spent her
entire life.
She was united in marriage to Geroge Schroth in Smethport March 31, 1901?.
Besides her devoted husband, she is survived by one son, Norman, by her aged
parents and three brothers, Normal and Marshall of Smethport and Dudley Keefer
of Shreveport, Louisiana.
The funeral was held at the family residence Sunday afternoon at 2:30
o'clock the Rev. Wilson of the local Baptist church officiating. Floral
tributes were of a beautiful nature. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Among those from out of town in attendance were Mrs. Joseph H. Moore and
Sherman Lewis of Bridgeport, Ohio; Mrs. Wm. Henry of Steubenville, Ohio; Mr.
and Mrs. Arthur Simon, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lewis and Lowell Whit__hall of
Bolivar, N.Y.; Austin Fowler of Clarion and Loren Beckwith of Wilcox, Pa.
Page 1.
Elmer Ferman, aged 66, a life-long and highly esteemed resident of Farmers
Valley, died very suddenly at the home of Ed. Martin, a neighbor, about 2:00
o'clock Monday afternoon.
Mr. Ferman had visited the McGill farm, where Mr. Martin resides on business
and when he found that that gentleman was out, was in the act of starting his
car to return home when he was stricken. He was assisted back into the house
where he soon expired. Death was due to acute indigestion.
Mr. Ferman is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Sarah Lewis, Mrs. Elsie Pierce,
Mrs. Mertie Glas and Eva Carr also two brothers, Bela and Ira Ferman.
Deceased was an industrious, substantial citizen who was held in the highest
esteem by a wide circle of acquaintances.
Funeral services were conducted at the Bela Ferman residence Wednesday
afternoon t 2:00 o'clock, the Rev. Oviatt of the Valley U.B. church
officiating. Services were under the auspices of the Valley Grange of which
the deceased was a member. Burial was in Smith's cemetery.
Page 1.
Smethport residents were shocked and saddened Tuesday night by news of the
death of Al. W. Colegrove, one of the town's most prominent residents and one
of the last survivors of the famous Civil war. Bucktails, which event
occurred suddenly at his home on East Main street about 10:20 p.m.
Mr. Colegrove had been in failing health for some time past but despite that
fact had kept up and about attending to his duties of justice of the peace and
of crier of the McKean county courts. Last week he appeared to be enjoying
good health and was able to attend the fair. His last illness dated from last
Saturday. Tuesday evening Mr. Colegrove appeared to be somewhat better and
sat up to enjoy a pipe of tobacco. Suddenly he collapsed and life was quite
extinct by the time medical aid reached his side. Death was due to heart
failure.
Alpha William Colegrove was born in Colegrove, Pa., June 5, 1844, a son of
Mr. and Mrs. William Johnathan Colegrove, leading pioneers of this section of
Pennsylvania, being oen of a family of five children.
He attended the public schools and at the age of seventeen responded to the
call issued from Smethport by General Kane for crack riflemen volunteers for
the 42nd Regt. Thirteenth Pennsylvania Reserves, which wrote a glorious page
of Civil War history, gaining the nickname, The Bucktails. On December 17,
1861, he took part in the battle of Gainesville, the first victory of the Army
of the Potomac. The rigors of the Bucktails strenuous campaigns were too
great for the strength of the frail youth and in December 1862 he was
discharged for physical disability and for two years thereafter was in ill
health.
He then returned to school, graduating from the Smethport Academy, later
attending Lima College at Lima, N.Y. His education was completed by a
business course in Eastman's College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
In 1867 he worked as a mercantile clerk in Westfield, Pa. In 1868 he
engaged in the hardware business in Port Allegany and until 1873 was a
surveyor on an engineer corps in the west, again establishing in the hardware
business that year at Sardania, N.Y., where he continued unit 1880.
For fifteen years he was employed by the standard Oil company and for the
last five years of that period acted as foreman with headquarters at
Colegrove. In 1895 he opened a drug store in Smethport and sold out two years
later, continuing to reside in this borough and taking a leading part in
affairs of the community.
Mr. Colegrove was a life-long and prominent Republican and during his
residence in Norwich township acceptably filled the office of supervisor.
Since coming to Smethport he had faithfully filled the office of justice of
the peace and the position of crier of the McKean county courts for many years.
Mr. Colegrove was a kindly, generous man who possessed one of those rare
personalities which attract friends on every hand. His passing is sincerely
mourned. He was an enthusiastic devotee of rod and gun and his love of the
great out-doors was one of his outstanding characteristics.
Deceased was a thirty-second degree Mason, having been a member of McKean
lodge, No. 388, of this borough, of Arnold chapter, Royal Arch Masons and the
Coudersport Consistory. He was also a member of McKean Post, No. 347, G.A.R.,
and of the Bucktail Regimental Association.
Mr. Colegrove is survived by his devoted wife, who was before her marriage
Miss Hannorah G. Higgins of Corry, Pa.; one daughter, Mrs. Ellanorah Richards
of Smethport and one son, Alpha William of Colegrove, who graduated from the
Smethport High School last June and who recently passed a competitive
examination for entrance to West Point, being named an alternate for the
honor. Two others sons by a previous marriage also survive; William Ross
Colegrove of Sardania, N.Y., and Roy Clare Colegrove of Smethport. Deceased
is also survived by one brother, C.M. Colegrove of this borough.
The funeral will be held at the family residence Friday afternoon at 2:00
o'clock, the Rev. Chas. Whelan, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal
church, officiating. Burial will be made in the family plot in the Colegrove
cemetery.
Page 1.
Bradford Herald. On Wednesday morning, Sept.2, at 3:55 o'clock, Lester C.
Kiser, aged 27 years, night agent for the American Express company, a young
man widely known and highly respected in the community, was fatally shot by a
bandit who undertook to rob the express company's office in the B.R.&P. yards,
in the vicinity of the station of that railroad.
The victim of the shooting received a charge of No. 6 shot from the bandit's
gun, and deadly wounds were inflicted in the left breast, a number of shot
piercing the lungs. He died at the Bradford hospital at 4:25 p.m. Wednesday.
After the shooting the express agent was able to give an account of the
occurrence and a description of his assailant.
(The article continues at length and not all is included here.)
However, the victim, owing to his vitality and courage, was able to retain
his faculties. He accepted the inevitable with rare fortitude. His relatives
were notified and were soon at his bedside in the hospital. The young man
lived with his parents at 46 Jerome avenue.
When the officers arrived Kiser requested that they see to it that the money
consignment be cared for. Of the wounded young man it can be truly said he
was faithful unto death.'
After the express agent expired at the hospital, the body was removed to
Koch's undertaking establishment where Coroner Heffner held an inquest,
following an autopsy. The verdict was in accordance with the facts.
Subsequently the body was taken to the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs.
D.D. Kiser, 68 Jerome avenue. Surviving the victim of the tragedy are the
parents, a brother, Ray, and a sister, Leitha. The deceased was a member of
the Asbury Methodist church, and he belonged to Company K, 112th Infantry,
N.G.P. during the World War he served in a cavalry regiment.
Lester C. Kiser was an estimable young man who was very highly regarded and
his fate was deplored most sincerely by the entire community. The fiendish
criminal by his act cut short a useful and promising career and did so with a
wantonness and cruelty that astounded the public. The night agent in the
express office was not given a chance for his life after opening the door.
Impressive funeral services over the late Lester C. Kiser were held Saturday
afternoon by Rev. W.W. ____ at the Asbury Methodist church and the attendance
was large. The burial at Oak Hill was in accordance with military customs.
Page 3.
Percy E. Brown, formerly of this place, died suddenly at his home, 403
Washington street, Jamestown, N.Y., Tuesday night, Sept. 1, about 9:45 o'clock
from acute indigestion, states a press dispatch from that city.
Mr. Brown apparently was in good health and on Monday evening left his home
to go down into the city, but had only gone a short distance when he received
a severe attack and was assisted to his home, where he died before medical aid
could be summoned. He was rushed to the General Hospital of that city, but
was evidently dead before leaving the house.
Mr. Brown was 52 years of age and was born in Corry, Pa. He is survived by
his wife, Etta V. Brown, one son, Clark Brown; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clark
E. Brown of Jamestown; two sisters, Maude of Colorado and Mrs. Clyde Taylor of
Jamestown; three brothers, S. Banks Brown of Jamestown, Harry w. Brown of Rio
de Janiero, South American and Joseph Brown of Florida.
Funeral services were conducted in a chapel at Jamestown, N.Y., and the body
was taken to Mt. Jewett where funeral services were conducted by the Masonic
Lodge of Mt. Jewett, after which the remains were laid to rest in Bridgeview
Cemetery, that borough.
Mr. Brown and family resided in Smethport for a number of years, where he
established in 1907 and conducted the Star Theater. Smethport's first moving
picture house. For a time the deceased was engaged in the drug business in
Mt. Jewett and Bradford. Since leaving Smethport Mr. Brown has conducted a
moving picture theater in Jamestown and the day before his sudden death had
been granted a permit to erect a new $100.000 theater.
Page 3.
Bradford Sept. 3. Marion Katherine Beeman of Haverstraw, N.Y., who
accompanied her parents and sister and brother here to attend the Old Home
Week celebration, died this morning at 6 o'clock at the home of her
grandmother, Mrs. M.C. Beeman at Mt. Alton, following a ten days' illness of
measles. The child was one year old.
Page 5.
The death of Fred Pistner, aged 74 years, occurred at his home in Rasellas,
where for many years he had been a prominent resident, Friday night, Sept. 4.
Mr. Pistner was a brother-in-law of Mrs. James Quirk and Mrs. Henry Kleisath
of Smethport and was well and favorably known here. The Quirk and Kleisath
families attended the funeral which was held in Rasellas Monday morning.
September 17, 1925.
Page 1.
Smethport residents were saddened last Thursday evening by news that John
Hamilton, son of Dr. Robert Hamilton of Main street, had lost his brave fight
for life. The end occurred at the Millar Fillmore hospital in Buffalo, where
the popular young man had been a surgical patient for several months past,
Thursday evening, September 10, at 7:00 o'clock.
The last, sweet sleep came peacefully to the young man, who realizing the
joy of life struggled hard to live yet was prepared to meet the inevitable
unflinchingly. The patient sufferer was conscious to the last and at his
bedside when he peacefully passed away were his devoted father who has been
with his son the greater part of the time for the last three months, his
brother Robert Hamilton, his uncle Dr. Gavin Hamilton of Houston, Texas, and
his uncle and aunt, Mr. and Mrs. H.C. Wells of Smethport. Death was due to a
septic condition which baffled the skill of leading Buffalo surgeons. The
young man was first seized with serious illness about a year ago. Last
October he submitted to a delicate operation which failed to give relief. A
series of major operations finally appeared to remove the cause of complaint
and the patient returned home and for a time appeared to be regaining health,
but a recurrence of his ailment compelled him to return to the hospital June
13 where he underwent a series of operations, the last of which was performed
on Tuesday of last week.
Despite his sufferings the young man bore his lot uncomplainingly. By his
unfailing cheerfulness and courage the entire hospital became vitally
interested in his valiant struggle to live. As a last method of sustaining
the ebbing life several blood transfusion operations were resorted to.
John Clark Hamilton was born in Smethport January 27, 1905. He was educated
in the Smethport schools and later took a college preparatory course at
Gettysburg, pa. While a student at the local high school he showed marked
prowess as an athlete and was a member of the football team. He was popular
with his companions and his likeable, spontaneous personality won him friends
on every hand.
Mr. Hamilton is survived by his father, Der. Robert Hamilton, prominent
local physician, and one brother, Robert Hamilton.
The revered father has the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in his
deep bereavement, the third in a period of two years first his only
daughter, Katherine, called by death and only last winter his wife was taken
by the Death Angle. Through his dire afflictions this splendid man has nobly
borne his sorrow and has in the pursuance of his profession continued to
minister to the suffering of his fellow citizens, whose afflictions have been
trivial compared to his own. That has required a heart of the bravest kind.
The body was brought to Smethport Saturday morning and the funeral was held
at St. Luke's Episcopal church Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock, the Rev. W.E.
Van Dyke conducting the impressive service. The church edifice was crowded
with citizens who assembled as a mark of the town's deep sorrow at the passing
of this young man who had so much to live for. Floral tributes were of an
unusually profuse and beautiful nature.
Burial was mad in the family plot in Rose Hill cemetery.
Those from out of town in attendance at the funeral were Dr. Gavin Hamilton,
uncle of the deceased, and wife of Houston, Texas; Wm. Hamilton and Miss Mina
Hamilton, uncle and aunt, of Bright, Ontario; Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Fianey of
Bradford.
Page 3.
Bradford, Sept. 11. Mrs. Mary Jones died yesterday morning in the Bradford
hospital as the result of injuries she received Monday when an auto in which
she was riding turned turtle on the road from Bradford to Salamanca, three
miles west of Bradford Junction. The auto was owned and driven by Robert
Smith of Bradford.
Mrs. Jones' eat was due to a hemorrhage caused, it is thought, by a
fractured rib penetrating the stomach. It was thought at first that her
injuries were not dangerous and the fatal ending came as a shock to her family.
Page 3.
Little Valley, Sept. 19. Truman Brooks, a traffic officer of Little
valley, was killed Tuesday night when his motorcycle crashed into a parked,
automobile on the Salamanca-Little Valley state highway, near her, during a
dense fog. The automobile was disabled and was standing with lights on,
awaiting assistance from a garage.
The officer was on his way to a dance hall near here, in response to a
call. He struck the standing machine with such force that his neck was broken
in two places.
The scene of the accident was in front of the farm owned by Frank Annis.
Brooks is reported to have been moving at a fast rate of speed when he left
this village in answer to the call.
It is said that when Brooks was thrown against the rear of the car, the
metal body of the car was dented in four inches where his head struck.
Attaches of the sheriff's department who investigated the accident attached
no blame to the owner of the automobile.
Brooks leaves a wife and three children.
Page 5.
Funeral services for the late A.W. Colegrove, prominent local citizen and
one of the last survivors of the famous Civil War Bucktails, which were held
at the family residence on East Main street last Friday afternoon, the Rev.
Chas. Whelan, pastor of the First Methodist church officiating, were largely
attended. Burial at the Colegrove cemetery was with full military honors, the
members of Bucktail Post, American Legion, acting as escort to the body of the
departed Civil War hero. The post firing squad fired volleys and a bugler
sounded taps as the casket was consigned to the final clay.
September 24, 1925.
Page 1.
Olean, Sept. 17. Eugene Frank Wilson, 30, of East State Street, died from
a fractured skull in Olean General Hospital last night. His death was the
second resulting from his automobile going over an embankment and crashing
into a tree in the Haskell road, northeast of Olean. Waldow Holcomb died from
a fractured skull in the hospital a few hours after the accident. Morris
Hollowell suffered fractured ribs, and emery Hollowell and Ral Egnetz
fractured right ankles. A bridge has been removed from the highway and
members of the automobile party failed to see the detour sing. Wilson drove
the machine.
Mr. Wilson was the husband of Mary Amster, a former well known Smethport
girl, and had many friends in this town.
Page 1.
William Clifford Sweezy, four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sweezey of
duke Center was instantly killed Wednesday afternoon of last week at about
five o'clock when he was struck by a car driven by Walter Sprague of Duke
Center.
The accident was an unavoidable one, the little lad running directly into
the path of the car which was proceeding at a moderate rate.
At the approach of the car both the mother and father of the child called
for him to get off the road but it is believed that he became confused and ran
directly in front of the car.
An inquest was held following the accident and a verdict of accidental death
was issued by Coroner Heffner of Bradford.
Milton Wright of Smethport, employed as a truck driver by Holmes &
Gilfillan, happened to be stopped along the side of the road at the scene of
the fatality and was one of the eye-witnesses.
Page 2.
Bradford, Sept. 18. The death of Timothy F. Mullin, of Eldred, formerly of
Bradford, and one of the best known lawyers in McKean county, occurred at
10:30 o'clock this morning at the Bradford hospital, of throat trouble.
Deceased had been in poor health since early in the spring, but was able to
be about until six weeks ago, when he came to the Bradford hospital for care.
Gradually his condition became worse, although his mind was alert and he was
able to take care of legal matters from his bed. He was conscious until death
claimed him. In attendance at his bedside when he passed away were his wife
and their son, Jack Mullin.
The body was removed to Still's undertaking rooms, where the funeral will be
held at a time to be announced later. The burial will take place in Oak Hill
cemetery.
The late T.F.. Mullin, eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Mullin,
was born at Smethport, Nov. 3, 1865. He attended the public schools of Port
Allegany and Bradford, graduating from the school in this city. Immediately
thereafter, he entered the law office of Mullin & McClure, and spent five
years in the study of law, being admitted to the McKean county bar in his 21st
year. He was elected alderman of the fourth ward of the city of Bradford in
1887, and after serving a full term, became associated with his father under
the firm name of Mullin & Mullin, and has continued in the practice of law
since that time.
Following the death of his father, he became a partner of his brother, the
late John P. Mullin. After the death of his brother, he practiced law for a
time, then moved in 1912 to Tulsa, Okla., where he was admitted to the
Oklahoma state bar and practiced for one year and a half, when he moved his
family to Eldred, where they have resided for the past ten years. Deceased
through all these years has kept up his law practice and was accounted one of
the most able and efficient attorneys in this section. He was a member of the
McKean County bar association.
The late Mr. Mullin was united in marriage to Miss Eva Walker of this city
on July 16, 1902.
Mr. Mullin is survived by his widow, one son, and two brothers, Francis
Mullin of Turtle Point, and E.O. Mullin of Tulsa, Okla.
Page 3.
Eldred Eagle, Sept. 18. Myron Yentzer, aged 53 years, was found dead in
bed at about 5 o'clock Saturday evening, death being due to straining of
muscles of the heart. Mr. Yentzer had apparently been in good health and his
death came as a great shock to his family. Mrs. Yentzer and daughter,
Dororthy, had gone to Roulette to attend a funeral Saturday and upon arriving
home at about 5 o'clock that evening found Mr. Yentzer dead in bed. He leaves
to survived him, his widow and one daughter, Dorothy.
Page 3.
Leo Pape, aged 13 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Pape of Limestone, N.Y.,
died in the Higgins Memorial hospital, Olean, Monday morning as the result of
injuries received on the state highway two miles this side of Allegheny, N.Y.
The lad was with his father when he received his fatal injuries. Mr. Pape was
driving his car and it is alleged he ran into a construction truck that had
been left standing near the middle of the highway, parked without lights. Mr.
Pape's car struck the truck with such force that Leo was thrown to the
pavement, striking on his head. A passing motorist rushed the unconscious boy
to the Olean hospital where it was found he sustained a fractured skull, and
he never rallied.
Page 8.
Mack Lawton who resided on a farm near Andover, N.Y., was kicked in the
stomach by one of his horses while cutting grain Thursday, Sept. 10. He was
rushed to the Wellsville hospital where he died the next morning, following an
unsuccessful operation to save his life. Deceased was 78 years of age.
Among surviving relatives is a brother, James Lawton of Smethport.
Page 8.
Mrs. Melina M. Evans, widow of Walter Evans, formerly of Smethport, died
Saturday morning at 12:45 o'clock at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Gale of 310
Clark street, Olean. She was a former Smethport resident and was a member of
the Seventh Day Adventist church. She was 79 years of age.
She is survived by one son, Silas E. Evans of Emporium, and one daughter,
Mable Johnson of Paulsboro, N.J.
The body was brought to Smethport Monday and burial was made in Rose Hill
cemetery.
Page 2.
Olean, Sept. 24. Florlan Sowinski, 18 years old, of 1211 River street,
Olean, was instantly killed and Howard Stavish, 40 of 303 Elm street, this
city, was seriously injured late yesterday when a truck was struck by a north-
bound Olean-Buffalo passenger train of the Pennyslvania railroad at Napier
crossing, near Machlas.
The two men are reported to have rented the truck to go to the Rochester
district for some peaches.
Page 2.
Port Allegany Reporter-Argus. Frank C. Retzer, one of Port Allegany's
representative citizens died at his home on Broad street, Monday morning at
9:30 o'clock, after a long illness of heart trouble.
Mr. Retzer was 61 years of age at the time of death. He was born at Wilcox,
Pa., March ? 1861. He lived there during his boyhood days and received his
early education in that place. Leaving there he attended school at the Ohio
Normal University at Ada, Ohio, graduating from the civil engineering and
scientific courses. Returning to Wilcox he taught school for five years,
later being engaged as a bookkeeper in Wilcox and Mt. Jewett. He was married
in August 1900. He came here about twenty years ago to take up work as
bookkeeper for the Allegany Window Glass Company, and has made his home here
ever since though during a period of the World War he assisted at the Hamlin
Bank at Smethport during the absence of some of their staff in the service.
He leaves his wife, and a foster daughter, Wilma. One daughter Ruth died
here in 1911. He also leaves three sisters, Mr. Julia Field of Hazelhurst,
Miss Caroline Retzer of Wilcox and Mrs. Mary Winslow of Elkhart, Ind.; and one
brother, John Retzer of Wilcox.
Funeral services were held this Thursday afternoon at the residence. Rev.
A. Llewelyn officiating, and interment was made in the Fairview cemetery. The
services at the grave were under the charge of the Knight Templars.
Among the relatives and friends present at the funeral were Mrs. Julia field
of Hazelhurst, Miss Caroline Retzer of Wilcox, Mrs. Mary Winslow of Elkhart,
Frank Winslow of Philadelphia, John Retzer and family of Wilcox, John Retzer,
Jr., and wife of Warren, Mr. and Mrs. George Irons, Mr. and Mrs. William
Blivens, Mrs. Roy Dickinson, M. Erhart and Ralph Burdick of Smethport; Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Dickinson of Wilcox; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Edwards of Cuba, J.H.
McCalla of Grass Lake, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Page and Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Baldwin
of Austin, Ed Verry of Kane, Mrs. Priestley and Mr. and Mrs. John Ammond of
Wilcox and others.
Page 3.
Ridgway, Sept. 29. Little Marie Ellen Johnson, two year old daughter of
Mr. and Mrs. George W. Johnson of Arroyo, met death in a very peculiar manner
late yesterday afternoon.
The little girl, who was a passenger on the rear seat of her father's Willys-
Knight touring car, leaned against the door of the car which was not securely
locked and fell into the highway directly in front of the automobile driven by
H.L. Galbraith of Belltown, Millstone township, and was instantly killed. The
accident occurred at Millstone.
Page 8.
Mrs. Pauline Quirk, aged 45 years, died at the County Home, this borough
last Thursday morning, following an attack of pneumonia. Mrs. Quirk is
survived by her husband, Peter Quirk and one son James Quirk who reside a few
miles from Kane. Funeral services were held in Kane Friday afternoon, Rev.
A.J. Marbet of the Kane Presbyterian church, officiating, and interment was
made in Forest Lawn cemetery, that town.
October 8, 1925.
Page 1.
Jack T. Johnson of Larabee who lost an arm and was otherwise badly injured
while working at the loading plant of the Ross construction Co., Coryville,
Wednesday of last week, as mentioned in the Democrat, died at the Port
Allegany hospital, where he was taken after the accident Tuesday.
Mr. Johnson who was born in Canada and was 55 years of age had conducted a
store at Larabee for 19 years. He is survived by his wife and two daughter,
Mrs. Raymond Razz__ and Miss Doris Johnson of Larabee and three sons Theodore,
Rowland and Clifford, all of home. Rev. W.E. Van dyke of St. Luke's church,
Smethport, will conduct the funeral at Larabee Friday.
Page 1.
Otto Okerlund, aged 35, a well known East Smethport young man died at the
Higgins Memorial Hospital, Olean, shortly after midnight Tuesday from injuries
he received when his Ford touring car collided with an Olean, Bradford and
Salamanca street railway traction car on East State street, Olean, about 3:30
o'clock Tuesday afternoon.
Mr. Okerlund and Andrew Walker, aged 42, another East Smethport man had gone
to Olean after dinner on an errand and were driving towards home along State
street near Clark, when the accident occurred.
When the traction car approached from an opposite direction, the local man
who was driving his car along the trolley tracks, steered off to the curb and
the vehicle again veered back into the path of the car and the collision
ensued. It is believed the driver lost control of the vehicle when he swung
it away from the tracks. It is also stated that the brakes of the car were
out of order so the unfortunate man had no chance to stop.
In the terrific impact which ensued the car was almost completely demolished
and the front of the trolley car was smashed. Conductor McAulife was in
charge of the street car.
Okerlund received a terrible fracture at the base of the skull when he and
Walker were thrown to the street. The former was rushed to the hospital,
where it was at once foreseen that the end was but a matter of hours. Members
of the unfortunate young man's family were at his bedside when death relieved
his suffering.
Walker escaped from the terrible crash with minor injuries. He was unable
to tell how the accident happened, saying that he did not see the approaching
car.
Undertaker H.H. Sasse went to Olean yesterday morning and brought the body
to this place.
Otto Okerlund was an industrious young man and his untimely death saddened the
community. While he lived in East Smethport he owned and operated a fine farm
in Riley hollow.
He is survived by his wife, who was Lillian Lynch of East Smethport, three
children, by his mother, Mrs. Caroline Okerlund of East Smethport, two
sisters, Mrs. Dwight Jones of Newark, Ohio; Mrs. William Cooper of East
Smethport; one brother, Ed. Okerlund of home; two half-sisters, Ganda Sond of
Kushequa and Effie Ahlquist of Stuart, Fla.; and two half-brothers, Oscar,
Okerlund of Neewark, N.J. and Steve Okerlund of Mt. Jewett.
Funeral services will be held at the deceased's late home in East Smethport,
Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, Rev. Hallmertz of the Smethport Swedish
Mission Church, will officiate.
Page 1.
Zymont Skubish, aged 43 and father of five children met instant death near
his home at Instanter, Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 25, at 4:30 o'clock.
Skubish was riding on the running board of the Ford truck owned by the
Liberty bakery of Johnsonburg when it turned over on an eight foot embankment
and pinned him beneath the machine sustaining injuries that caused death.
The accident occurred near the brook that passes through the tannery yard at
Instanter. Accompanied by several other men Skubish accepted a lift from the
truck driver from the section of the village where he resided to the post
office in the other end of town and while passing the stream the driver lost
control of the truck and went over the embankment. Skubish was riding on the
running board and was pinned under the body of the truck at the bottom of the
embankment.
Harry Young, Renovo cigar salesman, brought news of the accident to
Smethport, having passed the scene in his car directly after the fatality
occurred.
Page 3.
Bradford, Oct. 2. Blinded by the lights of a Bradford-Lewis run street
car, Louis Chiapetta of 48 Barbour street drove a large automobile into the
car last night on the Custer City-Bradford road, a short distance this side of
Custer city. Chiapetta died later in the Bradford hospital, having suffered a
fractured skull, a fractured knee, broken nose and severe lacerations of the
leg.
According to reports reaching police headquarters here, Chiapetta was
returning from Lewis Run. He was alone in the automobile. As his car rounded
a turn he suddenly came upon the street car bound fro Bradford to Lewis Run.
Blinded by the search light on the car, he lost control of the steering wheel
and the automobile and trolley crashed together.
Chiapetta was hurried to the Bradford hospital. No one in the trolley car
was injured. IT was a one-man car driven by Harry Corsin. Chiapetta was
employed by the St. James Yellow Cab company.
Page 5.
Mrs. A.R. Livermore was called to Mercer, Pa., Wednesday by the sudden death
of her father, A.C. Bean.
October 15, 1925.
Page 1.
The death of Bennett F. Penn, well known Smethport man, occurred with
shocking suddenness at the family residence on Center street about 1:30
o'clock Saturday afternoon, Oct. 10.
Mr. Penn was playing with his children when he suddenly expired and life was
extinct by the time a physician, who was immediately summoned reached the
stricken man's side. A sudden heart attack produced death. Mr. Penn had been
in poor health for some time.
Deceased was a citizen of sterling qualities who was held in the highest
esteem by his acquaintances and his passing came as a shock to residents of
this community.
Bennett Frederic Penn was born in Bridgetown, N.J., Oct. 7, 1887. He was a
bottle blower by trade an dcame to Smethport when the old Perney-Bond bottle
factory was in operation here and for a number of years was a valued employe
of that company.
He was united in marriage to Carolyn K. Ellingsfeld, of this borough, July
29, 1912.
At the passing of the bottle industry in Smethport the family moved to New
Jersey where they resided until failing health compelled Mr. Penn to forsake
the bottle blowing trade and the family moved back to this place where he
accepted employment with the Marvel Specialty company in whose employ he
continued. Saturday morning Mr. Penn had worked at the plant as usual and
when he quit at noon for the half holiday was feeling well.
Besides his wife he is survived by three children, Margaret Ann, Bennett F.
Jr., and George Bayer Pera; also his parents Mr. and Mrs. B. Helms of
Downington, Pa.; three sisters, Mrs. Allen Harris, Mrs. Harry Lauffenz, of
Downington and Mrs. Mathew Este___ of Bridgetown, N.J., and two brothers,
LeRoy and Earl Helms of Downington. All the above relatives came to Smethport
for the funeral.
Funeral services were conducted at the family residence Tuesday afternoon at
1:30 o'clock, the Rev. W.E. Van
Dyke of St. Luke's Episcopal church officiating. Interment was in Rose Hill
cemetery.
Other relatives from out of town in attendance at the funeral were Mr. and
Mrs. C.H. Whittaker, Sheffield, Pa; Mr. and Mrs. R.C. Sasse of Binghamton,
N.Y. and Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bermender of Olean.
Page 3.
Hit by an automobile while crossing the street in front of his dry goods
store on West Washington street, Bradford, on Wednesday afternoon of last week
Solomon Brand, aged 71, a well known merchant, died at the Bradford Hospital
two hours later.
The automobile which hit the aged man was a Ford touring car and the driver
after taking the victim to the hospital disappeared without his identity
becoming known or the license number taken.
Police are looking for the car driver, it being thought that he is a
Bradford resident.
October 22, 1925.
Page 3.
Kane Republican, Saturday. Mary Elizabeth Prokop, aged three years and
eight months, died at the Kane Summit Hospital last night from burns received
shortly before four o'clock yesterday afternoon, while playing around a
bonfire in the year at her home on the Highland road, near LaMont. She was a
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Prokop.
Page 3.
Kane Republican, Friday. After a lingering illness of nearly two years Mr.
J.B. Wright, wife of J.B. Wright, well known lumberman of Kane, passed away at
the Kane Summit Hospital yesterday having been a patient there a few days.
Mr. Wright was born in Bradford, July 20, 1857 and lived in the vicinity of
that city until the date of her marriage which took place at Limestone, N.Y.,
in 1877. Before her marriage she was Miss Katie Matteson. Mr. and Mrs.
Wright lived in Rixford for a number of years and came here about 27 years ago
and since that time have resided at 111 Biddle street.
The deceased was an active member of the Methodist church. She was a loving
wife and mother and her death is sincerely mourned by many neighbors and
friends. Besides her husband she is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Isabelle
Curtiss of Pittsburgh, and a grandson, Lester Curtiss of the same place.
The services will be held at the residence at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon.
Rev. J.A. McCamey of the Methodist church will officiate. Interment will be
made in Forest Lawn cemetery.
Page 6.
Kane Republican, Friday. Eleanor, 13 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
Gust Peterson of Highland road passed away at Kane Summit Hospital yesterday
afternoon from injuries received from falling part way down a flight of stairs
at her home on Wednesday. The baby's skull was fractured by the fall and
although everything possible was done to save the little one the injury proved
fatal. Much sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family in their misfortune
in losing the little one in a household accident which so often has no serious
result. It is reported that the child fell but a short distance but happened
to strike on her head in just the manner to make the injury a grave one.
October 29, 1925.
Page 3.
Bradford, Oct. 28. Walking home from Bradford where he had been shopping,
Thomas Porter Brinton, 66 year old resident of South Bradford was struck and
fatally injured by an automobile on the Lewis Run road near the Thompson
store. He died about an hour and his removal to the Bradford hospital. The
driver of the car failed to stop after the accident and escaped. He is
unknown.
Brinton was found lying in the road about 6 o'clock by Carl Morris of South
Bradford, who was driving home from work. He rushed him to the Bradford
hospital where the victim died without gaining consciousness.
Page 4.
Smethport residents were saddened by news of the death of F.A. Gallup,
prominent resident of this vicinity, an account of whose serious illness
appeared in these columns last week, which occurred with shocking suddenness
about 10:00 o'clock last Thursday morning shortly after The Democrat had been
printed.
Frank A. Gallup, second son of Orlando and Floretta Comes Gallup was born at
Norwich Corners, April 25, 1855.
He was married to Alice G. Hussey Sept. 14, 1880, who survives him. To this
union was born one son, Earl R. Gallup of Smethport. He is also survived by
two granddaughters, Pauline and Marjorie Gallup of Smethport and three
brothers, Henry Gallup of Crosby, Chas. Gallup of Port Allegany and Arnold H.
Gallup of Youngsville, Pa.
He had been a resident of Potato Creek valley all his life. In his younger
days he followed the occupation of farming and lumbering.
Deceased was one of the first R.F.D. carriers in McKean county and was
appointed on Sept. 1st, 1902 to route 1 from the Smethport postoffice,
following this work for 18 years when at the age of 65 he was retired under
the provisions of the Civil Service retirement law. Since that time he has
followed the vocation of farming in Keating township.
Mr. Gallup was in his usual health on Wednesday, Oct. 22, when about 11:30
a.m. he was stricken with a severe heart attack and on Thursday morning about
10 o'clock he suffered a second attack which caused his death.
The funeral services were conducted at the home at 2 o'clock Sunday
afternoon by Rev. Chas. H.M. Whelan of the Methodist Episcopal church and the
services at the grave were under the auspices of the I.O.O.F. Lodge.
Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
(List of funeral attendees follows)
November 5, 1925.
Page 1.
Smethport residents were saddened by the death of the Rev. Thomas DeCoursey
Ware, which occurred at his farm home on Bush Hill, near Smethport, Monday
morning, Nov. 2, about 6:30 o'clock.
Rev. Ware had been in poor health for some time past. Last winter he
underwent an extensive surgical operation at a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio,
and following a long hospital confinement and undoubtedly due to his weakened
physical condition, heart trouble developed.
The gifted divine was a profound student, a writer of verse which attracted
most favorable attention for its splendid merit and a painter of landscapes of
recognized genius. He was a broadminded, interesting citizen who had a wealth
of understanding and sympathy for his fellow men. In him the noble marks of
true Christianity found fullest embodiment. He was affectionately regarded by
the many who prized his acquaintance.
Rev. Ware was pastor of the Smethport Baptist church for a number of years
and during his pastorate the beautiful local church edifice was built. Of
late years he has lived a life of retirement, pursuing his studies and
writings. A complete obituary notice will appear in the Democrat next week.
Deceased is survived by his wife who has been an inspiration and rare
helpmate during their years of happy married life.
The funeral will be held at the family residence Friday morning at 10:30
o'clock, the Rev. E.A. Stevens, pastor of the local Baptist church,
officiating. Interment will be in Rose Hill cemetery.
(Another obit with additional information and a poem was published November
12, page 4.)
Page 4.
Thos. L. McKean, well known and highly respected by a large number of people
in Smethport, died at his home in Wilcox, Pa., Monday, Nov. 2 at 3 P.M.
following a long illness which confined him to his bed for the past two years.
Deceased was born in Long Island, N.Y., in 1843, and came to this state with
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard McKean, when three years of age. The McKean
family settled on Marvin Creek where the subject of this sketch resided for 15
years, coming to Smethport where he attended high school. He afterwards went
to Cleveland, O., where he learned the carpenter's trade, returning to Wilcox
in 1864 where he worked at his trade and continued to reside until the time of
his death.
In 1868 Mr. McKean was united in marriage to Miss Lena Weldert. To this
union were born two children, Mary and Kathryn. Mrs. McKean and Kathryn, the
youngest daughter, died some years ago. Mary was spared to care for her
father in his declining years and most nobly did she perform this arduous
task, giving up a lucrative position in one of the leading Philadelphia
hospitals which she had held for twenty years in order to return home and care
for him.
Thos. McKean was one of a family of seven children of whom only two survive,
Chas. And Edward McKean of Smethport.
Funeral services were held in Wilcox this Thursday, morning at 9:30 o'clock,
Rev. Fr. Dougherty presiding. Interment was made in the Cemetery at Rasselas.
Page 4.
P.A. Miller passed away at this home in this borough, Tuesday morning at
8:00 o'clock, following a long illness which had its inception last June.
Mr. Miller was 66 years of age, being born in Sweden, Nov. 11, 1859. He
came to this section from his native country in 1887 and has since resided
here. In 1901 he was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Swanson, to which
union were born three children Carl Miller of Rochester, N.Y., and Alma and
Leonard of home who with his widow survive to mourn his loss. Mr. Miller also
leaves two brothers, Martin A. Miller of Rochester, N.Y. and Aaron Miller of
Clermont; two sisters, Mrs. A.J. Anderson of Clermont and Mrs. K.G. Dahlberg
of Los Angeles, Calif.
Deceased was an honest, industrious citizen, highly respected by all who
knew him. He was a devout member of the Swedish Lutheran church and held the
position of Sunday School superintendent for 18 years. He had been a member
of the Odd Fellows fraternity for over thirty years.
Funeral services will be held this Thursday, afternoon at the Swedish
Lutheran church, preceded by prayer service at the family home at 2:00
o'clock. Rev. G.S. Larson of Port Allegany will officiate and interment will
be made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Among out of town friends and relatives here for the final obsequies are:
Martin Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Miller, Carl Miller, Henry Miller, John
Miller and Mrs. Ian Parsons, all of Rochester, N.Y.; Aaron Miller and Mr. and
Mrs. A.J. Anderson of Clermont.
Page 8.
A man and a team of horses were hurled into the air and killed when an
explosion Wednesday wrecked the nitro-glycerine plant of the Illinois torpedo
company at Irvine Mills, between Seneca Junction and Bradford.
The name of the man killed was Julius Skinner, 42 years old, of Irvine
Mills, formerly of Olean. He was employed as a driver of the torpedo company
wagon.
Skinner is reported to have been loading the wagon with nitro-glycerine,
taking it form a magazine where between 600 and 700 quarts of the explosive
were stored. Search for Skinner's body had been unsuccessful up to noon.
The shed housing the magazine was destroyed and two of the plant buildings,
200 feet away were reduced to kindling wood that filled a hole in the ground
about 30 feet in depth and 100 feet in diameter.
The explosion rocked the country within a radius of ten miles, smashing
plate glass windows in Salamanca. Three windows were broken in the station of
the Olean, Bradford & Salamanca Railway company at Seneca Junction and windows
and vases in the home of R.A. Karl, three quarters of a mile away were
broken. Trees were uprooted.
At 9:20 o'clock Wednesday morning skinner was harnessing his horses in a
barn preparatory to placing a load of the explosive on the wagon. The
explosion occurred 22 minutes later. Skinner had been conversing with E.S.
Stovall, another employe, while the former was harnessing the team. Stovall
was felled by the force of the explosion.
The theory is advanced that Skinner dropped a can of nitro-glycerine while
loading it into the wagon, although no definite cause for the explosion has
been advanced by company officials.
The plant was located in a wooded section, a considerable distance from any
center of population and about 1,000 feet from the Bradford road.
November 12, 1925.
Page 1.
The Port Allegany Reporter-Argus says: The death of Samuel W. Smith, one of
Port Allegany's most influential and best known citizens and widely known
attorney, took place this morning at one o'clock after a two weeks illness at
his home.
Samuel W. Smith was born in Milford, Pike County, Pennsylvania on March 8,
1850. He attended the public school and remained at home until he was 17 year
of age. He then entered Blair Hall, a Presbyterian Seminary, and finished his
studies at Mansfield State Normal School where he was graduated in the class
of 1871. He was appointed the same year as principal of the Smethport public
schools, then taught at Kane, devoting in all three years in the teaching
profession. He had been devoting himself to the study of law for years and
after a term in the law offices of William and King of Smethport, was admitted
to the McKean County bar in 1874. He established in practice in Port Allegany
where he had had uninterrupted success as a practitioner and business man. In
1878 he was appointed district attorney of McKean county, and at the following
November election was chosen for the same office. He held this position
during the years 1878-1882, years of the greatest excitement in the oil field,
and prosecuted many noted criminal cases during his term. He continued in
legal practice following the close of his term as district attorney, at the
same time investing largely in Port Allegany real estate and business
enterprises. In 1893 he became principal owner of the First National Bank of
Port Allegany and was its president until consolidated in May, 1912, with the
Citizen's National Bank. He was also president and principal owner of the
Port Allegany Water Company, Fairview Cemetery Association and had other
important business interests.
He married, Oct. 25, 1899, Eleanor Catherine smith, who survives him.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon t 2:30 o'clock at the residence,
Rev. A Llewelyn of the Presbyterian Church officiating, and the body was laid
to rest in the family vault in Fairview cemetery.
Page 2.
John Redding, aged 75 years, died at his home in Bullis Mills, Saturday.
He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Mary Keeton of Bullis Mills, and one
son, William Redding of Holly, N.Y.
The body was taken to Halwig's funeral Parlors, Olean, Monday where funeral
services were conducted Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. a. Frank Houser
of the First Baptist church officiated, and interment was made in Pleasant
Valley Cemetery.
Page 3.
Tulsa, Okla., Nov. 5. the body of Nathan [Nate] Bushnell, 68, who died
in Bristow [Oklahoma] of apoplexy, will be taken to Bradford, Pa., for burial,
relatives announced today.
Born in New Haven, Conn., Bushnell went to Bradford in the days of the early
oil excitement and amassed a fortune which he later lost. He came west and
operated in the Oklahoma and Kansas fields for 38 years as an independent. At
the Bradford Centennial last summer he represented the Oklahoma oil fields
as Col. Tulsa.
One of the pioneers in Tulsa, Bushnell had an intimate acquaintance
with Buffalo Bill, Brigham Young and other makers of the west. At Betts
military academy, he was a classmate of the late Walter Camp.
Page 3.
Charles Snyder, a Bradford city employe, died at the hospital there last
Thursday from injuries when he fell from a truck belonging to the city two
days previous, his head striking the pavement. McKean county Coroner H. Clay
Heffner returned a verdict of accidental death in the case.
Page 8.
Kane Republican, Saturday. Ernest, Jr., aged three years and nine months,
son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest E. Ranf, of No. 5 Tionesta avenue, met his death
yesterday afternoon about 3:30 o'clock, as the result of a deplorable accident.
November 19, 1925.
Page 1.
A shocking automobile accident occurred at the dangerous Z turn and bridge
on the Smethport and Bradford road, a short distance this side of Wrights,
about 11:20 o'clock last Saturday night in which Mrs. Lynn Akins, 33, of
Randolph, N.Y., was killed and Miss Pauline Underwood, also of Randolph was
seriously injured.
The accident occurred when the car, traveling, it is said, at a high rate of
speed failed to negotiate the dangerous road turn and hit the side of the
bridge head on.
In the automobile were Lynn E. Akins well known Randolph druggist, who was
driving, Mrs. Akins, Miss Pauline Underwood and Herbert Hitchcock, also of
Randolph. The terrific impact of the collision hurled Mrs. Akins for the seat
to the pavement which she struck head-first, crushing her skull and fracturing
one arm; Miss Underwood who was in the rear seat received a bad scalp wound
and suffered greatly from shock; Hitchcock, also occupying the back seat was
thrown through the top and landed in the creek receiving superficial injuries;
Mr. Akins suffered from a chest injury, shock and a crushed foot. The car, a
Buick touring, was completely wrecked.
The driver says the accident occurred when he turned out to allow a car to
pass from the rear and the outer front wheel left the pavement and the car
headed straight into the side of the bridge. Thos. Clark, Jr., of Smethport
and his guest, Carlton Engstrom of Buffalo, who were returning in Mr.
Engstrom's car from a visit to Bradford report that the Randolph car passed
them some distance the other side of the bridge, traveling at a high rate of
speed. The two men witnessed the terrible crash and were the first to reach
the scene of accident and helped extricate the injured and remove Hitchcock
from the creek.
Miss Underwood and Mr. and Mrs. Akins, the latter in a dying condition, were
placed in a passing touring car and rushed to the Bradford Hospital. Mr.
Hitchcock was taken to the hospital in the automobile of Wm. Best of Smethport
who reached the scene right after the accident.
All the party received immediate surgical attention at the hospital but Mrs.
Akins was beyond help and died about 12:15 o'clock.
At this writing hope is held for the recovery of Miss Underwood.
The Randolph people were enroute to Altoona, Pa., and were hurrying to reach
Kane where they were to have spent Saturday night.
The point where the accident occurred, despite the fact that it is marked by
conspicuous danger signs, is an extremely dangerous curve. Recently an
automobile driven by Mrs. Eva Sullivan, of Duke Center, a county jury
commissioner, was overturned in rounding the turn and landed in the creek. A
movement is on foot in Smethport to bring the ever present menace of this
unnecessary curve forcibly to the attention of the State highway department
with a view of its abolishment.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Akins is survived by two small children.
Page 2.
Salamanca, N.Y., Nov. 14. Two men were fatally scalded when a boiler in
the Erie Railroad's round house here exploded early today.
Robert E. Chambers died in the city hospital two hours after the explosion.
Albert Dolski who was so badly injured that physicians held out little hope
for his recovery from the start, died shortly after Chambers. Both men were
employed by the Erie Railroad and resided in this city.
The cause of the explosion has not been determined.
Page 3.
Olean, Nov. 14. The man killed on Wednesday night by an automobile
operated in East State street by Edgar D. Meade of Dugan road, 70 years old, a
crossing watchman, was identified last night as Lee Gillmer, 54 years old of
Duke Center, Pa. His son, Ora Gillmer, with whom he lived, established
identification. Gillmer, an oil well worker, had been visiting in Olean. His
skull was fractured and neck broken.
Meade said that he was driving to his home and did not see Gillmer until the
car was upon him. Meade has a good record, having saved the lives of several
children at the Kingston street railroad crossing.
Page 3.
The Hon. Charles Frederick Wright former state treasurer and a widely known
political leader passed away at his home in Susquehanna, Pa., Tuesday, Nov.
10, following an attack of gall stones. He served two terms in congress and
was appointed state treasurer by Governor Stuart in 1910.
Mr. Wright was a pioneer in the wood alcohol industry in this section of
Pennsylvania. At one time he operated a glass factory at Hazelhurst. He was
well known in Smethport and McKean county.
Page 3.
Bradford, Nov. 18. Robert J. Forcey of 273 Washington street, was fatally
injured yesterday afternoon at 1:10 when an explosion of unknown origin blew
up a tank in which he was working on the lease of the Petroleum Reclamation
company at Knapp's Creek. He died while being rushed to the Bradford hospital
in Koch's ambulance.
Page 3.
Port Allegany reporter-Argus. Mrs. W.S. Newton of this place passed away
at her home on Pearl Street Tuesday morning at 4:15 o'clock after a lingering
illness of three months.
Mrs. Newton was born on a farm on Potato Creek a few miles south of
Smethport, and lived all her life in this vicinity and was respected for her
Christian life and experience.
She was the daughter of Wheeler and Huldah Fuller Gallup, early settlers of
this region. Her father, Wheeler Gallup having come to this section from
Connecticut.
She was married to Arvon Clark White October 21, 1877. To this union seven
children were born. Mrs. Rosa Chandler (deceased), Mrs. Bertha Marsh of
Crosby, Mrs. Nellie Jacobus of Elgin, Kan., Mrs. flora Oviatt of Farmers
Valley, Theresa Edith (deceased), Arvin Whilte of New Bethlehem, Pa., and Mrs.
Lida Freer of Crosby, Pa.
These together with three step children, Mrs. Della Smith of Single, Mich.,
Mrs. Cora Welt and Clair White of Smethport are mourning the loss of a loving,
faithful mother. Her husband, W.S. Newton to whom she was married October 1,
1921 also survives and two half brothers, Enos Grover of Crosby and Newton
Grover of Salamanca and one half sister Mrs. Ella Grover of Port Allegany.
Twenty grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren are also among those who
mourn her death.
Mrs. Newton resided in Smethport up to a few years ago and death came as a
shock to her local friends.
Page 5.
Frank G. Tenny, aged 77, a pioneer resident of Lafayette died at his home in
that place Tuesday. Tenny's father first settled in Lafayette in 1837, but
left because of the loneliness of the wilderness. He returned in 1849 and at
that time the subject of this sketch was an infant. Deceased was postmaster
of Lafayette for 20 years and served as tax collector for several terms. At
one time he was a railroad conductor and he was in charge of the first train
which ran over the Kinzua viaduct.
November 26, 1925.
Page 2.
Coudersport, Nov. 20. Otto Weilling, 43 years old, of Germania, Pa.,
committed suicide today by shooting himself in a barn at the rear of his
home.
Weilling was last seen alive with his rifle under his arm headed toward the
barn. A short time later a muffled shot was heard but no attention was paid
to it, persons who heard the report thinking that some hunter had fires the
shot.
A nephew of the dead man, Carlton Wolz, discovered the body when he went to
the barn later. Beside the body was found a note which read, Goodbye
everyone, I'll meet you in heaven.
Page 2.
Colonel U.G. Lyons, 58, head of the Conewango Refining co., Warren, and a
veteran of the Spanish-American war, was drowned when his houseboat got beyond
control and was swept over Dam No. 3 on the Allegany river near Springdale
Sunday.
Page 3.
Bradford Era, Saturday. Nitro-glycerine claimed its second Bradford victim
within a month yesterday when Edwin D. Willibey, 30 year old World War
veteran, of 257 West Washington street, was blown to atoms in an explosion of
the powerful liquid. The accident occurred in the canning house of the
American Glycerine company at Howard Junction at 1:35 o'clock.
Willibey was working alone in the building at the time of the explosion. IN
the factory of the concern, nearby, Willibey's father, Martin, of 116 Willard
avenue, and another employe were at work. Neither of the men were injured by
the blast.
The younger Willibey was filling cans with nitro-glycerine at the time of
the accident. Suddenly there was a terrific explosion and the shack was
hurled into the air. Willibey's father and the other employe rushed to the
scene. The elder man was stunned by the shock. Where, a few minutes before
his boy had been peacefully working, now stood a mass of debris and a great
hole in the ground. Bits of his son's body and clothing were scattered about.
A few minutes afterward residents in the neighborhood and persons from
Bradford who had heard the blast hurried to the scene and a search was made
for portions of the dead man's body. Undertaker Koch was notified and
hastened to the scene of the explosion.
The dead man was employed as a maker and shooter of the high explosive.
At his home in Bradford, his wife and mother heard the blast. Both women
were palsied with fear, the elder woman believing it might be her husband or
boy and the younger woman thinking more of her husband.
The explosion was heard all over Bradford. Many windows in buildings near
the scene of the blast were shattered. One woman in the house of George
Howard was thrown violently from her chair to the floor by the shock.
The dead man is survived by his wife; a son, Phillip, a daughter, Elsie; his
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Willibey; four stepbrothers, Lewis Roberts of
Buffalo, Fred Roberts, of Salamanca, Martin Willibey, Jr., and Phillip
Willibey of Warren; two brothers, Frank and Lewis Willibey of Bradford and one
sister, Mrs. Harry Lorshbaugh of Coleville.
Page 3.
St. Marys. Nov. 20. Carl Larson aged 45 years of Ridge avenue, Ridgway,
died at the Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital here this morning from injuries
sustained yesterday at his work on the Niles-Bement-Pond plant here. He was
engaged in helping to load a large casting when in some manner it slipped and
in falling crushed Larson under it.
Larson's skull was fractured and it is believed that his back was also
broken by the accident. He was taken to the hospital at once where every
effort was made to save his life but without avail.
Page 3.
Dr. C.M. Brooks, 59, a prominent Bradford dentist, died at the Millard
Fillmore hospital, Buffalo, where he was a surgical patient early Saturday
morning. The death of Dr. Brooks came unexpectedly.
December 3, 1925.
Page 1.
A terrible accident occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Berg on the
bordello road, near Smethport, at 2:00 o'clock yesterday afternoon which
resulted in the death of their son, little Paul Berg, aged 4 years, from a
charge from an accidentally exploded shotgun.
The loaded weapon had been left standing against a wall of the house by a
neighbor boy named Booth and in some manner was jarred from place and fell to
the ground, causing it to explode. The charge of shot passed close to Mrs.
Berg who was returning to the house from hanging up some clothes and struck
Paul, who was following close behind his mother. The full force of the shot
hit the little boy on the right side of the head and face, tearing away part
of the nose and one eye. The victim was within 20 feet of the muzzle of the
gun when the explosion occurred.
Dr. Robert Hamilton of Smethport was hurriedly summoned and the little boy
was beyond all aid. Death occurred at 4:00 o'clock.
The lad was one of a family of eight children. The father is employed by
S.H. Elder.
Page 2.
, Nov. 27. Wednesday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock, the body of Judson A.
Tuttle, an insurance agent of this city, was found in his Ford coupe at the
side of the Ridgway-St. Marys road about one mile from this city. He was shot
through the heart. The engine of the automobile was running with the car at a
standstill when a passing state highway workman found the body.
The remains were brought to Ridgway and at a coroner's inquest yesterday
aforenoon testimony was heard the jury returning a verdict of accidental
death. It was the theory of witnesses that Tuttle, who was returning from a
hunting trip had stopped the car for some purpose and was in the act of
getting out when in some manner the shotgun which he carried in the car was
discharged the charge entering his left breast causing almost instant death.
Page 3.
Charles Canfield of Smethport has received word of the death of his sister,
Mrs. M.V. Hotchkiss of Olean, which occurred in Daytona, Florida, Thursday,
Nov. 26. Mrs. Hotchkiss had gone to Florida some time ago for her health.
Deceased is survived by one daughter, Dr. Eva B. Hotchkiss of Daytona, Fla.,
one son, Leo Hotchkiss of Buffalo, one sister, Mrs. A.M. Sabine of Eldred; two
brothers, Cassius Canfield of Olean and Chas. Canfield of Smethport.
The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from the 9th Street Methodist
Episcopal Church, Olean.
Page 4.
The death of James Cramsie, aged 32 years, occurred at the state hospital at
Polk, where deceased had been a patient for 28 years, early Wednesday morning,
Nov. 25.
Deceased was a son of John Cramsie of willow street, Smethport.
The body was brought to this place Thursday and the funeral was held at St.
Elizabeth's roman Catholic church Friday morning at 9:00 o'clock, the Rev.
P.J. Donohue officiating. Interment was made in St. Elizabeth's cemetery.
Besides the father, three sisters, Mrs. H.S. Beltz of York, Pa.; Mrs. M.L.
Otis of Erie; Mrs. Martha Oleson of Dunkirk, and one brother, Robert Cramsie
of Smethport survive.
December 10, 1925.
Page 2.
Mrs. Catherine McGarity died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Dan Jordon of
Hazelhurst, Saturday evening about 10:30 o'clock. Death was due to old age,
being about 97 years of age.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning at 9:30 o'clock in St.
Edmund's Church in Hazelhurst, Rev. Chas. F. Gelason, pastor of the church,
officiating. The remains were taken to Ridgway where interment was made.
Mt. Jewett Echo.
Page 3.
Mary Ellen, the 22 months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mullin, died
at her home at Turtle Point Saturday evening. Funeral services were held at
nine o'clock Tuesday morning at the St. Marys Church at Sartwell and interment
was made in the St. Marys cemetery. Rev. Fr. Daley officiated. Among the out
of town people who attended the funeral were Mrs. Cooney of Kane, Miss Sophia
Mullin of Buffalo, Mrs. Katherine Boyle of Washington, D.C. Miss Lillian
Roberts of Port Allegany, Mrs. J. Seibert of Butler, Jack Masterson of Erie,
Miss Ella Driscoll of Olean and Miss Agnes Finnegan of Smethport. Mary Ellen
was a very bright and lovable child, whose loss will be severely felt by the
bereaved family. The sympathy of a host of friends is extended to Mr. and
Mrs. Mullin.
Page 3.
Paul Johnson, aged 19, of Port Allegany, a nephew of Mr. and Mrs. J.A.
Johnson of this borough and well known here, died at his home in Port
Allegany, Tuesday. Death was due to a complication of illness.
Deceased was a fine young man, a graduate of the class of 1923, Port
Allegany high school. He is survived by his parents, six brothers and two
sisters.
Funeral services will be held in Port Allegany Friday at the Swedish Mission
church, Rev. Hallmertz of this place officiating.
Page 8.
Frank Starkweather, aged 80 years, of Moody Hollow, died Friday morning.
Death was due to old age. He is a farmer and has been a resident of Moody
Hollow for several years.
The funeral was held Sunday afternoon t 2:00 o'clock at the United Brethern
church at Coryville. Rev. Chase of Farmers Valley officiated and interment
was made at Rose Hill cemetery, this borough.
He is survived by one daughter, Mae Starkweather of Moody Hollow and one
grand-daughter, Mrs. Forrest Van Gorder of Rock City, N.Y.
December 17, 1925.
Page 1.
Thomas H. Morrison, aged 48, son of the late Superior Court Judge T. A.
Morrison of this place, a prominent Smethport attorney and one of the leading
members of the McKean county bar, ended his life Monday morning. Continued
failing health and business worries were apparently the reasons for Mr.
Morrison's shocking act which saddened his wide circle of friends in Smethport
and throughout McKean county beyond power of expression.
(Article is very lengthy and only a small portion is included here.)
Mr. and Mrs. Morrison were getting settled in apartments in the Eubin
building on Main street, and the well known lawyer had been rooming at the
residence of C.M. Colegrove on King street temporarily. He had gone to the
office about 8:00 o'clock Monday morning and had been seen on the street by
acquaintances early that morning. It is believe that the attorney had decided
upon his distressing action when he went to this office. The deed was
committed probably about 8:30 o'clock, a few minutes after his arrival.
Mr. Morrison had been in extremely poor health for some time past, although
as characteristic of him, his many friends heard n word of complaint from
him. But he had stated recently to Dr. Ostrander that he could not sleep
nights.
The funeral was held at the residence of R.C. Gleason on Willow street
Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock, being under Masonic charge. The Rev.
W.E. Van Dyke, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal church officiating. Interment
was made in the family plot in Rose Hill cemetery.
Thomas, H. Morrison was born in Titusville, Pa., March 11, 1877, the son of
Hon. Thos. A. and Helen Gardner Morrison. The father served for a long period
as president judge of McKean county and was alter a justice of the State
Superior court for many years. Thomas Morrison was educated in the Smethport
schools, graduating from the local high school. He later attended Williams
College, graduating with the Class of 1900. Returning to Smethport he entered
the law offices of E.L. Keenan and prepared for admittance to the McKean
county bar, after which he opened his own offices. At the death of his father
he inherited the law library of the latter, which is one of the finest in the
country.
Mr. Morrison married Miss Maude Davis, daughter of former McKean County
Sheriff F.J. Davis, 22 years ago. One son, Thomas, was born to the, who died
following an operation for appendicitis in 1918. The father fairly idolized
the bright lad, making him his constant companion and the death of the bright
little fellow nearly prostrated him. His grief was irreconcilable. Close
friends of the prominent lawyer who sensed the poignant grief of their friend,
from which he never recovered, are firm in the belief that life ceased for
Thomas H. Morrison when his heart was consigned to the grave with his beloved
little boy seven years ago.
In early life Mr. Morrison was an athlete of considerable prowess, playing
with and acting as manager of teams which represented Smethport on the
baseball diamond. He took an active interest in athlete affairs as he did in
all public movements.
Besides his wife, Mr. Morrison is survived by one sister, Mrs. May E.M. Bell
of Smethport and one half brother, George Morrison of Erie.
Page 1.
Local residents were grieved by news of the death in St. Marys Monday night
of T.C. McCarthy, a pioneer resident of this vicinity, at the advanced age of
95 years.
Mr. McCarthy, known affectionately to his many friends as Little Tim,: was
born in Ireland, coming to this land in early life, and was an early settler
of this vicinity, clearing a large farm in Irish Hollow, near Smethport, which
he operated for many years up to the time he retired from active pursuits in
late life. After quitting his farm Mr. McCarthy resided in Smethport for a
number of years, moving to St. Marys about ten years ago, where he had since
resided with his daughter, Mrs. B.C. Ryan.
Death was due to the general infirmities of his great age. Deceased is
survived by one daughter, Mrs. B.C. Ryan of St. Marys and three sons, Edward
of Kane; George of Buffalo, and Fred of Hattiesburg, Miss.
The funeral is being held in St. Marys this morning and the body will be
brought to Smethport on the noon Shawmut train and interment will be made in
the family plot in St. Elizabeth's Catholic cemetery.
Page 2.
Rejoicing with crowded hall full of people in Tulsa, Okla., over the
success, of a hospital campaign on Monday night of last week, David F.
Connolly, former prominent Rew City resident and one of the best known men in
the oil world, slumped to the floor of the stage on which he was speaking and
died.
Acute dilation of the heart due to previous high blood pressure brought on
by the emotional strain of his address was given b y physicians as the cause
of his death. He was lifeless, they said, when his body reached the floor.
Mr. Connolly was born in Canada, coming to McKean county in the early days.
He knew the oil business from the ground up. He was a prominent officer of
the Texas Company after going to the southwest fields.
The body was brought East and burial made in Titusville, Pa.
Page 2.
Mt. Jewett Echo. Mrs. Margaret McKinnon of Kushequa passed away at her
home, Tuesday, December 8th. Death was due to a lingering illness.
Mrs. McKinnon was born August 6, 1859, at Port Hope, Ontario, Canada. She
has been a resident of Kushequa for twenty-nine years.
She is survived by a son, Joseph a. McKinnon of Pittsburgh and one brother,
Joseph McKee of Cache Bay, Ontario, Canada.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon at the home at 2
o'clock, Rev. A.J. Marbet of Kane officiating. Interment will be made in
Bridgeview cemetery.
Mrs. McKinnon was well known here and has many friends who regret to learn
of her demise.
Page 3.
Towanda, Pa., Dec. 10. Losing control of his car on a steep grade at
Sylvania, near here, Earl Bloom, 38, one of the best known business men of
this section was killed tonight when his machine collided head on with the
State Highway Department car of Division engineer W.E. Bailey of Wellsboro.
The Bloom car turned a complete somersault, landing on its wheels, with bloom
still in the driver's seat. He died before he could be taken to a doctor.
Engineer Bailey, whose car figured in this fatal accident, was formerly
located in Smethport a few years ago when this town was the head of a highway
district.
Page 3.
Mrs. Ellen Magherity, aged 80 years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Dan Jordan of Hazelhurst, Sunday, Nov. 30th at 10:20 P.M. following a long
illness.
She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Bridget Laugherty of DuBois, two
daughters, Mrs. Dan Jordan of Hazelhurst, Mrs. Thomas Kearns of Smethport and
two sons, James Higgins of Angelica, N.Y. and Felix Higgins of Russell City.
Funeral was held Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 9:00 o'clock at St. Edmunds church
and the remains were taken to Ridgway for burial.
Page 3.
Chas. M. Neal, 68, a former chief of the Bradford police department, died at
his home in that city on Wednesday morning of last week.
Page 3.
Eldred Eagle. The death of Jacob Lemmler, which occurred Tuesday evening
at his home on Edson street, marks the passing of another one of the old-time
residents of Eldred. Death was caused by pneumonia from which he had suffered
for the past several weeks, which together with his advanced age, proved
barriers too strong for his weakened condition.
Jacob Lemmler was born October 20, 1849, at Boston, N.Y., at the age of 35
years he came to Eldred to reside, taking up the tinmaker's trade which
profession he has since followed together with his other work. He was a
valued employe of the Youngs Hardware store for many years and when the
business was sold to the Bradford Supply Co. a few years ago he continued to
work for that concern, being in their employ up until several weeks ago when
he was stricken with pneumonia. He was a charter member of the I.O.O.F.
lodge, being initiated into that order March 31, 1883 and was also a member of
the Orientals of Bradford. Mr. Lemmler was an honest upright citizen, a
faithful worker and was always interested in every cause that made for the
betterment of the community.
He leaves to mourn his loss his widow, three daughters, Mrs. Charles
Cheesman of Libow, W.Va., Mrs. John Llewelyn of Eldred and Miss Hazel Lemmler
of Akron, Ohio, one son, Lloyd Lemmler of Kane, Pa., two brothers, Charles
Lemmler of Smethport and William Lemmler of San Francisco, California, also
six grandchildren.
The funeral will be held this afternoon from the family residence at 2:30
o'clock, Rev. A.J. Bailey of the Methodist Episcopal church will officiate.
Interment will be made in Oak Hill cemetery where services will be in charge
of the Eldred I.O.O.F.
Thus another good man has finished his life's work, fought a good fight and
gone to his reward, leaving a lasting memory in the hearts of his many friends
and relatives.
Page 4.
Mrs. Angeline Rifle, born January 6th, 1840, died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. W.L. Burdick of East Smethport, Friday, Dec. 11.
The deceased was formerly a resident of Norwich Township where she lived
many years after becoming the wife of Andus Rifle, a prominent pioneer, July
14th, 1861.
Her long life was devoted to her many friends and her family which consisted
of five children, Frank, Fred, _int, Floyd and Bessie, all but Fred surviving.
The obsequies were held Sunday at 1:30 P.M. at the house of Mr. and Mrs.
W.L. Burdick, conducted by Rev. Chase of the United Brethern church. They
were consistent with the quiet, earnest, unassuming life of the deceased and
the services were those of simplicity and inpressiveness. The burial was in
Colegrove cemetery. The pall bearers were four of her grandsons.
The Rifle home in Norwich township was known far and wide for the
hospitality shown to visitors within the portal. Mrs. Rifle was a lady of
noble character with those nowadays rare qualities of endearment which
attracted friends.
To know her was to love her.
Page 4.
Mrs. Emma Marks, wife of W.C. Marks of Smethport, died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. J.F. Lehman of Clarion, at 9:00 o'clock Sunday evening, Dec.
13, at the age of 56 years, 11 months and 3 days. Heart trouble and dropsy
were the causes of her death.
On October 4 she went to Clarion for a rest and extended visit among her
children and friends, having had several attacks of illness during the
previous months. In spite of everything that could be done for her, her
health gradually failed until the end came. Feeling prepared for what might
come, she slipped into eternity most peacefully and with a smile on her face.
Mrs. Marks was born at West Seneca, N.Y., on Jan. 16, 1869, but spent the
greater part of her life on a prosperous farm near Smethport. She was a
member of the Lutheran church from childhood, but was a devout worshipper in
the Methodist church for many years past. On the day before her death she
joyfully partook of the Lord's Supper administered by Rev. C.J. Warner, of the
M.E. church of Clarion. She was a great lover of the beautiful, always
picking out the good in everyone with whom she came in contact, and she made
many and lasting friends wherever she went. Many friends in Smethport will be
grieved to learn of her demise.
Mrs. Marks leaves to mourn her loss, her husband and five children, Miss
Elsie, at home; Mrs. J.F. Lehman and Prof. L.W. Marks of Clarion; George Marks
of Coleville and Mrs. C.A. Teaton of Youngstown, O. A son was killed in
service in France, which was the beginning of her health's failure.
Funeral services were held at the family home in Smethport on Wednesday.
Page 5.
James Daly, local glass cutter, received word yesterday of the death of his
sister, Miss Mayme Daly, which sad event occurred at the family home in
Pittsburgh early that morning. Miss Daly, a charming, accomplished young
lady, had visited in Smethport and was known to a number of local residents
who were saddened to learn of the young lady's untimely demise. Mr. Daly, who
has been working in Mt. Jewett, left at once for Pittsburgh to attend the
funeral.
Page 6.
Sheffield, Dec. 10 M.D. Pontus, proprietor of a barber shop and pool room
in the Capraum-Lawhead building on West Main street, this place, passed away
yesterday afternoon at 1:15 o'clock as the result of shooting himself through
the head yesterday morning about 9:20 o'clock in the kitchen of his home. His
wife was alone with him at the time of the shooting and is almost prostrated
over the sad affair.
Apparently in the best of health, no motive for the action has been
discovered, unless the unfortunate man suffered a spell of melancholia a few
minutes before committing the rash deed.
December 24, 1925.
Page 2.
Tribute to T.C. McCarthy.
The St. Marys Gazette of last Thursday contained the following splendid
tribute to T.C. McCarthy, formerly of Smethport, whose death occurred in St.
Marys last week:
T.C. McCarthy, who lacked but six years of reaching the century mark in age,
died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. B.C. Ryan, of South Michael street
Monday afternoon, about four o'clock, death being due to the infirmities of
old age.
Mr. McCarthy was born in Blennerville, County Kerry, Ireland, on November
12, 1831, and was past 94 years of age. In 1853 he left his native land and
came to America, locating at Coudersport, remaining there for two years, then
went to Smethport, where he lived on a farm near that place for 56 years, and
in the town of Smethport for seven years.
By occupation he was a stone mason and he aided in building many of the
structures n Smethport, chief among these being the McKean County Court House
and the McKean County Jail. He came to St. Marys seven years ago to make his
home with his daughter.
In 1858 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Daly Shea, who was born in
the same village in Ireland as Mr. McCarthy. The marriage took place at
Turtle Point, McKean County. Mrs. McCarthy died at the home of Mrs. Ryan here
in May, 1916.
Mr. McCarthy could relate many instances of the early history of the
Smethport section of McKean County, and despite his advanced years, his memory
was good to the last. He enjoyed good health and was active until about three
weeks prior to his death when he was taken ill and forced to remain in bed
until the time of his death.
He is survived by four sons, Edward of Kane, George of Buffalo, Frederick of
Hattiesburg, Miss., and Jerry of this place, and one daughter, Mrs. B.C. Ryan,
of St. Marys. Fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren also
survive.
The funeral was held this morning, a requiem mass being celebrated at the
Sacred Heart church at 8:45 o'clock b y Father Herman. The body was then
taken to Smethport on the ten o'clock Shawmut train, where burial was made.
The casket bearers were E.J. McLaughlin, A.J. Goetz, J.J. Campbell, Frank
Marshall, Albert Cheatle and Chas. Ambuske.
Page 3.
Caught between the fly-wheel and block of a large gas engine, which he was
engaged in oiling, Ambrose Henry, aged 48, a pumper employed on the Korner
Bros. lease in Garlock hollow, near Bradford, was instantly killed last Friday.
The body was discovered when the lease foreman did not return for supper at
the usual time and fellow workmen instituted a search of the missing man.
The victim, who had resided in Bradford for __ years, is survived by his
wife and two daughters.
Page 3.
Elsie, the 1 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hilderbrand of
Coudersport, received fatal burns when her clothing caught fire from a gas
stove. Her parents were away and the only other occupant of the house was a
deaf lady who did not hear the tot's cries until she had been horribly
burned. The child died the following day.
Page 3.
Sigfried Anderson of Mt. Jewett, aged 27 years, died at the Bradford
hospital Thursday afternoon. The late Mr. Anderson is survived by his wife
and mother, two sisters, two brothers, all resident of Mt. Jewett.
Page 3.
Lilah Wilcox, aged 6, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert A. Wilcox of Bradford
was instantly killed on Seward avenue, that city, Monday when she stepped in
front of a motor truck driven by Jas. Stark of tuna. The truck driver was
exonerated from blame.
Page 5.
Sonie Pies, an Austrian, aged 38, dropped dead while alone in the engine
room of the Heinemann chemical plant, Sunday. Death was induced by acute
indigestion.
Deceased made his home in Crosby. He is survived by a wife in Austria.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at St. Elizabeth's church,
Smethport, Rev. Fr. P.J. Donohue officiating. Burial was in St. Elizabeth's
cemetery.
Page 5.
William Addison Lee, aged 74, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Fred
Lewis of Bradford, Tuesday morning about 6:00 o'clock.
Mr. Lee had resided in the vicinity of Smethport for the past twenty-five
years, until recently when he went to live in Bradford.
Funeral services will be held at the local Methodist Episcopal church, Rev.
Chas. H.M. Whelan officiating. Thursday afternoon at 2:30 and burial will be
made in the Colegrove cemetery.
Mr. Lee is survived by two daughter, Mrs. Fred Lewis of Bradford and Mrs.
Wm. Ladler of Smethport, a son, Victor Lee of Bradford, 10 grandchildren and 7
great-grandchildren.
Page 7.
Henry McConnell, 85, a prominent civil War veteran of Kane died at his home
in that town, Saturday night.
December 31, 1925.
Page 1.
Pinned under an automobile which overturned into a branch of Marvin creek
along Marvin street this borough, shortly after 1:00 o'clock last Thursday
afternoon, Mrs. Edward Woodard, aged 53 years, a prominent St. Marys lady, met
death by drowning.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodard were entroute form their home in St. Marys to Buffalo,
where they had planned to spend Christmas with their only son, Albert Woodard
and family of the latter city. IN the automobile, a Nash roadster, was an
assortment of Christmas gifts, including a little sweater which Mrs. Woodard
had knitted with tender hands for her little grandchild, and which the well
known St. Marys couple were conveying to Buffalo for the anticipated joyous
holiday family reunion to which they had looked forward so expectantly, but
which was turned to tragedy by fate.
The terrible accident occurred when the Woodard roadster hit the sharp curve
on Marvin street, which the husband who was driving failed to anticipate, and
while the car was proceeding at a speed under thirty miles an hour the pace
was a trifle too fast for the curve and the wheels skidded and left the
pavement. In trying to get the automobile back into the road, MR. Woodard
cramped the front wheels in such a manner that when the automobile did get
back on the pavement it leaped across the roadway and went down the steep bank
on the opposite side and capsized into the creek when the left front wheel was
broken off by hitting a boulder along the bank of the stream. Both occupants
were pinned underneath.
The scene of the accident was less than 200 feet from the residence of
Joseph Mundy and Paul Mundy, a son, immediately rushed to the rescue, wading
in to the creek which was about two feet in depth and released Mr. Woodard by
superhuman efforts. Although nearly overcome the car owner assisted Mr. Mundy
in the desperate endeavor to release Mrs. Woodard, who was firmly pinned under
the seat of the upturned vehicle with her head buried in the muddy bed of the
stream. Although Joseph Mundy and other members of his family were almost
instantly on the scene the combined strength of the rescuers was insufficient
to lift the heavy automobile. Efforts were made to stop three passing cars
for help but the drivers either failed to see or ignored the signals to stop.
Finally Joseph Ross, Frank Dragoone and other neighborhood resident arrived
and the car was lifted by sheer strength and the victim released.
Mrs. Woodard had been under the car for ten minutes but her body was still
warm when carried to the Mundy residence. Dr. W.A. Ostrander, Dr. Robert
Hamilton and Community Nurse Miss Mollie McCabe were summoned and responded
immediately. Desperate efforts were made to resuscitate the victim but in
vain.
The unfortunate woman, aside from a slight contusion under one eye, was
uninjured. Death was due to strangulation and her life would have been saved
had her rescue been accomplished a few moments sooner. Mr. Woodard received
minor cuts and bruises and suffered much fro being held under the water. He
was rescued just in the nick of time.
Coroner H.C. Heffner deputized County Detective J.J. Allison to investigate
the shocking accident and later Thursday evening the body was taken from the
Mundy residence to the undertaking establishment of H. Sasse and prepared for
burial.
The distracted husband suffered greatly from his terrible experience and was
given comforting shelter at the hospitable Mundy home, being (unreadable)
there Thursday night by his son, Albert Woodard, wife and child who
immediately motored to Smethport from Buffalo on receiving word of the
fatality.
By Friday afternoon, Mr. Woodard had recovered sufficiently to travel and at
4:00 o'clock the body was taken to Millport, in Potter county, original home
of the deceased, where the funeral and interment occurred Sunday. The remains
were accompanied by the grief stricken family, the trip being made in
automobiles.
(Some additional information is included at the end of the article.)
Page 3.
The death of Peter E. Cawley, aged 64 years, occurred at the Olean Clinic
hospital on Wednesday of last week, following a brief illness of heart trouble.
Deceased was born at Turtle Point February 11, 1861. His entire life was
spent in that section, where for a number of years he was a successful cattle
dealer. He moved to Olean three years ago.
Deceased is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Joseph Finn of Turtle Point;
Mrs. M.J. Welch of Eldred and Mrs. John Hevenor of Tulsa, Okla.; three
brothers, J.H. Cawley of Eldred; W.J. and A.V. Cawley of Port Allegany.
Page 3.
The body of Louis Hoffman, a trapper, was found dead in the woods near
Rathbun, Elk county, Friday after the man had been missing for several days.
Heart failure was the cause of death.
Page 3.
Mrs. Nick Ziska of roulette was hit by an automobile driven by a Mr. Corwin
of Odin, Potter county, one day recently while crossing the paved highway in
front of her home. The unfortunate lady received fractures of both legs and
serious internal injuries from which she died a few hours later at the
Coudersport hospital, where she was taken following the distressing accident.
Page 4.
Phyllis, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Craft of Betula, formerly of
Smethport, died in that city last Saturday. The body was brought to Smethport
and interment made in St. Elizabeth's cemetery, Sunday afternoon. The parents
have the sympathy of all in their crushing bereavement.
Page 4.
Kendall Tyler, a highly esteemed resident of Farmers Valley, passed away at
his home, Dec. 23, and was laid to rest in Smith Hill cemetery, Saturday, Dec.
26.
Death came to his relief after many years of ill health. He was born
October 15th, 1854 and united in marriage to Edith Estella Follett, January
21, 1890, who together with a daughter, Mrs. Burton Monroe and a son, William
R. Tyler, survive.
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