McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....Jan-June 1931 Deaths in Newspaper
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McKean County Miner 1931
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JAN-JUN 1931
FROM THE
MCKEAN COUNTY MINER NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean County Miner from January
through June during the year of 1931. The date of publication is shown prior
to the item(s). There is no implication that this is all that may have been
published in these editions since some editions may be missing and many of the
pages or portions thereof are unreadable.
Transcribed by Ronald J. Reid, 2010
January 1, 1931
Page 5
Brakeman Falls Under Freight Cars
Kane, Dec. 23. John R. McNeal, of St. Petersburg, a brakeman, was killed
instantly today at Sheffield Junction, south of here, when he was run over by
two cars of a Baltimore and Ohio railroad Freight train.
McNeal fell from the side of a box car while the train was shifting at the
junction and two cars crushed the life out of his body before a stop signal
could be given.
No one saw McNeal fall from the car and the accident was not discovered
until other brakemen felt the jar as the wheels rolled over the man. They
signaled for an emergency stop and investigated to find the badly mutilated
body of McNeal.
It is believed that icy conditions precipitated the accident and that McNeal
slipped in some manner while on the side of the car.
The accident occurred at about 7:30 o'clock.
The train was held at Marienville for several hours awaiting instruction
following the accident.
William Irwin of Foxburg, was engineer of the train and K.C. Boyd of Foxburg
was the conductor.
Surviving McNeal are his wife and two sons and a daughter.
Page 5.
Bradford Man Found Dead In Police Headquarters
Bradford, Dec. 29 Frank Foote of 14 Interstate Parkway was found dead
yesterday morning in a cell at the Bradford police station where he had hung
himself. Previous to this he had asked for lodging at the station. His
actions are believed to have been caused by mental worry.
He had been in poor health for the past three years. Deceased was 73 years
old; Born April 19, 1859 in Mansfield, N.Y., he came to Bradford 30 years ago
and was engaged in the painting and paper hanging trade.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Foote; two sons, Harry and Mark of
Bradford; four daughters, Mrs. Lloyd Heller and Mrs. Everitt Williams of
Bradford; Mrs. Hazel Chambers of Baltimore; Mrs. Alice Webster of Buffalo; one
sister, Mary, L. Nourse of Richmond, Cal; one step-son James riley of Bradford.
Page 5.
Former Olean Man Takes Life in Jail
Salamanca, Dec. 27 Facing a charge of driving an automobile while
intoxicated, Stephen Smith, 30 of 316 Broad Street, Salamanca; formerly of
Olean, ended his life here early Friday morning by hanging himself with his
belt in the city jail it was announced here today. Smith was arrested
Thursday night.
Coming to Salamanca from Olean Smith resided here with his family for the
past two years. He was employed in Olean by an Olean contractor. He was a
carpenter.
Surviving him are his widow and two children.
Page 5.
Son Flying Home to Visit Parents Killed in Crash.
Erie, Pa., Dec. 29 While Mr. and Mrs. William Sherwood were having a
homecoming welcome today to their aviator son, Lieut. Harold Sherwood, 28 his
plane fell and caught fire. He died in the crash.
The parents had just emerged from their farm home near Waterford enroute to
the Erie airport and saw the plane fall on the farm adjoining. The United
States Army pilot on his way from Fort Riley, Kan., to his new post at Langley
Field, Va., had telegraphed that he would stop over for a visit.
Witnesses believed that Sherwood in his eagerness to greet his mother and
father from aloft, swooped so low that a wing struck a tree.
Sherwood's body was badly burned in the fire which destroyed the ship.
January 8, 1931
Page 1
Oil Worker Killed In Tank Explosion
Bradford, Jan. 3. Charles Franklin, 33 of Lewis Run, employed as pumper on
the G.W. Foster oil lease, was killed instantly Friday when an oil tank
exploded. It is thought that Franklin was in the act of thawing an oil line,
at the point where it entered the tank, and had not opened the vent of the
tank on top.
No person witnessed the explosion which was heard for some distance. The
tank had been blown about 100 feet and the body of the pumper some 300 feet.
Franklin had been employed on the Foster lease for the past three months.
Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Franklin of Lewis Run, two daughters,
Mrs. Edith Morrison of Oil City, and Rose Alma Franklin of Lewis Run; one
brother, Allen Franklin of Custer City, and one sister, Mrs. Rose Brooks of
Glasgow, Tex.
Page 1
Willett S. Palmer Called by Death
Willett S. Palmer, highly respected resident of West Main Street passed away
Saturday evening, January third at 8 o'clock at his home, following a stroke
sustained the night previous. When his daughter, Pauline went to call him
Saturday morning she found him in a state of unconsciousness from which he
never recovered. Mr. Palmer had been in poor health for the past three years,
medical assistance proving of no avail and his death came as a welcome release
from much suffering.
The deceased was born in Friendship N.Y., October 8, 1873 and was the son of
James and Helen Palmer. He came to Smethport when a young man (section
unreadable)
He was married April 21, 1903 to Orra King and they have always made their
home here.
Mr. Palmer was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the Masonic lodge
and Temple Club. He was a ???? kindly man, a good husband and father and a
loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends who knew
and loved him.
He is survived by his widow Orra King Palmer, one daughter, Pauline and one
son Robert.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock at the family
residence Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating. The Masonic fraternity having
charge of the interment services at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 4
Bradford Actress Dies
Bradford, Jan. 3 Word was received here Friday of the sudden death of Miss
Bethey Lindsey, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Lindsey of 19 West Corydon
Street, this city, in New York, Friday, following an operation as the result
of a three-week throat illness.
Miss Lindsey was one of this city's most prominent young women. She was
graduated from Bradford High School in 19?? And later attended Carnegie Tech
dramatic school. Following graduation at Carnegie she secured engagements
with several dramatic companies after which she was assigned a leading role
in The Little Accident, a Broadway hit. She traveled from coast to coast in
this production and was considered one of the coming stars of the young
generation.
Death (unreadable) abscess at the base of the lung which did not respond to
an operation.
Miss Lindsey was a member of the Church of the Ascension of this city, the
Bradford Country Club and the Phi Beta Psi national sorority.
The body was brought to this city Saturday morning accompanied by Miss
Lindsey's mother and brother who were at the bedside when she died. Surviving
Miss Lindsey are her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James L. Lindsey; a brother, Tom;
her grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Jones, and her grandfather, James A. Lindsey.
Page 7
Olean Motorist Almost Instantly Killed In Crash
Bradford, Jan 6 Earl Phipps 28? of ??? South Union Street, was almost
instantly killed at 9:45 Saturday night, when the car which he was driving
collided with the rear end of a wagon on the Olean-Bolivar highway. The
accident occurred between Little Genesee and Bolivar. Phipps death was caused
by a fractured skull.
According to Corporal A.S. (unreadable) of the Friendship barracks of the
New York State constabulary, Phipps was enroute to his home in Olean from
Bolivar when the fatal crash occurred. Fred Day, 17 of Little Genesee was
driving a tractor with a wagon attached west toward Little Genesee, but is
said to have failed to have a warning light on the rear of the wagon. Phipps
apparently did not see the wagon and crashed into it, his car turning over in
a ditch at the side of the road.
Day was hurled from his seat and injured seriously. The exact extent of his
injuries has not been determined as yet, but authorities at the Jones Memorial
Hospital in Wellsville, stated early this morning that his condition is only
fair.
Page 8
Lumberman Near Sheffield Slashes Throat With Razor
Kane, Jan. 2. Almost severing his head from his body, Tony Gardevec aged
40 years, a lumberman in a camp operated by Joe Strouse, in Cherry Grove
Township, ten miles from Sheffield, committed suicide about 10:30 o'clock
yesterday morning, Coroner Ed Lowrey, of Warren County, reported last evening
after returning from the scene, where the tragedy had been investigated.
Gardevec used an old style razor in committing the deed severing the jugular
vein as well as the voice box and windpipe. His death must have been almost
instantaneous.
According to other members of the camp Gardevec had been despondent for
several days and did not go out yesterday morning when others went to work.
It was necessary to haul the body from the camp to Sheffield in a caboose of
the logging train of the Tionesta Valley railroad. It was prepared for burial
at the Borden undertaking rooms and if relatives are not located it is
expected that the remains will be interred at the expense of the county. His
only known relative is a brother in the old country.
January 15, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Emily McCoy Answers Summons Of Death Angle
After an illness of about eight years, Emily Leone Huenerfeld McCoy, was
called to her rest Sunday evening, January 11th. Mrs. McCoy was the widow of
the late Frederick A. McCoy and was born in Ellicottville, N.Y., the daughter
of Peter Joseph and Emily Letchfield Riggs Huernerfeld, on February 3rd, 1855.
On June 18th 1873, she was married to Frederick A. McCoy in Ellicottville,
N.Y. She is survived y three children, Guy H. McCoy, Grace McCoy Redfield,
and Helen McCoy Van Dyke all of Smethport, Pa.; eleven grandchildren and two
great grandchildren. Also three sisters, Mrs. Louise Drown, of Buffalo, N.Y.;
Mrs. Jeanette Green, of Ellicottville, N.Y. and Mrs. Mary Hixon of
Shortsville, N.Y.
Mrs. McCoy was a loyal and devoted member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
She was a charter member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the
Travelers Club and the Women's Auxillary of St. Luke's Church. Mrs. McCoy was
a woman of strong religious connections and of a deep and abiding faith. Her
life was a lesson in humble faithfulness to her Saviour and living helpfulness
to her fellow women. As she lived so she died, with an unwavering confidence
in the promises of the Gospel. She was lovely in person, noble in character
and gifted in intellect. She met the trials and disappointments of life with
high courage, marked cheerfulness and brightness. She believed that live,
helpfulness, kindness and simple piety were worth all honor, and she lived her
belief all the days even through years of suffering. For those who loved her
there is comfort in the sure thought that she rests in the Paradise of God.
Grant her, O Lord, eternal rest, And let Light perpetual shine upon her.
The funeral was held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 14th from St. Luke's
Episcopal Church, the Rector, Reverend W.E. Van Dyke, a son-in-law,
officiating and the remains were laid at rest in the family plot in Rose Hill
Cemetery.
Page 1.
John M. Cramsie
John M. Cramsie highly respected resident of Willow Street passed away
Sunday evening, January 11th at 8:30 o'clock at his home following a stroke
which he suffered the 27th day December last, and from which he did not
recover.
The deceased was born in Belfast, Ireland, August 23rd 1850. He came to
Smethport when a young man where he resided the greater part of his life. He
was married to Julia Ward who passed away 20 years ago. To this happy union
were born nine children of which on y four live to survive their father.
Mr. Cramsie was a good and faithful member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic
Church. He was also a member of the State Firemen. He was a genial and kind
man and a good husband and father and a loyal friend. He will be greatly
missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by three daughters, Mrs. B.S. Beltz of York, Pa.; Mrs. M. L.
Otis of Erie, Pa; Mrs. Alex Olson of Newark, N.J.; one son, Robert Cramsie at
home and five grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Elizabeth's
Catholic Church, Rev. Father Barrett, officiating; interment was in Rose Hill
Cemetery.
Page 4.
Mrs. Noah Bloomster
Word has been received here of the death of Mrs. Noah Bloomster of Aberdeen
South Dakota which occurred at her home there Sunday Dec. 28?, after an
illness of over a year.
Mrs. Bloomster will be remembered by many of the older residents of this
vicinity. She came to Smethport from Skane Sweden, over thirty years ago.
Matilda Johnson was united in marriage to Noah Bloomster then a resided of
Bloomster Hollow, some years later. They made their home in Bloomster Hollow
for a short time later moving to Aberdeen where they settled on a homestead.
Mrs. Bloomster leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband six sons and one
daughter, and also several grandchildren.
Mr. Bloomster is a brother of Sam Bloomster well known pioneer resident of
Bloomster Hollow.
Page 6.
Ray J. Cummiskey Dies of Injuries
Bradford, Jan 12. Ray J. Cummiskey aged 28 of 76 Seward Avenue this city,
who was injured in an automobile accident in Olean on November 27th, died last
evening at 7:30 o'clock at the home of Mrs. James Dunn in Olean. Deceased was
badly injured Thanksgiving evening, when the car he was driving was in a
collision on West State Street, Olean.
He laid between life and death at the Olean Hospital for days, owing to a
skull fracture, but which he recovered sufficiently he was removed to the Dunn
home at 302 Tompkins Avenue.
The late Mr. Cummiskey was one of the leading baseball stars in Bradford.
He was captain of the Mid-West Steels 1930 City champions. He was prominent
in the Shamrock club several years ago, serving as outfielder, first baseman
and catcher.
Deceased was born in this city and had resided here all his life. He was
associated with the Mid-West Steel company for eight years and was still
employed by that concern when death claimed him. He was a member of St.
Bernard's Church. Mr. Cummiskey had a host of friends who greatly regret his
passing.
He is survived by his widow, Agnes; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank
Cummiskey, of Bradford; one sister, Mrs. Frank Marsh of Ellicottville, N.Y.;
four brothers, John and Joseph of this city; Robert of Toledo, O.; and
Leonard, of Kittanning, Pa.
Page 6.
Sheffield Man Ends Life With Gas
Kane. Jan. 121 Sebastion Snyder, 60, of Sheffield, who committed suicide
by gas in the Lafayette Hotel. Second and State Streets Erie, Saturday will
probably be buried in that town. Coroner Hanley is holding the body pending
advice from lodge friends.
Snyder's body was found late Saturday his head close to an open gas stove,
covered with quilts. He had been dead about 12 hours when the body was
discovered, Coroner Hanley said.
Snyder went to the hotel several days ago. Sometime during Friday night he
pulled the gas stove close to the bed, opened the jet and placed his head atop
of it, then threw the bed covering over his head.
Late Saturday afternoon Lennie Dyleskiet? maid, after several attempts to
get into the room was attracted by the odor of gas. Summoning the proprietor
the door was forced open and the body was found. Motorcop Vames who was
detailed from headquarters said there was no doubt as to the suicidal intent.
Snyder was a member of the Niles, O., Moose, and the Sheffield Odd Fellows.
He is survived by a sister Ethel Britaon? of Ridgway.
Page 6.
13-Year-Old Bradford Girl Dies of Intestinal Toxemia
Bradford, Jan. 9. Stricken with intestinal toxemia but a few hours before,
death claimed 13-year-old Helen Ruth Hale, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard
Hale, of 79 Jefferson Street, yesterday afternoon at 5 o'clock in the Bradford
Hospital.
The girl was admitted to the hospital at 3:15 o'clock in the afternoon,
after being taken seriously ill while attending school. She attended the
morning session yesterday, and was apparently in good health, but became sick
quite suddenly and suffered convulsions which caused her death a few hours
later. Doctors Wilson and Kervin who attended her tried in vain to save her
life at the Hospital, working on her incessantly until the minute she died.
Helen Ruth Hale was born in Bradford April 21, 1917, and had lived here her
entire life. She was a student in the second year class of the Junior High
School and was well liked by all who knew her. She was a devout member of the
Wesleyan Church and was very active in all Church life.
Surviving her are her parents; one brother Howard Jr.; her grandparents Mr.
and Mrs. David J. Hale, three aunts, Mary Coyne, Eva Hale and Marlon Hale all
of Bradford.
Page 7.
100-Year-Old Woman dies in Bradford Hospital
Bradford, Jan. 10 Death at 11 o'clock last night claimed Mrs. Mary
LeCroix, 100 years old believed to be the oldest resident of Bradford. Mrs.
LeCroix succumbed in the Bradford Hospital where she had been a patient for
the past two years. Death was due to complications brought on by advanced age.
Deceased was the widow of Timothy LeCroix, and formerly resided in East
Bradford before moving to Tuna to make her home with her niece, Mrs. E.H.
Crooks. Other than several nieces and nephews, she leaves no near relatives.
Prior to her marriage, she was Mary Fuller member of a family of early
residents in this section.
January 22, 1931
Page 1.
Death Angel Calls Dr. H.L. McCoy To His Reward
The many friends of Dr. Henry L. McCoy of West Main Street, Smethport's
oldest physician, learned with regret the news of his death, which occurred
Saturday morning, January 17th at 1 o'clock following an illness of several
weeks duration. Dr. McCoy underwent an operation on a nerve in his face a few
weeks ago and the shock from this proved too much for a man of his advanced
years.
Dr. Henry Lane McCoy, son of Dr. William Young McCoy, was born in Smethport,
October 20th, 1846. He was early educated in the public schools and for four
years after completing his education was engaged in civil engineering on the
river division of the Pennsylvania railroad, between Warren and Oil City. He
then decided to adopt the medical profession, honored by his father and
maternal grandfather. He read and studied under the direction of his father,
later under Professor Bandford Eastman of Buffalo, and entered Buffalo
University, whence he was graduated in the class of 1867, and until his death
was the oldest living graduate from that institution.
He began to practice in Smethport, and in 1870-1871 attended a course of
lectures at the College of Physicians, New York City. He had continued his
successful practice until about two years ago when he retired from active
practice.
He was a senior warden of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and the last of the
original vestrymen appointed in 1879. He was choir master in the church for
over thirty years, his deep love of music and his God given voice making him
an important factor in the musical life of the church and community through
more than half a century. He remained in the choir as long as possible, only
giving up his place when failing health compelled him to do so. He was keenly
interested in all matters pertaining to the church and was an active member in
many of the ?????.
Dr. McCoy was the oldest living member of the McKean County Medical
Society. He was a past member of McKean Lodge, No. 388 Free and Accepted
Masons; a companion of Bradford Chapter, No. 260, Royal Arch Masons, and a
Knight of Trinity Commandery, No. 58, Knights Templar and a member of the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Temple Club.
He was married September 8, 1869 in Smethport to Clara Marla Ford, and to
them were born seven children, only two, Mrs. E.R Baker of Erie, Pa., and Rev.
Charles McCoy of Williamsport Pa., are living. These with his widow Mrs.
Clara McCoy, and twelve grandchildren survive to mourn his loss.
Dr. McCoy was a man of high standing in the community and possessed many
fine qualities which endeared him to all who knew him.
It can truly be said of him, that though he was old in years, he was young
in spirit.
The beautiful new McCoy Stadium is a memorial to him, presented to the town
by his nephew, Paul D. Hamlin. A finer memorial could not have been
conceived, nor one that could be of more benefit to Smethport.
Funeral services for Dr. McCoy were held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at
St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, officiating; interment was in
Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 1.
Love Affairs Lead Bradford Woman To Hang Herself
Bradford, Jan. 20 Art, I love you that is why I am doing what I am.
That was part of a note left yesterday morning by Mrs. Eva Colburn, 38, of 17
Sinte Street, who took her life by hanging in the city lockup after being
arrested on the charge of being drunk by Patrolman Leo Goetz.
Other than the note Bradford police are without a motive for the woman's
act. The remainder of the note reads I gave my love to two men and neither
one loved me. Florence sister can't stand disgrace in this case. Take care
of my baby Eva.
Mrs. Colburn was arrested at 2 o'clock yesterday morning. When Officer
David Kehoe went to the women's department of the station at 7:45 o'clock this
morning to take a breakfast of fried cakes to Mrs. Colburn, he found the
woman's dead body hanging from overhead bars.
This is the second hanging that has taken place at the police station this
winter and Officer Kehoe has found both bodies.
Chief Harry Solt believes Mrs. Colburn at first thought of hanging herself
on the door knob but gave up the attempt. Some of woman's underwear was found
on the knob.
She had removed almost all her clothing and had torn part of her dress into
strips and with these she hung herself. She stood on a bunk and as the
mattress was off she swung her feet in between the slats to commit the deed.
The note, badly blurred, was found on the bunk.
As the body was still warm when found, police officials believe Mrs. Colburn
had ended her life about an hour before the discovery.
Officer Kehoe cut the body down and then summoned Acting coroner S.A.
McCutcheon who gave permission for removal to Koch's mortuary. Removal to the
home was made yesterday afternoon.
Police officials understand that Mrs. Colburn and her husband were living
apart.
Police are unable to identify the Art mentioned in the note.
Mrs. Colburn is survived by two sons, two daughters, two sisters and two
brothers.
Page 3.
Her Husband Died in City 50 Miles Away Over Year Ago; Just Received Word.
Kane, Jan 17. The final chapter in a matrimonial agency marriage which
claimed the attention of this section four years ago was written today when
Mrs. Jennie Lefferd, of Kane, received information that her husband had died
in Titusville on June 18, 1929, nearly two years ago.
The marriage was the outcome of Jennie Nelson of Kane, meeting George W.
Lefferd, of Titusville, through a matrimonial agency. They made their home in
Titusville where Lefferd conducted a grocery store.
In May 1929 they separated, Mrs. Leffered securing work in Erie.
One month later, while his wife worked in Erie, less than fifty miles from
Titusville, Lefferd died at the age of 66. HE was buried at Diamond, Vanango
County.
Mrs. Lefferd failed to secure notice of her husband's death and recently she
wrote the Titusville chief of Police concerning his whereabouts.
Today she received a letter from Chief of Police Daniel F. Connell of
Titusville. It told her that her husband had died in 1929.
Page 3.
Olean Man Kills Self With Shotgun.
Olean, Jan. 19. William Holliday, 46 ended his life with a shotgun in his
home, 403 Madison Avenue Saturday morning. He set a shotgun in a corner of
his bedroom and reached over to pull the trigger. The charge tore into the
left side.
Mr. Holliday had been worried over financial troubles police reported after
investigation. He had been working only a few days a week. He is survived by
his widow and seven children.
Coroner William M. Smith issued a certificate of suicide.
Page 4.
Mrs. Flossie May Smith
Mrs. Flossie May Smith, respected resident of Hilton Avenue, passed away
Wednesday, January 14th at 4:45 a.m. at the Creason sanitarium where she had
been a patient for the past year.
Mrs. Smith was born March 26, 18?4 in Russell, Pa, the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. M.F. Babcock. She was married when a young woman to Bert Leiter, and to
them were born four children, Bernice, Francis, Doris and Marguerite. Mr.
Leiter died a number of years, ago. About nine years ago she was married to
Fred R. Smith and to them were born four children, Frederick, Harriet, Marion
and Rubert. These eight children, her husband, Fred R. Smith, mother, Mrs.
William Wescott, Father M.H. Babcock one sister Alice and five brothers, Glen,
Vernon, Ernest, Ralph and Morris Babcock of Warren, survive to mourn her loss.
Mrs. Smith had resided in Smethport for about two years and had made many
friends in that time. She was a devoted wife and mother and will be greatly
missed.
Funeral services were held at the family residence Saturday at 1 o'clock.
Rev. J.E. Besant, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating; interment was in
Oakland Cemetery in Warren, Pa., and funeral services, were also held there.
Page 4.
Mrs. Carlyle Sawyer
Mrs. Carlyle Sawyer, highly respected former resident, passed away Saturday,
January 17th at the Warren Hospital, where she had been a patient since
December 24th, her demise being due to the ills incident too old age.
Mrs. Sawyer was born April 23d, 1857 in Bloomster Hollow her maiden name was
Mary Perry. She was married to Carlyle Sawyer when a young woman, and they
had resident in Smethport for the past twelve years. They also lived on a
farm near Norwich.
She had been a communicant of St. Luke's Episcopal church for many years and
was known to be a good wife and loyal friend and neighbor.
She is survived by her husband Carlyle Sawyer.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at St. Luke's Episcopal Church,
Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, officiating; interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 4.
Mrs. Emma Little
Mrs. Emma Little 69, died Tuesday afternoon at 5 o'clock, at her home, 60
Formica Street, Bradford, after an illness of one week. Deceased had resided
in Bradford for the past five years and was a member of the First Methodist
Church.
She is survived by her husband Charles Little two daughter s, Mrs. Early
Denning of Smethport, and Mrs. (unreadable); one son Arthur ?? and two
brothers, Fred and John Fuller of Fredonia. Mrs. Little hand many friends
here where she had often visited.
Page 5.
Mrs. John Larson attended the funeral of her sister-in-law, Mrs. Eleanor
Danielson, which was held in Port Allegany Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock.
Page 5.
Attends Sister's Funeral
Walter Daniels of Hilton Avenue received word Saturday morning of the death
of his sister, Mrs. Josephine Daniels Stoker, aged 66, which occurred at
Toledo, O. The body was taken to New Kensington, Pa., where funeral services
were held Monday afternoon.
Walter Daniels accompanied by his wife and son Jake, left Saturday for New
Kensington to attend the funeral.
Page 6.
Police Sergeant Dies
Olean, Jan 7. Police Sergt Richard Allen, 65, died in his home, 127 North
Sixth Street, Friday night. He had been in ill health several months.
Sergt, Allen was appointed to the Olean police department on March 1909, and
was promoted to sergeant in December, 1918. He was a life-time resident of
Olean and vicinity.
He is survived by his widow, two daughters, David H. Matthews and Mrs.
Joseph Henrietta Olean; his twin brother James and a brother, William Olean.
Page 7.
Woman About To Visit In Bradford Killed By Auto
Bradford, Jan. 19. Mrs. Theresa Weaver, 78, sister of the late John Ley of
this city, was instantly killed Saturday night between 7 and 8 o'clock when
she was struck by a car driven by Jesse Launder, Clarendon, as she was
crossing the street near her home there. Word of the fatality was received
here by Mrs. Elizabeth Fagnan, of Kennedy Street, with whom Mrs. Weaver had
intended to spend Sunday.
Mrs. Weaver was well known in Bradford, having often visited here with her
husband, a prominent citizen of Clarendon, whose death occurred some years
ago. When the late John Ley's health became impaired prior to his death, Mrs.
Weaver came to Bradford and took over the management of his home. Following
his death, she returned to her home in Clarendon.
An Associated Press dispatch from Warten last night said that a coroner's
jury yesterday cleared Launder of all blame in the accident in which Mrs.
Weaver was killed.
Funeral services will be held from the Weaver residence in Clarendon this
morning. Interment will take place in Pleasantville cemetery tomorrow morning.
Page 7.
Carbon Monoxide Gas Fumes Fatal To Former Kane Man
Kane, Jan 19. Clyde A. Risdon 43, formerly of Kane was accidentally
asphyxiated by carbon monoxide gas fumes in the garage at his house, 395?
Pennsylvania Avenue West, Warren some time between 4 and 7 o'clock Saturday
evening.
Risdon had gone to the garage in the late afternoon to make some repairs on
the engine of the large sedan. When he was found about 9 o'clock by his
mother, Mrs. John W. Campbell, and Carroll Smith, a neighbor he was slumped
beside the machine and had been dead for some time.
The coroner was advised that the doors of the garage were closed and that
the engine of the car was running. The hood was raised over the right side of
the engine and the fact that Risdon was wearing old clothing and a pair of
work gloves left no doubt but that he had been overcome while making
adjustments on the motor. It is probable that he was trying to reach the door
when he collapsed for he was on the opposite side of the machine from where he
had apparently been at work.
Page 8.
Lifeless Body of Kane Man Found On Factory Roof
(First part is unreadable)afternoon culminated in discovering the lifeless
body of William E. Bodine, well known Greeves Street resident on the roof of
the power house of the factory.
Mr. Bodine left the office of the plant at three o'clock yesterday
afternoon, apparently in the best of health remarking that he was going on
the roof to remove some of the snow and ice from the drain troughs. At five
o'clock he had not returned and A.J. Kulp, paymaster, organized a searching
party. The men searched the entire factory from top to bottom and not until
6:30 o'clock did W.A. Covert of W??? discovered the body on the roof of the
power house.
Investigation disclosed that several shovels of snow had been removed when a
heart attack evidently occurred, causing Mr. Bodine to topple over backward
onto the roof in which position the body was discovered. A physician was
summoned immediately and privately confirmed the theory that the fatality was
caused by a severe heart attack. He estimated that the death had occurred an
hour before. Coroner H. Clay Heffner ordered the removal of the remains.
January 29, 1931.
Page 1.
Three Killed From Injuries Received In Crossing Crash
Bradford, Jan 25. Two men were instantly killed and another fatally
injured when the automobile in which they were riding crashed into a south-
bound Pennsylvania freight train at Whitehouse crossing near Portville, N.Y.,
about four o'clock yesterday afternoon.
Judson Ames, 55, of Belvidere and Louis New, 60 of Hornell met death when
their car ploughed head-on against the train which dragged the car almost to
Bullis Mills, a distance of nearly one-half mile. The bodies were badly
mangled.
The third occupant of the car, John Rose, 28, of Hornell, a grandson of
Louis New, was taken to the Olean General Hospital where he died at 12:30
o'clock this morning.
The crossing at which the accident occurred is said to be well lighted and
protected and no cause for the crash is known at this time.
The bodies of the victims were removed to the undertaking establishment of
John T. Heenan on East State Street, Olean and prepared for burial.
Judson Ames is survived by three sons and two daughters.
Louis New is survived by seven sons and six daughters.
Page 1.
Mrs. Ellen Hoffman
The many friends of Mrs. Ellen Hoffman of Willow Street, were grieved to learn
of her death which occurred last Thursday afternoon at her home where she had
been slightly ill since Sunday. Her family had no intimation that she was so
near death as she had eaten her dinner with them and was apparently in good
spirits, until a few minutes before her death which occurred about four
o'clock. Her daughter Eva Hoffman, who holds a position in the Sheriff's
office at the court house was called, but her mother had passed away before
she could reach home.
Ellen Armonia Patterson was the youngest child of Ebenezer and Nancy Brewer
Patterson, pioneer residents of McKean County. She was born January 1st, 1847
in Norwich Township. She married David E. Comes in 1867? And they moved to
Iowa where they lived for ten years and where Mr. Comes died. Returning to
Smethport with her two children she resided here and in 1884 married Jacob
Hoffman. He passed away in 1899.
Mrs. Hoffman was well known and liked by a large circle of friends who
admired her many splendid qualities. She was a woman who never grew old, but
retained her keen interest in current happenings up to the day of her death.
Her Wholesome outlook on life and sound advice were valued by the many who
were fortunate enough to be her friends. She will be greatly missed not only
in her home circle, but in the community as well. A fine example of Christian
womanhood, she has gone to her reward.
The surviving relatives are two daughters, Mrs. Alta Ness and Miss Eva
Hoffman, one son, Leon D. Comes, nine grandchildren and twenty-four great
grandchildren, also one great great grandchild.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon, January 24th, with a prayer
at the house, at 1:30 and services at the Methodist Church of which she was a
member, at 2 o'clock, Rev. A.W. MacDougald officiating; interment was in Rose
Hill Cemetery.
Those from out-of-town who attended the funeral were: Mrs. Bell Fike, Mrs.
Ella Ford, Homer Ford, Mr. and Mrs. John Johnson, Mrs. Hudson Smith Jr., of
Brookville, Mrs. George Payne of Clarion; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Hutchins of Olean;
Mr. and Mrs. P.M. Hutchins and Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hutchins of Bradford; Mr.
and Mrs. Joseph Field, Mr. and Mrs. A Capwell, Miss Virginia Field and Mrs.
E.S. Pattison of Hazelhurst.
Page 1.
Train Kills Man
Bradford, Jan. 25. Roy Cameron, aged 29 years of Foster Brook, was
instantly killed Friday at 7:27 p.m. when he was struck by a southbound
Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh railway passenger train about 1000 feet west
of the Foster Brook crossing.
Engineer Joseph Barry, who was piloting the train, saw Cameron walking along
the tracks toward Foster Brook but was unable to stop the train in time to
prevent striking the man. The body was dragged nearly 500 feet before the
train could be brought to a halt. Portions of the victim's body were strewn
along the right-of-way.
Conductor Max Moore, of this city, was in charge of the train and he
notified local officials immediately. Captain Mike Ferko and Traffic Officer
Howard Peace investigated the accident and notified Coroner H. Clay Heffner.
Engineer Barry was exonerated of any blame in the fatality by the coroner.
Page 1.
Mrs. A. Engstrom Receives News of Father's Death
Mrs. Amandus Engstrom of East Main Street, received a wireless telegram
Monday, stating that her father, Peter Malm had passed away at his home in
Hallstahaminar Sweden. He was in his ninetieth year.
Page 3.
Phillip Sprague, Aged 13, Dies in Cleveland Clinic
Bradford. Jan. 25 Undertaker Frank J. McAllister of this city received
word early this morning of the death of Phillip Sprague, aged 13 years, son of
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Sprague of Duke Center which occurred at about 1 o'clock
this morning at the Cleveland Clinic Hospital.
Deceased is survived by his parents and several brothers and sisters.
The remains will be brought to Bradford late tonight and will be taken in
charge by Undertaker McAllister.
Page 4.
Oldest Woman In Elk County Dies
Kane, Jan. 25. Mrs. Mary McMahon, aged 97, the oldest woman in Elk County,
died at her home on the Kane Road, Wilcox Sunday afternoon.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday morning at nine o'clock in St. Ann's
Church at Wilcox with burial in the family plot at St. Marys.
She is survived by five children.
Mrs. McMahon lived to the age of nearly five score years. She saw four
generations for 15 years. During this time she saw four William McMahons, one
William in each generation; her husband, the late William McMahon, 1st, her
son, William H., the 2nd, William F. McMahon 3rd, of Johnsonburg and his son
William G. McMahon, 4th.
Page 5.
Wm. Vansickles Dead
The death of William VanSickle, widely know Liberty Township farmer,
occurred at his home, January 20th, following a heart attack. As he had been
in apparently good health previous to that time, his death came as a great
shock to his many friends. He was 78 years of age.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the Grimes
Church, Rev. L.T. Lincoln officiating, and burial was made in the Grimes
Cemetery.
Mr. VanSickles was born at Smethport, November 16, 1852 and was a resident
of this section his entire life for many years running a farm on the Smethport
road. For a number of years he was also in the hotel business conducting a
hotel at the corner of Mill Street and Railroad Avenue. He was married first
on March 11th, 1875, his wife dying a number of year ago. Six children were
born to them, all of whom preceded their father in death. He was again
married on September 14, 1930, when Florence Brewer became his wife.
He leaves besides his wife a sister, Mrs. Nora Ashburn of Cleveland, N.Y.,
five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Mr. VanSickle enjoyed a wide acquaintance throughout this section and many
friends will be grieved to learn of his sudden death.
Page 5.
Josephine Sage Dies Suddenly
The death of Miss Josephine Sage of Red Rock (unreadable) prominent resident
of this section, occurred Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock at the Bradford
Hospital of ureamic poisoning. Her death was very sudden.
The body was removed to McAllister's mortuary and later was taken to the
home at Red Rock where she had spent her entire life. She graduated from
Notre Dame school in Baltimore, Md and St. Joseph's seminary in Toronto.
After finishing her education in these two institutionsof learning, Miss Sage
took a course in nursing in Washington, D.C. and graduated. Although she did
not practice her profession, she gave of her knowledge freely to all in
sickness and distress.
Deceased was a member of St. Bernard's church. She is survived by her
mother, Mrs. E.B. Sage, of Red Rock and two brothers, Eros H. Sage of Red Rock
and Paul Sage of Kentucky.
The deceased had many friends in Smethport.
Page 5.
Theron Howard
Theron Howard aged 82 years, highly respected resident of Custer City,
passed away very suddenly Tuesday afternoon, January 27th at 2:00 o'clock,
while sitting in his easy chair at his home.
Mr. Howard was a famer by occupation and highly esteemed by all who knew
him. He had many friends in Smethport.
The surviving relatives are one daughter, Mrs. Alice Ward of Bradford; three
sons, Frank and William of Bradford and George at home, and two grandchildren.
Deceased was born in Smethport, August 28, 1849, and later with his parents
moved to Howard Junction, which was named after him. He was a member of the
U.B. Church of Degolia.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon t 2:00 o'clock at the home of
the deceased, at Custer City, interment will be at Degolia.
Rev. E.W. Mattison of the U.B. Church of Degolia, will officiate.
Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Daly and Miss Grace Howard will attend the funeral.
Page 5.
Resolutions of Respect
Offered by the McKean Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution upon the
death of our beloved member, Mrs. Emily Leone McCoy.
Whereas, our heavenly Father in His divine, Providence hs removed to a
higher life, our dear sister, Mrs. Emily Leone McCoy, be it hereby
Resolved, that the member of McKean Chapter Daughters of the American
Revolution, extend to her family, our heartfelt sympathy in their hour of
sorrow.
In Paradise soft breezed blow,
To cool the heart's hot fever
The pangs and pain that here we know,
They waft away forever,
Genevera Brasted,
Harriet Gleason.
Page 7.
Oldest Citizen of Port Allegany Passes On
Port Allegany, Jan. 22. Calvin E. Petteys, Port Allegany's oldest
resident, died at nine o'clock Wednesday evening, due to the infirmities of
old age. He would have been 95 years old on the tenth of March. Death took
place at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W.E. Doyle South Main Street.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at two o'clock at the Grimes
Church and interment will be made in the Grimes Cemetery. Mr. Petteys was a
highly respected resident of this section for more than seventy years, being
engaged in farming, lumbering and other pursuits.
February 12, 1931
Page 3.
Boy Jerked Under Train To Death As Overcoat Catches On Side Of It
Friendship, N.Y. Feb 6. An unbuttoned overcoat that caught on the side of
the speeding Erie Limited, East-bound, at 12:45 o'clock today, resulted in the
instant death of James Stroke, 14, son of Frank Stroke of Friendship. The boy
was dragged under the wheels of the train and died in the sight of his
playmates who were standing nearby as the fast Erie passenger train sped
past. The train, which is Number 2 does not stop at Friendship.
Witnesses said the Stroke boy and several others had been snowballing near
the Friendship station and as the train approached had gone to the highway
crossing a short distance away. The other boys, witnesses related, drew back
away from the track but the Stroke boy remained too close to the pat of the
Limited and as the cars passed his coat was seen to fly open in the wind and
catch on the understructure of a car. The boy was jerked under the train and
died instantly.
Page 5.
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Metzgar who were called here last week by the death of
Mrs. Metzgar's mother, Mrs. James McDowell of Colegrove returned Monday to
their home in Detroit, Michigan, having been the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bert
Metzgar for a few days.
Page 5.
Mrs. James McDowell
The many friends of Mrs. James McDowell of Colegrove, were greatly shocked
and grieved to earn of her death which occurred Saturday, February 1st, after
but an hour's illness. Death was caused by a stroke of paralysis.
Mrs. McDowell was fifty-four years of age, and had spent most of her life in
Colegrove. Her maiden name was Nettie Brace.
She was married to James McDowell when a young woman and to them were born
six children, four of whom survive.
Mrs. McDowell was a member of the Crosby Church and a woman beloved by her
home circle and highly esteemed by the whole community. She will be greatly
missed.
She is survived by her husband James McDowell; one daughter, Mrs. Earl
Metzgar of Detroit, Mich; and three sons; Glen of Kinzua, and Louis and Bert
at home.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 4th at the family residence.
Rev. J.H. Bailey officiating; interment was in Colegrove Cemetery.
Page 5.
Edith Shoemaker Murphy
Mrs. Edith Shoemaker Murphy, former highly respected Smethport, resident,
passed away very suddenly Friday, February 6th at her home in Albany, N.Y.,
from a heart attack brought on by asthma. She was found dead in her room by
her sister Maude who had gone to awaken her.
Mrs. Murphy was born in Stroudsburg, Pa., August, 3, 1867. She moved with
her parents, to Smethport, where her father was elected county treasurer, and
later held other county offices.
The deceased was prominent in society here, and had a large circle of
friends.
She married Mr. Murphy when a young woman. He passed away a number of years
ago.
About twenty-eight years ago the family moved to Buffalo and about a year
ago, the two sisters went to Albany to live.
Mrs. Murphy is survived by a sister, Maud of Albany and a brother William of
Buffalo.
The remains were brought to Smethport accompanied by the sister of the
deceased and a nephew, William Shoemaker, Jr. of Buffalo.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in St. Luke's
Episcopal church, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating; interment was in Rose Hill
Cemetery.
(card of thanks and resolution of respect also on page 5)
February 19, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Christopher Honsinger
Mrs. Christopher Honsinger died at her home in Sardinia, N.Y., February 11
at the age of 80 years. Mrs. Honsinger was a daughter of Peter and Betsy
Stickles Holightaling of Penn Yan, N.Y. Early in life she was united in
marriage with James A. Briggs.
They moved to Smethport in 1877 and settled on the farm of Miller C.
Stickles, late of Keating Township, where they lived for several years. Two
daughters were born to this union, both of whom passed away the same day of
diphtheria, in Stickles Hollow. They later moved to Prentisville, where they
purchased a home and lived until the death of Mr. Briggs, about 20 years ago.
Later she married C. Honsinger of Sardina. Besides her husband she leaves on
step son and many nephews and nieces.
Mrs. Thomas Hungiville of this place is a niece.
Deceased had suffered many years from a heart ailment. She was a good
neighbor, kind in sickness and will be missed in her neighborhood.
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church in Sardina and burial in
Rixford as was her request.
Mrs. Honsinger will be remembered as Mrs. Briggs by several friends. She
was a cousin of the Stickles and Oviatts here.
Page 1.
Edward Kelley, aged eighty-two years, passed away Sunday, February 15th in
the Olean General Hospital. He formerly resided on Prospect Hill near
Smethport and has many friends here.
He is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary O'Connor of Bradford, and a brother,
James Higgins of buffalo.
Funeral services were held in the St. Bernard's Catholic church, Bradford,
Wednesday morning. Interment was in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery, Smethport.
Page 2.
Driver Killed When Truck Turns Over
Bolivar, Feb. 18. Harold Conklin of this village, 29 father of two
motherless children, was instantly crushed to death Thursday afternoon when
his truck, loaded with pulp wood overturned on Keating Summit Hill near Austin
Pa. Neil Crandall of Bolivar, riding with Conklin was uninjured.
Starting down the steep hill, the transmission of the truck broke. Having
no control over the truck, Conklin turned into an incline embankment. The
truck overturned with the pulp wood braking through the cab, crushing Conklin
between the steering wheel.
Dr. Page of Austin was summoned. He pronounced Conklin dead. The truck,
which is owned by George Huett of Portville was being driven from Portville to
Austin for delivery of a load of pulp wood. Huett is a pulp wood dealer.
Page 4
Bradford Woman Suicides
Bradford, Feb. 15 Miss Sue Beckman, 35, died at the Bradford Hospital at 2
o'clock this morning from the effects of poison tablets which she swallowed
lst Tuesday. The body was taken to the Koch mortuary to be prepared for
burial.
Deceased is survived by three sisters, Mrs. William O'Day of High Street,
Mrs. Ben Gohr of 10 Emery avenue and Miss Lena Beckman.
Page 5.
The death of Mrs. Joe Cooper took place at her home I Annin Creek, Sunday,
February 8.
Funeral services were hel d Tuesday, February 11, at the Annin Creek
Church. Burial was in Annin Creek cemetery. His daughter, Nina Cooper,
passed away Wednesday evening, only three days after her father. They both
had many friends and will be greatly missed by their people.
Page 6.
Rasselas Man Commits Suicide
St. Marys, Feb. 12 Peter J. Myers, aged about forty years, of Rasselas,
ended his life at his home Tuesday afternoon about 1:30 o'clock. He was found
by his wife in the summer kitchen of their home, a few moments after she heard
the report of a .32 calibre Special Winchester rifle. Mrs. Myers was working
in an adjacent room at the time.
The upper portion of the man's head was completely blown off and as near as
can be determined the bullet entered the front art of his head.
Despondency over ill health is said to have been the cause for the man
taking his own life. Myers had been in ill health for a long period of time
and his condition grew worse the past few months, it is evident he decided to
end it all.
Elk County Coroner, Dr. B.T. McCabe of Johnsonburg, conducted an
investigation the same evening and stated that death was due to suicide.
February 26, 1931
Page 1.
Professor Bright's Sister Dies in England
Professor and Mrs. Stanley Bright received word last week of the death of
Professor Bright's sister, Mrs. O.B. Moore, which occurred February 4th in
Tewkesbury, England. The deceased was the guest of the Brights about seven
years ago and made many friends here.
Page 1.
Joseph Anderson
Joseph Anderson, aged and revered resident of Bloomster Hollow, passed away
Monday evening, February ?? at 7:00 o'clock at his home where he had been ill
since Saturday.
Deceased was born March 18, 1845 in Orried, Sweden and was married September
1874 to Hedvig Roberg. They came to this country and settled in Bloomster
Hollow, forty years ago where they have since lived and raised their fine
family. The deceased was a farmer by occupation.
Mr. Anderson was a sincere earnest Christian, who carried his religion into
his daily life, and was loved and respected by all who knew him. He was a
member of the Swedish Mission Church of Smethport.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters; Mrs. M.G. Oakley and Mrs.
Adolph Johnson of Smethport and three sons; Simon Anderson, Axel Anderson at
home and Fred Anderson of Gowanda, N.Y., who mourn the loss of a devoted
husband and father.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the
family residence, Rev. J.A. Hailmertz officiating: interment will be in the
Kasson cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. James Morgan
The many friends of Mrs. James Morgan of Bloomster Hollow, were grieved to
learn of her death which occurred Saturday morning, February 21st at her home
where she had been in poor health for the past year, and confined to her bed
for the past eleven weeks.
Nellie Elizabeth Bloomster was born October 15, 1880 in Bloomster Hollow.
Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Sam Bloomster. She was married in August
(unreadable) in Clermont Pa., to James Morgan of Quebec. Most of her life has
been spent in Bloomster Hollow where she was beloved in her home for her many
fine qualities as a wife and mother, and by all who knew her for her splendid
character.
Mrs. Morgan was a home-loving woman, devoted to her family, and ideal wife
and mother and a true and tried friend in any and all circumstances and the
community where she spent her entire life, is deeply grieved and will sadly
miss her.
Many and varied were her acts of kindness and charity, making sacrifices for
those less fortunate than herself and her benefactions were of the kind that
inspired the recipients of her generosity and stimulated them to activity that
always resulted in good not only for the individual but the entire community.
She is survived by her husband and one daughter, Harriet of Middleton, N.Y.;
and four sons, Maurice, Jerome, John and Donald at home; by her father Sam
Bloomster and one brother Peter of Bloomster Hollow and one sister, Mrs. W.E.
Bacon of Dansville, N.Y.
Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 9:00 o'clock at St.
Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Rev. Urban S. Barrett, officiating at Requiem
High Mass. Interment was in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery.
Among those from out-of-town who attended the funeral were; Mr. and Mrs.
John Moberg and son Edward, Miss Anna Carlson, and Henry Larson of Warren; Mr.
and Mrs. J.F. Keating, Mr. and Mrs. George Blosser, Lester Bridge, Mr. and
Mrs. John Anderson, Mrs. Robert Perry, and Jacob Amend of Clermont; Mr. and
Mrs. J.J. Kane, William Kane, Mrs. Oscar Anderson, Mrs. Simeson Anderson of
Mt. Jewett, and P. O'Laughlin of Bradford.
Page 2.
Glider Accident Victim Former Kane Resident
Kane, Feb. 20. As the body of Emery Davis, former Kane man and aviation
pioneer, lay in the morgue at Wantagh today, near Roosevelt Field, New York,
where he was killed yesterday, a Department of Commerce inspection had
completed an investigation of the accident which caused Davis' Death.
The only part of the report on the investigation made public was that the
glider which threw Davis out and then dropped on him was flying without
numbers in violation of the federal air traffic laws and that death was
accidental. Carl Nelson, who was slightly injured in the crash, was to be
discharged from the hospital today.
Funeral services it was understood will be held Monday, with burial in
Evergreen cemetery. Further arrangements are to be completed on arrival and
near Portville.
Page 2.
Aged Mt. Jewett Man Drops Dead
Kane, Feb. 20 Charles Sjoberg, of Mt. Jewett, was found dead near his home
at that place yesterday afternoon at about four o'clock by Frederick Anderson,
a neighbor who was passing by his home. Death was due to a heart attack. Mr.
Sjoberg was shoveling snow when stricken.
He was aged 81 years, and had been a resident of Mt. Jewett for the past
forty years.
Three sons, G.A. Nelson, of Youngwood, Fred and Elmer Nelson of DuBois;
several grandchildren and one great-grandchild survive. He was preceded in
death by his wife three years ago.
Mr. Sjoberg was a member of Zion Lutheran Church.
He was the second Mt. Jewett resident to drop dead this week.
Page 3.
Mrs. Blanche I. Raub
Olean, Feb. 21. Mrs. Blanche I. Raub, wife of Dr. H.D. Raub, 315 Laurel
Avenue, died in Olean General Hospital, Friday. She underwent an operation
one week ago. Mrs. Raub had been a resident of Olean the last 36 years. She
was active in the Silver Cross circle of King's Daughters, Elect chapter of
the Order of Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church. She was born in
Lake Station, Ind., October 27, 1874. Besides her husband, she leaves two
sons, Dr. Howard W. and Dr. Lawrence G., Olean; a daughter, Mrs. Edward
Backus, Smethport, Pa., and four grandchildren. The funeral will be in the
home at 2:30 p.m. Sunday the Rev. A.H. Nicholson, First Presbyterian Church,
officiating, with burial in Mt. View Cemetery.
Page 3.
Mrs. J.E. Johnson, son Theodore, and daughter, Mrs. Raymond Raszmann, Mr. and
Mrs. J.T. Haynes, attended the funeral of their uncle, Sheridan Haynes of
Grove City, which was held from the M.E. Church at Keating Summit, Wednesday
afternoon at 2:30. Deceased was aged 85 years, died Sunday, February 15 of
complications incident to old age. He was a brother of the late Geo. Haynes
who was a resident of Larabee for several years
Page 4.
Mrs. Hattie Stull Wales
Mrs. Hattie Stull Wales, died at 11:30 Saturday night at the home of her
sister, Mrs. Fred Nourse of Smethport from complications of diseases, having
been in ill health for the past three year. She was the youngest daughter of
James H. and Ann Eliza Stull, deceased.
Deceased was born March 7th, 1882 at Eldred. Her parents moved to Smethport
in May of that year where she lived until her marriage to Clayton Wales of
Friendship, N.Y., September 19th, 1907, their home being in Bolivar, N.Y.,
until the death of her husband in March 1925.
She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Fred H. Nourse of Smethport and Mrs.
Alfred Haskins of Caneaden,N.Y., several nieces and nephews and a host of
friends in Bolivar.
Prayer services were held at the home Tuesday, February 24th at 10 o'clock
by Rev. John E Besant, pastor of the local Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held at the home of Mrs. Clara Whitcomb of Bolivar at
2:00 o'clock, Rev. Gregson, pastor of the Methodist Church officiating.
Burial was in the family plot in the Black Creek Cemetery.
Page 4.
Mrs. Angelia Coleman
Port Allegany, Feb. 9. The community is saddened today for passing of one
of its most respected and best beloved residents, Mrs. Angelia Coleman, who
departed this life on Sunday morning February 15th, at the age of eighty seven
years. She was born at Holmesville, N.Y., August 6th, 1843.
Her parents were Ira Holmes and wife, Mrs. Emeline Medbury Holmes. Upon the
death of her mother, she came to this place and lived with her aunt and uncle,
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Arnold. She was educated in the local schools and taught
for several years throughout this section. In 1863 she married Frank Coleman,
son of Joseph Coleman, who died about twenty-eight years ago. Frank Coleman,
her husband, was a grandson of Dr. Horace Coleman, who was the first
postmaster of our little city, having received his commission in 1828. His
grandmother, Eliza Manning Coleman, was the first teacher listed at Harrisburg
from this place.
Mrs. Coleman is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Lena Rowley, two sons, Volney
J. Coleman of this place, and Edgar H. Coleman of Smethport; four
grandchildren, Lawrence H. Coleman of Olean; P.Gordon Coleman of Smethport;
Mrs. Florence Sampson of Rochester, N.Y,; and Mrs. Ruth Warner of Brookly,
N.Y.; also six tgreat-grandchildren and one brother Edgar R. Holmes of
Tarrytown, N.Y.
Funeral Services were held on Wednesday afternoon t two o'clock, the Rev.
C.H. Dudley of Coudersport officiating, assisted by the Rev. J.M. MacQuarrio,
pastor of the Presbyterian Church. Burial was made in the Port Allegany
Cemetery.
March 5, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Charles Gallup, highly respected resident of Port Allegany and former
resident of Smethport, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 28th at 4
o'clock at her home in that village, where she had been ill during the winter.
Catherine Bellows was born June 19, 1855 in Port Allegany. She married
Charles Gallup forty-eight years ago, and most of her life up to twelve years
ago, when they moved to Port Allegany, was spent in this village and its
vicinity, where she was held in high esteem by a large circle of friends who
admired her many fine qualities of heart and mind, was she was beloved in her
home, where she was a devoted wife.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Gallup, one sister, Mrs. Mae Fields
and one brother Frank Bellows, both of Port Allegany.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in the
Presbyterian Church in Port Allegany, the pastor of that church officiating;
interment was in that cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Gallup, Mrs. F.A. Gallup and A.L. Gallup of Smethport
attended the funeral.
Page 1.
Brother O Mrs. W.H. Halpenny Succumbs
Henry Bedford of Binghamford, aged 64 years passed away very suddenly from
heart trouble last Sunday evening at 11:30. His sister, Mrs. W.H. Halpenny of
Bank Street, who had been visiting him since the preceding Friday, had been
home only a short time when she was shocked to hear of his death.
Page 1.
Funeral Rites For Joseph Anderson Held Thursday.
Funeral rites in memory of Joseph Anderson, prominent Bloomster Hollow
resident who passed away Monday evening, February 23, were held from the home
last Thursday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock
The funeral was largely attended and the flowers were of an extremely
beautiful nature. The Rev. J.E. Hallmertz of the Swedish Mission Church of
Smethport officiated.
Miss Ellen Hallstrom and Fred Hallstrom sang S??? Kommer Jesus, and God's
Way is the Best Way.
The pallbearers were Fred, Simon and Axel Anderson, Andrew Peterson, Adolph
Johnson and Burt Hazzard.
Interment was in the family plot at Kasson Cemetery.
Among the relatives from out-of-town who attended the funeral were: Mr. and
Mrs. Simon Anderson and family and Oscar Anderson of Mt. Jewett; Mr. and Mrs.
John Hull, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Connelly and Oscar Redn, of Jamestown, N.Y.; Mr.
and Mrs. John Anderson and Mr. and Mrs. John Walberg, of Clermont, Mr. and
Mrs. Fred Anderson of Gowanda, N.Y; Mr. and Mrs. Adoph Johnson and daughters
Emogene and Margaret, Mr. and Mrs. Andy Peterson and son Billy, Mr. and Mrs.
Arvid Hjlem of Smethport; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Swanson, Mrs. Hendrickson, Mrs.
Nelson and William Swanson of Marvindale and Burt Hazzard of Bradford.
Page 3.
Salesman Dies While Asleep At Hotel Holley
Bradford, Feb. 28. A.M. Lazier of Jamestown, N.Y. a traveling salesman,
died Thursday night while asleep in bed at Hotel Holley. His body was found
at 8 o'clock yesterday morning. He was employed by a Pittsburgh drug
company. The family was notified and Mrs. Lazier arrived yesterday to arrange
for the removal of the body.
Lazier who reached Bradford Thursday forenoon on one of his regular trips
retired for the night at 10:30 o'clock and left word at the desk to be called
at 7:30 o'clock Friday morning. He was called as ordered but failed to
respond. A bell boy then went to the room and learned the man had died.
Dr. H.A. Wilson examined the body. He found that the body was still warm so
it is believed that Lazier had not long been dead. Heart failure is believed
to have caused death.
Acting Coroner McCutcheon was called and following an investigation allowed
the body to be removed to Stull's mortuary.
Page 4.
C.J. Fulmer
Port Allegany, Feb. 26. The death of Clarence J. Fulmer, formerly of this
place, occurred at his home at 672 Garden Avenue, Olean, Saturday, following a
long illness of heart trouble. The funeral services were held Monday
afternoon at three o'clock from the Peoples Methodist Episcopal Church of
which he was a member and interment was made in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
The services were conducted by Rev. C.H. Dudley of Coudersport and Rev. Balley
of Olean.
C.J. Fulmer was born at Fulmer Valley, N.Y., October 3, 1874. During his
early life he moved to Port Allegany, where he resided until about thirteen
years ago, when he moved to Olean, where during the past twelve years he had
been manager of the Atlantic & Pacific Tea store on East State Street.
He is survived by his widow, Edith Cooper Fulmer, whom he married at
Allegany, November 27, 1895; three sons Raymond C., and Eugene W. of Olean and
Joseph H. of Charleston, W. Va., and two daughters, Mrs. Helen Graf of
Buffalo and Mrs. Evelyn Kent of Olean; a brother, William Fulmer of Smethport
and two grandchildren.
Page 6.
Shock Following Injury Results in Death of Child.
Kane, Feb. 25. Shock, brought on by the fear of another operation, today
was given as the cause of the death of Hazel E. Strand, fourteen-year-old
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Strand, of Moffat Avenue, who passed away at
the Community Hospital this morning at 5:15 o'clock.
A broken leg suffered three years ago and another break in the same place a
month ago, when the girl fell on the leg were responsible for a cesa bone
which demanded an operation. Outside of extreme fear of the operation , the
child was in good physical condition it was said.
Hazel E. Strand was born in HazelHurst, August 21, 1916, moved here with her
parents a few years later and had spent the larger part of her life here.
She was a pupil in the seventh grade of the Central School, having formerly
attended school in the West Side building and at West Kane School.
Besides her parents she is survived by one younger, sister, Lucille.
Funeral services in her memory will be conducted from the home at 413 Moffat
Avenue, Sunday afternoon at three o'clock, Rev. Bernie Osterhouse, of the
Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be made in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
March 12, 1931.
Page 1.
Seth McGee, aged resident of Colegrove passed away Friday evening at his
home in that village where he had been seriously ill for the past two weeks.
Mr. McGee was born in 1853 in Philadelphia, Pa., and had lived in Colegrove
for the past fifty years. He was married when a young man and to them were
born six children who survive to mourn his loss. They are: Mrs. Bixley of
Binghamton, N.Y.; Bernice and Amos McGee of Colegrove; North McGee of
Bradford; Joyce McGee of Duke Center, and Lyle McGee of Calumet City, Illinois.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon t 2:00 o'clock at the family
residence in Colegrove, a Bradford minister officiating; interment was in
Colegrove Cemetery.
Page 1.
Tragic Accident at Pennsy Crossing in East Smethport
One of the most shocking accidents this tow has ever known, occurred last
Thursday afternoon at 1:45 o'clock when a Ford sedan owned and driven by R.H.
Almony, prominent local farmer, crashed into a freight train on the
Pennsylvania Railroad tracks at East Smethport, fatally injuring two of the
party and slightly injuring the other two.
The automobile party was following an ambulance bearing the ill daughter of
Mr. Almony to the Olean General Hospital when the accident occurred.
Mr. Almony was worn out with the ceaseless care of his daughter, who had
been very ill for the past three months and because of his condition it is
thought failed to heed the signal at the crossing.
The injured ones were at first taken to one of the offices of the Norwich
Chemical Company, near the scene of the accident, where Drs Hamilton,
Ostrander and Mineard, were called and gave them first aid treatment. It was
realized from the first that there was little or no hope for the two men.
Ambulances were called and they were taken to the Olean General hospital
where both men succumbed to their injuries.
The car, a twisted mass of wreckage was viewed by any for several hours
following the accident; it seemed a miracle that any of its occupants could
have survived.
Mr. Almony died in the Olean General Hospital at 6:40 o'clock Friday
morning. He suffered lacerations about the head and body and (unreadable)
internal injuries.
Gordon Weir died in the Olean General Hospital Thursday night at 7:45
o'clock. He suffered a fractured skull and dislocated right hip, lacerations
to the right hand and head
Mrs. Almony suffered lacerations to the right shoulder the knee and face and
a sprained left ankle. Her condition is reported favorable.
Miss Genevieve McElheny 444 Third Avenue, Olean a registered nurse, suffered
bruises and shock. She was not admitted ot the hospital for treatment.
Miss Marjorie Almony, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Almony was in the ambulance
that preceded the car across the railroad crossing. Miss Almony was admitted
to the hospital a short time after the accident.
Weir, a former resident of Rixford, Pa., and an employe on the Almony farm
is survived by his widow, Fannie Ellis Weir, his mother, Mrs. Jennie Weir of
Rixford; one sister, Miss Margaret Weir, a nurse of Bradford.
Mr. Almony has managed the large Holmes & Gifillan farm for several years.
He conducted a milk route and was a man known for his good character and
industry.
His family have the sympathy of the whole community in their sad loss.
Mr. Almony is survived by his widow, Mrs. R.H. Almony and six children,
Marjorie, Evelyn, Lucille, Betty, Robert and Billy.
The body of Mr. Almony was brought by H.H. Sasse, local undertaker to the
Almony home Friday. The funeral arrangements are not known.
Page 1.
Miss Almony In Critical Condition
Olean, March 10. Miss Marjorie Almony, whose father, R.H. Almony, was
fatally injured in a crossing crash near East Smethport, last week is in a
critical condition according to report from Olean General Hospital, where she
is a medical patient.
Page 1.
Gordon F. Weir
The funeral of Gordon F. Weir was held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the
home of Walter Ross in Westons, Pallbearers were; Paul Gibbon Marlow Lilly,,
Rixford; Lawrence Smith, Bradford; B. Cotton, Derrick City, and William
Walters and Leo Fr?sch, Olean. Mrs. Freeman Osborn, accompanied by Mrs. L.D.
Cogswell sang, Abide With Me and some Time We'll Understand. Those
present from out-of-town were: Mrs. Jennie Weir, Rixford; Miss Margaret Weif,
Mr. and Mrs. E.S. Clark, Robert Munch, Bradford,; Mrs. Elmer Smith,
Coudersport; F.H. Sherman, T.H. Giberson, Frank Hunt and D.H. Godell, Rixford,
Pa.
Page 4.
Dies From Burns As Can Explodes
Galeton Leader Dispatch Floyd D. Fenner, aged 38 years, son of Mr. and
Mrs. John Fenner, formerly of this place, died in the Williamsport Hospital
Tuesday night as the result of burns and exposure.
Mr. Fenner was seriously burned on the morning of February 19th. He was
living in a small cabin near Trout Run and had started a fire in the coal
stove. The fire did not burn as rapidly as he thought it should and he picked
up the can of kerosene oil to pour on the fire to hasten it along.
The can was nearly empty and the fumes caused an explosion before any of the
oil touched the fire. The can was blown into bits and Mr. Fenner's clothing
burst into flame. He was alone and before he could get outside to roll in the
snow, most of his clothing was burned from his body.
March 19, 1931.
Page 1.
Marjory Amony Called By Death
Marjory Almony, the lovely young daughter of Mrs. R.H. Almony of Smethport,
passed away Wednesday evening, March eleventh at 8:30 o'clock at the Olean
General Hospital, where she had been taken the Thursday preceding and where
medical skill failed in its efforts to save her life. She died without
knowing of her father's and Mr. Weir's tragic deaths, the result of their car
crashing into a freight train at East Smethport on the day she was taken to
the hospital.
Marjory Almony was the oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Almony and was born
August 10, 1911 in Belfast, N.Y. With her parents she moved to Smethport six
years ago and the family lived one year on the Milton farm on the Farmers
Valley road. They then moved on to the Holmes & Gilfillan farm near East
Smethport where they have lived for the past five years.
Marjory was a graduate from Smethport High School of the class of 1929. She
was a promising student and possessed many fine qualities which endeared her
to her teachers, fellow students and associates.
She was taken ill early in January with inflammatory rheumatism and
complications developed which baffled her physician. Later she became ill
with chicken pox. Distracted with worry and fear the fond parents finally
decided to have their daughter taken to the Olean General Hospital for
treatment and ordered an ambulance for that purpose. It was while following
the ambulance occupied by their daughter and a nurse, that the Almony car met
with disaster.
She is survived by her mother, Mrs. R.H. Almony and the following brothers
and sisters: Evely, Lucille, Robert, Betty and William.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Almony
residence for both father and daughter, Rev. A.W. MacDougald officiating.
Interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery in one grave.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of a host of friends in their sad loss.
Page 1.
J.C. Backus, Father of Electricity In Smethport, Succumbs in Buffalo
Sanitarium, Sunday Afternoon
The many friends of J. Clayton Backus of West Main Street, were shocked and
grieved to learn of his death which occurred, Sunday afternoon, March 16th at
2:30 o'clock at a Buffalo sanitarium, where he had been taken last Tuesday for
treatment by Dr. Eckels.
Mr. Backus had been in poor health for over a year and had been tenderly
cared for by his wife who was with him constantly. Fearing his condition was
serious, he desired to be near his physician. Dr. Eckels and was taken to the
buffalo sanitarium last week by W. H. Gallup and Fred Diever. Here his
strength gradually failed and pneumonia developed Sunday. Fearing the worst,
his wife and son Edward were notified and drove at once in buffalo arriving
there at 11:00 o'clock and were with him when he passed away.
John Clayton Backus was born March 14, 1866 in Smethport, the son of Major
John Couch Backus, a prominent lawyer of that period, and Mary Almyra Backus.
He was from a family of ten children, eight of whom reached maturity.
He was married December 11, 1899 to Lucy Slake of Eldred and had resided
here all his life where he was the owner of the Backus Novelty works and was
prominent in all civic affairs. His untiring and finally successful efforts
in leading the campaign to secure electricity for Smethport, are important
annals in the history of the town. He has been termed the father of
Electricity in Smethport a name justly deserved.
He was an inventor of note; the Backus Pin Setter, the Backus Checkhook and
the Backus Home Golf Trainer and many other inventions are all products of his
clever mind and hands.
Genial, kind-hearted, generous to a fault, all those who knew and
remember Clayte will be saddened by his passing. In his home life he was a
devoted husband and father and will be greatly missed.
He was member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, the I.O.O.F Lodge of
Smethport, the Elks of Bradford, the Masonic Blue Lodge of Olean, the
Consistory of Coundersport, Zem Zem Temple of Erie, Phoenix chapter O.E.S.,
Tall Cedars of Lebanon, the Smethport Hose Company and the C??? Club. He was
a former past master of the Masonic Lodge of Smethport.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Lucy Backus, one son, Edward and a baby
grandson, two sisters, Mrs. W.T. Soger, and Mrs. Nellie Cutler of New York
City and one brother, Merle Backus of Smethport.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the family
residence on West Main Street, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating; interment was
in Rose Hill Cemetery.
(Resolution of Respect located on page 5)
Page 1.
Mrs. Lawrence Scanlon
Mrs. Lawrence Scanlon, highly esteemed resident of Colegrove passed away
Friday, March 13th at 6:30 o'clock at the home in that place where she had
been ill for the past three weeks.
Bessie Higgins Scanlon was born in 1840 I Beliano, Mayo County, Ireland.
She came to America in 1865 and was married to Lawrence Scanlon that same
year. Mr. Scanlon died about 20 years ago. The family moved to Colegrove in
1885 where Mrs. Scanlon had a large circle of friends who loved and admired
her many splendid womanly qualities.
She was a devout member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church and her daily
life exemplified its religious teachings.
She was the mother of ten children; five sons and five daughters, eight of
whom survive to mourn her loss. Mrs. P.J. Sauer of St. Petersburg, Florida;
James M. Williams, Lake, B.C.; Lawrence E. and William A. Colegrove, Pa;
Michael F. Franklin , Pa.; Mrs. A.K Simpson Minden, Louisiana; Mrs. T.R.
Bahan, Conly, Kansas, Mrs. Lyle McGee, Calumet City, Illinois, also nineteen
grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Requiem high mass was held Monday evening at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church
Rev. Urban S. Barrett officiating. Interment was in the Corry Cemetery.
Page 6.
Mrs. C.A. Bailey Aged Resident of Rixford Succumbs in Elmira
Bradford, March 17. Mrs. O.A. Bailey, 83, a resident of Rixford for the
past fifty years, died Sunday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C.
Strock in Elmira, N.Y. Mrs. Bailey had been spending the winter months with
her daughter. Details of the cause of her death were lacking.
She was a member of the United Brethren church in Rixford. Surviving here
are one brother, George Sherwood of Shinglehouse; four daughters, Mrs. Russell
Olmstead and Mrs. Hattie Phillips of Olean, Mrs. Belle Johnson of Dunkirk and
Mrs. Chloe Strock of (unreadable).
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the
Methodist Church in Shinglehouse. Burial will be in the Shinglehouse Cemetery.
March 26, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Mae Irons Keenan
Mrs. Mae Irons Keenan, highly esteemed resident of Smethport, passed away
Saturday morning, March 21st at 4:45 o'clock at her home after an illness of
over a years duration.
The deceased was the daughter of Stephen and Julia Cross Irons and was born
in the old Irons homestead, January 11th, 1861 and most of her life was spent
in this section. She was married fourteen years ago to Frank Keenan who
preceded her to the great beyond several years ago.
She was possessed of many splendid attributes and bore her suffering with
true Christian fortitude. She will be greatly missed in her home and by a
large circle of friends. She was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church.
She is survived by two brothers, J.D. and Eugene Irons.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at her late
home. Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating. Interment was in the Irons Cemetery.
Page 1.
Ruth Phyliss Herzog
The death of Ruth Phyliss Herzog, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Herzog of
Rew City, occurred Saturday afternoon at 3:45 o'clock at her home, following a
one week's illness of pneumonia. She was a student in the first grade in Rew
City school.
Surviving are her parents, one sister, Mary; two brothers, John and Neil,
all of Rew City, and her grandmother, Mrs. Nora Herzog of Colegrove.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the home.
Rev. Malvin officiating. Interment was made in Rose Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Page 3.
Crash Victims to Be Buried In Wellsville
(Most of article is unreadable)
Wellsville, March 20. Triple funeral services for victims of the
automobile train crash here Wednesday night will be held in New Hudson Church
Saturday at 2 p.m. Burial will be mad in New Hudson Cemetery.
Bodies of Harold D. Sweet, 23 of Wellsville, his wife, Bernice L. Buchanan
Sweet 21 and their daughter Helen Edna Sweet 16 months old were removed to the
home of Mr. and Mrs. (unreadable) Buchanan, parents of the dead woman, in
Rushford, Thursday afternoon, to remain there until the funeral.
(Unreadable Section)
His wife was born in Franklinville, May 3, 1910, a daughter of Frederick and
Myra Barbara? Buchanan, Rushford. The Sweets were married in August 1927.
Besides her parents, two sisters, Doris and Bertah Buchanan, and two brothers,
Harold and Donald Buchanan all of Rushford.
Helen Edna Sweet, third victim of the tragedy was born in Rushford,
(unreadable) 1929.
April 2, 1931
Page 1.
Mother of Dr. R.S. Minerd Succumbs in Pittsburgh
Dr. R.S. Minerd was called to Pittsburgh Sunday by the serious illness of
his mother Mrs. Margaret J. Minerd, who passed away Monday at 12:45 p.m. in
her 79th year. Dr. and Mrs. Minerd and sons Penn and Bobby attended the
funeral which was held Wednesday afternoon at 1:00 o'clock in Pittsburgh.
Page 8.
Rev. Frank G. Finlay
The death of the Rev. Frank G. Finlay, pastor of the Farmers Valley United
Brethren Church occurred very suddenly at his home in Farmers Valley, Thursday
morning at 6 o'clock. He had been ailing for some time.
Mr. Finlay was in Smethport Wednesday making calls on members of the
congregation and Wednesday evening a member of friends visited him at his
home. When he retired at about 11 o'clock he seemed to be in his usual health.
He had been pastor of the Farmers Valley United Brethren Church for the last
two years and the four years previous to that he was the pastor of the Rew
City and Sawyer City United Brethren Churches where he held the love and
esteem of all who knew him. He had many friends and acquaintances in
Smethport.
Rev. Finlay was born in Elmira, N.Y., on December 17, 1878. He had lived in
this section for the last six years.
Surviving are his widow, Jessie, one son, Frank and one daughter, Gladys,
all of Farmers Valley; one sister, Mrs. F.C. Harper of Elmira, N.Y., and two
brothers, Robert Finlay of Elmira and William Finlay of Los Angeles, Cal.
Funeral services were held Saturday morning, at 10 o'clock in the United
Brethren Church in Farmers Valley. The ministers in charge of the services
included M.L. Gearhart, E.W. Mattison, B.H. Eggleston, R.H. Reagle and U.B.
Brubaker. A quartette composed of L.M.M. Gearhart, C.B. Anderson, E.W.
Mattison and R.A. Eggleston sang several selections. The remains were taken
by motor to Elmira, N.Y., where burial was in the Elmira Cemetery.
Page 8.
Mrs. Arthur Dardenne
The many friends of Mrs. Arthur Dardenne of Erie were saddened to learn of
her death which occurred at 1 o'clock Sunday morning at St. Hamot's Hospital
where she had been a patient several days, having taken (unreadable) the
Tuesday preceeding.
Mrs. Dardenne was 33 years of age and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M.S.
Geary of Main Street. She was a graduate of Smethport High School and
attended Westbrook's Academy in Olean. She possessed marked musical talent
and had played with local orchestras.
She was a lovely woman of a high type of character beloved by her family and
esteemed by all who knew her. She was a member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic
Church.
She is survived by her husband, Arthur T. Dardenne, a five months old
daughter, her parents, Mrs. And Mrs. M.S. Geary and a sister, Mrs. O.J. Ness
of Smethport.
The body arrived Tuesday noon at the Geary home and funeral services were
held Wednesday morning at 9:00 o'clock at St. Elizabeth's Church, Rev. Urban
S. Barrett officiating; interment was in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery.
Page 8.
Former Resident of Colegrove Called By Death
August Ebert, venerated and respected resident of Meadow, Virginia, aged 81
years, died suddenly March 16th at his home in that place, where he has
resided for the past 38 years.
Mr. Ebert was a former Colegrove resident, having lived there for 29 years
previous to his moving to Meadow. He has many old friends in this section who
will remember him. He formerly owned the farm now occupied by Hans Hansen.
The deceased is survived by two sisters: Mrs. Carrie Bauer and Mrs.
Christine Seyler of Meadow, Virginia and four nieces and seven nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 18th at his late residence,
interment was in Meadow Cemetery.
Page 8.
Former Norwich Resident Summoned By Death
Arnold H. Gallup a former McKean County resident, died at his home in
Youngsville, Pa., Thursday morning, March 26th.
Mr. Gallup was born in Norwich, Pa., August 26, 1865, the son of Orlando and
Floretta Gallup. Besides his devoted wife his is survived by one daughter,
Mrs. Katherine Gallup McKay of North East, Pa., and a brother, C.C. Gallup of
Port Allegany.
Funeral was held at the family residence Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock.
Rev. W.E. Van Dyke of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, officiating; Interment was
in Norwich Cemetery at Colgrove.
April 9, 1931
Page 1.
Natale Pascuzzi Called By Death
Natale Pascuzzi, aged 49 years, well known and respected local resident,
passed away Wednesday at 11:45 at the Bradford Hospital where he had been
taken the day previous.
Deceased had been ill for the past three months; for the past five weeks had
been confined to his bed. Although seriously ill his death was peaceful and
unexpected.
Natale Pascuzzi was born December 29th, 1882 in Soveria Mamelli,? Italy, and
came to this country about 30 years ago and most of his life was spent in
Smethport. For a number of yeas he was employed in the local glass plant, and
during the last four years was employed by the local highway department.
He was married in 1923 in Italy while visiting relatives and to this union
was born one son.
Louie as he was known to his many friends was a fine citizen and kind to a
fault and his many friends will be grieved to learn of his untimely death.
He is survived by his (unreadable) Italy, one brother, Santo Pascuzzi and
one sister Mrs. Marie Dragoone, one sister, Mrs. Joe Primerano of Buffalo and
two sisters in Italy.
Funeral services will be held at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, Saturday
morning at 9:00 o'clock; interment will be in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery.
Page 1.
Carpenter Exonerated Of Blame In Mishap Fatal To Salamancan
Walking along the highway on his way from Salamanca to Smethport to seek
work at the chemical plant, John Landon 63 of Salamanca, was struck and
instantly killed by a car driven by C.G. Carpenter of Eldred R.D. 2, Saturday
at 9:30 p.m. The accident occurred about midway between Farmers Valley and
Coryville.
According to reports given highway patrolmen of the local barracks, Landon
was walking in the middle of the road and was not seen until too late for the
driver of the car to avoid him. Both his legs and the hip were broken and his
body crushed.
Upon instruction of a patrolman called to the scene, the body was taken to
the Sasse funeral parlors, from where it was taken to Salamanca Sunday.
Mr. Landon leaves a wife and three children.
Services for Mr. Landon were held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home of
O'Rourke & O'Rourke, Salamanca. Interment was in Wildwood Cemetery.
At an inquest conducted Sunday afternoon in Smethport by Dr. S.A. McCutcheon
of Bradford, deputy coroner, Carpenter was exonerated of blame in the accident.
Page 5.
Angelina DeStevens of Hazelhurst, aged thirteen years, died Thursday, April
2d at 5:00 p.m. from heart trouble at the home of her uncle, Carmon Monturi,
of Coryville. She had been ill since last September.
She had many friends in Hazelhurst and this section who will regret her
early demise.
The remains were taken to Hazelhurst Saturday and funeral services were held
Monday in the Hazelhurst Catholic Church, Rev. Moore of Mt. Jewett,
officiating. Interment was in the St. Elizabeth's cemetery at Smethport.
April 16, 1931.
Page 1.
Two Children Dead; Father is Severely Burned
Bradford, April 10. Two small children were dead today and their father
was severely burned as a result of a fire which swept through their home last
night.
The two children, victims of the blaze were Henry Joseph Miller, two years
old and Joseph Winfield Miller, 13 months old.
The blaze came as a climax to ten fires which kept the Bradford fire
department busy throughout the day.
The fire in the Miller home a three story frame dwelling between Congress
Street and the Erie Railroad tracks, occurred at 10:30 o'clock last night.
The two children were asleep in a room on the third floor and the father was
asleep in a room on the second story. The mother was at the home of a sister
for the evening.
Miller told fire officials that he fell asleep while smoking and that
tobacco embers probably started the blaze.
He was unconscious when rescued by fireman and unable to tell them of the
plight of the youngsters asleep in the room overhead. The upper portion of
the dwelling was gutted before the blaze was extinguished and the tragedy
discovered.
Miller, who is a patient in the Bradford General Hospital, is expected to
recover. His burns are deep, but do not cover a great area.
Page 1.
Funeral Services Held For Natale Pascuzzi
Funeral services in memory of Natale Pascuzzi who passed away Wednesday
April 8th at the Bradford Hospital, where he was taken the day previous, were
held Saturday morning at 9:00 o'clock at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church,
Father Urban S. Barrett officiating. During the service, James Bracaccini of
Bradford sang two beautiful solos. Interment was in St. Elizabeth's Cemetery.
Deceased was well known in this section and the many beautiful floral
offerings were silent tributes to the high regard in which he was held by his
many friends.
Page 1.
John D. Snyder Dies At Home of Late Aunt
Bradford, April 15. John D. Snyder, 63 who had taken seriously ill while
attending the funeral of his aunt, Mrs. Roxey Cro??? Wednesday April 17, died
at the home of his aunt yesterday afternoon at (unreadable).
Mr. Snyder [was born] at Tuna, and resided in this vicinity his entire
life. He was Master of the Pomona grange.
Mr. Snyder is survived by his wife, Mrs. Evelyn Snyder and one daughter,
Mrs. Vera Coleman of Bradford, and one stepson, Orville Brown of New Castle.
The body was removed to the Koch mortuary and prepared for burial.
Page 3.
Pioneer Oil Man is Dead
Bradford, April 10. The Hon. John Lewis Wilson, pioneer oil man of north
western Pennsylvania, died Monday at his home in Titusville after an illness
of two years duration.
As a young man, Mr. Wilson was attracted to the oil fields, because of the
unusual excitement which followed the drilling of the first well by Col. Edwin
L. Drake, and most of his active career was spent as a contracting driller in
the Pennsylvania field. He had been a driller in the fields along Oil Creek
and in the Bradford section and a few years ago received from the
International Petroleum exposition at Tulsa, Okla., a gold medal as being one
of the pioneer workers in the petroleum industry.
He had resided in Titusville for 43 years.
Page 5.
Mrs. Emma Stillson
Mrs. Emma Stillson aged 34 years, wife of William Stillson of Cyclone died
Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock at her home following an illness of two weeks
duration.
Surviving are her husband, three daughters, Virginia, Betty and Jean, and
one son, William, Jr., all of Cyclone; five sisters, Mrs. Frank Moore, New
Jersey; Mrs. Sara Resor, Pleasantville; Mrs. Elizabeth Yeager of Oil City;
Mrs. Julia Drake of Rossville, Pa.; Mrs. Mary Burt, Ashville, N.Y.; six
brothers, Aaron, Charles, George, John, Howard and Frederick Wright all of
Titusville.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at two o'clock from the home in
Cyclone and at 2:30 at the Community Church at Cyclone. Rev. Matson
officiated. Rev. Webster of Lewis Run and Rev. Matson sang Sometime We'll
Understand and Asleep in Jesus. Pallbearers were: Frank Thomas, I.O. Lord,
L.S. Miller, J. Valentine, A.D. Rossman and Elmer Hayes. Burial was in Rose
Hill Cemetery, Smethport.
Page 5.
Father of A.J. Gilfillan Dies
James Gilfillan of Connersville, Pa., former Smethport resident aged 97
years, passed away March 23rd at his home in that village.
Mr. Gilfillan who was an expert carpenter, worked at his trade here for many
years, later going to Warren, where he resided about sixteen years ago.
The surviving relatives are: two daughters and one son, A.J. Gilfillan of
Smethport who is now undergoing a course of medical treatment in Philadelphia.
Funeral services and burial were held in Warren on March 25th.
Page 6.
Duke Center Girl Is Fatally Burned
Bradford, April 13. Her clothes igniting from a piece of burning ??? which
her ??? brother was waving, Lerneda DuBois, 4, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willis
DuBois of duke Center was severely burned Saturday afternoon (large portion is
unreadable)
Before she could extinguish the blaze Lerneda was so severely burned about
the body that she was hurried to the Bradford Hospital where she died Saturday
night.
The body was removed to the McAllister undertaking establishment and
prepared for burial.
Funeral services for the tot will be held Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock
at the residence in Duke Center. Burial will be in the Kane Cemetery.
Surviving Lerneda are her parents, Mr. and Mr. Willis Dubois and three
brothers, Willis, Jr., Edwin and James.
Page 6.
Pioneer Resident of This Section Dies At Hazelhurst
Kane, April 11. Death of Fritz Block, one of the oldest residents of this
section, occurred last evening at 10:20 o'clock at the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Mary Locke, of Hazelhurst. The venerable man passed away after being ill
with pneumonia for three days.
Mr. Block was born in Germany in 1846. He left his native land at the age
of twenty-one and settled in Clermont upon his arrival in the United States.
Later he made his home at Kasson and still later conducted a also had a farm
on the Smethport road.
The veteran was better known here as Grandaddy Block. He was a member of
the Rebekah lodge and the Odd Fellows and a charter member of the Encampment.
One son, Fred Block of Hazelhurst, and five daughters, Mrs. E.H. Wilson, of
East Kane; Mrs. Matilda Miller, of Rochester, N.Y.; Mrs. Minnie Nelson of
Arnold; Mrs. Rose Howard of Clarksburg; and Mrs. Mary Locke of Hazelhurst
survive him. A number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services in his memory will be held from the home of his daughter,
Mrs. Mary Locke of Hazelhurst, Monday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. The Rev.
Ebel of the Methodist Episcopal church of Mt. Jewett, will officiate.
Interment will be made in the Kasson Cemetery.
Page 8.
Walter Shaw, Jr. Victim of Bandit, Dies In Hospital
Bradford, April 14. Walter R. Shaw, Jr. 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter r.
Shaw of 144 South Avenue, died at 2 o'clock this morning in a St. Louis, MO
hospital from the effects of a bullet wound in the abdomen suffered March 6th
last, when he resisted an attempt by a lone bandit to hold up himself and a
girl companion.
Mr. Shaw's wound was reported to have been responding nicely to treatment
when pneumonia developed. For several days his condition was regarded as
critical.
The young man won his battle against the ravages of pneumonia, despite his
condition being weakened by the bullet wound. The left lung was reported to
have entirely cleared.
His condition yesterday was reported as very favorable. But an unexpected
internal complication developed late last night from which he was unable to
rally.
Word of the young man's death was telephoned to T.B. Thompson Jr, of this
city this morning by Rodney J. Alexander of Oil City, secretary of the
Pennsylvania Crude Oil association for which the young man was a special
investigator.
The Bradford youth made a valiant fight to recover. His condition at times
was reported as very critical only to have a report of favorable follow within
a day or two. The cycle of reports continued for several weeks.
Several days after the shooting, an unemployed chauffeur of St. Louis,
Alfred Surand was arrested and is said to have confessed that it was he who
attempted to holdup and wounded the Bradford man.
Mr. Shaw is survived by his parents and two brothers, Robert and Gordon, all
of this city.
He was graduated from the Bradford High School in the class of 1925.
April 23, 1931
Page 1.
Dr. Lewis Robinson Called to Reward
Dr. Lewis Robinson, highly esteemed resident of Marvin Street passed away
Friday, April seventh at 7:15 p.m. at his home having suffered an acute attack
of illness at 2:00 o'clock that morning. Dr. Robinson had been about
(unreadable) the day before and his death (unreadable) shock to his family and
friends.
Dr. Robinson was born September 12, 1847 in Monticello, New York. Taking up
the study of dentistry when a young man he practiced in Brooklyn, N.Y. until
1872, when he left for Buenos Ares, South America, where he practiced for five
years. He returned to Brooklyn in 1877 and opened an office in St. James
Place where he remained until he retired and moved to Holtsville, Long Island.
In 1886 he was married to Charlotte Aline Hamlin of Smethport, daughter of
John C. Cogswell and Charlotte McCoy Hamlin, and in 1915 they moved to
Smethport because of the poor health of Mrs. Robinson. Theirs was a happy
union which terminated with the death of Mrs. Robinson about three years ago.
Dr. Robinson was a gentleman of the old school, genial, kindly and courteous
to all; he retained the admiration and respect of all who knew him.
He is survived by his nieces, Charlotte Bosworth Whelan of Smethport;
Jennette Hamlin Leonard of Larchmont, N.Y.; Miss Ella Stevenson of Brooklyn
and several nieces in Long Island and two nephews, Allen L. Hamlin of Fall
River, Massachusetts and W.H. Bosworth of Yonkers, N.Y.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in St. Luke's
Episcopal church, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating; interment was in Rose Hill
Cemetery.
Page 1.
Scott F. Redfield Dies in Syracuse
The many friends of Scott F. Redfield a former prominent Smethport man were
shocked and grieved to learn of his death which occurred Saturday afternoon at
3:00 o'clock at a Syracuse Hospital where he had been taken on Wednesday
(unreadable).
Mr. Redfield came downstairs from his bedroom on the second floor of his
home at 4 o'clock Wednesday morning to get a drink of water. He tripped on
the last stair at the bottom, a rug slid under him on the polished floor and
he landed heavily on his side.
Dr. Daniel F. Luby, his brother-in-law was called and ordered him to the
Good Shepherd Hospital. He found Mr. Redfield's right hip was fractured badly
and he was bleeding from hemorrhages, being internally injured. Eighty-five
hours later he was dead.
Mr. Redfield was born October 5, 1879 in Washington, D.C. His parents were
H. Victor Redfield and Jeanette Hamlin Redfield. His father was the
Washington correspondent for a Cincinnati paper, during the civil war, and was
a writer of much ability. The son early established himself in the publishing
business in Smethport, where the family had moved when he was a small boy. He
was educated at Manllus School and later at Hobart College, Geneva, N.Y.
In 1900 he became publisher for three New York concerns and later in 1908 he
began the publication in Smethport of the Boys Magazine a periodical which
soon became famous and rivaled the America Boy in the hearts of youngsters.
After fifteen years he sold out his interest in the Boy's Magazine and went to
Florida, later going to Syracuse to live. In this city he published the Stamp
Collector.
In 1906 he married Carolyn Larned of Syracuse, N.Y. and to them were born
four children: Scott Forrest Jr., Janet, Holland L. and William Victor.
Mr. Redfield was an outstanding figure in civic and social affairs in
Smethport. He was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and one f the
founders of the Smethport Country Club. He was much interested in sports, and
was one of the best tennis players in this section in his youth. Possessing
an unusually pleasing personality and generous nature, his circle of friends
was a large one.
He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Syracuse of McKean Lodge
No. 308 F.&A.M. of Smethport and other organizations in Syracuse and Bradford.
He is survived by his wife and four children; one brother, Horace of
Smethport and one sister, Harriet Gillett, also of Smethport.
Private funeral services were held at his home in Syracuse at 8:00 o'clock
Monday, morning, Rev. Dr. Henry H. Hadley, rector of St. Paul's Church
officiating.
The remains, accompanied by his family, were brought to Smethport Monday and
funeral services were conducted Tuesday morning at St. Luke's Episcopal
Church, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating; interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
The commitment services were conducted by the Masonic lodge.
St. Luke's Church was filled with the many friends of the deceased, whose
hearts were heavy at his sad home coming. His charming manner, his courtesy
to rich and poor alike, and his open hearted hospitality will always be
remembered by all who knew him. In the many years he was in the publishing
business here he enjoyed the loyal devotion of his employes who found in him,
not only the employer but a real friend as well.
Page 4.
Clarendon Youth Killed In Saw Mill, Friday Night
Kane, April 13. Edward Frey, 23 of Clarendon, was killed almost instantly
last night when struck by a heavy hemlock joist at his sawmill near that place.
Young Frey, with two brothers, Francis and Emile, were working at their home-
made sawmill on the road leading to the game preserve from Clarendon at the
time of the accident.
Edward Frey was preparing to receive a two by four joist, 18 feet long
through the circular saw on the other feeding end of which was Francis. In
some manner the joist struck against the rapidly revolving side of the saw and
was catapulted with terrific force against Edward's stomach. He expired
before he could be carried fifty feet to a car.
April 30, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Ella Maloney, a sister of Mrs. J.S. McCarthy of this place, died April
22nd of a complication of diseases and was laid to rest Saturday morning in
the Catholic Cemetery at Punxsutawney, following funeral services in Saints
(unreadable) Catholic Church. Scores of friends visited the home and a great
many flowers filled the room in which her body lay.
The deceased was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bernhard Amend of
Olermont. She was married early in life to Thomas Maloney who passed away
some time ago.
She was a member of the W.B.A., the Macabees and also of the Rebeckah lodge
and members of both orders attended the service in a body, forming an aisle
through which her casket and her sorrowing family passed.
Deceased leaves three children, Raymond, Winifred and Ambrose of
Punxsutawney and a sister, Mrs. J.S. McCarthy of this place; two brothers,
John Amend of Wilcox and Jacob Amend of Clermont also survive.
Page 6.
Pennsy Blamed For Tragedy At Erie Crossing
Kane, April 29. Probing into the deaths of three persons, including Mrs.
William Neal, formerly of Kane, killed on a grade crossing at Erie early
Saturday morning, a coroner's jury there held the Pennsylvania railroad
company negligent in connection with the triple fatality. Those killed were
Mrs. Noal, 48, Mrs. Floyd Delavern, 38 and John A. Forsberg, the women being
residents of Erie, while Forsberg lived at Wesleyville. Mrs. Noal met instant
death I the crash, at the East 10th Street grade crossing, while Mrs. Delavern
died while enroute to the hospital, where Forsberg passed away about an hour
following the accident.
The coroner's jury found that the tragedy could have been avoided had the
railroad company maintained a watchman at the crossing at night. Mrs. M??dus
Johnson, sole survivor of the crossing wreck, was the chief witness at the
inquest conducted by Coroner Dan G. Hanley. She declared she was driving
about 25 miles an hour when she approached the grade crossing. According to
her testimony she did not observe or hear the approach of the northbound
engine which was pulling a caboose.
May 7, 1931
Page 1.
William F. Specht, Prominent Local Man, Succumbs
William Frederick Specht one of Smethport's most prominent and highly ??
residents passed away Friday afternoon, May 1st at 3:30 o'clock at his home on
Fulton Street from an attack of pneumonia. Mr. Specht had been confined to
his home with illness the past four weeks and was stricken with pneumonia on
the Wednesday preceding his death. His family were at his bedside when the
end came, his son Frederick and family having been summoned from Rochester on
Thursday when the gravity of his condition became apparent.
The deceased was born October 15, ???? in Smethport, the son of William and
Elizabeth Heinemann Specht. HE was educated in the public schools, later
assisting Armstrong Rogers & Company in their drug store and learning ???
graphy under the instruction of L. Armstrong. In 1875 he entered the employ
of the Western New York and Pennsylvania railroad as exchange ?? in 1877 he
was located in Bradford as assistant in a flour, feed and ????? business. IN
1878 he entered the grocery and drug store of Hamlin & ???? at Eldred,
remaining until their store was destroyed by fire in October 1878. In 1879 he
entered the employ of Haskell & Olfford, general merchants, later becoming
manager of the store until 1881. In 1892 he took up insurance business and
opened his office. He has been very successful and has one of the largest
underwriting agencies in the town.
(Difficult to read due to bad margin)
He was married to Addie Octavia Brownell in May 15, 1889, and to them was
born two children, Frederick Specht of Rochester, N.Y. and Edna Specht of
Smethport who with his widow Mrs. Addie Specht survive to mourn the loss of a
living husband and father. He is also survived by ; two children, Edan
Louise Specht and son Frederick Specht of Rochester, five nephews, C.B. Corwin
and Robert Brownell of Smethport; Howard Brownell of Bridgeport, Conn; William
Brownell of Durham, N.C., and H.C. Corwin of Raverina, Ohio.
(some omitted)
Funeral services were held Monday morning at 10:00 o'clock at St. Luke's
Episcopal Church, Rev. W.E. Van dyke officiating; interment was in Rose Hill
Cemetery, the Masonic lodge having charge of the commitment services at the
grave. The pall bearers were H.L. ??enberry, C.C. Choate, W.A. Hovis, A.
Donnelly, Albert Johnson and ??? Potter.
Page 8.
Bradford Woman Drowns In Creek
Bradford, May 5. Aided by the family and friends of the dead woman, police
recovered the body of Mrs. Katherine Suppa, 57, from Tuna Creek, a small river
which flows in back of the Suppa home.
Mrs. Suppa had been missing since last night and had been suffering with a
bad tooth, members of the family said. She had declined medical attention.
Her body was discovered after a three hour search.
Suffering with pain, the dead woman had lain down fully dressed at 11
o'clock last night. Early today a son came to her room and asked for his
mother. Search, was begun when the mother was found to be missing.
A coroner's investigation was started to determine whether the death was
accidental.
Ralph Supp and seven children survive.
May 14, 1931
Page 1.
Philip Stravino, well-known local resident passed away Thursday evening, May
7th at 8:00 o'clock in the Millar-Fillmore Hospital, Buffalo, where he had
been a patient since April 25th. Deceased had entered that institution for
observation and several days after became critically ill, suffering from
hemorrhages. His condition improved and it was thought all danger was past,
but late Wednesday night he suffered a relapse and he passed away Thursday
evening. His daughter, Mary and son, Anthony were at his bedside when the end
came.
Phillip Stravino was born April 25th, 1862 in Naples, Italy, and was
educated in the schools of that city. IN 1885 he was married to Mary Dangelo
also of Naples. IN 1887 he came to this country, settling in Smethport where
he resided the remainder of his life. Shortly afterward he was joined by his
wife.
Upon his arrival here, Mr. Stravino engaged in the lumber business in which
he was very successful. In 1906 he purchased the old Pierce House located on
Water Street and engaged in the hotel business. A small grocery and bakery
were conducted in conjunction with the hotel. He retired from active business
twelve years ago when the hotel was destroyed by fire.
Mr. Stravino was a man of high character and was beloved by all who knew
him. He was devoted to his family was a true friend.
Deceased is survived by his widow and eight children, Anthony, James and
Phillip, Jr. at home; Mrs. Carmena Ferris of Kane; Mrs. Doreen Colleta of
Bristol, Conn; Mary of Buffalo, and Jessie and Joseph of Bradford. Twelve
grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Elizabeth's
Church, Rev. Fr. Barrett officiating; interment was in the family plot in St.
Elizabeth's Catholic Cemetery.
Page 1.
William Harrison Burdick of Cole Creek, aged 75 years well known farmer,
passed away Tuesday evening, May 5 at 7:00 o'clock from heart trouble from
which he had been a sufferer for many years.
The deceased was survived by two sons and two daughters.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the home of
the deceased; interment was in Smith Cemetery at Farmers Valley.
Page 1.
Mrs. B.T. Garlick, one of Smethport's best beloved women, passed away Thursday
afternoon, May 7th at 4:10 at her home on east Main Street where she had been
in poor health for the past year. She had been failing for many weeks and
death came as a kindly release from her suffering.
Gertrude? Walker Garlick was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Walker, and
was born in New Castle, January 30, 1863. She moved with her parents to
Smethport in 1902 and was married to Bernard Garlick in 1907. To them were
born four children: Bernard and Edward of New York City, and Mary Louise and
Rena Garlick at home, who with her husband, Bernard Garlick, her mother, Mrs.
Mary E. Walker of Smethport and brother, J. Scott Walker of Bradford, survive
to mourn her loss.
Mrs. Garlick was a devout member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, a amember
fo St. Christpher's Guild and the Eastern Star. She was a sweet, home living
woman a model wife and mother, who by her unassuming manner, and fine
consideration of others, made friends wherever she was known. She endured her
long illness with a patience that was sublime, maintaining her serenity until
the end when the death angel gently wafted her tired spirit to the realms
eternal where there is no more pain. Her death is a sad blow to the many who
knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held at the Walker residence at 1:30 o'clock Saturday
afternoon and at 2 o'clock at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Rev. W.E. Van dyke
officiating; interment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery. Pall bearers were E.G.
Potter, C.W. Shattuck, C.C. Choate, J.J. Allison, Leo Herzog and H. G. German.
Page 7.
Killed Instantly in Auto Accident on Bucktail Trail
St. Marys, May 7, - A highly deplorable accident occurred Sunday afternoon
on the Bucktail Trail about four miles east of town when Andrew Gerber, of
East Kaul Avenue, farther of seven small children, the youngest only two years
of age, was instantly killed when he was run down by a car driven by Robert E.
Crowe, of Ridgway.
Mr. Gerber and his oldest son, Ottamar, had been visiting the former's two
sisters, Mrs. Ray Salter and Mrs. Lawrence Krieg, who live almost opposite
each other at the point where the accident occurred. He was going from one
house to the other shortly before six o'clock and while crossing the highway
he walked right into the Crowe car, coming west from Emporium.
The left headlight of the car struck Mr. Gerber with such force that he
suffered a compound fracture of the skull a compound fracture of both legs,
and other injuries. It is said that he was hurled about fifteen feet by the
impact and was dead when the first witnesses to the accident arrived at his
side.
May 21, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. William Brooder, highly respected resident of Sartwell, passed away
Tuesday morning, May 19th at 1:10 o'clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs.
Leo Wright of Marvin Creek, following a serious illness from arthritis from
which she had been a sufferer for the past two years.
Mrs. Brooder was born in Port Allegany, July 5th, 1877, the daughter of
Archie and Alwilda Eastwood. She was married to Frank Fource, February 1,
1896 who passed away in 1901. On November 23, 1904 she married William
Brooder of Sartwell. About six months ago her health became so poor that she
was brought to the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wright, who cared for her with
loving devotion until the end.
The deceased was a member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, a devoted wife
and mother and highly esteemed by all who knew her. She endured her painful
illness bravely with true Christian fortitude and patience through many months
of suffering until the Master called her home.
She is survived by her husband, William Brooder of Sartwell, three
daughters, Mrs. Clarence Johnson of Port Allegany, Mrs. Leo Wright of
Smethport, and Betty Mae at home, also a son Arthur at home, one sister, Mrs.
George Shields of Port Allegany, one brother, Arthur Eastwood of Port
Allegany, Pa., and a half brother, George Cummings of Hammondsport, N.Y.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 9:00 o'clock at St.
Elizabeth's Catholic Church. Burial will be in Sartwell.
Page 1.
Eben A. Pattison Succumbs In New Orleans Tuesday.
Relatives in town received the sad news Tuesday of the death of Eben A.
Pattison which occurred that morning at 8:00 o'clock at the Baptist Hospital
in New Orleans, where he had been seriously ill since his arrival from San
Salvadore about two weeks previously.
Mrs. Pattison was at his bedside when the end came having made the trip to
New Orleans to meet him when he arrived, the couple having planned a pleasant
reunion and trip through the south. Instead, Mr. Pattison was taken to the
hospital immediately upon his arrival and his condition grew rapidly worse
until the end.
Eben A. Pattison was the son of Stephen and Caroline Pattison of Norwich,
and was born in that place August 26, 1869. He was married in 1898 to Carrie
Thornton of East Smethport.
Mr. Pattison left this country about twenty-seven years ago and entered the
employ of the British Burmah Company in Yenang Yaung, India, where he was
engaged in the drilling of oil. Several years ago his health became impaired
and he returned home for a short vacation. Three years ago he went to San
Salvador, Central America where he had charge of the drilling of water wells
for a large company.
During many of the years he spent in India, Mrs. Pattison was his faithful
companion, making the long trip home alone on several occasions.
The deceased a man of fine character and of the highest integrity, he held a
position of importance in his line of work and was considered an expert. He
was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Elks lodge of Bradford and the Odd
Fellows lodge of Smethport. He has a large circle of friends in this section
who will deeply regret his passing.
The surviving relatives are his widow; Mrs. Eben Pattison, one sister, Mrs.
Mary Terry of Center Street and one brother E.S. Pattison of Hazelhurst.
The remains will arrive in Smethport Thursday and will be taken to the home
of his sister, Mrs. Terry. Funeral arrangements have not yet been made.
Page 1.
Infant Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Abbey Dies
Alberta Mae, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Abbey of East
Smethport died Sunday, May 17th, three days after her birth. The little one
is survived by her parents and nine brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were held from the home Sunday and burial was in Rose Hill
Cemetery.
Page 3.
Coudersport Man Killed By Bullet
Coudersport, May 14. Ernest L. Quimby Slim Quimby is dead.
This was the terrible news that spread over Coudersport and shocked the
whole town Sunday morning.
Slim had been in the best of spirits Saturday joking with his friends
continually as was his custom. He was t the Harris Garage until quite late in
the evening and was taken to his home on North Main Street by Chief Gold. It
frequently happened Chief Gold would drive Quimby's car to take him home and
then return the machine to the garage for the night. Mrs. Quimby states she
was suffering from a severe headache and shortly after the hour of midnight
her husband insisted upon getting medicine for her and left the house for that
purpose.
At one o'clock Mr. Quimby called Potter County Garage and inquired for Chief
Gold who happened to be there. He was requested by Quimby to come to the
Harris Garage and responded immediately. He found the whole place dark but
entered and upon striking a match was horrified to find the lifeless body of
his good friend Slim in a chair with a portion of the head shot away.
Between the legs of the body was a .32 calibre Winchester special rifle. The
theory of some is that he was about to play a practical joke upon the officer
which resulted fatally for himself.
Chief Gold was so shocked he turned on the light and picked up the telephone
but for a moment could think of no one to call. He finally did summon Dr.
R.K. McConeghy, Sheriff S.B. Sawyer and others, including W.A. Harris, father-
in-law of the victim.
Ernest L. Quimby was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Quimby. He was born at
Oswayo 33 years ago. He was married to Miss Ruth Harris, daughter of Mr. and
MRs. W.A. Harris, and his widow and two little sons survive.
Slim was one of the most lively and most likeable men in Coudersport,
always full of fun and apparently enjoying life to the full extent. If he had
an enemy in the world it would be hard to understand. His very large circle
of friends in all walks of life join the sorrowing ones in their deep grief.
This was evidenced by a profusion of flowers.
Funeral services were held from the Scottish Rite Masonic Cathedral Tuesday
afternoon with Rev. C.H. Dudley officiating. The Masonic fraternity and the
Fire Department members attend in bodies and a large number of sorrowing
relatives and friends were present. Burial was mad in the Sweden Hill
Cemetery.
Coroner, McConeghy impaneled a jury composed of C.H. Dudley, foreman, S.K.
App. Walter Vasburg, B.L. Lyman, Albert Schaub and Albert W. Button. An
inquest was held yesterday afternoon and the following witnesses called. D.F.
Corsaw, William Gold, Mrs. E.L. Quimby, E.M. Gillon, J.H. Herchner and W.A.
Hoeck. After listening to the statements of the witnesses and a brief period
of discourse they returned the following verdict:
We find the cause of death of said E.L. Quimby to have been gun shot wounds
in his head and face from the discharge of a rifle held in his own hands; but
owing to the absence of any known or discoverable evidence for self-
destruction it must be assumed that his death was accidental.
June 4, 1931
Page 1.
Woman Taken To Bradford In Plane A Week Ago, Dies.
Bradford, May 20. The death of Miss Rita Roeder, aged 32 years, who was
recently removed to this city from Southern Pines, N.C., in an airplane,
occurred this morning at 10:20 o'clock at the home of her brother, W.H.
Roeder, 49 North Bennett Street.
Miss Roeder was brought here a week ago today from Southern Pines, where she
had been seriously ill for some time. Miss Roeder was brought her by plane
because she was too ill to withstand the trip by rail or ambulance.
Deceased was born in Farmers Valley, Pa., January 18, 1899. She was a
member of the United Brethren Church of Farmers Valley.
Miss Roeder graduated from Oberlin O., and was a member of the Federation of
College Women of Oberlin.
Surviving are her mother, Mrs. J.B. Roeder; four brothers; Elmer of
Franklin, Harry F. of Wellsville, R.R. of Atwater, O., and W.H. Roeder of
Bradford.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home, 49
North Bennett Street, and at 3 o'clock at the United Brethren Church I Farmers
Valley. Interment will be made in Rose Hill Cemetery in Smethport.
The deceased was well known here where she attended Smethport High School
when a young girl. Her bereaved family have the sympathy of the whole
community.
Page 3.
Salamanca Girl Found Drowned in Chautauqua Lake
Bradford. June 2. Miss Frances Katherine Kane, aged 33 years, daughter of
Thomas Kane of Salamanca, and a telephone operator, was found drowned in
Chautauqua lake, near Belleview, yesterday morning.
Jamestown Dispatches stated that Coroner David C. Lincoln decided the girl
had drowned herself, although there was no evidence in the way of motive.
She leaves her father, Thomas Kane of Salamanca; four sisters, Mrs. Anna
O'Connor and Miss Dorothy Kane of Providence, R.I.; Mrs. George Capwell of
Gauyaquil, Ecuador; and Miss Irene Kane at home; one brother, John Kane of
Cleveland, O.; and one aunt Miss Mary Keane of Pittsburgh.
Funeral services will be held Thursday.
Page 4.
Mrs. Annis Milliron
Mrs. Annis Margaret Milliron aged 25 and her two hour-old daughter of
Coryville, died Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in the Bradford Hospital.
Mrs. Milliron was admitted to the hospital that morning at 10 o'clock.
Mrs. Milliron was born June 1, 1906 at Roulette Pa., and spent her entire
life in Farmers Valley and vicinity where she has a large circle of friends
who regret her untimely death.
She is survived by her husband Lawrence of Coryville, her parents Mr. and
Mrs. Ira Church of Farmers Valley; four sisters Mrs. William Burdick the
Misses Minerva and Elizabeth church all of Farmers Valley and Mrs. Burt Pelton
of Knapp Creek, three brothers, Clarence of Bingham, Walter and Orie of Famers
Valley.
Funeral services for Mrs. Annis Milliron and infants daughter was held
Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock, in Moody Hollow, Rev. Melvin of the Rew City
U.B. Church officiated. Interment was in Smith Hill Cemetery.
The pall-bearers were Eldred Gill, Frank Shick Jr., Edward Goodyear, Dana
Gary, Robert Taylor, and Harry Butler.
Page 4.
Husband of Bradford Woman Asphyxiated In Clarion Co.
Bradford June 1. Fred O. Heckathorn of this city was asphyxiated yesterday
at Stratonville, Clarion county, 10 miles from Clarion while cleaning a
well . Mr. Heckathorn had been employed by Mrs. Emma Fuller for the past two
days. Pouring lime into the well he was overcome by the fumes of the forming
carbon dioxide and fell in a depth of 35 feet.
Two passersby Herbert Frettwell and Edward Goben of Strattonville heard him
scream when falling and rushed to the well where they attempted to rescue him
but were prevented from doing so by the strong fumes.
Mr. Heckathorn was finally rescued by the lowering of a rope to which a hook
was attached. Upon examination heart beats could be detected but he failed to
respond to any resuscitation efforts.
He served overseas in the World War and at the Mexican border. At one time
he served with the United States Marine Corps. Funeral services will be held
from the Steffe funeral home in Oil City and will be in charge of the Veterans
of Foreign Wars. Burial will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Oil City.
Surviving him besides his widow are his father C.E. Heckathorn and a brother
of C.C. Heckathorn of Oil City.
The coroner of Clarion County issued a verdict of accidental death yesterday
afternoon.
Page 8.
Patrick Buchanan, 79, Indian War Veteran, Dies At Home In Bradford.
Bradford, June 1. Patrick Buchanan, aged 79, a veteran of the Indian wars,
died at his home yesterday morning at 7:40 o'clock of a three weeks' illness
of pneumonia.
Mr. Buchanan is survived by his wife, Mrs. Agnes Buchanan; one sister, Miss
Margaret Buchanan, of Bradford, and one niece, Mrs. Rose Vaughn, of Oakland,
California.
Mr. Buchanan resided in Bradford for 50 years. He was a private in Company
F., U.S. Inf., in the Indian wars.
June 11, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Carrie Armstrong.
Mrs. Carrie Armstrong, one of Smethport's most loved and revered women,
passed away Wednesday morning, June 10th at 3:30 o'clock at her home on Water
Street where she had been an invalid for the past nine years, death being due
to the infirmities of old age.
Carrie Bennett Armstrong was born October 4, 1840 in Lima, N.Y,; her parents
were David R. and Corrinne Bennett. She came to Smethport with her parents
when a child and they operated the Bennett House, a famous hostelry for many
years. She married A.B. Armstrong, Smethport druggist in 1861 and to them was
born one daughter, Mrs. Ethel Walsh, who died ??? six years ago.
Mrs. Armstrong was a devout member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. She was
a woman of lovely character, unusually kind and hospitable and very patient
during the long years she was confined to her home.
She is survived by two nieces, Mrs. Cora Mason Peters of Buffalo and Mrs.
Caroline O. Cain of Rochester and one nephew, Leon Mogarth of Smethport.
Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 3:00 o'clock from her late
home on Water Street, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating; interment will be in
Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 3.
Man Kills His Wife and Self.
Bradford. June 7. About 2:10 o'clock this morning a double tragedy of a
most shocking character was enacted in a room on the third floor of the Emery
Hotel, whereby a man and his wife who had been estranged were united in death
under conditions that were most startling.
The dead:
Tony Cardamone, 25
Mrs. Lila Cardamone, 25
The couple leave one small son.
Their home had been at 5 Edward place, but since their separation some time
ago, Cardamone had lived elsewhere.
The man was a barber and engaged in working at his trade at 39 West
Washington Street.
An acquaintance of the dead man informed the Bradford Herald this morning
that Cardamone was deeply devoted to his wife, who was a handsome and
attractive young woman. But it is understood that the husband had been under
the impression that she had ceased to care for him and it is said he had
become quite jealous. She obtained employment in a store and he tried to
induce her to return to their home without result.
Last evening at about 8 o'clock Mrs. Cardamone registered at the hotel and
was assigned to a room and retired.
Shortly before two o'clock this morning Mrs. Cardamone telephoned to the
room clerk who was on duty to go to her room as a man was trying to get into
the apartment and was disturbing her.
The clerk hurried to the third floor and there ascertained that there was a
man secreted behind a door in an adjoining room. Cardamone, the woman's
husband then appeared. He asked for the privilege of interviewing the woman,
whom he explained, was his wife. Under the circumstances the clerk permitted
him to speak to the woman and in a few minutes five shots were fired in the
room. Four took effect.
Deputy Coroner McCutcheon arrived and examined the bodies.
Tony Cardamone had two bullet wounds in the face and the neck and Mrs.
Cardamone had two bullet wounds in the neck, about three inches apart. The
faces of both victims showed marks of powder burns, indicating that in each
instance the gun had been held close to the head.
Deputy Coroner McCutcheon ordered the bodies removed to Still's undertaking
parlors.
Mr. Cardamone is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cardamone of
South Center Street, also by several brothers and sisters.
The affair is regarded as a case of homicide and suicide.
Page 4.
Former Mt. Jewett Publisher is Dead
Mt. Jewett, June 5. H. M. Swisher of Ocean Park Calif., a former Mt.
Jewett [resident] he engaged in publishing the Mt. Jewett published died last
Sunday after being in poor health for several years.
During Mr. Swishers residence at Mt. Jewett Herald which he founded. After
continuing in business a few years he sold the paper.
Mr. Swisher formerly was editor of the Miner.
June 18, 1931
Page 1.
Pt. Allegany Youth Shot By Own Gun.
Bradford, June 12. Shot by his own gun as he clubbed a wounded woodchuck,
Robert Cook, aged 10, died in the Port Allegany Hospital yesterday at 2 p.m.
less than an hour after having been admitted.
Young Cook yesterday went about a mile from Port Allegany, into Liberty
Township to hunt woodchuck. He wounded one and attempted to club it before it
made for its hole nearby. The rifle discharged wounding him in the groin.
Cook's cries brought aid from a nearby house, and Dr. James J. McMahon was
summoned. He sent the young man to the hospital where he died.
Coroner H. Clay Heffner held an autopsy at the mortuary of H.F. Grabe last
evening. The bullet had pierced the intestine, and severed a large blood
vessel, he said. No inquest was necessary, he decided, I that the death was
purely accidental.
Cook is the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Cook of Port Allegany.
Page 3.
Death Of Eldred High School Teacher
Eldred, June 12. Mrs. Ann Cooper, wife of Arthur Cooper and a well known
teacher in the local High School passed away at the West Side Hospital in
Olean early Monday morning following an operation from which she failed to
rally. She had been a patient at the hospital for several days.
Deceased was twenty-four years of age. She was united in marriage about two
months ago to Arthur Cooper at New York City who survives her besides her
parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Biglow and two brothers and two sisters in
Philipsburg.
The body was taken to Philipsburg and the funeral held Wednesday afternoon
at 2:30 o'clock. Burial was made in Philipsburg.
June 25, 1931
Page 1.
Bradford Woman Fatally Injured.
Harrisburg, June 22. Mrs. Mary Fesenmyer, 52, of Clarence Street, was
fatally injured and three men hurt today in an automobile crash on the
Susquahanna Trail at Rickville, a suburb, six miles from here.
B.J. Berwald, 57, Bradford, driver of the car in which Mrs. Fesenmyer was a
passenger was cut on the head and body. His condition was reported as fair.
Two negros, occupants of the second car, suffered cuts and possible broken
bones. They were Melvin T. (unreadable) this city, and Wilbert Dunlop,
Bellefonte.
Mrs. Fesenmyer's legs were broken and she had internal injuries. She died at
7:55 p.m. tonight in the Polyclinic Hospital here.
State highway patrolmen investigated the crash.
The accident occurred at about 1:30 as Mr. Berwald and Mrs. Fesenmyer were
on their way to Harrisburg for a conference with the Insurance commissioner
both being engaged in the insurance business here. They were rushed to the
Polyclinic Hospital in Harrisburg, where Mrs. Fesenmyer died without regaining
consciousness.
Sons Fly to Bedside:
Bradford, June 23. Two sons of Mrs. Fesenmyer, Berl and Wayne, accompanied
by Pilot Joe Fields of the ??? Emery airport took off at 4:30 for Harrisburg,
arriving shortly before Mrs. Fesenmyer died.
Mrs. Berwald, who has been visiting in New York, along with her sister, Mrs.
J.J. Cole, and Mr. Berwald's brother, A.B. Berwald, of New York, hurried to
Harrisburg last night. Philip Berwald, a brother his daughter, Emma and
nephew, Jeffry Beeres, all of Bradford, went to Harrisburg yesterday.
Mrs. Fesenmyer is survived by her husband, Fred, who went to Harrisburg
yesterday; two sons, Berl and Wayne of Bradford; two brothers, Charles and
Rogers Keyes and a sister Mrs. Katherine Dwyer, all of Texas.
The negroes, according to reports reaching here last night were considered
responsible for the accident and are held.
Page 1.
Mrs. Charles Sheldon.
Mrs. O.H. Peterson of Ormsby received news Monday morning of the death of
her mother, Mrs. Charles Sheldon of McGraw, N.Y. Deceased was 75 years of
age. She was at one time a resident of McKean County for a number of years
and has many friends in this section who will be saddened to learn of her
death.
Mrs. Sheldon is survived by her husband, two daughters, Mrs. O.H. Peterson
of Ormsby, and Mrs. Clarence Bullock of McGraw, N.Y.; two sons, Henry and
Howard Sheldon of McGraw. Two sisters and ten grandchildren also survive.
Page 6.
Resident of McKean County for Forty Years Dies
Kane, June 20. Nels Peter Peterson died at his home on the West Wind road
at 12:40 p.m. today following an illness of over a year from complications.
The deceased was born in Enslof Halland, Sweden, August 1, 1861, and had
been a resident of this vicinity for over forty years. He was a member of the
Swedish Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife and ten children.
Page 6.
Wife and Mother Ends Her Own Life.
Coudersport, June 18. The death of Mrs. Ruth Spencer O'Donnell near
Genesee is a sad story. Her family at Oswayo and all who knew her were
shocked and deeply grieved when her lifeless body was found Friday morning in
a deserted house where with her husband she began housekeeping in November,
1919.
Mrs. O'Donnell had suffered from ill health for months and domestic
difficulties had not improved her nervous condition. A few days previous to
her death she had gone to the deserted house and taken a large quantity of
powerful tablets given her by a physician to alleviate her sufferings. It was
evident she had taken all of this medicine she possessed in the hope it might
cause her death. Her condition was very serious when found and she was
brought to the local hospital for treatment. She was sufficiently recovered
by Wednesday to be discharged fro the local institution and she again made her
way to the abandoned house when the happy days following her marriage were
spent. In this house that was once her home, where her daughter June was born
two years ago, and where a baby was born five years ago, that survived but a
few hours, she found a strong piece of cloth. This she had apparently
fastened about her neck and to a gas fixture only as high as her shoulder.
Indications were she had turned until suffocation ended her sufferings.
The story of her husband leaving her and taking their daughter June to
Rochester, and all she endured was enough to drive even the most stout-hearted
to seek an escape from life.
Mrs. O'Donnell was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Spencer of Oswayo, and they
with two sisters survive her. The sisters are Mrs. James Stilson of Gold and
Mrs. Helen French of Whitesville. The husband and little June also survive.
Page 8.
Youth Ends Life With Shotgun.
Coudersport, June 18. Floyd Perkins and family are grieving the loss of
their son Lloyd, 16, whose lifeless body was found yesterday morning. The
youth, a very fine boy, had been employed on the farm of Merle Hill, between
Gold and Genesee. He had been slightly ill with measles since Sunday.
Tuesday evening he retired about 10 o'clock and Mrs. Hill, with motherly
interest informed him that the door of her room would be left slightly open so
that if he was in need of anything during the night she could answer his
call. At some time in the night some sound awakened Mr. Hill but he went to
sleep again.
Yesterday morning a gruesome sight greeted Mr. Hill as he entered the
kitchen at 5:00 o'clock. The lifeless body of Floyd Perkins was seated in a
chair with a large part of the head and face shot away. Nearby lay a 12 gauge
double barrel shotgun containing one exploded and one loaded shell.
Deputy Sheriff Hurd, who resides in that vicinity was notified and he in
turn notified Sheriff Sawyer and Coroner McConeghy of Coudersport. An
investigation showed clearly the youth had ended his own life. No doubt he
was temporarily insane from the disease from which he was suffering. There
had been no trouble of any kind and both Mr. and Mrs. Hill were fond of the
boy.
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