Parke County Obituaries

Surname - M -

News has been received here of the death of Mrs. Frank Mahan at her home in Tipton, Ind., Sunday. - Rockville Republican, July 8, 1896

“26 August 1898 - Sudden death of David Mankin”. -- As recorded in list of August 1898 deaths -in the Rockville Tribune, 05 January 1899

Cyrenies Martin, formerly of Parke county, near Lena, died at 9:15 o'clock last night at the Clay county hospital after an extended illness of complications, aged 76 years. Mr. Martin was born in Parke county and had resided in the vicinity of Lena all his life. For some time he had been making his home with his son, Hobart Martin, near Lena. The deceased is survived by six sons and five daughters, Johnson, of near Clinton; Archie, of Louisville, KY.: Hobart, near Lena: John, of Rockville: Ted, of Greencastle: Abner of New York City: Mrs. Anna Phelps of Carbon: Mrs. Nora Combs, near Lena: Mrs. Marle Boswell and Mrs. Ora Martin of Greencastle, and Mrs. Malena Phipps, of near Lena; also 50 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, two brothers and a sister, Joe M. Martin, near Lena, D. D. Martin of Bridgeton, and Mrs. Maggie McHargue, of near Lena. There are also seven half-sisters. the remains were prepared for burial at Miller & Sons funeral parlor. The funeral cortege will leave the Miller chapel Sunday morning and proceed to the North Union church, where funeral services will be held at 10 o'clock, interment Moore cemetery, near Mansfield. - Terre Haute Tribune, Sunday, February 9, 1936, Page 02

Lealie Edith Martin, second daughter of John M. and Catharine Martin was born in Union Twp, Parke County August 7, 1874. She departed this life Tuesday February 23, 1909 at age 34 years 6 months 16 days. Lealie grew up with exalted views of all that was noble and good. There was never a cloud to chase away the sunshine of her beautiful life. In the winter of 1885-86 when only a little girl of 11 she united with the United Brethren Church at Farmer's Chapel where she lived a consistent member until in the year 1908 she removed her membership to the Missionary Baptist Church at New Discovery where she lived a devoted member until her death. She was united in marriage to Raric Collings March 3, 1892. To this union were born 8 children, all survive but an infant who died in 1907. Just in the morning of her life the Heavenly Father called her home to meet loved ones gone before. Truly her sun went down in the morning of her life and she fell asleep here on earth to awake in Heaven. We call this dying but Christians do not die. They only go from one of God’s rooms to another for Christ has said, "In my father's house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to myself, that where I am y may be also." Lealie has only stopped living here in this world and has gone to live with Jesus in Heaven where there is no more pain, no sin, nor sorrow. She was a good neighbor, an affectionate wife and kind and loving mother, always taking great interest in her home life. A long lapse of time will pass before her visit to earth will be forgotten by father, mother, brother, sisters and especially by her children and by the many relatives and friends, who held her in such high esteem. Has Lealie's light gone out? No, it is only out here but beyond the grave is eternal light and life evermore. It is brighter than ever. It is blessed to shine here, but more blessed to shine in heaven. It can shine farther and brighter there. "For we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord." She leaves a father, mother, two sisters, one brother, husband, seven children and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss but their loss is her eternal gain.

Ulysses Scott Martin of Rockville age 98, died at his home, Sunday afternoon, Feb. 6. The son of Daniel and Sara Jane McHargue Martin, he was born at Mansfield, Sept. 6, 1867. Surviving are the widow, Minnie; a son, Scott of Rockville; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon, at the Barnes mortuary with Rev. Florence White officiating. Burial was in the Rockville cemetery. - Rockville Republican, February 10, 1966

“John Mater, Sr., was born in Maryland, Feb. 1, 1791. When he was quite small, his parents emigrated to Jefferson County Ohio, near Steubenville, where they resided till the subject of our sketch was grown. They next moved to Butler County, near Hamilton Here he was united in marriage to Mary Culver. Seven children were born to them, of whom five survive. His mother’s maiden name was Pierce. She was first cousin to Adam and Andrew Poe*, the famous Indian fighters. She lived to see the fourth generation, and died in Illinois in 1867 at the advanced age of 93 years. In the fall of 1826, John came on horseback to Parke County and entered 160 acres of Government land adjoining the old Daniel Miller farm two miles northwest of Bellmore. … In 1830 he helped lay out what is known as the Miller grave-yard, and on September 13, of that same year his son was the first person buried there. … He died here September 10, 1871, aged 79 years, 7 months and 10 days. …” - Rockville Tribune, August 11, 1882

Fred Maxwell, age 59, a farmer living northwest of Byron dropped dead about 7 o’clock Tuesday morning while preparing to go to the field with his son to plow. Coroner McHatton was called and held an inquest, finding that death was due to apoplexy. - Rockville Republican, May 7, 1924

In this place, on Sunday, August 29th, of pulmonary consumption, Sidnie A. Mayers, in the 23rd year of her age. – Rockville Republican, 01 September 1869

Lester, son of George and Eva Millemon was born July 28, 1889. He was a great sufferer for nine weeks though he bore it with much patience and fortitude, never murmuring or complaining being most of the time confined to his room. His sweet disposition and correct habits of life made him a loving and obedient son, always asking the advice of his parents. He was loved and respected by his schoolmates and all who knew him. He peacefully passed we believe into the bright and glorious beyond to be at rest with Jesus and to away the coming of father, mother, one brother and two sisters. His departure occurred July 4, 1907, aged 17 years 11 months 6 days. Funeral services were held at Parkeville church July 6 by Rev. E. E. Kuhn after which he was laid to rest in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Pall bearers were his classmates. There were many beautiful floral offerings among which was a beautiful pillow presented by the Ladies Aid Society of the Parkeville church. He is gone but not forgotten.

Otterbein - Several from here attended the funeral of Brenton Miller, last Thursday. – Rockville Tribune, March 1, 1905

Died – At Armiesburg Thursday, Dec. 6, of pneumonia, Mrs. Daniel Miller, who has been sick for some time. She was buried at Hixon’s cemetery. – Rockville Republican, December 12, 1894

“Mrs. James C. Miller, aged about 57 years, died at her home southwest of Bridgeton, Sunday morning, after a two weeks’ illness. Her funeral occurred at Coxville, Tuesday morning and burial at the Hixson Cemetery near Mecca. – Rockville Tribune, August 24, 1904

Bellmore - Robert Thomas and wife attended the funeral of John B. Miller at Bridgeton, Sunday. - Rockville Tribune, 13 January 1904, submitted by Carolyn Laney

Funeral services for Mrs. Sarah Mills, who died at the home of her son, John, Wednesday night, were held Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the home with Rev. David Commons in charge. Internment at Poplar Grove Cemetery. The deceased was ninety-two years old. Death was caused by complications. Mrs. Mills had made her home with her son for the past eighteen years. She was a member of the Friends Church. – Unknown newspaper – September 13, 1922

Abel Clyde Mitchell, oldest son of John Mitchell, died at his home in Bridgeton January 24. – Rockville Tribune, 04 February 1892

Elizabeth Mitchell was born in Butler County, Ohio, Aug. 15, 1798, and lived with her parents Jacob and Sarah Bell, until she married at the age of 20, to Jacob Miller, in her native country. Soon after their marriage, about 1818, her father and her mother sold their farm in Ohio, moved to Raccoon Township, Parke Co., Ind., bought lands and settled down in Big Raccoon Valley. A few years after this, Colonel Bell, as he was commonly called, was out in the woods bee-hunting and was accidentally shot by a couple of boys who were in the woods hunting. From this wound Col. Bell lingered for a long time and died, leaving the farm of 320 acres to his only son, Abel Bell, for the support of his mother. This death of Col. Bell was somewhat mysterious and was long suspected by many as murder, but as no conceivable motive could be assigned to the boy, it was finally decided to be a case of accidental shooting. Col. Bell, himself, before dying, concluded it was an accident and the boy was never prosecuted. The farm for many years after was known as the Abel Bell farm. Elizabeth and her husband Jacob Miller came out soon after her parents and bought land adjoining her father’s farm, all of which land was in the wild state as nature had formed it. John B. Miller, Elizabeth’s oldest son, lives on the site where the first Miller cabin was built. On Nov. 1, 1823, Jacob Miller died, leaving Elizabeth with three small children, John B., Jacob B., and Sarah. The latter soon died after. The mother with her two little boys managed the farm until about 1827, when she married Robert Mitchell, he being a widower with four children, William D., Peggy Ann, Virginia and Samuel F. By this union she had born to her four children, Belvina, Elizabeth, Robert and Abel. She and her husband lived happily together with this large family of children, until March 12, 1838, when he died. Being again left a widow with eight children in the family, two having been married, Elizabeth battled along, managed the farm until 1860, when her last child being married, she was compelled to break up house keeping. From the time she first started on life’s voyage down to the time she broke up housekeeping, she toiled indoors and, at times, out, having a great desire to see her children comfortable and happy. Elizabeth chose to live with her youngest son, Abel Mitchell, and accordingly he moved to the old homestead in 1861. Her mother, Sarah Bell, continued to live with them until 1866, when she died at the age of 90 years and six months. Elizabeth lived comfortably with her son until her death, which occurred without sickness or disease, but by a gradual decline of her whole system, on Dec. 8, 1892; she passed away as peacefully as a little child. She had joined the Dunkard Church and was baptized over 50 years ago, and had lived a constant Christian life ever afterwards, being a constant reader of the scriptures of the Devine truth. She fully realized that her time had come and was fully prepared to go meet them in heaven who had gone before.” – Rockville Tribune, December 22, 1892

Fred Mitchell of Byron, age 65, died Sunday afternoon, March 6, in the hospital at Crawfordville. He was born in the Byron community, Aug. 12, 1899, a son of Jesse and Artie Phipps Mitchell. He was a farmer and livestock dealer and had lived in the same area his entire life. Surviving are the widow, Lillie three sons, Fred Jr., of Marshall, Leonard of New Market and Kenneth of Waveland; a brother, Robert of Waveland, r. r.; a half-sister, Mary Smith of New Market; a half brother, Russell Mitchell of Crawfordsville, and 11 grandchildren. The body was taken from the Machledt & Servies funeral home in Waveland, Tuesday afternoon, to the Byron Christian church for funeral services. Rev. John Servies and Rev. J. O. Trousdale officiated and burial was in the Old Union cemetery near Waveland. - Rockville Republican, March 10, 1966

The remains of Phoebe Mitchell arrived in Rockville, Monday among on the north-bound train, earlier in the day than anticipated. The casket was taken to Methodist church, and there opened, so that any friends might see the remains. Immediately after the 1:47 train, a short service was held at the cemetery by Rev. Salem B. Towne, formerly presiding elder of the Greencastle district of the Methodist church, following which the body was interred. - Rockville Tribune, July 25, 1911

A. O. Benson directed the funeral of Mrs. Sarah Mitchell at her home near Hollandsburg, with interment at Farmer’s Chapel, Wednesday. A number of relatives and friends from here attended the funeral. – Parke County Times, September 18, 1916

Mrs. John Mollis, age 74, died very suddenly of heart failure while seated at the dinner table Thursday. The burial will be from her home Sunday, near Rockville. She is survived by two nephews, Doctor Overpeck and William Graham, both of this place.—Rockville, 05 July 1912, Page 002

“Miss Jane Montgomery, near Mecca, who for some time past has been suffering from a tumor, died yesterday. The tumor on being removed weighed ninety pounds. – Rockville Republican, April 28, 1886

Marshall Montgomery, age 79, a well known citizen of Catlin and a member of the Masonic Lodge of that place, died at 6:30 o’clock last Saturday evening after an illness of seven months. Besides the widow he leaves one daughter, Mrs. Charles Barnes, by a former marriage. The funeral was held at the home Monday afternoon, Rev. Bratton of Rosedale officiating with burial near Jessup. The masons had charge of the services at the cemetery. - Rockville Republican, August 16, 1922

“DIED, in Thaver, Kansas, Wednesday, August 12, 1885, Abraham Moore, aged 82 years, after a short illness. He was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky, and reared by parents who were fearful Christians. … His home is among the ‘many mansions’.” - Rockville Tribune, August 27, 1885

Mrs. Alice Moore died at the home of her son, George E. Moore, Monday morning, a few minutes before 6 o’clock. While she had been in poor health for more than a year, she arose feeling as well as usual, but had been seated in a chair when, without warning, she fell to the floor and without a struggle passed to the great beyond, all efforts to restore life being unavailing. Funeral services were held at 10 o’clock at the Friends’ church, Kingman, conducted by Rev. J. M. McHargue. Burial at Cashatt Cemetery. - Rockville Tribune, February 14, 1906

"James Moore, the father of Geo. And Esquire Moore and Julia Hochett, died on Monday, the 5th inst., at the residence of his son George, in Sugar Creek Township, in the 89th year of his age. He was born in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1874; enlisted in the War of 1812, at its beginning, and served three years and six months, during which time he was in a number of engagements, where man of his comrades were killed and wounded, and was discharged at Sackett's Harbor, at the close of the war. About the year 1820 he came to Indiana, and entering, settled on a tract of land now owned by Aquilla Laverty, in Wabash Township. On account of the chills on the river, he moved onto Mill Creek, and settled, having returned to Ohio, in the meantime and married Sarah Hise, his only wife, who died some twenty years ago. Since her death he has lived with his children, making several trips, of late, to Minnesota, to visit his son Samuel and daughters Margaret and Malissa. He has drawn a pension, on account of his services in the was of 1812, since 1868; and for the last three year has been blind, but nevertheless cheerful and happy to the last, and only a few days before his death attended a barn raising, as young in spirits as a man of middle age. He accumulated a handsome competency while in the prime of life, and leaves considerable property to his children He was the oldest man in Sugar Creek Township (perhaps in the County) and the last of the War of 1812. He was honored and respected by all who knew him, and 'Old Uncle Jimmie' as he was familiarly called, will long remembered in the affections of his friends and kindred." – Indiana Patriot, October 21, 1874

"Mr. John Moore died at his residence in Penn Township on Sunday night. Mr. M. had lived long on borrowed time, being 86 years of age." – Rockville Republican, Wednesday, August 4, 1880

“John Moore was born in North Carolina, January 27^th, 1794. He emigrated with his parents to this State in 1815, and located in Wayne county, where Richmond now stands; and was married in 1825 to Rebecca Wade, his now bereaved widow. He removed from Wayne to Park (sic.) Co. in 1828, and located on the farm, where he died Aug. 1^st 1880. Father Moore was 86 years 6 months and 5 days old.” - Rockville Tribune, 5 August 1880

“Died, January 23, 1887, Mrs. Melinda Moore, wife of Thomas W. Moore, formerly of this county, but residing at the time of her death, in Dallas County, Iowa. Mrs. Moore was the youngest sister of George W. Swaim and was at the time of her death in her fifty-third year.” - Rockville Tribune, February 3, 1887

Mrs. Nelson Moore died on Saturday of consumption, and was buried on Monday. Funeral services by Revs. Maris and Cummings. - Rockville Tribune, 14 May 1891

FATAL ACCIDENT. - On Sunday, Mrs. Moore, as sister-in-law of Mr. Joel Green, three miles west of town, started in company with one of Mr. Green’s sons in a buggy to come to town. The young man was driving, and had not proceeded far when the horse became frightened and started to run away, when the lines broke and young Green jumping out to catch the horse fell to the ground and the horse continued to run till the wheels of the buggy striking a stump threw Mrs. Moore out of the buggy against a log, killing her almost instantly. Mrs. Moore was a widow lady, some 49 years of age. - Rockville Republican, May 25, 1864, Page 002

Elder J. Skeeters will preach the funeral of old Mrs. Moreland, late of Judson, at that place on the fifth Sunday in October at 11 o’clock a.m. - Indiana Patriot, 14 October 1875, Page 005

Ed. Morgan, aged about 23 years died very sudden on Tuesday evening of blood poisoning and was buried on Wednesday.” - Montezuma Reporter, December 16, 1887

Gladys E. Morgan, 14 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Morgan died Friday, January 27th following a short illness due to a throat infection. The child was born April 14, 1919 the second daughter of George and Alma Straw Morgan. Besides the parents, one brother and four sisters survive, namely, Gerald, Frieda, Mary Olive, Virginia and Alma. The funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon at the Nazarene Church in St. Bernice, Indiana in charge of the Rev. Roberts. Interment was in Franklin Cemetery between Chrisman and Paris, Illinois. Clyde Brown was the undertaker in charge. - Montezuma Enterprise, February 2, 1932

Mrs. Nettie MORLAN, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles MAY was born in Putnam County, Indiana August 15, 1884; died December 20, 1906 aged 22 years 4 months 5 days. She was united in marriage to Oscar Morlan, August 26, 1902. To this union was born two daughters, the oldest having preceded her in death. She united with the United Brethren Church the year of 1900, under the pasturage of Rev. Sherrill. She had been ailing in health for a long time. But she took her bed Sept 14 and continued so until her death. She bore her sickness with great patience and was never heard to murmur although she suffered great agony at times. She had all the care that loving hands could give, but death claimed his reward and was called her to her heavenly home. She leaves her father, mother, husband, and a bright-eyed little girl, Hazel May, aged 16 months; 2 sisters, 4 brothers and a host of other relatives and friends. She will be sadly missed for she was of a friendly and jolly disposition. She always tried to live a Christian life, trying to obey God in all things and who told by the doctor that he could give her no further relief she expressed desire to stay with family and friends a while longer, but saying, "If it is God's will, I am prepared and willing to go any time He calls me. The funeral services were held at Farmer's Chapel Saturday at 11 o'clock by Rev. Kelly. Interment in cemetery near by.

Annapolis, Ind., Nov. 21 – Nathan Morris, a pioneer of Parke County, aged eighty-one years, died at his home in Bloomingdale, Ind., Nov. 18. Mr. Morris was a Quaker by birth, and lived for more than sixty years in Parke county, coming from North Carolina. He was once a prominent Mason and gave $300 two years ago to Lodge No. 127 to help in building a lodge room at Bloomingdale. He owned a thousand acres of the most fertile land in western Indiana and had a cash deposit of $20,000 in the national bank at Rockville, besides other valuable property. He had been in the mercantile and grocery business in Rockville, Montezuma and Leatherwood, a small station on the Indiana, Decatur & Western Railroad. Before and since the death of his second wife he had been in business at Bloomingdale and since her death he had lived alone in part of his business house. Last Tuesday he went to Rockville and made a deposit of $2,300, having sold his new crop of corn. Returning home he was seen late Wednesday evening. Friday the station agent found Mr. Morris lying on the floor, partly dressed, unconscious and chilled with a gash an inch in length in the forehead just between the eyes. Some small change, bank deposit slips, books and papers were scattered over the floor, giving rise to wild stories of a probable murder and robbery. Dr. Goldsberry was called and after a close examination, pronounced Mr. Morris suffering from concussion of the brain, caused by falling against the stove or some hard body. After a few hours of careful nursing he was able to recognize his friends, but could not talk well enough to tell how he had been hurt. He died at 8 o’clock Friday night. Five hundred dollars was found in the cupboard and nothing being missing, the murder and robbery theory was exploded. He leaves four grandchildren. The Masonic order took charge of his body, which was interred in the Linebarger Cemetery. – The Indiana State Journal, 23 November 1898

Mrs. Kathryn (Petro) Mosteller - Brazil- Graveside services for Mrs. Mary Kathryn Mosteller, 55 RR 14, formerly of Indianapolis and Parke County, who died Sunday, Hospital, will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Center Point Cemetery. The Rev. Kevin McKinney will officiate. Lawson Slack Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Surviving are the husband Ross, Sr.; Four daughters, Mrs. Elsie Morgan and Mrs. Karyn Ross, both of Kokomo, Mrs. Mildred Fields of Brazil and Betty Joan, at home; four sons, Carl, Indianapolis, Ross Jr., Speedway; Jack of Carbon and Roy Lee, at home: a brother Benjamin Jack Petro of Dennison, Iowa; 23 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. – Obituary dated 14 February 1978 - shared by D & M White

Lester E. Mosteller, born September 15, 1914, 56, RR 2, Rosedale, a teacher in both the Parke and Vigo County school systems for several years, died of an apparent heart attack, Wednesday, September 1, 1971. He suffered the attack at Lost Creek Elementary School, near Seelyville and was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Anthony Hospital. He was the son of Elmer W. & Arizona (Morlan) Mosteller of Parke CO., IN. He was a veteran of World War II; a graduate of Bridgeton High School and received his B.S. degree from Central Normal College, Danville, Ind. He taught school at Linden, Ind; was a coach at Bell Union, Ind; and both a teacher and coach in the elementary and high school level at Bridgeton from 1949 to 1951. He is survived by the widow, Elizabeth: two sons, Russell, a student at the University of Michigan, and Robert, a student at the University of Southern California. Other survivors include the mother, Mrs. Arizona Mosteller, Brazil; five brothers, Chester, Brazil; James, Harmony and Raymond, Robert, and Ernest all of RR 3 Brazil. Two sisters, Mrs. Marie Rightsell, RR1, Carbon; and Mrs. Helen Creed, RR 3, Brazil. Funeral services were held at the Butler Funeral Home, Rockville with burial in Cedar Cemetery near Portland Mills, Parke Co., IN. - shared by D & M White

Raymond ‘‘Peewee’’ Mosteller, 80, of Greencastle died at 8:45 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, 1998, in Putnam County Hospital. He was born April 2, 1918, in Parke County to Elmer Mosteller and Arizona Morlan Mosteller. Survivors include his wife, Rozella Marcum Mosteller; one daughter, Thelma Marie Trobridge; one son, Raymond Lee Mosteller; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Ernest ‘‘Snook’’ Mosteller. Services are 1 p.m. Saturday in Barnes Mortuary, with the Revs. Mike Fitzsimmons and Kent Fitzsimmons officiating. Burial is in Clinton Falls Cemetery in Putnam County. Visitation is 10 a.m. until services Saturday. - shared by D & M White

Buck Creek - September 29, 1938 - Mrs Rose V (Toney) Mosteller, 75, widow of Peter Mosteller, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs Grace Payne, here this morning at 8:15 o'clock. A native of Parke county, near Carbon, she was born April 13, 1863, and was married December 24, 1879. Mrs Mosteller had been living at the Payne home since July 10. Surviving are the following children: Mrs Flora Eta Vanstan, C Delbert and Home F Mosteller, of Indianapolis; Elmer W Mosteller, Brazil; Mrs Eliza E Skelton, Greencastle; Ralph E Mosteller, Terre Haute; Noah D Mosteller, Mrs Myrtle M Smith, Fred C Mosteller, Roy L Mosteller, all of Carbon, and Mrs Payne. Friends may call at the Payne home after 7 o'clock this evening; funeral services will be held near Carbon Saturday. – shared by Dale White

Mrs. Jennie Myers, 65 years old, passed away at 1:15 o’clock last Thursday afternoon at her residence in Mecca. She is survived by the husband, Oscar; two daughters, Mrs. Guy Fowler and Mrs. Orval Montgomery, both of Indianapolis; three sons, Nathan Myers of Mecca, Samuel Myers of Indianapolis; and Virgil Milton Myers, at home; a sister, Mrs. Mary Yowle of Ledford, IL, a brother, William Enfield of Benton, IL, and seven grandchildren. The body was taken to the Cox and Williams’s funeral home in Rosedale. Funeral rites were conducted at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon at the Mecca Methodist church. The Rev. James Conlin officiated and burial was in Hixon cemetery. – Rockville Tribune, 27 October 1949

John H. Myers, of Montezuma R. R. A. was born in 1875 and has lived all his life in Parke County. Susan Pickerel Hopper was born Dec. 12, 1846 in Russellville. She has lived more that 60 years in Minshall. A. H. Rayl was born in Washington township in 1876, moved out of Washington at the age of 6, and since then has spent all but 3 years in Penn township. Mrs. William Beeson of Marshall was born in Howard township in 1874, and moved in 1897 to Washington township, where she has since resided. … - Rockville Tribune, December 26, 1928