SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
OBITS
ASHER, RUTHERFORD
According to the Blackwell, O. T. News, a lively scrap occurred to secure the possession of the corpse of Rutherford Asher, who died of consumption in this city the other day. Ar. Mrs. Asher, wife of the dead man, held the check for the body upon its arrival at Blackwell, and she carried away the body.
The News says:
A scrapping match over a live corpse is not very uncommon occurrence, but a scrap over a dead man is somewhat out of the ordinary. A little episode of this kind came off the other evening at the Santa Fe depot, that was so strenuous and exhibited so much feminine vehemence as to attract quite a crowd of curious spectators. A few days ago a man named Asher whose parents live in Blackwell, died in Wichita. He had been ill for some time and there was a family misunderstanding about taking care of the sick man. His wife, who is a daughter of Dr. Waynne of this city, remained with him and it is said, took all the care of him. For some reason, not explained she was persona non grata to use a diplomatic phrase, to the family of her husband.
According to her statement, he had requested that his family be not allowed to see him after he was dead, and she proceeded to comply with his request. The burial was to take place in the Odd Fellows cemetery in this city and the dead man's widow had the body placed in a baggage car and shipped to Blackwell, and she accompanied it. When the coffin arrived at the Santa Fe depot, the clash came. Members of the dead man's family were present to claim the body, and his widow who had the check for his shipment got off the train it is said to their surprise, for they did not know she was coming. At any rate when the coffin was placed on the platform and the different claimants began to clamor for its possession there was a lively time. A lady who was coming down Blackwell avenue heard a terrible screaming such as only a woman can utter, and she naturally went to see what was the matter. When she got to the platform she found a woman standing over the coffin or rather the pine box that enclosed it and conducting herself in a manner that showed beyond a doubt, that she was greatly excited.
Why, what is the matter? She asked the excited woman, as she struck the defenseless box two or three severe blows with her fist.
Who won't let you see him, asked the lady whose curiosity had been aroused by the novel state of affairs.
Why that thing in there replied the enraged woman pointing to a woman who was seated in the waiting room. The thing, by the way was the widow of the dead man and she held the check for the body she was comparatively undisturbed. Agent Hall finally placed the pine box, coffin and corpse in the baggage room and both women undertook to stay with it. There was imminent danger of a first class hair pulling matinee, until Mr. Hall told them in his quiet persuasive voice, that he could not permit any such hilarious conduct in the depot. The sister of the dead man cowed by all the gods and goddesses that she would not leave her brother's body but after Mr. Hall explained to her that the only way in which she could get possession of the body was to either produce the check for its shipment or else replevy it by law. Seeing there was no chance to capture the prize, the parties quietly subsided and the widow who had the check too her husband's body to her father's house, from which place it was taken to the cemetery and laid to rest. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, April 3, 1904)
Robert Barnes died yesterday forenoon at 10 o'clock at the Wichita Hospital of dropsy. He was 38 years of age and has been an inmate of the hospital for some time. He leaves a mother, a sister and a brother. The funeral will take place at 4 o'clock this afternoon and the remains will be interred in Highland cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 30, 1903)
Word was received from Columbus, Ohio, yesterday by Mrs. Frank Nicholson which told of the death of Miss Josie Beaver at that place Tuesday night at 11 o'clock. Consumption was the cause of her death. Miss Beaver was 19 years of age and had lived in Wichita until about three weeks ago, when with her sister, Miss Stella Beaver she left for Columbus to join her parents who had moved there some time ago. Interment will be made at Columbus. Miss Beaver is a sister of Mrs. Frank J. Nicholson of this city. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 9, 1903)
George W. Benton, the subject of this sketch, was born near South Bend, Ind., November 14th, 1814, and separated this life at Wichita, Kas., April 11th, 1894, aged 79 years, 4 months and 25 days. He was married twice, his first wife being Miss May Osborn, who bore him two children. He was married to his second wife, a Miss Susan Simpson, who still survives him. In early life he removed to Michigan, where he resided until 1872, when he came to Grundy county, Illinois; in 1874 he came to Wichita, Kansas, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Benton was a member of the Masonic fraternity being with probably one or two exceptions, the oldest Mason in Wichita. He was buried with Masonic ceremonies by that order, a large number of his brethren and friends accompanying his remains to the cemetery. In all the relations of life, the deceased was a faithful and consistent man, and his virtues will long be embalmed in the memory of his memory friends. In the lodge room we will miss him; in his family there is a place none can fill. Farewell brother! Farewell friend! We mourn, but not as those without hope.
For what is death? A peaceful sleep, A noiseless slumber, calm and deep; An end of grief, an end of tears; An end of sorrow, an end of fears; An end of sighs; the dawn of peace; The spirit's swift and sure release; An exit from a world like this; An entrance into one of bliss; The opening portals of the blest, That leads to everlasting rest; An end of turmoil and of strife, Through death we enter into life. G. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, April 15, 1894)
Mrs. Dr. Buckwalter died in Wichita and her funeral was held in Millersburg, O. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, December 18, 1898)
Kansas City Star: A few days ago a very wealthy and eccentric character, in the person of Dr. Burleigh, died at Wichita. Marsh Murdock of the Eagle wrote his obituary and the effort was one of those literary gems which ought to be preserved in the archives of the state. It was in the serio-comic vein, and this was probably the first time in the history of Kansas that the death of a millionaire afforded an opportunity for the effective employment of genuine humor. This was done too, in a manner which violated no principle of propriety or requirement of good taste, all of which goes to prove to what lengths of perfection Colonel Murdock has attained in the field of mortuary literature. (Wichita Eagle, January 26, 1888)
Kansas City, Mo., Sept. 29 - Mrs. G. C. Carey, 349 Emporia Avenue, Wichita, Kan.:
My house was destroyed by fire last night and Mr. Carey is dead. Heartfelt sympathy to you. B. B. Ralph
This telegram was received yesterday afternoon by Mrs. G. C. Carey, who lives with her brother, Judge Harvey at 439 North Emporia Avenue. With the exception of this brief bit of information Mrs. Carey has been unable to learn any thing of the circumstances of her husband's death. The message arrived in the city yesterday morning, but was not delivered until late yesterday afternoon, owing to the fact that an incorrect street number was given. The number given on the telegram is 349 Emporia Avenue, while the number of the place in which she lives is 439 North Emporia, and the messenger boys kept up a diligent search all day yesterday but her residence was found only when it was learned by accident that she was a sister of Judge Harvey.
G. C. Carey was burned to death in the sanitarium of B. B. Ralph in Kansas City, which was destroyed by fire Monday night. He had been inmate of that institution about four weeks because of nervous prostration. He was about 50 years of age and has been in this city many times. Sixteen years ago he was interested in the Bank of Augusta and afterward engaged in the coal and grain business at that place, but since then he has lived at Great Bend and was at one time with the Kansas Grain company at Hutchinson. A few months ago he decided to go to Kansas City and engage in business but left Mrs. Carey with her parents at Dighton, Kan., to remain until she became settled. She came to this city in July and since then has been making her home with her brother, Judge Harvey.
She received a letter from her husband a short time ago stating that he was ill and would take treatment in a sanitarium. Since then she has heard nothing until she received the sad word of his death yesterday.
Soon after the first telegram another was received from an undertaking establishment at Kansas City asking about the disposition of the body. I. W. Gill left last night for Kansas City and if possible the body will be brought to this city for burial. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 30, 1903)
Roy Covell, the 6 month old son of Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Covell was buried yesterday morning at 11 o'clock from the residence, 1145 Ellis Avenue. Interment was made in Fairview cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, February 18, 1904)
Miss Bessie Crosse died yesterday at the Wichita hospital at the age of 24 years. She had only been an inmate of the hospital a short time, having been brought here from Toronto, Kansas. She was a widow and had lived at Toronto all her life. The remains were shipped to that point yesterday over the Missouri Pacific. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, June 25, 1903)
Mr. George Eldridge, the seventeen year old son of the housekeeper at the Occidental, died yesterday forenoon at the Occidental Hotel. The remains accompanied by Mrs. Eldridge and Mr. A. N. Deming were taken last evening to Lawrence for interment. (Wichita Eagle, October 2, 1888)
Lawrence, Kas., Sept. 7 - Martin Gilmore, a young farmer living two miles northeast of Lawrence, was shot by a highwayman Saturday night and died at midnight from the wounds. Gilmore had crossed the railroad track near his home about 9 o'clock to put his horses in a pasture for the night and was returning across the track when he was accosted by a man with a handkerchief over his face and a revolver in his hand. Gilmore struck at the assailant with his bridles he was carrying, knocking the man down and then clinching with him in an effort to get possession of the revolver. Finally the highwayman broke away and started on a run down the railroad track. Gilmore followed and was just about to jump onto him again when the man wheeled and fired, the shot passing through Gilmore's stomach. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 8, 1903)
HAGAR, LEWELLEN E. SLOSSER MRS.
Mrs. Lewellen E. Slosser Hagar was born in Ohio September 28, 1859 and died in Wichita, June 15, 1900.
Besides a host of friends to mourn her loss, she leaves her father, Daniel Slosser, with whom she lived, a sister Mrs. Geo. Kissler and a brother, R. B. Slosser.
Mrs. Hagar came to Kansas with her parents in 1872 and to Wichita in 1874, since which time has been her home except about five years which she spent in Colorado and Utah.
In 1886 she was married to Geo. T. Hagar who she survived.
While in Utah she united with the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City being baptized in the Jordan river and so far as known was the first person immersed in that stream. The following year, 1889 she placed her membership with the First Baptist Church of Wichita where she has been a faithful and devout member. Her highest aim was love and duty to the Master's cause and the fulfilling of these duties through the various channels of church work was often at the expense of her physical strength. She was a teacher in the Sunday school and her conscientious work was rewarded even before her death by some of her scholars accepting her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For the past few years her body
has rarely been free from pain but her patience through it all and especially her last illness was exemplary.
The words of the poet Halleck might well be paid to our beloved Mrs. Hagar with change in the pronoun:
"None knew her but to love her, None named her but to praise." The funeral was conducted at the church, the placed loved so much. Rev. Flannagan conducted an impressive service, reading a portion of the fourteenth chapter of John which he had read in her presence the day of her death. Mr. J. F. Shearman, the Sunday school superintendent, beautifully expressed her church relationship and closed with the following apostrophe to the mortal remains of Sister Hagar:
So, poor tired clay of Ella Hagar, we lay thee to rest. We cherish them because so long there hast been the abiding place of that sweet spirit that now has left thee. Rest, oh loving hands, now pale and pinched in death. No more at her bidding shall ye be extended in the ministries of mercy. Rest, oh gentle lips, silent now at the touch of the fleshless finger of death. No more at her bidding shall ye move in the pleading accents of prayer. Rest, oh tender eyes, windows of her soul, ye are sightless now for death health taken thy sight away. No more shall ye fill with tears that sprang unbidden when the heart was moved in sympathy. Farewell, oh hands, oh lips, oh eyes, worn out in the battle in which she relentlessly bade you wage. Ye are but the ashes of Ella Hagar. Dust ye are, and to dust ye shall return but she the redeemed one is in paradise and with the Christ. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, June 19, 1900)
Little Florence Hartman, the 6 month old child of Ernest Hartman died yesterday at 627 North Wabash avenue. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, June 27, 1900)
The funeral of A. A. Hilterman will take place from his residence, 110 West Louis street, at 10 o'clock a.m. today under the auspices of the Odd Fellows. All Odd Fellows and friends are cordially invited to attend. (Wichita Eagle, October 2, 1888)
Mrs. Kate Murdock Hull, who died at Wichita, last week was a daughter of Colonel M. M. Murdock. She was a young wife, beloved by her husband and the favorite child of her father. Husband, parents and brothers and sisters have the profound sympathy of their friends, especially of the Kansas press, in their sorrow. From the Kansas City Gazette
Our heart goes out to Colonel and Mrs. M. M. Murdock of the Wichita Eagle in their sorrow occasioned by the death of their daughter. Mrs. Kate Murdock Hull. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 10, 1892)
Shelton M. Hume departed this life at his parents home in Clearwater, March 2, A. D. 1892. He was born in Marion County, Ind., May 28, 1849. He served the city as mayor one term and was serving as city clerk at the time of his death. He with his parents moved to this place from Stitesville, Hendricks county in the spring of 1885. A. C. H. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 10, 1892)
Dan M. Jones died at 4 o'clock yesterday morning at the Wichita hospital from an operation performed Sunday morning for gall stones. Mr. Jones had been sick some months before the operation was performed and the physicians decided that an operation was the only means of saving his life, though they could offer but little hope to the family. He was very weak when the operation was completed and gradually sank until the end yesterday.
Daniel M. Jones was born in Schuylkill county, Pa., in 1847 and lived in that county for over twenty years. He moved to the western part of the state and learned the blacksmith's trade and later moved to Illinois, where he was married. In 1877 he came to Wichita and for a number of years followed his trade in a small building about where the Wall building now stands on North Market street. Shortly after coming here he purchased a farm northwest of the city and after years of labor owned at the time of his death probably the finest fruit farm in this section of the state. Fruit and especially small fruits, with the name Jones stamped on the box were in great demand in all parts of the city for they were the best that could be grown in the Arkansas valley.
D. M. Jones was a member of the Reformed church and of the Maize lodge of Knights of Pythias. He leaves a widow and four children. Mrs. Flora reed, Frank Jones, Arthur Jones, and Miss Ivie Jones. Short funeral services will be held at the home and the remains will be brought to the Brown Memorial church Friday where Rev. Bruce Griffith will conduct the services and the body will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, February 25, 1903)
Mrs. C. S. Judd of 222 North Main street died yesterday morning at nine o'clock of cancer and lung trouble. She has been an invalid for twelve years and her death was not unexpected. Her old home was in Wisconsin but in 1893 she moved to Texas, hoping that it might benefit her health. She had almost recovered when she passed through the Galveston storm and suffered a relapse. A little over a year ago the family moved to this city. Mrs. Judd was a member of the Methodist Church and of the Woman's Relief Corps. Besides her husband she leaves four children, Dr. B. F. Judd of this city and Mrs. Anna Osborne and William and Myrtle Judd of Ashland, Wisconsin. The remains will leave over the Frisco at one o'clock today for Ashland for the funeral service and burial. Before leaving there will be a short prayer service conducted by Rev. Lynch. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 9, 1903)
T. E. King is the name of the man
killed on the Frisco west of Bentley yesterday. An inquest was held by the justice of the peace in that locality
and the body was brought here yesterday and handed over to Undertaker Dunbar for burial. An effort is being made
to find his relatives.
There was a letter found in his pocket addressed to T. E. King, Wichita. It was written with a lead pencil. It
was mailed at Abbott, Missouri on the 9th of this month and received at the postoffice in this city at 4 o'clock
the following day and evidently delivered to the man in whose pocket it was found. The letter was signed by J.
D. Rogers who seemed to be a relative of King. There was also found in his pocket a receipt for $13 for medical
services and signed by Dr. McBurton of Hickory Barren, Mo.
King was of stout build and seemed to be about 40 years of age. He would weigh about 170 pounds. Had red hair and moustache, rather broad cheek bones and heavy over the eyes. He was dressed in a brown suit, somewhat worn. His right arm had the appearance of having been broken at some former time.
Mrs. Haines, who lives on North Water street said she had seen King here and that he ate at the Eckert restaurant on East Douglas avenue but Mr. Eckert called at Dunbars last night and said that he could not recognize the man. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 22, 1901)
Thomas Kirwin the man who was found in an unconscious condition on the court house grounds Saturday night and who was later removed to the Wichita hospital, died Tuesday evening without regaining consciousness. The cause of his death will possibly always remain a mystery. When found he had a large wound in his head which appeared to have been caused by a hard blow or a fall but beyond that nothing could be learned. The dead man had several relatives living in the city, including a mother a sister and a brother. John Kirwin of Pretty Prairie is also a brother of the dead man and arrived in the city a few hours after his brother's death. The funeral services have not yet been arranged. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 9, 1903)
Word was received here yesterday of the death of Frank Long a brother of Sidney Long of this city. He was formerly a resident of Wichita and resided here prior to removing to Kansas City a few years ago. He died at the home of his wife's parents in Cherryvale.
Frank Long was 36 years old and was a young man who had many friends. Before moving away he learned the barber trade here and when going to Kansas City he took charge of the barber shop in the Coates hotel, which position he held until his illness.
When Mr. Long was taken to the hospital during his first serious illness several months ago, the physicians made an examination and found that he had an abdominal cancer. After undergoing on operation it was plainly seen that nothing could be done that would save him. As he grew worse he was taken to Cherryvale where he continued to sink lower until his death on Friday morning last.
His brother Sidney and his mother were at his bedside for the last three days prior to his death. He leaves no children. The burial will take place at Kansas City today. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, April 10, 1904)
Asa Markel of Knoxville, Tenn., a brother and Mrs. N. C. Towne, of Des Moines, Iowa, a sister of Richard Markel who died last Saturday evening at the home, 431 Wabash Avenue, are in the city. They reached here in time to attend the funeral. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 7, 1903)
Miss Bessie Osbourne died Tuesday night at 957 St. Francis avenue at the age of 39 years. She has lived in Wichita fifteen years, coming here from Kansas City. Her birthplace was Indiana. The funeral service will be held this afternoon at 4 o'clock from Gills undertaking rooms. Interment will be made in Maple Grove Cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, June 25, 1903)
Notice was received at the office of the probate judge from the warden of the Topeka insane asylum of the death of Rose Michaels, adjudged insane in this county six years ago. When the lady was adjudged insane her mother was then in the asylum for some years, the malady being inherent. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 10, 1892)
Yesterday Probate Judge Buckner of this county received information from Ossawatomie that William Mullenback had died in the insane asylum there after a confinement in that institution extending over a period of nineteen years. Mr. Mullenback was one of the pioneers of this county and was adjudged insane early in 1873 when the county was still in a very primative condition. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 10, 1892)
James Murphy died at the Wichita hospital yesterday morning from two gun shot wounds. Murphy is well to do cattleman of Clark County. While acting as peace maker between two men at Ashland, the county seat of Clark county, one week ago yesterday, he was shot in two places. One of the balls took effect in his left leg about midway between the knee and the hip. The ball penetrated the bone, shattering it until the whole limb was so inflamed there was no show of saving his life.
The trouble in which Mr. Murphy came to his death was between Henry Montgomery, a livery man of Englewood and S. P. Mitchell, of Ashland. Two weeks ago Mitchell and Montgomery had some trouble at Ashland but after a few hot words they separated. Montgomery went back home to Englewood. His next trip to Ashland was on Thursday, March 9th, and he was armed. Mitchell saw him, and also armed himself. Murphy, being friends of both went to them one at a time and tried to settle the difficultly. While talking to Montgomery in a stairway Mitchell walked up and one of the men fired. It is not known who fired the first shot. Montgomery stepped back into the stairway and Mitchell stepped around into a store entrance. The two men poked their guns out around the corner and fired at each other.
Murphy got out of the stairway and instead of going straight out across the street he walked up past where Mitchell stood and was shot. Mitchell also received two wounds. Murphy was brought to the hospital here Wednesday afternoon and had his leg amputated by Dr. Purdue, but the inflammation had become so great that Murphy died yesterday morning.
Mrs. Murphy came in over the Santa Fe yesterday and was met at the train by Harry Bone, Sheriff Surgrue, of Clark County, who is here on the grand jury and W. H. Weldon a cattleman of Clark County. She seemed afraid to ask of the condition of her husband, but as soon as they were in the hack she inquired nervously:
How is Jim?
The faces of the men was answer enough. The pathetic scene which followed would have brought a moment of sudden sympathy to the heart of even the most careless. The body will be taken away today. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 18, 1898)
The funeral of Miss Helen Phillips, who died at her home 1208 Harrison Street, Sunday evening, was held from the residence at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon. Miss Phillips was 23 years of age, and removed here recently from Wichita. She was a daughter of J. H. Phillips, the former city passenger agent of the Rock Island at Wichita, who died a year ago. A brother of Miss Phillips is now employed in the Rock Island passenger office in this city - Topeka Journal 25. Miss Phillips formerly lived in Dodge City. She died of consumption. (The Globe Republican, May 27, 1897)
Word has been received here of the death last Monday of Theodore F. Price at his home in Washington, D. C., where he was an employee of the state department.
Mr. Price had complained of pains in his head for a week before he died. He kept steadily at his desk until the day death came. It was due to apoplexy.
Mr. Price formerly lived in Wichita but moved to New York state several years ago. He received a government appointment about eighteen months ago. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, April 3, 1904)
Louis Reynolds the fourteen months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds died suddenly at the home of its parents, 1402 East Douglas avenue, Tuesday, July 7. No arrangements for the funeral services have been made so far. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 9, 1903)
Charles Shaffler, an aged German who lived alone at Anadarko, O.T., and who has been in the Wichita hospital here for ten days, died at that institution Wednesday night. The deceased was taken ill some time ago and he was sent to the hospital here, but his advanced years, he being 73 years old, hastened his death, and he died Wednesday. Before life expired he imparted to the hospital nurses the residence of his sister in Tennessee. The body was turned over the Undertaker Gill who wired his sister. She replied by telegram that his brother lived at Le Suerur, Minn., and the undertaker was notified to ship the body there for burial. It was shipped over the Rock Island last night. Nothing much was known of the deceased except that he is a native of Germany. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 25, 1900)
Was Well Known Here - Old Time Citizen of Wichita Dies in the East
Isaac Shellabarger, one of the old time residents of Wichita, died recently at his home in Decatur, Ill. He was a citizen of Wichita in an early day and engaged in the lumber business in partnership with A. W. Oliver, of this city many years ago. Later he and Mr. Oliver went into the milling business and constructed the mill and started the business which later became the firm of Oliver & Imboden, who are the well known business men of this city. Mr. Shellabarger retired from business several years ago. He was a man of excellent executive ability and his good judgment and foresight made him a highly prosperous man. He was successful in all his undertakings and assisted in making wealthy several of his nephews and other men. He was persevering and industrious and gradually worked himself up to a position of wealth and influence and through it all maintained the honest respect of all with whom he came in contact. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 31, 1896)
Judge Sluss wired his family Saturday that his father had expired a few hours before he reached his Illinois home. After the burial and settling of affairs the judge will leave for home, he having to be in Tucson on the 11th of this month at which time and place his court meets to hear some cases. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, December 2, 1893)
Death of Joshua Smith - An Old and Respected Citizen Dies Peacefully at His Home in Waco Township
Joshua Smith, who died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Charles Goodyear on Wednesday, was one of the best known men in Sedgwick county. His sterling worth, his strict integrity, his pleasing manner and his straightforward character made him a well-known and well-beloved man.
Mr. Smith was born in Biddingham, England, on the 30 day of September, 1806. He came to America in 1852, and to Kansas in 1854, and settled in Lawrence where he built the first frame house erected in that city. He took an active part in the border war that waged with more or less intensity from the time the territory was organized in 1854, till it was admitted as a state in 1870 and most of the time has lived with his children, Mrs. Goodyear being his choice, generally.
Mr. Smith leaves several children nearly all of whom are well-known citizens of the county. Among them are Mrs. John C. Mossman of this city, Mrs. Charles E. Goodyear of Waco township, Henry Smith, proprietor of Highland Cemetery, and Fred Smith, a prominent and well-to-do farmer in Park Township.
Mr. Smith died at the ripe age of 87 years, going off in a calm and peaceful sleep as became his happy and peaceful life. The community will sympathize with the children in their irreparable loss and overshadowing bereavement. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, December 2, 1893)
Mrs. Louis Sweringer, died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock from the injuries received by the exploding of a half gallon can of kerosene. She never recovered consciousness since within a few moments after the explosion occurred, and experienced excruciating pains from her burns up to within a short time of her death, when she was finally induced to rest easier through the administration of medicines.
Funeral services over the body conducted by Rev. A. A. Parker, will be held from Gill's undertaking parlors this afternoon at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Sweringer had lived in Wichita about five years. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, February 18, 1904)
The Guthrie State Capital has the following to say of A. B. Sykes, who died at his home in this city one week ago last Thursday:
"There died in Wichita, Kansas, Thursday last, one of the veteran printers of Kansas and Oklahoma, A. B. Sykes.
"Al Sykes was the first foremen of the Daily and Weekly State Capital in Guthrie, coming with us when this country opened to settlement. He was one of the swiftest make-ups and one of the best job printers who ever handled a stick. He was foreman of the job office of the Wichita Eagle when he died.
When the State Capital first started the same material had to be used for the newspaper as for job work. It would be run in ads at night in the paper, and the next day most of it pulled for use in the job department.
Material was very scant.
Furniture was sawed out of lumber procured at a lumber yard. There were only about five fonts of type in the office and the press the job work was done on had gone through two fires, the last time falling from a third story.
Sykes worked all day and slept on a cot in the job department at night with the rest of us, and at 3:30 in the morning he would get up and make up the forms for the morning daily.
This was hard work and a very strenuous life.
About everybody who worked in the office, slept there also, and sleepers filled nearly every vacant spot in the office while the add setter robbed the job forms of type enough to set the ads and the printers click, click at the case mingled with our dreams.
That was a happy and hard-working family in those days.
Sykes was one of the most cheerful of the crowd and loved by all of his associates.
He had been a great traveler, but finally settled down in Winfield, Kan. On the Winfield Courier, along about 1876 and worked on the courier until he came to Guthrie. From Guthrie he went to the Wichita Eagle where he remained until his death.
Sykes had a peculiar but lovable personality. He talked but little. When he did talk it was straight to the point. He could figure like lightning on the cost of a job and when he made up a newspaper form it looked like he had six or eight hands, instead of two, handling the type.
He would throw the type into the form with both hands and make up a page quicker than any printer we ever knew.
Sykes loved the printing profession as a preacher loves religion or a maiden loves her lover.
His memory will always be revered around the State Capital office by those who participated in the inconveniences and general embarrassments of the early days when all sorts of expedients had to be resorted to get out the paper.
Sykes was always equal to every occasion.
The editor of the State Capital learned the printer's trade under A. B. Sykes and his kindness and genial disposition will always linger in our memory.
Goodbye Sykes; may those in heaven love you as well as those who labored with you on earth and may your spirit find surcease from the struggles of poignancy which encompassed your life. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 7, 1903)
Little Miss Marie Emma Woodring, died after a three weeks illness yesterday. She took sick with the measles and suffered a backset. Complications then arose which resulted in her death. Marie Woodring was twenty months old and was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Woodring of 934 South Emporia Avenue. The funeral service will be held from the home at 10:30 o'clock this morning. Interment will be made in Maple Grove cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 9, 1903)
Mrs. Uriah Woodring was born in Illinois, 1855 and died in Wichita, Kan., April 8, 1894.
The last eight years they have lived in and about Wichita. She joined the M. E. Church when 11 years of age and at the time of her death was a member of the Emporia avenue church.
One week before her death she rallied, called her family to her bedside and prayed for them and asked them to meet her in heaven.
The cause of her death was neuralgia of the heart.
She leaves a husband, three sons and a daughter to mourn.
A brief funeral service was conducted at the house by her pastor and the remains taken to Wellington for burial where Rev. J. D. Botkin preached the funeral sermon.
The family sincerely thank the neighbors and friends for their untiring devotion during her sickness. W. R. Watson. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, April 15, 1894)
Pneumonia Takes Life of Infant Son of Broom Corn Dealer
David Henry Harryman, 202 Bluff
avenue, died at 4:30 o'clock Sunday evening after an illness of two weeks with pneumonia. Mr. Harryman is a broom
corn dealer. Funeral services will probably take place Tuesday, Gill Brothers have charge.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Monday ~ December 27, 1920)
Funeral services for George W. Reilly, 68 years old, pioneer wholesale groceryman, will be conducted at 10:30 o'clock Monday, at St. Mary's cathedral. The Rev. William M. Farrell, rector, will officiate. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery. Flanagan & Bourman Undertaking company has charge.
Mr. Reilly, who resided at 1359
North Lawrence avenue, died of heart trouble Friday morning. He had lived in Wichita for forty-five years.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Monday ~ December 27, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Funeral services for Lillian Rose
Buck, 11 months old, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Buck, 2525 Cleveland avenue, will be held Tuesday afternoon
at 2:00 o'clock at City Undertaking parlors. Burial will be in Highland cemetery.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ December 28, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret
Flynn will be held Tuesday morning at 9:00 o'clock at St. Joseph church. Burial will be in Calvary cemetery.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ December 28, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Jacob Edgar Williams, 46 years old,
1211 South Wichita street, a resident of Wichita since July, coming from Cheyenne, Wyo., died at a local hospital
Monday morning. His mother, Mary Garton, of Trenton, Mo., and three brothers: Roy, John and J. F. Williams, of
Enterprise, Mo., and Seymore, Ia., survive. Mr. Williams was a member of the local Yeoman Lodge. Funeral services
will be held Tuesday morning at 10:30 at Wichita Undertaking parlors. Yeoman lodge is in charge. Burial will be
in Maple Grove cemetery.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ December 28, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
The funeral of Ernest I. Williams
will be conducted at 10:00 o'clock Tuesday morning at Hyde Park United Brethren church, Ellis avenue and South
Park street. Gill Brothers are in charge.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ December 28, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Funeral services for Nelson Briley,
(colored) a veteran of the Civil war, who died last Thursday, will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at
the African M.E. church, eleventh and Mosley, with burial in Highland cemetery. Member of Eggleston Post, G. A.
R. will attend in a body. The Anderson Undertaking company will be in charge.
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ December 28, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Eva May Shannon (colored) six-months-old
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Shannon, 1804 North Wabash, died Monday evening. Funeral arrangements for which have
not been completed, will be in charge of Anderson Undertaking company./
(Wichita Eagle ~ Tuesday ~ December 28, 1920 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
The funeral of Mr. Ben Reynolds,
who was instantly killed in the Kansas Midland yards Wednesday morning, will be held at the residence, 422 North
Washington avenue, this morning at 11 o'clock. Rev. C. E. Bradt of the First Presbyterian church will officiate.
(Wichita Eagle ~ April 1, 1898 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
HAD HIS LEGS CUT OFF BY SANTA FE TRAIN
Robert Horr, the 12-year-old boy
who had his legs cut off below the knee, at 1 o'clock Monday afternoon by a Santa Fe freight train while he was
stealing a ride, died yesterday morning between 8 and 9 o'clock, from the shock. He will be buried this morning
from the family residence, corner of First street and Fourth avenue, at 10 o'clock.
(Wichita Eagle ~ October 26, 1898 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
Goeldner, Clarence C., 102, a World War II Army Veteran and retired City of Wichita employee, passed away February 27, 2012. The visitation with the family present will be from 6 - 8 PM Friday, March 2, at Watson Reflection Pointe, 3201 S. Webb. Services will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, March 3, Calvary United Methodist Church, 2525 N. Rock Road. He was born January 1, 1910 on a farm near Derby, KS to Charles and Stella (Cook) Goeldner. A graduate of Derby HS and the American Business College in Wichita, he worked for the City of Wichita water department for 34 years, retiring in 1975. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge in Europe and earned 3 battle stars. He was an active and dedicated member of Calvary United Methodist Church for 73 years and was named a Fellow of the Society of John Wesley. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Cecil and his wife of 46 years Ethyl (Goodin) Goeldner. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Dean Goeldner and Jean Carter of Laurel, MD. A memorial has been established with Calvary United Methodist Church. (Watson Funeral Home, February 29, 2012, submitted by Kyle M. Condon)
Mamie Roy, 84, died at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday in Lake Wood Nursing Home in Wichita, Kansas where she had been five years. Survivors are a son Eldon of Little Rock, AR.; two daughters, Mrs. Norm Thomason, Wichita, KS and Vern Chandler, Hartville; a sister Mrs. Jennie Wells, Pasadena, CA; a brother Orval Inman of Norwood; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was a native of Wright County. Bergman-Miller will announce funeral arrangements which were incomplete at press time. (The Mansfield Mirror, February 16, 1984, submitted by Jerry Parrish)
Mrs. Emma R. Turkle, resident of
Valley Township many years, died at her home in Wichita Tuesday. Funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Belle
Plaine and burial will be there.
Mrs. Tuckle was born in Ohio and lived in Valley township from the time of her marriage until about 12 years ago.
She was abut 75 years old. Survivors are one sister and three sons. (Hutchinson News-Herald Hutchinson, Reno County,
Kansas Wednesday, May 29, 1946 page – 3 *** column – 4 submitted by Rose Stout)
Mrs. Etta G. Smith, 80, of 2401 Poplar, died Wednesday in a local hospital. She formerly resided 25 years at 126 Ellis. Mrs. Smith was born June 22, 1881, in Stottsville, Mo. and came to Wichita from there in 1918. She was a member of Calvary Methodist Church. Her husband, Elbert D., [C.] died 19 years ago. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Calvary Church with the Rev. Wayne Karlowski, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Survivors include two sons, Odie, 768 N. Custer, and Ned, Perryville, Ark.; three daughters, Mrs. James Triboulet, 2740 Coolidge, Mrs. Francis Rowland, Phoenix, Ariz., and Mrs. Bert Glenn, Perryville, Ark., a brother, Barney Groves, and a sister, Mrs. Fairy Smith, of Springfield, Mo.; 22 grandchildren, 48 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Lahey Mortuary has charge (the type then fades).(Wichita Eagle, 1961, submitted by Kecia Sparlin)
BOY DIED SUNDAY
Willie McLaughlin Will Be Buried This Afternoon
William Claude McLaughlin, the 6-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William McLaughlin, died Sunday morning at ten o'clock at his home, 1615 Park Place avenue. For the greater portion of his brief life the little lad had been in ill health and for the past year has been confined to his bed, bearing his life of pain and suffering with resignation and fortitude unusual in one so young. He suffered from a complication of diseases that completely baffled the best medical skill and though the utmost effort was made to save and prolong his life he gradually became weaker until the end, and for him the relief, came Sunday morning.
In accordance with a wish expressed by the little lad shortly before his death, the funeral will take place from the St. Paul's M. E. church where he attended Sunday school.
The funeral services will be held
this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and will be in charge of Reverend A. A. Parker. Interment will be made in Maple
Grove cemetery. The many friends extend their deepest sympathy to the heartbroken parents.
(The Daily Wichita Eagle ~ January 19, 1904 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
DEATH OF FOREST PEARCE
Young Man, 18 Years Old, Dies of Diptheria
Forest H. Pearce, aged 18 years, the son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Pearce, died of diptheria yesterday at his home, 248 North Market street. The interment will take place Thursday morning at 10 o'clock, only a short service being held at the grave because of the contagious character of the disease.
The taking off of this young man
in the prime of manhood---a manhood that promised much---causes sorrow that touches the hearts of many, for many
were his friends. A greater sorrow never comes to a father and mother.
(The Wichita Daily Eagle ~ May 5, 1904 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
COLWICH TEACHER DIES
Miss Grace Adams Died Tuesday Evening After Lingering Illness
Word was received yesterday from Colwich announcing the death of Miss Grace Adams at that place on Tuesday evening.
Miss Adams was about 24 years of age and had resided in Colwich for a number of years. She was employed as a teacher in the Colwich schools until ill health compelled her to give up the position about two months ago and for the past three weeks her death was momentarily expected.
Miss Adams was a young lady of strong
Christian character and sweet disposition. Her untimely death is deeply felt by the community in which she lived
and her many friends in this city were shocked to learn of her death.
(The Wichita Daily Eagle ~ May 5, 1904 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
FRANK C. CLEMENS DEAD
Well Known West Side Baker Died Sunday Evening
Frank C. Clemens, aged 42, died Sunday evening at his home, No. 823 West Douglas avenue, of concussion of the brain, which was the result of injuries received in an accident over two months ago.
Mr. Clemens was going to his home on the West Side one evening when in alighting from the street car he fell to the pavement and received the serious injury which, according to the physician's statement, caused his death. Although it appeared at one time that he had nearly recovered from the effects of the accident, he grew worse three weeks ago and weakened gradually until the end came Sunday evening.
Mr. Clemens was the proprietor of the West Side bakery of Wichita for the past sixteen years and was well known and highly respected among a wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He was a member of the West Side Odd Fellows' lodge and also of the Modern Woodmen. He leaves a wife and two children to mourn his loss.
The funeral services will be held
at the Pro-Cathedral this morning at 9 o'clock.
(The Wichita Daily Eagle ~ April 19, 1904 ~ Submitted by Lori DeWinkler)
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