Genealogy and History
Obituaries and Death Notices
Toole County, Montana
Genealogy and History
Obituaries and Death Notices
ATKINS, NINA E.
Girl Killed; Four Hurt in Auto Accident
SHELBY, May 28—Nina Atkins, 15, daughter of Mrs. M. Arkins, was killed; Wilma Lathrop, 23, school teacher, sustained a broken arm and internal injuries which are considered serious; Bernice Classby, 14, sustained severe cuts and bruises; Norman and Everet Yarbrough, 20 and 22, respectively, all of Galata, were badly shaken up and sustained painful injuries when the automobile in which they were riding went through a bridge over Willow Creek seven and a half miles northwest of Galata at 3:30 o’clock Sunday morning. The party was returning from a dance, and heavy washouts weakened the bridge to such an extent that the car broke through one end of it and overturned. Miss Atkins died within 20 minutes after the accident. County Attorney W. W. Thorne conducted an investigation Sunday afternoon, and Dr. J. W. Williamson, Coroner, was called to Galata to give treatment to the injured persons. He stated that Miss Lathrop’s condition was serious. An inquest will be held Monday morning at Galata, which is 24 miles east of Shelby. [Chester Reporter, 6-1-1923 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
BASS, CHARLES M.
Fell into Well and Instantly Killed
C. M. Bass, a well-known and highly respected farmer living north of Dunkirk, was hoisting a well digger out of a fifty-foot well that was being dug on Mr. Bass’ homestead, and when the man was within a few feet of the top, Mr. Bass suddenly relaxed his efforts and fell onto the platform and into the well, striking on his head and crushing it. The coroner pronounced death due to heart failure. The man that was being hoisted was thrown back into the well and lighted upon his feet without injury. ["Joplin Times", 3-30-1912 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
BENTSON, CHARLES GEORGE
C. G. Bentson, Former Lothair Merchant, Passes Away
On our return Monday from Glacier Park, we were informed at Shelby that Charles G. Bentson, merchant at that place and in the general mercantile business at Lothair for the past 10 years, had passed away last Saturday morning, death being caused by hemorrhage of the throat. Mr. Bentson was 41 years of age and leaves to mourn his untimely death a wife and three children. He had been in poor health for several years, but no one knew that death was just around the corner. He had been treated for rheumatism, gout and kidney trouble, but none of these ailments directly caused his death. Mr. Bentson came up from Silverton, Oregon, about 10 years ago and, in partnership with Val Drougard, purchased the stock and building of the Bogert Mercantile Company. This spring, finding that business conditions in Lothair and vicinity did not justify two stores, he moved the stock of goods to Shelby. But conditions there were not of the best, so he began closing out the stock just prior to his death. His passing is a distinct shock to his many friends here and at his old home at Silverton, Oregon. His brother, Rudd Bentson, arrived from Silverton on Friday night, just a short time before he passed away. The body was shipped to Silverton for interment. [Chester Reporter, 7-30-1925 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
Charles George Bentson, born at Dell Rapids, South Dakota, June 25, 1886, died at his home in Shelby, Montana, Saturday, July 25, 1925, the immediate cause of death being from a burst abscess in the right side. For several years Mr. Bentson was employed in this city in the store known then as the Bentson General Merchandise Store, located in the room in the Odd Fellows Building, now occupied by the Director Department Store. In February 1916, he moved with his family to Lothair, Montana, where he engaged in the general merchandise business. About seven weeks ago, he moved his business to Shelby, Montana. Although he had been in poor health for some time, it was only six weeks prior to his passing away that his condition became alarming. In January 1912, he was united in marriage to Ida Peterson of Santa Barbara, California. His brother, Rudd Bentson, was notified of his serious condition last Thursday afternoon and left immediately for Shelby, reaching that place a few hours before the end came. Deceased is survived by his widow and three children, Harold 12, Arlo 8, Juanita 4. Also his mother, Mrs. Olivia Bentson of Silverton; seven brothers and one sister, Rudd, G. B., Oscar and Harry Bentson and Mrs. N. G. Langsey of Silverton, John Bentson of Cresbard, SD, Albert Bentson of Waterloo, Iowa, Otto Bentson of Fort Pierre, SD. The body was shipped to this city, arriving here Monday. Funeral services were held from the Trinity Church, Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, Rev. Henriksen officiating. Interment was made in the Evans Valley Cemetery in the family plot.—Silverton (Oregon) Appeal [Chester Reporter, 8-6-1925 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
CAMERON, JOHN
Death of John Cameron—One of the best citizens of Galata, John Cameron, died on the 17th inst. of consumption. He had been fighting the disease for some time but had to finally succumb to the inevitable. He was an excellent businessman and always held the esteem of his fellowman. Funeral services were held on the 18th, and a large concourse of friends accompanied the body to its last resting place. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn his departure from this life. ["Chester Signal", 29 Aug 1912 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
DALEY, DAISY F.
Mrs. Thomas Daley, wife of a well-known stockman near Shelby, died at the Columbus Hospital last night. The body was taken to O’Connor’s, and funeral arrangements will be completed today. Mr. Daley was present at the time of his wife’s death. She had been ill at the hospital about one week. [Chester Signal via Great Falls Tribune, 12 Mar 1914] - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
DOTY, MERLE JOSEPH
Merle Doty Dies in Hospital at Havre
HAVRE, August 10—Merle Joseph Doty, son of C. W. Doty of Peerless, died at the Sacred Heart Hospital this morning following an operation for a ruptured appendix. The deceased has for the past year been employed as operator for the Great Northern at Shelby. Mr. Doty attended the Havre High School a number of years ago and is well known in the vicinity. The remains will be taken to Glasgow on Number 4 this afternoon for funeral and burial. [Chester Reporter, 8-11-1927 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
ELTON, LESLIE M.
Leslie Elton, Galata, Killed by Number One
CUT BANK, Oct. 12—Leslie Elton, the 15-year-old son of Wallen Elton of Galata, was instantly killed at that place Thursday afternoon by Great Northern train No. 1. He had just got out of school and borrowed an automobile in which he started for Willow Creek to get some water, according to a report reaching here. While passing over the railroad crossing on his way to the stream near the depot, the auto stopped on the main track in front of the oncoming train. The car was struck broadside, smashing it. The train was stopped, and when picked up the young man was dead. Scarcely a mark could be seen on the body. The body was removed to his parents home a short distance from the scene of the accident. [Chester Reporter, 10-18-1923 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
EDWARDS, KENNEY L.
Rev. K. L. Edwards—The sad news of the sudden death of Rev. K. L. Edwards of Galata, at 2 o’clock Saturday morning, reached here early the same day. Rev. Edwards and family came from Hamilton, Missouri, early this spring and after visiting with their son, Walter Edwards of this place, settled near Galata and took up farming. He was 65 years old and leaves a wife and eleven children, six boys and five girls, to mourn his loss. Three sons, Walter, Ralph and Homer, live in Joplin, Ben Edwards, formerly of this place, is now with our army in France, and another son lives in Galata. Two of the girls, Pearl and Bertie, are well known here. Mrs. Edwards and son, Ralph Edwards, accompanied the remains, which were shipped to Hamilton, Missouri, for interment. [Joplin Times, 5-9-1918 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
FAY, GRACE PEARL
Mrs. Arthur Fay—This community was certainly shocked this week when the news came from Great Falls that Mrs. Arthur Fay of Gold Butte passed away last Friday in that city after having given birth to a child two weeks previous. She was a splendid young woman and well liked by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Mr. Fay and family can honestly believe that many sincerely regret her demise, and their full measure of sympathy is with him in his grief. Mr. and Mrs. Fay had spent a portion of the winter at Los Angeles, Calif., and on her return she was in splendid health. She leaves a husband and five children to mourn her passing.
Fay Funeral—The funeral of Mrs. Grace Pearl Fay of Gold Butte was held at the W. H. George Company Chapel at 1:30 yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. Rev. E. E. Francis of the Christian Church officiated. The interment was in Highland Cemetery. [Chester Reporter, 3-5-1920 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
GARDIPEE, JOSEPH SR.
Gold Butte Pioneer Is Called by Death
Joseph Gardipee Sr., father of Julian and Joseph Gardipee Jr., passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. James Knappen, at Gold Butte on Friday afternoon, January 28, after an illness of 10 days with pneumonia. Mr. Gardipee was 74 years of age and had lived in and around Gold Butte for 25 years. He was of a quiet, kind disposition, and his familiar face will be missed by his many friends in the vicinity of Gold Butte. Funeral services were held Tuesday morning, and interment was made in the Gold Butte Cemetery by Promoter. [Chester Reporter, 1-10-1927 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
HALES, FRANK K.
F. K. Hales Dies at Nitro—Among the many hundreds of Montana men who went to Nitro, W. Virginia, to work on the big powder plant for the government, and who will never return, is Frank K. Hales of Grandview. Mr. Hales, having everything in good shape at the ranch, decided that the proper thing to do was to get out and earn some money, and as the offers of the government sounded the best, he took the trip to Nitro. When he left here, he was a strong and hearty as could be, but while on the train contracted the influenza from which he never recovered. Word was received by Mrs. Hales that Frank was seriously ill with the flu and knowing Frank’s rugged physical condition, it was almost certain that he would come through alright. But last Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, came the message that he had passed away. The remains were taken in charge by Mr. Hales’ father and were interred in Iowa. Mr. Hales came to this country in 1910 and has a homestead near Grandview. In 1913 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Lillian Stoner and to this union four children were born, three of whom are living. He was a kind father and husband, and was held high in the esteem of all who knew him. [Chester Democrat, 12-6-1918 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
HOEL, JOHN
Wounds Cause Death of East Butte Rancher—A week ago yesterday John Hoel, a farmer living about 30 miles north of Chester, was shot by a 30-30 rifle in the hands of Mrs. James Philipin, the bullet, a soft nose, penetrating both legs between the hips and the knees. He was immediately taken to the Laird ranch and a doctor called. His condition at that time was not considered serious, but he was taken to the Havre hospital that night on No. 2. On Sunday gangrene developed and in a few hours he had passed away. He leaves a wife, who was on her way up from Great Falls at the time of the shooting. On Wednesday a warrant was issued from the county attorney’s office, charging Mrs. Philipin with murder, and she was given a preliminary hearing that afternoon before the Justice of the Peace A. A. Pond. It developed at the hearing, according to the testimony of the defendant, that about two weeks prior to the shooting that Mr. Hoel had assaulted her. Mr. Hoel had been employed by Mr. Philipin at his ranch for the past year or more as a hired man and had been staying at the Philipin house more or less. On the day the deed was committed, Mr. Hoel had come over to the Philipin ranch after some of his personal belongings, and some of them being in the house, he was told by Mr. Philipin to go in and get them. Shortly after he entered the kitchen, he was shot and according to the reports, Mr. Hoel said that it was accidental and maintained that until his death. After the preliminary hearing, the court bound her over to the district court and placed her bail at $5000, which was immediately secured by Harry Flynn and William J. Wallace, going on the bond. Norris, Hurd, Rhodes and Hauge have been retained by the defendant, and Mr. O. C. Hauge was up from Havre yesterday to be present at the preliminary hearing. The public was not admitted as it was not a trial court but merely the defendant placing her testimony. The trial will come up during the next jury term of court. [Chester Reporter, 12-10-1920 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
JOHNSON, LEWIS
Rancher at Devon Drowns While Filling Tank
Havre, Aug. 11—Lewis Johnson, a farmer residing two miles north of Devon, was drowned in the Great Northern Reservoir yesterday after he had slipped on the steep bank while filling a small water tank on his wagon, according to information received in Havre. From all indications, Johnson fell into a hole in the reservoir when he attempted to adjust the water tank. It was impossible for him to climb the steep bank and as he could not swim, he sank before help could be summoned. The body was located about two hours later. Mr. Johnson had planned to leave his farm on account of the dry seasons and go to the Flathead country where he had secured employment for the winter. He was 30 years of age and is survived by a wife and three small children. [Chester Reporter, 8-12-1921 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
JOHNSON, MARVIN |FOX, JAMES A.
Two Shelby Men Overcome by Gas; Die in Gas Tank
SHELBY, Jan. 16—Two men, one in a desperate effort to save the other, met death in a gasoline storage tank here Wednesday. They were overcome by fumes. Marvin Johnson, 22, entered the oil tank at the Toole County Refinery, one mile north of Oilmont, to rivet a leak. James Fox, 54, who was on the outside, heard a thud as Johnson was overcome by the fumes and fell. Fox called for aid and volunteered to go in after his co-worker. An insulated wire was wrapped around him, and he was lowered into the tank. He also became unconscious from the fumes. Helpers tugged at the wire. It broke, leaving him to his death. A hole was cut in the side of the tank, and the bodies removed but life was extinct. Sheriff Clark and County Attorney Knaack brought the bodies to Shelby on Wednesday night. [Liberty Co. Farmer, 1-18-1929 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
MacHALE, AUSTIN C.
Austin C. MacHale of Gold Butte died early Wednesday morning, September 5, at the Columbus Hospital, Great Falls, after an operation for appendicitis. Mr. MacHale came to this country about eight years ago from Saginaw, Michigan, and for several years has been manager of A. H. Fey’s store and postmaster at Gold Butte and was universally esteemed as a young man with a very bright future. Deceased was but 28 years of age and had enjoyed perfect health until a short time ago when he was advised to take a rest, but his ambition to get his business in shape delayed him and when he finally went to seek medical aid, the disease was beyond human skill. The remains were taken to Gold Butte and laid to rest last Sunday. [Chester Signal, 13 Sep 1906 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
MILLIGAN, JOSEPH
Joe Milligan Crosses Divide—The River Press reports the death of Joseph Milligan in Fort Benton on the 15th from cancer. Mr. Milligan came to Montana about 35 years ago and for a number of years was a resident of Gold Butte. He was about 52 years of age and unmarried. [Chester Signal, 18 May 1911 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
MITCHELL, GEORGE
George Mitchell, Montana Pioneer, Passes Away; Paralysis Cause of Death
SHELBY, May 30—Word was received here this week of the recent death of George Mitchell, former Devon resident and pioneer Montanan, at La Crosse, Wisconsin. Mitchell was 67 years of age, and 40 of these years he had spent in Montana. For a number of years he had conducted a cigar store and pool hall at Devon but recently sold his interests there and was on his way east when seized with an attack of paralysis at La Crosse. He never recovered from the effects of the attack, death coming only a few days ago. He was buried this week at Hayward, Wisconsin, his old home. He is survived by two sisters, one of whom lives in Minnesota, the other in California. Mr. Mitchell had a host of friends in Devon and other parts of the county who will grieve to learn of his passing. [Liberty Co. Farmer, 6-7-1929 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
MOORE, ELVA and baby
Death of Mrs. R. Moore at Butte Sunday—Last Sunday at Butte occurred the death of Mrs. Roy Moore a few days after the birth of a child which died shortly after coming into the world. She left to mourn her loss her parents and other relatives at Sunburst and her husband, Roy Moore, a former Chester boy who is well known here. Married but a year, the future looked very bright to this young couple. And then that grim specter, Death, stretched out its heavy hand and took its toll from the youngest and fairest blossoms and leaving a sorrowing husband to cherish the memory of she whom he love better than life itself. Mrs. Moore’s personal character was of the highest order, and she lived a pure, Christian life. The heartfelt sympathy of all Chester people goes out to the husband in his double bereavement. Interment will take place today at Sunburst, the deceased’s former home. [Chester Democrat, 4-12-1918 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
MORITZ, PETER
Sweetgrass Hills Rancher Found Dead on the Prairie
SHELBY, Nov. 18—The body of Peter Moritz, resident of the Sweetgrass Hills district, was found by a neighboring rancher Monday night, lying on the open prairie. Dr. J. W. Williamson of Shelby was notified and held a coroner’s inquest Tuesday. Death evidently was caused by a paralytic stroke as the body was not marked, and a neighbor testified that Moritz had a slight stroke a short time before his death. [Liberty Co. Farmer, 11-19-1926 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
MORTON, ANDREW H.
Andrew H. Morton Dead—The news of the death of Andy Morton was received in Chester Friday afternoon by his many friends with profound regret, especially so because no one knew he was ailing. Andrew Morton was born in Nova Scotia almost 56 years ago and has been a resident of this vicinity for several years. At the time of his death last Thursday afternoon, he was a resident of Gold Butte at which place his body was temporarily interred, the intention being to remove it to the land of his birth at a later date for final interment. Rufus P. Morton of Brickton, MN, a brother of Andy’s, arrived Monday morning but was too late to be present at the funeral. Mr. Morton is survived by four brothers residing in Minnesota and one in Nova Scotia. Peace to his ashes. [Chester Sentry, 22 Apr 1909 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
NEWELL, ERNEST J.
G. N. Agent at Devon Is Victim of Influenza
SHELBY, March 13—E. J. Newell, 48, station agent at Devon for the Great Northern Railroad, died there Saturday morning. Influenza was the immediate cause of his death, but he had been suffering from diabetes. His widow and three minor children survive. There is a brother at Livingston, and he leaves relatives in Washington State. The family lives on a homestead southwest of Shelby. Mr. Newell had been in the employ of the Great Northern about 20 years. Funeral arrangements have not been completed. [Liberty Co. Farmer, 3-19-1926 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
PFEFFER, JOHN M.
Galata, Montana, April 12—A sad fatality happened in town this week. J. N. Pfeffer was struck and instantly killed by a passing freight train. The accident was an exceedingly unfortunate one. Mr. Pfeffer, who was an elderly gentleman, had just been shipped in from Moscow, Idaho, and on the morning of the accident was loaded up and ready to go to his claim, but having forgotten something he wanted from the south side of the Great Northern tracks, went for it and in returning jumped from between the stock cars standing on the siding just as the freight passed through. He leaves a wife and family, three of his sons having claims north of this town. An inquest was held in the afternoon, Dr. Almas of Havre and Dr. Curtiss of Galata performing the autopsy. In a catastrophe of this kind, a great part of the blame lies on the railroad. No train of any description should be allowed to run through a populous town at the rate of speed attained by this particular train. [Chester Signal, 21 Apr 1910 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
SAXE, CHARLES C.
Suicide of a Galata Rancher
Havre, May 12—Coroner John A. Sanderson was notified yesterday evening that a man had been found dead in a shack about four miles southwest of Galata, and foul play was suspected. The Coroner, in company with Sheriff Loranger and County Attorney Griggs, went to the scene this morning, and it was discovered that deceased was C. C. Saxe, a homesteader, and that he had ended his life by taking carbolic acid and had been dead for several days. No cause or motive was apparent. The dead man had no relatives here. [Joplin Times, 17 May 1913 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
SHIBATA, GEORGE T.
Japanese Workman Killed at Galata
HAVRE, May 5—George Shibata, president of the Northern Montana Japanese Association, was instantly killed Tuesday afternoon beneath the wheels of a work train near Galata. Shibata formerly conducted the Grill Café in Havre and had previously operated restaurants in Malta and Chinook. For several months he had been assistant foreman of a second crew of the Great Northern. He was killed when he jumped from a car, lost his balance, and pitched head first in front of the oncoming train. He is survived by his wife and four children. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist Church in this city with Dr. M. Murphy of Lewistown, who speaks the Japanese language, assisting the Rev. Wan Valkenburgh. [Chester Reporter, 5-6-1926 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
SIMMONS
Mr. Simmons of Gold Butte was found partly unconscious near his cabin Saturday and died next morning. He was an old-time resident of Montana and a Civil War veteran. [Chester Signal, 17 Nov 1910 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
STAHR, VALLENTINE
Galata Farmer Killed in Fall from Wagon—While engaged in hauling gravel for the Toole County road project from a pit on the George Lewison place five miles northwest of Lothair, Vallentine Stahr on Thursday noon was thrown from the wagon on which he sat to the ground, the fall breaking his neck and also his right arm. No one was present at the time of the accident, but it is surmised that he struck the wagon tongue in his fall and then struck the ground. The wagon tongue was broken, and the team had become excited and run away. The accident happened a short ways from the pit. Mr. Stahr was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, on February 14, 1852 and was 69 years and 7 months of age. At the age of 2 years, he arrived in the United States with his parents and for the next 15 years, they lived in Indiana. In 1867 the family moved to Hickman, Fulton County, Kentucky. In 1907 Mr. Stahr, then having a family of his own, moved to Polson, Montana, where he farmed for three years. In 1910 he selected a homestead five miles northeast of Galata, which he was still farming. He leaves to mourn him his wife and five daughters, Misses Ella and Nettie and Evelyn, Mrs. Ben A. Rush and Mrs. Margaret Hughlett. The remains will be shipped Saturday to Hickman, KY. Misses Ella and Nettie will accompany the body. Mr. Stahr was exceptionally well liked by all who knew him, a fine neighbor and friend and was never known to feel discouraged or blue, no matter what befell. He was a real optimist, an excellent father, and we feel certain his daughters will miss him very much. The Reporter joins with their many friends in expressing deep sympathy for the bereaved ones. [Chester Reporter, 10-14-1921 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
SUMMERS, MELVINA
Aged Woman Drowned
Shelby, August 2—Mrs. Summers, an old lady well known here, was drowned early this morning, and at this time of writing her body has not been found. She was to have left this evening for Colorado to visit her son but thought she would fetch a pail of water before leaving. It is a great shock to all who knew and loved her. [Chester Signal, 7 Aug 1913 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
SUTTON, FRANK
Frank Sutton, Pioneer of the Sweet Grass Hills on Last Great Roundup
Frank Sutton was born April 21, 1862 at Primrose, Iowa, and when but a child, moved with his parents to Nevada, Missouri. In the ‘80s he moved to the Black Hills in the Dakotas and made his westward way to northern Montana in the early ‘90s. Mr. Sutton rode the range for the Circle Cattle Company for several years. His next venture was that of business in Gold Butte, where he was several years and during this time acquired the ranch home where he spent the remainder of his earthly life. He was married to Elizabeth S. Bawn, on August 15, 1906, and to this union was born three daughters and one son. He passed away at his ranch home at 7 o’clock, October 7, 1929, and the body was put to rest in the IOOF Cemetery at Chester, with the funeral held at Whitlash. Mr. Sutton is survived by his widow, Mrs. Sutton; three daughters, Mrs. Robert Robinson of Whitlash, Mrs. Ervin Marquardt of Kalispell and Miss Isabel Sutton of Kalispell; and there is one son, Robert Sutton, of Whitlash; and one grandson, Verdin Robert Robinson. The deceased also leaves many old friends to mourn him in various parts of Montana and Canada, among whom he has always been an outstanding figure for his sterling honesty and clean living. He always hated meanness and dishonesty. Good-bye, Frank, until we meet at the last great roundup. [Liberty Co. Farmer, 10-11-1929 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
SYKES, JOHN
Smothered to Death in Cave-in of Trench on Streets of Shelby
SHELBY, May 28—John Sykes, 60, met death in the streets of Shelby on Sunday, being buried in a cave-in of a sewer trench in which he was working on the main street. The sewer was about 14 feet deep, and the cave-in came at a time no one was present, and it was several hours after that the coat and vest of the man was seen and the cave-in discovered. He was dead when found. On his body in a belt was found $2,500, and it is learned from parties here who are acquainted with Sykes that he was worth about $40,000, having property in various places. He came here from Cardston, Alberta, but his home is in Salem, Oregon, where he is said to have considerable interests. Sykes has two nephews who live on a farm near Shelby and who confirm the statement of his wealth and state that for years he has been traveling about the country doing common labor, seemingly as a matter of pleasure. It is probable that the body will be shipped to Salem. [Chester Reporter, 6-1-1923]
TURNER, JAMES C.
James Turner Passes Away
James Turner, who for a number of years has resided in the Chester and Galata territory, died at a hospital in Great Falls last Thursday, November 29, after an illness of more than two months which followed a fall from a horse. When Mr. Turner was injured, he was taken to a Great Falls hospital where he remained for several weeks but was brought back to his ranch near Galata about two weeks before death to recuperate, but he soon began to show signs of a relapse, and consequently he was again removed to the hospital at Great Falls where he died. Since the fall he was partially paralyzed and recently contracted pneumonia, which ultimately caused his death. Last Friday the body was taken to the George Chapel where same was prepared for burial, the funeral taking place on Monday of this week, the funeral services commencing at 1:45 PM at the First Congregational Church, with the Rev. P. W. Dierberger officiating, and the funeral being under the auspices of the Masonic Lodge which order conducted the services at the grave in Highland Cemetery of Great Falls. Mr. Turner was 56 years old. Besides the widow, he is survived by a son, James Clark Turner, and a daughter, Mrs. Evan Bethune of Burlingame, California. Deceased was well known to the people of western and central Liberty County. He was well liked and bore an excellent reputation among his fellowmen and coworkers, all of whom regret his departure. James C. Turner was born near Nashville, Tennessee, on September 13, 1862, a descendant of one of the pioneer families to come from Virginia to Tennessee to help reclaim that district from the Indians. Mr. Turner moved to Montana about 47 years ago, settling on the Marias River southwest of Chester and south of Galata. He became identified with the cattle industry and followed the roundups from their beginning until the virtual extinction of this custom a few years ago. The Turner place was well known among the cattlemen and range riders of the past 40 years as a real landmark of hospitality where the latchstring hung out, to the traveler or range rider who happened that way. His passing sends one more cowpuncher to join the boys at the home ranch across the big divide. The pallbearers were composed of old-time friends from Liberty County, who were: Mark Corkrill, James Townsend, Thomas Kinread, Leonard Pugsley, W. D. Jones, and Carl Burbank. [Chester Reporter, 12-6-1928 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
VALENTINE, J. M.
Funeral services were held yesterday at Galata over the remains of J. M. Valentine of Prospect, who passed away at his home on Tuesday morning, September 20, at the age of 63 years. Death was due to Brights disease. Mr. Valentine was born in Ephriam, Wisconsin, in 1858 and in 1911 moved with his family to a homestead south of Galata. He was a prominent Mason, a member of the Chapter, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, and a Shriner, all Wisconsin lodges. The funeral services were conducted by the Galata lodge and brother Knights Templar J. M. Sirginson, Dunkirk; L. H. Knuteson, Devon; W. W. Thorne, Shelby; John Bitts, Cut Bank;J. O. Berglin and H. O. Woare of Chester, in full dress uniform, were pallbearers. The body was shipped to Ephriam, Wisconsin, for burial. He leaves a wife, daughter Marion, and two sons to mourn his departure. [Chester Reporter, 9-23-1912 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
WAGNER, PAUL
Lightning Kills West Butte Boy
West Butte, June 12—Paul Wagner, 11-year-old son of Peter Wagner of West Butte, was instantly killed by lightning today. They were working at seeding when the event occurred, and Mr. Wagner and both horses were also knocked down. One horse was killed. Funeral services will be held at Gold Butte tomorrow. [Chester Signal, 21 June 1906 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
YOUNG, ARTHUR A.
Tuesday morning Dr. Ridel of Shelby, coroner of Toole County, was called to Galata to investigate the death of a man who was found lying in a shack about 12 miles north of town. The coroner went down that same day, and the following facts were established: The young man, who was about 30 years of age and whose name was Arthur A. Young, had a homestead some 20 miles north of town but had been working in Galata for Tony Fey. Young was a hard drinker and was subject to fits of melancholy while sobering up and often expressed a desire to make away with himself after a “spree.” Last week he again started drinking and after sobering up, he went into several stores and tried to buy some poison but was refused. However, he at last obtained the poison in some manner and started out to his homestead Monday evening. He stayed all night with a farmer about 12 miles north of town, and in the morning he told his host that he did not feel well and would like to remain in bed. The farmer, upon returning at noon, found the young man dead. The coroner was notified as soon as possible, and when he arrived the evidence gleaned proved beyond a doubt that the young man had taken poison of his own accord. He apparently had no relatives in this country, his parents living in Scotland. ["Joplin Times", 13 June 1914 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
ZAVODSKY, CHARLES
ZAVODSKY, Mrs. CHARLES nee JOHNSON
Father and Mother Dies of the Influenza
Shelby, Dec. 7—By the deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zavodsky occurring during the present week at their home near Kippen, two small children are left parentless and a home completely broken up. The whole family had been taken ill with the influenza, Mr. Zavodsky dying Wednesday night, to be followed the next morning by Mrs. Zavodsky. They leave two children, Marjorie, age 4, and Helen, age 2. The funeral will be held at the home, Rev. Hosking of the Shelby Methodist Church officiating, and services of the Modern Woodmen of America will also be conducted. Burial will take place in the Lutheran Cemetery north of Dunkirk. Mr. Zavodsky and family came to Montana in 1910, locating on a homestead. Besides his children, he leaves his mother, two brothers, and a sister residing at Scio, Oregon. Mrs. Zavodsky leaves her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, and sister, Helen Johnson, all of Grafton, ND. Miss Johnson came here a short time ago to take care of the sick family. [Chester Democrat, 12-13-1918 - Sub. by Kathie Marynik]
