The Grim Reaper struck hard in Barber county during the past week as funeral services were held for six people in the Medicine Lodge, Sharon and Sun City vicinities.Included in the deaths were those of Mrs. Margaret Compton, 97, Barber County's oldest citizen and Jerry Colborn, 11, who died from a tragic accident which occurred when a .22 rifle was discharged at the ranch home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Colborn, who live south of Medicine Lodge.
The accident happened about 8 o'clock Friday night. Jerry and his twin brother, Jack, were playing with the gun and it is thought Jerry was accidentally shot while handling the gun. The shot entered his back.
The boys' father was attending to the evening farm chores and was not in the boys presence when the accident occurred.
Survivors include the parents and six brothers, one of whom, Harold, is with the Marine Corps on the Pacific coast.
Funeral services were held at the Forsyth Funeral Home Tuesday afternoon. Interment was in Gerlane.
Mrs. Compton was a pioneer settler of Barber county and was well known through her long years of residence. Due to her advanced age, she enjoyed the unusual experience of having 15 great great grandchildren in addition to 56 great grandchildren and 23 grandchildren. She is also survived by two sons and daughters, T. A. Hittle of Attica, Harry Hittle of Medicine Lodge, Mrs. Lona Adams of Alva, Oklahoma and Mrs. Ollie Warrington of Sharon. She was preceded in death by her husband and seven children.
The deceased was born in Madison county, Ill., October 22, 1848, and died March 8, 1944. Her maiden name was Margaret A. Edwards. She was united in marriage to William Kenley Hittle, Feb. 1, 1862. Eleven children were born, Ella, William Paris, Lona, Emma, Thomas Alvin, Margaret A., Ollie, Harry H., Cecil, Minnie and Roy.
After the Civil War, she moved with her husband and two small children to Cherokee county, Kansas about the year 1867. The trip was made in a covered wagon.
They later moved to Winfield, Kansas, where they made their home until they moved to Barber county in 1880 and settled near Forest City. From there they moved to Aline, Okla., where they were living at the time of her husband's death on Jan. 1, 1902. She then returned to Barber county and lived for about nine years with her two sons, Harry and Cecil in and near Medicine Lodge.
She was married to George A. Compton in 1910 and they lived in Atlanta, Ks., until Mr. Compton passed away in 1912 after which she returned to her home in Medicine Lodge.
She was converted at the age of 14 years, becoming a member of the Baptist church in New Douglas, Ill, She remained faithful to the Baptist church for the remainder of her life.
Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Forsyth Funeral Home. Interment was in Highland cemetery.
Other pioneers who died during the past week included Mrs. Ann E. Lukens, Medicine Lodge, Mrs. Hattie Lee Hoagland, Sun City, William Henry Adams, Sharon and James P. Thomas.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!