In Memoriam.
Once more the dark mantle has been drawn over one of Lebo's esteemed citizens, and what was, but a short time since, in full vigor of womanhood, a loving wife and an affectionate mother, lies to-day 'neath the cold, damp sod. Mrs. Sarah A., wife of B. F. Swindler, was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, April 17, 1834. She was married September 29, 1857, at Evansville, W. Va. To them, severn children were born, six of whom are still living. She, with her husband and family moved to Kansas May 27, 1884, stopping, we believe, at Wellsville, and on June 1, 1884, they came to Lebo, where they located, intending to make it their permanent home. She early in life experienced religion and united herself with the church, and has ever lived a consistent Christian life. She was also identified with the Ladies' Benevelent society. As a wife and mother she was tender and affectionate, and leaves a vacanty in the family circle which can never be filled, and is deeply mourned by her family and a large circle of sympathizing friends.
[Note: In the same issue of the newspaper, the following article appeared.]
A Card.
The undersigned wish to extend their sincere thanks to the friends and neighbors who so kindly aided us during the recent illness and death of our wife and mother; also to the board of directors of the Cemetery association for their kindness in arranging the location of the cemetery in time for her burial.
B. F. SWINDLER,
And family.
from the Lebo Light, December 11, 1885
Shot Himself.
Special to the Emporia Daily Republican.
Hartford, Kas., Dec. 5,--Charley Hurst of this place yesterday morning accidentaly shot himself. Some years ago his left arm was badly shattered by a gunshot wound and had to be amputated, leaving a stub about four inches long. Yesterday morning, while holding a supposed blank cartridge under the stub in order to remove the cap for the purpose of reloading the shell, the cartridge exploded. The charge of shot and the wad entered the left side, breaking a rib and leaving a hole about two inches in diameter. The charge ranged downward and entered the left lung. Doctors Shepherd and Sutton were called immediately and were soon on the ground but could do nothing for him, as it was impossible to reach the charge. He commenced coughing and spitting blood almost immediately after the accident, which continued until death relieved him of his suffering this morning about 4 o'clock.
from the Lebo Light, January 1, 1886
In Memoriam.
Again has the dark cloud of death been lowered in our community, and a highly esteemed, though late citizen of this town, passed from among the living.
Mrs. Catharine C., wife of George Davis, departed this life early Wednesday morning, after an illness of several years. Mrs. Davis was born in New York state, January 24, 1839. She, with her parents, emigrated to Illinois, where her father is still living. She was married November 22, 1855, and in the spring of 1879, she with her husband and family, removed to Kansas, where she has since resided. This summer they removed to Lebo from Arvonia, after an extended trip to Colorado, where they went for the benefit of Mrs. D's health. Since her residence in Lebo she has been a constant sufferer, and during her last hours she suffered intensely.
About twenty years ago she became converted and has ever since lived a consistent Christian life, and during the last few days, she more than once expressed herself to Rev. J. C. Miller, her ministerial adviser, as being prepared to meet the end and having no fears for the future.
She leaves a husband and eight children, five sons and three daughters, all of whom were present at the demise of their beloved mother, this being the first death in the family.
The funeral was held at the M. E. church at 11 a. m. Thursday, Rev. Mr. Miller conducting the obsequies, assisted by Elder Daniel Webster. The remains were interred in the new Lebo cemetery, and were followed by a very large circle of mourning relatives and sympathizing friends.
from the Lebo Light, January 8, 1886
In Memoriam.
We are requested to publish the following obituary, notice of which was published, under proper heading, in a previous issue:
DIED.
In Key West, Coffey county, Kas., November 24, 1885, of malarial fever and tonsilitis, Freddie B., on child of George and Nannie Nickel, aged 6 years and 12 days.
He was sick but three days. This dear child was intelligent beyond his years. He delighted to talk about Jesus and His coming again, and took great pleasure in the prayer circle. His last words to his mother were: "I think we had better have a prayer meeting." This dear brother and sister are now childless, but He who setteth the solitary in families, will be their comfort to the end and then with the loved and beautiful one they shall be comforted.--From sermon of H. H. Klock.
SELECTED.
We have laid little Freddie away,
Folded close in death's icy embrace--
We have pressed the last kiss, we have dropped the last tear
On the dead and beautiful face,
Oh soft be his slumber, the young and the fair,
Whose life's sands so gently have run,
Though the night dews now cling to his bright, golden hair--
There's a morn for our beautiful one.
Fare you well, little Freddie, faded star of our home,
Sweetly rest from all sorrow and pain,
Till the Prince of the angels in triumph shall come,
And restore your lost glory again.
from the Lebo Light, January 29, 1886
Died.
In Lincoln township, Tuesday morning, Jan. 26, 1886, of blood poisoning, Mr. Robert Pace.
from the Lebo Light, February 26, 1886
Died.
In Lebo, Kas., Wednesday, February 24, 1886, Blanche, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. I. T. Kipp; aged 1 year, 1 month and 16 days.
"Lovely babe, how brief thy stay!
Short and hasty was thy day;
Ending soon thy journey here,
Pain and grief no more to bear.
Hard it is for thee to part,
For it rends the aching heart;
But an heir of glory's gone,
Let the will of God be done.
Pillow'd on a Savior's breast,
Sweetly sleep, and softly rest;
Soon the morning shall restore,
The buried babe we now deplore."
Obituary.
Mrs. Eliza Stigner died at the residence of her son, David Stigner, near Lebo, Kanss, February 16, 1886, in the 74th year of her age. Mother Stigner in early life embraced the religion of the Lord Jesus Christ, and united with the M. E. church, of which she was a consistent member to the time of her death. The deceased lived a Chirstian life for over fifty years. The Christian graces were wonderfully exemplified in her life. During the past few years she has been a great sufferer but perfectly submissive, ever looking forward to her home in heaven. Mother Stigner leaves to the four children that survive her, all of whom have come to the years of maturity, the rememberance of a mother's unselfish devotion to her children and an example of Christian fortitude in every way worthy their imitation. Her second husband and two brothers were ministers of the M. E. church.
G. W. White,
Pastor the the M. E. church, Strawn, Kansas.
from the Lebo Light, March 26, 1886
The Grim Messenger's Work.
The following notice from the Columbus, O., Times, announces the death of the father of William Pheneger, of this place:
Rudolph Pheneger, whose serious illness we announced several days ago, died at his late residence in Perry township at 8 o'clock yesterday morning. His illness dates back several years and was due to a complication of diseases from which he had been quite a sufferer for a long time, but his condition was not considered serious until about a week ago, when his infirmities were aggravated by a severe cold, contracted in riding to the city on a rather cold day, and in addition he was attacked with lung trouble which resulted in congestion of the lungs, this being the immediate cause of his death.
There was perhaps no better known man in Perry township than Mr. Pheneger. He saw Columbus when it was an isolated village, and Perry township when there was neither road nor clearing in it. He was born in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, in October, 1810; and was therefore in his 76th year. In 1836 he married Elizabeth Galbraith, with whom he came, the following year, to Perry township, and has since that time resided continuously within its boundaries. He was a carpenter by trade, and for the first two years he worked solely at this work, building many of the older houses still standing in the neighborhood. For the first two years he and his wife boarded with John Bickett, long since dead, near Shattucksburg. Then he bought a farm which he cleared principally with his own labor, and which, with several additional purchases made subsequently make up the large farm on which he died.
He leaves a wife and six children. The children are Willism, how living in the state of Kansas; John J., now living in California; Henry A., at home; Benjamin H, of Cornell & Pheneger, this city; Newton F., living at home, and Parker W., who has recently moved to Dakota.
Mr. Pheneger was an example of a man who by strenuous effort, rose through hardships and toil, from comparative poverty, to financial independence and a splendid competency, which although he reached his "three score and ten," and more, he did not live to enjoy in an old age, long drawn out, as might have been wished.
from the Lebo Light, Friday, March 19, 1886
An Old Citizen Gone.
Judge John Rees, an old and respected citizen and merchant of Arvonia died at his home in that place at 5 o'clock Tuesday morning. Mr. Rees was born near Conway, Wales, December 21, 1822. He came to the United States in 1842, making his home in New York and Brooklyn, where he married Miss Elizabeth Mills, who dies in 1869. He then moved to Kansas, and in 1870 was married to Mrs. Margaret J. Williams. He had seven children; Arthur W., Martha J. Taliesian, W., Owain, Dewi, Ellen and Catherine; also two step-children, William and Mary Williams. Mr. Rees was at the time of his death a member in good stand- of the I. O. O. F. The funeral ceremonies took place at Arvonia on Wednesday, the remains being followed to their last resting place by a procession upwards of mile in length.
from the Lebo Light, April 2, 1886
Herbert, the 4-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. A. H. Trulock, died on Monday last. This is the second child that has died in this family in less than a year. The grief stricken family have the sincere sympathy of the people of Lebo.
[2 columns over from above article is the following blurp.]
Born.
In Lebo, Friday, March 26, 1886, a daughter to Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Trulock.
from the Lebo Light, April 9, 1886
A crazy woman, living on Eagle creek, about four miles from Hartford, was burned to death Friday last. She was left alone in the house and in some manner her clothes caught fire, when she ran to the orchard. When found her clothes were all burned off. She died the next day.
from the Lebo Light, 4 Jun 1886
A Bereaved Family.
On last Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock, the people of Lebo were alarmed by the report that a boy had been drowned in the pond west of town. Everyone turned hasty steps in that direction; parents with anxious faces, lest the drowned child should be theirs. In a few moments a large crowd had gathered on the shore near the spot where the boy was last seen. Many rushed into the water in search of the body which was soon found and the fact revealed that it was Clyde, the 8-year-old son of S. H. and Laura E. McKernan. He was quickly carried to the shore where every thing possible was done to restore life, but it was too late; the spirit had taken its flight to a better and brighter world, leaving behind only a lifeless corpse to greet the eyes of the sorrow stricken parents, who were almost frantic with grief, when the dreadful decision was announced that he was dead.
On Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock the funeral sermon was preached at the M. E. Church by Rev. J. C. Miller which was very impressive and solemn. The remains were then carried to Lincoln cemetery, and placed away in the "Last home of man," to await that joyful time when Christ shall come to "Make up his jewels." The parents and relatives of the deceased have the sympathy of the entire community. May they be able to see, in this dispensation of God's providence, the hand of him who doeth all things well.
from the Le Roy Reporter, August 14, 1886
DIED.
ELLIOTT--August 4, 1886, of flux, Harry P., son of L. L. and Addie Elliott, aged 2 years, 9 months and 27 days.
Funeral services by Rev. S. S. Weatherby. "We can't bring him back, but we can go to him." The choir rendered touchingly and tenderly the songs: "Silently bury the dead," "We shall sleep but not forever," and "The Christians hope beyond."
Little Harry was a general favorite with all who knew him. He was a bright eyed, rosy cheeked, intellectual boy, flitting here and there like a sunbeam. But suddenly the light of his smile has gone out.
We have loved thee, and shall miss thee,
But thy smile we'll see no more;
We shall yearn again to kiss thee,
As we did in days of yore.
We shall meet thee, little Harry,
On that shore, so bright and fair,
Evermore our souls shall tarry
In a home unbroken there.
And we'll hear the silver cadence
Of thine angel voice again;
And we'll see the golden radiance
Of thy smile of greeting then.
Oh! a gloom has gathered o'er us,
And a sorrow sad to tell,
'Tis because thou'st gone before us--
Little Harry, fare thee well!
The expressions of sympathy fore the bereaved parents were exceedingly touching, and many and pretty were the floreal tributes presented.
M. V. C.
from the Le Roy Reporter, August 14, 1886
FOUND DEAD.
Last Tuesday afternoon the news spread up town, that an old man who had been camping and fishing in the river bottom below Woodard & Norton's mill, was found drowned in the river about a quarter of a mile below the cut-off. He had apparently been in the water for about ten days and, consequently, his body was very much decomposed. Judging from all the surroundings and the manner in which his body was found attached to the trotline, it appears reasonable to suppose that, while in his boat working with his lines, he fell from some cause over board, and being perhaps entangled in the lines, was drowned. He was towed to shore, as soon as found, and the coroner notified, who viewed the body about six o'clock in the evening and rendered a verdict in accordance with the facts and circumstances surrounding the case. Some of the neighbors had learned from the old man, that he had friends living on Duck Creek. Messengers were sent up and it was found that he had a daughter, Mrs. Shipley. Mr. Shipley, J. H. Old and R. C. Tilden cam down Wednesday morning and took charge of the reamins which were burried at Sirea cemetery on Duck Creek. From the gentlemen named we learned that the deceased's name was John Clendening, aged about 64 years. He leaves three sons and two daughters, all grown. Two sons and one daughter live in Commanche county, Kansas, on son at Rich Hill, Mo., and the other daughter, Mrs. Shipley, on Duck Creek. He had been fishing for about two months, more for pass-time than profit, and last visited his home about four weeks ago.
from the Le Roy Reporter, August 21, 1886
DIED.
NAPIER--At Le Roy, Kansas, Aug. 15, 1886, at 12 o'clock m., of dropsy, Rene Napier, aged seventy years and twenty days.
The subject of this sketch was born in Gracer county, Kentucky, July 25, 1816, and afterwards moved to Monrow county, Ind., where he was married March 15, 1836, to Elisabeth Stuart. AFter living in Indiana a while, he removed to Illinois, and from there to Kansas with their only son, John W., in the spring 1874. Shortly after, his three daughters and their families also came to Kansas and the whole family then lived close together until the death of his youngest and favorite daughter, Mrs. Jane Grant. The shock he received then, seems to have given the old gentleman his death. He never recovered and gradually sank away until the welcome messenger came to call him home to meet his daughter again. He was a member of the M. E. church since 1863 and lived in the hope of a happy eternity. He leaves a widow, one son, two daughters and several grand children, to mourn his death.
The family requests us to convey their heartfelt thanks to all neighbors and friends who showed their sympathy and kindness during the sickness of their parent.
from the Burlington Independent, September 3, 1886
DIED.
CAYOT--In Star township, Coffey county, Kansas, August 27, 1886, from typhoid fever, Peter Cayot, Jr.; aged 28 years and 9 months.
We were surprised and shocked to learn of the death of Peter Cayot, Jr., which occurred last Friday morning at his home on Crooked Creek in this county. He had been seriously ill with typhoid malaria for the past month; the attack was of the most malignant type and his vigorous young manhood failed to throw off the disease. There are many peculiar sad circumstances surrounding the demise of young Cayot. He had not only been the leading spirit among his worthy relatives, but of a large circle of young people in the eastern part of the county. He was the index of what was most proper and becoming in the entire neighborhood. He had the most unbounded love and affection for his parents. His mother was to him the ideal of earthly perfection, and toward her he was always kinds and considerate. For several years his father was an invalid, and he resigned the cares and responsibilities of the large farm and stock interests entirely to his son, who speedily became a thorough business man. The community felt justly proud of him, because he had grown up among them from childhood and was indetified with every business and social interrest. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon beneath the shady trees surrounding his home. There was a great throng of sympathizing neighbors and friends present. The sermon was preached by Rev. W. E. Mack, of Burlington, from the text, commencing: "Oh, that men would be wise." The discourse contained many kind words and made a profound impression upon the tearful audience. The music was conducted by Prof. Covert, of Le Roy and while it was grand and full of melody it was a fit requiem for the dead. The deceased was buried in the cemetery near Avon.
from the Le Roy Reporter, September 4, 1886
DIED.
CROWL:-In Le Roy, Aug. 28, 1886, Myrtle, daughter of Merion and Sarah Crowl. Aged 11 mo. 2 days.
Mr. Crowl and family wish to thank the friends and neighbors for their kindness during the sickness and at the death of their child.
CAYOT:-In French Ridge, Aug. 27, 1886, Peter Cayot, of Typhoid fever.
Peter Cayot was born in Washington county, Iowa, Nov. 1st, 1857. He came to Kansas in company with his parents in the year following and settled on French Ridge this county, where he has since resided. He took a trip to California this summer and returned in good health and spirits. He was a young many of excellent morals and full of promise. In all the sociables and festivities in the neighborhood he was the life and soul, and when the sad intelligence of his death was announced, far and wide a sorrowing circle of friends came to pay their sad testimonials of respect. The funeral services were conducted at the house of his father, by Rev. Mack, from Burlington, and a few singers from Le Roy, who had known this estimable young man, gathered near his remains and sang some of those old songs which he once loved so well to hear. Mr. J. S. Covert then made some feeling remarks touching the intimate and pleasant relationship which had existed between himself and the deceased and with the family. A large concourse of friends followed him to his last resting place.
M. V. C.
from the Burlington Independent, September 10, 1886
DIED.
DELZEE--In Burlington, Kansas, September 4, 1886, from
cholera infantum, Isabella, daughter of G. W. and Isabella Delzee; aged 1 year, 1 month and 15 days.
from the Burlington Independent, September 17, 1886
DIED.
JONES--In Avon, Coffey county, Kansas, Sept. 11, 1886, from
cholera infantum, Olive, daughter of R. H. Jones; aged 4 months.
DRUMM--In Pottawatomie township, Coffey county, Kansas, Sept. 12, 1886, from typhoid malaria, Frank Drum; aged 49 years.
MERKT--In Burlington, Kansas, Sept. 15, 1886, from typhoid fever, Christine L, wife of J. G. Merkt; aged 44 years and 12 days.
from the Burlington Independent, September 24, 1886
DIED.
TIPTON--In Burlington, Kansas, Sept. 17, 1886, from cholera infantum, Hattie W., daughter of C. W. and Annie Tipton; aged 9 months and 1 day.
WOOLINGTON--At Aliceville, Kansas, Sept. 18, 1886, of heart disease, Daniel Woolington; aged 55 years.
WADHAMS--In Newton, Kansas, Sept. 22, 1886, from sore throat and blood poison, E. P. Wadhams; aged 29 years, 1 month and 16 days.
It pains us deeply to announce the death of E. P. Wadhams, which sad event occurred at Newton, Kansas, last Wednesday. The disease which took him off was malignant sore throat accompanied with blood poison and was of but few days duration. Scarcely two weeks ago he was walking our streets, apparently in the best of health, and when the telegram arrived announcing his sudden death it came like a thunder clap from a clear sky, and produced a shock that our people will be slow to recover from. In response to a telegram his father left the day before his death bgut did not reach his bedside in time to see him alive. His remains were expressed to this city yesterday accompanied by P. K. Wadhams and J. R. Dunkin, the latter being with him and doing all in human power during his short and fatal sickness. The remains were met at the depot by Joseph Doudall Lodge, No. 66, K. of P., of which order Mr. Wadhams was an honored member, and conveyed to his late residence on St. Lawrence street. The funeral will take place to-day and he will be buried with the honors of the K. of P. order. At the time of his death his wife was visiting in Nebraska. In response to a telegram bearing the sad news the poor, heart-broken woman arrived in Burlington a few moments after the arrival of the remains. Mr. Wadhams grew up from childhood in this city and he was loved and respected wherever known. During life he held many positions of public trust and always acquitted himself with credit. He was a man who possessed the peculiar faculty of making warm friends and to whome he was as true as steel. A good man has gone out from among us. Peace to his ashes.
Brief mention was made in the INDEPENDENT last week of the death of Frank Drum. Mr. Drum at the time of his death was forty-nine years and five months old. He was one of the early pioneers of Coffey county, arriving here and settling on the head waters of Long Creek in 1858. He brought little with him except a big honest heart and willing hands. He left his native home in Kyuga county, New York, when quite young and settled in Kankakee county, Illinois, where he resided until Kansas was opened for settlement. Beginning with nothing he worked his way up as the years went by until at the time of his death he was one of the heavviest farmers and stock-raisers in the county. All this was accomplished by honesty, sobriety hard and patient toil and economy. His word was as good as his bond and he was loved and respected by a very wide circle of friends. It took just such men as Frank Drum to make Kansas the glorious state she is. He did well his part in developing it. One by one the old pioneers are dropping off. He was married in 1861 to Miss Agnes McMannus and by whoem he had seven children. His remains were followed to their last resting place by the largest concourse of sorrowing people that ever gathered in Coffey county.
from the Le Roy Reporter, September 25, 1886
DIED.--At Aliceville, Kansas, Sep. 18, of heart disease, David Woolington, a well esteemed and worthy citizen, aged 58 years and six months.
from the Burlington Independent, October 1, 1886
DIED.
SKAGGS--In Ottumwa, Kansas, Sept. 25, '86, from malaria, James E. Skaggs; aged 58 years and 6 months.
ADAMSON--In Burlington, Kansas, Sept. 26, 1886, from spasms, Jessie M., daughter of W. O. and S. A. Adamson; aged 3 mths.
CLEVELAND--In Burlington, Kansas, September 29, 1886, from old age, Rev. Edward Cleveland; aged 81 years, 9 months and 25 days.
from the Burlington Independent, October 8, 1886
Memorial.
We are indebted to Rev. B. D. Conkling for the following paper which was read by him at the funeral of Rev. Edward Cleveland in the Congregational church, this city, September 30, 1886:
Rev. Edward Cleveland was born at Shipton, Canada East, Dec. 9th, 1804. He closed his earthly career at Burlington, Kansas, September 29, 1886. In his youth he was apprenticed to learn the tanner and currier trade. The love of knowledge was so strong within him that he studied at night and so laid the foundations of the courses of study which afterwards gave him so much pleasure, and made his life a peculiar blessing to many a youthful lover of sound learning. In the work of these early years he received help and inspiration from Mr. Stephen Burrows for which he was keenly appreciative to his latest days. Having made satisfactory arrangements with his master, he closed his apprenticeship some months before attaining his majority and left Canada for the United States. he at once set abgout preparing for college, intending to make the law his profession. He took a stand as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ while at Brandon, Vt., and united with the Congregational church after some time of unrest because of the conviction that such a step meant the giving up of his chosen profession, and the adoption of the one in which he spent his life. From among the colleges he chose to pursue his course at Yale from which he graduated, both in the literary and theological courses in 1832 and 1835. The college and the theological studies were pursued in the face of many financial difficulties, but he managed to complete them without having to carry a heavy burden of debt at the end. His ordination to the gospel ministry took place in the year 1837, and the preaching of his earlier ministry was in the churches of New England. He has been accustomed to recall with interest all those years; but his most cherished pastoral memories seem to have been those in connection with the charge at Cabot, Vt. In 1856 he was invited to take charge of St. Francis College, in the town of his nativity, an enterprise to which he gave so much of his strength that he left after five years with health not a little impaired, which he sought to restore where so many have found health and prosperity, in the west. Since then Iowa, Illinois, Michigan and Kansas have shared in his thoughts and labors abundant, New Hampshire coming in for a blessing of four years of vacation (?) work meanwhile. Not even the briefest glance at this useful life would be adequate, if it took no notice of the interest in, an effort ever put forth for, things educational. Schools, academies and colleges, as well as churches, were in all his thoughts, and received no little share of his life's activities. Some twenty years in all were spent in actual school work, and as many as thirty-three hundred pupils find their names on his rolls, and much of their intellectual profiting due to his influence and labors. A considerable number of buildings for church services, are the standing monuments of his aggressive work and patient continuance in well doing in the practical externals of life. Edward Cleveland and Mary M. Lang were united in marriage in Math, N.H., Nov. 1st, 1843. She, together with their sons and daughters are with us to-day. As the conclusion of this sketch I quote his own words: "A good providence has followed me through life * * and I look forward with cheerful hope to the future."
from the Burlington Independent, October 15, 1886
DIED.
CLEVELAND--In Burlington, Kansas, September 29, 1886, from old age, Rev. Edward Cleveland; aged 81 years 9 months and 25 days.
from the Burlington Independent, October 22, 1886
DIED.
EPTING--In Hampden township, Coffey co., Kan., October 11, 1886, of cholera infantum, Catherine Mary, daughter of A. W. and Kate Epting; aged 5 months and 15 days.
GANNON--In Strawn, Kansas, Oct. 12, 1886, of typhoid malaria, William Gannon; aged 21 years.
O'LEARY--Near Waverly, Kansas, Oct. 13, 1886, of cholera infantum, Carrie, daughter of A. and J. C. O'Leary; aged 1 year 8 mos.
VAIL--In Hampden township, Coffey co., Oct. 14, 1886, of heart disease, Clara Vail; aged 25 years and 7 months.
GAVIN--In Strawn, Kansas, Oct. 17, 1886, of malarial fever, Mary, daughter of R. C. and Sarah Gavin; aged 16 years.
from the Burlington Independent, October 29, 1886
DIED.
CRIPPIN--In Winfield, Kansas, October 20, 1886, from diptheria, after an illness of two weeks, Ina, daughter of George H. and 'Lissa Crippen; aged 8 years.
ALLEN--In Burlington, Kansas, October 23, 1886, Myrtle, infant daughter of C. P. and L. Allen; aged 12 days.
from the Burlington Independent, November 5, 1886
DIED.
PLEN--In Liberty township, Coffey county, Kansas, October 28, 1886, from congestion of the lungs, an infant son of William and Mary Plen; aged 2 months.
HERRINGTON--In Burlington, Kansas, October 31, 1886, from consumption, Jane N. Herrington; aged 68 years.
WOODFORD--In Burlington, Kansas, Nov. 3, 1886, from dropsy, Mary E. Woodford; aged 65 years.
ROYER--In Burlington, Kanss, Nov. 4, 1886, from typhoid fever, Wm. M. Royer; aged 33 years, 3 months and 10 days.
from the Burlington Independent, November 12, 1886
Mrs. Mary E. Woodford.
Mary E. Lawrence was born Sept. 11th, 1831, Onondaga county, New York, and departed this life Nov. 3d, 1886. Sixty-five years does not seem to be a very long stretch of years; but it has been long enough in the development of our land for what is characterized in our history as "the frontier" to be removed from the Empire state to the western part of Kansas--if not beyond. That 'frontier' condition of things in New York did not offer very complete opportunities either in social or educational directions, but such as it did offer were eagerly used and improved upon, so that the young girl came to the estate of womanhood with a goodly store of useful general knowledge. This habit of mind was kept down to the latest weeks--nay, even to the latest days of life, so that a stranger would quickly notice her interest in the greater matters before the public as well as in some lines of work and of thought engaged in usually by experts and specialists.
She was married to Alanson Woodford, June 11th, 1884, and together they settled upon a farm in the county of her birth where they continued to live until January, 1878, when they removed to Rock Falls, Whiteside county, Ills. In this new home they lived until March 1, 1885, when it was disposed of with a view to removal to this city. Having preceded her husband here, she was suddenly summoned back by his sickness which proved to be unto death--although it permitted of his removal to this state in which it was his desire to have his body take its long rest. Having lived with him almost thirty-one years, she has only survived him about one year and a half.
Mrs. Woodford's natural disposition inclined her to be active; her fondness for good reading was a passion; a quickness to observe, combined with a retentive memory, furnished her mind richly in ways that ministered much to the enjoyment of friends and to her own pleasure; her mind and her hand possessed the cunning of the poet and the painter as many a token in the possession of her circle of friends gives evidence; her interest in the more serious reforms and pressing problems of the day was of a practical and lively character. She passed peacefully from the scenes of time to those of eternity, leaving as her immediate mourners three sons with their wives and nine grandchildren.
DIED.
FOX--In Burlington, Kansas, Nov. 9, 1886, an infant daughter of Mrs. Mary Fox.
SHOBE--In Pottawatomie township, Coffey county, Kansas, Nov. 9th, 1886, from croup, an infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Shobe.
VAN SLYCK--At his residence on Neosho street, Burlington, Kansas, Nov. 10, 1886, of acute rheumatism, A. N. Van Slyck; aged 67 years.
Mr. Van Slyck was born at Schenectady, New York, in the year 1819. He was the worthy descendant of an old Dutch family, who located in New York in the early part of the last century and many members of the family still reside at and near their native town. The deceased was an active and vigorous man and like many others came west while he was young. He first emigrated to Wisconsin where he remained about five years when he lost his wife and was left on the extreme frontier with two small children. With a sad heart he returned with his family to his old home in New York. But he remained there only a short time when he joined a company en route for California. With this company he journied as far west as Kansas, and being pleased with the country, he cast his lot in Coffey county where he has resided since 1857. He opened up the valuable farm east of the river which he has always retained. He engaged largely in stock raising which was the chief business of the county. In 1861 he was again married, and accompanied by his wife he returned to New York and brought his children to Kansas. But it was not long until he was again bereaved by the loss of his 2d wife. Thus stricken he held on and clung fast to the state through the exciting of the border war. In the year 1863 he married Mrs. Esther Kannen, the present Mrs. Van Slyck, and together they have spent an active life. They have grown up with the country and witnessed its great development. They have always maintained a high standing in the community, being noted for genuine kindness and hospitality. Mr. Van Slyck was a true type of our western men. He took great interest in public affairs, and has been honored with many offices and other positions of public trust. He accumulated a competent fortune and leaves his family in easy circumstances. The funeral takes place from his late residence in this city at 10 o'clock this (Friday) morning. Thus passes away another old landmark, and while we extend our sincere sympathy to the bereaved family, we mourn the loss of one of our most reliable citizens.
from the Le Roy Reporter, November 13, 1886
DIED.
HALL--In Le Roy township, Coffey county, Kansas, Nov. 4, 1886, of typhoid fever, Willy M., oldest son of Hiram C. and Jane Hall, aged 17 years, 1 month and 7 days.
Deceased was a yought of much promise, of steady, industrious habits, kind and obedient to his parents, pleasant and lobing to his brothers and sisters, in short a "good boy." Willy was quite a favorite among his young associated and highly esteemed by all.
The grief-stricken parents, brothers and sisters have the profound sympathy of their neighbors in this their great bereavement. Religious services by Rev. S. S. Weatherby.
G. W. P.
from the Burlington Independent, November 19, 1886
DIED.
BLANCK--In Burlington township, Coffey county, Kansas, Nov. 12, 1886, from accidental burning, Mary Blanck; aged about 19 years.
MEYER--In Pottawatomie township, Coffey county, Kansas, Nov. 15, 1886, from croup, Willie, son of Michael and Amelia Meyer; aged 9 years.
from the Burlington Independent, November 26, 1886
Death of W. W. Brown.
The death of this aged and worthy citizen a few days ago, in Star township, was a peaceful, perhaps a welcome close to a long and eventful life. He belonged to a class of men which has been characteristic of our country alone. His parents were among those who followed Daniel Boone into the wild and savage regions west of the Alegheny mountains. From childhood he was accustomed to the privations and adventures of that rude, but ennobling life. Like most frontiersmen he possessed the calm, daring, self reliant character which is especially characteristic of people who inhabit a wild and mountainous country. Even in our own land we ose to this class several of our most esteemed presidents, among whom Lincoln and Jackson will remain forever illustrious. The wild and rugged scenery of the mountain home, the bracing mountain air, free as their own unfetterd lives nourish as in no other region, the love of libery and independence. In almost the same locality where Lincoln spent the earlier years of his life, Mr. Brown lived and toiled till manhood. He related that he was not yet ten years old, when with a rifle that he could hardly carry he had killed his first deer. From that time till the year of his death his life was one of ceaseless activity. Many were the adventures he had to relate of his early experience. Not only deer and the smaller game of that country was then abundant, but bears and panthers were also numerous in the more remote mountains. Once having followed some young panthers into their cave, and having secured them, he was startled by the sudden appearance of the astonished and enraged panther mother. Being unable to take accurate aim in the darkness of the cave he pointed the gun at the flaming eyes and shot the animal dead. He married at an early age and removed to Indiana, making his home near Green Castle. There by industry and good management he soon acquired a large fortune. Although he had barely learned to read at school, by hard study, during his leisure hours, he acquired the rudiments of an education. so successful was he in his business that at one time his wealth was extimated at over a quarter of a million dollars. But yielding to the importunities of pretended friends, he formed a partnership with a bank ring concern in which his fortune was wrecked. From that wreck a few hundred acres of land in Coffey county was all that was saved. Hither, in the declining years of his life he removed abain to commence once more the battle of existence. In the few years that he lived here, he has improved and stocked one of the best farms in the county, and become one of the most prosperous citizens of his township. Through the years of drouth and hard times, when everything that farmers had to sell was low, while taxes were high and county treasurers were fleeing to Canada, the old man struggled on. And through it all his faith in Kansas and Coffey county remained unshaken.
In politics during his long life he had known but one party. And though free from the uncharitable bias, which usually characterizes the opinions of the aged, he was none the less a sincere Democrat. It was two years ago, that, accompanied by the writer, he went to the polls for the last time to vote for our present chief magistrate. The writer recalls, too, with a pang of sorrow, that on returning home h remarked in a subdued but uncomplaining tone that he could not expect to vote for another President. Nearly eighty years had whitened the hair and dimmed the blue eyes of the old hunter. Across his lips no profanation was heard to pass, and his mind and thoughts were as unsullied as the mountain streams of his early home. Tobacco in any form, and the modern whisky, brewed by the devils of our race and drank by their foolish brothers were alike abhorred by him. The Bible afforded to him the instruction, which has so long been the consolation of the Christian world. Its beauties and its mysteries baffled and moved him as it has so often done the noble and inquiring mind. A member of the Christian church, he possessed few of sectarian prejudices which seem like weakness to many whose natures are otherwise excellent. His honest, patient, and indomitable diposition, are seldom surpassed. It is afterall, among those whose existence we almost forget that the best and truest types of humanity are found. In the noisy, quarreling crowds which always gather where the toll and bustle of existence are greatest, he whose voice is loudest, and whose nature is rudest becomes the hero of the hour. It is he whose monument is highest and whose epitaph records the greatest lies. But it is in the remote and neglected grave yard where the real hero sleeps. And to me the white mantle of snow, covering in winter the humble grave is more sacred, more suggestive than the vault of bombastic marble. The wild flowers of summer, growing from the bosom of the dead, teach a more touching lesson than the hollow words of praise, graven in the lifeless rock. In the hard conflict of life, which a high civilization has ever entailed to the mass of mankind, one will be often tempted to ask, if it be, after all, worth while to take for our ideals, the nobler types of our race. But standing by the coffin of one whose life I have thus swiftly sketched, such doubts are dispelled and the ignoble ambitions and selfishness which produce them, are banished and forgotten. The rugged and simple virtues of that old generation seem to be passing away with the dying centurey, and the civilization by which they are no longer needed, is learning to neglect, perhaps dispise them. But to them, who have known their simple and heroic lives, the memory of their virtues will grow brighter, as the years go by, and o'er life's tempestuous ocean, the beams of that remembrance will serve to guide them across its gloomy waters.
W. A. M.
It pains us to announce the death of Mrs. F. P. Wells, which occurred at her home at Kansas City last Friday. The disease that carried her off was typhoid malaria. The funeral services were held last Sunday and were very largely attended. The remains were buried in Oak Grove cemetery.
DIED.
BOYLE--In Augusta, Butler county, Kansas, Nov. 24, 1886, from typhoid fever, Mrs. Ella C. Boyle; aged 40 years, 8 months and 17 days.
Mrs. Boyle, formerly Ella C. Holland, will be remembered by many of the older settles of this locality. She was bon in Belmont county, Ohio, in 1846, and came to this county with her relatives, a fe years before the war, and among the first settles. Here she grew up to womanhood and about 17 years ago she was married to Mr. Ed. Boyle. Shortly after he marriage she moved with her husband to Butler county, this state where their home has been ever since. A large circle of friends and relatives are in deep mourning over her untimely death.
STURGES--In Ottumwa, Kansas, Nov. 21, 1886, from typhoid fever, Flora M., daughter of D. D. and Sarah L. Sturges; aged 18 years, 11 months and 9 days.
The deceased was one of the teachers in our public schools and was taken sick abour the 1st of November while earnestly perfarming her duties as teacher. She taught the first three days of her sickness but was finallly compelled to take to her bed. She received every care and attention that a kind father, loving mother and friends could bestow. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. H. H. Klock, of Ottumwa, and was largely attended by neighbors and friends who gathered to pay the last sad tribute of respect. The bereaved parents wish to extend their heart-felt thanks to the many friends who so kindly assisted them with kind words and actions during her sickness and death.
Down beneath the grassy earth
Her cold, bright form was lain:
The air that binds the autumn girth
Has bound her with the same
Her days are gone; her debt is paid,
God grant them well fulfilled;
She's gone and left life's toilsome ways,
To a land of perfect bliss.
We watched he placed within the tomb,
Like a dream it seemed to be;
Her face as bright as the silv'ry moon,
And a soul of pure degree.
Remember well the mossy grave,
The flowers we left to bloom;
Remember God, the life he gave,
To her who lies beneath the tomb.
H. N. Mc.
from the Burlington Independent, December 3, 1886
Hon. G. W. Weimer, a son of Gabriel D. Weimer who lives a few miles southwest of the city, died recently of typhoid in Butuler county, this state. He came to this county with his parents in 1870 and resided here for several years. After removing from here he located in Butler county and was shortly after elected to the legislature. He was a man of marked ability in that body and was highly respected by his fellow legislators. After the expiration of his term of service in the legislature he was appointed superintendent of the National Yellowstone Park, which position he was holding at the time of his death. Our people deeply sympathize with his bereaved parents and friends. He has a sister living in Douglass, Butler county, where he was visiting at the time of his death.
DIED.
ROYER--In Burlington, Kansas, Nov. 24, 1886, from typhoid fever, Martha Royer; aged 40 years.
DRESSLER--In Liberty township, Coffey county, Kansas, Nov. 20, 1886, from croup, David, son of John and Esther Dressler; aged 3 years, 10 ms. and 15 days.
BENJAMINE--In Burlington township, Coffey county, Kan., Nov 29, 1886, an infant daughter of W. J. and Minerva Benjamine.
WILLIAMS--In Ottumwa twp, Coffey co., Kan., Dec 2, 1886, from typhoid fever, Mrs. Edward Williams; aged 49 years.
from the Le Roy Reporter, December 4, 1886
DIED.
At Yates Center, on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 1886, Mattie S., wife of Lafayette Wilkerson. She was born on the 16th day of May, 1850, in Cass county, Mo.
The deceased was a member of the Christian church at Yates Center, and was one of the most zealous and true workers in the cause she expaused in early life. She wa a sister of our fellow townsman J. P. Shivelly, who from some irregularity in the mails, did not receive the sad intelligence until late in the afternoon on the 25th, too late to attend the last sad solemn rites to a beloved sister.
from the Burlington Independent, December 17, 1886
DIED.
HENDEE--In Kansas City, Mo., December 9, 1886, from heart disease, Mary A. Hendee; aged 53 years and 5 months.
DIXON--In Burlington, Kansas., Dec. 11, 1886, from typhoid malaria, George Dixon; aged 40 years.
MAHONEY--In Burlington, Kansas, Dec. 12, 1886, from inflammation of the tonsils, Ellen, daughter of Daniel and Ellen Mahoney; aged 10 years.
ARTIST--In Burlington, Kansas, Dec. 12, 1886, infant daughter of Wm. Artist; aged 1 year.
BISPHAM--In Ottumwa township, Coffey county, Kansas, Dec. 13, 1886, from paralysis, Wm. Bispham; aged 76 years and 5 months.
BORLAN--In Neosho township, Coffey county, Kansas, Dec. 14, 1886, from membraneous croup, Iley, daughter of Benjamin and Nancy Borlan; aged 1 year and 6 months.
from the Burlington Independent, December 24, 1886
DIED.
CARPENTER--In Burlington, Kansas, December 18, 1886, from croup and whooping cough, Ethel Adelaide, daughter of Geo. D. and Ella M. Carpenter; aged 3 years, 7 months and 12 days.
KAUFFMAN--In Liberty township, Coffey county, Kansas, December 21, 1886, from membraneous croup, Joseph, son of Edward and Katie Kauffman; aged 3 years and 4 months.
WILLETT--In Burlington, Kansas, Dec. 17, 1886, from disease of the lungs, P. S. Willett; aged 63 years.
P. S. Willett was born in Bloomsburg, Penn., in 1823, and when three years of age moved with his parents to Paris, Ohio, in which state he lived until he attained his majority and married. In 1861 he with his family, moved to St. Joseph county, Mich., where he resided until 1870, when he moved to Burlington, Kansas. Mr. Willett leaves a wife and several children, all of whom are grown up and married. His has been an active life. He was a man of progressive ideas, and of the strictest integrity and temperate habits. He was honored and respected by all who knew him for his very many good qualities. In the death of Mr. Willett the wife looses a most excellent husband, the children a kind and indulgent parent, and Burlington one of her best and most respected citizens.
COMMUNICATED.
Burlington, Kas, Dec. 20, 1886.
ED. INDEPENDENT: It is to be regretted that no more of our business men were able to hear the eloquent address of Rev. Murphy on Sunday at the funeral services of P. S. Willett, late deceased. It was our pleasure to make a visit of several weeks duration in White Pigeon, Mich., Mr. Willett's former home. Everyone spoke of him in the highest terms as a Christian and a man of the strictest integrity. It has been confirmed by an intimate acquaintance with him for more than twenty years. We have ever found him in ready sympathy with the poor and distressed and always glad to respond with help to the needs. Peace be with him.
H. K. S.
from the Burlington Independent, December 31, 1886
DROWNED.
Two sons of James White Drowned in the Neosho River last Sunday.
Last Monday morning this community was shocked and startled by the report that two sons of Mr. James H. White, who lives northwest of the city some three or four miles, had been drowned in the Neosho river the evening before. Upon investigation the report preoved too true. About three o'clock Sunday afternoon Cartwright White, nearly twenty-one years of age, in company with his little brother, aged about ten, went to the river to play on the ice with a hand sled. Not returning, about four or five o'clock Mr. White busied himself in feeding the stock and doing up the evening chores. After this work was done and the boys still being absent he became alarmed and at once instituted a search. He went to several of the neighbors and aroused them; lanterns were procured and the neighborhood was thoroughly scoured but no tidings of the absent ones could be learned. In the early morning on Monday the sled was discovered frozen in the ice, and the ice bore evidence of having been broken and disturbed. The truth then flashed upon the sarchers that the unfortunate boys had been drowned. The ice was cut away, a boat procured and grapplingt hooks and poles prepared and a search in the cold waters began. In a short time the bodies of the unfortunate boys were found and brought to the surface. The theory advanced is that Willie was on the sled and that Cartwright was pushing him over the ice, and in crossing a thin place in the ice they both went down. When they left home there wore overcoats and mittens and their caps were well drawn down over their ears, and in this condition the bodies were found. They left home about three o'clock and a watch belonging to Willie stopped running at 3:22, showing that they had been on the ice but a few minutes when the accident occurred. The funeral services took place last Wednesday from the White family residence and were conducted by Rev. S. S. Murphey, of this city, and the remains were buried in the Otter creek cemetery. The funeral was largely attended by sympathizing neighbors and friends. It is a terrible calamity and one of the worst that has visited this community for many years. Cartwright was a bright youngt man and was the life of the society in that neighborhood. His untimely death has cast a gloom over the circle in which he moved that will not be easily dispelled.
from the Burlington Independent, January 7, 1887
DIED.
WINGREN--In Burlington, Kansas, Dec. 31, 1886, from bronchitis, Susie, wife of Richard Wingren; aged 36 years.
from the Burlington Independent, January 14, 1887
DIED.
SHARON--In Avon township, Coffey county, Kansas, January 6, 1887, from typhoid fever, Edward Sharon; aged 17 years and 10 mos.
JONES--In Hampden township, Coffey county, Kansas, January 9, 1887, from inflammation of the bowels, Alvin Jones; aged 30 years.
NEELEY--In Liberty township, Coffey county, Kansas, JANUARY 12, 1887, from croup, an infant daughter of John H. and Ellen Neelely; aged 1 month and 11 days.
from the Burlington Independent, October 7, 1887
DIED.
WEIGAND--Burlington, Kansas, Sept. 30, 1887, from congestion of the brain, George, son of J. J. and Sarah A. Weigand; aged 1 years, 7 months and 26 days.
SMITH--In Ottumwa, Kansas, Oct. 1, 1887, from intermittent fever, Jennie, daughter of s. S. and Martha Smith; aged 4 months.
CROOKER--In Gridley, Kansas, Oct. 1, 1887, from malarial fever, Gracie, daughter of H. E. and L. E. Crooker; aged 5 years, 5 m'ths and 7 days.
FORTNER--In Burlington, Kansas, Oct. 4, 1887, from membranous croup, Ethel, son of Wm. and Jennie Fortner; aged 9 year, months and 23 days.
from the Burlington Independent, October 21, 1887
DIED.
KENNEDY--In Pleasant township, Coffey county, Kansas, Oct. 14, 1887, from typhoid malaria, Rachel Kennedy; aged 73 years, 7 months and 8 days.
ALBERT--In Liberty township, Coffey co., Kansas, Oct. 18, 1887, from typhois fever, Barbara, daughter of John and Elizabeth Albert, aged 10 years.
McWILLIAMS--In Burlington, Kansas, Oct. 18, 1887, from old age, James McWilliams; aged 72 years, 3 months and 12 days.
IRISH--In Burlington township, Coffey co., Kansas, Oct. 18, 1887, from paralysis, Clarissa Irish; aged 79 years.
from the Lebo Courier, February 22, 1889
OBITUARY.
Effie D. Daughter of G. W. and Minnie D. Smith, was born in Neosho, Mo., October 24, 1886, and died in Lebo, Kansas, February 18, 1889, aged 2 years, 3 months and 24 days.
Her brief stay was one of continued affliction, and with it she was so patient. She was greatly beloved.
Hard it is from thee to part,
For it rends the aching heart;
But an heir of glory's gone--
Let the will of God be done.
Little Robie M., son of George M. and Luella Gawthrop, was born in Greenwood county, Kas., Feb. 4, 1884, and died in Osage county, Kas., Feb. 13, 1889, aged 4 years, 11 months and 13 days. He was a great sufferer for just one week, and the struggle ended with the withered form of dear little Robie.
His last words to his devoted mother, while administering, were, "Mama, I love you."
"Pillow'd on a Savior's breast,
Sweetly sleep and sofly rest;
Soon the morning shall restore
The buried son we now deplore."
--J. C. Miller
Card of Thanks.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith, the parents, and Mr. and Mrs. Goldsmith return to their many kind neighbors for much kindness and sympathy manifested practically in their affliction and bereavement and in laying away their darling in her sleeping bed in Lincoln cemetery to await the second coming of the Master.
DIED.
In Lebo, Monday Feb. 18, Effie, daughter of G. W. and Minnie Smith. (See obituary at top of this entry.)
from the Lebo Courier, November 22, 1889
OBITUARY.
Mrs. Olivia A. Elston departed this life at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. McGrew, on the 19th inst. She was born in Knox county, Illnois, July 4, 1853. In her last illness she was comforted and sustained by Christian faith, and departed in the assurance of a blissful immortality. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church on Wednesday afternoon; conducted by Rev. J. P. Jones; assisted by Rev's. Miller and Roads.
Card of Thanks.
We desire to extend our heartfelt thanks to the many friends who so kindly assisted during the sickness and death of our dear one.
MR. AND MRS. J. R. McGREW.
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