Wednesday evening at about the hour of eight, Mrs. Jane Fish passed from this earthly life at her home in Protection.

She had been in very poor health for several years, as she was suffering from cancer of the breast. Of late months, she had been practically bed-fast.

She was known to the community as "Aunt Jane" Fish and was a pioneer in Comanche county and in her early life was very actively identified with the business life of the community as for many years she conducted a hotel that was widely known for its hospitality and cheer, and in the early day much patronized by early day settlers and travelers.

"Aunt Jane" endured all the hardships of the pioneer woman and always cheerfully and uncomplaining. "Aunt Jane" was a dearly loved woman by all who were permitted the privilege of her intimate friendship. A leader in the religious life in the early days of Protection, she ever remained a consecrated, devoted member of the Methodist church and by her wise advise and sagacious if silent leadership she helped even in these later years when her activity was much restricted by her illness and confinement.

She will be greatly missed in the community and though advanced into her eighties and departing this life at a "ripe old age" full of kindly deeds and help to others, her life was one worthy of emulation by those who are to follow after.

The funeral conducted by her pastor, Rev. E. S. Corrie, will be held from the Methodist church this (Thursday) afternoon and interment will be made in the local cemetery.

---

The Protection Post, March 15, 1923.

Obituary

Daniel Armitage and Jane Hall were married in York-Shire, England, in 1819. They came to America later and settled in New York state. It was in that state in March 25, 1834, that a daughter, Jane C. was born.

When she was yet a mere child, they moved to Chicago. It was there that she grew to womanhood and on November 4, 1853 was married to John Fish, and they located directly on the farm at Savanna, Ill., and there they made their home till 1884 or for 29 years.

There their three children were born; Mrs. Mary A. Bristol of Firestul, South Dakota; Mrs. Ella J. Dale of Dawson, Minnesota and Elmer E., who died in childhood at the age of 7 or 8.

In 1884 they moved to Protection, Kansas, where they improved a track of land adjoining the town. They built a hotel which "Aunt Jane" ran from the beginning of the town till twenty-five years ago.

No one has ever visited Protection or remained here any length of time but has heard of "Aunt Jane."

The traveling public at that time nor the folks 'round about could find a name more suitable for her than "Aunt Jane."

Mr. Fish died July 29, 1892. Thus you see she has been alone for over 30 years. Mr. Dale, a son-in-law, who came to be with "Aunt Jane" when Mr. Fish died, has been in these last days in a kind and sympathetic way company for her.

Many folks will think of her as a mother and her kindness that she has ever extended to folks will not be soon forgotten. Many can rise up and call her blessed or as many did when Dorcas lay dead, "they stood about weeping showing the work of her hands."

"Aunt Jane" was a Christian. When 12 years old she made the decision for Christ and the church and as long as her strength justified it she was ever busy concerning the things of the Kingdom of God.

"Aunt Jane" died at her residence in Protection, where she had lived nigh onto 30 years, on Wednesday, March 7, 1923, age 88 years, 11 months and 12 days.

The funeral was conducted by her pastor, Rev. E. S. Corrie of the local Methodist church and was held from the church on Thursday, March 8, 1923, at 4 o'clock, p.m.

Interment was made in the local cemetery by the side of her husband who had proceeded her in death 30 years ago.

---

Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!