Eyman Phebus, former postmaster and one of this city's prominent citizens, passed away in the Comanche County Hospital shortly after 2 o'clock a.m. Monday of this week. He had been in failing health for nearly a year.Funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church at 10 a.m. Wednesday and were in charge of the pastor, Rev. Lyle H. Gillham. Mrs. J. P. Scholle and Mrs. Frank Weber sang "Abide With Me" and "Sunset and Evening Star" and were accompanied on the organ by Mrs. E. H. Gregg.
Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery with Comanche Lodge No. 295, A. F. & A. M. in charge of the services. The pallbearers were Victor Allderdice, Walter Ferrin, John Barlow, Arlie Gray, Martin Swisher and I. T. Cullins.
Obituary Eyman Phebus, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milton Phebus, was born in Syracuse, Ind., July 26, 1876, and passed away in Coldwater, Kans., June 15, 1953, at the age of 76 years, 10 months and 19 days.
He was united in marriage September 7, 1898, with Miss Flora May Dykes in Mound City, Kans., and made their home at Parker, Kans., until March 21, 1899, when they came to Comanche county with Mr. Phebus' father, Milton Phebus, and a brother-in-law, R. Clemens, they having purchased a 2300 acre ranch 13 miles southeast of Coldwater.
Mr. and Mrs. Phebus made their home on the ranch until 1902, when they moved to Coldwater and have since maintained their residence here.
Mr. Phebus clerked in the Allderdice Store until 1908, when he was elected County Clerk, serving in that office for four years. In 1911 he formed a partnership with W. L. Roberts in the hardware business which continued for about 25 years.
In 1932 Mr. Phebus was elected mayor of Coldwater and served until 1934 when he was appointed postmaster. He continued to serve for 14 1/2 years, or until his retirement. He later was employed by the Coldwater National Bank.
On September 7, 1948, Mr. and Mrs. Phebus celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.
For many years he was a trustee and elder in the Presbyterian church and a member of Comanche Lodge, No. 295, A. F. & A. M. In every dealing with his fellow man Mr. Phebus was honest and trustworthy and he was an upright citizen in every respect.
He is survived by his wife and by one son, Bob Phebus, of Wichita. The sorrowing relatives have the sincere sympathy of all.
The Western Star, July 5, 1929. Milton Phebus, aged 86 years, died on June 24 at his home in Inglewood, Calif., after an illness of several weeks. He was a resident of this county for a few years prior to moving to the Pacific coast. He had lived in Inglewood for about 14 years. Mr. Phebus was a Civil War veteran. Not long after the close of the war he settled in Linn-co., Kans., and lived there for a number of years. He was a splendid citizen, and his passing is mourned by all who knew him. Mr. Phebus is survived by his wife and by two sons, Wm. Phebus of Inglewood, Calif., and Eyman Phebus of Dodge City, Kans. All were present during the sickness and at the time of Mr. Phebus' death. Eyman returned to his home in Dodge City the latter part of last week.
DEATH OF MILTON PHEBUS
The Western Star, February 4, 1944. DIES IN CALIFORNIA
William Phebus, only brother of Eyman Phebus, Coldwater postmaster, passed away on January 29, 1944, at his home in Inglewood, Calif., the result of a heart attack. He was born December 13, 1866, at Syracuse, Ind., and at the time of his death was 77 years of age. Mr. Phebus came to Kansas with his parents and brother in 1880, settling in Linn county and moved to Comanche county in March, 1889. William remained in this county until 1914, when he moved to Inglewood, Calif., and continued to reside there until his death.
Also see:
About Comanche-co.'s 11 County Clerks, The Western Star, April 13, 1927.
Coldwater Centennial Notebook, 1884 - 1984 by Evelyn Reed
V-Mail For Soldiers Is Proving Popular: Letters Are Photographed And Film Flown Overseas, The Western Star, September 4, 1942.
Comanche County Officers, 1885 - 2007
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news articles to this web site!
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