The people of Coldwater and vicinity were surprised and shocked on last Sunday afternoon to learn that Mrs. Geo. H. Torrey had just died at her home in this city. It was quite generally known that she had been in failing health of late, but no apprehension as to her condition had been felt, as she was able to be up and about her work most of the time. Late on Thursday evening of last week she was seized with a heart attack, and her condition seemed to grow weaker throughout Friday and Saturday. Saturday night she became much worse and relatives were summoned. Her weakened heart condition caused her to gradually sink away, and the end came shortly after 1 o'clock p.m. on Sunday, March 28, 1926. With her at the time were all of the surviving members of the family, and a few neighbors. Her passing away was quiet and peaceful, and seemingly without conscious suffering.Funeral services were conducted from the home at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and were in charge of Rev. W. T. Walker of the Presbyterian church, Rev. H. W. Cummings of the Methodist church assisting. The services were made very impressive, and in every heart there was a feeling of sorrow because of the loss of a good friend, and of sincere sympathy for the bereaved family. Burial was in Crown Hill cemetery.
During her 40 years or more of residence in Coldwater, Mrs. Torrey had endeared herself to all our people. In every way she was a faithful wife and mother, a good neighbor and a friend to all. Her constant thoughtfulness and sacrifices for her family and friends, and her devotion to the highest ideals in every activity in life, will not soon be forgotten by the hundreds of people who knew her. For many years, or since October 4, 1892, she had been a member of the Presbyterian church of this city, and her daily life conformed to the Christian profession which she made. She had joined the United Presbyterian church when quite a young girl. She had lived a quiet, unpretentious life, yet she was faithful in every detail of her home life and was true to every obligation to the community in which she lived. Many have been heard to say of her, "She was a good woman, and we shall miss her," and that is a fine tribute.
Anna Elizabeth Burgess was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on November 2, 1862. In the year 1881, she came to Kansas, settling in Americus, Lyon-co. On March 4, 1884, in Americus, she was united in marriage with Geo. H. Torrey. In the year 1886, Mr. and Mrs. Torrey moved to Coldwater and continued to make this city their home. Mrs. Torrey is survived by her husband, one son, Leonard, and two daughters, Mrs. Edna Dale of this city and Mrs. Elsie Rhodes of Ashland. She is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. T. C. Kirkwood and Mrs. J. E. Armstrong, both of Cambridge, Ohio, and by seven grandchildren and a number of nephews and nieces. One daughter died in infancy.
In the death of Mrs. Torrey, Comanche-co. loses another pioneer settler. She and her husband stayed with the county when others became discouraged and moved on, or returned to their former home. On the "honor roll" of those who helped to make Coldwater and Comanche-co what they are today, the name of Mrs. Geo. H. Torrey is entitled to a prominent place. At the time of her death, she was 63 years, 4 months and 26 days of age.
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