Obituaries

Ackerman, Rubey

Rubey, eldest daughter of A. S. and Jessie Ackerman was born Aug. 9, 1900, and died of throat trouble Nov. 25, 1907, aged 7 years, 3 months and 14 days. The remains were laid to rest in the Point View cemetery, the following day, Rev. Loren Kemp conducting the services.
Little Rubey is dead. She was so sweet and winsome and frail, sent to brighten the home for so short a time. It’s hard to understand why she should have been called to that better land, when the world hath such need of such a woman as she promised to be. We know not why but its God’s will. If we could push aside the gate of death and for one instant see beyond, we would then be satisfied to have our darling in that bright home.
To the bereaved parents, brother and baby sister we can offer no better consolation save she is not lost but gone before.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 5 Dec 1907, Point View News
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Adamy, Bessie Jane (Smith)

Word was received here by telegraph this week of the death in Campo, Colorado, of Mrs. Oscar Adamy on April 23. The body arrived here this morning and funeral services will be held at the Beckwith mortuary on Friday afternoon, April 26 at 2:30. Interment will be in the Larned cemetery. Mrs. Adamy has been ailing for some years. She was recently in Larned in search of medical assistance. Her death came suddenly at the last however, from cerebral hemorrhage.
Mrs. Oscar Adamy is well known in Larned, where she and her husband made their home for many years. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David C. Smith, of near Jetmore. About fifteen years ago the family left here and went to Campo, Colorado, where they took up a claim. They have lived on their homestead ever since.
Mrs. Adamy is survived by her husband and one brother.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 25 April 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Aggson, Charlene E. (Seeman)

Charlene E. Aggson, 71, died May 3 at her residence in Larned.
She was born Feb. 17, 1929, in Great Bend, the daughter of Charles and Esther Almquist Seeman.
She married Dareld Leland "Babe" Aggson Oct. 26, 1947, at Larned. He died March 23, 1985. A lifetime resident of Larned, she was the owner of Aggson Jewelers.
Mrs. Aggson was a member of United Methodist Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Larned Country Club and the Chamber of Commerce, all of Larned.
Survivors include one son, Dave Aggson of Concordia; one daughter, Kaye Boor of Sterling; one sister, Frances Keane of Walnut, Calif.; eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. today at the Larned Cemetery with the Rev. Charles Grant officiating. Friends may call until service time today at Beckwith Mortuary. The casket will remain closed.
Memorials are suggested to the Larned Emergency Medical Service, in care of the funeral home.
Source: Great Bend Tribune, 5 May 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

Aldrich, Charles

This community was shocked Monday when reports were verified that Chas. Aldrich had suddenly expired at his home south of Garfield after an illness of but a few hours. The cause of Mr. Aldrich’s death is reported to have been heart failure, superinduced by an attack of acute indigestion. Charle had gotten up apparently in his usual good health, and gone about the regular routine of chores, and suddenly became ill while milking the cows. He succeeded in getting to the house when he fell prostrate on the floor. Dr. Trammel, of Garfield, was hurriedly summoned and administered aid to him, he rallied and seemingly was much improved when Dr. Trammel left and returned to town. A little later he was seized with another attack and before the children, who were in school in Garfield, could reach their father’s side, he had expired. One girl, Ruby, was in school in Lindsborg, and could not be communicated with until after her father had passed away.
Mr. Aldrich was one of the community’s most popular and well-to-do farmers, and only within the last year or two had completed one of the finest farm homes in this part of the country.
At the time of writing this (Monday night) no plans for the funeral have been made. The family have the genuine sympathy of the entire community in their sorrow.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 28 March 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Allen, Wilson D.

Succumbed to Consumption
Wilson D. Allen died at the house of his daughter, Mrs. A. W. Richardson in this city about noon Monday, February 20th, 1899, aged sixty-seven years, eight months and nine days. Mr. Allen was born in Columbrana county, Ohio, on June 11th, 1831, and married Miss Almina B. Beecher in 1852. To this union nine children were born, six of which are still living.
Mr. Allen came to Kansas in 1879, locating at Manhattan and became one of the prominent contractors and builders of that place. A few months ago he came to Larned living with his daughter and family until the time of his death. The remains were shipped to his former home at Manhattan Tuesday morning accompanied by Mr. W. P. Peter, who represented the A. O. U. W. of this place at the funeral and interment.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 24 February 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Arnold John

Death of an Old Resident
John Arnold was born in South Hamptonshire, England, July 3rd, 1831, and died in Larned August 12th, 1899, aged sixty-eight years one month and nine days. At the age of twenty-three he enlisted in the British army to engage in the Crimean war, remaining until peace was declared. Re-enlisting in the regulars, he served five years, during which time he was sent to Canada. When discharged he went to Poughkeepsie, New York, where he engaged in the business of carriage and wagon making.
When war broke out in this country he enlisted in the First New York mounted rifle company, where he remained until the close of the war. When a young man he united with the church, and ever felt that his church work was paramount to any other. Only one son survives him, William Arnold, in Wheatland, Wyoming.
Hs love, patience and discreet dealings with his step-children have rendered his bereavement equal to what it would have been if he had been their natural father, and they mourn him with equal grief. Mr. Arnold had been failing for some time, but Friday morning he got worse, when he came in to see the doctor.
He kept getting worse, so that he could not get back home, and so was taken to the Presbyterian parsonage, where he died Saturday at 4:45 p.m. The funeral services were held in the Presbyterian church Sunday at 3 p.m., Rev. Fonken preaching from the text, “Death is swallowed up in victory.” I. Cor. xv. 54.
The church was crowded. The relief corps, G.A.R., and Daughters of Rebekka and Odd Fellows attended in a body.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 18 August 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Artz, Louis

Louis Artz, one of the oldest and best known residents of Pawnee county, died at his home in this city Tuesday forenoon. Mr. Artz had been suffering from paralysis, the first attack occurring about two months ago. He apparently recovered from the first stroke, but soon afterwards became the victim of a second attack, and after rallying a little was taken down the third time, the last attack terminating fatally, as noted above, after a couple of week’s of intense suffering.
The funeral occurred Wednesday afternoon from the family residence, Rev. C. D. Hestwood, pastor of the Methodist church, conducting the services. The remains were buried in the Larned cemetery by the members of B. F. Larned Post, No. 8, G. A. R., Mr. Artz having been an old soldier. The deceased leaves a wife and family of grown children.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 20 December 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Artz, Mina "Mickey"

Mrs. Sam Artz died at her home in Larned last Wednesday, February 6, after a brief illness following a third stroke of paralysis. Twenty-three years ago, Mrs. Artz was stricken with paralysis; suffering two strokes which left her a lifelong cripple, but during this time she was able to rear her family and care for her own home.
Mina Mickey was born in Fulton county, Indiana, November 5, 1879, and died Wednesday of last week at the age of 49 years, 3 months and one day.
On Christmas day, 1898, she was united in marriage to Samuel E. Artz. To this union four children were born, two of whom died in infancy. Besides the husband she is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Bert Shelton, and a son, Lauren Artz, two grandchildren, Paul and Pauline Shelton, her mother, Mrs. S. A. Rogers, a sister, Mrs. Chas. Schreiber of Larned, and a brother, Dr. Hobart Rogers of Oakland, Calif.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the Beckwith mortuary conducted by James Lowery of the Central Christian church. Mrs. Artz had been a member of the Christian church for many years. Interment was in the Larned cemetery. [Buried as Nine M. (Mickey) Artz]
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 14 February 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Avery, Franklin Joseph

The body of Frank Avery, who died October 2, was brought to Larned this morning. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 o’clock. Mr. Avery died October 2 at the Norton Sanatorium where he had been taken only a few days previously. He was afflicted with influenza last winter and later developed tuberculosis. Mr. Avery spent his youth in Larned. He was born in Chillicothe, Missouri. He is survived by his wife and two minor children, Glenda and Leslie. The family has lived in Hutchinson for some years where Mr. Avery was an automobile salesman.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 3 October 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Funeral services for Frank J. Avery were held last Friday from the First Christian church in Larned, conducted by Rev. C. J. Miller, of Hutchinson, and interment was in the Larned cemetery.
Franklin Joseph Avery was born near Chillicothe, in Livingston county, Missouri, January 3, 1891. He came to Kansas with his parents in November, 1905, and grew to manhood in Pawnee county.
May 28th, 1912, he was united in marriage to Mabel Vera Thompson. Of this union, two children, Glenda and Leslie, survive their father.
Franklin Avery was a man of many sterling traits of mind and heart. His attractive personality had endeared him to a large circle of friends, by whom his death is deeply mourned. He had been an invalid for the past nine months and the end was not unexpected. He departed this life October 1st, at the age of thirty-eight years, eight months and twenty-eight days.
He leaves to mourn his death his sorrowing wife, two children, Glenda and Lesley, aged 16 and 13 years; his mother, Mrs. Maggie Avery of Larned; four brothers, William H., Freeman and Samuel of Larned, and Bryan, of Garden City; one sister, Mrs. Oscar McComas of Larned, and many friends.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 10 October 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Baldwin, Elizabeth

The death of Mrs. Elizabeth Baldwin occurred at 5:30 o’clock last Saturday evening. The removed family to Larned from the Mansfield ranch, and four years ago her husband died. Mrs. Baldwin’s age at death was sixty-two years and three months. She was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, at whose place of worship the funeral services were held at eleven o’clock Monday morning, Rev. A. J. Bixler officiating.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 23 December 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bartoo, Jesse K.

J. K. Bartoo, who was prostrated by the heat about four weeks ago, died at his home in this city at about half-past eight o’clock Thursday morning. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church this Friday afternoon at two o’clock, under the direction of Larned Lodge No. 167, A.F. & A.M., with the Knights Templar of Apollo Commandery No. 16, and the old soldiers of B. F. Larned Post No. 8, as guards of honor. The funeral oration will be delivered by Rev. C. D. Hestwood. The remains will be buried in the Larned cemetery.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 30 August 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Funeral of J. K. Bartoo
The mortal remains of Jesse K. Bartoo were buried from the Methodist church last Friday afternoon, with Masonic and Grand Army honors. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. C. D. Hestwood. The remains were escorted to the church by the members of Larned Lodge, No. 167, A.F. & A.M., B. F. Larned Post, No. 8, G.A.R., and the ladies of White Cross Chapter, O.E.S., and the Woman’s Relief Corps. Eight Sir Knights of Apollo Commandery No. 16 acted as special escort. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. The funeral procession from the church to the graveyard was the longest that has formed in this city since the death of the late Capt. Henry Booth.
The deceased was born in Steuben county, New York. He enlisted in the union army October 4th, 1861, and served in the army of the Potomac under Rosecrans and Meade. He was wounded three times. He was honorable discharged October 9th, 1864. He came to Pawnee county with his family in 1875, and had been in business in this city since 1885. Any tribute to his memory which we could write would be superfluous. His wife says, “He was a kind and loving husband.” One of his army comrades says, “He was a brave and good soldier.” A Larned business man says, “He was honorable and upright in all his business transactions.” His Masonic brethren say, “He was a true and worthy brother mason.” This leaves nothing else to be said except that “an honest man is the noblest work of God.” May his ashes ever rest in peace.
Card of Thanks
To the many friends who rendered such kind, generous and loving assistance during the sickness, and spoke such comforting words of consolation after the death of our husband and father, and to the members of Larned Lodge No. 167, A.F. & A.M., we take this method of expressing our most grateful thanks. Mrs. Bartoo and Children
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 6 September 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Resolutions of Respect to Comrade J. K. Bartoo
WHEREAS, In the Providence of God, B. F. Larned Post No. 8, Grand Army of the Republic, has been called to mourn the loss of our comrade and brother, J. K. Bartoo, and
WHEREAS, We are thus again reminded of the fleetness of time and the rapid depletion of our rank’s, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That while we bow in humble submission to the will of Him who doeth all things well, we deeply deplore the loss of our dear comrade and brother.
RESOLVED, That we will ever cherish his memory and strive to emulate his virtues, and endeavor to so live that we may be prepared to join him in the great muster beyond the river.
RESOLVED, That we hereby extend to the bereaved family of the departed comrade our deepest sympathy and warmest love.
RESOLVED, That these resolutions be published in the county paper’s and a copy be furnished the family of the departed.
Committee: R. M. Johnson, B. F. Brubaker, J. F. Whitney
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 20 September 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bauer, Robert L.

Robert L. Bauer, 59, died Thursday, Feb. 17, 2000, at the Central Kansas Medical Center
Born Nov. 24, 1940, in Larned to Lester G. and Hattie Elizabeth (Juergensen) Bauer
Survivors: Three sons, Lance L., Allen J., both of Larned, and Troy V., Colby; two brothers, Merle, Tucson, Ariz., and Maurice, Houston, Texas; and four grandchildren, including Heather Bauer, Hays
Preceded in Death by: A grandson, Alex Bauer.
Source: Hays Daily News, 18 February 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

Baughman, A. J.

Death Comes to Oldest Resident A. J. Baughman, Who Died Monday, Was 96 Years Old
He Had Been a Resident of Larned Since 1873, When He Came From Illinois
A. J. Baughman, for a number of years the oldest resident of Larned, died on Monday after a summer’s illness at the age of 96 years. Mr. Baughman was a well known figure of Larned and was universally loved and respected. In spite of his advanced years, Mr. Baughman drove his own car about the city and took many long vacation drives. His health was excellent until this summer when he has been ill for many weeks. Before his last illness, he frequently attended meetings of various kinds and always talked cheerfully and interestingly of the early day in this country in which he and his wife were pioneer settlers. Only a few years ago, they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary and were congratulated by all their children who were present, as well as by the hundreds of friends who have cherished their affection through the years. Mrs. Baughman passed on in March 1926.
A. J. Baughman was born August 25, 1833, in Licking county, Ohio. On October 23, 1852, he was married to Miss Nancy Ellen Arnold of Newark, Ohio. To this union six children were born, all of whom are living. There are twenty-one grand children and thirty eight great grand children. Mr. and Mrs. Baughman moved from Ohio to Champaign county, Ill., in 1840, and settled in Kansas in Larned in 1873. They had become members of the Methodist church in Illinois in 1859, and were among the oldest members of the Methodist church in Larned.
Mr. Baughman was a Civil War veteran and was a conspicuous figure among the members of the G.A.R. of Larned. He was honorably discharged from the army service on June 10, 1865, after serving throughout the Civil War.
Mr. Baughman was in the finest sense a community builder and he assisted in laying the foundation of the fine type of citizenship conspicuous among the pioneers of the state of Kansas. In his personal relations he was patient, kind and appreciative of the friendliness of others. His war record abounds with brave acts, as does his whole life of endurance and constructive energy. In his last weeks of illness, Mr. Baughman continued his patient and kindly attitude toward life in spite of suffering and pain. His children were all here at the last and at the funeral services which took place yesterday morning, September 4th, at the Beckwith mortuary. Rev. G. H. Cosper was in charge of the services which were attended by hosts of friends and his comrades of the G. A. R. Members of the American Legion sounded “taps” at the grave side. Interment was in Larned cemetery.
The surviving son and daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Baughman are: Perry, of Larned; Mrs. Florence Peirson, of Coldwater; Mrs. Alice McVey, of Chicago; Mrs. Emma Malone, Chicago; Mrs. Nellie May, Larned, and Mrs. Eda Diehl, Jetmore.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 5 September 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Beamon, Edna

[From cemetery records] The 15 months-old child of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Beeman died early last Thursday afternoon from a complicated case of whooping cough.
The family are newcomers here, and are at present living in rooms over the Chronoscope office, Mr. Beeman working at the blacksmith trade.
The child has been ill for some time past, and during the recent few hot days was unable to battle with the disease. Services were conducted at their rooms Friday afternoon, by Rev. Barton. Three children, two boys and a girl, are left to their parents.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 18 July 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Beaucamp, Fred

Died of Heart Disease
Fred Beaucamp, an old man who lived alone about seven miles east of this city, was found dead in his barn-yard early Tuesday morning by neighbors. The coroner was notified and he visited the place, “viewed” the body, and made an investigation which developed the belief that Beaucamp had died of heart disease. It appears that after making a fire of twigs, cooking and eating his frugal breakfast Beaucamp had gone into the lot to milk, and that while in the act of milking one of his cows, had fallen over and died. He had not been dead long when found, as the body was yet warm and the fire upon which he had cooked his breakfast was still smoldering.
The deceased was the father-in-law of Fred Sprier, was a widower, about sixty-eight years of age, and had been living alone on the place where he died several years. He was something of a recluse and had few acquaintances, as far as we can learn, outside of his immediate neighborhood.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 10 May 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bennyworth, Flaude Ella

Miss Flaude E. Bennyworth died at her home in this city Wednesday evening, March 20, at 9 o�clock, of tuberculosis. She had been a sufferer for several years, but the acute stage of the disease was not reached until Monday of this week, from which time she failed rapidly, although conscious until within a few hours of her death.
Flaude Ella Bennyworth is the daughter of Mrs. Eva Bennyworth. She was born July 7, 1875, and died March 20, 1907, aged 31 years, 8 months, and 13 days. She leaves her mother, three sisters and two brothers to mourn her death. Her sisters are Mrs. Hiram Jones, Mrs. Solon Burgess and Miss Eva Bennyworth, all of this city. Her brothers are Martin Bennyworth of Larned and Frank Bennyworth of Topeka. They have been unable for two days to reach Frank by wire either at Topeka or Kansas City and at this writing are still unable to get word to him.
Flaude Bennyworth grew to womanhood in this city. She was a member of the Methodist church, and until her health failed an active worker in the young people’s society of that church. Her genial manner and Christian character endeared her to all who knew her. The sympathy of her many friends has gone out to her in her brave struggle with pain and suffering. To those of us who have known her from childhood, through girlhood to young womanhood, her death comes as a personal loss. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to the bereaved mother, sisters and brothers in their time of sorrow, with the assurance that her friends share with them their burden of grief.
The funeral will be held from the house Friday afternoon at 2:30. The services will be conducted by Rev. Wm. Baron of the Methodist church.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 21 March 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bennyworth, Martin

Former Larned Resident Committed Suicide at His Home in Wichita Tuesday Morning
Martin Bennyworth, 51 years old, a resident of Larned all his life until fifteen years ago, when he went to Wichita, committed suicide at his home there, 318 Circle Drive, shortly after breakfast Tuesday morning. Mr. Bennyworth’s death is believed to have been caused when he drank a quantity of lysol.
Funeral services were held at the Lahey & Martin Mortuary in Wichita yesterday at 10:30 o’clock. Rev. A. J. Croft, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, officiating. The body was accompanied to Larned yesterday evening by Mr. Bennyworth’ sister, Mrs. H. A. Jones, of Cherokee, Okla. Brief funeral services were held yesterday morning at ten o’clock at the home of Solon E. Burgess, conducted by Rev. G. H. Cosper. The Masonic burial service was used at the grave, and burial was in the Larned cemetery. Mr. Bennyworth was a member of the Larned Masonic lodge.
Mr. Bennyworth had been a traveling representative of the Peck & Hill Furniture company, of Chicago, for the last fifteen years. Previous to that he had lived in Larned all his life, where he was born. Mr. Bennyworth had been in the furniture business practically all his life. He first entered the business with the Eggleston Furniture company, and for many years was in charge of the furniture and undertaking department of the A. A. Doerr Mercantile company, of Larned.
Mr. Bennyworth was a highly efficient man, and possessed an extremely attractive personality, and had hundreds of friends throughout this entire territory, as well as in Larned, who will learn of his death with the deepest regret. He traveled in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Tuesday morning when he came down to breakfast at his home in Wichita he seemed to be in fairly good spirits. He gave no hint of suicidal intent, but shortly after breakfast retired to his room. Fifteen minutes later Mrs. Bennyworth found him there, mortally ill. Mrs. Bennyworth called an ambulance, but Mr. Bennyworth died on the way to Wesley hospital.
Mr. Bennyworth became ill about two weeks ago, but his illness was not thought to be serious. It is believed he brooded over the condition of his health and possibly over financial affairs, although his family believes the latter were in good order. According to members of his family, he left no note of explanation. The decision, they believe, was suddenly reached.
Mr. Bennyworth is survived by his widow, Edna; his mother, Mrs. Martin Bennyworth, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Solon Burgess, of Larned; a son, Martin III; one brother, Frank, of Los Angeles; three sisters, Mrs. S. E. Burgess of Larned, Mrs. E. A. Arnsberger, of Larned, and Mrs. H. A. Jones, of Cherokee, Okla; and an aunt, Mrs. S. A. Bardrick, of Larned.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 10 January 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bennyworth, Sarah S.

Mrs. Sarah S. Bennyworth died after a long illness at the home of her daughter, Mrs. D. Bardrick, in this city, on Wednesday afternoon, February 1st, 1899, aged seventy-seven years, seven months and twenty days. Mrs. Bennyworth came to Larned with her husband as one of the “early settlers,” and was the mother of a family of twelve children, only one of which survives her. Mrs. Bennyworth was known by her long residence and many deeds of Christian benevolence, to nearly every man, woman and child of Pawnee county, and although her health had been rapidly declining for some months, the knowledge of her death came as a shock to the community. The funeral services will be held at the Methodist church this Friday morning, at 10:30 o’clock.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 3 February 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Berry, Mrs. Susan

Mrs. I Berry died at her home in this city on Monday, February 20th, 1899, after a protracted illness of some months. Susan Funk was born in Hacking county, Ohio, September 27th, 1833, and at the age of nineteen was married to Israel Berry. Her husband died in 1874 in Shelby county, Illinois, and in 1884 Mrs. Berry moved to Belleville, Kansas, thence to Larned in 1887. Mrs. Berry leaves five children, two living in Larned, two in Shelby county, Illinois, and one in California. The funeral was conducted by Rev. H. G. Fonken from the home of the deceased on Wednesday, and the interment was made in the Larned cemetery.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 24 February 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bindley, Thomas L.

Last Tuesday the remains of Thomas L. Bindley, who formerly resided in Hodgeman county, were transferred from the Santa Fe and placed in a car on the Burdett branch and taken to Burdett for burial. The deceased met death by cutting his throat in a room at the Pulaski hotel, at Waynesville, Missouri, Friday afternoon, December 16, 1892.
Mr. Bindley was well known to a number of the citizens of this city and county, particularly in the vicinity of Burdett, where his wife’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. O. Mather, reside. He removed to Poluski county, Missouri, about three years ago, where he took rank as a well-to-do farmer. The preliminary trial of John Bell for murder was being conducted, and Mr. Bindley was a witness. He was also to have been a witness in the Hayes murder case. The bitter feeling in that community engendered by the Hayes tragedy, caused him, as a witness, great worry and alarm, as he claimed that he was spotted for vengeance by some persons. He confided his feelings to several, but little attention was paid to his story, as it was believed to be merely an hallucination.
The morning previous to his suicide he gave a letter to F. C. Kerr for his wife, with a request that if anything should happen the letter should be sent to Mrs. Bindley. The letter was very brief, and is as follows: “I’m going to be lynched. Take care of the children. I want you to administer on my estate. I have also money deposited with Mr. Clark.”
Thomas L. Bindley was a native of Warren county, Pennsylvania, and was thirty-seven years old. In 1875 he was married to Mary Mather, and two years later removed to Hodgeman county, Kansas, where he resided until September of 1889. A wife and four children are left to mourn his death. His aged mother and three brothers still live at the old homestead in Pennsylvania, while another brother, John E. Bindley, lives in Pueblo, Colorado. E. G. Seely, of this city, is also a brother-in-law, and attended the funeral at Burdett last week.
During his residence in Hodgeman county he acquired a large circle of friends, and was universally respected in the communities in which he has lived. He was always a progressive man, and as a farmer he was industrious, pains-taking and more than ordinarily well-to-do.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 30 December 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bird, William

William Bird, a young man twenty-six years of age, died at the home of his uncle, George Farrant, seven miles east of Larned, Monday evening of typhoid fever. Mr. W. A. Heaton, with E. T. Eggleston of this city, had charge of the funeral arrangements, and the remains were buried in Barton county.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 25 August 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Blassar, Elizabeth

Mrs. Elizabeth Blassar, mother of Mrs. Harry Gray, died at the home of her daughter, on the South Side, Tuesday morning at three o’clock, of paralysis and old age. She was ninety years, seven months and twenty days old, and had been entirely helpless from a stroke of paralysis for a month or six weeks. The remains were embalmed by Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Eggleston and shipped Tuesday night to Shrewesbury, Pennsylvania,
accompanied by her daughter, Mrs. S. V. Scott, who was here visiting her sister, Mrs. Gray, at the time of her mother’s death.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 1 March 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Blocker, Lewis Otto

Lewis Otto Blocker, 94, of Burdett, died Feb. 11, 2000 at Salina.
He was a retired farmer.
On Aug. 10, 1930, he was married to Laura Rose Weichold at Elmdale. She died March 13, 1998.
Survivors included two daughters, Lola Albrecht of Lincolnville and Lugene Stephens of Salina; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Services were held Tuesday afternoon at Grace Lutheran Church, Larned, with burial in Browns Grove Cemetery, Burdett.
Source: Marion County Record, 5 June 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

Bobby, Thomas

Thomas Bobby, and old resident of the South Side, was kicked in the stomach by a colt Monday evening of last week and died from the injury sustained Thursday night. Mr. Bobby was sixty-five years of age, and had been a resident of this county more than twenty years. The funeral was held Friday and the remains buried in the Pratt cemetery.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 25 August 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Boley, Mabel

Died, on the night of the 5th inst., Mabel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boley, aged five years. Little Mabel was a bright little girl and was a favorite at school with her teacher and classmates.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 12 February 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Boyd, Anna Sofia

Former Garfield Woman Dies
Friends in this community were saddened last Wednesday upon receiving word that Mrs. Tom Boyd, who for many years resided in the Garfield community, had passed away the preceding night at her home near Charleston, Kansas, after a brief illness of the flu. The Boyds lived for several years on a farm south of the river, moving to their own farm near Charleston, about ten years ago, and where they lived at the time of Mrs. Boyd’s death last Tuesday night, January 29. The remains were brought to Garfield and services were conducted at the Methodist church by the pastor, Rev. W. B. Summers, Thursday afternoon, and interment was made in the Garfield cemetery.
In Mrs. Boyd’s passing, three children, two little girls and a boy are left motherless. The oldest, a daughter, is about 13 years of age.
Miss Anna Sofia Carlson was born September 29, 1884, in Ehijo, Sweden, and departed this life January 29, 1929, at her home near Charleston, Kan., at the age of 44 years and 4 months.
In 1900 she was confirmed in and became a member of the Swedish Lutheran church to which she remained a member until her death.
In 1908, at the age of 24, she came to America and lived in the state of Iowa for a short time and then moved to Garfield, Kansas, where she made her home for several years and here she was united in marriage with Thomas Boyd, also of Garfield. To this union were born three children, Alice, Esther and Carl all of whom are living.
In 1919 the family moved to Charleston, Kan., where they resided at the time of her death. Her death was rather sudden and came with a shock to the relatives. She was loved by all who knew her and was a kind and devoted wife and mother.
She leaves to mourn her departure her husband and three children, two brothers and one sister, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The remains were brought to Garfield on Wednesday, January 30, and the funeral services were conducted Thursday afternoon at the Methodist church by Rev. W. B. Summers and the interment was in the Garfield cemetery.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 7 February 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Bright, Daniel Alexander

Death of Allie Bright. One of the saddest deaths that has taken place in this city for some time occurred last Saturday at 5:30 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Leasure, when their son was taken from them, after a brief illness of but a few hours.
“Allie” Bright, as he was known to every one, has been a sufferer for many years from an acute form of stomach and liver trouble, the attacks of severe pain coming upon him at intervals and on account of these he had been unable to work any length of time for several years past.
Up until a few years ago, when the disease got such a hold upon his system, Allie was one of the most promising young men in the county, being unusually ambitious and anxious to make the most of his opportunities, and when the disease began to manifest itself he made several trips to Colorado in hopes of being benefited but after a severe attach of typhoid fever, his heart became affected and he was unable to endure the high altitude there any longer.
Although of late there did not seem to be any perceptible change in his condition he had undoubtedly been growing weaker, and his system could not rally after the last attack which came upon him suddenly, late Friday evening, and lasted until Saturday afternoon, when he apparently went into a quiet sleep from which he never awakened.
Services were held at the home of his parents Monday afternoon at two o’clock, Rev. Dr. Coltman officiating. They were short but very beautiful and the many flowers tokened the esteem in which the young many was held by his friends and acquaintances.
Daniel Alexander Bright was born in Larned December 22, 1878, and died June 29, 1907. A mother and stepfather, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Leasure, two sisters, Mrs. George Norton and Mrs. Claude Grove, and a half-brother remain to mourn his absence and the heart-felt sympathy of a large circle of friends and acquaintances is extended to them in this sorrow which has come upon them.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 4 July 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Britt, Bessie

Mrs. William Britt, nee Miss Bessie Belsom, died at her home in this city Saturday morning, August 10th, 1901, after a lingering illness of several weeks. The funeral occurred Sunday morning at ten o’clock from the Baptist church, conducted by Rev. Teall, and was attended by a large number of relatives and friends. The remains were buried in the Larned cemetery.
Bessie Belsom was born at Newmarket, Cambridgeshire, England, in 1835. She came to America in 1861, and was married to William Britt at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1864. Sometime after the marriage the family moved from Kentucky to Missouri, and came from the latter state to Kansas in 1887. Her home was in Larned during the latter ten years of her life, and she made many friends here, especially among the membership of the Baptist church, who sincerely mourn her death.
Her children who survive her are Mrs. Mattie Hale, wife of S. I. Hale, Esq., of La Crosse; Mrs. Manie B. Cone, of Grand Junction, Colorado; Mrs. Mittie B. Morton, of Amabata, Indian Territory, all of whom were with her when she died. Her step-daughter, Mrs. John Williamson, of this city, was also with her during her sickness and at her death, as was her husband and son-in-law, S. I. Hale, of La Crosse.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 16 August 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brown, Alonzo

Alonzo Brown was born in New York state in the year 1824 and died at the Larned Hospital August 10th, 1907, at almost 83 years of age.
When a very young boy both of his parents died and left him without a home. He was bound out and for years knew nothing but hardship.
While still living in New York he married Miss Martha Turney. To this union were born two children, a daughter who died in infancy, and a son who died the same year they moved to Larned.
Early in the fifties Mr. Brown with his family moved to Decatur, Ill., where they lived for about ten years. They then moved to Will county, Ill., where they resided until 1878 when they moved to Pawnee Co.
After coming to Larned Mr. Brown entered the grain and coal business and until he sold out was one of Larned’s leading business men. Mr. Brown lost heavily when the boom broke. In 1903 his wife died, leaving him again without a home.
About 35 years ago Mr. Brown was converted in a Union revival service and afterwards united with the Presbyterian church of which he was a faithful member until his death. He was not an educated man but was a great reader and always kept himself well informed.
One of his most noticeable characteristics, perhaps, was his sympathy for those who were struggling. Mr. Brown had a host of friends.
The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev.
Barton, assisted by the I.O.O.F. lodge.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 15 August 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brown, Anna (Mitchell)

Died of Consumption
Anna, wife of Mr. W. P. Brown, died at the residence of Joshua Brown, about one and a half miles east of this city on Tuesday morning, July 12th, at eleven o’clock. Her maiden name was Miss Anna Mitchell, and last September she was united in marriage to Mr. W. P. Brown, a young man well known to the people of this city and vicinity.
She came here about two weeks ago for her health, but was informed by her physician that she could not possibly live but a few weeks longer, and her husband decided to take her to their home in McFall, Missouri.
Before they could make the needed arrangements, she was taken worse and on the morning they intended starting for their home she died.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 15 July 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brown, Ed

Was It Accident or Suicide
Ed. Brown, a general merchandise dealer at Belpre, twenty miles south of here, was found dead in his store last Sunday morning with an empty shotgun lying be his side. One charge of shot had entered his left side below the heart and passed upward and out at the shoulder and through his cheek. The other charge had gone through the ceiling and roof of his place of business just over the spot where the body lay.
A coroner’s investigation was held and decided that Mr. Brown’s death was the result of an accident, but there are many who hold to the opinion that it was suicide. Mr. W. H. Brinkman, of this city, was, we understand, a partner with Mr. Brown in the business at Belpre. On receipt of a telegram Sunday forenoon announcing the death of Brown, he went to Belpre to investigate the matter and take charge of the business. The deceased was well known to many Larned and Pawnee county people.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 1 December 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brown, Frank H.

Frank H. Brown was born June 16, 1874 at Wilmette, Ill. He died in Grace hospital, Hutchinson, April 17, 1929, aged 54 years, ten months and one day.
In 1885, he came with his parents to Garfield, Kansas and grew to manhood on the claim taken by his soldier father, one of the most beautiful homesteads, known for its grove and fruit trees, for many miles about.
He was reared in a Christian home. He attended church and a Catholic school at Gross Point, Ill. After the death of his father, Mr. Brown and his mother moved to the present home south of Rozel.
August 3, 1916, he was married to Miss Lu Cora Hovey. To this union were born two children, Ella Gertrude and Hubert Frank.
Frank, as he was familiarly known was an exemplary husband and father and was happiest when he could be of help to others. He was a worthy man in business and one of the best of friends and neighbors.
He was of a quiet and reticent disposition, his greatest pleasure being in his children and his home. He was a great lover of the finer things of life, especially music. A splendid neighbor, always ready to help others in any kind of service. Industrious and with a high sense of honor, he was very particular in all his business affairs. With his death the community has lost a good citizen and his associates, a true friend.
Besides his immediate family he leaves to mourn his death, four sisters and three brothers: Katie Wilson, of Garfield, Nicholas Brown of Pratt, Mrs. Anna Krueger of Bison, Joe Brown of Kinsley, Mrs. Louisa Enfield, of Hutchinson, Mrs. Ada Tuttle of Rozel and Ed Brown of Garfield, and a sister, Eva, who had preceded him in death. Five nieces and seven nephews and a host of relatives and friends. A twin sister had preceded him in death a number of years ago. The brother Nicholas was the only relative who could not be present at the funeral services.
Funeral services were held from the Congregational church at Garfield Sunday at 2 p.m., conducted by Rev. Ruff, of Burdett, assisted by pastors Johnson and Summers, of Garfield. A male quartet, Fritchief Riisoe, Guy Jenkins, Henry Draut and Charles Burke, sang.
Among the large floral offerings was a pillow with the words, “Brother Frank.” Six nephews were pall bearers. They are: Frank, Roy and Ross Wilson, Harry and Hubert Brown and Louis Tuttle.
Interment was in the beautiful cemetery at Garfield. The sympathy and love of the community is extended to those bereft.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 25 April 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brown, Lewis

Sudden Death of Lewis Brown
Lewis Brown, formerly a resident of Garfield, died at his home seven miles south of that place, at ten o’clock Tuesday evening. Mr. Brown had been in his usual health all day, but a few minutes before his death had laid down complaining of a pain in his chest. His wife applied hot cloths for the purpose of alleviating the pain, and after the application Mr. Brown stated that he felt all right and requested his wife to go to bed. Mrs. Brown suggested that she would make one more application of the hot cloths before she retired, and when she did so Mr. Brown rolled over on his side, gave a slight groan and expired. His death is supposed to have resulted from heart failure. The deceased was an old soldier, and has numerous family connections in this and Edwards county, to whom the news of his sudden death was a great shock.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 21 June 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brown, William

A Shooting Fatality
Willie Brown, an orphan boy who has been making his home with Jacob Carl a few miles northeast of this city, was accidentally shot on election day. James Davidson, who is teaching the No. 2. school, found him and carried the news to town. The gun was undoubtedly discharged by the boy himself, the contents blowing out his brains. The boy is fourteen years old and is said to have come to Pawnee county from Ohio.

Prairie Home Pickings. A sad accident happened last Tuesday in the public road about twenty rods east of Amos Funk’s. Some boys were out hunting with guns. About half past three o’clock James Davidson was riding along the road and found the dead body of Willie Brown with a portion of the top of his head blown off. This makes three boys within a few years that have been killed by the careless handling of a gun. – Observer

The Coroner’s Verdict
Upon information furnished by James Davidson on Tuesday Coroner J. B. Ingels summoned a jury and proceeded to the farm of Amos Funk northeast of Larned where they found the dead body of Will Brown. The indications were that he shot himself. Master Brown and Charles Huffman, two boys, were out hunting, both armed with muzzle loading shot guns. The testimony of Charles Huffman is to the effect that Brown shot himself. In his statement he says that he was walking ten feet ahead of Brown. They carried their guns cocked.
“All at once I heard a shot and turning about saw Billy fall to the ground. There was a wound in his head. He never uttered a word and died without a struggle. I went home at once to tell my folks, but when I got there they were all away. My brother was the first to come, and I told him of the accident.” It is a little singular that Huffman should have run two miles before notifying anyone as there were men at work in that vicinity. The coroner’s jury, however, gave the boy the benefit of the doubt and found that Will Brown came to his death from a gun-shot discharged by his own hand.
The jury was made up of the following citizens: W. M. Yoder, Owen Webb, Frank Wells, Isaac Coberly, Jacob Carl and Elmer Wynkoop.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 11 November 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Brunson, Lilburn William

L. W. Brunson, one of the well known farmers of Pawnee county, died Tuesday, April 16th, at his home four miles east of Larned on the trail. The immediate cause of his death was paralysis, but Mr. Brunson had been in poor health since last fall, following a severe attack of influenza.
Mr. Brunson was born April 2, 1869 and died April 16th, 1929. Mr. Brunson had for many years been an active member in the Ash Valley Grange and was keenly interested in all agricultural pursuits. He was born in Illinois, but had made his home in Pawnee county for the past ten years.
Funeral services will be this afternoon at 2:30 at the Methodist Episcopal church, conducted by Rev. G. H. Cosper.
A complete obituary will be published next week.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 18 April 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Lilburn William Brunson was born in Adams county, Illinois, April 2, 1859, and died at his home four miles northeast of Larned on the Santa Fe Trail April 16, 1929. Mr. Brunson was 70 years and fourteen days old at the time of his death.
At the age of thirteen Mr. Brunson moved with his family to Nodaway county, Missouri, and there, when he was a young man of twenty-four, he married Mary E. Luce on March 15, 1883. In 1886 they moved to Barton county, where Mr. and Mrs. Brunson resided for twenty-four years. In 1910 they moved to Pawnee county, and Mr. and Mrs. Brunson have lived here ever since.
Mr. Brunson joined the Methodist church when a boy, and has been a faithful member ever since.
When he moved to Larned, Mr. Brunson united with the local Methodist church, and has been an active worker at all times.
He is survived by his wife and one son, Charles Brunson, of Larned; by five brothers, Henry Brunson of California, Charles Brunson, of Phillips county, Kansas, Albert Brunson, of Lowell, Mass., John Brunson, of Topeka, Kansas, and George Brunson, of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is also survived by two grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Harriet B. McCormick, of California.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 25 April 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Burch, Asa Ray

Asa Ray Burch, forty years, three months and twenty-nine days old, died at the state tuberculosis sanitarium at Norton, Kansas, Tuesday. The Beckwith ambulance was sent to Norton and the body was brought here yesterday. Funeral services will be held here tomorrow, and burial will be in the Larned cemetery. The dead man is a son of Charles Asa Burch, and he is survived by one brother, who is employed at the Larned State hospital, and a brother who resides at Dodge City. He had lived in Larned about a year.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 13 June 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Buss, George R.

George R. Buss, 83, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001, at Graham County Hospital, Hill City, KS.
Born Oct. 2, 1918, in rural Logan County, KS, to Frank and Flora O. (Rouse) Buss
Survivors: Two sons, Frank, Plainville, and Robert, rural Bogue; two daughters, Beverly Michael, Hill City, and Kimberly Hyde, Penokee; a sister, Juanita McIntosh, Dunkerton, Iowa; and seven grandchildren.
Preceded in death by: His wife, Shirley J. (Randall) Buss, two sisters, Lucille Lucas and Charlotte Miller.
Source: Hays Daily News, 15 October 2001
Contributed by Jan Reader

Byrne, Clara Sturdevant

On Saturday morning, September 21st, 1901, at eight o’clock, Mrs. Clara Sturdevant Byrne passed to the other shore, aged sixty-three years and twenty-nine days. The funeral services were held at the residence of the deceased on Topeka avenue, Sunday, September 22nd, 1901, at half past three o’clock and were conducted by Rev. T. W. Rainey, pastor of the Presbyterian church, assisted by Rev. C. D. Hestwood, pastor of the Methodist church.
Clara Sturdevant was born in Richmond, Indiana, August 22nd, 1838. Was educated largely at Oxford and Springfield, Ohio, graduating from the Springfield Female seminary, of which her father was president. Came with her father’s family to Indianapolis in 1860, and to Independence, Missouri, in 1865 and was married to Thomas L. Byrne, November 8th, 1866, and shortly after moved to Humboldt, Kansas, After the loss of her husband in 1873 she moved with her three small children to Olathe, Kansas, and in 1876 came to Larned. Her remains were laid to rest beside her father and son, there to wait the glorious resurrection morn.

Card of Thanks
To the many kind friends who extended to us so much kindness and sympathy during our bereavement in the loss of our dear departed daughter and sister, we wish to extend our heartfelt thanks and love and commend you each to Him who said “in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brother, ye have done it unto me.”
Mrs. Sarah Sturdevant and Children
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 27 September 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Carpenter, Jacob

Jacob Carpenter was born in Fountain county, Indiana, April 23, 1834, and died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Vessie Lookhart, near Belle River, Illinois, January 13, 1907.
He was married to Sarah Jane Reed in 1862, who died in September 1876. To them was born one daughter, Vessie. In February 1878, he was married to Mrs. Florence C. Fowler. To them were born four sons, Wilford, Thomas, Ben and Harry, and one daughter, Linnie, all of whom are living, and with the wife, one stepson, one stepdaughter, three brothers and one sister mourn his loss.
The deceased come from the state of Indiana to Greenwood county, Kansas, in 1899, where he resided until 1904, when he moved to the house where the family now resides six miles southeast of Garfield.
The remains were brought home from Illinois for burial, and the funeral services were held at the Methodist church in Garfield on Thursday, Jan. 17, at two o’clock p.m., conducted by Rev. James L. Rutan, the pastor, and the body was laid to rest in the Garfield cemetery.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 25 January 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Carr, Glennis E.

Glennis E. Carr, 87, homemaker and teacher, died Friday, Aug. 11, 2000.
Survivors: sons, Larry, Harlie both of Larned; daughters, Carla Bowman of Cimarron, Bonnie Carr Mosiman of Great Bend; brother, Elwin Schultz of Texas; sister, Velma Schmidt of Pawnee Rock; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
Source: Wichita Eagle, 13 Aug 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

Carr, Lavina Ann (Duggar)

Mrs. J. M. Carr, who has been as resident of Larned for over 50 years, died at the home of her son, J. A. Carr, last Sunday afternoon. She was married to James M. Carr at Charleston, Illinois, March 1, 1870, and in February 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Carr moved to Larned, and lived here ever since. Mr. Carr preceded Mrs. Carr in death, having passed away February 15, 1923.
Mrs. J. M. Carr was born in Coles county, Illinois, on June 16, 1846, and was 83 years, one month, and 26 days old at the time of her death. Mrs. Carr is survived by one son, J. A. Carr, of Larned, and two daughters, Bessie H. Carr, of Larned, and Cora Carr Mabel, of Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Mabel is expected to arrive in Larned from Seattle in time for the funeral services.
Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30, in the Beckwith mortuary, and burial will be in Larned cemetery. Rev. G. H. Cosper of the Methodist church, will conduct the services.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 15 August 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Clapper, Myrtle Erma (Smith)

Myrtle Erma Smith, daughter of Henry W. and Maretta J. Smith, was born near Partridge, Reno county, Kansas, on March 11, 1877 and died at her home in Hanston, Kansas, May 17, 1929, at the age of 52 years, 2 months and 5 days.
On the 18th day of August she was united in marriage to Leonard Clapper of Partridge, and moved to Larned, Pawnee county.
To this union were born five children. An infant son, who preceded the mother, three daughters, Mrs. Ira Dixon, of Hanston, Kansas, Mrs. Lee Hertel, of Hanston, Lulu Clapper and George Clapper at home.
Her father and mother, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death. She leaves to mourn her death, four brothers and two sisters: Clyde P. Smith, of Tribune, Kansas, Mrs. Mabel French, of Long Beach, California, Merle Smith, of Alberta, Canada, Glee Smith of Borger, Texas, Mrs. Grace Kagarice, of Hugoton, Kansas, and Pearl Smith, of Philomath, Oregon, besides a host of relatives and friends. In her young womanhood she joined the Congregational church of Partridge, Kansas. In 1924 her letter of membership was changed to the first Baptist church of Hanston, Kansas.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 23 May 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Cline, Maggie (Ward)

After three months of suffering following a stoke of paralysis the first of March, Mrs. G. Polk Cline died at the home of her brother in Fayettesville, Missouri, Saturday morning, June 1st. It has been known for several weeks that she could not recover, much of the time she was unconscious.
Mrs. Cline was stricken early in March and made two trips to Excelsior Springs in the hope of benefiting her health, but at the last trip her physicians told her that there was little hope for her and advised that she come home. Before coming home she went to visit her brother and it was while there that she became so low that she could not be brought home and it was there that she died.
Maggie Ward was born in Warren county, Iowa, May 10, 1853. She was married to G. Polk Cline July 26, 1874, in Davis county, Mo. To them were born four children, two of whom are dead, and two daughters, Maud and Nellie, together with the husband survive her. She leaves three sisters living in Iowa and one brother in Missouri.
The family came to Kansas in 1875 and first located in Great Bend but later went to Rush county and were there during the early hard years. They moved to Larned in 1885 and have lived here since.
Mrs. Cline was a woman of culture, a wide reader and a valued leader in the Portia club, W.R.C. and other organizations of the city. She was the mainstay of the home and was everything to her children. In belief Mrs. Cline was a thorough spiritualist, and had no doubts as to the future life.
The funeral services were held from the residence Monday afternoon at 2:30, Rev. Wm. Barton officiating. Judge C. E. Lobdell made a few appropriate remarks during the service. The interment was in Larned cemetery.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 6 June 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Cook, A. B.

A. B. Cook, aged forty-nine years, died at his home in the southeast part of town at five o’clock last Friday morning, after an illness of several weeks, of stomach disease. The deceased was a native of Michigan, but had been a resident of Larned and Pawnee county since 1877. He leaves a wife and two daughters, one of whom was married about eight months ago to Clarence Altman. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. D. Hestwood at the house Saturday morning, and the remains buried in the Larned cemetery. Mr. Cook was an honest, hard-working man, and a good, quiet, law-abiding citizen, and his family have the sympathy of a large number of friends in their sad bereavement.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 17 May 1901
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Cook, Amos D.
A letter was received by Mr. W. P. Webb Monday from Fairfield, Iowa, announcing the rapid sinking of Mr. A. Cook as the result of an operation which was made necessary by an accident. The letter stated that his death was hourly expected. Mr. Cook was one of the first residents of Larned, and one of the first and best friends the writer made upon his arrival in this city. Mr. Cook has been living with his daughter at Fairfield since the death of his wife, which occurred some years ago. It is believed his remains will be brought back to Larned for burial.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 24 November 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Mr. A. D. Cook, whose serious illness we mentioned last week, died at the home of his daughter at Fairfield, Iowa, last Friday, aged seventy-four years. Mr. Cook was one of the first settlers of Pawnee county. His remains arrived here Sunday night and were interred in the Larned cemetery Monday afternoon, the funeral services being held at the Baptist church, under the auspices of Larned Lodge No. 129, I.O.O.F., of which he was a member.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 1 December 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Cooper, William P.

Drowned Near Burdett Tuesday
William P. Copper, 27, Victim Of Flood Tuesday Evening
While Attempting to Cross Swollen Stream on Horseback, the Animal Floundered
William P. Cooper, 27 years old, was drowned in the swollen Pawnee Tuesday evening about 6:30 o’clock on the Crockett place, 2 miles east and a mile north of Burdett.
Mr. Cooper’s body has not yet been recovered.
The tragic accident occurred when Mr. Cooper attempted to cross the Pawnee on horseback after the cows, which were on the other side of the stream. The stream was about fifty or sixty feet wide at the point where Mr. Cooper attempted to swim the horse across it, due to the high water which has prevailed here for the last week. Mrs. Cooper witnessed the accident, as she was standing on the bank of the stream when it occurred.
Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had gone to the banks of the creek to see about repairing some fence, which had been washed out by the flood. Mrs. Cooper urged her husband not to attempt to cross the stream, as she felt it was too dangerous. The water was about twelve feet deep at the point where the tragedy occurred. Mrs. Cooper saw the horse flounder in the water, and her husband, struggling to save himself, apparently caught hold of the bridle or an ear of the animal, which he was riding bareback, the horse rolling over in the water.
It is believed the horse must have struck Mr. Cooper as the animal struggled in the water, as Mr. Cooper was able to swim, and he never came to the surface after he sank. The accident occurred on the “Bob” Crockett farm. Mr. Cooper was a brother-in-law of Mr. Crockett, having married a sister of Mr. Crockett last fall. Mr. Cooper came here from Missouri about two years ago to work in the harvest and remained here. Mr. and Mrs. Cooper had been living on the Crockett farm, looking after the stock. Mr. Cooper’s parents live in Missouri.
Mrs. Cooper gave the alarm as soon as her husband sank, and within a short time a large crowd had gathered, and made every effort to recover the body. Rakes and grappling hooks were used, and also a hay rake, which was pulled back and forth across by men on either bank, but the body could not be located.
Harvey Kreiger, of Larned, county coroner, was called to Burdett about seven o’clock. When he arrived there about one hundred persons were engaged in an effort to recover the body.
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cooper, from near Joplin, Missouri, father and mother of the dead man, are expected here today in a car. Funeral services probably will be held tomorrow afternoon and burial will be at Burdett.

Bulletin - The body of Wm. P. Cooper was found yesterday afternoon about three o’clock in the Pawnee, about 200 yards below the point where he was drowned. The body was found by using an improvised grappling hook, attached to _ inch gas pipe. Tuesday night after the drowning about seventy-five persons worked till 2:30 o’clock yesterday morning searching for the body. The work was resumed yesterday morning at five o’clock and at three o’clock yesterday afternoon the body was found.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 16 May 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Coulter, Thomas B.

Thomas B. Coulter, 41, died Aug. 20, 2001, at his residence.
Born April 14, 1960, at Mineral Wells, Texas to Lewis F. and Carolyn Woodering Coulter
Survivors: Two sons, Derrick and Devin, Alva, Okla.; two sisters, Diana Myers, Dodge City, and Jody McInnis, Garden City, KS; mother, Carolyn Hoagland, Hanston, KS; maternal grandparents, Ethel Woodring, Hanston, and Elsie Hoagland, Jetmore, and a friend, Liz Rauen, Larned
Preceded in death by: His father
Source: The Hutchinson News, 21 August 2001
Contributed by Jan Reading

Crawford, Chester Clifford

A very sad accident occurred last Thursday afternoon at Belpre when Chester Crawford, a young man of nineteen, was accidentally shot and instantly killed. Crawford and his uncle, Harry Tuttle, a boy of fifteen, had been out hunting together. Upon their return Crawford had unhitched and taken the horse to the barn.
Young Tuttle was taking the shells out of the Winchester repeating shotgun when one was accidentally discharged. Just at that instant Chester Crawford returning from the barn came around the end of a straw stock and received the full charge of shot in the right breast. He cried out “I am shot,” and staggered about twenty feet and fell dead.
The killing was purely an accident, as there was no carelessness in handling the gun, and Harry Tuttle was alone at the time he started to unload the gun. He knew nothing of his uncle’s presence until he appeared from behind the stack just at the time the gun was discharged.
Chester Clifford Crawford was born in Morton county, Kansas, November 29, 1887. In 1892 he moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Crawford, to Edwards county, where he has lived since.
He was a young man of exemplary character, beloved by all his acquaintances. He was very industrious and a young man of moral habits, and was never found in bad company. He was greatly beloved by his brothers and sisters and was a son on whom the parents could always rely. The sympathy of the community is extended to the father and mother and the four sisters and four brothers, in the time of their sorrow.
The funeral services were held Saturday morning at the Baptist church at Belpre by Rev. F. R. Emerson, pastor of the Christian church at Macksville. The interment was made in the Macksville cemetery.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 7 March 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Crawford, George W.

Death of Geo. W. Crawford
A Resident of Larned for More Than 30 Years and of This Section for 51 Years
George W. Crawford, a resident of Larned for more than thirty years, died at his home on West Fifth street last Thursday, as a result of cerebral hemorrhage. Mr. Crawford, who was one of the well known citizens of this community, had been a sufferer from diabetes for many years, but had been able to give some attention to business until recently. A week before his death he was able to be at his office. He faced a chronic illness with great courage and resignation. He was aged 75 years and seven months at the time of his death.
Mr. Crawford, who for more than thirty years had been a prominent and highly esteemed citizen of Larned, had been a resident of this section of Kansas for fifty-one years, and was in the best sense of the term a pioneer.
Mr. Crawford was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, March 1, 1854. In that county on January 21, 1877, Mr. Crawford was married to Mary E. Markle. A year later, in February, 1878, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford came to Kansas, traveling by rail to Larned. Mr. Crawford immediately filed on a claim in Edwards county, in Belpre township, three miles north of Belpre. There they remained for nearly twenty years, until 1897, when they moved to Larned. They began life in a sod house, (known as a half-soddy) on the farm, suffering the disappointments and the hardships which were the lot of the pioneers, before they became firmly established in their new life. As was the case with most pioneers, Mr. Crawford found that the farm did not yield sufficiently and consistently enough to meet his needs, and resorted to other means of livelihood from time to tome. For five years he was foremen on the sheep ranch of James Rider and during that period also engaged in the sheep business himself. Eventually Mr. Crawford began the sheep business on his own claim, and he continued it with reasonable success until the tariff was taken off of wool, which made the industry unprofitable. He sold the last of his flock of sheep at the low price of $1 per head. When Mr. Crawford abandoned the sheep business he became a mixed farmer, the half-soddy in the meantime being replaced by a frame house, and other improvements being added for the shelter of his stock and grain. For a time Mr. Crawford raised broom corn, in the planting of which he was one of the pioneers, and in which he was successful. Later he had charge of a cattle ranch for Reynolds & Coatsworth, of Kansas City.
While living on the farm Mr. Crawford embarked in the fire insurance business in a small way, and his success finally induced him to devote all his time to it. So he left the cattle ranch and came to Larned in 1897, and transferred the farm insurance agency here. Mr. Crawford was highly successful in the insurance business here, building up one of the largest agencies in this section and had associated with him his two sons, Arthur and Walter Crawford.
In the death of Mr. Crawford the community loses a sterling citizen, whose passing will be generally mourned. His efforts were ever turned to the promotion of the best in the educational, social and religious life of his community. He was an exemplary husband and father, and was a representative of the best type of business man and citizen, and his death leaves a vacancy difficult to fill.
Mr. Crawford leaves to mourn his death his widow and four children, two daughters and two sons: Mrs. Alice Haag, Mrs. Blanch Haag, Arthur G. Crawford and Walter M. Crawford, all of Larned. A daughter, Annie, born in Pennsylvania, died at Belpre at the age of two years. There are seven grandchildren.
Mr. Crawford was in belief a Spiritualist, in faith a Christian. He was affiliated with the I.O.O.F. and the Modern Woodmen of America.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Vernon Funeral Home, with Rev. G. H. Cosper, of the Methodist church officiating and burial was in the Larned cemetery.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 10 October 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Cunningham, Annetta, A. Mar

Died, at her residence in this city, Friday, April 22nd, 1892, Mrs. Annetta Mar Cunningham, aged
forty-three years, eleven months and one day. The funeral services were held at her late residence on Sunday, April 24th, 1892, at two o’clock p.m., Rev. J. A. Bixler officiating.
Mrs. Cunningham’s sickness dates back to last November, but it was only within the last few weeks that its fatal termination was looked for. She was born in Duncanville, Blair county, Pennsylvania, on May 21st, 1848. At the age of twenty-two years she was converted to the religion of Christ and at once identified herself with the Methodist church, in which faith she passed beyond the shores of time. Together with her family she has resided in Larned since June 3rd, 1885. She died with the blessed assurance that she was going “home,” and expressed a desire to meet all her friends in heaven. Mrs. Cunningham leaves a husband and two children, and a large circle of friends to mourn her death.
The burial services Sunday afternoon attracted a very large gathering of people and it was one of the most largely attended funerals occurring in this city for some time.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 29 April 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Danford, Clarence H. "Bud"

Clarence H. "Bud" Danford, 89, of Black Forest, Colo., died Friday, Dec. 17, 1999, at Colorado Springs, Colo.
Born Sept. 9, 1910, at Burdett, to Harry H. and Mabell (DeWeese) Danford
Survivors: His wife, Alta (Kimball) Danford; two daughters, Sheila A. Bishop, Black Forest, and Deborah S. Andretti, Colorado Springs; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter
Source: Garden City Telegram, 28 December 1999
Contributed by Jan Reading

Davidson, Moore G.

Death of M. G. Davidson
Civil War Veteran and Pioneer Came To Pawnee County More Than Fifty Years Ago
M. G. Davidson, one of the pioneer citizens of Pawnee county, who took up a homestead four miles northeast of Larned fifty-three years ago and who was a G.A.R. veteran, died last Friday at the home of his daughter after an illness following paralysis.
The Davidson homestead is now owned by the Gore family. For two months preceding his last illness, Mr. Davidson had been in Nickerson where he was assisting in the work of Reno Post No. 83, of which he was a past commander. This was his last active duty as he was stricken two days later and was bedfast from then until his death.
Moore G. Davidson, son of Isaac Davidson and Ann Jones Davidson, was born in Coles county, Illinois, December 20th, 1844, and departed this life at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Chas. H. Fletcher in Larned, last Friday at the age of 84 years, 1 month, 11 days.
At an early age his parents moved to Washington county, Iowa. Here he enlisted August 21st, 1862, in Company C, 19th Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and he was assigned to the Army of the Frontier at Springfield, Mo., October, 1862. He was confined in the hospital and was honorably discharged in December, 1862, by reason of a surgeon’s certificate of disability.
He re-enlisted in January, 1864, at Washington, Iowa, and was mustered into service of Company H, 2nd Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. On April 29th, 1864, his regiment joined the army on the Atlanta campaign and participated in several engagements, among them, Kenesaw Mountain, Siege of Atlanta, and the March to the Sea. In January, 1865, the regiment started on the campaign of the Carolinas, concluding it at Bentonville, North Carolina. The regiment took part in the Grand Review at Washington, D. C., May 24th, 1865, after which it was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky.
The deceased received an honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa, July 12th, 1865. He bore a gallant part in all engagements of the Second Iowa, performing faithful and meritorious service at all times.
He was united in marriage to Malinda J. Osborne in Hancock county, Illinois, Feb., 22, 1866. They lived in Douglass county, Illinois, until 1876, when they moved to Pawnee county, Kansas, residing here until 1908, when they moved to Nickerson, Kansas, where they resided until the death of his wife in 1928. He and his daughter, Dora, then moved to Larned, where they made their home until her death. Since then he has made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Chas. H. Fletcher.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his son, Edgar, and his daughter, Dora. He leaves to mourn his loss four sons, James E. of Long Beach, California, Oliver M. of Independence, Kansas, Walter W. of Sylvia, Kansas and Roy, of Kansas City, Mo., and two daughters, Mary J. Cox, of Hindsboro, Illinois, and Susan M. Fletcher, of Larned, Kansas.
For a number of years he was a member of the B. F. Larned Post, No. 8. At the time of his death he was member of Reno Post, No. 83, of Nickerson, Kansas, having had his membership transferred in 1908 on his removal to Nickerson. He served as commander of the post a number of years.
He was a devoted, faithful, and a loving father, and was ever ready to do a kindly act. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 7 February 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Davin, Michael Richard

Mr. Michael Davin, for many years a resident of this city, died at Wichita Monday, the 13th, where he had gone a few weeks before to secure medical treatment. The remains were brought home Tuesday by his daughter, Miss Matie Davin, and were buried from the Presbyterian church Thursday afternoon at half past two o’clock with Grand Army honors. Michael Richard Davin was born in Ireland in 1843. He came to this country as a boy and lived at Syracuse, New York, where he married Miss Jane Kilcoyne. He moved to Iowa in 1878, and the next year to Ness county, of this state, and for the last thirteen years has lived in Larned.
The deceased enlisted as a private in Company C, Second New York heavy artillery in June 1862, under the name of Richard Davin, fearing that, as he was at the time a minor, if he enlisted under his full name his parents would take him out of the army. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, but served with distinction until the close of the war and was honorably discharged in May 1865, having given thirty-five months to the service of his country.
The deceased leaves a wife and two children, Matie and Charlie and a large number of friends, to mourn his death.
The editor of this paper reckoned big-hearted, honest “Mike” Davin one of his staunchest friends, and desires to add his humble testimonial as to his character as a modest, unassuming, upright and worthy citizen.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 29 April 1892
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Davis, Pearl

The hearts of many friends were saddened this week to learn of the death of Miss Pearl Davis, daughter or Mrs. M. J. Davis, of this city, of consumption, aged twenty-three years.
Mrs. Davis came with her daughter to Larned from Jerseyville, Illinois, about two years ago, and located here, in the hope that the change of climate would allay the dreaded disease, consumption, which was slowly wasting away the life of her young daughter. For a short time Pearl seemed to improve, but after a few months a noticeable decline marked its way in the young life. Last summer she visited with relatives in Ottawa and at her former home in Illinois. When she was brought back to Larned, a few months ago, she was very weak and the ravages of the disease had made marked headway. It was then apparent to friends and loved ones that her passing to a brighter and better home was only a matter of a short time.
Pearl was a sweet and attractive girl, in the full bloom of lovely womanhood and her death leaves vacant a place in the affection of those who knew her that will never be replaced. She was a devote Christian, and, when her health permitted, was an active and enthusiastic worker in the Baptist church.
The funeral was held Thursday, afternoon, from the Baptist church and was largely attended.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 7 April 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Deaton, James

James Deaton, an old soldier and an old resident of Pawnee county, died at his home in this city last Saturday afternoon, aged seventy-two years, two months and twenty-one days, after a protracted sickness of a complication of diseases. The deceased was born in Morgan county, Illinois, October 16th, 1826. He leaves no near relatives except three grand-children. The funeral services were held at the Grand Army hall in this city Sunday afternoon under the auspices of Larned Lodge No. 167, A.F. & A.M., and B. F. Larned Post, G.A.R., Rev F. G. Fonken preaching the sermon. The remains were buried in the Larned cemetery.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 13 January 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Deckert, Mabel Sarah

Mabel Sarah Deckert, 92, died April 7 at Central Kansas Medical Center, St. Joseph Campus in Larned.
She was born May 13, 1907, at Portland, Ore., the daughter of James J. and Grave Mary Bennett Johnson.
She married Albun P. Deckert Aug. 24, 1928, at Pawnee Rock. He died July 9, 1984. A lifetime Pawnee County resident, she was a homemaker.
Mrs. Deckert was a member of United Methodist Church of Larned.
Survivors include four sons, Marvin Deckert of Blue Springs, Mo., Ronald Deckert of Napa, Calif., James Deckert of Kansas City, Mo., and Kenneth Deckert of Wichita; one daughter, Marcia Rider of Olathe; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Emery Bennett; and one sister, Mary Longwell.
Funeral will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned with the Rev. Charles Grant officiating. Burial will be at Larned Cemetery in Larned. Friends may call until 8 tonight at the funeral home.
Source: Great Bend Tribune, 10 April 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

Dent, Junia Faye

Junia Faye Dent, 70, died March 11 at her home. She was born Aug. 6, 1929, at Waldron, the daughter of Elmer Henry and Metta Lucille Folk Arb.
She married Roland O. Dent Aug. 9, 1958, at Harper. A resident of Pawnee County since 1970, coming from Harper, she was a homemaker.
Mrs. Dent was a member of Presbyterian Church of Larned.
Survivors include her husband of the home; two sons, Dr. Stephen Dent and Danny Cormack, both of Larned; one daughter, Pamela Wyman of Larned; two sisters, Virginia Brown of Harper and Carolyn Carpenter of Nekoma; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one sister, Lois Cooper.
Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church with the Rev. James Hawthorne officiating. Burial will be at Larned Cemetery in Larned.
Friends may call until 8 tonight and 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel in Larned.
Memorials are suggested to the church or Golden Belt Hospice, both in care of the funeral home.
Source: Great Bend Tribune, 13 March 2000
Contributed by Jan Reading

Dillon, James Ogden

James Oden, the infant son of Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Dillon, died at their home in this city, last Friday afternoon at 7:00 o’clock after a severe illness lasting several weeks.
The child was but little over three years old, having been born in Washburn, North Dakota, January 1, 1904, and was the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Dillon.
He had been suffering for several weeks from a severe attack of whooping cough which resulted in hemorrhages of the brain. Everything was done for the little one that human hands could do, but he never regained consciousness after the last stroke, and went quietly and peacefully into his last sleep.
Services were held at the house on Saturday, Dr. Coltman of the Presbyterian church officiating, after which the little body was laid quietly to rest in the Larned cemetery.
Dr. Dillon and his wife have lived in this city but a short time, about the many warm friends they have won during their residence here join in extending to them their sincere and heartfelt sympathy during this, the time of their bereavement.
Source: The Larned Chronoscope, 27 June 1907
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Ditson, Mary P.

Mary P., wife of Jesse Ditson, died at her home in Denver, Colorado, last Saturday evening, after a lingering illness, in the thirty-seventh year of her age. Her husband brought the remains to this city for burial, the funeral occurred at the Methodist church Monday afternoon at half past two o’clock, and the remains were laid to rest in the Larned cemetery by the side of those of her father and four children who died in this city some years ago. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. D. Hestwood, and were marked by the attendance of a large number of friends, and the contribution of many beautiful floral tributes to the memory of the deceased. The bereaved husband, Messrs. Allen and John Ditson, and Miss Daisy Ditson, of Galena, were the chief mourners at the funeral, but they had the sincere sympathy of a large circle of personal friends.
Mrs. Ditson was for many years a resident of this city. The family removed to Denver some years ago on account of her failing health. For a time it was believed the change would restore her health, but the hope was doomed to disappointment, and after gradually growing weaker and feebler the end finally came and the tired spirit went to its eternal rest. The bereaved husband and motherless children have the sympathy of many friends here who knew them during their residence in Larned.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 1 September 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Dixon, Mrs. A.

The death of Mrs. A. Dixon occurred in Kinsley Saturday, November 9th, and burial was in Brown’s Grove cemetery Sunday, November 10th. Mrs. Dixon lived for many years southwest of Burdett and will be remembered by the older settlers. At the time of her death she was past ninety-four years of age. For the past several years Mrs. Dixon had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Lundry in Kinsley, and it was at her home that she died. She was buried by the side of her husband, who died several years ago. Sympathy is extended to the family.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 14 November 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Draut, Elizabeth (Reichard)

Death of Mrs. George Draut
Elizabeth Reichard was born August 2, 1852, at Louisville, Kentucky, and died May 13, 1929, at the home of her son at Kinsley, Kansas, aged 76 years, 9 months and 11 days.
In 1872, on April 11, she was united in marriage to George Draut. To this union was born one child, Henry J. Draut, who is now a resident of Kinsley.
In 1876 the family moved to Kansas and resided on a homestead eleven miles south of Larned, where she like the pioneer women of those day, experienced the hardships and privations that attended those who settled western Kansas. In 1885 they moved to Larned, where they made their home until last winter, when they moved to Kinsley to spend their last days with their son.
When a small girl she was confirmed in the German Lutheran church. However, after moving to Larned she united with the Presbyterian church, where she remained a faithful member until she moved to Kinsley. She and her husband, believing they should attend and support a church where they lived, called for their letter from the Presbyterian church, and united with the Congregational church at Kinsley just a month ago.
Mrs. Draut, being the wife of a Civil War veteran, joined the Woman’s Relief Corps and had been an active member of that organization for many years. She was a faithful wife and mother, and not only raised one child of her own, but on the death of her son’s wife she took his two small children and for five years cared form them. To this charge she was faithful and they both live to call her blessed.
She is survived by her husband, her son, H. J. Draut, her daughter-in-law, Mrs. H. J. Draut, and four grandchildren, Ralph now living in Boston; Cleone, Robert and Bernice of Kinsley.
Source: The Tiller and Toiler, 16 May 1929
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

Dugan, Cassie

Cassie Dugan departed this life September 12th, 1899. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Char. H. Ruff at the home, and the remains interred in the Burdett cemetery.
She was born in Pennsylvania, August 7th, 1877, and came to Pawnee county in March 1885. April 5th, 1898, she was married to Mr. Hugh Dugan.
Cassie Byland, as she was more familiarly known, had many friends and lived an exemplary life, but now her labors are ended. She leaves a husband and parents to mourn her loss. The sorrowing friends extend their heart felt sympathy to the bereaved ones.
Source: The Larned Eagle-Optic, 22 September 1899
Contributed by Richard Schwartzkopf

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