McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....July-December 1931 Deaths in Newspaper
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McKean County Miner 1931
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA JULY -DECEMBER 1931
FROM THE
MCKEAN COUNTY MINER NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean County Miner from July
through December during the year of 1931. The date of publication is shown
prior to the item(s). There is no implication that this is all that may have
been published in these editions since some editions may be missing and many
of the pages or portions thereof are unreadable.
Transcribed by Ronald J. Reid, 2010
July 2, 1931
Page 1.
James Quirk prominent local philanthropist and business man, passed away
suddenly Saturday morning at ?? from a heart attack. Mr. Quick had been in
poor health for the past two years, but recently had been improving, so that
his death was a great shock to his relatives and friends.
James Quirk was born in Irish Hollow, November 8, 1865. His parents were
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Quirk. He was educated in the local schools where he
showed much ability. He was always greatly interested in music and as a
member of the Smethport Band as long as his health permitted.
He was married to Anna Kleisath in ??? 3, 1890 at Rasselas, Pa., and to them
were born three sons, Leo, who died when a child, and Elmer and Francis of
Smethport, who with his widow, Mrs. Anna Quirk and four grandchildren survive
to mourn the loss of a devoted relative.
Mr. Quirk owned the Ford Garage for many years, building up one of the most
flourishing concerns in the town. Due to poor health he sold this business to
his son Francis, some time ago.
The deceased was noted for his benefactions, not only to his church and his
town, to which he made many fine gifts but also in other ways which were known
to but few. His generous donations to the poor at Christmas time made many a
desolate home glad; his contributions to worthy causes were many and
generous. It is said of him that seeing scantily clad lads on the street he
has many times, called them and outfitted them from head to toe. His was a
great heart and his memory will always be tender one to those who knew of his
many kind acts.
He presented the Packard chassis to the Smethport Fire Department for a
pumper which was named the “Jim Quirk Pumper” in his honor.
Mr. Quirk was a member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic church, the Knights of
Columbus; the Elk Lodge and of the Conopus Club of Smethport. In all which he
took an active part.
Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at 9:00 o’clock at St.
Elizabeth’s Catholic church, with requiem high mass, Rev. Urban S. Barrett,
officiating; interment was in St. Elizabeth’s cemetery. The pall bearers
were; J. Hayes, C.W. Shattuck, Frank Fay, and Duffy Earl Gallup and D.L.
Calley.
Out-of-town relatives present at the funeral were; Mr. and Mrs. William ??
and nephew, Jersey Shore, Pa.; ??? Quirk and daughters Mildred, Akron, O; Ed
Quirk and daughter Ellie, (unreadable) Mr. and Mrs. Flynn (unreadable) Mrs.
Louise P??ner, Mr. and Mrs. P. Reisner; Misses Madeline and Delores Selle;
Robert Selle, and Mr. and Mrs. Bonner of Rasselas; Mr. and Mrs. Louie Thompson
and Jack Thompson of Johnsonburg; Mrs. Louie Kle???, Erie; Mrs. B. Ryan and
daughters Marian and Alice, St. Marys; Mrs. Josephine Meisel and Miss Lena
Meisel, Hazelhurst.
Page 1.
Mrs. Louise H. Drown, former esteemed Smethport resident died in Buffalo
Friday, June 26th after a short illness.
Mrs. Drown was born in Ellicottville, April 21, 1850. She was the daughter
of Emily Riggs and Peter Joseph Huenerfeld. Her girlhood was spent in
Ellicottville, and she was married to Herman Drown in 1876. To them was born
a daughter, Mae, now deceased and one son, Paul, now of Buffalo, who with two
sisters, Mrs. C.V. Greene of Ellicottville and Mrs. R.V. Hixson of
Shortsville, three nieces, seven nephews and two grandchildren, survive to
mourn her loss.
Mrs. Drown made her home in Smethport for several years and has many friends
here who admired her many splendid qualities.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the home of her sister, Mrs.
C.B. Greene of Ellicottville, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke of St. Luke’s Church,
Smethport, officiating; interment was in Ellicottville Cemetery.
Page 1.
Mrs. Mary Miner of Rixford, aged 91 years passed away Friday, June 26th at
the McKean County Home from the ills incident to old age.
Mrs. Minor was well known in Rixford and vicinity where she had many old
friends. She is survived by her brother Washington Brite and a number of
grandchildren.
Funeral services were held in Rixford Sunday with interment in that cemetery.
Page 1.
Emil Larson, highly esteemed resident of Clarion, aged 38 years, passed away
Saturday evening, June 27th at 6:37 o’clock. At the Brookville Hospital,
where he had been taken the Thursday preceding in a very serious condition.
Mr. Larson was born in Port Allegany the son of August and Caroline Larson.
The most of his boyhood was spent in Smethport where he made his home with his
brother John Larson and learned the trade of bottle blower.
At the time of our entrance into the World War he enlisted and served until
the end of the struggle, returning home he went to Detroit where he worked in
the Durant Motor Works, where he became a skilled mechanic.
For a number of years he has been employed in a Clarion plant, where he held
a fine position and was highly respected by all who knew him.
The deceased is survived by his wife, and three children of Clarion, one
brother, John Larson of Smethport and one sister, Mrs. Richard Byork of
Richmond, Va.
Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at Clarion under the Auspices
of the John Fleming Post, American Legion, Rev. Riser officiating at the
services. Interment was in Clarion Cemetery.
Mr. and Mrs. John Larson of Smethport attended the funeral.
Page 1.
Mrs. Frank Denning, highly respected resident of Fulton Street passed away
Thursday morning, June 25th at 8:33 o’clock following a stroke which occurred
about 6:30 that morning.
Mrs. Denning had been in failing health for the past two years, but her
family had no idea of the seriousness of her condition or that the death angel
hovered so near until the fatal morning on which she was stricken.
Early that morning she felt quite ill and her husband called a physician,
when he reached her bedside it was found that she had suffered a stroke of
paralysis, and in a little over two hours had passed away.
Annie Blanch Worden was born August 29, 1887 in Sheffield, Pa., the daughter
of Mr. and Mrs. C.B. Worden. She was married to Frank Denning, August 10,
1906 and had lived in Smethport for about twenty years, where she had been
greatly beloved in her home and highly esteemed by all who knew her.
Eleven years ago she took up the duties of a foster mother to six motherless
nieces and nephews; the youngest an infant two weeks old. This family she
carefully reared giving them all the tenderness and devotion of a real mother
and the best of home training.
It seems very sad that she should be taken from the home she has made and
her husband and family who care so much for her, but it is the will of an all
merciful Father who cannot fail to reward his servant for her many years of
splendid work.
Mrs. Denning was a devout member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and much
interested in its activities.
She is survived by her husband, Frank Denning, two daughters, Mrs. Lawrence
Dickerson of Olean and Mrs. Wesley Cunningham of Eldred; two sons William of
Washington, Pa., and Theodore of Olean; and three sisters, Mrs. U.B. Blakes of
Steubenville, O.; Mrs. E.D. Barry of Texia, Texas; Mrs. C. Dennon of
Charleston, W.Va.; also six nephews and nieces.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock in St. Luke’s
Episcopal Church, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating; interment was in the family
lot in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 4.
Daniel W. Dean, Associate Editor Of Bradford Era, Dies.
Daniel W. Dean, 67, associate editor of The Bradford Era, died at his home
on Kennedy Street, Bradford, Thursday morning at 2:45 o’clock following an
illness of 10 months.
Born at Randolph, Cattaraugus county, New York, on the 12th day of September
1864, Mr. Dean resided there with his parents until he was about 16 years of
age, when, having completed an apprenticeship in the office of the Randolph
Register, which with the exception of a few years in the (unreadable) school,
and a single term at Chamberlin Institute and Female College, constituted his
educational equipment, he started out seeking employment and a career in the
world of his boyish dreams.
Mr. Dean’s career as a journeyman printer took him to many points in the
Eastern part of the country from Wisconsin to Florida. Always however his
thoughts kept turning to his favorite section of the country, southwestern New
York and northwestern Pennsylvania. Later his footsteps followed his thoughts
and Mr. Dean returned to spend the remainder of his days never far from his
boyhood home of Randolph.
Funeral Service for the deceased were held in the home Saturday morning.
The body was taken to Randolph, N.Y. where final services were held.
Interment was in a Randolph cemetery. City officials of Bradford, political
leaders and newspapermen from this section attended the obsequies in Bradford.
Page 8.
Prominent Warren Merchant, Grandson Die In Auto Crash
Warren June 29. – C.E. Metzger, prominent merchant and his grandson Charles
Metzger , 12, were fatally hurt here today when an automobile driven by the
grandfather went into a ditch and struck a telephone pole. Metzger died
almost instantly, while the boy died several hours later at a hospital.
A second grandson Alan Metzger also was injured but he is expected to
recover. The boys are sons of Mr. and Mrs. C. Emerson Metzger of Cleveland
and were visiting here.
County officials have been unable to learn why the large sedan in which the
three were riding left the highway.
Metzger was proprietor of the Metzger-Wright department store here.
July 9, 1931
Page 1.
Bernadine Gillon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Gillon of Bush Hill passed
away Friday, July 3rd at 1:45 p.m. after an illness of about three years
duration, the past year of which she had been confined to her bed.
The deceased was born November 5th, 1903 at Bush Hill. She graduated from
Smethport High School, class of 1923. She taught three successful terms of
school studying three summers at Lock (unreadable) Normal.
For a time she was employed at Dr. A.H. Livermore’s office then took in
training in the Buffalo City Hospital, where she had worked six months before
her health failed.
She was a fine young woman, greatly respected for her ability and
attainments and beloved by her family and friends. She was a patient sufferer
during her long illness.
She is survived by her parents and the following brothers and sisters; Ann,
Katharine, Margaret, John, Joe, Frank and Tom all at home.
Funeral services were held Monday morning at 8:30 o’clock at St. Elizabeth’s
Catholic Church of which she was a member with solemn requiem high mass, Rev.
Fr. Urban S. Barrett officiating; interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
The bereaved family has the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of
their beloved daughter and sister.
Page 1.
Mrs. Cyrus Oviatt passed away very suddenly at her home in Jacksonville,
Florida, Monday, June 22, of heart failure.
Mrs. Oviatt had been in poor health for the past few years although she had
been up and about the house as usual. She went for a ride Sunday previous to
her death and it was a shock to her family on going to her bedside Monday to
find she had peacefully passed away.
Mrs. Oviatt was formerly Miss Susan Alexander of Cuba, N.Y. She was united
in marriage to Cyrus W. Oviatt and they moved to Marion, O., where Mr. Oviatt
was employed in an ice plant. Later the ice company transferred him to
Jacksonville, Florida to take charge of the Federal Ice Plant and the family
made their home there.
Mrs. Oviatt is survived by her husband and five children and a number of
grandchildren.
Funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 24 in Jacksonville with
interment in a cemetery in that city.
Page 1.
Youth Drowns In Kushequa Lake.
Bradford, July 5. – Howard Wallace, 21, of Kane, was drowned last evening at
7 o’clock in Kushequa lake, Kushequa. It is believed that the young man
suffered a heart attack while swimming.
Wallace, who was accompanied to the bathing resort by his brother-in-law
Charles Thomas and Charles Mohr, both of Kane, had attended a ball game in Mt.
Jewett in the afternoon and then gone to Kushequa.
It was some time after the young man had gone in the water to swim that he
was missed. A search was made immediately for him. E. Kent Kane of Bradford,
who was also in swimming at the place, unlocked the gates of the dam and in 20
minutes the water was drained from the lake and the body of the young man was
recovered.
Artificial respiration was administered, with the result that very little
water came from his body. Dr. H.M. Cleveland of Mt. Jewett, was called and he
arrived ten minutes after the body was recovered. It was his belief that
Wallace died of a heart attack.
A call was sent to the Bradford fire department for a pullmotor and one was
sent within half an hour. It was of no use as Wallace was beyond aid.
District Attorney Charles Hubbard was notified in the absence of the coroner
and he ordered the removal of the body. It was taken to the Vollmer
undertaking rooms in Kane.
It is reported that the father of the dead youth said that Wallace was
nearly drowned in Erie, Pa., two years ago.
Page 1.
Gust Anderson, long a resident of this section, died yesterday afternoon at
three o’clock at Smethport. Death was attributed to a stroke of apoplexy.
Gust Anderson was born in Svansko, Sokken, Varmland, Sweden, in 1886. He
lived in and around Kane since that time. He was a member of the Tabor
Lutheran church in Kane for many years.
One sister, Mrs. Anna C. Anderson, of Kane, and one brother, Andrew
Anderson, located near Edmonton, Canada are the only surviving relatives.
Funeral services were held from the Brown funeral home on Fraley Street,
Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock with the Rev. J.V. Benson of the Tabor
Lutheran Church, officiating. Burial was made in the Tabor Lutheran cemetery.
Page 3.
1 Dies Of Injuries Incurred In Wreck.
Bradford. July 5. – John Bennett, aged 19 years, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey
Bennett of Tuna, Pa., died at 7:10 o’clock Friday evening in the Community
Hospital in Kane, following injuries sustained in a collision at Kanesholm
switch, near Kane, when a motorcycle he and Clifford Johnson, 18, of Warren,
Pa., were riding, failed to make a turn and crashed into a Chevrolet car
driven by Dr. Wm. J. Jones of Franklin, Pa.
Bennett was pinned under the car, suffering a fractured spine and internal
injuries.
Paul (unreadable), Kane and Henry Dahl of Mt. Jewett who were following them
rushed the two injured men to hospitals.
Bennett was taken to the Community Hospital at 6:30 o’clock, expiring 40
minutes later.
Johnson was taken to the Kane Summit Hospital where he is confined with
several bad cuts about the forehead, arms and knee was well as a bad fracture
between the knee and hip.
According to an investigation made by state police stationed at Kane,
Bennett and Johnson were driving from Bradford to Kane while Dr. Jones was
coming toward Bradford. Upon approaching the curve near Kanesholm switch, the
motorcycle slipped from under Bennett crashing into the Chevrolet overturning
it and pinning the Bradford boy under the car.
Another car, directly behind the Dr. Jones automobile, ran off into a ditch
to avoid crashing into the vehicle.
State police notified Dr. S.A. McCutcheon, deputy coroner of this county, of
the accident.
Bennett’s body was taken in charge by Undertaker J.A. Still of this city and
prepared for burial.
Page 3.
Woman Born In Bradford 105 Years Ago Is Heat Wave Victim
Bradford, July 7. – Infirmities of age added to the heat prostration caused
the death of Mrs. Sarah Ann Walker, aged 105, of rock Islands, Ill., last
Thursday. Mrs. Walker was the oldest resident of Rock Island County.
Mrs. Walker was born in Bradford, June 5, 1825.
She is survived by a son-in-law, J.H. Park, Rock Island. All of her sons
and daughters are dead.
July 16, 1931
Page 1.
Clermont Man Dead, Result Of Shot Gun Wounds
Bradford, July 13 – The victim of a (unreadable) shot-gun which he had taken
home with him from Hazelhurst Friday evening, Carl Swanson, aged 51, was
discovered dead in the dining room of his home near Clermont last
(unreadable), by three Bradford friends who had gone to visit him.
Swanson who lived alone on the Swanson homestead on the Kasson-Clermont road
evidently had been [fum]bling with the gun when it discharged sending the load
into his body near the heart some of the shot de[par]ting from his ribs into
the ceiling [and] had been dead 18 to 24 hours when discovered.
Swanson, the son of the late S.J. and Josephine Swanson was a bachelor. He
had gone to Hazelhurst Friday for supplies for the week-end and was
accompanied home by a brother (unreadable) to who lives at Hazelhurst. It is
believed he shot himself accidentally [not] long after he had arrived home.
Ernest Nelson, R.B. Swanson and (unreadable) Nelson all of Bradford who
discovered the body immediately notified [cou]nty Detective J.J. Allison who
[we]nt to the scene. Mr. Allison ordered [the] body removed to the Lantz
funeral [home] in Mt. Jewett.
Swanson is survived by two brothers, (unreadable) and Elmer of Smethport
R.F.D. and three sisters.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at his late home; interment
was in Kasson Cemetery.
Page 1.
Thomas Smith aged about 77 years passed away Tuesday evening, July 7th, at
about 7:00 o’clock at the McKean County Home in Smethport where he had removed
that afternoon from his home in Larabee. He had been in ill health for a
number of years suffering from dropsy. Deceased was a bachelor and he and his
brother Richard Smith had resided together for a number of years at Larabee.
Another brother James Smith of Bolivar also survives.
The remains were taken from the County Home Friday afternoon to the Lamphier
Cemetery at Eldred where a short prayer service was held, Rev. H. Thomas of
the Eldred Free Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Lamphier Cemetery.
Page 1.
Takes Poison June 13, Dies
Port Allegany, July 9 – Doris Shaylor who swallowed two bichforide tablets
in an attempt to end her life at Bradford on June 13th, died yesterday at 4:30
p.m. in the Bradford Hospital of the effects of the poison.
Miss Shaylor who had been making her home at Keating Summit with her
grandmother, Mrs. Tompkins until she went to Bradford in January became
despondent and swallowed the poison tablets at a railroad station there. She
then walked out East Main Street where she became violently ill in the
street. Mrs. Jennie Peck who noticed her administered an emetic and had her
sent to the hospital where she died almost a month later.
Miss Shaylor is survived by her father Willard Shaylor of Burlington, Pa.,
her grandmother and a sister Mrs. Mable Nellis of, Liberty Pa.
Page 3.
Carried Out His Suicide Threat
Coudersport, July 9. – The body of George Leon Shelly, 21, known to his
family as Bill was found Thursday just after noon by his father, brother
Charles and Edwin Williams in a barn owned by E.E. bunker a short distance
from the Shelly home at Oswayo. The young man had told his father quite early
in the morning that he was going to kill himself. Soon after he told his
mother of his intentions. She attempted to dissuade him and as he left the
house he stated he would shoot some woodchucks.
A short period after he left the family home a shot was heard and after an
interval estimated at 15 minutes a second report of a rifle was heard. When
Mr. Shelly returned at noon from his work he was informed that Bill had not
returned. In company with his son and Mr. Williams, Mr. Shelly found the
body. Dr. A.W. Cummings was called who pronounced the man dead.
Page 5.
Funeral For Child Smothered In Bed, Held On Monday
The body of Robert Doris Nelson, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Nelson of
Bradford who was found smothered in his bed Saturday morning was buried in Oak
Hill Cemetery, Bradford, Monday afternoon, following services at 2 o’clock at
the parent’s home, 56 Rochester Street.
The child’s lifeless body was discovered at 10:30 o’clock Saturday morning
by his mother who had put him in bed an hour previously for a nap. The infant
is believed to have wriggled around until it got its head caught between the
head of the bed and the mattress, either choking or smothering to death. The
child was taken to the Bradford Hospital, but efforts at resuscitation proved
unavailing.
Surviving in addition to the parents are one sister, Bonnie and two
brothers, James and Jack.
Page 6.
Young Child Dies from Burns.
Eldred, July 10. – Donald Foster aged three years and six months passed away
Tuesday evening at 9:30 at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Foster of
Mechanic Street a victim of fatal burns received Sunday, June 28. The little
lad was at the Peasley home next door to his fathers and was riding a small
wagon about the house. IT is thought that as he fell from his wagon he upset
a kettle of boiling water which had been left on the floor for a minute and
the liquid poured over the child’s body inflicting painful and fatal burns.
Besides his parents he leaves to survive him two sisters, Helen and Joan,
his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Peasley of Dufftown and Mr. and Mrs.
George Campbell of Eldred.
Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 3 o’clock at the Pentecostal
Church on Mechanic Street, Rev. Blotte of Bradford officiating. Burial will
be made in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Page 7.
Victim Of Hit-Run Driver Identified As McKean County Man
Washington Pa., July 12. – Sergeant George Hames of the Washington police
today identified the body of a man killed by a hit-run driver near here last
week as that of William Sherman, 65, a boyhood friend of Mount Alton, McKean
County.
For many years Sherman was employed in the oil fields of Pennsylvania and
nearby states.
Page 8.
The many friends of Orlo Cory of Kane were saddened to learn of his death
which occurred Saturday evening, July 4th at 10:00 o’clock at this home in
Kane, where he sustained a stroke on Saturday afternoon, having been overcome
by the heat the Wednesday preceding.
Mr. Cory was born at Pierce Brook, near Farmer Valley, July 12, 1878, his
parents were Mr. and Mrs. Asa Cory. He was married to Carrie A. Washburn of
Coryville on December 25, 1899. The family moved to Kane 12 years ago.
Mr. Cory was well known and liked here where he had belonged to the I.O.O.F.
lodge for the past twenty-five years. A large delegation from that lodge
attended his funeral.
He is survived by his wife and the following children: Esther, Onalee,
Ernest, Franklin, Alvin Daphne, and Wayne of Kane; Mrs. Francis Cleveland of
Richburg, N.Y. and Mrs. Edith Thomas of Bradford and three grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at his late home in Kane, Tuesday afternoon at
2:00 o’clock with Rev Arthur J. Marbet, officiating. Interment was in Forest
Lawn Cemetery, Kane.
July 23, 1931
Page 3.
Death Claims E.C. Tanner, Prominent Bradford Oil Man.
Bradford, July 21. – Private funeral services for Ernest C. Tanner,
(unreadable) Street, prominent oil producer and resident of Bradford for the
past 32 years, who died suddenly yesterday morning, will be held at the home
tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o’clock.
Mr. Tanner was stricken fatally yesterday morning at 11 o’clock in the
Kramer and V??? barber shop, Mechanic Street, where he had gone to be shaved.
He complained of being ill and Dr. G.E. Beninghoff and Dr. L.R. Carson were
summoned. His death occurred before medical aid could be given. He was 59
years of age.
The Koch ambulance was summoned and he was removed to his home and later to
the Koch mortuary. The body was then taken to the home.
He was engaged in extensive oil operations both in the local and other
fields, starting in the oil business when he secured an interest in Indian
Creek in 1912. His holdings included property in the vicinity of Rock City,
Rew, Pa., in the old Titusville field and producing areas in the Kentucky
field.
He secured controlling interest in the Tanner Oil Company recently after he
disposed of his holdings at Rock City. The Tanner Oil Company operates a
large territory at South Bradford.
Mr. Tanner was one of the organizers of the McKean County Refining Company
at Farmers Valley which was sold to the Quaker State Oil Company two years ago.
Since his health began to fail he has spent the severe winter months in
Texas.
He was a member of all the Masonic bodies of Bradford, the Coudersport
Consistory and the Zem Zem Shrine of Erie.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Annabelle Tanner; two sons, Donald B. of
Bradford and Paul E. of Rochester; one daughter, Miss Margaret Tanner of
Bradford; one grandson, Donald B. Tanner, Jr. of Bradford; one brother, Edward
R. Tanner of Warren Pa., and one sister, Mrs. Freda Ogilvie, of Washington,
D.C.
July 30, 1931
Page 1.
David L. Bills, 81 years, well known and respected resident of Hazlehurst
passed away at his home Saturday afternoon at 2:20 o’clock following an
illness of four months duration.
Mr. Bills was born in Binghamton, N.Y., April 23rd, 1850, and had been a
resident of Hazelhurst for the past 30 years. He was a man of high character
and was respected by all who knew him.
Deceased is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Frank Dragoone and Hazel Bills
of Smethport, and six sons, Earl, Kenneth, Ray and Everett of Hazelhurst;
Herbert of Port Huron, Mich., and Ernest of California. Nineteen
grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services in his memory were held from the residence Tuesday
afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, Rev. Louis E. Elbel, officiating; interment was
made in the family plot in Eldred Cemetery.
Page 1.
Daughter Of Woman For Whom Rixford Was Named Is Dead
Olean, July 27. – Mrs. Abner Miller, a native of Rixford for half a century,
and daughter of the woman for whom the village of Rixford was named, died at
the home of her son, E.E. Miller of Portville, Thursday morning following a
few hours illness. Mrs. Miller made her home with her daughter, Lillian
Fairbanks of Knapp Creek since the death of her husband nine months ago, and
was visiting at the home of her son when taken ill. Although an invalid she
maintained a cheerful disposition and had many friends. In addition to her
son and daughter, she leaves two other daughters, Mattie Mead, buffalo, and
Nellie Coon, St. Petersburg, Fla; a brother, William Barden, Rixford; two
sisters, Myra Ziel, Robinson, Ill., and Sadie Huston, St. Petersburg, Fla;
seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Page 3.
Warren, July 25. – Warren and McKean County officials have launched an
investigation into the death of George Ness at the Ridgway Hospital from a
fractured skull received while on a fishing trip to Garland, this county, July
1. He received the injury when he fell from the rear of a coupe driven by a
companion named Dilliker. No action has been taken.
August 13, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Emily Mayo Called by Death. (The obit is very difficult to read)
Page 1.
John Breneman Succumbs In Kane. (The obit is very difficult to read)
Page 1.
Taylor Hanson of Marvindale Ends Life By Hanging.
Taylor Hanson of Marvindale, aged 45 years, an employe of the United Natural
Gas Company, was found hanging from a rafter in the barn at the rear of his
home Wednesday. Life had been extinct for some time.
His wife had heard him arise at 5:00 o’clock and go to the barn. When he
had not returned at 8:00 o’clock she went to call him, and was horrified upon
entering the barn to see his body hanging from a rope fastened to a beam in
the barn.
The man had apparently climbed a ladder, fastened the rope to the beam and
placed a red handkerchief around his neck, then placed his head in the noose,
and jumped off the ladder into eternity.
Justice R.C. Gleason acted as coroner in the absence of Dr. McCutcheon and
gave a verdict of death by suicide, as all evidence confirmed that verdict.
No reason is assigned for the unfortunate man’s act. He is said to have
worried over financial troubles but as he held a good position, these hardly
seemed serious. He was a genial, friendly man who was highly thought of by
all who knew him. The tragedy has cast a feeling of gloom over the entire
neighborhood.
The deceased is survived by his widow and four children, Siegfried,
Thurston, Tillie and Laverne.
Funeral services have not yet been arranged.
Page 3.
Bride of 3 Months Watches Mate Drown.
Coudersport Aug. 7. – Tragedy stalked along Pine Creek Sunday afternoon and
Ray Wilcox, 22, is dead.
Only three months ago Wilcox married a Watrous young lady. Sunday afternoon
Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox and Mr. and Mrs. Basil McCracken took a picnic dinner and
journeying to the stream where they banqueted in the shade. The men of the
party then donned bathing suits and plunged into a deep hole in the stream;
Mr. McCracken swam across and when he reached the shore looked back, but
Wilcox was not in sight. McCracken is not an expert swimmer but he made a
dive and located his friend in the deep water but was unable to bring him
out. After striving frantically and futilely he was forced to give up and
call for help. When the man was taken from the water efforts were made to
resuscitate him but life was extinct.
With the young bride witnessing the drowning it was particularly tragic.
Page 3.
Port Allegany Man’s Death Investigated.
Port Allegany, Aug. 7. – Owen Davis, 41, was found dead at the foot of a
tree near the home of his father-in-law, Edward Emerson, near Pine Grove, late
Thursday afternoon by Everett Card and Dell Baker, who were wandering about
the woods near the Emerson home.
Davis is believed to have taken his life. The body had been suspended from
the limbs of the tree but a rope about his neck had broken under his weight.
An inquest will determine the cause of his death.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret Emerson Davis, whom he married in March
of this year also relatives in Olean and Bolivar. He was a member of the
Moose lodge in Olean.
The body was taken to G??? undertaking house in Port Allegany. His family
declared that he had been suffering from a physical and mental ailment for
some time.
Page 7.
Frewsburg Woman Is Killed As She Causes Crash On Highway.
Wellsboro. Aug. 3. – Mrs. Robert Cameron aged 32 years of Frewsburg, N.Y.,
was instantly killed yesterday when the car driven by her husband careened
from the road and struck a tree at the junction of the Roosevelt highway and
the Charleston road, about five miles south of here.
Besides Mrs. Cameron and the driver, Mr. Cameron, the car was occupied by
their six-year-old son, John, and Mrs. Cameron’s sister Miss Esther Els. The
accident (Unreadable) Mr. Cameron was (unreadable) by a (unreadable) which
flew into the car and (unreadable) stab or pain caused him to lose control of
the machine which (unreadable) the road (unreadable) of the highway.
Mr. Cameron suffered a severe cut on the chin which required seven stitches
to close and three lacerations on the hand and leg. He was given attention by
Dr. F.H. Kennedy here. Miss Els and the child were uninjured. The car was
demolished. The body of Mrs. Cameron was brought to the undertaking
establishment of the Evans brothers here.
August 20, 1931
Page 1.
Final Rites Held For John C. Breneman.
Final rites for John C. Breneman, who died Tuesday evening August 11th
following a long illness, were held at the home at Kane Friday afternoon at
2:00 o’clock.
The Rev. W.E. Bartlett, of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, of Kane
officiated at the service, which was attended by many friends and relatives.
Burial was in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
J. Ray McDade, W.L. Dykes, Carl Byham, J.R. Hoffer, William Ludwig and
Harold Christy, old friends and neighbors of the deceased acted as pall
bearers.
Miss Helen Breneman sang two beautiful solos during the services. They
were “Still, Still With Thee” and “Across the Bar.”
Among those from out of town who attended the services were: Mr. and Mrs.
Walter Breneman and son Robert, E.T. Daly, Dr. and Mrs. W.A. Ostrander of
Smethport, Daniel Cooper of Bradford, Misses Katherine and Mame Flynn of
Bradford.
Page 1.
H.L. Burlingame Called To Rest.
H.L. Burlingame, aged and revered resident of Kasson, passed away Friday,
August 14th at 10:30 p.m. at the Safstrom Nursing Home in East Smethport,
where he had been taken a few days previous. He had been in failing health
for the past year.
Mr. Burlingame was born June 10, 1842 in Hamlin Township. He was the son of
Hiram W. and Sally Rifle Burlingame, pioneer residents of this section. He
married Alice Stark, August 18?, 1862 at Smethport, who died three years ago.
To them were born five children of whom only one, Miss Lydia Burlingame
survives. She has been her father’s constant attendant for a number of years.
The deceased was the oldest member of the local G.A.R. (unreadable)
His war record is one of which he had every reason to be proud. He enlisted
August 18, 1862, mustered into the United States Service, September 2, 1862 as
a private of Company C., 1?0th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry under Captain
Horatio Bill, Colonel Longhorne Wister the duration of the war (ureadable)
Army of the Potomac.
He took part in the battles of (readable) Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Pa.,
Wilderness Va. (unreadable), North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Va. Weldon
R.R. Va., (unreadable) was wounded at Gettysburg, July 1863 and transferred
October 1, 1863 to Veteran’s Reserve Corps and discharged by general orders
July 9, 1866.
He is survived by one daughter, Lydia of Kasson, two sisters; Mrs. ???
Wilson of Smethport and Mrs. ?? Olmstead of Portville, N.Y.; one brother
Ernest Burlingame of Indianapolis, Ind., five grandchildren, sixteen great
grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock at the family
residence in Kasson. Rev. W.E. Van dyke, officiating. Services were in
charge of Bucktail Post; American Legion; interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers were; Merle Dickenson, Dr. W.A. Ostrander, E.G. Potter, W.A.
Ross and Charles McKean.
Page 1.
Mrs. Almony third Victim of East Smethport Crash
Mrs. Lula Renyon Almony of Smethport died very suddenly Friday morning at
the Olean Mountain Clinic Hospital following an operation for removal of
tonsils. Mrs. Almony failed to rally following the operation, ??? never
became conscious after taking the anaesthetic. Death was said to be due to
heart dilation, her heart having no doubt been weakened by the tragic accident
on March 5th when the car in which she was riding collided with a freight
train at the East Smethport crossing.
IN the car at the time besides Mrs. Almony were her husband, R.H. Almony,
40, who died shortly after the accident; Guy Weir, 35, who died the day
following, and Miss Genevieve McElhney who with Mrs. Almony suffered minor
injuries.
The accident occurred when the car was following the ambulance which was
taking Marjory Almony, a daughter, who was very ill to the Olean Hospital.
The father worn with many nights of watching at his daughter’s bedside failed
to see or hear the approaching train and drove directly onto the tracks in
front of it.
Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Almony had carried on his dairy farm
and milk route very successfully and had made a brave struggle to care for her
family. It seems very sad that she should be taken when she is so much needed.
(Unreadable Section)
Funeral services were held Monday ???? o’clock at the family residence, Rev.
A.W. MacDougald officiating. (unreadable) Interment was in Rose Hill
Cemetery.
Page 1.
Charles E. Larson Called To Beyond.
Charles Emil Larson, highly respected resident of Rose Hill Avenue, passed
away Sunday August 16th at 2:30 a.m. at his residence of uremic poisoning
(unreadable) born in Sweden November 5, 1871 and came to America (unreadable)
He is survived by his wife Hannah Larson, the daughter of (unreadable)
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock with a short
prayer service at the Swedish Lutheran church, Rev. Larson of Port Allegany
officiating; interment was in Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Mt. Jewett.
August 27, 1931
Page 8.
Mrs. Frank Tuttle died at her home in Coryville Sunday noon following a
heart attack. She was preceded in death by her husband some years ago. Mrs.
Tuttle was well known in Coryville having been a resident of that place for
many years. She resided at Olean before going to that place.
Surviving her are two sons, Orvil of Coryville, John of Olean; four
daughters, Mildred of Newark, N.J.; Gladys of Highland Springs, Va.; Nina of
Buffalo, N.Y., and Twila of Olean; four brothers, William Rees of Costello,
Alfred Rees of Philadelphia; Alvin Rees of Olean and B. Rees of Costello, and
one sister, Vina VanWegan of Philadelphia.
Funeral services were held from the Trinity Church in Olean Wednesday
afternoon at 2 o’clock. Burial was in the Pleasant Valley cemetery.
Page 8.
Dayton Hitchcock, a well known and respected resident of Black Hollow,
passed away Thursday evening, August 20th, at the home of his son, Eugene
Hitchcock, of a complication of diseases.
Mr. Hitchcock was born at Franklinville, N.Y., August 23rd, 1859. In 1881
he married Miss Clara Harris of Slack Hollow, who preceded him in death two
years ago.
The deceased is survived by one son, Eugene Hitchcock and two
granddaughters, Misses Bernadine and Jane Ida Hitchcock of Slack Hollow; and
grandson, Stuart Hitchcock of Wellsboro, Pa; two nieces, Mrs. Earl Gandill,
and Mrs. Charles Remore of Los Angeles, Calif.; two nephews, Dr. H.A. True,
Los Angeles, Calif.; Dr. Frank True of Des Moines, Iowa; besides many friends
who extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved relatives.
Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at two o’clock at the home of
his son, Eugene Hitchcock. Rev. Prosper Miller of Port Allegany officiating;
interment was in the Lamphier cemetery, Eldred.
The floral offerings were very beautiful.
September 3, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Carlton H. Holcomb passed away Tuesday evening, August 25th at her home
in Pearl Street, Shinglehouse following quite a long illness. The funeral
will be held at the house at two o’clock Friday afternoon. The burial will be
made in the Maple Grove Cemetery.
Mrs. Holcomb is survived by one daughter, Mrs. John Rice and one son Lester
Norton both of Coryville.
Page 1.
Aunt Of H.J. Rice Laid To Rest At Jersey Shore
Mrs. Barbara Strong, aged 54 years passed away Wednesday, August 26th at
Detroit, Michigan, following an operation. The deceased was brought to Jersey
Shore Sunday, where she was laid to rest. The remains were accompanied by
Charles Strong and daughter Dorabelle of Detroit who spent Monday night at the
home of H.J. Rice who is a nephew of the deceased.
Page 7.
Salamanca Youth is Instantly Killed in Mishap at Vandalia.
Bradford, Aug. 31. – Joseph Philarski 19, of 236 Clinton Street, Salamanca,
was instantly killed early yesterday morning when the machine in which he was
riding with two other youths, collided head-on with another machine driven by
Dominic Pandl, of Olean. Pandl and his brother Robert both of Olean, N.Y.,
were seriously hurt and were taken to the Mountain Clinic hospital in Olean.
According to a report made to State police at Allegany, N.Y., Philarski met
death from a broken neck. David Helene and Henry Abren, other occupants of
the car, escaped serious injury. Frank Duransky, Olean, the third occupant
the Olean automobile, also escaped serious injury.
The accident occurred on the main road from Allegany, three miles from the
place on what is known as Rattlesnake Hille at 6 o’clock yesterday morning.
How the automobiles came to crash head-on was not given in the report to the
police.
September 10, 1931
Page 1.
Youth Killed, Mother Hurt in Auto Crash.
Bradford, Sept. 8. – An 11-year-old boy was instantly killed and his mother
seriously injured when the car in which they were riding sideswiped another on
Jenkins Hill, about five miles from Coudersport on the Coudersport-Austin road
at 7:15 p.m. yesterday.
The dead:
Gordon Young, 11, DuBois, Fractured skull and broken neck.
The injured:
Mrs. Mathilda Young, DuBois. Chest crushed an suffering from shock. In the
Coudersport Hospital.
The drivers of the two cars, B.F. Kaufmann, Altoona and Alfred Salade,
R.F.D. 4, Coudersport, escaped unhurt.
According to report of the State Highway patrol at Coudersport, the Kauffman
car, I which Mrs. Young and her son were passengers, and that of Salade
sideswiped on Jenkins Hill. The Kauffman car turned over, pinning the boy
under. The cars were traveling in opposite directions.
September 17, 1931
Page 1.
John Clark Wirt, highly respected Smethport resident passed away at his home
on East Main Street, Friday, September 11, 1931 of a lingering illness.
He was born at Norwich, on June 3, 1888, a son of Joseph and Cora White
Wirt. “J.C.” as he was commonly known received his education in the Smethport
schools and had spent most of his life here.
On Nov. 29, 1911 he was united in marriage to Miss Arlle E. Howe at Great
Valley, N.Y. For years he was an employee at the plant of the Backus Novelty
Co., and was a member of the Smethport fire department.
Being naturally of a sunny disposition even in the face of his great
suffering his courage never failed and he bore his suffering with patience and
fortitude. He was a kind husband and a loving father and he will be sadly
missed by all who knew him.
Besides his wife he is survived by four children, Joyce 19, Lavern, 12,
Aletha, 8, and Joseph, 6, all at home; his mother and father, Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Wirt of Rose Hill Avenue and one sister, Mrs. Elias Smith of East
Smethport.
Funeral services were held at his father’s home on Rose Hill Avenue, Tuesday
afternoon t 1 o’clock, Rev. Franklin Carr of Swains, N.Y. assisted by Rev.
MacDougald, officiating; interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
(List of pall bearers and people attending the funeral is largely unreadable)
Page 1.
Philip Drake Buried At Shinglehouse.
The remains of the late Philip Drake, superintendent of the Texas Refinery
of Tulsa, Oklahoma, arrived in Smethport Friday noon accompanied by his widow,
numerous relatives and a special representative of the Texas Company also a
representative from the San Francisco Railroad and was taken to the home of
his brother, E.E. Drake of West Main Street, where a prayer service was
conducted by Rev. A.W. MacDougald, Sunday afternoon at 1:00 o’clock the
funeral cortege then drove to Shinglehouse the old home of the deceased where
funeral services were held at 2:30 p.m. in the Methodist Church, Rev. ???
officiating; interment was in Shinglehouse cemetery.
(Next section largely unreadable)
Those from out-of-town who were guests of Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Drake were; Mr.
and Mrs. J.M. Drake, Mr. and Mrs. G.O. Drake and Robert Drake of Cleveland,
o.; Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Drake of Kansas City, MO; Mrs. Margaret Drake, Billy
Pratt and Mrs. Olizina of Tulsa, Okla. Dana Pratt of Dallas, Texas; Mrs. Viva
Wingate, L.R. Holmes, Richard Amundson, Mrs. F.E. Manley of New York City; Mr.
and Mrs. M.M. Holmes of Olean, N.Y., Mrs. Isuman of Butler, Pa; A. M. Johnson
of Sharon, Pa., and A.E. Manley of Bayenne, N.J.
Page 1.
Mrs. Anna Melville
Eldred, Sept. 11. – Mrs. Anna Melville aged 80 years passed away Wednesday
afternoon t 3:39 o’clock at the home of her nephew Mevin Cotter of Edson
Street after a long illness resulting from arthritis. Deceased had been
partially blind for three years and her death came as a blessed relief from
her sufferings.
Mrs. Melville was born at Cohoes, near Troy, N.Y., in 1851. Her husband was
a pioneer oil operator on Oil Creek and his death occurred about ten years ago
and since that time she has resided at the Cotter home. She held the respect
and esteem of many local friends and well liked by all who knew her.
Surviving are two brothers, William Conerry of Troy, N.Y. and Thomas
Residing in New York State; two nieces, Mrs. Anna Quinn of Duboise, Pa., and
Mrs. Claude Shattuck of Smethport, two nephews John and Kevin Cotter of Eldred.
Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at St. Raphael’s Church, Rev.
M.E. Bailey, officiating.
Page 7.
Franklinville Girl Killed By Driverless Automobile.
Portville, Sept. 10. – When a car left in gear at the curb was cranked, it
started off driverless crashed into two children, killing one. The dead
child, Virginia Frost, four years old was crushed against a parked car. She
died four hours after the accident at the Olean General Hospital. The other
child was Jeanette Stearns, aged 7, who suffered a sprained back, facial
lacerations and body bruises.
Adelbert Williams of Humphrey is the owner of the car, which was parked in
gear as the brakes were not working. A passenger was seated in the car when
Williams cranked it but when the car started off out of control the passenger
did not know how to stop it and was forced to sit helpless while the car
wreaked havoc.
September 24, 1931
Page 1.
Marvin J. Norris, fifty seven years of age passed away at three o’clock
Thursday morning Sept 17, at his residence in Olean.
Mr. Norris was born June 22, 1871 at Hinsdale. He was a resident of Olean
for forty years. He was one of the leading barbers of this city for many
years and operated his shop at 321 West State Street.
He had been ill for three months but had not been bedfast until August 8.
Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Mary J. Norris, three sons Leroy of New York
Harold of Buffalo, and Albert of Buffalo, three daughters, Mrs. Ruth McPeak of
Buffalo, Mrs. Marian Stewart of New York and Dorothy of Olean, also three
brothers, three sisters, and two grandchildren.
The funeral services were held at 1:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon at his home
and at 2 o’clock in Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Burial was made
in Smethport with Rev. S.B. Reed officiating. The Norris funeral was one of
the largest ever held in Olean. Friends and relatives where present from
Olean, Bradford, Salamanca, Ellicottville, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Oil City,
Titusville, Kane, Coudersport, Washington and New York.
Mr. Norris was a former Smethport resident having operated a barber shop
here about 26 years ago and he also worked in E.O. Caskies barber shop here on
numerous occasions. He had many friends in this vicinity.
Page 4.
Ridgway, Sept. 21. – One man was dead and two others were in a serious
condition today at St. Marys Hospital from injuries received when their car
overturned on the highway while they were en route from St. Marys to this city
yesterday morning.
Ferdinand Burgess of St. Marys was said to have been driving the car when it
went out of control. He was instantly killed. Anthony Piper and Joseph
Herbest, both of St. Marys were in St. Marys Hospital with severe injuries.
An inquest into the accident resulted in a verdict of accidental death.
October 1, 1931
Page 2.
Mt. Jewett Sept 24. – Phillip Hotton of Hazelhurst well known throughout
this vicinity passed away at his home Sunday evening at 11:20 o’clock
following an illness of about two years duration.
Phillip Andrew Hotton was born in Salamanca, N.Y., December 18, 1864. He
had been a resident of Hazelhurst for about thirty years. He was employed by
the (unreadable) Glass Co. when his health began to fail. He was a member of
the O.O.O.F. Lodge No. 881, Mt. Jewett.
Deceased is survived by his wife , one daughter Mrs. Hazel Zetler of Duke
Center and one son Carl Hotton of New York City.
Funeral services in his memory were held at the home in Hazelhurst yesterday
afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, Rev. C.J. Ze?? Of Clarendon, assisted by Rev. L.E.
Elbel of Mt. Jewett officiated. Burial was made in the family plot in the
Portville N.Y. cemetery.
The pallbearers were George Zetler and George Benson of Duke Center,
(unreadable).
A large number of out-of-town relatives and friends attended the service.
Page 7.
Bradford, Sept 28. – Carl G. Cronwell, aged 49, of Bent Texas was almost
instantly killed when the car he was driving crashed into a concrete abutment
of the bridge over Two Mile Creek at Sheffield shortly after 10 p.m.
yesterday. (remainder of obit is unreadable.)
October 15, 1931
Page 1.
Scratch Fatal To Clermont Child
Kane, October 8. – A tiny scratch on the little toe of the right foot of
Shirley Henry, aged six, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Henry of Clermont,
resulted in her death Tuesday evening at 6 o’clock at the residence of her
aunt, Mrs. George Washburn, of 201 Hill Street, Ridgway.
The scratch developed three weeks ago and the child was given medical
attention. Last week her condition became worse and she was taken to
Ridgway. Tuesday afternoon the little girl became unconscious and a physician
was called but the patient was dead on his arrival.
The funeral services will be held Friday at 10 o’clock at the Washburn
residence. Burial will be made in Penfield.
The survivors; the parents; five sisters, Mrs. Merle Duttrey, Clermont; Mrs.
Earl Walters, Shaffer Siding, Pa.; Mrs. W. Hoyt, Buffalo; Mrs. K. Leach,
Reynoldsville; Anna May, at home; and a brother Harry at home.
Page 7.
Bradford, Oct. 12. – Bewildered by lights of approaching cars, Archie W.
Davis, 45, of 48 North Kendall Avenue, stepped in front of the car driven by
Walter S Mack of 45 Elm Street, near Limestone at 10 o’clock last night and
was fatally injured. Mr. Davis died before he was admitted to the Bradford
Hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Mack were returning here from Mrs. Mack’s home in Gowanda.
Witnesses said MR. Davis attempted to cross the road and was almost struck by
a car moving toward Limestone. He apparently stepped back in front of the
Mack car.
A call was sent for the McAllister ambulance but Joseph Colosimo, Ed Price
and William Butler, who were returning from Buffalo, rushed him to the
hospital. Dr. J.K. ??? pronounced him dead.
Police Captain Michael Perko, here and New York State Police from Allegany
investigated. Coroner Dr. Bourne, of Salamanca, will come here today to
complete the investigation.
Mr. Davis was a machinist employed by the Bradford Motor works.
He leaves his wife, Mrs. Bertha Davis; three daughters, Gertrude, Evelyn and
Dorothy; two sons, Russell and Donald, all of Bradford; his father, Lee Davis
of Tionesta; one sister, Mrs. Chas. Curtis of Tionesta; two brothers, Harry of
Chicago; and George of Meadville. He was a member of the Asbury Methodist
Church here and the Odd Fellows of Derrick City.
October 22, 1931
Page 3.
Olean Business Man Poisoned By Gas
Olean, Oct. 16. – Carbon monoxide poisoning resulted in the death of William
F. Sayre Olean business man who was found overcome in his garage late
Wednesday. Mr. Sayre had been repairing his automobile and when he was found
the garage doors were closed and the engine of the car running.
Mr. Sayre, manager of the Olean Steel and Iron company had lived here 28
years. He was chairman of the dinner committee of the Shrine ceremonial to
[be] held today. He was a member of Olean Lodge, F.&A.M. Jamestown
Consistory, Ismalla Temple, Buffalo, and director of the Masonic Club.
Page 8.
Dr. G.G. Ash Passes Away At Bradford.
Dr. Garrett Gus Ash (unreadable) East Main Street, one of Bradford’s most
prominent medical men and one of its most popular citizens passed away at the
Bradford Hospital Wednesday afternoon at 4 o’clock, following a three weeks
illness of liver trouble.
Dr. Ash had been practically in a dying condition for days and it was known
that he could not recover. He was admitted to the Bradford Hospital on
Tuesday October 6.
Deceased was born at Dallas City Pa., on June 23, 1883, the son of the late
Dr and Mrs. D.G. Ash. He had resided in Bradford practically all of his
life. (Most of obit is unreadable).
Dr. Ash is survived by his wife Mrs. Helen Ash and one daughter Carolyn of
this city.
October 29, 1931
Page 6.
Resident of Kane A Half Century Dies
Kane, Oct. 26. – Mrs. Lottie Knapp, aged 57, a resident of East Kane for
almost a half century, died at her home this morning from complications after
an illness of several weeks duration. She was the wife of Edward Delos Knapp.
Surviving her are her husband, two daughters, Mrs. Wilson Dodds and Miss Ada
Knapp of East Kane and two sons, Francis of Bradford, and Burt of East Kane.
The deceased was a member of the First Methodist Church.
Private funeral services will be held from the home Wednesday afternoon.
November 5, 1931
Page 1
Mrs. Frances Yardley
Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Yardley pasted away at her home in Sterling Run, Pa.,
Friday evening, October 23, 1931.
She is survived by her husband James Yardley, Sterling Run, Five daughter,
Mrs. Alen ???; Mrs. A.B. Todd, Smethport; Mrs. Charles Anchee, Watsontown;
Mrs. Frank Armstrong, Emporium; Mrs. Edgar Sanders, Ishpening, Mich; two sons,
Jay D. Haines, Sterling Run; John W. Haines, Olean; two brothers One sister,
eighteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren.
Mrs. Yardley was born at Warton, Pa., September 23, 1856.
Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church of Emporium.
Burial was made in the Warton Cemetery.
Page 1
Larry Scanlan, 21, Killed Tuesday in Hunting Accident
Larry Scanlan, aged 21 years, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Scanlan of
Colegrove, was fatally injured late Tuesday afternoon when he and John
McKeirnan, Natale Fice and Cecil Grinolds were hunting rabbits in the vicinity
of Colegrove.
The fatality occurred when the boys chased a rabbit in under an old shack
and while Scanlan was routing the rabbit the gun of John McKeirnan discharged,
the shot entering the Scanlan lad’s back.
Horror stricken at this occurrence the boys brought the injured youth to
Smethport as soon as possible but he died before they reached the office of
Dr. Hamilton.
The dead youth was a junior at St. Bonaventure’s College, Allegany, N.Y. and
he and the McKeirnan lad had been the closest of friends since childhood. The
latter attended Westbrook’s Academy at Olean and he and Natale Fice had left
there at noon to come home and enjoy an afternoon of hunting.
The victim of the tragic accident was a youth of much promise. He was a
graduate of Colgrove High School and a Junior at St. Bonavantures College. He
had a ??? circle of friends in this section. He is survived by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Scanlan, four sisters and two brothers; Mary, Anne,
Agnes, Eugenia, Nicholas and James.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 9:00 o’clock at St.
Elizabeth’s Catholic church, Rev Urban S. Barrett, officiating.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of the community at their great loss.
November 12, 1931
Page 3
Olean Man Killed At R.R. Crossing
Olean Nov 5 – John Charles Cradduck, one of the junior members of the firm
of the Cradduck & Sons Transportation Company, met a tragic death shortly
after 8 o’clock Tuesday night when the ?? coupe which he was driving was
struck by a Pennsylvania Railroad train at a crossing about three miles north
of Olean on what is known as the Woodchuck Hollow road.
Apparently due to a pouring rain Mr. Cradduck failed to see the headlight of
the approaching northbound train and was directly upon the tracks when
struck. Train 571 travels at a great speed at this point and the coupe was
carried nearly 300 feet before rolling down into a field.
Samuel L. Burt of Olean a Pennsylvania Railroad Conductor was the first off
the train. Cradduck was found alive with his hands still clutching the
steering wheel. He was put in the baggage car and a little later transferred
to a southbound Rochester bound train, from which the Ha??? ambulance took him
at Union Valley Crossing where he had been struck.
Cradduck was dead when he was taken from the train. An examination made
later by Coroner William M. Smith showed that the victim had a broken neck;
broken left ??, four broken ribs and internal injuries.
Page 1.
Louis Steinhauer Called Home
Louis Steinhauer, aged and revered resident of Farmer’s Valley passed away
Tuesday, morning, November 10th at 8:15 o’clock at his home. Mr. Steinhauer’s
death was very sudden as he was in his usual good health up to the Sunday
evening previous to his death, performing his usual duties about the house and
barn. He was stricken with paralysis during the night and only lived a short
time before passing into the everlasting sleep, which he welcomed with sublime
faith and trust in the maker of all things.
The deceased was born in Clermont, October 5th, 1848. He was married to
Fanny Beckwith, February 28, 1876 and they resided at Clermont until 1895 when
they moved to Farmers Valley, where they have since made their home.
He is survived by his wife and the following children; T.L. Steinhauer, of
LaJunta, Colorado; L.S. Steinhauer, of Derrick City; J.E. Steinhauer, of New
York City; Mrs. L.A. Moody, of State Line, N.Y.; Mrs. W.B. Hopper, of Buffalo,
N.Y. Mrs. Guy L. Moore, of Rew, Pa.; and twelve grandchildren, one sister,
Mrs. Josephine Meisel, of Hazelhurst; and several nephews and nieces.
Mr. Steinhauer’s death is the first one in the family in over fifty-five
years.
Deceased was the oldest living member of the Smethport Masonic lodge, F.&
A.M. He was a man of the highest integrity, admired and respected by a host
of friends and beloved by his family. He leaves a record of a life well spent.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 2:00 o’clock at the family
residence. Interment will be in Smith Hill Cemetery at Farmers Valley.
Page 1
65 Classmates of Larry Scanlan Attend Funeral
On Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock funeral services for Lawrence Scanlan, Jr.
who was killed in a hunting accident last week, were held at St. Elizabeth’s
Catholic Church and Solemn Requiem High Mass was offered for the repose of the
soul of the deceased, with Father Urban S. Barrett as celebrant, Father
Bertram, O.F.M., deacon, Father Benedict, O.F.M., sub-deacon. Joseph
Allegretti of Bradford was Master of Ceremonies. Hobert Herzog was Thurifer
and Masters Paul Griffin and Roy O’loughlin were Acolytes. Father Bertram and
Father Benedict are prefects at St. Bonaventures College, where the youth had
been a student. Father Gerald McMinn, O.F.M., Dean of studies at St.
Bonaventures and Father P.J. Donahue of Kane, occupied places in the sanctuary
during the service.
Sixty-five college students, classmates of the deceased attended the
funeral. During mass they were lined in double file in the middle aisle at
attention and received communion at the altar. The youths preceded the
funeral cortege to the cemetery and there the line divided and the boys stood
on each side as the mourners marched between them to the grave, where the
deceased was laid to rest.
The ceremony was an unusually touching and beautiful one.
Among the out-of-town relatives and friends who attended the funeral were;
Mrs. M.F. Scanlon of Franklin, Pa; Messrs. Oscar and Guilford? Potter of
Whitesville, N.Y.; Mrs. Wm. Lombard and daughter Johanna and Mrs. E.J. Morris
of Corry, Pa.; Mrs. Joseph Sluga and daughters Josephine Antonia and Julia of
Red House, N.Y., besides many from Bradford and Olean.
Page 1
Sister of Mrs. F.A. Green Dies
Mr. and Mrs. F.A. Green were in Frewsburg, Monday to attend the funeral of
the latter’s sister, Mrs. Liza Gibbs who passed away last Thursday evening.
Page 1
Mother of Mrs. R.F. Brownell Passes Away
The said news was received here the latter part of the week of the death of
Mrs. Mary Barinard of Baltimore who passed away Saturday at her home in
Catonesville, Baltimore, Md. Mrs. Brainard had been in poor health for some
time.
Deceased is survived by five daughters and eight grandchildren. Mrs. R.F.
Brownell and two other daughters of the deceased were at her bedside when the
end came.
Mr. Brownell and daughter, Mary Elise left Sunday to attend the funeral
which was held Tuesday afternoon at 2:00.
Mrs. Brainard had visited here frequently and had made many friends in this
place.
Page 1
Brother of P.S. Curran Dies in New York
P.S. Curran, local Prudential Agent, was called to New York City Tuesday by
the death of his brother, William Curran, aged 68 years, which occurred on
that day.
November 19, 1931
Page 3.
Emporium, Nov 13. – Stanley Sharp 23, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Sharp of
Austin was instantly killed Tuesday night about eleven o’clock in the Cowley
Run about half way between Emporium and Austin when his car went over the edge
of a narrow concrete bridge which had no railing. His neck was broken. Sharp
was accompanied by his nephew, aged about fourteen years. The boy suffered
bruises but was not seriously injured. They were on a coon hunting trip at
the time.
Stanley Sharp was well known in Emporium and vicinity. He was born and
raised in Austin and spent his entire life there. A sister, Mrs. R.H. Drake
resided here until two years ago and he was a first cousin of Mrs. A.R.
Mitcheltree of Pine Street this city.
The funeral will be held this afternoon at his home in Austin. Interment
will be in Forest Hill Cemetery that place.
He leaves his wife, parents, one brother and four sisters.
Page 4.
Bradford, Nov. 18. – Christopher Miller, aged 57, a pumper on the B.M.
Johnston and sons lease at Harrisburg Run, committed suicide while at work
early yesterday morning by inhaling gas. His body was found at 7 a.m. by L.
Neal, another pumper who was reporting for work. It was lying on the floor of
the pump house.
Mr. Miller was last seen at midnight by the night engineer. Sometime after
that he disconnected a gas line from the stove at the pump house and holding
the end close to his face wrapped a coat about his head. Two other coats he
had wrapped into a bundle and used as a pillow.
Acting Coroner Dr. S.A. McCutcheon who was notified of the death by Harold
Johnston, said Mr. Miller died from asphyxiation. He had been dead three or
four hours when found.
Mr. Miller came here eight years ago from Oil City to work on the Johnston
lease. He was regarded as a reliable and trustworthy employe. No reason for
the act could be given.
A sister residing at Custer City was notified and had the body removed to an
Olean mortuary. Mr. Miller was single.
Page 8.
Mrs. R.H. Dumgley, aged 70 years, died at her home in Corydon, Pa., Thursday
afternoon, November 12th. Funeral services for the deceased were held at the
Corydon M.E. Church at 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon. Her husband and three
children survive.
December 3, 1931
Page 1.
Mrs. Orson D. Nourse, one of Smethport’s finest and most highly esteemed
women, passed away Sunday, November 29th at 4:00 o’clock at her home near East
Smethport after an illness of about eight months’ duration. The last five
weeks of which she was confined to her bed. Mrs. Nourse had been a patient a
the Bradford Hospital, but was brought home shortly before the death angel
called and she passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loved
ones.
Phoebe Murle Hyde was born March 22, 1878 in Smethport, the daughter of
Ellen and Newton Hyde. She was married October 28, 1900 to Orson D. Nourse
and has spent all of her life on their farm near East Smethport, except for a
few years when the family resided in the house owned by them on East Main
Street.
Mrs. Nourse was a communicant of the Episcopal Church and a member of
Fidelity Grange. She was a splendid wife and mother and was loved and
respected by a large circle of friends. Her death leaves a sorrowing group of
friends and relatives.
She is survived by her husband, Orson D. Nourse, a daughter, Mrs. Lawrence
Washburn of Bradford, and a son Paul Nourse at Kane; three brothers, William
and Beaman Hyde of Smethport and All Hyde of Port Allegany also survive.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the home,
Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating. The pallbearers were William, Allan and
Beaman Hyde and W.I. Burdick; interment was in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Page 2.
Bradford, Nov. 28. – Mrs. Ruth Ursoy Fish, 34, of Riverside Junction was
instantly killed Thursday afternoon at 1:16 o’clock when she was struck by an
automobile driven by Ralph emery Wilson, R.F.D. 1, Limestone. The accident
occurred about one mile south of the village of Limestone on the Olean-
Bradford highway.
Coroner Phillip C. Heurne issued a certificate of accidental death.
Mrs. Fish walked directly into the path of the Wilson car. She suffered a
fracture of the skull. Witnesses to the accident said Mrs. Fish had just left
a machine driven by George Mouser of Quaker Bridge.
Admonished by Mr. Mouser to be careful in crossing the road, Mrs. Fish
replied that she could make it and walked around in front of the Mouser car
and into the path of Wilson’ machine.
Mouser was accompanied by his wife and two daughters. He had picked Mrs.
Fish up at Riverside Junction and offered her a ride to Limestone where she
was going to the home of Mrs. Cora Fargo, who is ill and whom she, a nurse,
had been caring for.
Surviving are her husband, Charles, a son, Thomas McLoughlin, Olean; a
daughter, Mrs. Emmett L. Cramer,, Bradford; four brothers, Joseph J., James
E., Everett C., and John J. Ursoy, all of Olean; a sister, Mrs. Frank Marke,
riverside Junction.
Funeral services will be held at the home of her brother, John J. Ursoy of
Olean, Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. The Rev. A. Frank Houser will
officiate and burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
December 17, 1931
Page 1.
Delbert Knickerbocker, 37, of ?? Brook dropped dead Friday afternoon at four
o’clock while on his way to his home from work. Mr. Knickerbocker was
employed on a lease owned by the Elmira Gas & Oil Company. Shortly before 4
o’clock he complained of being ill and started for his home a short distance
away and succumbed before he reached there. Death was caused from a heart
ailment.
Surviving the deceased are his wife, six children, his mother and one
brother and one sister.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the late
home. Burial was made in the Portville cemetery.
Page 3.
Bradford, Dec. 14. – Two persons were instantly killed and their car
completely demolished in a ahead-on collision with a New York bound Erie
passenger train at the North Kendall Avenue crossing here Saturday night. The
dead:
Charles M. Cross, 63 of East Main Street
Mrs. Daisy Howard, 50 of Niagara Falls, N.Y.
The accident occurred at about 8:55 o’clock Saturday night when Mr. Cross,
driving a small coupe and with Mrs. Howard as passenger either did not notice
the approaching train or the brakes of the car failed. They were driving from
Jackson Avenue to North Kendall, the crossing being at the foot of a sharp
decline.
Both Mr. Cross and Mrs. Howard were badly mangled in the wreck. Mrs. Howard
was not identified until almost four hours after the accident when police
Captain Michael Perko found a nephew of the dead woman, George Spignard.
Immediatley after the accident Koch’s ambulances were summoned, but the
victims were dead before they arrived. The bodies were removed to the Koch
mortuary.
Acting Coroner Dr. S.R. McCutcheon who investigated the wreck, held the
engine crew blameless. The train was in charge of A.J. Koehl.
December 31, 1931
Page 1
Rixford Woman Dies Suddenly At Her Home
Bradford Dec. 30 – Mrs. Blanche E. Dibble aged 48 of Rixford died yesterday
morning at 7 o’clock at her home two hours after she had been taken ill. She
died before Dr. Wormer of Fortville, N.Y. who was summoned could reach her
bedside.
Mrs. Dibble was born in Rixford and had been a resident there her entire
life. She was a member of the United Brethren church of Rixford and had been
active in church work.
She is survived by her husband W. J. Dibble, four daughters, Mrs. Dorothy
Bennett of Kane, Mrs. Esther Scalforo, Mrs. Mary Bacha and Mildred Irene
Dibble of Rixford, five sons William G., Keith M., Donald J., Glenn W., and
David Dibble all of Rixford; two sisters Mrs. J.W. Lilley of Cyclone and Mrs.
James Parr of Buffalo; three brothers Charles and Harry Miller of Tampico,
Mexico and James Miller of Selmsgrove?, Pa.
Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o’clock at the home.
Rev. J.F. Barber pastor of the United Brethren church of Rixford will
officiate. Burial will be in the Family plot in Rose Hill Cemetery in
Smethport.
Page 4.
Card of Thanks
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their many acts of kindess
during our recent bereavement in the death of our beloved wife and mother,
also for the beautiful floral tributes and the use of cars.
A.P. Olson and Family.
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