McKean-Elk County PA Archives News.....May-Dec 1924 Deaths in McKean Democrat Newspaper
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Ronald Reid rreid21@cox.net December 31, 2010, 3:45 pm
McKean Democrat 1924
DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA MAY-DEC 1924
THE MCKEAN DEMOCRAT NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT)
The following death notices appeared in the McKean Democrat from May thru
December during the year of 1924. 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. This transcription for 1924 of the
McKean County Miner ends in April because the remaining issues for the year
are not on-line. Therefore I switched to the McKean Democrat in May and
continued with the year of 1924.
Transcribed by Ronald J. Reid, 2010
May 1, 1924.
Page 7.
Friends in Shinglehouse were shocked Saturday afternoon to hear of the death
of Simeon Foote, who died at his farm home at Bellrun about 1:00 o’clock that
afternoon, following an illness of five days. Pneumonia was the cause of his
death.
The deceased was born at Annin Creek on April 2, 1875, but the greater part
of his life was spent at Bellrun Ceres township. (unreadable) For a number
of years past he has run a compressor plant near his home for the trolley
company which has quite a lot of gas leases in that section.
“Sim” as he was familiarly called, was a good neighbor and citizen, a kind
and loving husband and father. His sudden taking away will be keenly felt by
his family and neighbors in that community.
He was united in marriage to Miss ?? Worden of Bellrun on May 20, 1896.
Besides his widow, he is survived by four children: (unreadable)
The funeral was held at the house (unreadable) Tuesday afternoon and was
largely attended, Rev. W.E. ?? of the Ceres M.E. church officiated. The
interment was made in the family plot in the Bellrun cemetery. The funeral
was under direction of the (unreadable) of Shinglehouse. – Shinglehouse Mail,
April 23.
Page 8.
Port Allegany, Reporter-Argus, Thursday: Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Holden were both
killed this ___ at the Eagle Crossing between here and Wrights, when the
Overland automobile in which they were riding was struck by Train 960, the
passenger train leaving here at ??? for emporium. Mrs. Holden was instantly
killed, Mr. Holden was alive when picked up, but died almost immediately after.
The automobile was being driven b y Lyle Holden, the son of Mr. and Mrs.
A.L. Holden. His father was with (unreadable) the front seat and his mother
alone on the back seat. They were driving east having evidently just come
from their home on comes Creek. The automobile was not running well and it
was doubtful whether it would make the steep incline up to the crossing. Lyle
Holden was operating the choke to give the car more gasoline and did not
notice the train coming until he had driven onto the tracks. It was then too
late to (much that follows is unreadable)
The view of the crossing was partly obscured by a row of gondola cars the
nearest of which is said to have been 136 feet from the crossing. This,
combined with the engine trouble is probably why the approaching train was not
seen.
Judd Meacham, who was plowing in a field nearby was an eyewitness of the
accident. He noticed both train and automobile approaching each other, and
wondered why the automobile did not stop.
Mr. and Mrs. A.L. Holden were among the best known residents of this
section, having lived at their farm on Comes Creek from many years. They were
highly respected and their death comes as a terrible shock to a very large
circle of friends.
Besides their son, Lyle, they leave one daughter, Mrs. Reva Strang. A.C.
Holden of this place is also a brother of A.L. Holden.
Page 8.
Lucy Palmyra Rice, wife of the late George W. Rice, passed away at her home
near Coryville, April 22, from the effects of the flu.
Deceased was born near Portville, N.Y., June 2, 1836, on the farm where her
oldest son, Albertus rice, now resides.
Mrs. Rice was the daughter of Joseph and Susan M?? Crandall and was the last
of the family of twelve children.
The funeral was held Friday afternoon from the home where she has resided
for the past fifty-five years.
Services were conducted by Rev. S.A. Renicks of the Smethport Baptist church.
Deceased was buried in the family plot in Fairview cemetery at Farmers
Valley.
Those who attended the funeral from out of town were: Miss Idella Spiller,
Eau Gallie, Fla., Mr. and Mrs. A.N. Crandall of Coudersport, Mrs. Wm. Putnam
and son, Leon, Miss Olive Worden, Albertus Rice and family, all of Portville,
N.Y.
She leaves to mourn her loss five children: Mrs. Idella Spiller of Eau
Gallie, Fla., Mrs. Lena Smith of Farmer Valley, Mrs. Lina Randall of
Coryville, Albertus Rice of Portville, N.Y., and Duane Rice of Farmers Valley.
May 8, 1924.
Page 1.
Smethport residents were shocked Sunday when news was received that Raymond
S. Stull, a former well known local young man had been shot and killed in
Richmond, Va.
The dead man’s wife was arrested for the shooting but has been released from
custody.
Mr. Stull is a son of Mrs. E.M. Leete who resides near Coleville. On
receipt of news of the young man’s death Orson Stull of Coleville, a brother
left for Richmond to bring the body home, arriving here Tuesday.
The funeral was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. O.G. Stull, Wednesday
morning at 11:00 o’clock, the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke pastor of St., Luke’s
Episcopal church, Smethport, officiating. Interment was made in the Coryville
cemetery.
Mr. Stull was at one time employed in Smethport as a motor mechanic. For
several years past he has resided in Beaumont, Texas, with his wife.
Press dispatches state that he and his wife separated recently. It is
alleged that Mr. Stull wrote his wife a letter, stating that he would apply
for a divorce and would marry again and that Mrs. Stull proceed to Richmond.
On the wife’s arrival a quarrel took place and in the scuffle that ensued Mr.
Stull was shot. The wife was arrested but was acquitted by a coroner’s jury
Monday night.
The victim of the tragedy was a quiet young man of steady habits who was
well esteemed by all who knew him. Most of his life had been spent in this
vicinity. He was about 40 years of age.
Besides his widow and mother, Mr. Stull is survived by a brother, O.G. Stull
of Coleville, and one sister, Mrs. E.C. Tanner of Bradford.
(The issue of May 22, corrects details of this publishing and gives additional
details of the murder.)
Page 1.
Mrs. Carrie A. Pattison of Smethport died at the County Home here about 5:00
o’clock Tuesday evening from the effects of taking bichloride of mercury last
Saturday night. Mrs. Pattison was unquestionably suffering from temporary
mental aberration at the time she swallowed the poison.
Mrs. Pattison who has been away from Smethport for some time, came to the
Home Saturday evening and asked for admittance. Superintend C.O. Taylor
noticed that she did not appear normal and without asking any questions
admitted her to spend the night.
Some time thereafter the nurse at the home discovered that Mrs. Pattison was
violently ill. Dr. Robert Hamilton was summoned and immediately discovered
that the patient had taken poison, which was verified by the victim herself,
who stated that she had taken bichloride. Later an empty bottle that had
contained bichloride was found. Mrs. Pattison had brought the poison with her
when she entered the Home.
No reason can be assigned for Mrs. Pattison’s rash act, only that her mind
had become unbalanced. She possessed property and a congenial home and there
was not a reason in the world for her seeking death.
Everything possible was done for the unfortunate woman but without avail.
Mrs. Pattison was 49 years of age, having been born in Cattaraugus county,
N.Y. Most of her life had been spent in Smethport and vicinity. She is
survived by one brother, Henry Allen of Bradford and one sister. Miss Rose
Allen.
The funeral was held at the home of Mrs. Edna Warren of Mechanic street this
morning at 11:00 o’clock, the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, rector of St. Luke’s
Episcopal church officiating. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
The home of Dr. and Mrs. A.R. Livermore of King street was sorely bereaved
Saturday evening shortly after 7:00 o’clock, when death summoned their little
daughter, Mary Ann, aged two years and six months.
The little one was stricken with a severe attack of tonsillitis on Monday
night of last week and despite the fact that everything that medical skill
could suggest was done the child’s condition grew steadily worse, toxic
poisoning developing.
Mary Ann was an unusually bright little girl who was a favorite with all.
The grief stricken parents have the (unreadable) deep sympathy in their
crushing bereavement. (unreadable)
Mary Ann was born November 26, 1921. Besides her parents she is survived by
a little sister, Jean and an infant brother, Alvie R.
Funeral services were conducted at the family residence Monday afternoon,
the Rev. Arthur Gregson of Coudersport, former pastor of the local Methodist
Episcopal church and the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal
church, officiating. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Those in attendance from out of town at the funeral were: A.R. Livermore,
Mrs. W.G. Buchanan, Miss Margaret Bean and Miss Virginia Finley, all of
Mercer, Pa.
May 15, 1924.
Page 1.
The death of A.B. Walker, one of McKean county’s best known residents,
occurred at his home on Green street, this borough, about 3:00 o’clock Tuesday
afternoon. Mr. Walker had been an invalid since he suffered a severe attack
of illness several years ago. The latter part of last week he suffered
another attack and from that time his life steadily ebbed. He was 77 years of
age.
Mr. Walker up to the time his health began to fail, was prominent in
political circles of McKean county and in the early oil excitement days was
one of the largest operators in the Bradford field. He was affiliated with
the Republican party and had served as sheriff of McKean county. His last
public office was that of commissioners’ clerk, which position he held up to
the time his health failed nine years ago.
Mr. Walker for many years resided in Bradford, with the exception of the
time he held county office, when he resided in Smethport. He finally came to
Smethport to reside permanently when he accepted the position of
commissioners’ clerk. In Bradford he resided on Walker avenue which was named
after him.
(The next part is virtually unreadable)
In 1877 Mr. Walker married Miss Ellie, daughter of James E. B?? of Bradford,
and to this union were born three children, all of whom survive him.
Mr. Walker is survived by his widow, three daughters; Mrs. Gertrude
Hockenberry and the Misses Nellie and Beth Walker of Smethport.
The funeral will be held at the family residence this afternoon at 3:30
o’clock the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal church
officiating.
Page 1.
Mrs. C.M. Colegrove, highly esteemed Smethport lady, died at the family
residence on West King street Wednesday afternoon at about 2:45 o’clock. Mrs.
Colegrove had been in failing health for a long period and despite the fact
that everything possible was done to relieve (unreadable).
Mary Landenberger was born July 10, 1871 at Pine Grove, Pa., being united in
marriage to Claire M. Colegrove of Smethport, McKean county surveyor, in this
borough July 25, 1892 by the Rev. E.E. Helms.
She is survived by her husband, one son, William C., of Greensburg, Pa., and
one daughter Martha, of home; also two sisters, Mrs. John ___ and Mrs. Anna
St___ of Smethport; and three brothers Lewis Landenberger of Reading, Pa.; Geo
Landenberger of Fremont, Pa., and Wm. Landenberger of (unreadable).
The funeral will be held at the Methodist Episcopal church Saturday
afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, the Rev. Arthur Gregson of Coudersport former
pastor of the [her] church officiating.
Page 2.
Patrick Mulqueen, aged 76 years, proprietor of the Mansion House and one of
the best known men in Bradford died at the Mansion House at 9:30 o’clock last
Friday night following an illness of four years. He was born in County Clare,
Ireland in 1848 and came to this country when a young man residing in
Titusville. He came to Bradford in 1878 and was interested in oil properties
while also identified with the hotel business. He is survived by his widow,
six daughters, three sons, four grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Anna
Curtain of Dunkirk.
Page 8.
The death of Jonas A. Yerdon occurred with shocking suddenness at his home
in James town, N.Y., Sunday night. The deceased prior to moving to Jamestown
was for many years a well known Smethport business man.
Mr. Yerdon some time ago had submitted to amputation of both feet as the
result of a gangrene condition. In spite of the serious nature of the
operations the patient was apparently recovering in a most remarkable manner.
Sunday he had been apparently feeling well and was in splendid spirits.
Sunday evening while Mrs. Yerdon was absent from the room momentarily, he
expired suddenly from a heart attack.
Mr. Yerdon was 67 years of age April 1st last. He was born near Rew City
and the younger years of his life were spent in this vicinity. He married
Susan Vincent of Jamestown, afterwards locating in Smethport where he engaged
in business, moving to Jamestown abut twenty years ago.
Mr. Yerdon is survived by his wife and one son, Herbert, who resides in
Bolivar, N.Y. He is also survived by three brothers, John of Bradford,
Gilbert of Jamestown and Ralph of Smethport, and two sisters, Mrs. Margaret
Moore of Coleville and Mrs. P. Coleman of Dunkirk, N.Y.
The funeral was held in Jamestown yesterday and burial was made in that
city. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Yerdon and Daniel Bacon and daughter, Margaret of
Smethport attended the final obsequies.
May 22, 1924.
Page 2.
William, four months old son of Mr. and Mrs. C.L. Smith, died Monday May
13th of bronchial pneumonia. Services were held at the home Wednesday
afternoon, and burial made in Bridgeview cemetery. – Mt. Jewett Echo.
Page 3.
Bradford, May 16. – Perry Cornell, aged 43 years, died yesterday afternoon
in the home of Mrs. L.A. Rich, No. 123 Barbour street, as the result of a
weakened condition due to the effects of overindulgence in bad liquor,
according to the findings of a coroner’s jury, which held an inquest last
night.
Cornell was arrested in a raid of a disorderly house by police last Monday
night. Because of his drunken condition he suffered several attacks of
convulsions and was attended by a physician at police headquarters. Due to
his condition, he was removed to the Rich home the following day after
pleading guilty to drunkenness and being an inmate of a disorderly house.
At the inquest last night an unsuccessful attempt was made to learn where
the liquor which caused the man’s death had been purchased in order to fix the
responsibility for the fatality.
Cornell is survived by his widow and a daughter living in Dansville, N.Y., a
son, Morris, of Roulette, Pa., two brothers, Frank of Roulette, and William of
Corning, N.Y., and a sister, Mrs. Stella White of Colesburg, Pa. The body had
been removed to J.A. Still’s undertaking establishment to be prepared for
burial.
Page 5.
Mrs. Theo. Koegler, aged 24, of Buffalo, passed away at her home in that
city at 12:30 o’clock Tuesday noon. Mrs. Koegler was a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Geo. Joyner, formerly of Crosby.
May 29, 1924.
Page 2.
Thomas J. Stevenson, Civil War veteran and one of the last members of the
famous Bucktail regiment which recruited from this section of Pennsylvania,
died last Friday at Beaver Falls, Pa. Stevenson was well known in Elk County
having resided in that county and had taken part in every Memorial Day program
in Ridgway for several years. Stevenson had resided in Bea Creek for many
years and later moved to Johnsonburg where he made his home until several
months ago. Funeral services and burial occurred in Ridgway.
Page 2.
A terrible accident occurred on the State road between Olean and Salamanca,
near Carollton, last Thursday about 7 p.m. when George Van Vlack, aged 55, of
Rochester, was fatally injured. Mrs. George Van Vlack received a slight
fracture of the knee and bruises and John Van Vlack, 61, of Newark, N.Y., was
seriously injured while coming from Rochester to Great Valley to attend the
funeral of Mrs. John Kilburn, a niece of the Van Vlacks.
The Van Vlack car attempted to pass a wagon when they encountered another
car, which crowded them into the ditch, the car overturning with the result
that Mr. and Mrs. Van V lack were pinned under the vehicle while John Van
Vlack was thrown some distance and rendered unconscious. The Van Vlack car
was a Studebaker touring.
The driver of the unknown car disappeared quickly without giving aid to the
helpless sufferers pinned under the car. A passerby hastened to a nearby
telephone and summoned a physician who soon arrived and rushed the injured to
the city hospital in Salamanca. Mrs. Van Vlack was later removed to a hotel,
Mr. Van Vlack succumbing to his terrible injuries at the hospital at about 7
o’clock Friday morning, despite all the surgical efforts made in his behalf.
Al three victims were former residents of Napoli, N.Y., and were friends of
Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Oviatt of Smethport, whom they had frequently visited.
Hamilton Van Vlack of Bliss, N.Y., another brother, who arrived in Great
Valley Friday morning to attend the funeral of the niece was nearly prostrated
on learning the crushing tidings of his brother’s death. The party had called
at his home but a few hours before the fatal accident.
Mr. and Mrs. Oviatt attended the funeral of Mrs. John Kilburn in Great
Valley Saturday. The Kilburn family formerly resided in Betula.
Page 8.
Olean, May 27. – The body of Fred Morris, 18 years old, who has been missing
from his home here since December 25, 1923, was found late last night in a
pond not far from his home. Members of the local fire department retrieved
the body which was found by William Schonettier, a brother-in-law of Morris
who has been searching for him.
Morris disappeared on Christmas eve after he had left a party of friends on
State street.
Local and county police have been investigating the mystery surrounding
young Morris’ disappearance for five months.
His hat was located near where the body was found b y a group of boys last
week. It is believed he fell into the brook.
June 5, 1924.
Page 2.
Bradford, Pa., June 2. – Harold Howard, aged 21 years of 93 Main street,
employed as glycerine shooter by the American Glycerine company, of which his
father, William M. Howard is manager, was blown to atoms this morning at 7:20
o’clock, when a load of nitro glycerine which he was conveying in a glycerine
wagon to the Cochran-Connelly lease out West Branch, let go on the dirt road,
about 300 yards beyond the W.H. Emery residence on West Corydon street
extension.
The glycerine shooter in accordance with the city ordinance had been
accompanied to the city line on West Corydon street by Patrolman Charles
Hipehen, who rode ahead of the glycerine wagon in the patrol wagon. At the
city line Officer Hipehen left the load of glycerine and was on the return
trip to the police station when he heard the explosion, just as he reached
Main street, and knew that the man he had just escorted to the city limits and
parted with 10 minutes before, had been blown to eternity.
The sudden and terrible death of the young shooter was a horrible blow to
his young wife, and to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.M. Howard of 247 East Main
street. He was their only child.
Deceased was born in this city and had always lived here. He attended the
public schools of Bradford and then engaged in the glycerine business with the
concern which his father manages. He was considered an excellent shooter and
always exerted great care in his work.
Deceased was united in marriage to Miss Esther Duffy at South Bradford last
August and they reside in the apartments formerly occupied by Ex-mayor Spencer
M. DeGolier on Main street.
The parents and wife of Harold Howard are almost prostrated by their loss.
They like the other residents of Bradford heard the explosion and were at once
fearful that Harold had been killed and their fears were realized for they
soon were notified that the young man had been blown into eternity. The
stricken family has the sympathy of the entire community in the untimely death
of their husband and son.
( The article is much longer and contains further description of, and
speculations on the cause.)
Page 2.
John Bartley, one of the best known residents of McKean county, died at his
home in Mt. Alton, Friday morning at 11:15 o’clock after a year’s illness. He
was aged 65 years. For the past 40 years, Mr. Bartley had been a resident of
Mt. Alton where he was actively engaged in the chemical manufacturing business
and also in the production of oil on a large scale, having leases in Bingham
and Riderville. Deceased took deep interest in education matters of McKean
county.
He served as treasurer of the Lafayette township school board 25 years and
was supervisor of Lafayette township for 36 years. He was also Republican
committeeman of the east division of Lafayette township. Mr. Bartley was held
in the highest esteem by all who knew him and many (unreadable) his death.
(Next section unreadable)
He was a member of the Masonic bodies of Mt. Jewett, Consistory of
Coudersport and Zem Zem Temple Shrine, Erie, Pa.; the I.O.O.F. of Bradford,
Lafayette Grange No. 1555 and of the Empire State (unreadable). Funeral
services will be held at the home this afternoon at 1:30 o’clock, Rev. W.E.
Van Dyke of St. Luke’s Episcopal church of Smethport officiating. The body
will be laid to rest in the family plot in Oak Hill cemetery in Bradford. –
Kane Republican, Monday.
June 12, 1924.
Page 1.
Word has been received in Smethport of the death of Prof. C.S. Renn, head of
the English department of California State Normal, California, Pa., which
occurred Wednesday, May 28.
Prof. Renn was principal of the Smethport borough schools during the terms
of 1919-20 and had many friends here who will regret to learn of his demise.
He had been in poor health for some time past and underwent an operation
from which he apparently was recovering when he suffered a sudden relapse,
death ensuing.
Prof. Renn is survived by his wife, three sons, Chester, Harold and James
and one daughter, Margaret.
Page 4.
John Higgins who has resided in this vicinity for several years and has been
an inmate of the county home for two years, died at that institution a few
weeks ago.
He was born at Whitesville, N.Y. and was about 75 years of age.
Page 4.
Word ahs been received here of the death June 8th of Samuel G. Porter,
formerly of Smethport, at Point Marion, Pa. The deceased was a member of the
local lodge of Odd Fellows and well know here. Mr. Porter was for a number of
years employed at the old (unreadable) bottle factory.
Page 5.
The death of Mrs. Isabel Ray occurred Saturday at the home of her sister,
Mrs. Mary Terry of Wi--- street after a long period of illness.
Mrs. Ray was born in Smethport in 1880, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen
Pattison, deceased and had resided in this section most of her life. For
several years past she had made her residence in Buffalo until last March
since which time she has lived with Mrs. Terry.
She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Mary Terry of Smethport and two
brothers, Edwin Pattison of Hazelhurst and Eben Pattison who is not located in
the oil fields of Burma, India.
The funeral services were held at the Terry home Monday afternoon, Rev. W.E.
Van Dyke of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church officiating. Interment was made in
Rose Hill cemetery.
Mrs. Ray was a lady of estimable qualities and her death, although it had
been realized that her condition was serious, came as a shock to her wide
circle of friends.
June 19, 1924.
Page 1.
The death of Frank D. Cummings, aged 65, occurred at his home on Green
street at 2:00 A.M. Wednesday morning. He had been ill for a long period and
finally succumbed to a complication of diseases.
This is sad news to a host of friends who will remember him as a kindly man,
always with a pleasant word for everyone, and malice toward none – a true
Christian gentleman.
He had been a resident of Smethport for 32 years where the influence of his
splendid character has made itself felt throughout the community.
Mr. Cummings followed his trade of carpentry until the time of his illness
but also devoted much time to the interests of wild life in this section. He
served several terms as assistant game warden, and also as fire warden. One
of the charter members and organizers of the Olds Rod & Gun Club, and always
an active member, he was its President at the time of his death.
The deceased was born May 22, 1859, near Akron, N.Y. He is survived by two
sisters, Mrs. Ida Carr and Mrs. Myrtle Graves both of Clarence, N.Y.; and
three brothers, Henry of Jamestown, N.Y., Elmer of Bergen, N.Y., and Will of
Akron, N.Y.
After prayer service at the home this morning the body will be taken to
Akron for burial.
Page 1.
Elmer E. Kerns of 112 Maplewood ave. Bradford, aged 62 years, a locomotive
engineer, died at the Bradford hospital Monday morning. He had been a
resident of Bradford for 35 years. Formerly he ran an engine on the Gulf &
Ship Island railroad, but of late he was employed at the Dresser plant,
Bradford. He was a member of the Maccabees and belonged to the First
Methodist church.
He is survived by his wife, a son and a sister, Bertha M. Kerns of Buffalo.
Funeral services were conducted in the Koch & Oxley mortuary chapel on
Wednesday. The burial took place in Smethport where Mr. Kerns formerly
resided.
Page 5.
Mrs. M.E. McCrary, former well known Smethport resident, died at the home of
her daughter, Mrs. Ella Clemmons of Sein, N.Y., yesterday afternoon at 2:30
p.m. Mrs. McCrary was 83 years of age and lived here about ten years ago with
her son F.L. McCrary. Her many friends in this place will regret to learn of
her death.
June 26, 1924.
Page 3.
Wallace A. Russell Dead.
(Very difficult to read)
Eldred, Jun 20, Wallace A. Russell aged 87 years, passed away, Monday
(unreadable section)
Deceased was born ___ county, N.Y., April 18th, 1837 and was the son of Rev.
and Mrs. B.A. Russell. The greater part of his life was spent at Clermont,
Pa., coming to Eldred a few years ago. Since 1912 he has resided at the home
of his daughter, who has spared no pains to give him every (unreadable) in the
declining years of his life.
He has been a member of the Clermont I.O.O.F. Lodge, (unreadable) He was
the remaining one of a family of six children, his last sister having died May
2.
The funeral was held from the home of his daughter at 2:30 Wednesday
afternoon, services being conducted by the I.O.O.F. lodge and Rev. E. Jones
Pastor and Rev. Smith officiating. Burial was made in the (unreadable)
cemetery in Eldred by the side of his wife, who preceded him in death by ten
years.
He is survived by the daughter, Mrs. L.F. Rice, one son George Russell, four
grandchildren and one grandson, all of Eldred.
Page 5.
Funeral services for F.D. Cummings who passed away last Wednesday morning
were held at his home on Green street Thursday afternoon at 3 o’clock, Rev.
Chas. Whelan of the Methodist Episcopal Church officiating. Mr. Cummings’s
remains were taken to Akron, N.Y., Friday morning where services were held at
2 o’clock Friday afternoon at his former home in that place and interment was
made at the Pioneer cemetery. Rev. Wall, pastor of the Akron Baptist church
officiated at the final obsequies.
July 10, 1924.
Page 1.
Edith Wright, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Wright, passed away at the
Bradford Hospital Monday morning. Death was due to heart trouble.
She was born in Smethport August 12, 1895, being 28 years of age. She is
survived by her father, Henry Wright, two brothers, William and Leo Wright of
Smethport and two sisters, Mrs. E.L. Holland of Rochester, N.Y., and Mrs. John
Digel of Smethport.
Funeral services were held from the home of Miss Wright’s sister, Mrs. John
Digel yesterday afternoon. Rev. W.E. Van Dyke of St. Luke’s Episcopal church
officiating. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Entered into life on Saturday evening, July 5th, Emma Beloved wife of Warley
Gifford.
Mrs. Gifford was born near Smethport, January 24th, 1852, and was the eldest
daughter of Eben Gallup and Phoebe Windsor Gallup, his wife. In 1876 she was
married to Warley Gifford and to them were born two children, Ethel, wife of
the late Lewis Marks and Roy Carlton who resides in Chicago. She is also
survived by a sister, Mrs. Carrie Fischer, and five grandchildren.
(next section mostly unreadable)
…and was a Daughter of the American Revolution. She was the sixth President
of the Travellers Club and was President of the board of directors when the
Public School building now in use was built.
In her declining years she was tenderly cared for by her family whose
sadness is relieved by the joy of her release for the path of the just is as
the Shining Light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day.
Page 2.
Bradford, July 5. – Four are dead as a result of injuries suffered when the
plant of the Luminol Corporation of Pittsburgh, located at Lewis Run, was
destroyed by explosion on Thursday. Two others who were seriously injured may
died. The dead are:
Victor Deprater, aged 24 years, of Lewis Run, an employe at the plant.
Paul Frank, aged 25 years, of East Wear, New Hampshire, mining engineer and
expert chemist, a graduate of this years’s class of the Smethisonian Institute.
Joseph Minchie, aged 25 years, of Lewis Run, employed at the plant.
Both Deprator and Frank died on Thursday afternoon, about four o’clock,
while Light and Minchie lingered until early yesterday morning. None were
able to make any coherent statement before the end came.
(The article continues about the explosion but contains nothing further on the
men or their families.)
Page 2.
Eldred Eagle: Mrs. Mary Phalin, aged 76 years, passed away at her hom at
Sartwell Monday at about 12:00 o’clock. She had been in poor health for some
time and death came as a relief to her suffering.
Deceased was born in Tipperary, Ireland, 1848 (sic) (actually Aug 1847 from
census). She came to this country on the ??th of June, 1868. On August 25th,
18?? She was united in marriage to James Phalin. They took up this residence
at Sartwell at which place the greater part of her life was spent. Mr. Phalin
preceeded her in death by a number of years.
She was a conscientious hard working woman, a good neighbor and a devout
member of the Catholic church.
Funeral services were held Thursday at St. Mary’s Church, Sartwell, burial
was made in the Sartwell cemetery.
She is survived by five daughters, Mrs. Charles Welch, of Dallas, Tex., Mrs.
Thomas Fitzsimmons, of Port Allegany, Mrs. Frank Butler of Ceres, Miss
Margaret Phalin of Bradford, Miss Mary Phalin of Sartwell; two sons, W.T.
Phalin, of Eldred and L.C. Phalin of Okmulgee, Okla,; one brother, Michael
Brennan of Salamanca and one sister, Mrs. Julia Cahill of tipperary, Ireland.
July 1, 1924.
Page 1.
The death of Benjamin Franklin Cory, age 74, occurred at his home in
Coryville with shocking suddenness last Friday noon, July 11, 1924, due to a
heart attack.
Mr. Cory was born in Smethport July 15, 1849. His early childhood was spent
in Potter county. Mr. Cory’s maternal ancestors were among the early pioneer
settlers of that county and several of his paternal line fought in the
Revolutionary war.
In 1872 he was united in marriage to Ada L. Day of Farmers Valley and for
fifty-two years they have made their home in McKean county.
His life has been full of active service both in business and social ways
for the upbuilding of the community in which he lived. He became a member of
the United Brethern Church when he was 22 years old and lived a consistent and
devoted life, always retaining his membership in that church.
Five years ago he suffered a severe attack of heart trouble from which he
never fully recovered. Since last November his condition has been of a
serious nature, though he bore it with great fortitude and courage. However,
the end came suddenly as he was standing on the porch of his home and he went
peacefully with his face towards the west and all the great outdoor world of
which he was so fond.,
Besides his wife he is survived by five daughters, Mrs. May C. Williams of
Jamestown, N.Y.; Mrs. L.A. McIntyre of Warren, Pa.; Mrs. S.L. Waldo of
Bradford; Mrs. E.A. guenter of Coryville and Mrs. W.A. Flory of Bangor, Ia.
Three sisters survive, Mrs. Frank Caldwell of Farmers Valley; Mrs. J.J.
Johnson and Mrs. Lucy H. Hull of Harrison, Ark. Two brothers, Thomas M. of
Little Rock, Ark., and Azro J. of Edmond, Okla.
The funeral services were conducted from the late home by Rev. R.J. white,
D.D. of Buffalo, N.Y. and the burial was in the family plot at Eldred.
Page 2.
Word was received from Bolivar on the evening of July 4, that Mrs. Nelson
Bridge had passed away, death resulting from a complication of diseases. She
had been in poor health for several years and the past 18 months had been
confined to her bed.
(unreadable) Trask was born at Honeoyo in September 1891, where she resided
until she was united in marriage to Nelson Bridge of Shinglehouse in 1911.
They had resided in Bolivar the past eight years. She was a fine young
(unreadable) a loving wife and daughter, and held in high esteem by all who
knew her. She was a member of the Methodist church.
Besides her husband she is survived by her mother, Mrs. Mina Morehouse of
Bolivar, two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Lynn Bridge of Crosby, Pa.; Mrs.
Lewis Williams of Mt. Jewett; Myron Trask of Bolivar and Craig Trask of
Shinglehouse.
The funeral was held at the house at one o’clock Monday and was largely
attended. Rev. D.D. Purdy officiated. There was a profusion of beautiful
flowers. The interment was made in the East Sharon cemetery. –Shinglehouse
Mail.
Page 2.
Bradford, July 14. – Esther L. Perry, six year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
H.S. Perry of No. 11 Lawrence avenue, died at the Bradford hospital at 8
o’clock last night as the result of injuries sustained when she was struck by
a motorcycle at Degolia yesterday afternoon. The machine was driven by Emille
Vecellio of Lewis Run.
The accident occurred at about 4 o’clock near the Degolia cemetery, where
Mr. and Mrs. Perry and their only daughter Esther, had driven to visit the
graves of the two other children of the bereaved couple. Esther stepped from
the running board of the Perry automobile directly into the path of the
motorcycle drive by Vecellio who, it is claimed, was proceeding along the road
at a high rate of speed.
The front wheel of the machine struck the little girl and knocked her to the
pavement, she sustaining fatal injuries consisting of a fractured skull and
internal injuries.
Koch and Oxley’s ambulance was summoned, and the child was rushed to the
hospital in an unconscious state. She never regained consciousness and
despite the efforts of Fr. Joseph Kervin to save her life, died about four
hours later.
The body was removed to Koch and Oxley’s undertaking rooms where an autopsy
will be performed on the body this morning by Dr. Kervin. Tuesday night at 8
o’clock Coroner H.C. Heffner will hold an inquest into the cause of the death.
The child’s only surviving relatives are the parents, Mrs. and Mrs. H.S.
Perry, who will receive the condolence of the entire community in their
bereavement. Funeral arrangements will be made later.
Page 5.
The Death Angel summoned Mrs. John Bender, aged 64 years, and highly
esteemed Smethport lady, at the family residence on Bank Street last Thursday
morning at 3:15 o’clock.
Mrs. Bender had been in poor health for several years past but her
indomitable spirit and will had sustained her through affliction up to five
weeks ago when a complication of ailments compelled her to seek her bed for
the last time.
Katherine Elizabeth Landenberger was born at Pine Grove, Schuyikill county,
Feb. 3, 1860. In 1889 she married John Bender of Lebanon, Pa. In 1893 the
family moved to Smethport, where the husband has since been engaged in the
barbering business.
Besides her husband, deceased is survived by one daughter, Mrs. geo. Cochran
of Bradford and one granddaughter, Miss Katherine Slagle of home, also one
sister, Mrs. Anna Stark of Smethport and three brothers, Lewis Landenberger of
Reading, George Landenberger of Tremont, Pa., and Wm. Landenberger of
Perkasie, Pa. Another sister, Mrs. C.M. Colegrove of Smethport was called by
death the latter part of May.
Mrs. Bender possessed noble womanly qualities and generous graces which
endeared her to a wide circle of friends. Her death will be generally
mourned. The deceased lady was a member of the P.H.C. lodge and the Grange,
taking an active interest in the affairs of those orders.
The funeral was held at the family residence Sunday afternoon t 2:00
o’clock, the Rev. Chas. Whelan, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church
officiating. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Out of town relatives in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Landenberger,
Reading; Geo. Landenberger, Tremont; Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Grena___, Mt. Joy Pa.,
and Mrs. Alice McClure, Austin, Pa.
Page 5.
The death of Steven Irons, one of this vicinity’s oldest and best known
residents occurred at the Irons homestead near Smethport on the Ormsby road,
Sunday.
Mr. Irons was born April 10, 1834. He married Miss Julia Cross of
Villanova, N.Y., on November 3, 1855. To this union five children were born;
Mrs. Mae Keenan, Eugene, Jeptha and Gideon with whose family he lived, and
Willie who died in infancy.
Mr. Irons was a kind and loving father and a good neighbor. During his
lifetime he filled the office of supervisor of Keating township.
He lived in Keating township all his life except one year he spent in St.
Charles, Minn.
Steven Irons was a son of Gideon Irons and Mimima Stark Irons being the last
of a family of 12, all of whom have passed on. He was born in the community
in which he passed away on the old Irons farm.
The funeral was held at the Irons homestead Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. W.E.
Van Dyke of St. Luke’s Episcopal church officiating. Interment was made in
the family cemetery on the farm.
Those from out of town who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Charles
Gillette of Colegrove, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Irons of Rixford, Mrs. E.D. Card of
Port Allegany, Mr. and Mrs. W. Irons of Marvin creek, Clayton Irons of Marvin
creek, Mrs. Jud Hackett of Farmers Valley, Mr. and Mrs. John Irons of Dunkirk,
N.Y., Mrs. Chas. Bates, Smethport, Mrs. Frank Nealey, Marvin Creek, A.G.
Irons, Durant City, and John Lewis, Kane.
July 24, 1924.
Page 1.
The death of Andrew J. Manwaring, aged 71, former well known resident of
Crosby, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Floyd E. Marsh of Portville, Monday,
came with shocking suddenness to his hosts of friends. In spite of his years
Mr. Manwaring was in apparent good health and was able to do considerable
work. Death came while he was engaged at his tasks about the home, apoplexy
being the cause.
Besides Mrs. Marsh, with whom he had made his home for five years past, the
deceased is survived by one son, E.F. Manwaring of Crosby; two brothers, Fran
k and Charles of Corry Pa.; and four grandchildren.
Prayer services were held in Portville, last Thursday morning and interment
was made in the family plot at Crosby Thursday afternoon.
The Rev. L.A. Wright and Rev. F. Raulo, both of Portville officiated.
Page 1.
Bradford, July 19. – Floyd Van Sickle, a teamster employed by C.A. Duke of
Duke Center, was killed in a most shocking manner this morning at about 10
o’clock, while engaged in his labors on the lease. Van Sickle was driving a
team and wagon which contained hundreds of pounds of casing up the Kansas hill
on the lease when the horses gave a jerk and tipped the load of heavy casing
over onto the driver.
It is understood that Mr. Van Sickle was walking beside the wagon and it was
for this reason that he was pinned underneath the load which fell alongside an
oil tank. The victim of the accident was squeezed between the casing and the
tank and his life crushed from his body.
Word of the shocking fatality was sent into Duke Center and Paul Duke and
others went to the lease. The body was extricated from beneath the casing and
taken into town. The lease is located about two miles from the town of Duke
Center. Coroner H.C. Heffner of Bradford was notified of the accident and
death and will investigate.
The late Mr. Van Sickle was about 32 years of age and is survived by his
wife and one son. Mrs. Van Sickle is now a patient in the Port Allegan
hospital and her husband and and son have been keeping house alone during her
absence.
Page 3.
Bradford, July 22. – Charles H. Hahn, aged 73 years, of No. 65 Forman
street, died at 10:15 o’clock yesterday morning at the Bradford hospital.
Death resulted from internal injuries sustained when struck by the locomotive
of the B.R.&P., 5 o’clock local from Buffalo Sunday afternoon a short distance
north of the local passenger station. Although every possible means to save
the aged man’s life were resorted to by Dr. McCutcheon and other member of the
hospital staff, Mr. Hahn succumbed to the fatal injuries sustained.
Surviving relatives are the widow, one son, Charles L. Hahn of this city;
one sister, Mrs. Jessie Bullock of Cleveland; one brother, John Hahn of
Hemlock,, N.Y. The late Mr. Hahn was a member of the I.O.O.F. lodge of
Blossburg, Pa.
The body was removed to Koch and Oxley’s undertaking rooms and prepared for
burial. Funeral services will be held at the home, No. 65 Forman street
tomorrow afternoon t 4 o’clock. The body will leave Wednesday night for
Blossburg, Pa., where interment will take place.
Page 5.
Word has been received in Smethport of the passing of Oscar N. Palmer,
former will known resident of this section whose death occurred at the home of
his daughter, Mrs. Frank Fritz of Lockport, N.Y., on July 12, at the age of 96
years.
Oscar N. Palmer was born at Rochester, N.Y., September 27, 1829 and moved to
silver Creek, N.Y. with his parents in the early days by way of the Erie canal
and Lake Erie as there were no railroads in those times.
At the age of 51 he moved from Orchard Park, N.Y., to Farmers Valley,
occupying and managing the farm known as the Palmer farm on the Coleville road
for over 30 years. His wife, Emily L. Palmer, died at that place on Nov. 2,
1909.
Since he left the farm Mr. Palmer spent most of his time in Illinois with
his sons. Deceased is survived by four children, Mrs. Frank Fritz, Lockport,
N.Y.; Mrs. Ella M. Herzog, colegrove; Charles L. Palmer and F.O. Palmer of
Casey, Illinois.
July 31, 1924.
Page 2.
Bradford Sunday Herald: Mrs. Anna E. Hickey, aged 58 years, died at the
Sisters’ hospital, Buffalo, N.Y., last Thursday. The deceased, a resident of
Lexington, Ky., was formerly Miss Anna E. Maloney of Bradford. The body was
brought to Bradford yesterday and the burial took place at St. Bernard’s
cemetery, under the direction of John A. Still. Mrs. Hickey is survived by
her husband, N.P. Hickey; two sons, Walter and Edward P., and two brothers,
James Maloney, of Clermont, Pa., and Patrick Maloney of billings, Montana.
Page 6.
Mr. Peter Hjelm of Marvindale, died at the Informatory at North Warren,
Monday, July 21st. He was taken to the undertaking parlors of A.O. Lantz of
this place, Tuesday. Funeral services were held at the home in Marvindale on
Wednesday afternoon. Rev. Morten Parszon officiated. Interment was made in
Kasson cemetery. – Mt. Jewett Echo.
August 7, 1924.
Page 1.
Mrs. W. Lee an aged resident of this vicinity died at the home of her
daughter, Mrs. Jas. Ladlee in Irish Hollow, Monday morning, following a long
illness.
The funeral was conducted at the Ladlee home Wednesday afternoon The Rev.
Chas Whelan of the Smethport Methodist church officiating.
Page 3.
Bradford Star-Record, Monday; David Bright, aged 35 years, a well known
resident of Simpson, and a rig builder, was fatally injured this morning while
working on a rig on the lease of the Hazelwoods Oil company, located not far
from Simpson. He was brought to the Bradford hospital by fellow workmen in an
automobile in the hope that his life could be saved, but he died at 1:55
o’clock this afternoon.
Mr. Bright was busily engaged at his labor when a heavy object fell from the
top of the derrick, striking him with terrible force on the head. It was
known at once that the man was seriously hurt and he was brought to this city
hurriedly and attended.
Owing to his serious condition a thorough examination could not be made, but
it was believed that he suffered a skull fracture. His wife was with him when
he passed away.
Deceased is survived by his wife and two sons, a father-in-law, Mr. Crawford
and a brother-in-law Harry Crawford, both of Simpson.
August 14, 1924.
Page 5.
The death of Augustus A. Abbey, former McKean county auditor, and a
prominent citizen of Smethport occurred at his home on Bank street about 1:30
o’clock last Friday morning, following a lingering illness. Mr. Abbey was 74
years of age.
Mr. Abbey had been in failing health for over two years past. At that time
he was serving his last term as county auditor and despite the fact that he
was a very sick man he remained at his office duties during the winter of 1922-
23, when a less plucky man would have been in bed. He was finally compelled to
seek his bed during the past winter, and since that time he had been
practically helpless.
Mr. Abbey was born on the family farm near Burbanks, March 9, 1850. He
married Alveretta Taylor April 1, 1972. Alveretta Tyler Abbey died September
12, 1882. One daughter of this union, Mrs. Jane R. Palmer of Smethport
survives.
Mr. Abbey married Lydia Ostrander of Smethport on January 13, 1884, who
survives with the following children; Mrs. F. L. Heath of Corry, Pa., Mrs.
E.H. Southwick of Smethport and Russell Abbey who resides on the old homestead
at Burbank.
Success came to A.A. Abbey through his persevering, untiring efforts. At
the time he owned several of the finest farms in this vicinity and from his
residence in Smethport, not only successfully operated his farming interest
but engaged in other business activities as well. He had resided in the
borough, where he owned considerable property and real estate most of the
years of his life. Of late years he had retired from active farming pursuits.
Men had confidence in the business judgment of Mr. Abbey and repeatedly he
was chosen to hold positions of public trust. For twelve years he served as a
member of the borough council, and on two different occasion he served as a
member of the board of county auditors. He was one of the organizers of the
Grange National Bank of McKean county at Smethport and had since served
continuously on the board of directors.
Mr. Abbey was a member of Smethport Lodge, I.O.O.F.; Knights of the Macabees
and of Fidelity Grange, having served two terms as Master of the Patrons of
Husbandry.
Mr. Abbey was a kind and indulgent husband and father, an unassuming citizen
possessing real manly qualities which made him a valuable member of the
community. His death will be mourned by many friends residing throughout the
county who knew Mr. Abbey and respected him for his splendid qualities.
Besides his widow and children the deceased is survived by two sisters, Mrs.
Windsor of Port Allegany and Mrs. courser of Roulette, also one brother,
Alonzo Abbey of Smethport.
The funeral was held at the home Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock, being
largely attended by friends and neighbors and member of the fraternities of
which the deceased was a member. The Rev. Arthur Gregson of Coudersport,
former pastor of the Smethport Episcopal church, officiated. Interment was
made in Rose Hill cemetery.
August 21, 1924.
Page 1.
Fran k Franks, a cobbler, aged 55, committed suicide at Port Allegany
between 9:30 and 10 o’clock Friday morning by hanging himself to a rafter in
his garage located in the rear of his home.
The man came to his work as usual and was last seen in his cobbler shop at
9:30 o’clock. A customer who called at his place noticed his absence and went
to the garage to find him and was horrified to discover the man hanging to a
rafter. Dr. Otto was called and cut the man down but he was dead before the
physician arrived.
Coroner Heffner was notified and will make an investigation, although the
authorities of Port Allegany say it is clear case of suicide. His health was
assigned as the reason for the rash act.
Franks was a Frenchman and had lived in Port Allegany for a number of
years. He has no living relatives and made his home with his step-son.
Page 2.
Kane Republican, Monday: Joseph Romagnino, of 329 Bayard street, this city,
was so badly injured in an automobile wreck that occurred on the Kane-Mt.
Jewett highway, Saturday evening at 8 o’clock, that he died twelve hours later
after being taken to the Kane Summit hospital.
Romagnino accompanied by William Shaw, Edwin Antontson and William Wingard,
all of Kane, left her early in the evening in a new Cleveland automobile,
owned and driven by Romagnino, and went to Mt. Jewett where they tarried for a
short time and then started back to Kane. All went well until they reached a
point just west of Griffiths switch, on a straight stretch of road, when the
car plunged from the wet pavement into a field, turned in the opposite
direction, and landed on its right side. Romagnino was caught in the wreck in
such a manner that the weight of the car had him partly pinned under it. He
was extricated by his companions, all of whom escaped with a few slight
bruises. The man was hurried to the hospital by the driver of the car who
happened along immediately after the accident, and who had previously been
passed on the road by the Romagnino car, and who stated that “all he saw was a
blue streak when the car went by him.
At the hospital it was found that the man had a fractured pelvis and
internal injuries which caused his death at 8:30 o’clock Sunday morning. His
body was removed to Vollmer’s undertaking parlors where it was prepared for
burial.
(Article continues about the car being stripped by thieves and his former wife
shooting him but nothing further about funeral or family.)
Page 3.
Bradford Star-Record, Saturday: thrown under the wheels of a moving box
car, James McCleary, 82, one of the best known Civil War veterans of Bradford,
was instantly killed shortly after 11 o’clock this morning. The accident took
place on the Erie Railroad company’s switch just west of Washington street.
Engine No. 1083 was backing a coal car and a freight car west across
Washington street. According to Tony Vigilotti, who was the only witness of
the old man’s death, McCleary had stepped from a low platform to a path along
the tracks. The grabiron on the coal car caught him and he was thrown between
the cars. The two front wheels of the freight car passed completely over his
chest cutting the body in two.
Brakeman Art Ray immediately signaled the train to stop, but McCleery was
dead when he reached him. The train was in charge of Conductor Harry White,
Engineer T.B. Acker and Fireman A.W. Bedell.
The body was taken to Koch & Oxley’s undertaking parlors where it will be
held pending arrangement for the funeral. McCleery had no living relatives in
Bradford.
McCleery was one of the earliest settlers in Bradford, coming here in the
days of the oil excitement. He was well known especially among the old
residents of the city. He was a Civil war veteran and a member of the
Bradford Post no. 141 G.A.R. McCleery had played a fie through the war, and on
coming to Bradford was connected at various times with several musical
organizations. At one time he organized his own fife and drum corps, which
was a popular feature at all celebrations here.
The remains will be removed to the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Esington, 36
Cole avenue, where McCleery resided and held to await the instruction of
relatives regarding the burial. McCleery leaves two sisters, one living North
Dakota and the other in Buffalo.
Page 5.
Hinsdale, N.Y., August 16. – Fred J. Woolhiser, 63 years old, committed
suicide at his home at Hinsdale on Friday evening. His body was found on
Saturday afternoon by a man who gave the name of Rodgers from Olean. A self-
inflicted bullet wound in the head was responsible for his death. Woolhiser
had lived alone on the farm in Hinsdale and had been in ill health for a long
time. It is thought he became despondent and shot himself Coroner E.B.
Burdick of Olean returned a verdict of suicide.
Mr. Woolhiser was formerly a resident of Smethport and vicinity for a number
of years and was known by many of the older residents of this section.
Page 5.
Mrs. Louise T. Parsons, aged 92 years, a former resident of Kane up to 18
years ago, died at her home in Minneapolis, Minn., Tuesday, Aug. 12. The body
was brought to Kane where the funeral was held Sunday. The Rev. G.W. Belsey
who was former pastor of the Congregational church there when Mrs. Parsons
became a member and who has been visiting in Kane officiated. The body was
laid to rest beside her husband who died 31 years ago. Three grandchildren,
Albert H.P. House of Minneapolis, Ella Parsons of Smethport and Percy Parsons
of Oil City were in attendance.
Page 6.
Sheffield, Aug. 15. – Charles Kellerman, a resident of Thompson Hill and a
lineman in the employe of the Penn Public Service corporation met instant
death by electrocution at the Sheffield base ball park yesterday afternoon
when 2,200 volts of electricity passed through is body. The accident was
witnessed by a large number of people on their way to a Chautauqua
entertainment.
The man was engaged in making a splice on a transformer fifteen feet above
the ground and in some manner came in contact with a high tension wire. His
clothing was partly burned off and he was terribly scorched about the mouth
and forehead, while his limbs were burned to a crisp.
It was necessary to procure a block and tackle to unloose the man’s body
from its position after the current was shut off at a nearby pole.
The unfortunate man was forty years of age and is survived by his wife and
six children, the oldest of whom is but twelve years.
August 28, 1924.
Page 1.
On Friday evening, August 22d Smethport lost another splendid citizen by the
death of Arvld H. Bengs of Green Street. Mr. Bengs was operated on for
intestinal trouble at the Mountain Clinic, Olean, June 4th last. For a time
he seemed to rally from the operation but his recovery was so slow that
considerable fear arose that the outcome might be fatal. He was brought to
his home after seven weeks in the hospital and in spite of all that could be
done finally succumbed. A general poisoned condition arising from the
original trouble had gradually impoverished the blood stream so that death
came as the inevitable result.
Mr. Bengs was born at Wasa, Finland on June 28, 1878, the youngest of six
brothers. He enjoyed the advantages of a fine education spending two years at
the University of Helsingfors, Finland, then after a year in the Finnish
provincial army, four years at the Royal Technical College of Hanover, Germany
from which he was graduated with the degree of Master of Science in
chemistry. In 1903 he married Hilda Kristina Helman of Finland. Two children
were born to them, Hilding, who survives and Hildegarde who died in infancy.
In 1905 Mr. Bengs came to America to which he was followed the next year by
his wife and son. Until 1914 he was in the laboratories of Chas. Cooper &
son, Manufacturing Chemists, Newark, N.J. IN the latter year the family moved
to Smethport where Mr. Bengs was engaged in the Norwich Chemical Company
activities here. About five years later he was associated with E.E. Currier
and the Quinn interests in starting the Quinn Laboratories Company of
Smethport, and was engaged chiefly in the manufacturing of creosote.
He is survived by his wife and son, both of Smethport, and by three
brothers, Werner, Fritjof and Johannes, all of Finland.
He has been very closely connected with the M.E. church of Smethport ever
since he came here. For three years he was treasurer of the church hand has
always been most helpful in various activities of that organization.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at two o’clock and was in charge of
the Rev. Charles Whelan of the M.E. Church. The Rev. Arthur Gregson, former
pastor of the church, now of Coudersport, was also present and spoke in
glowing terms of appreciation of the influence of Mr. Bengs in the church and
in the community at large. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery. Messrs.
E.E. Currier, C.W. Lillibridge, C.K. Gregory, J.A. Karlen, Stanley Bright, and
N.H. Gleason acted as pall bearers.
Page 2.
Kane Republican, August 20: while watching a number of his boy companions
who were pitching horseshoes in front of his home at 413 Tionesta avenue,
about 5:45 o’clock, yesterday afternoon, Charles W. Olson, 11 year old son of
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Olson, suddenly fell to the ground and evidently expired
immediately of heart disease.
He had just been summoned by an elder brother to bring his small sister into
the house and as he turned to obey, sank down. The family believing the boy
had fainted summoned a physician, who quickly arrived and reported the boy had
been dead for several minutes after making an examination.
Page 3.
Ridgway, Aug. 22. – Oscar Costen, eleven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. C.C.
Costen, of 130 Van Buren avenue, was found dead this morning at 11:30 o’clock
of a gaping wound in his temple resulting from the discharge of a .32 calibre
revolver which was found beside the dead boy’s body.
Shortly after nine o’clock this morning, the mother of Oscar sent him to a
nearby store to purchase some groceries. He did his task and left the home
presumably to go to the small shanty behind his home. That was the last seen
of him alive.
Coroner Luhr has been advised of the death and he will probably hold an
inquest this afternoon. All indications point to the shooting as being
accidental.
Page 3.
Johnsonburg, Aug. 22. – James Jackson, aged 26 years, of Johnson burg, was
instantly killed early yesterday morning on the Ridgway-Johnsonburg road at
Whistletown, when the Chevrolet touring car in which he was riding, left the
road and pinned him beneath the wreckage.
Jackson, who is a recent graduate of the dental school of the University of
Chicago, was returning from Ridgway when the accident occurred. His three
companions. Martin Riashaw, John Morasco and Joseph Gapinski, escaped with
bruises and cuts. Jackson’s parents reside on Grove street in West
Johnsonburg.
A heavy fog which hung over the highway at the time of the accident is given
as the cause of the mishap.
September 4, 1924.
Page 2.
Ridgway, Aug. 30. – Rose Mary Oakley, four year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
D. Forrest Oakley, of 120 Polk avenue, died yesterday afternoon at 12:15 at
the Elk county General Hospital from injuries sustained Thursday afternoon
when she was struck by a swing at a picnic of the Baptist Sunday School, which
was held in the (unreadable) Grove near the Russell Car and snow Plow company.
The little girl was injured internally and although an operation was
performed at the Hospital Thursday evening, shortly after the child was
admitted, her condition was such that she failed to rally and death came
yesterday.
Page 5.
H.J. Rice has received announcement of the death of Prof. John Davison, vice
president of Ohio Northern University, Aida, O., which occurred as the result
of a slight infection of one hand. Prof. Davison was an instructor at the
McKean county Teacher’s Institute in Smethport in 1916 and on that occasion
made many friends in this borough, who were shocked to learn of the noted
educators untimely death.
September 11, 1924.
Page 1.
As the result of a terrible grade crossing accident in Smethport last
Thursday noon two person are dead and a third person was frightfully injured
when the gasoline car on the Kushequa railroad struck an automobile owned and
driven by John Eberspacher, proprietor of a Main street poolroom.
The dead:
Mrs. Ella Lehman, 71. Died a few hours following accident Thursday
afternoon.
John f. Eberspacher, 62, of Main street, Smethport. Died at the Bradford
Hospital Tuesday night at about 11 o’clock.
The injured:
Mrs. Jennie Eberspacher, wife of John Eberspacher, fracture of the left
wrist, serious injury to hip and spine, badly cut and bruise, has been in
serious condition from shock and no hope is entertained at this writing for
her recovery.
The accident occurred about 12:50 p.m. at the Irons farm crossing near the
Smethport Country Club on West Main street, just ouside the borough.
Mr. and Mrs. Eberspacher and the latter’s sister, Mrs. Lohman, who had been
their guest during the past two months were just starting out for Ormsby,
where they intended to call on friends.
Mr. Eberspacher at the wheel did not see the approach of the motor car which
is due at the local station from Backus at 1:00 p.m., and Henry Scott,
motorman and conductor of the railroad car, seeing the approaching automobile
sounded the bell and whistle, but did not realize that he had failed to
attract the attention of the automobile driver until a collision was
inevitable. He threw on his brakes 60 feet from the crossing but the car
could not be brought to a stop in time and it struck the front end of the
Eberspacher car as it started to pass over the tracks.
(Article continues at length about witness description and aftermath.)
Mrs. Ella Elizabeth Lehman:
Ella Elizabeth Lehman was aged 71 years and 3 months. She was born in
Greenfield, Pa., May 18, 1853, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R. Moore.
The family moved to this vicinity in her early life and she had resided in
Smethport and vicinity for many years. Of late she had resided with her
daughter, Mrs. G.H. Wood of Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. and Mrs. Wood had been visiting at Chautauqua Lake and efforts to
apprise them of the accident Thursday met with the response that they had just
left the day previously for their home in Cleveland, where they were reached
later and they proceeded to Smethport at once.
Mrs. Lehman was a lady of noble qualities who was widely known in Smethport
and held the affection and esteem of all. Her visit here which had been an
enjoyable one was nearing and end and the trip to Ormsby was to have been for
the purpose of bidding farewell to relatives there, before her return to
Cleveland.
Besides her daughter, Mrs. Neveda Wood, she is survived by one sister, Mrs.
Jennie Eberspacher of Smethport and one brother, Charles Moore of Harrisburg,
formerly of Smethport and Indiana, Pa., a prominent hotel man.
Private funeral services were conducted at the Eberspacher home Saturday
afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, the Rev. Chas. Whelan of the First Methodist
Episcopal church officiating. Interment was made in Rose Hill cemetery, this
borough.
John F. Eberspacher:
John Frederick Eberspacher was born 62 years ago at Beach Lake, N.Y., coming
to this vicinity when a young man.
He was united in marriage to Mrs. Jennie Moore Farr of this place and had
always resided in Smethport, with the exception of some time spent in Texas a
number of years ago.
During the lumbering days Mr. Eberspacher successfully followed that
business, finally engaging in the pool and billiard room business in this
borough, which he profitably conducted for many years.
John Eberspacher was known to his friends as a quiet, unassuming citizen of
splendid qualities.
Deceased was a member of the local lodge of Odd Fellows.
Besides his wife he is survived by a step-daughter, Mrs. Mattie Clark of
Haskell, Okla.; a step-son, George Farr of Rew City, and two grandchildren,
Mrs. Lola McIntyre of Binghamton, N.Y., and Mrs. Louise Herzog of Smethport.
At the time the Democrat goes to press the funeral arrangements have not
been completed.
Page 2.
Bradford, Step 5. – Joseph Canacci, aged 38 years, accidently shot himself
about 5 o’clock yesterday afternoon while shooting at a crow which had been
killing chickens. He died shortly after, before medical aid could be summoned
in the old Sullivan farm at Irvins Mills where the accident occurred.
Canacci had moved to the farm from Olean only about three weeks ago. He was
preparing to turn the farm into a roadhouse and already had prepared
advertising matter for the opening next week, in conjunction with the
(unreadable) a chicken farm and had purchased many fowls. Crows had been
molesting and killing chicks and when, yesterday afternoon, he saw a crow near
the coop, he went to the house, took a shot gun and fired at the bird.
It is believed that something went wrong with the gun and that while
inspecting it, Canacci shot himself.
Page 3.
Kane Republican, Saturday: John Howard, Jr., aged three years, son of Mr.
and Mrs. John Eliason of 713 Tionestia avenue, died at 10:30 o’clock last
evening from a terrible scalding sustained when he fell into a tub filled with
hot water, at 12:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon.
Dr. L.A. Larson and Dr. Guy Vogan were called at once and found the little
one badly scalded about the arms, legs, chest and back, I fact the patient was
in such a condition that death was inevitable, and the physicians gave their
efforts to easing the sufferings of the tot, until death relieved him.
(remainder is difficult to read)
September18, 1924.
Page 1.
The death of Miss Anna Beatrice Fay, a well known registered nurse, occurred
at the family home in Gifford Hollow, near Smethport, Saturday morning, Sept.
13, following a long illness as the result of her service with the Red Cross
in France during the World War.
Miss Fay was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Michael Fay and was born at
the family homestead March 5, 1886. She attended the East Smethport schools
and later the Smethport High school. She first trained for the vocation of
teacher and taught in the Keating township schools for two years, eventually
entering the training school for nurses at the Mercy Hospital, Buffalo, from
which she graduated in 1910 as a registered nurse.
Miss Fay followed her profession in Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit and Tulsa,
being in Cleveland when the United States entered the World War.
She joined the Red Cross on January 23, 1918, and after a period of service
at Fort McHenry, Md., sailed overseas on July 13, 1918, where she served with
Base Hospital Unit ?2 in France.
In performance of her duties she received a cut on one arm from which a
severe infection developed and while proceeding by rail to embark for home was
seized with a severe attack of illness and was confined to Base Hospital 65 at
Brest for some time.
Miss Fay returned to the United States march 27, 1919, and was discharged
from service May 3, 1919.
Since her military service her health had failed steadily and several months
ago she was compelled to seek her bed for the last time.
Miss Fay was a young lady of angelic disposition, a true sister of mercy,
who was an honor to her noble calling and who was beloved by all who knew
her. Her heroic war service can best be appreciated by soldiers who wore the
uniform overseas. She was a member of Bucktail Post, American Legion of
Smethport.
Funeral services were conducted at St. Elizabeth’s church Tuesday morning,
the Pastor, Rev. Fr. P.J. Donohue pausing at the conclusion of the solemn Mass
to pay an eloquent tribute to the departed. Interment was made in the family
plot in St. Elizabeth’s cemetery.
Page 2.
Olean, Sept. 11. – Running in front of a passenger train at the North Fourth
street crossing of the Pennsylvania railroad, Mary Balon, 14 years old,
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Balon of 201 East Elm street, was instantly
killed at 12:45 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The little body was carried on
the pilot of the locomotive for a distance of 100 feet.
Trainmen did not know of the accident until the customary inspection at the
local depot revealed blood on the pilot.
The girl with two others of about the same age failed to heed the crossing
watchman’s warning to wait until the approaching train had passed.
Page 5.
Mrs. Emma Gallup Bard, wife of Orlo Bard of Norwich, died at her home at
that place Friday evening. She had been in failing health for some time
past. Mrs. Bard was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. N.C. Gallup, pioneer
residents of Norwich township and at the time of her death was 47 years of
age. She is survived by her husband, one daughter, Lena and a brother, E.L.
Gallup of Colegrove.
Funeral services were held at Betula Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 o’clock.
Rev. Chas. Whelan of the Smethport Methodist church, officiating. Interment
was made in Colegrove cemetery.
A host of friends mourn the untimely passing of this estimable lady.
Page 5.
Word was received in Smethport yesterday morning of the death of H.H.
Gallup, well known citizen of Norwich which occurred at his home Tuesday
evening at 9:30 o’clock.
Mr. Gallup was 66 years of age and had been a life-long resident of Norwich
township. He was a man of the highest moral fibre and his passing is mourned
by a wide circle of friends.
Mr. Gallup was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Gallup and is survived by two
son, harry and Arthur and one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Richardson.
Funeral services will be held at the Colegrove church, Friday afternoon at
2:00 o’clock.
October 2, 1924.
Page 2.
Bradford Sunday Herald: Miss Ruth Franklin, 32 years old, of West
Washington street, for several weeks had been seriously affected by
melancholia. She was taken to the state hospital for treatment and seemed to
improve and returned to her home. During the past week she was again
seriously depressed and confided to her friends that she intended to commit
suicide.
Friday evening she was in the Foster Brook district and as an Erie passenger
train approached her, about 400 feet north of Foster Brook crossing, she
deliberately stepped upon the track between the rails, her back turned toward
the train and her arms folded.
Engineer C. Alger saw her on the track ahead of his engine and promptly
whistled and put on the brakes. The speed of the train was checked but the
locomotive could not be stopped in time to save the young woman’s life. The
pilot struck and hurled her outside of the rails.
When Conductor Drake, the engineer and other members of the crew, and some
of the passengers reached the fatally injured woman, she was unconscious. Her
injuries included a number of fractures and contusions. She was removed on
the train to the East Bradford station and then was hurried to the Bradford
hospital. She never regained consciousness and death took place at 9:15 that
night.
Deceased is survived by her sister, Miss Mary Franklin, an invalid, who was
greatly shocked when informed of the fate of her sister. Her condition is
said to be serious.
Miss Franklin, with her parents, came to Bradford from Port Allegany 20
years ago. Both father and mother are dead. She was a well known, popular
young woman of most excellent qualities and for 16 years had been employed as
a saleswoman at the A.D. Cohn store, Main street.
Coroner Heffner, after inquiring into the case, made a record of the
fatality in accordance with the facts.
Page 2.
Otto Kintz of Durant City died last week I the Kane Summit hospital as the
result of injuries sustained to his back two weeks ago which was mentioned in
last week’s Democrat. The unfortunate man was unable to tell how he received
his injuries and the county authorities have been investigating the case.
Page 2.
Hiram Smith Thompson, formerly of Bradford, age 89 died at the home of his
nephew, C.W. Green, at 70 Lincoln avenue, in Salamanca, Friday evening at 7:20
o’clock after an illness of some duration.
He was born in Corydon, Pa. After living there a short time he went into
business with S.C. Green, of Little Valley, and from there moved to Bradford,
Pa. He had been a resident of Salamanca the past year. He was street
commissioner in Bradford during Mayor Hoffman’s reign.
Mr. Thompson was a Civil war veteran, a member of the Ninth N.Y. cavalry,
Co. 13, and sergeant of the Q.M.C. He was also a member of Union Lodge 331,
F.&A.M., of Bradford.
He is survived by two nieces, Mrs. Erie Billings, of Norwich, and Mrs. Mark
Wesson, of Brooklyn and one nephew, C.W. Green, of Salamanca, with whom he
resided.
The funeral was held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the Green
residence. Bradford lodge had charge of the services at both the home and at
the grave, and Rev. A.J. Bally, of the People’s M.E. church officiated.
Interment was made in Rural cemetery, Little Valley.
Page 2.
Er Fairbanks, 45 years old, a native of Bradford who had followed the oil
industry many years, was burned to death in McAlester, Okla., on the night of
September 16. Deceased was in the land department of the Indian Oil Co. as a
scout and was active in making deals for leases.
On the day when his activities reached a tragic end he had been busy and
early in the evening went to his room in the Busby house at McAlester. He was
fatigued it is presumed, and retired early. AT 8:30 a mass of flames came up
the elevator shaft into the body of the house from the basement. In a few
minutes smoke and fire filled the building and it was destroyed.
Mr. Fairbanks and two other guests were burned to death before they could
escape.
Page 3.
Mrs. Mary Congdon, aged 73 years, a highly respected resident of Salamanca,
passed away in that place Friday evening, Sept. 26.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Julius Hornlin of Smethport, Mrs.
P.J. Kearney of Jennings, Okla., and two sons C.C. Carmady of Greenville, Pa.
and Geo. W. Carmedy of Salamanca.
Mrs. Congdon was well known in Smethport where she had visited on numerous
occasions.
Page 5.
The death of James Tabor, highly respected resident of this borough,
occurred at the home of his sister, Mrs. L__ Colegrove of East Main street
about noon Tuesday.
Mr. Tabor had been in declining health for several years past but by
indomitable power of will remained active up until three weeks ago when he was
compelled to seek his bed for the last time.
Deceased was born at Sylvania in Bradford county, Pa., April 19, 1851, being
the son of Leroy and Helen Tabor.
For many years Mr. Tabor followed the business of traveling salesman up
until failing health prompted his retirement. He was very successful in his
business pursuits and was well and favorably known over a wide radius. During
the years that he has resided in Smethport the deceased has made friends by
the legion. He was a true gentleman possessing a high type of character who
held the affection and esteem of all his acquaintances who were grieved at
news of this (unreadable) demise.
He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. L___ Colegrove and Mrs. Lydia H___ of
Smethport and one brother who resides in ____ N.J.
The funeral will be held at the Colegrove residence Friday afternoon at 2:30
o’clock, Rev. Chas. Whelan of the Methodist Episcopal church officiating.
Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 5.
Smethport residents were distressed last Friday by news of the sudden death
of Dr. Arthur Ward Cutler, celebrated surgeon of Oneonta, N.Y., which occurred
with shocking suddenness at the Clifton Springs, N.Y. sanitarium at 10:00
o’clock that morning, from an attack of heart trouble.
Dr. Cutler was well known in this borough by reason of frequent visits
here. He married Nellie Backus, one of Smethport’s best known daughters.
His skill as a surgeon was widely recognized and by reason of his
benefactions to mankind his untimely demise cast a pall of sadness over his
home city. He was beloved by all classes. During the war Dr. Cutler was a
colonel in the U.S.A. medical service.
Dr. Cutler is survived by his wife and one sister.
Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Backus and Mrs. Mary Backus of Smethport, left Friday for
Oneonta to attend the funeral which was held at the First Presbyterian church,
that city, Sunday morning at 10:30 o’clock.
October 9, 1924.
Page 1.
A telegram was received last Friday containing brief announcement of the
death of Paul Richmond, a well known Smethport young man, which occurred in
New Mexico, where he had been located for some time past. At the time the
Democrat goes to press details of the young man’s death are lacking.
Mr. Richmond was an adopted son of the late Hon. T.F. Richmond. During the
World War he served with the regular army.
Page 1.
Thomas, the five year old son of Mr. and Mrs. T. Soule of Farmers Valley
died Sunday from an attack [of] diphtheria. Interment was made in Rose Hill
cemetery, Smethport Monday evening.
Page 1.
Mrs. Joseph Fizoli, aged 31 years and her six children, ranging in ages from
3 months to 11 years, were instantly killed at 5:28 o’clock Sunday afternoon
when an Overland touring car in which they were riding was struck by the
Philadelphia-Buffalo express of the Pennsylvania railroad at a private road
crossing near the Weiman chemical works at Port Allegany.
Joseph Fizoli, aged 35, who was driving the machine escaped with minor
physical injuries but is in a critical condition in Dr. McGranor’s hospital at
Port Allegany suffering from shock. It was found necessary to administer a
sedative to cause him to sleep shortly after he was taken to the hospital.
More than 500 people who were watching the baseball game between Bradford
Shamrocks and the Rixford team, on a diamond, the home plate of which is only
about 400 feet from where the accident occurred, did not know of the fatality
until the train crew rushed on the field and asked for a doctor. The game
ended as the train crew arrived and the crowd rushed to the crossing to find
that the mother, two daughters and four sons were beyond help. The father was
rushed to the hospital.
The Fizoli family was returning from an automobile trip on which it had gone
after dinner. It is believed that Mr. Fizoli failed to see the approaching
train, his attention being focused on a large number of automobiles parked
along the road by people who were at the ball game. There is no curve at this
point and the track is visible for about half a mile. The train was behind
its schedule, it is claimed and was making up time.
In a brief statement before he fell asleep, Fizoli said he did not see the
train until he had started to cross the track. The engineer saw the machine
too late to avoid hitting it by immediate application of the brakes. The
engine struck the car in the middle, hurling the passengers clear of the
tracks. All were thrown some distance except Mr. Fizoli, who was dragged
along by the engine, caught under part of the automobile which was completely
demolished.
Coroner H. Clay Heffner of Bradford was notified immediately and he
permitted the removal of the bodies to the establishment of Undertaker Grabe
of Port Allegany.
Although the collision occurred at the crossing of a private road, it is
said Fizoli was not trespassing as the road is used by employes of the
chemical works who live in that vicinity. His home is located so that he had
to make use of the road and he is an employe of the Weiman company.
Page 5.
Entered into life eternal at her residence in Smethport on Saturday evening,
October 4th, 1924.
Hannah McCoy Hamlin, eldest daughter of Dr William Y. McCoy and wife of the
late Hon. Henry Hamlin. On Sunday evening previous to her departure Mrs.
Hamlin retired early feeling unusually tired but suffering no pain, and no
unusual anxiety was felt for her well-being as she soon fell quietly asleep.
Her nurse, entering her room in a short time found that she had suffered a
stroke of paralysis and was entirely unconscious. From this condition she
never rallied and thus without mental or physical suffering her sweet spirit
took is flight.
Funeral services were held at St. Luke’s Episcopal church, Tuesday afternoon
at 3:00 o’clock, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke officiating. Interment was made in the
family mausoleum in Rose Hill cemetery. Assisting Rev. Van Dyke at the
services were the Rev. E.H. Edson of Franklinville and the Rev. Chas. G. McCoy
of Williamsport the latter a nephew of the departed.
Mrs. Hamlin was born in Smethport on February 18th, 1834, and was the eldest
of ten children born to Dr. William Y. and Charlotte Darling McCoy. In 1854
she was united in marriage to Henry Hamlin, also of Smethport. Four children
were born to them, Mrs. Robert Rose of Binghamton, N.Y., Mrs. Emma McCandless,
who passed away in 1922, Mrs. Eugenia M. Merrell, and Mr. Orlo J. Hamlin also
of Smethport.
She was the first president of the Travelers Club and a member of the
Daughters of the American Revolution.
But little can be added to what the citizens of her native town already
know. Gifted with a rare insight into the deeper things in literature and her
study and travel had matured these gifts. In music she was gifted with a
voice of rare sweetness and power. Of a singularly sweet and sunny
temperament, loving life for life itself, her presence radiated comfort and
happiness; and best of all, she realized that God is Love and that love is the
fulfilling of the law. Early in life she answered to the call of Him who
said “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life”, and in this pathway she never
faltered.
Mrs. Hamlin was closely connected with the early history of Saint Luke’s
Parish, and with her beloved sister, Mrs. Charlotte McCoy Hamlin, labored with
untiring zeal and energy until its establishment was fully accomplished; and
many households gratefully acknowledge the inspiration of their influence and
example. Mrs. Hamlin was ever anxious for the welfare of others. She loved
to help, and her frequent benefactions were graciously and tenderly bestowed.
She passed to her eternal rest as quietly as a flower closes its petals at
eventide; “And so He giveth His Beloved Sleep.”
October 16, 1924.
Page 1.
Dan Hanley, aged about 65 years, and oil well contractor of Shinglehouse,
died in Bradford about 10 o’clock Monday night from heart failure while
sitting on the porch of the home at No. 41 Davis street where he roamed. His
body was not found until shortly before midnight when the night watchman at
the B.&S. shops notified the police that a man on the porch of a nearby house
was acting suspiciously. Capt. Sweet and Officer Fellows investigated to find
that the man had been dead sometime. Coroner H. Clay Heffner was notified.
Mr. Handley had been working in Bradford and he visited his wife at
Shinglehouse each weekend. He was a member of the Olean elks Lodge. Beside
his widow a son, War Handley of Silver Creek, survives. The body was removed
to J.A. Still’s undertaking rooms. Mr. Handley formerly resided in Smethport.
Page 1.
S. Gideon Irons, one of this vicinity’s best known farmers, received fatal
injuries in a fall at his farm home on the Ormsby road early last Friday
morning, his death resulting Saturday morning, Oct. 11, 1924 at 4:15 a.m., at
the home of his sister, Mrs. Mae Keenan, where he was taken soon after the
accident.
Mr. Irons had bone to the pasture about a mile from his farmhouse early
Friday morning to do the milking. In the darkness he stumbled and fell,
striking against the milking stool in such a manner as to receive severe
internal injuries.
The injured man succeeded in making his way back to the house and was later
taken to his sister’s home where Dr. H.L. McCoy and Dr. W.A. Ostrander
attended him. Despite efforts of the attending physicians the patient never
rallied.
S. Gideon Irons was born August 19, 1873 at Smethport. He was the son of
Stephen and Julia Cross Irons, pioneer residents of this place, both
deceased. He was united in marriage Dec. 3, 1895 at Trempealeau, Wisconsin,
to Miss Edna Kelley of Arcadia, Wis. To the union were born five children,
Merle F., who died fourteen years ago and Harold of Rew City, Jesse, Ethel and
Merton, all at home. He is also survived by two brothers, Eugene and Jeptha
and one sister, Mrs. Mae Keenan, all of Smethport.
Mr. Irons spent most of his life in Smethport, except one year which was
spent in the west.
He was a kind and loving husband and father, liked by all who knew him.
The funeral was held Monday afternoon at the home of his sister, Mrs. Mae
Keenan, Rev. W.E. Van Dyke of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, officiating. The
floral offerings were many and beautiful, attesting to the esteem in which Mr.
Irons was held.
Interment was made in the family plot on the Irons farm.
Page 2.
Daniel E. Beckwith, a one time resident of Smethport, died at his home in
Neligh, Neb., Sept, 18, aged 83 years, 4 months, 17 days.
Mr. Beckwith was born at Clermont, McKean county, Pa., May 1st, 1841. He
was married to Catherine King in 18??. For a number of years the family
resided in Smethport on the corner of Mechanic and Willow streets.
At the outbreak of the Civil war he enlisted as a private soldier to serve
his country. For gallantry in action he was promoted to the rank of 2nd
Lieutenant and at Gettysburg was placed in command of his company.
In 1867 he moved his family westward with the tide of emigration settling in
the Platte river country of Nebraska. From that time on Mr. Beckwith took an
active part in the development of Nebraska, experiencing all the vicissitudes
of strenuous pioneer days, finally developing a homestead and timber claim
near Neligh. He was an enthusiastic hunter and his experiences with the rifle
gained him wide fame. He became a prominent, respected citizen of that town,
a leader in all church, civic and political affairs. The Neligh Leader in the
issue of Sept. 23 pays high tribute to Mr. Beckwith’s worth as a citizen.
Deceased is survived by his wife, one daughter, Mrs. Edmund Hall of Neligh;
six sons, Roy and Fred of Addison, Neb., Emmet and Clyde of Crawford, Neb.,
Harvey and Edward of Neligh. Mrs. L. Steinhauer of Farmers Valley is a niece
of the departed.
The six sons were with their father when the end came and carried him to his
final resting place.
Page 3.
Leon B. Cameron, aged 45 years, editor of the Wellsboro Gazette, died in
that place recently, of what is thought to be anthrax poisoning. He bought a
new shaving brush a week ago and after using it discovered that he had a
swelling on his face through a cut. On Sunday, Sept. 28, he went to the
Blossburg Hospital where it was diagnosed as anthrax. The ulcer was opened
and he came home in charge of a nurse. The next day the swelling receded, and
his symptoms were more favorable, but the next night it grew more malignant.
More than a year ago Mr. Cameron and his wife, who was formerly Mary
Conevery, took charge of the Wellsboro Gazette. The deceased is survived by
his widow and three sons. He was a son of former Judge David Cameron of
Wellsboro and brother of State Banking Commissioner Cameron of Harrisburg.
Page 3.
Corning, N.Y., Oct. 13. – Miss Savria Conable, 17, daughter of ex-County
Commissioner and Mrs. Mack Conable of Galeton, Pa., was decapitated last night
when she lost control of the car she was driving near Walton, Pa., and was
thrown through the windshield when the machine struck an embankment. Two
young women companions were uninjured.
Page 5.
Severino Pettentati, age 5 years and six months, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pietro
Pettentati of Crosby, died last Saturday of an attack of pneumonia.
The funeral was held at St. Elizabeth’s church, Smethport, Monday. Rev. Fr.
P.J. Donohue officiating. Interment was made in St. Elizabeth’s cemetery.
Page 5.
The death of Mrs. Christine Anderson occurred at the family residence on
East main street Monday morning Aug. 18 (unreadable) o’clock.
Mrs. Anderson had been in failing health for some time and suffered a
serious attach of illness earlier in the summer. For a time (unreadable) but
last Friday suffered a severe paralytic stroke from which she never rallied.
Mrs. Anderson was a lady of (unreadable) character, whose many graces
(unreadable) her to those who were privileged to know her. Her home was her
castle and her loss is a irreparable one to a devoted family circle.
Anna Christine Anderson was born in Skone, Sweden, March 12, 1858. She came
from Sweden to Smethport in 1882 and was married Nov. 24, 1882 to Swan
Anderson who died Oct. 20, 1917. She is survived by seven children, Mrs. J.C.
Francis of Gifford, Pa., Mrs. A.H. Lyne of Bradford, the Misses Mary, Helen
and Ellen of home and Fred and Oscar Anderson of Smethport. One daughter,
Hildegarde, died Jan. 25, 1921. She is also survived by eight grandchildren,
Evelyn and Richard Lyne of Bradford and Kathryn, Bernice, Marie, Ruth, Alice
and Louise Anderson of this place.
Two brothers, C.P. Anderson and B.P. Anderson of Olean and two sisters, Mrs.
Ida Westling of Chicago and Mrs. Hannah Nelson of Parsons, Pa., also survive.
The funeral was held at the family residence on East Main street Wednesday
afternoon at 2:00 o’clock, the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke pastor of St. Luke’s
Episcopal church, Smethport, and the Rev. Erickson of Bradford officiating.
Interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 7.
Mrs. P. McDonald, aged 70 years, passed away at her home on Barden Brook
Saturday morning, Oct. 4th, at 7:45 following a several weeks illness from
pneumonia. Although stricken with a fatal disease at times, she seemed to
rally and hopes were entertained for her recovery. Her death came as a great
shock to her relatives and many friends.
The deceased was born in Ireland, June 18, 1854, coming to this country with
her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Daning at the age of two years. They settled
on a farm at the foot of Barden Brook where she was reared to womanhood. In
November 1872, when 18 years old, she was united in marriage to Patrick
McDonald at Sartwell and has since resided at Barden Brook. Six children were
born to bless the union, five of whom survive, namely Mrs. George Kennedy of
Newark, N.J., Miss Rose McDonald of Akron, O., Mrs. John Biggins, Ralph and
Edward McDonald of Eldred.
The funeral was held Tuesday morning at 9 o’clock from St. Raphael’s church,
Father W.E. O’Hern officiating. Interment was made in the family plot at
Sartwell.
(Her name was Anne per the 1870 Census)
October 23, 1924.
Page 1.
The death of Gustaf Engstrom, aged 48 years, one of Smethport’s best known
and most highly respected residents, occurred at his home on Green street at
9:10 o’clock Tuesday morning.
Death resulted from stomach trouble from which the deceased gentleman had
suffered for some time. Over a year ago Mr. Engstrom was confined to his home
for a long time but apparently rallied from that attack entirely. About three
weeks ago he was again similarly stricken and from that time grew steadily
weaker.
Mr. Engstrom who was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Engstrom of
Smethport was born in Oreryd, Sweden, Sept. 3, 1872, coming to this country
and to Smethport in 1894. In 1907 he was united in marriage in Smethport to
Miss Hannah Melin.
Besides his wife he is survived by six children, Holger, Beatrice, Melvin,
Everett, Helen and Merrill, all of home.
Mr. Engstrom was a member of the large family consisting of one sister, Mrs.
Samuel Blomberg of Smethport; John Engstrom of Jamestown, Oscar, (deceased) of
Buffalo, Adolph of Evanston, Ill., and Victor Amandus and Otto of Smethport.
Mr. Engstrom was an industrious, affluent citizen of conspicuous worth to
his community. He was the soul of honor and a manly man who enjoyed the
affection and esteem of his fellow townsmen. News of his death was received
with profound sorrow.
Following prayer services at the family residence at 2:00 o’clock Friday
afternoon, funeral services will be conducted at the Swedish Mission church,
of which the departed was an active member, the Rev. Carl Hognander of
Jamestown, N.Y., officiating. Interment will be made in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
John Hannifan, 50 years old, of South fifth street, Olean, was instantly
killed and two other men were injured, one probably fatally, when the driver
lost control of the car in which they were riding on the state road east of
Olean Saturday.
Page 1.
Salamanca, N.Y., Oct. 30. – Sam Fogelson of Mortimer street, Buffalo,
arrested Friday night in connection with the fatal accident in which Mrs. Leon
Braggs, twenty-eight years old and Mabel Smith, nine, were killed by a truck
while walking along the highway near Wesley, confessed he was driver of the
truck, Sheriff Frank Annis of Cattaraugus county said yesterday. He was
arraigned before Justice of the Peace Ernst at Dayton for leaving the scene of
an accident without reporting to an officer.
Page 2.
Kane Republican, Thursday: Probably the worst motoring accident that ever
occurred in this vicinity happened at 12:20 o’clock this afternoon when a Ford
sedan driven by Miss Ruth Coulter of 114 Biddle street, Kane, was struck by
the westbound express train on the Pennsylvania railroad at the highway
crossing at Wetmore and three persons were killed outright while the fourth
lies at the point of death in the Kane Summit hospital.
The dead are:
Miss Ruth Coulter, aged 16 years of Kane.
Mrs. Wilbur Coulter, aged 28 years of Meadville.
Glenn Coulter, aged 14 months, son of Mrs. Wilbur Coulter.
The injured:
T.E. Coulter, 63 years old, superintendent of the South Penn Oil company.
The party left her about noon on their way to Warren and had reached the
highway crossing at Wetmore when the westbound express, which was behind
schedule time struck the Ford sedan, driven by Miss Coulter and reduced it to
a mass of wreckage, while the victims of the frightful crash were scattered
along the right of way.
The train was stopped and the trainmen rushed back to behold a terrible
sight. Miss Coulter, Mrs. Wilbur Coulter and her little son had been killed
instantly, while Mr. Coulter was picked up terribly injured. The bodies of
the victims and the injured man were tenderly picked up and placed upon the
train which returned to this city.
Mr. Coulter was rushed to the Kane Summit hospital where everything possible
was done t save his life.
Mrs. Wilbur Coulter and her little son of Meadville were visiting the
Coulter family here. She was a daughter-in-law of T.E. Coulter and with her
husband were residents of Kane for several years prior to about a year and
half ago, when they moved to Meadville. Mrs. Coulter was born in England and
came to America a short time before her marriage to Mr. Coulter.
Miss Ruth Coulter was a Senior in Kane High school, a very popular young
lady of charming character and one of the most beautiful girls in the school,
being among the six beauties picked by the High School students at the close
of the session in June.
Little Glen Coulter was a pretty and highly intelligent baby.
Thomas E. Coulter is one of Kane’s most prominent citizens and a man widely
known and highly esteemed. He is district superintendent of the South Penn
Oil company and one of the most efficient men in that large organization.
News of the terrible happening came with shocking suddenness and fairly
stunned the many friends and acquaintances of the victims. It is generally
said to be the worst accident that has happened in Kane in many years.
The bodies of the victims are now at the undertaking rooms of O.G. Brown on
Fraley street and will be prepared for burial as soon as Coroner H.C. Heffner
of Bradford has viewed the remains and given his decision.
Page 2.
Mt. Jewett Echo: Thomas M. Allen died at the Soldiers and Sailors Home at
Erie, Pa., Sunday, October 12th.
Mr. Allen was born in Dayton, Pa., Armstrong County, July 27, 1846.
He is survived by four daughters and two sons: Mrs. J.W. Reed of Sargeant;
Mrs. Tirzah Milliron of Dayton, Pa.; Mrs. C.W. Hazelton of St. Marys and Mrs.
T.M. McDivitt of this place; James Allen of Hazelhurst and Harry Allen of
Okmulgee Okla.
Page 2.
Mt. Jewett Echo, Oct. 16: Floyd D. Colquist, one of our prominent young
business men passed away at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Colquist
of this place on Friday evening, October 10th, following a lingering illness
of several months duration.
Mr. Colquist was born in Mt. Jewett, December 30th, 1893. He was a graduate
of our High School and until his illness was proprietor of the Colquist
Grocery Store.
Mr. Colquist is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. Colquist, his wife,
Clara, and one son, Floyd Emil.
He is also survived by one brother Emil Colquist of Olean, N.Y., and one
sister, Emmerite at home.
Funeral services were held at the home of his parents, Monday afternoon t 2
o’clock. Rev. L.H. Beck of the Swedish Lutheran Church of Kane and Rev. Chas.
J. Gleason of St. Joseph’s Church, officiating. Interment was made in
Bridgeview cemetery. During the services all business places were closed out
of respect for the deceased.
Miss Ruth Lundren and Edward L. Gustafson sang, “Invisible Land,” and “Heln
Vagen Gar Han For Mig”.
The following acted as pall bearers: Claude Eshbaugh, Howard Ross, Edgar
Mollander, Herbert McCoy, jack Phillips and James Whalen. E.A. Irwin, Gerald
Butler and F.E. heath acted as flower bearers.
(A list of out of town attendees follows.)
Page 2.
The death of Mrs. Matilda Walters of Trout Run, Pa., took place at the
McGraner hospital, Port Allegany, on Wednesday of last week, death being due
to hemorrhages of the lungs caused by an automobile accident. The accident
occurred Saturday on the Jersey Shore Turnpike when something happened to the
steering gear of the car in which she was riding. The car was going about ten
miles an hour at the time, and overturned in the middle of the road. The
other occupants of the car were not hurt.
Page 5.
Olean, Oct. 20. – George Peckham, 78 Years old, of Shinglehouse, Pa., was
killed by a train on the Pennsylvania Railroad bridge in East Olean Saturday
night. His body was considerably mangled and the left arm was cut off at the
elbow. The body was found in the middle of the bridge. The freight house
locomotive and a string of cars had passed 30 minutes before. Peckham came
here for his pension check. He was a Civil War veteran.
Page 6.
Coudersport, Pa., Oct. 16. – Vassar Dodd, aged five years, son of Mr. and
Mrs. Edward Dodd, of North Coudersport, is dead as a result of an injury when
the little fellow was hit by an automobile driven by William Pfeiffer, of
Roulette. Mrs. Dodd was at the home of her sister near roulette, caring for
her during an illness, and the child started across the road, a paved highway,
and ran directly in front of the car. The child was rushed to the McGraynor
hospital where it was found the injuries had proven fatal. Mr. Dodd has but
recently gone to Olean, where he is a brakeman on the Pennsylvania railroad.
October 30, 1924.
Page 5.
The funeral of Harold Edson Simpson, 21, who was killed on Wednesday morning
of last week while working on the Barry lease at Coleville, was held at the
home of his mother, Mrs. Ernest McDonald, Coleville, Saturday morning at 11:00
o’clock the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke pastor of St. Luke’s Episcopal church,
Smethport, officiating. The body was taken to Bolivar, N.Y. for interment.
The accident which caused Simpson’s death was reported in the Democrat last
week. The young man was operating a Fordson tractor and in some manner his
coat sleeve was caught in the gears with the result that his head, arm and
shoulder were dragged into the mechanism, causing instant death. It was some
time later that fellow workmen discovered the body.
Page 8.
Bradford, Oct. 27. – Clarence A. Williams, aged 74 years, resident of
Bradford and vicinity for the past 47 years, died at the Bradford hospital at
11 o’clock yesterday morning, succumbing to exposure following a paralytic
stroke. He was found unconscious, after an all night search by a party of
friends, in the woods near Rew City, about 11 o’clock Saturday morning. He
had lain unconscious since Friday afternoon, when it is believed, he suffered
a paralytic stroke while walking in the woods.
In company with Charles Passmore, Mr. Williams went to the Passmore oil
lease, on the Fisler farm, near Rew City, Friday morning. He was fond of
taking long walks in the woods and was not missed until Mr. Passmore was ready
to return to Bradford. A searching party was formed which included Mr.
William’s daughter, and the area in the vicinity of the house was covered
throughout the night. The search was abandoned about 1 o’clock Saturday
morning, and again resumed about 10 o’clock.
Mr. Williams was rushed to the Bradford hospital where he remained in an
unconscious condition until he expired.
He came to Bradford during the early days of the oil excitement and made
many friends. For about 25 years he had been Postmaster of Sawyer City. In
recent years he made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Maude Moore, here.
Page 8.
Bradford, Oct. 27. – Slashing her throat from ear to ear with a keen-edged
razor, Mary Talerico, 13 years of age, died about 2 o’clock Saturday after she
had been rushed to the Bradford hospital. The suicidal attempt was made at
1:30 o’clock and so thoroughly had the girl wounded herself that Drs.
McCutcheon and Kervin, who were called to the house immediately upon discovery
of the girl’s condition were unable to save her life.
She was rushed to the hospital in Koch and Oxley’s ambulance. All the way
on the trip, Miss Talerico kept muttering to Dr. McCutcheon, “I don’t want to
live.”
The girl was found at the head of the stairs at her home at 43 Bennett
street. She had evidently fallen part way down the steps after slashing her
throat. Both arteries in her neck were severed.
She was the daughter of Joseph Talerico, who lives at the above address.
The family could give no reason for her wishing to take her life.
Page 8.
Kane Republican, Oct 27. – Henry Tunall, aged 20 years of 323 Janeway
street, this city, died at the Kane Summit hospital at 8:45 o’clock, yesterday
forenoon after being brought to that institution Saturday evening in a dying
condition from asphyxiation caused from an open gas fire in a stove in his
bedroom at the Sheffield House, Sheffield, on Friday night.
The young man went to Sheffield from his home here on October 11, and
assisted a restaurant keeper in moving his place of business from one location
to another. He had just (unreadable) completed the work and expected to
return to his home here Saturday. Friday evening he retired about 10:30
o’clock and the boarding house people knowing that his work was completed were
not surprised when he did not arise Saturday morning. However, when he did
not appear at noon, the door of his bedroom was forced open and young Tunall
was found in a serious condition, the room being filled with the deadly fumes
from the gas stove.
November 6, 1924.
Page 2.
Patrick Mullin aged 84 years, 9 months, died at his home on Pine street
Tuesday morning at 6:20.
He was born in Ireland January 28, 1840 and came to America with his
parents, when 9 years of age. They settled at Caledonia, N.Y. where he spent
his childhood. With the exception of a short time spent in the Middle West he
has been a resident of McKean county. The greater part of his years were
spent at Smethport and Sartwell. He has resided in Port Allegany for the past
five years.
On December 25, 1866, at St. Marys church, Sartwell, he was united in
marriage to Miss Julia Caple who preceeded him in death March 16, 1924.
Mr. Mullin was a man of a very friendly and happy disposition and had many
friends in McKean and neighboring counties. In political views he was a
staunch Democrat.
Mr. Mullin’s trade was blacksmithing and in the pioneer lumber days he was
considered one of the most skillful in Northwestern Pennsylvania.
He was an ardent member of the Roman Catholic Church and was also a member
of the Sacred Heart League of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. Since early
childhood, he has been a strict member of the late Father Mathews Temperance
Society of Ireland.
He leaves to mourn his loss: two sons, Robert P. of Olean, N.Y. and John F.
of Niagara Falls; seven daughters, Mrs. E.J. McGill, Turtle Point, Mrs. J.W.
Russel;, Toledo, O., Mrs. C.L. Richardson, Mussolini, O., Mrs. Charles Cook,
Mrs. R.J. Peling, Misses Emma and Mary of Port Allegany. He also leaves
twenty grand children, one great grandchild and several nieces and nephews
among whom are W.T. Mullin of Omaha, Neb., Attorney J.E. Mullin of Kane and
W.P. McDonald of Noyes-Johnson Shoe Manufacturing Company, St. Joseph, Mo.
The funeral services will be held Friday morning at St. Gabriel’s Church.
Interment will be made in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery.
Page 2.
Coudersport Journal, Oct. 30. – Sunday night, John H. Holcomb was brought to
the Coudersport hospital just as he was dying from injuries received when his
racing automobile turned over on the dugway below Coneville, where the young
man lived. He was found pinned under the car, which had run up the bank and
rolled over. He was taken to Dr. Cummings, at Oswayo, by Irving and Fred
Amidon, who found him unconscious, but the doctor gave no hope of recovery so
he was rushed to the hospital where he died.
Deceased was 22 years old, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Holcomb, who with
four brothers and one sister, all of Coneville, survive the unfortunate victim
of automobile hazards.
Page 2.
Eldred Eagle: Mrs. John Kellermann, an aged and highly respected resident
of Larabee, died at her home on Wednesday, October 22, after 4 months of
suffering from various ailments.
Mrs. Kellermann was born in Heinchen, Germany, on January 25, 1846, and with
her husband and infant daughter, now Mrs. Lena Raszmann, came to America in
1867. Settling at Gardenville, a near suburb of Buffalo, where they engaged
in truck farming.
She was the mother of 4 children, Mrs. Lena Raszmann of this place, Henry
and John Ripple of Buffalo, and a daughter who died at the age of 4 years.
She was twice married, both of her husbands having proceeded her in death.
The body was taken to Buffalo on Friday, where the funeral was held from the
residence of Henry Ripple on Sunday at 2 o’clock p.m.
Page 2.
Mr. Mathews of Clermont, died at that place last Thursday, October 23rd.
Death was due to a lingering illness. Mr. Mathews was 67 years of age.
He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Elof Erlandson and Mrs.
John Erlandson of Clermont. He is survived by several more daughters and sons
of whose names we are unable to learn as yet. Services were held at Ambrose,
Sunday. Interment will also be made there. – Mt. Jewett Echo.
Page 5.
Thomas O’Connell, aged 59 years, died at the Bradford hospital Thursday
night at 11:15. He had undergone a surgical operation two weeks ago in an
effort to relived his condition, but human skill could not cope successfully
with his affliction. Formerly he lived in Mt. Alton. For many years he was
identified with the oil industry in the Tampico (Mexico) district and was well
known among oil men. The body was taken to the home of a niece Mrs. G.A.
Smith, 141 Pleasant street.
Two sisters survive, Miss Teresa O’Connell, of Smethport and Sister Martha
of Staten Island, Bradford Sunday Herald.
The funeral was held at St. Bernard’s church, Bradford, Tuesday morning at
9:60 o’clock. Interment was made in St. Bernard’s cemetery that city.
Solemn requiem high mass was conducted by the Rev. David Hickey LLD., acting
as celebrant with Fathers Cooney and Barrett of that city and Rev. P.J.
Donohue of Smethport as assistants. Six nephews of the deceased acted as pall
bearers. Those from Smethport who attended the funeral were Mrs. T.F.
Hungiville Mrs. Burg Chadwick, Mrs. Carrie Clark, Mrs. AM.S. Geary, Mrs. W.A.
Ostrander, Miss Mollie McCabe, Miss Mayte Connolley, S.W. Hubbard and Frank
Purtle.
Page 10.
The sympathy of his journalistic brethren will go out to J.W. Milligan
publisher of the Bradford Era, in the death of hhis eldest son, Herbert Lee
Milligan which occurred at the Nueces Hotel, Corpus Christi, Texas, Monday
night, following a few days illness of acute indigestion and heart trouble.
The deceased young man was for a long time identified with the executive
staff of the Era, up to a year ago. He had been located in Corpus Christi for
some time and had been in poor health since suffering an attack of illness
five months ago. Mr. Milligan was a graduate of Bucknell and was at one time
a crack baseball player.
J.W. Milligan left for Corpus Christi Monday afternoon on receiving a
telegram appraising him of his son’s serious condition.
November 13, 1924.
Page 1.
Mrs. Merle E. Backus, aged 35, was the victim of the most shocking tragedy
in Smethport’s history Friday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock, being killed by a
bullet from a revolver in the hands of her mother-in-law.
Running from the family residence directly opposite the McKean county court
house on Main street after receiving the mortal wound, the victim crumpled at
the foot of the porch steps before the horrified gaze of pedestrians. Death
resulted a few minutes later.
The bullet had severed the abdominal aorta and imbedded in the unfortunate
woman’s spine.
Mrs. Mary A. Backus, octogenarian, the victim’s mother-in-law is being held
for the shooting. (unreadable section.) residents, stoutly maintains that the
shooting was accidental and following her daughter-in-law’s death calmly
recited the details of the affair. For a long time members of her family have
known that the aged lady’s mind has been unsound, subject to certain
hallucinations, but it was never remotely considered that her malady would
assume a dangerous turn.
(Article is quite lengthy and not all is included here.)
Despite the central location of the Backus residence at one of the most
important corners in the heart of town no one heard the pistol shot. The
first intimation of the tragedy came when the younger Mr. Backus rushed from
the front door holding her hands to her right breast, screaming “Help! Mother
Backus has shot me.”
Miss Rena Ostrander was born in Oneonta, N.Y., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
J.J. Ostrander, on Nov. 19, 1889.
She received a high school and business college education, holding a
responsible clerical position before her marriage.
She was united in marriage to Merle E. Backus of Smethport Dec. 12, 1919 in
Hornell, N.Y., coming to Smethport immediately thereafter, where she continued
to reside with the exception of two years the couple resided in Bradford where
Mr. Backus was local manager for the Atlantic Refining company during that
period. Early this summer the husband was transferred in charge of the
Smethport distributing agency and the couple moved back to this place, taking
up their abode at the Mary a. Backus residence.
Mrs. Backus was a young woman of most admirable qualities who was
universally popular and was held in the highest respect by every citizen of
the community. Of happy disposition which radiated cheer she attracted
friendships on every hand. She was a loyal, industrious helpmate, taking an
active part in details of management of her husband’s business affairs. Never
has sincere grief been more widespread in this community than that occasioned
by the untimely tragic ending of this happy, energetic young life. There was
no attempt at concealing tears on the part of the crowd of citizens attracted
to the scene of the tragedy Friday afternoon when the crushing news came that
the fluttering spirit had fled.
The spontaneous sympathy of the citizenry goes out to the devoted husband in
his crushing loss. His irreparable grief is shared by hundreds of neighbors
and friends.
Besides her husband, Mrs. Backus is survived by her parents Mr. and Mrs.
J.J. Ostrander of Albany, N.Y., one brother, Roger Ostrander of Albany and one
sister, Miss Helen Ostrander of Pittsburgh, Pa.
The funeral of the victim was held at the family residence on Main street
Monday afternoon t 2:00 o’clock the Rev. W.E. Van Dyke, rector of St. Luke’s
Episcopal church officiating.
Interment was made in the family plot in Rose Hill cemetery.
Page 1.
Burdette Martin, aged 41 years, of Clermont, Pa., died at 6:20 o’clock
Friday night in the Bradford hospital where he was taken Saturday, Nov. 1
suffering from tetanus lockjaw.
As mentioned in last week’s Democrat, Mr. Martin suffered a severe attack of
illness shortly after running a sliver under his thumb nail several weeks
ago. He steadily became worse and it was discovered that he was a victim of
lockjaw and he was rushed to the hospital but in spite of all efforts to save
his life he finally succumbed to the dread malady.
Surviving relatives are his mother Mrs. Lena Martin of Clermont and one
sister, Mrs. G.E. Rumsey of Melvin avenue, Bradford. The body was taken to
Koch & Oxley’s undertaking parlors Friday night and prepared for burial.
Sunday the body was brought to Clermont where funeral services were held at 2
o’clock Sunday afternoon. Interment was made in the Clermont cemetery.
Page 2.
Eldred Eagle, Nov. 7. – At an early hour Tuesday morning fire completely
destroyed the large rooming house of John Mix’s at Haymaker. Harold Austin,
24 years old, of Shinglehouse was the first awakened by the fire and suffered
severe burns over the entire body. His death resulted at the Higgins hospital
Wednesday where he was taken following the fire. John Mix proprietor, was
severely burned about the face and hands but is expected to recover at the
Higgins hospital where he is a patient. Elmer Barnes of Shinglehouse escaped
with slight burns.
The fire starting from unknown origin burned the house to the ground and set
fire to nearby forests.
Page 2.
Blossburg, Pa., Nov. 8. – Pearl Lucas of Ulysses, Potter county, died at the
State Hospital here last night from wounds received in a scuffle with Merel
Dailey of Elkland, Pa. Lucas said he had been on a hunting trip and was shot
by Daily who was said to be intoxicated. When Lucas found Dailey trying to
crank his automobile he engaged in a scuffle with him and Dailey’s gun was
discharged. Lucas was rushed to the hospital, but did not long survive his
wounds.
Page 6.
Ridgway, Nov. 8. – Dr. Harvey Woods of Pittsburgh, a prominent physician,
was found dead in the woods near Straightaway Camp, on the Glen Hazel road, 10
miles from St. Marys at 1:30 o’clock yesterday afternoon. A heart attack
caused his death. Dr. Woods, as was his custom for several years, came to St.
Marys late last week and joined a party of men who were hunting from Camp
Straightaway. He left camp at 1:15 p.m. yesterday, apparently in good
health. At 4:30 o’clock his body was found by Undertaker Ubel of Johnsonburg,
who was driving along the road. The body lay about 150 years from the camp
and about eight feet of the road. His gun clutched in his hand. Evidently
death had been very sudden.
Page 8.
Bradford Era, Wednesday: Believed to be a victim of poison liquor of his own
making, Stanley Simp, aged 42 years, died at the Bradford hospital yesterday
morning after a three-days illness. He recently moved to Bradford and rented
a house at Water street where a complete still and other equipment used to
make moonshine was found by police yesterday afternoon.
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