CLEVELAND COUNTY HERALD, CLEVELAND COUNTY, AR 1902 Obituaries ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be freely used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages cannot be reproduced in any format for profit or other presentation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CLEVELAND COUNTY HERALD, CLEVELAND COUNTY, AR 1902 Obituaries File provided by Belinda Winston, Cleveland County Library All copyrights reserved. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- January 9, 1902 issue: MR. LABORN O'NEAL We regret to learn of the death of Mr. Laborn O'Neal. He died at the home of his father, Mr. Jas. O'Neal, near Randall, Monday Morning January 6, 1902. He was a most excellant young man and had many warm friends in the community where he was reared. January 23, 1902 issue: MRS. MARY A. NEIL Died at her home in White Oak six or eight miles west of here, Friday January 17, 1902, Mrs. Mary A. Neil, wife of Mr. C. Neil, in the 58th year of her life. Mrs. Neil was born and reared in Mississippi. When about 14 years of age she professed religion and joined the Methodist church in which she afterward lived a consistent life. When yet young she married Mr. C. Neil with whom she lived happily. She moved with her husband to this county about 15 years ago. For several months her health was bad and her mind became unbalanced and when in a state of mental aberation, she set fire to her clothing and received several burns from which she died. She leaves a husband, three sons, and a daughter to mourn their loss. The Herald extends sympathy to the sorrowing relatives. January 29, 1902 issue: WM. H. FLYNN Wm. H. Flynn was born Sept. 28, 1864, in Jefferson County, Ark., and died at the home of his only brother, J.W. Flynn, of Staves, Ark., on Dec. 5, 1901. "Billy" as he was called by all who knew him, had been sick for more than two years, yet he bore his suffering with the patience and fortitude of a true christian. He and his brother John were left orphans when but children, and so were deprived of that invaluable blessing of parental guidance, care, love, and affection that is so necessary in moulding the character of boys and starting them toward success, honor and happiness in life. Notwithstanding these boys were left to the mercies of a cruel world, they met the responsibilities of life as heroes and their labors have been crowned with success. The deceased labored in Pine Bluff, Ark., for some years as a produce peddler, and was quite successful in this line of work where he also made many friends, some of whom are the best citizens of Pine Bluff. He continued this line of work 'till the autumn of 1899, when he was taken sick, and from which illness he never fully recovered. He was treated by eminent physicians and spent some time at Hot Springs, but all proved fruitless and on the above date he fell asleep in Jesus, and left an only brother, together with many friends and a number of relatives to mourn his irreparable loss. It has been the pleasant priviledge of the writer to know him from infancy 'till death. I was with him during many happy school days, the fond recollection of which is like the memories of childhood. Billy was a good boy in school, in business and in church. He joined the Missionary Baptist church at the age of 27 years. It was our happiest of all priviledges to witness his conversion and behold him rejoicing in a Savior's love. May heaven's richest blessings ever rest on his lonely brother, and may they someday be reunited on the other shore. S. LEE SHELL PRIMUS HUDGINGS Old Primus Hudgings died near here Christmas eve night. He was a well liked old colored man. Uncle Primus had small-pox but had about recovered from that disease when other complications set in and he died. January 30, 1902 issue: MAY COOK Mrs. May Cook, wife of Mr. Will Cook, died at her home at Draughan Arkansas Friday night. She leaves a husband and three small children. Her remains were laid to rest at Mr. Olivet Sunday evening. We extend sympathy to the husband and children. BUN HALL We have learned with regret that Mr. Bun Hall died Saturday night after a short illness in Redland township. February 6, 1902 issue: LUCY ROGERS It is the regret that we chronicle the death of Mrs. Lucy Rodgers, wife of Mr. Wallace Rodgers, of Randall. She died at her home Saturday, Jan. 25, 1902. We extend sympathy to the relatives of the deceased. February 13, 1902 issue: REV. R.H. POINTER Rev. R.H. Pointer died at his home in Sulpher Springs last Thursday. Brother Pointer attended the district conference at this place last summer and is favorably remembered by many of our people. Feb. 27, 1902 LITTLE VALLIE NEELY The death angel has visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. Neely, again, taking their little daughter, Vallie, away from them. She was born March 29, 1894, died January 9, 1902. May God bless her bereaved parents is my prayer. We had a little treasure once, She was our joy, our pride, We loved her ah! perhaps too well, For soon she slept and died. All is dark within our dwelling, Lonely are our hearts to-day, For the one we loved so dearly, Has forever passed away. Alice Rauls March 13, 1902 issue: "ANNOVER HAPPENINGS" MR. HENRY REYNOLDS Mr. Henry Reynolds died of pneumonia Friday Night. March 27, 1902 ED CURL We are sorry to learn that Mr. Ed Curl was killed Monday while loading a log train on the Bluff City tram road. April 10, 1902 CLYDE BALDWIN The death angel has visited the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Baldwin, Pine Bluff, and taken from them their little son, Clyde. He was born Feb. 6th 1901 died March 9, 1902. He was a bright child, the idol of his father and mother, but after a short stay with us has been taken from this world of trials and tribulations to that bright land above. May the father and mother bear their trials finding comfort in the thought that their precious babe is safe in Jesus' arms. We had a little treasure once, He was our joy, our pride. We loved him, perhaps too well, For soon he slept and died. All is dark within our dwelling, Lonely hearts are ours today. For the one we loved so dearly, Has forever passed away. M.E. Taylor May 15, 1902 MR. DUNCAN ANDREWS Last Sunday morning at 6 o'clock after suffering intense pain since Thursday, Duncan Andrew's spirit took flight and went to try the realities of another world. While working at the plainer at Kendall's Mill last Thursday a piece of plank was forced back by a larger piece of timber and driven entirely through him but notwithstanding death seemed certain from the beginning, he bore his suffering without complaint. Mr. Andrews was a sober, honest and worthy young man who had the respect and esteem of all who knew him. He had been married only about five months and to the young widow we extend our deepest sympathy as well as to the father and mother. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. O.A. Griffin, of this place and one brother, Mr. Walter Andrews who holds a position with the J.I. Porter Lumber Co. at this place with them we also sympathize. His remains were laid to rest at the Mt. Zion graveyard. He was buried by the Woodmen of the World who will in due time erect a monument to his memory. CHARLEY HORN Mr. Charley Horn after a lingering illness of several years with that dreaded disease consumption breathed his last at his home near Clio Tuesday evening May 13, 1902. He leaves a wife and four children a mother and father and three sisters and a brother to mourn their loss. Mr. Horn was an honest, hard working man and was much liked by all who knew him. His remains were laid to rest at the Niven graveyard Rev. J.B. Williams performing the last sad rites. We deeply sympathize with the bereaved relatives. BABY WARD We sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Ward; of Clio, in the loss of their baby. The little one died Sunday morning after a brief illness. May 29, 1902 MR. T.J. CLEMENTS Died at his home near New Edinburg Arkansas Saturday night May 24th, 1902, Mr. T.J. Clements in the sixty-forth year of his life. Mr. Clements came to this county from Georgia, his native state, more than thirty years ago and settled in Redland township in this county where he has since resided. Mr. Clements has always been an honest, hard working man. He was popular with his neighbors and was elected by them a number of times to serve his township as Justice of the Peace. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church. He leaves a wife and two sons to whom we extend our sympathy. June 12, 1902 HELLEN FERGUSON We sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Will Ferguson in the loss of their dear little daughter Hellen. She died at her home Sunday morning about 3 o'clock after a short illness. The little one was only 2 years 5 months and 2 days old. The remains were laid to rest at the family graveyard Sunday where all that is mortal of several brothers lay sleeping. June 19,1902 MRS. KESIAH TUCKER The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby county Alabama about 68 years ago but in her girlhood days, before she had reached her twenties, she moved with her father's family to Arkansas and settled near Moore's Church about three miles west of here since which time she lived in this county until Tuesday at twelve o'clock when the death angel came and her spirit took it's flight to the Great God who gave it. Just after the Civil War Mrs. Tucker professed religion and joined the Methodist Church in which she lived a consistent member until after her second marriage when she joined the Baptist Church with her husband. When about twenty years of age she married Mr. George Moore who lived only a few years after living a widow for some years she married Mrs. Stephen Mathews with whom she lived pleasantly and later she was united in marriage to Mr. D.D. Tucker with whom she lived for a number of years until they were separated by the death of Mr. Tucker some years ago. Mrs. Tucker was a loving and attentive daughter. Her aged mother received every attention possible at her hands. An affectionate sister and kind neighbor. She was a consistent member of the Baptist Church and a Christian lady. She leaves three brothers, Messrs. Belma and W.T. Harlow of this county and Mr.H.W. Harlow of Oakwood, Texas to mourn her death. Her remains were laid to rest in the McCaskill graveyard yesterday morning, Rev. J.H. W. Overton performing the last sad rites. July 3, 1902 MRS. R.M. HARPER We were indeed sorry to learn of the death of Mrs. Harper who died in her home near Pansy Friday June 28, 1902. Though she had been a great sufferer for several years hope had been entertained for her final recovery. We had know her all her life. She was a loveable child, a modest and refined young lady and a true and devoted wife. Mrs. Harper was born, reared and educated in this county where she has always enjoyed a large circle of true friends. Before reaching her twentieth year, she married our good friend Bob Harper with whom we sympathize in this, his sad hour. She leaves besides her husband a mother, Mrs. Sam Gibson, several brothers and sisters, a grandmother and grandfather, Mr. and Mrs. Breathwaite and other relatives with whom we sympathize. MR. W.L. CONOR The subject of this sketch died at his home at Fordyce Monday June 28, 1902 after a lingering illness. Mr. Conor spent his boyhood in this county and was well known to most of our people. He was but a boy when the war between the states broke out but true to his country as he ever was to every trust reposed in him, he shouldered his musket and went in defense of what he considered to be right. At the battle of Shiloh he received a wound that cost him a leg. After the war he did such works as he could until Rev. Berry Watson began teaching at Pleasant Ridge Academy. With assistance of friends he attended school until he was sufficiently advanced to teach. He served his county two terms as county treasurer. He was a faithful and efficient officer. He later ran for clerk and received a fair vote but was defeated. Mr. Conor later moved to Dallas county to open an abstract office. He was not, however very successful in the abstract business. He was elected by the people of Dallas county as assessor and filled that office two years. Mr. Conor married Miss Tennie Powers, a most excellant lady of this county and they lived happily together till death separated them. He leaves a wife, a grown daughter, Miss Effie and two sons to mourn their loss. We sympathize with them in this their sad hour. July 10, 1902 TOM WILLIAMS Peter Smith and Tom Williams, of Saline township, both colored became involved in a difficulty Tuesday, July the 1st in the course of which Smith broke his gun over Williams' head inflicting a wound from which he died on Thursday. ARTHUR and GARFIELD KILGORE Amost unfortunate occurance took place at new Edinburg last Thursday. Two of the Killgore boys, Garfield and Arthur, went into New Edinburg, so reports say in an intoxicated condition and began a disturbance with some parties when an officer deputised Matt Ruth to arrest them, but they refused to be quieted by Ruth and fell in upon him with knives and cut badly after which Ruth left the scene of trouble and went for a shot gun returned and fired killing Arthur Killgore out-right and inflicting wounds upon Garfield from which he died Monday. During the trouble Ransome Killgore fired at W.D. Attwood several times with a pistol but his shots went wild. Attwood returned fire inflicting wounds with squirrel shot. July 17, 1902 RUBIE OAKS We regret the death of little Rubie Oaks, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Oaks who died Sunday night after a severe illness of several days. July 24, 1902 PRIMUS JACKSON Sunday was a week ago Nick Barnett(Col.) was examining a pistol when it was accidently discharged and the ball took effect in the head of Primus Jackson from which he died a week later. Later reports indicate the shooting was not accidental. August 7, 1902 IRL HARRISON Sunday evening, August 3rd, 1902, as the shadows of night were gathering the spirit of Irl Harrison was gathered to the bosom of Jesus and another resplendent jewel added to His crown. Little Irl, the son of Mr. J.J. Harrison, was five years two months and seventeen days old. He was the pride of his father, the idol of his grandparents, the pet of his two fond sisters, and the especial object of loving care of a doting aunt. His sickness lasted a week but skill and loving thoughtful care were unavailing and death won the victory leaving hearts now too sore to be comforted even by such sympathy as goes out to them from all of us. His remains were buried Monday at the new graveyard. MR. ANCEL HARPER One of the old land marks of this county was removed Saturday while Mr. Ancel Harper was sitting at his home engaged in a pleasant converstaion he suddenly ceased to speak and life was extinct. By the flight of his spirit Cleveland County was deprived of one of it's truest and best citizens. In the private walks of life he was without reproach. In war his old comrades say that he was as true as steel, at home he was a loving husband and an affectionate father. Mr. Harper leaves surviving him two brothers, Messrs. John T. and Dan Harper, a wife, a son, Mr. Duncan Harper and a daughter Mrs. Ollie Neal of Pine Bluff, with whom we sympathize in this their sad hour. GIRL HUNTLEY We sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. S.F. Huntley in the loss of their little eight year old daughter. MRS. T.B. DAVIS Mrs. T. B. Davis was buried at Union last Tuesday, her remains were brought from Bradley Co. where she moved with her family from this community last fall. She leaves a husband several children, an aged father, brothers, sisters, and many friends to mourn her departure. August 14, 1902 HUGH FORTUNE We very much sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fortune in the loss of their son, Hugh, who died at their home at Kingsland Thursday, August 7th, 1902 in the sixteenth year of his life after a short illness with slow fever. Hugh was a quiet studious by. He was always polite and accommodating--just such a boy as will be missed in any community. August 21, 1902 GIRL McKINNEY Mrs. Fannie McKinney lost her beloved daughter. She departed this life on the 14th day of August 1902. Age six years. The little babe has gone to rest. It reigns with God forever blessed. It's little tongue will always praise a Heavenly Father every bliss. For of such is the Kingdom of God. So we mourn with the dear mother for the loss of the dear one gone to it's happy home above. August 28, 1902 BABY ST. JOHN The babe of MR. and MRs. St. John died last night the bereaved parents have our sympathy. Cleveland County Herald, Cleveland County Arkansas submitted by Belinda Winston Sept. 18.1902 MR. JAMES A. HUDSON Mr. Jas.A. Hudson, one of the early settlers of this section of Arkansas died at the home of his son, Mr. Fred M. Hudson, at Tibbals, Fla., Monday, Sept. 15th, 1902, after an illness of several months, Mr. Hudson came here from his native state, Georgia, when quiet a young man, when this section was but thinly settled and helped to clear the forest and build the school houses and the churches of the country and to make for himself and family a happy home. He was a good financier as well as industrious and economical man and through these traits of character he accumulated considerable wealth for a man in this section of the country: but not like many men who love money merely to hoard it up, he wanted money that he might make others comfortable and happy. He sought to give his children liberal advantages. Some twelve of fiften years ago he called them together and divided the principal part of his wealth among them. He was never a politician but in the stormy days of Sixty he represented his county in the legislature and was a member of that body at the time the state seceded. He also represented his county several times after the war. He joined the Methodist church in early life and was ever after a consistent member of that church. Some ten or twelve years ago Mr. Hudson decided that he would remain stout longer by spending his winters in a warmer clime and so went to Florida, bought land in that state, built and there has since made his home, however spending much time in Arkansas until last year. He leaves surviving him a wife, four sons, J.M. Hudson, of Pine Bluff, M.A. Hudson, of Locust Cottage, John Hudson, of Altheimer and F.M. Hudson of Florida and two daughters, Mrs. Dr. Hogg and Mrs. J.W. Crawford and many firends to mourn their loss. His remains will arrive at Locust Cottage this evening accompanied by his wife, his son Hon. F.M. Hudson, and granddaughter, Mrs. Madie Cason Ives,and will be buried tomorrow morning at Locust Cottage. October 2, 1902 MRS. J.C. RUTLEDGE Just as we were ready to go to press we learned that Mrs. J.C. Rutledge was found dead in bed this morning. Heart failure is supposed to have been the cause. A more extended notice will appear next week. October 16, 1902 MR. J.H. CATHEY/A DEPLORABLE DEATH Mr. J.H. Cathey, a highly respected citizen of New Edinburg, Ark., was accidently killed Saturday evening the 11th inst. He and his little son, Carl, were cutting trees for fence posts. The tree was leaning considerably and split up at the stump and Mr. Cathey got tangled in some brush and fell, the butt of the tree falling on him and killing him instantly. Mr. Cathey was a consistent member of the Baptist Church at New Edinburg, and a man of high moral character worthy of the highest confidence and respect. His death is a great loss to the community and to his bereaved widow and seven children the four oldest of whom are girls, the loss is irreparable. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to them in their bereavement. October 23, 1902 MRS. B.M. SPEIGHTS We are sorry to note the death of Mrs. B.M. Speights who died at her home at Toledo Tuesday morning Oct. 21st, 1902 at 9 o'clock with consumption. She was a good woman and will be missed. GIRL THORNTON We sympathize with Mr. and Mrs. Mark Thornton, of Kingsland in the loss of their four year old daughter Saturday night. She had ahad fever for several weeks. SARAH C. BELL/ ASLEEP IN JESUS Mrs. Sarah C. Bell was born July 17th 1837, and died Sept. 13th 1902. She joined the BaptisT Church when very young and lived a devoted Christian life. During the latter part of her life she suffered much pain but bore it all with the fortitude of a true soldier of Christ meeting death fearlessly. She leaves two children and a host of friends to mourn their loss. A FRIEND October 30, 1902 MRS. MARY F. RUTLEDGE Died suddenly on Oct. 2nd, 1902, Mrs. Mary F.Rutledge, aged 53 years, 9 months and 15 days. She was the daughter of J.B. and Mary L. Blackerby, and was born in Shelby county Alabama but moved to this section of the country, now Cleveland County, in 1849, and continuously resided in the same neighborhood in peace and harmony with all her neighbors, respected by all who knew her. From her childhood to the day of her death there was never a charge brought against her good name nor a word detracting from her character. She lived in a section of country overrun at times by both federal and confederate troops and was, as were her neighbors caused to suffer by the ravages of war and the unsettled condition of the business of the country. Not withstanding these, and other difficulties she so managed to support five small children, three were sisters, and two brothers who were left in her care at her mother's death in 1868. She educated them so as to creditably fill respectable positions in life. In 1886 she was married to John C. Rutledge who survives her. The them were born three children two of whom are living. Mrs. Rutledge was a true Christian whose every act showed a true conception of the golden rule and whose every thought was full of kindly consideration for those about her. "When the night dew that falls, though in silence it weeps, Shall brighten with verdue the grave where she sleeps; And a tear that we shed, though in secret it roll, Shall keep her memory green in our souls" C.A. STANFIELD EDNA MARKS Edna, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Billie Marks, of New Edinburg, died of dyptheria Thursday and was buried Friday. She was a lovely child and the idol of her parents and relatives. May He who doeth "All things for the best", comfort these sad parents upon whom the hand of affliction so heavily rests. November 13, 1902 MRS. LOUISA McMURTREY Died at the home of her son, Esq. E.A. McMurtrey, on the old homestead, near here after an illness of several months, Mrs. Louisa McMurtrey, aged 77 years, 1 month and 18 days. Mrs. McMurtrey was born in Green county Alabama but moved with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Silas Baggett, when but a girl to Greenville, Mississippi, and in 1843, she moved with them to Saline county of this state and in the early part of 1845, she with the family moved to what is now Cleveland county and settled on the old Baggett place a few miles south of Rison where she lived until her marriage on the 16th day of October 1845 to the late Col. E.L. McMurtrey who preceeded to the world beyond the skies by nearly nine years. With Col. McMurtrey she lived a pleasant and happy life. Of this marriage there were eleven children born, seven of whom had crossed the river ahead of her and were waiting to welcome her spirit on the other shore. Those surviving her are Esq. E.A., Dr. J.S., and Mr. J.M. McMurtrey of this place and Mrs. I.B. Williams of Thornton, all of whom are highly honored and respected citizens. A number of years ago Mrs. McMurtrey professed religion and joined the Baptist Church at Toledo in which church she has lived a consistent Christian life. She was a true and loving wife, and affectionate mother and a kind neighbor. She leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her loss. Her remains were laid to rest in the family graveyard north west of here Tuesday in the presence of a large concourse of people, Rev. J.H.W. Overton performing the last sad rites. December 14, 1902 MISS ETHEL SMITH #1 It is with sincere sorrow that your correspondent chronicles the death of Miss Ethel Smith, which sad event occured at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Smith, near this place on last Saturday night. Mis Ethel was a young lady of rare qualities of mind and heart and was eminently fitted to adorn and benefit the society in which she moved. Possessing a frank, loving and lovable disposition, she had a host of friends and her death leaves a void that will not soon be filled. The writer knew her well, having been her teacher for several years, and can say that in all his acquaintance with her, as friend and teacher, he never knew her to do a willful wrong to any one. As a pupil she was orderly, respectful and studious; as a friend was loyal, kind and true. As a daughter she was loving and obedient and made every effort to fulfill the hopes her parents had placed in her. As a sister she was affectionate and self sacrificing always placing her duty to brother and sister before self. Miss Ethel was in every sense worthy of the love that was lavished upon her and was the Pride of all her friends and loved ones. Her father, mother, brother and sister are almost broken hearted because of her loss, and the entire community shares in their grief. Truly it may be said that "death loves a shining mark" and in the midst of life we are in death. W.H. New Edinburg, Ark. #2 Death entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith Sunday and claimed their daughter, Miss Ethel. She was one of Cleveland County's bright and charming girls and there are many to mourn for her. MRS. Z.L. CRAWFORD Another of the early inhabitants of this section of the country has passed away. Last Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1902, Mrs. Z.L. Crawford died at her home near Calmer after a long illness. She was a kind neighbor, a loving mother, an affectionate wife and true Christian woman and her spirit has gone to dwell with the blessed beyond the skies. She leaves a husband, six daughters and a son to mourn their loss to whom we extend our sympathy. December 18, 1902 We are sorry to note the death of Mr. John Wylie Bryant who died at his home in Lee township Sunday, Dec. 7, 1902. MOLLIE LEE Little Mollie Lee, the little daughter of Mr. J.J. Lee, died December 13th, 1902. Little Mollie the object of a fond father's heart after a long illness has been taken to her home above. She was loved and watched by a loving step-mother and seven brothers. Sweet little Mollie will be sadly missed it was hard to give her up but we suppose God needed a few more flowers to adorn his lovely home and saw fit to take her away. Little Mollie was the only girl among a family of seven making her the object of the home, but we ask the bereaved father, mother and brothers to not grieve for their loss is Heaven's gain; but to prepare to go up higher and live with her. Sunday evening they laid her to rest by her mother in the McCaskill grave yard, Rev. J.H. W. Overton conducted the funeral services. In the cold, moist earth we laid her, When the forest cast the leaf, And we weep that one so lovely Should have life so brief. A lovely flower plucked from earth, A little flower given. One brought to this cold dreary earth The other gone to Heaven. Gone where no sorrow enters there, Where griefs no more are known Where in celestial brightness fair She waits to claim her own. Her own but for so short a time, Scarce two years had gone by When sunbeams came to brighten earth And she was born on high. Away from those who loved her most From tender loved ones care From earthly happiness and love To leave her home so bare. A RELATIVE