Independence Co, AR - Miscellaneous Obituaries *********************************************************** Submitted by: Regina Weaver Date: 25 May 1998 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm *********************************************************** Abstracts from Batesville Guard, Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas April 5, 1907 Supplement page DEATH AT CAVE CITY Mrs. Mary Baker died at Cave City Sunday night, of typhoid fever, and the husband, John W. Baker is very low with the same disease while a son is very low with pneumonia at Newport. Mrs. Baker was 45 years old. The remains were taken to Newport Tuesday night for burial, accompanied by Miss Maud Baker, a daughter, Miss Jessie Ellis and George V. Foushee and James Lucre, relatives. (Same page) THE LATE CAPT. AIKIN A SKETCH OF HIS LONG LIFE, SPENT IN THIS PART OF ARKANSAS (Melbourne Times) William Aikin was born in North Carolina and when 14 years old his parents moved to this state and settled in Izard County. At the age of about 25 years he was married to Miss Kate Rudolph. To this union three children were born - two boys and a girl, all of whom are now dead. In 1849, when the California gold excitement was at its height, Mr. Aikin and family joined an emigrant train and went west in search of fortune. After six years spent in California, they returned to Izard County and settled at Sylamore, where Mr. Aikin engaged in the mercantile business until the breaking out o the civil war in 1860, when he closed out his business at that place and moved to Batesville, where he lived for more than twenty years. Here he lost his wife. After her death, Mr. Aikin and his son Charley returned to Sylamore and sold goods for W.E. Maxfield for several years, after which time they moved on up the river to Calico Rock, where they were again employed by Mr. Maxfield until about twelve years ago, when Mr. Maxfield discontinued business. Mr. Aikin remained at Calico Rock for several years. He served as postmaster for a number of years. In 1897 he was again married, this time to Polly Hixon, who died three years later. After the death of his second wife Mr. Aikin moved to Sulphur Rock to live with his son Charley, who later moved to Gassville, Baxter County, where he was taken sick early last fall and gradually grew worse. He was taken to Little Tock for treatment and died there some two or three months ago. Upon the death of his only child the good old man's already feeble health failed rapidly and he died on the 11th. April 19, 1907, page 2 A SUDDEN DEATH The Melbourne Register says the wife of Rev. Ben Watkins (colored), near LaCrosse, died very suddenly Tuesday morning. While talking and laughing with her children, she fell off the chair and expired instantly. She had been in poor health for some time. (Same page) SUDDEN DEATH AT BENGAY The Evening Shade Record says that Mrs. Evaline McGee, who lived about two miles from Bengay, died very suddenly Wednesday of last week. It is said that she was sitting in her chair and suddenly fell out and expired. Heart failure is supposed to have been the cause. April 19, 1907, page 5 KILLED BY FALLING TREE The 12-year-old son of John W. Ponder, who lives near Kirby, was killed by a falling tree Wednesday. The boy was plowing in the field and when he reached the fence the tree fell on him from the outside. (Page 8) KILLED BY FALLING LIMB BEN DAVIS MEETS DEATH WHILE WORKING IN THE WOODS Bellmore, April 15 - A sad accident occurred on the mountain last Friday. While Ben Davis was working in the timber a limb fell and struck him on the head, crushing his skull. He died at 8 o'clock Friday night. He leaves a wife and several children to mourn his death. April 26, 1907, page 1 MRS. M.E. JESSUP This good woman died at an early hour this morning at her home at Jamestown, after an illness of several weeks. She came with her husband and children from Missouri to Jamestown in 1871, and had lived there ever since. The husband, who was a blacksmith, died about ten years ago. They had four children. Mrs. Mary E. Chandler, the only daughter, lives at Lebanon, Mo.; W.R. and L.B. Jessup at Jamestown, and J.E. Jessup at Casey, Ark. Mrs. Jessup was a member of the Baptist church, and between 70 and 80 years of age at the time of her death. She will be buried this afternoon at Jamestown. (page 2) DROWNED IN RED RIVER Charles Campbell, 25 years old, was drowned in Red river, four miles east of Heber Saturday, and the body has not been recovered, although every effort is being made to find it. He stepped on a raft in the river and the weight of his body sent the raft to the bottom. Campbell sank with the raft and was drowned. (same Page) ACCIDENTALLY KILLED Lon Wilson of Harrison, who recently moved to Texas, accidentally shot himself last week, from the effects of which he died. He was riding in a wagon and in some way a shotgun lying in the bed of the wagon was accidentally discharged, the loads in both barrels entering his body. (same page) CHOKED ON NAIL A LITTLE CHILD SUFFERS A PECULIAR DEATH AT CALICO ROCK The Progress gives the following account of the death of the little two-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben F. Smith of Calico Rock on Wednesday morning. "About nine days before the death of the child she complained of her throat and at times she would almost strangle. It was evident she had swallowed something, and she would say "nail, nail," but no one knew what the little sufferer meant. On the ninth day, after Dr. Smith had administered an emitic, the child vomited up a six-penny wire nail. It had lodged in the bronchial tube, causing inflammation and resulting in toxine poisoning. The child died a few hours after vomiting up the nail." (page 3) ED CARTHEL DEAD Ed Carthel died this morning at 8 o'clock, after an illness since Monday, from pneumonia. He was about forty years old and leaves a wife and eight children. He had lived in Batesville practically all his life, and for several years had driven a job wagon about town. He will be buried Sunday in Oaklawn cemetery. Deceased was a grandson of the late Col. Robert A. Childress of Washington township. (page 5) DIED OF CONSUMPTION Thomas Snellgrove, a young man 23 years of age, died of consumption at 11 o'clock Wednesday, at the home of his parents, near Moorefield, after an illness of three years. The remains were buried today at Lee's chapel. (page 8) AN OLD CONFEDERATE Louis Bryant died of heart failure, after an illness of several months, at the home of Jas. F. Huddleston, in Gainsboro township, on Tuesday, April 23rd. He was 74 years old, and a Confederate soldier, having served in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry as musician. He was buried in Liberty cemetery, after appropriate services, by Rev. James Northern. He leaves a few relatives and a host of friends, who will long remember him. Batesville Record, Batesville, Independence County, Arkansas, Thursday, August, 6, 1931 Front Page... "Sudden Stroke Is Fatal to John B. McCaleb Saturday Prominent Lawyer and Jurist Retires Apparently in Good Health John B. McCaleb, aged 75, prominent local lawyer and jurist, died suddenly at his home on Main street here Saturday night. Judge McCaleb had attended to regular duties at his office Saturday and was apparently in good health when he retired. He had eaten a lunch shortly before retiring for the night and relatives believe that death, which came during the night, resulted from acute indigestion or heart trouble. Deceased spent almost half a century in the active practice of law and was one of the best known attorneys in the state. He began the practice of law at Evening Shade, Sharp County, and was later elected circuit judge of the Sixteenth Arkansas circuit. He served in this capacity for sixteen years before retiring to again pursue his private law practice. He moved to Batesville in 1907 where he resided until the time of his death. He later formed the law firm of McCaleb and McCaleb, here with his son, Joe McCaleb. Despite advanced age, he actively handled a large practice and found time to take an active part in civic affairs. He was a prominent Presbyterian and had been an active member of the local church for many years. He held membership on the board of elders at the time of his death. He served eight years as a member of Arkansas College board of trustees, retiring a few years ago. He served at one time as a board member of Batesville public schools. Deceased was also a prominent Mason. He maintained membership in the local order of Free and Accepted Masons, Royal Arch and Knights Templar. He was chairman of the Arkansas State Capitol commission under Governor Donaghey. This commission had charge of construction of the present state capitol building. He served as delegate to the State Constitutional convention at Little Rock in 1919. He was a member of the American Bar Association. Deceased is survived by one brother, T.H. McCaleb of Hardy, four sons, Joe B. of Batesville, William H. of Little Rock, J.B. Jr., of Durant, Okla., and Tom L. of McRae; three daughters, Miss Jean McCaleb of Safford, Ariz., Miss Lillie McCaleb and Mrs. Carlton Dent, both of Batesville. Funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian Church here at 4:30 o'clock Monday afternoon in charge of Rev. R.E. Carroll. Burial followed in Oaklawn cemetery." May 3, 1907 Page 1 A VERY OLD NEGRO Conway, April 29. - Uncle Abe Tate, an ex-slave, 106 years old, and the oldest person in this county, was buried today at the negro cemetery. his death resulted from old age. (page 2) IN MEMORIAM Hall of Barren Fork Lodge, No. 181, A.F. & A.M., Barren Fork, Ark. "There's nothing terrible in death. "Tis but to cast our robes away And sleep at night without a breath, To break repose till dawn of day." Jan. 7, 1931, page 1 IZARD COUNTIAN DIES IN MISHAP WHILE HUNTING Missing for several hours yesterday Buster Fulbright, 20, is found dead in woods near Williamson Switch. Becoming alarmed after their son, Buster Fulbright, 20, failed to return home from a hunting trip yesterday afternoon, his parents started a search and found him early this morning dead in the woods a few miles from his home. Part of his head was blown away from a charge from a double-barreled shotgun he had carried on the hunting trip. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Fulbright, who live in the neighborhood of Williamson Switch, are convinced their son's death came by accident. He was found near a small stream of water and it is thought that as he was attempting to cross a drift he accidentally caused the gun to discharge. It is not thought an inquest will be held. Funeral arrangements were being made here today by friends of the family. Jan. 12, 1931, page 1 AGED RESIDENT OF COUNTY DIES Henry Hogan McDonald, aged 75, died at his home near the Masonic Home here today. He has spent all his life in Independence County. Funeral services will be held from his home tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock, the Rev. Y.D. Whiehurst of the Nazarene church officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn cemetery. Jan. 13, 1931, page 1 MRS. W.M. MORGAN Mrs. W.M. Morgan of Newport, 26 years of age, died at the home of her father, Dr. Golding of Jamestown. She is survived by her husband, and three children, also father and mother and three sisters. Funeral services were held at Butterville cemetery. Jan. 16, 1931, page 2 ILLNESS FATAL TO A.G. McMILLAN (From Saturday's daily) An attack suffered a few days ago which developed later into pneumonia proved fatal to A.G. McMillan, aged 66, at 6 o'clock this morning, at his home on Central avenue. Mr. McMillan had spent most of his life in Batesville, bearing respect of anyone who knew him. He was a painter and carpenter by trade. Funeral services will probably be held at the Central Avenue Methodist church, of which he was a member, tomorrow afternoon. He is survived by his widow; four daughters, Mrs. Alvis Ball, Mrs. Joe Connor, Mrs. Arch Jones, and Nelda, all of Batesville, Mrs. Horace Dunlap of Detroit, Mich. and two sons, Earl and Russell of Batesville. Jan. 16, 1931, page 6 SISTER-IN-LAW OF LOCAL WOMAN DEAD (From Saturday's Daily) Word was received this morning by relatives of the death of Mrs. L.E. Evans of Calico Rock, who passed away at 12 o'clock last night in a hospital at Little Rock, following an operation which she underwent last week. Mrs. Evans is a sister-in-law of Blake Evans of this city. Jan. 16, 1931, page 6 AGED MAN PASSED AWAY (From Friday's daily) G.W. Cornelius of Melbourne aged 89, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E.A. Smith of that city Thursday night at 10 o'clock. Funeral services were held at Melbourne Friday afternoon when the services were conducted by the Masons. Deceased leaves three children all grown, married and with families. Jan. 16, 1931 CARD OF THANKS Words will not express our thanks for the kind assistance and sympathy from our friends and neighbors during the recent illness and death of our dear mother, Mrs. Mary E. Sorrells. We feel that we can never fully return the favors, but hope they will be fully rewarded in heaven. T.N. Blair Mrs. T.N. Blair Jan. 17, 1931, page 1 TUPELO FARMER BURNS TO DEATH Tupelo, Jan. 17 - Frank Balch, 25, was burned to death, and his brother, Howard, was seriously burned in a fire which destroyed their farm home near here early today. The parents and four children escaped unscathed following the mother's discovery of the blaze and the sounding of the alarm. (Same page) AUTO MISHAP FATAL TO ONE Paris, Ark., Jan. 17 - Aaron Rice, 25, was killed and six persons were injured in an automobile accident on Dug Mountain, near here last midnight. The injured are in a hospital here. Jan. 19, 1931, page 1 G.O. DUFFEY, SR. DIES IN ARIZONA Word was received here Saturday by relatives telling of the death of Gainor Duffey, Sr., at his home in Tucson, Ariz., after a long illness brought on by an attack last week of pneumonia. His sister, Mrs. Carter Fitzhugh of this city received Saturday a message telling of the dangerous illness of her brother and left immediately for the Arizona city but enroute learned of the death. Funeral services will be held in Tucson probably tomorrow. Mr. Duffey was about 48 years old. He had made Batesville his home most of his life, being born in this county, until he was forced to depart for the west for the benefit of his health a few years ago. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of this city. He is survived by his widow, one son, Fainor, and two sisters, Mrs. Carter Fitzhugh of this city and.... (It stops here) Jan. 21, 1931, page 1 CYPERT FUNERAL HELD TUESDAY Melbourne, Ark., Jan. 21 - Funeral services for "Uncle Max" Cypert, for many years county surveyor of Izard County, were held here Tuesday afternoon. Interment was in a nearby cemetery. Mr. Cypert was found dead Monday morning in his cabin, where he lived alone, by a neighbor, J.W. Barnett. At the inquest held Tuesday morning a verdict of death from "internal hemorrhage" was returned. Mr. Cypert had been ill for a week, but was able to leave the home of his nephew, Harvey Hodge of the state highway maintenance department, the day before his death. Jan. 23, 1931 STRANGE MALADY FATAL TO CHILD A.P. Paragould, Jan. 23 A strange malady, which yesterday took the life of fourteen-months-old Barbara Jean Robertson and resulted in the critical illness of Billy, hew two-year-old brother, puzzled physicians today. Tests are being made to determine if food poisoning is the cause. The victims are children of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Robertson. Jan. 24, 1931, page 1 MRS. J.W. WILLIAMSON DIES AT LITTLE ROCK Mrs. J.W. Williamson passed away this afternoon at St. Vincent's infirmary at Little Rock at 3:30. Funeral services will be held from the First Methodist Church in this city tomorrow (Sunday afternoon) at 2 o'clock. Mrs. Williamson had been in ill health for some time, and recently was carried to Little Rock with the hope that her condition would be improved. The deceased was well and favorably known in Batesville and throughout this section of Arkansas. The Guard joins with the many friends of the family in extending deepest sympathy during this hour of bereavement. Jan. 27, 1931, page 1 MRS. EARL EVANS DIES Mrs. Earl Evans passed away at her home in this city Sunday afternoon at 5:30, after an illness of several days. Funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church at Evening Shade Monday afternoon at 3:30. Mrs. Evans is survived by her husband and small son; also father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. L.H. Shaver of Evening Shade; a sister, Mrs. H.C. Neser of Little Rock and brother, Lfl Hfl (?) Shaver of Evening Shade. (Same date and page) EGNER - POWELL George McCalester, who has been ill for some time, passed away at his home at 6 o'clock Saturday morning. Funeral services were held at Desha cemetery. Mr. McCalester is survived by his wife and several children, and many friends who mourn his departure. --------------- Newark Journal Independence county, AR March 11, 1910 Submitted by: Uncle Henry Wyatt Dead J. H. Wyatt, one of the oldest and best citizens of Independence county, died at his home near Rosie early Saturday morning. Mr. Wyatt was 74 years of age and had been a resident of this county since 1852. He served in the Confederate army during the Civil War taking part in the Missouri raid. He was a member of the Methodist church since 1880. By his own request his body was laid to rest near his own door in the presence of a large number of friends and loved ones. ---------------- Newark Journal, Independence county, AR December 26, 1913 Submitted by: Very Sudden Death J. A. Greenshaw died very suddenly and unexpectedly this morning (Friday) at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ida Porter. He had been enjoying his usual good health and went to bed Thursday apparently as well as he ever was in his life. About 5 o'clock this morning Mrs. Porter went into his room to build a fire for him but he told her not to build it but to go on about her work and he would get up and start a fire. About an hour later he was discovered in his bed, death having resulted from heart failure. He was 63 years old and is survived by five children. The remains will be shipped to his old home near Newport for burial. --------------------- Newark Journal, Independence county AR March 14, 1913 Submitted by: The Death of Little Maud She took the cup of life to sip, Too bitter twas to drain, She put it meekly from her lip, And went to sleep again. On the 28th day of March 1901, there was born to I. C. and Sarah Nuckolls a beautiful little girl. The named her Maudie Laneer. She was a lovely child, but on the 11th day of February 1913, He who give her called her home. "It was not in cruelty, It was not in wrath, The Reaper came that day, But an Angel visited the earth And took this flower away." Litte Maud while only in her 12th year had many relatives and friends who followed her in sorrow to her litte grave in Hopewell cemetery, where we left her to rest in peace until the resurrection morn. Out in the silent city, Where many loved ones sleep, Out where the moonbeams glitter, On stones by grassy heap, Where songbirds sing in gladness, From their cool and shady bowers. Where Southwinds sigh in sadness, And dark clouds weep in showers; There little Maud is sleeping, The sleep of the silent blest, Whilse God her soul is keeping, In the home of endless rest. Written by her uncle, J. L. Brown ------------- Newark Journal, Independence county, Ar January 6, 1927 Submitted by: Baby Burns to Death The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Long, who live about two miles south of Strawberry, was burned fatally Monday whe he fell from a chair into an open fireplace. The mother had placed the child before the fireplace and had gone to the lot to milk. Hearing the baby's cries, she ran into the room and found the child in a bed of hot ashes. She rescued the child but he lived only 20 minutes. Friday, May 3, 1907 Page 5 A VETERAN'S DEATH Chales G. McColloh, a citizen of the county for quite half a century, and possibly longer, died at his home in Greenbrier township at midnight Tuesday. He was 74 years of age, and had been in good health until about a month ago, when he suffered a stroke of paralysis. He had almost recovered from the effects of that, when he sustained a second stroke Saturday night, from which he died. He was a Confederate soldier and an excellent citizen; was twice married and leaves a family of six children. His remains will be buried Thursday at Alderbrook. Friday, May 3, 1907 Front page A VERY OLD NEGRO Conway, April 29 - Uncle Abe Tate, an ex-slave, 106 years old, and the oldest person in this county, was buried today at the negro cemetery. His death resulted from old age. Friday, May 10, 1907, page 5 AN OLD CITIZEN DEAD John W. Sims, an old citizen of Greenbrier, died Wednesday night on his farm near Jamestown. He had been ill for some time from heart trouble. Mr. Sims was born in South Carolina, seventy-four years ago, came to this county in 1856, and has lived here ever since, except when in the Confederate army. He was married to Miss Jane Baker just about the time the war broke out, and she survives him, though the couple have no children. The remains will be buried at Alderbrook Friday. Deceased was a member of the Baptist church and an uncle of Albert Sims, County Clerk. Same page ROBERT H. ALLEN THE YOUNG MAN WHO WAS DROWNED NEAR COTTER TUESDAY. The member of the force of telegraph linemen, who was drowned on Tuesday, on the railroad above here, was Robert H. Allen. The accident occurred six miles this side of Cotter, Tuesday afternoon. The young man attempted to swim out to a telegraph pole, which the overflow had surrounded, and on which he was to string a wire. His companions suppose he was seized with cramps, and drowned before assistance could be given him. The young man came from Tennessee, where he was raised, and joined the force of linemen, under Foremen Bently, engaged in stringing the extra wire between Newport and Carthage. He was twenty-three years old and unmarried and his body had not been recovered at last accounts. There were fourteen men in the party, and young Allen was known among his associates as "Carolina". Page 8, same date KILLED BY AN ENGINE A DRUNKEN NEGRO GOES TO SLEEP BESIDE THE TRACK SATURDAY NIGHT, JUST ACROSS THE RAILROAD BRIDGE, AND HIS SKULL IS CRUSHED. Ed Kitchens, a negro living on "Tallow Hill", three miles west of town and working land in the river bottom, was killed at 2 o'clock Sunday morning, in Hinkle's field, about 75 yards beyond the railroad bridge across the bayou, just out of town, by a passing engine. Kitchens was a darkey of good reputation, his one fault being his love for drink. He was in town Saturday and bought some groceries from Welborn, and was last seen alive about the rink after night. He was drinking, and it is supposed that, on his way home, he lay down beside the track, with his head near the rail, and met his death. A disabled engine, used on a work train, left Newark about 11 o'clock under orders to go to Cotter for repairs. It was in charge of Engineer Garner, Fireman Woodell and Pilot Whitlock. As the engine passed the spot where Kitchens was lying, Garner caught sight of the form on the ground, the engine was stopped and the men went back and found that the man had been struck and was unconscious. They returned to town and wakened Dr. Lawrence, the railroad surgeon, who went with them and found the negro dead. Sunday morning Justice Six, in the absence of Coroner Flinn, who lives below Elmo, the southern extremity of the county, summoned a jury and began an inquest. An examination of the body revealed a broken skull, with the brains protruding from the wound. Beside the body was the sack of groceries and inside a pocket was a bottle containing some whiskey. The family of the deceased was then permitted to remove the body and bury it. The inquest was resumed this morning at the Court House, the members of the jury being: Caliborne Pearce, John Johnson, Joe Foster, W. W. Warren, Jas. Swaim, W.M. Dawson, F. P. Albright, Mark Luster, Jas. Harmon, J.R. Brown, H.A. Bickers, M.O. Kennard, Ernest Kinman and W.H. Sanders. The testimony of the three railroad men was taken, they having returned from Cotter for that purpose, and of Dr. Lawrence, Bob Bone, and Will Thompson, the last-named being colored. The verdict was that Kitchens had been struck in the head by the sleeve-bolt of the tank truck of the passing engine and killed. No blame was attached. Some of the officers were inclined to think that Kitchens might have come to his death by other means. He had lately had trouble with some of his negro neighbors, "Tallow Hill" being a well known negro community; and a few nights ago an effort was made to call him from his house, but he refused to go. It is said that on Saturday night a couple of negroes from that neighborhood made inquiry for him here in town. But no evidence along this line was presented at the inquest, and the jury believe the negro had fallen into a drunken sleep beside the track and been killed by the passing engine. Jan. 28, 1931, page 1 FARMER FOUND SHOT TO DEATH Forrest City, Jan. 28. - Shot five times, the body of Chester Syles, farmer, was found in his automobile on the highway near Goodwin early today. Officers believe he met an enemy on his way home last night. Jan. 29, 1931, page 1 OXFORD MAN SUCCUMBS Jim Shaver, aged 65, died at his home in Oxford, Izard County, Wednesday, following a short illness. His wife died only a week ago. Mr. and Mrs. Shaver are survived by several children. Funeral services were held at Oxford today. ____________________________ from the Batesville Daily Guard, Thursday, July 13, 1916, Indep Co AR John Walker Killed by Lightning Near Salado Wednesday afternoon, John Walker, 33, was struck and killed by lightning. Mr. Walker in company with Pete and Dick Wycough, John Parker, Lish Presley, Al Engles, Clyde Rice, and Bob Lawrence were hauling hay from the field. Burial occurred this Thursday afternoon at the Egner Cementery near Salado. He is survived by his wife and 3 children. His father died at Big Bottom about 5 yrs ago. His mother and 3 brothers reside in Mississippi. (This is a shortened version.) Same paper - Floral news. Little Mildred, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.L. Brown died with cholera infantum the 4th. Buried the 5th at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Thanks to: Rebecca Pack RoseOmbre@AOL.COM for this!