Patterson Cemetery District Obits listing for 1921 Submitted by Gale Stroud and Burta Herger 26 Aug 2007 This file is part of the California Tombstone Project http://www.usgwtombstones.org/california/californ.html These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Anderson John R 211020 p1 Accident is Fatal to J. R. Anderson; Fails to Survive Effects of Fall; Funeral Services to Be Held This Afternoon Suddenly taking a turn for the worse, after his recovery was confidently expected, John R. Anderson passed away at a Turlock sanitarium last Sunday afternoon, his death being due to injuries sustained in a fall a week previous. Anderson sustained a serious injury in the accident, which occurred a week ago last Friday, but following an operation, his condition improved until last Friday, when unlooked-for complication set in and he sank rapidly until the end. New of his death will be received with deep regret by the many friends of the family and by the entire community as well, as Mr. Anderson was well liked by all who knew him and was an upright, substantial and progressive citizen of a type Patterson can ill afford to lose. John R. Anderson was born near Des Moines, Iowa, on September 25, 1865, and moved from there to Enterprise, Kansas, in 1877. There he made his home with his family until 1918, when they moved to California and settled in Patterson, recently erecting a pretty residence on West Las Palmas at the edge of town. He leaves a widow and three children, Agnes, Edith and Herbert, to mourn his loss, in addition to numerous other relatives. He was one of a family of four brothers and four sisters, including Mrs. G. H. Peterson of Sacramento, and Mrs. O. W. Henson, Mrs. C. P. Peterson and Mrs Maggie Hjelm of Salina, Kan. The three surviving brothers are Dr. A. G. Anderson of Salina, P. H. Anderson of Abilene, Kan., and A. E. Anderson of Enterprise, Kan. Patterson relatives include an aunt, Mrs. Anna Millard, and two nephews, Leroy and C. R. Peterson. Mrs. G. H. Peterson and P. H. Anderson are here for the funeral. Mr. Anderson started west on receipt of the news of his brother's injuries, but the other brothers and sisters are all too far distant to reach here for the funeral. Funeral services will be held at the family residence this afternoon at 2, followed by services at the Swedish Mission church at 2:30. Rev. H. E. Nordquist and Rev. E. N. Train of Hilmar, a personal friend of the deceased, will take part in the service. Interment will be at Del Puerto cemetery. Bartch Fred 210505 p1 Pioneer of West Side Passes; Fred Bartch, Resident of This Section for Forty-five Years, Died Last Sunday One of the pioneer settlers of this section passed away last Sunday afternoon at Turlock with the death of Fred Bartch, which as been a continuous resident of what is now Patterson Colony, for nearly 45 years. Mr. Bartch had been in poor health for some time and an operation had been performed at a Turlock hospital the previous day, from which he apparently rallied in excellent shape, only to pass away almost without warning Sunday afternoon. Fred Bartch was 76 years of age, having been born in Germany. At the age of 7 he came to this country with his parents, settling in New York, and when the Civil War raged, Bartch enlisted at the early age of 17, and fought through three years of campaigns until the close of hostilities, although wounded three times in action. At the close of the war, he came to California with his parents, settling in Ventura county, where he remained three or four years. He then came north into this section and has remained here ever since. Entirely without capital, he soon established a high reputation for integrity and ability, and J. D Patterson original owner of what is now Patterson Colony, suggested that he buy land from him on shares. Starting with 1000 acres of virgin soil which he broke for the first time, Mr. Bartch extended operations until he was handling 3000 acres. Through the ups and downs of grain farming, Mr. Bartch persisted, and finally Fortune smiled on him most bountifully, and he acquired extensive land holdings of his own, having several thousand acres in various parts of this section, at the time of his death, as well as other extensive interests. Throughout the nearly half century of his residence here Mr. Bartch and his wife made their home at the present site of the Bartch place, the beautiful mansion now there being the third home on that site. With the opening of the colony and the coming of irrigation, Mr. Bartch purchased a 20 acre tract surrounding his home site, and the building of the present home followed soon thereafter. In addition to his farming operations, he was a successful grain buyer for one of the large warehouses at Port Costa. In 1913, with Mrs. Bartch, who passed away about three years ago, he made a visit to his native land and relatives, any of whom he had never before seen. Upon his return, he stated that he had enjoyed the trip, but it only made him appreciate California many times more. Held in High Esteem; He was looked upon as one of the leading citizens of the West Side, and was a director of the Bank of Newman and of the Modesto Branch of the Bank of Italy. He belonged to the Modesto chapter of the G. A. R., and was an ardent Mason, being one of the founders of the Patterson lodge about a year ago. He was held in high esteem by all who knew him, being generous, not only to his own people, but to all his friends, and during the critical war days was intensely loyal to the country of his adoption, aiding without stint in all patriotic movements, both with money and support. He was one of a family of 8 children, 2 sisters and 2 brothers being deceased, while three brothers survive him, as well as nephews and nieces, one of whom, Miss Lacy Bartch, had practically a daughter's position in the home, having lived with them since the age of 2, when her own parents died. The passing of Mr. Bartch marks a milestone in the closing of the pioneer era, as few of those who were here in the early seventies survive him. With these days of rapid development, it is difficult to realize that in the space of one man's careen, there had been such a transformation from unplowed soil to the scenes of productiveness and modern development that may be viewed today from the Bartch home. Funeral Largely Attended; Funeral service were held from the family residence yesterday afternoon under the auspices of the Patterson Lodge of Masons. Rev. Linn of Crows Landing delivered the funeral sermon, and from far and near, old time friends gathered in a large assemblage to pay final tribute. Following the services at the house the remains wee escorted to Del Puerto cemetery where the Masonic service was rendered with District Deputy George Stoddard of Modesto presiding. Business was partially suspended during the services, on account of the many attending the services. Especial tribute was paid by the Patterson Ranch company, successor to the early pioneer, J. D. Patterson, with whom Mr. Bartch had been associated so long. Blakesly Glyndon H 210707 p1 Sudden Death of G. H. Blakesly Sunday Afternoon; Glyndon H. Blakesly passed away last Sunday afternoon following a sudden illness from which he failed to rally. He had been an invalid for a number of years past but had been in fair health for some time preceding the fatal attack of asthma. Blakesly was 36 years of age and was the son of H. H. Blakesly. They have been Patterson residents for the past six years, coming here from Hollister in the hopes of benefitting the son's health. Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church Tuesday afternoon with Rev. A. B. Shepherd presiding, following which the funeral procession escorted the remains to Del Puerto cemetery. Beside the father, one sister, Mrs. Margaret Egli of Oregon, survives the deceased. Curtis Jonothan B 211201 p1 Death of J. B. Curtis at Home in Colony; Jonathan Bird Curtis, Colony rancher, passed away at his home Monday, following an illness from pneumonia. He was 75 years of age at the time of his death and has been a Colony resident for the past seven years, residing in the Crows Landing section previous to that time. He was a native of North Carolina and leaves a wife and a large family, including Mrs. W. A. Fowler and John Curtis of Patterson. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church yesterday afternoon Rev. C. W. Roberts officiating. Interment was in the family plot at the Newman cemetery, where a son was already buried. Arrangements were in charge of Davis & Evans. Hanner Glen 210203 p1 Former Patterson Boy Passes Away at Sacramento; Glen Hanner, a former Patterson boy and one of the first graduates from the Patterson high school, passed away at Sacramento last week according to word received by local friends. A clipping from a Sacramento paper gives the following in connection with his death: Under the auspices of the local Posts of the American Legion and the veterans of Foreign Wars, the funeral of Glen L. Hanner will beheld tomorrow at 2 o‘clock from the undertaking parlor of Nauman & Son, with interment in East Lawn Cemetery. Hanner died here Saturday at the home of his sister, Mrs. W. E. Bristol, 1300 Nineteenth Street. He had served overseas in the Casual Department of the Quartermaster s corps of the Army. He returned to the University of California following his discharge and was graduated from that institution last May, with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He is survived by his parents, Mr. And Mrs. J. W. Hanner: his sister and two brothers, Elmer Hanner of Mendocino County and J. Wade Hanner of Fresno. Jeffers Ben 211006 p1 Drops Dead While on Way to Duck Fields; Ben Jeffers of Cottonwood, a brother of J. E. Jeffers of Patterson, dropped dead of heart trouble last Saturday morning while on his way to the duck grounds for the opening of the season. Jeffers was alone when he died, and when the body was found, with gun and equipment lying nearby. The natural supposition of a hunting accident was generally accepted, and the report spread far and wide that he had been accidentally shot. An examination of the body quickly disproved this theory, and when a formal inquest was held, the autopsy report showed that heart trouble was the cause of death. C. B. Jeffers was a man of 50, and has been a West Side ranchman for many years, farming in the Volta and Cottonwood district. He is survived by a wife and one daughter, Miss Nola Jeffers. Kyne Lucinda M 210721 p1 Death of Mrs. Lucinda Kyne Saturday Evening; following an illness of some length Mrs. Lucinda Mary Kyne, wife of Patrick Kyne of Bartch avenue, passes away last Saturday. The deceased was 64 years old and a native of Iowa. Beside the husband, she is survived by two children, Nora and William C., and four children by a former marriage - Mrs. Overson of Utah, Mrs. Skeen of Idaho, Mrs. Standifer of Susanville, Cal., and Rolla Wilcox of Wyoming. Funeral services were held yesterday from the Patterson Catholic church, followed by interment in the Newman Catholic cemetery. Arrangements were in charge of Davis & Evans. Martinez T 210623 p1 Drowned in Canal; Rendered Unconscious by Accidental Blow on Head and Fails to Come up T. Martinz, an employee on the Southern Pacific section gang, was drowned Sunday afternoon at Station 5 on the main canal of the Patterson Water company. The deceased, in company with a number of other Mexican comrades, had gone to the canal for a swim in the canal, and while playing around in the ditch was carried over the drop which the current makes at that point. From the bruise, found on the head after the body was recovered, it was evident that he struck a rock or some other object in the fall, and was made helpless by the blow. The body was removed to the undertaking parlors of Davis & Evans, where an inquest was held Tuesday afternoon, resulting in a verdict of accidental death. The deceased leaves a wife and two small children. Funeral services were conducted from the Patterson Catho1ick church yesterday morning, with interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Pennell Wlm T 210728 p1 Three Dead in Grayson Tragedy; Family Nearly Wiped Out by Crazed Husband; Domestic Trouble Cause Crazed by the refusal of his estranged wife to allow him to have anything to do with the two children of the couple, William T. Pennell shot and killed his wife and his five-year old son, seriously wounded a two-year old child and then committed suicide Monday noon at the home of his father-in-law J. P. Long, on the river road near Grayson. Mrs. Long was only saved from a similar fate by the exhaustion of ammunition, as Pennell aimed the gun at her after he had shot himself, but could not fire. Attempt at Reconciliation; Pennell, who was 45 years of age had been parted from his 33-year old wife for several months, and had come down from Avon where he was employed by the Associated Oil Co., to attempt a reconciliation Sunday. Mrs. Pennell, who had been working at Tracy while her mother cared for the children, refused to have anything to do with him; but suggested that he aid in the support of the children. He wanted to take them back to Martinez with him to buy clothing for them, but this was refused and he left in anger. Monday he met his wife in Tracy and they returned to the ranch shortly before noon. A discussion was in progress when Mrs. Long left them to prepare dinner and she did not know what occurred previous to the firing, which attracted her attention. Rushing out, she found the four victims, but Pennell was still alive and attempted to shoot her, without success. Baby Survives; Medical aid was hurriedly summoned from Patterson and although Pennell was still alive, his condition was hopeless and attention was given little two-year old William, who had been shot in the back and lung. He was rushed to a Modesto hospital and last reports give him a very favorable chance for recovery. Before passing away, Pennell expressed regret only for the shooting of Elton, the elder. "He though I was playing," he said; "and came running toward me with a smile when I shot him." The boy died almost instantly and the smile remained, even in death. Inquest Held; The bodies were removed to Newman by Deputy Coroner Walter Davis following an inquest held by Coroner Shannon. The funeral of Mrs. Pennell and her son will be held from the Long home at Grayson today with interment in the Grayson cemetery. No trace has been found of any friends or relatives of Pennell and his remains will probably be interned at Newman. Petersen Frode 211124 p1 Frode Petersen Passes at Home of Brother; Frode Petersen, brother of Otto Petersen residing at Bartch and Mistletoe avenues, passed away last Sunday, following a lengthy illness. Frode Petersen was born near Svelnick, Norway, where he spent his childhood, coming to this country in 1878 and making his home in San Francisco. His calling was the sea. He spent many years serving as first mate and captain on vessels out of San Francisco, until about a year ago, when illness compelled him to retired, and he came to Patterson, where he had excellent care at his brother's home in his last illness. He was a devout member of the Lutheran church. Death came just before his 64th birthday. He leaves three brothers, Otto of Patterson; Robert living in Australia; and Andress of Christiana, Norway and one sister, Mrs. Sina Knutson, also of Christiana. Funeral services were held from the Lutheran church yesterday afternoon. Rev. Otto Lock officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Davis & Evans had charge of the arrangements Ralston Timothy F 210210 p1 Death of T. F. Ralston Last Thursday Afternoon; Following an illness of only a week, Timothy Frogue Ralston, well- known and popular Pattersoniste, passed away last Thursday afternoon at his suburban home west of town. Death was due to heart trouble originating from rheumatism, which had been troubling him in the foot for some time, but which did not assume a serious aspect until shortly before his death. The deceased was a native of Kentucky, and had just passed his 57th birthday. He had been a resident of Patterson for the past 7 years, and was well and favorable known by all as a man of high character, with many friends. He is survived by the widow, Mrs. Annie Ralston, and two sons, William T. And Arvin P., both of Paterson also, and two brothers and two sisters residing in Kentucky. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church last Sunday afternoon, Rev. C. W. Roberts delivering the final message to a large gathering of friends. Following the services at the church, the remains were escorted to their last resting place in Del Puerto cemetery. Frank Real, 02/03/1921, p1 Los Banos Officer Killed In Punchboard Holdup Frank Real, night officer at Los Banos was shot and instantly killed about 8 o'clock Sunday evening, by a holdup man who is believed to be known but at the last reports had not yet been arrested. The robber was holding up the bar operated by John Olsen, and Read is supposed to have made an attempt to draw a gun, which drew the bandit's fire. A suspect by the name of W.E. Drake was picked up and was threatened by an angry mob Tuesday night, but reports from Los Banos say that he is not supposed to be the murderer, although he was connected with several suspicious circumstances. A first hand version of the affair is taken from the Newman Index as follows: According to the version of the affair given by Al Olsen, the former Newman man now living in Los Banos, and a brother of Jon Olsen, in whose place the shooting occurred, the robber entered the place through a window opening out of a rear room, obtaining admission by cutting a screen. He entered the main room and standing at the back door, with a rifle at his shoulder, called "Hold up." The bar tender did not take the order seriously, thinking someone was going to have fun with him, replied, "Go ahead and shoot." The instant reply was a shot from the rifle, the ball, a 38 caliber, missing the bartender a few inches and smashing a hole through the cash register standing near him. The night officer was standing across the counter from the bartender, engaged in conversation with him when the robber entered. Some say he made a move to draw his gun Shepherd Margaret 210210 p1 Mother of Family of Ministers Passes; Rev. and Mrs. A. B. Shepherd returned the first of the week from Los Gatos where they attended the funeral of Mr. Shepherd's mother, Mrs. Margaret Shepherd, who passed away last week at the age of 76. Three of the four living children were present all being ministers, including A. C. Shepherd of Los Gatos anil W S. Shepherd of South Dakota. Their sister is a missionary in South America, and a deceased brother was also a preacher. Death was due to old age, the deceased having been in feeble health for some time past. Thompson Sadie M 210623 p1 Mrs. M. L. Thompson Dies at Modesto Hospital Sunday Evening; Mrs. Sadie Margaret Thompson, wife of Morris L. Thompson, passed away Sunday evening at a Modesto hospital. The end was not unexpected as she had been critically ill for some time, but the news came as a shock to the community, and universal sympathy is expressed for the bereaved husband and the two small children who are left motherless. The deceased was the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. C. N. Leeson, formerly of Patterson but now Modesto residents. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon at the Presbyterian church with Rev. A. B. Shepherd presiding. A large attendance gathered to pay a last tribute to one who was held in high esteem, and following the service the immediate relatives and friends accompanied the remains to Modesto, where interment took place in the Modesto cemetery. Tobias J 211104 p1 Sudden Death of Patterson Man; J. Tobias, Moving Theater Manager, Dead of Heart Trouble End Came Almost Without a Warning -- Was About to Open Theater Practically without warning, for a slight indisposition attributed to indigestion or some other minor trouble was the only complaint – J. Tobias of Patterson, manager of the moving picture theater of that place, passed away in Newman yesterday afternoon. Mr. Tobias was in Newman on business and apparently feeling quite himself up to 3 o'clock or so, when he stepped into Dr. Reed's office opposite the Star theater here and complained of a pain in the lower chest region, which he was inclined to attribute to indigestion. There was no indication of anything serious and the doctor advised Tobias to lie down for a time and see if the pain persisted. Not long after – less than half an hour it is believed – Mrs. Reed heard a moan from the room and called the doctor. The patient was found to be in a dying condition, and passed away almost immediately. Tobias has no local relatives. A brother in San Francisco has been wired, but no response received at this writing. Just Preparing to Reopen Theater Tobias had rather a stormy career in Patterson. His movie house was quite successful until he got into a controversy with the church-going people by opening his house on Sundays. An attempt to force Sunday closing by city ordinance was made and the ordinance passed the Council, but was held up by a referendum petition and defeated at the polls in a special election. Falling to force a closure, the advocates of Sunday closing effected their purpose by refusing to patronize the Sunday shows and they were later discontinued. The affair ??? to have hurt the patronage of the place and a couple of weeks ago the house shut down entirely. However, Tobias had completed arrangements to reopen, and notice was sent The Index yesterday morning that the Patterson Theater was to open again next week