Patterson Cemetery District Obits listing 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 Constance 19270211 p6 Little Girl Dies After Brief Illness Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon for Constance Anderson, 6-year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Anderson, who passed away at a Modesto hospital Thursday after an illness of but a few days, a stomach affliction causing death. The family had been here but a short time, coming from Petaluma where Anderson has been employed several years. Services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Swan Anderson, grandparents of the deceased, with Rev. R. W. Landn officiating. Interment was in Del Puerto cemetery with Davis and Evans in charge. Anderson Hazel 19270708 p1 Auto Crash Has Fatal Result Stockton Wreck Results in Death of Miss Hazel Anderson Shocked by the disastrous automobile crash at Stockton last week in which three were seriously hurt, the community was saddened Sunday by news of the death of one of the injured, Miss Hazel Anderson, whose mangled body was beyond the skill of physicians, who could do little to postpone the inevitable end. With both legs broken, one of them badly shattered; serious concussion of the brain; a broken jaw, and severe internal injuries, little chance was given for her recovery from the first, and complications developed to bring the end Sunday afternoon. The deceased girl was but 16 years of age, a student at Patterson high school until a short time ago, and was very popular. She is survived by the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Swan Anderson; two sisters. Alice and Rosamond, and six brothers Otto, Morris, Ernest, Alder, Roy and Theodore. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Presbyterian church with Rev. R. W. Lamkin officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery, a long procession of cars following the remains. Others Recovering Mrs. R. L. Spenker, most seriously injured of the other occupants of the car, is recovering, and unless complications develop, will not lose the sight of an eye. The eye was gouged out by the force of the blow, and it was feared at first that it would be lost. Severe cuts, lacerations and bruises made up her injuries, from which she is recovering at her family home near Modesto. Mrs. Goodrich, who sustained a broken jaw and slight fracture of the skull, is also recovering nicely at Modesto. Crash Details Despite reports otherwise, occupants of the car declared that it was going slowly at the time, probably about 15 miles per hour, the head-on nature of the collision being sufficient to account for the results. The party was going toward the business district on Weber avenue and struck the freight train at the S. P. crossing. Stockton reports that a flagman tried to halt them were also denied, it being declared that no one was in sight and the poor lighting there made it a much easier matter than might be supposed to miss seeing the train. The car struck a freight car at the trucks, being fortunate in this respect, as if the crash had been in the middle of the car, it would have been tangled beneath the train with more serious results. As it was, the auto rebounded to clear the train. The chassis took the force of the blow, the frame being buckled up and the engine driven backward to the front seat. Miss Anderson was seated directly behind the gear lever and was thrown against it with such force as to account for much of the injury she sustained. Barbour Lucy 19271216 p1 Passing of Mrs. Lucy Barbour Monday Mrs. Lucy Jane Barbour passed away Monday morning at her South Fourth street home, having been in failing health for some time. The deceased had attained the advanced age of 86 years and 10 months. She was a native of Missouri and had been a Patterson resident for the past twelve years, making her home with her son, J. T. Barbour, who with a grandson, Reo Barbour, comprise the immediate surviving relatives of the deceased. Funeral services were held from the Presbyterian church Tuesday with Rev. R. W. Lamkin officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Arrangements were in charge of Davis & Evans. Bontadelli Charles 19270506 p1 Charles Bontadelli Dies as Results of Injuries Received Although he incurred a broken neck and fractured skull in an auto accident Sunday afternoon, Charles Bontadelli treated his injuries as a trivial matter and refused to seek medical attention, not realizing their serousness, with the result that he passed away Monday morning before a doctor arrived. It is doubtful whether a doctor could have saved him anyway, but the manner in which the injured man carried on, despite his critical wounds, is considered remarkable. The injuries were the result of one of those auto upsets which are common enough now days and which create continual wonder that more do not result fatally. No one saw the accident happen and just what occurred is not clear, but Bontadelli was driving southward on North Sycamore not far from his home at Lemon and Sycamore, when the spill took place. S. H. Germolus and M. J. Phillips were conversing not far from the scene and saw the car just after it went over and others were also on the scene in short order. The car appeared to have turned over two and a half times, according to Germolus, and also reversed so that it was facing nearly north and resting on its side. Bontadelli was standing against the car when they arrived and although a deep gash in his head was apparent, he appeared little concerned and refused suggestions that a doctor be obtained at once, showing more interest in righting the car. When his car was taken back to the house, he walked around the year and also helped to place the auto in the garage, still refusing the urging of neighbors that a doctor be called, declaring that he had too many auto wrecks before, with consequent doctor bills, to bother with one now. Not until after he had arisen Monday morning did his serious condition become apparent. Attempts were then made to call a physician but both local doctors were attending cases in Modesto and he passed away before one arrived. No inquest was deemed necessary because of the obvious nature of the case. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon from the parlors of Davis & Evans, with services at Del Puerto cemetery under the auspices of Patterson Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which the deceased was a member, as well as the Modesto Druids lodge, and the Stanislaus Swiss club. Bontadelli was 46 years of age and a native of Switzerland, having spent 16 years in California and 8 in Patterson Colony. Beside with wife, twin daughters survive the deceased. Bryant L N 19270204 p4 L. N. Bryant Passes at Age of 86 The Los Banos Enterprise reports the death at the ripe age of 86 years of Louis N. Bryant, former Crows Landing ranchman, who lived several years there, and with his son V. G. Bryant, now city clerk of Los Banos, were well known in this section. Brye W F 19270121 p1 Former Patterson Man Dies at Alameda Funeral services were held at Alameda Monday for W. F. Brye, former local man, who passed away there following a period of ill-health. The news will be received with regret by many local friends of the family, the widow and three children surviving. Brye was stationed here for a number of years as head electrician for the Patterson Water company leaving about five years ago. Bundy R S 19270422 p1 R. S. Bundy Veteran of Sherman's March to The Sea, Passes Away Another vacancy in the fast thinning ranks of the Grand Army of the republic was created Friday when Russell Smith Bundy answered the final roll call at the advanced age of 92 years. Born in New York state in 1835, Bundy's lifetime has spanned the greater portion of the nation's history as a union, and he has been an active actor in some of its greatest episodes. Enlisting in the Wisconsin Volunteers, Company A, at the outbreak of hostilities in the Civil War, he carried a gun throughout the war, the ancient weapon still being a treasured family keepsake. Despite innumerable tight corners in which shot rained like hail, he escaped uninjured through it all, and took part in Sherman's famous march of destruction to the sea and victory at the close. His tales of adventure were legion. One incident may emphasize both the close calls and the changing character of welfare. He had hung a blanket on a stout post to dry one morning when some unknown impulse caused him to take a step aside. At the instant a cannon ball splintered the post and stopped a short distant away. It was a solid shot four inches across. Today, a fence post would hardly stop a modern shell, nor would the vicinity be very safe if it did, as the explosion would create havoc. Bundy has participated in several of the Memorial day exercises of Elijah B. Hayes Post of the American Legion, enjoying the experience despite his age. He was a member of Stanton Post of the G.A.R. of Los Angeles. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Sunday afternoon with Rev. G. A. Wernet officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery, joining his wife, who passed away a few years ago. Members of the American Legion served as pallbearers. One daughter and four sons survive - Mrs. Minnie Thompson of Los Angeles, O. O. Bundy of Patterson, Miles Bundy of San Luis Obispo, Edgar Bundy of Fairmead, and Elmer Bundy of Idaho. All except the latter were here for the funeral. Daily L L 19270513 p2 Funeral of L. L. Daily Held Friday Funeral services for the late Leslie Latimer Daily were held Friday afternoon from the Federated church with Rev. G. A. Werner officiating at the services. Interment was made in Del Puerto cemetery with arrangements in charge of Davis & Evans. Daily was a native of Missouri and was aged 53 years at his decease. Growing to manhood in Nebraska, he came to Patterson colony in 1913 and has resided here since that time. The widow and nine out of twelve children born to the couple survive him, all being residents of Patterson also. They are Mrs. Lane Leonard, Lewis William, Frances Irene, Mrs. Max McGill, Mrs. Edward Tschantz, Jessie Cora, Stella Belle, George Raymond and Ethel Inez. Three sisters also survive - Dr. Eva Frances Rowe of West Palm Beach, Fl., Mrs. J. D. Concklin of Bertrand, Nebraska, and Mrs. S. S. Ray, Bowling Green, MO. Mrs. Concklin came west for the funeral and is remaining for a visit with the family. Del Nero Infant 19270617 p2 Infant Passes Funeral services were held at Newman Monday for the 17-day old son of Mr. And Mrs. P. Del Nero, interment being made in Newman cemetery. DeLong William 19270701 p6 Former Laborer Here is Killed at Stockton William DeLong, former Patterson farm laborer, was found dead at Stockton Friday morning under mysterious circumstances, but was believed to be the victim of a hit-and-run accident. A Negro sleeping in a ball park grand stand on the Roberts Island road was awakened by talking and saw three men and a woman leaving, and on investigating found DeLongs body with the neck broken. The auto party were later arrested and held for investigation. DeLong was employed by George Thoming for several years and was well know here. Carl Medlin went to Stockton to aid in the case. Freitas Joaquin Tosta 19270916 p1 Slight Injury Causes Infection Death Resulting Joaquin Tosta Freitas, a well known Patterson colony dairyman, died Monday at a Turlock hospital from blood poisoning, after an illness of only three days. Freitas is said to have received a slight cut on the arm from broken glass in some manner not definitely stated, to which no attention was paid, and the injury became infected, with fatal results. The deceased was a single man aged about 36 years, and was a brother of Manuel T. Freitas of Newman, who was his only relative in this country, his parents living in the Azores. Funeral services were held at the Newman Catholic church Wednesday morning with interment in the Catholic cemetery. Frisvold Knud 19270204 p1 Former Colonyite Passes Away at Bay Knud Frisvold, former Colony resident and well-known here, passed away at his Berkeley home Monday, at the age of 73 years. The. deceased and his family were local residents for a long period, but removed to the Bay section to make their home a couple of years ago. Frisvold was a native of Norway, and is survived by the widow and five children, two daughters and three sons - Mrs. F. L. Greening of Long Beach, Mrs. Justus Christopherson of Firebaugh, and Earl, Martin and Alfred, residing in the Bay section. The remains were shipped here for interment, funeral services being held at the Lutheran church Wednesday afternoon, with Rev. J Towe delivering the sermon, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Davis & Evans had charge. Halseth Leland Fred 19270121 p1 Infant Passes Away Suddenly Leland Fred, the seven-months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Halseth, passed away at a Modesto hospital Monday following a brief illness, complications following an influenza attack being responsible. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Norwegian Lutheran church with Rev. A. J. Towe officiating. Four Little girls, Betty Torrison, Marie Busengdal, Dolores Moe and Marion Knutson, acted as pallbearers. Interment followed in Del Puerto cemetery with arrangements in charge of Davis & Evans. Hazelton Arthur 19270708 p6 Boy From Colorado Drowned While in San Joaquin River A youth of 19, Arthur Hazelton was drowned in the San Joaquin river south of Stevinson Saturday morning while enjoying a picnic with a group of friends. Hazelton unexpectedly stepped into a deep hole, it is said by those who were with him, and was unable to get out. It came very near being a double tragedy, for a cousin, Frank McOsker, tried to save Hazelton, and was seized by the drowning boy. The two went down three times, and finally McOsker was forced to break away to save his own life. The young man came from Florence, Colo., only a week ago, with his mother and brothers, and secured employed in a fruit cannery at Tuttle, near Merced. His father is still in Colorado. Herman August 19270624 p4 Old Timer Dies After Brief Illness August Herman, for twenty years a resident of Del Puerto canyon, passed away at a Modesto hospital early Wednesday morning, pneumonia being the cause. The deceased was 48 years of age and had spent half his lifetime on this mountain ranch, making his home with a brother Peter and George Atkins. The remains were shipped to Oakland by Davis & Evans, whence they go to Mission San Jose for interment. Beside the local bother, a sister, Mrs. Catherine Gleason, and a brother, Leo, reside in Oakland. Homes Guy 19270916 p2 Oakland Man is Drowned Near Vernalis Guy Homes, 28 of Oakland, was drowned Sunday when he dove into a whirlpool in the Stanislaus River near Vernalis and failed to come up. The body was later recovered and taken to Oakland. A wife and two small children survive the deceased. Hunt Thomas Forsyth 19270429 p1 Professor Hunt Passes Away on Steamer in Mid Pacific Professor Thomas Forsyth Hunt, former Dean of the College of Agriculture of the University of California, passed away on the Steamer Wilhelmina Tuesday while enroute home from Honolulu, where he had attended the Pan-Pacific Conference on Education, Reclamation and Rehabilitation. News of his passing, caused by heart failure, was received here with sincere regret, as Prof. Hunt has been a Pattersonite since the first of the year, his stay being interrupted by the Hawaiian trip, from which he planned to return to finish his survey of Patterson colony as an agricultural study. His death is a distinct loss to Patterson Colony, as his deep and sympathetic interest in the development of the Colony furnished the inspiration for the survey he had under way, and which when completed, would have made a most comprehensive report and one which would have created widespread interest. Whether another faculty member will be delegated to complete the survey is not known. It is also probable that Patterson Colony was the topic of his last public address, as he had said just prior to his departure from here, that he planned to use the Colony as his topic at the Honolulu conference if it met the approval of Secretary of the Interior Work, in charge of the gathering. Whether the talk was delivered is not known. Prof. Hunt was an outstanding figure in agricultural education, his text books being in use all over the world, and he has received honors, both at home and abroad. To him is given the major credit for the great growth of the Agricultural College of the University of California since he became Dean in 1912, retiring in 1923 to take a post professorship. He was 65 years old. Kennamar Sarah B 19270930 p1 Death of Mother of Mrs. B. R. Bingham Mrs. Sarah B. Kennamar, mother of Mrs. B. R. Bingham, passed away at the Bingham home Sunday night at the advanced age of 85 years. The deceased was a native of Alabama and the widow of Capt. John B. Kennamar, who served in the Confederate forces during the Civil War. Another daughter resides in Tennessee. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Church of Christ with Rev. Mitchell of Turlock officiating, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Davis & Evans had charge of arrangements. Lesson C N 19270513 p1 C. N. Lesson dies at Modesto C. N. Leeson, former colony resident but for several years past living near Modesto, passed away Sunday at his home at the age of 70 years. He is survived by the widow and the two orphan sons of Mr. And Mrs. M. L. Thompson, grandchildren, who live at the Lesson home. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Modesto. Lockridge Marvin 19270422 p7 Former Newman Town Marshal Is Killed Newman Index, Apr 20 The deadly motorcycle claimed another victim this morning, when Marvin Lockridge, former City Marshal of Newman and Stanislaus county traffic officer, died at 5:30 a.m. from injuries sustained Sunday in a motorcycle accident. Marvin was expecting to leave Monday morning for Salinas, where he had secured an appointment as traffic officer, and had bought a new machine to handle the work. He took it out on the Hills Ferry to get used to it, and in some manner unknown lost control of the machine while traveling at 50 miles an hour or more, and an upset resulted. Marvin was brought to the Newman hospital apparently suffering only from severe cuts and bruises, but later symptoms led Dr. Yocom to suspect more sever injuries. Yesterday afternoon the case assumed a serious aspect and consultants were summoned and everything possible done to avert the threatened tragedy, without avail. Though there was no fracture and no external appearance of anything but a severe cut on the head, it became apparent that a concussion of the brain or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain had occurred and that the end was inevitable. The patient was unconscious or delirious from about midnight on, and passed away early this morning. Maistti Infant 19270909 p2 The four day old infant daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Simone Maistti passed away Sunday. Interment was made in St. Mary's cemetery Monday with services at the grave. Davis & Evans were in charge of arrangements. Mickelson John 19271104 p1 Early Settler in Colony Passes Away John Mickelson, a resident of the Colony for the past fifteen years, passed away at his Del Puerto avenue home Saturday afternoon. Born in Norway 77 years ago, the deceased came to this country as a small boy at the age of 7, making his home in the Middle West until he and his family came to Patterson in 1912. He is survived by the widow and one daughter, Mrs. Ole Torvend. He was also an uncle of Mrs. Hans Torrison and of Iver, Olena and Albert Blomgren of Hayward, who came up for the funeral services Monday morning. The funeral was held from the Norwegian Lutheran church with Rev. A. J. Towe officiating, assisted by Rev. Geo. Shurson of Santa Rosa, who remained over from the conference for this purpose. Rev. H. E. Nordquist. also spoke. Interment was in Del Puerto cemetery, with arrangements in charge of Davis & Evans. McGill Infant 19270617 p4 Infant Passes Funeral services were held Saturday from the Davis & Evans undertaking parlor for the month-oil baby of Mr. and Mrs. Max McGill. Rev. R. W. Lamkin officiated, with interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Nickert Eva 19270304 p1 Pioneer Woman Passes at Oakland Miss Eva Nickert, for 44 years a resident of this section, passed away at Oakland Wednesday morning following an extended illness for which she had been taking treatment at the Bay for some time. Miss Nickert's passing thins still further the fast fading ranks of the pioneers of this district. Born in Germany, she came to this country as a child and settled here at the age of 16, one of a family of nine children, and has made her home here ever since, being 60 years of age at her passing. Only two of her immediate family survive - Chris, also a pioneer settler of this section, and Jake, whose home is in Michigan. The late Mrs. Fred Bartch was a sister, and Miss Rose and Albert Nickert are niece and nephew, respectively, of the deceased. Funeral services will be held this afternoon at 2 p. m. from the Lutheran church, with Rev. A. J. Towe in charge of the services, followed by interment in Del Puerto cemetery. The following old-time residents and friends of the family will act as pall-bearers: Hans Jons, George Delphia, Ralph Zacharias, Ed brown, W. W. Cox and W. W. Giddings of Oakland. Arrangements are in charge of Davis and Evans. Norell Oscar 19270902 p2 Died at Sacramento Oscar Norell, son of Mrs. T. Millard passed away at Sacramento Saturday. Funeral services were held there Monday with the following attending from here - Mr. And Mrs. Mallard and Mrs. Michael of Delano who is visiting here; Mr. And Mrs. H. Stewart; Mr. and Mrs. B. Stewart and Mr.and Mrs. John Norell. Ordway Adolph Mrs 19270204 p2 Westley Teacher Passes Away Mrs. Adolph Ordway, who served as instructor for the Westley school until illness forced her resignation last fall passed away at Modesto Tuesday, the Newman Index giving the following in regard to her heath. After a lingering illness, Mrs. Pearl Ordway, wife of Adolph Ordway, Newman ranchman, passed away Monday at a Modesto hospital, where she had been under treatment for some weeks. Funeral services were held yesterday morning at the Shannon parlors at Modesto, the remains being shipped for interment to Eureka, the former home of the deceased. Mrs. Ordway was 48 years of age and had been in excellent health up to the past few months. She was married to Mr. Ordway in Eureka but a few years ago, and in her comparatively short residence in Newman has made some warm friends, who regret deeply her premature end. Parnell John 19271118 p1 Death of Lifelong Resident Last Sunday John Parnell, life-long resident of the Vernalis district, passed away at a Modesto hospital Sunday. Ulcers had caused a perforated stomach and although he rallied from an operation, a weakened heart resulted in death. Parnell was 39 years of age, having been born at the family ranch at Vernalis where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emerald Parnell, have resided since 1858, moving but once in that period to a new home across the road from their first one. He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Lottie Zimmerman of San Francisco. Funeral service were held at Modesto Tuesday morning with Rev. Alexander Stevens of the First Methodist church officiating, following which the remains were interred in the Grayson cemetery. Pearson Joseph R. 19270204 p1 Father of Mrs. Roberts Passes Joseph R. Pearson, father of Mrs. F. E. Robert, passed away at his home near Modesto Wednesday morning following an extended illness. He had been a prominent rancher in the Lodi and Modesto districts for many years. He is survived by three sons besides the one daughter, Mrs. Roberts and the widow. Funeral services will be held at Modesto this morning at 10:30 following which the remains will be taken to Lodi for interment. Peterson Anna B 19271028 p1 Colony Pioneer Passes Away Sunday Mrs. Anna B Peterson, wife of Otto Peterson, passed away at their Colony home Sunday night following an illness from pneumonia. The deceased was a native of Norway, aged sixty years. She came to this county as a child of four, however, and the family have been residents of Patterson Colony for the past fourteen years. Beside the husband, she leaves the following sons and daughters to mourn her loss: John I. Peterson of Rolette, North Dakota; Martin C. Peterson of Flint, Michigan; Mrs. Marie Heason of San Francisco; Mrs. Selma Mulford of San Francisco; Oscar A. and Walter Peterson of Patterson. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Norwegian Lutheran Church with Rev. A. J. Towe in charge, assisted by visiting members of the Lutheran pastoral conference. Interment was made in Del Puerto cemetery with Davis & Evans in charge of arrangements. Pomelo Robert C 19270204 p1 Infant Passes Wednesday Clifford Robert, 2-months old infant son of Mr. And Mrs. Jake Addington of Pomelo avenue, passed away Wednesday. Funeral services were held yesterday afternoon from the gospel Mission church with interment in Del Puerto cemetery. Rangel Felix Mrs 19270429 p2 Death Follows Long Illness Mrs. Felix Rangel passed away early Sunday morning, following an extended illness, having returned from a Modesto hospital but a week ago. The deceased was a native of Mexico, aged 45 years, and is survived by a son and a daughter, her husband having passed away about two years ago. The whereabouts of the boy is not known, but the ten-year old daughter will probably be placed in an orphanage. Funeral services were held from the Catholic church Tuesday morning, followed by interment in Sacred Heart cemetery, with Davis & Evans in charge of arrangements. Sequiera Rose 19270204 p1 Mother of Local Woman Dies Here Mrs. Rose Sequiera, aged mother of Mrs. Joe Souza, passed away at the Souza home at Loquot and Cottonwood yesterday morning. The deceased was 73 year old and a native of the Azores, and had been visiting her daughter from Hollister. The body will be shipped there for interment by Davis & Evans. Signorotti Alfred 19271202 p1 Boy is Killed in Auto Smash Two cars without lights meeting in head-on collision Tuesday night on the highway two miles north of Patterson resulted in the death of Alfred Signorotti, and an extremely close call for five other young people involved in the crash. Both cars were almost completely demolished in the impact and it seemed a miracle that more were not killed or seriously hurt, but the four boys and one girl in the cars escaped with but minor cuts and sprains. Signorotti was driving a Ford car with box back, accompanied by his sister, Hazel, and Verne Stark, going northward, while the other car, a Ford coupe, containing Chauncey and Frank Kraus and John Carter, was coming towards town. Carter, was coming towards town. Both cars had trouble with their lights and neither had them on when they met opposite the Van Ormer pump station. The meeting occurred just as the southbound Owl had passed and the glare and noise from the limited no doubt added to the difficulty of detecting the approach of the other car. Stark, in the Signorotti car, had his head turned when the crash came, watching the passing train, and it is doubtful whether Alfred saw the other car in time to make a motion before the crash. Kraus was able to swerve just a trifle so that the impact came on one corner of each car instead of the center or more fatalities would have been probable. As it was, both machines were crumbled up badly. From the reconstruction of the accident made by Dr. A. M. Field, after examining the remains he expressed the belief that Alfred must have hurled directly forward against the upper bracing of the car, the skull being badly crushed just over the left temple, while the left arm was broken in several places. Death mush have been instantaneous, he said. Verne and Hazel were hurled clear of the car, and while all involved were badly shaken up and sustained minor hurts, none were serious. En Route From Scout Meeting Alfred had been attending basketball practice early in the evening at the high school, being a member of the B class team, and then went to the Boy Scout meeting from which he was en route home when the tragedy occurred. Manuel Knutson, Scout Leader, saw him leave without lights and declared he had a curious premonition of danger ahead but dismissed it thinking that Alfred was such a careful and reliable boy that he would be all right with the car. The tragedy has been a shock to the community, as Alfred was a fine boy and esteemed in the highest terms by all who knew him. He had just passes his sixteenth birthday last month and was a freshman student at high school. Beside the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Signorotti, one other boy, Herbert, and his four sisters, Hazel, Alma, Rose and Laura, survive the deceased. Funeral Saturday Funeral services will be held Saturday morning at Modesto, the former home of the family. Services well be held from the Shannon funeral chapel at 9:30, followed by mass at St. Stanislaus Catholic church at 10 o'clock. A Rosary service will be held at the chapel at 8 o'clock tonight. Signorotti Alfred 19271209 p2 Funeral services for Alfred Signorotti, who came to a tragic end in an automobile crash last week, were held at Modesto Saturday morning, and were attended by a gathering that overflowed the capacity of the Modesto Catholic church, a great number from Patterson attending while many more from the Modesto section who were friends of the family were also present. Pallbearers were selected from the ranks of the Patterson Boy Scouts, of which organization the deceased was one of the most faithful and enthusiastic members and the following served: Perry and Neal Smith, Henry del Biaggio, Robert Munson, Verne Stark and Douglas McElhern. Smith Joseph M 19270812 p1 Death of J. M. Smith Huge Turnout Pays Last Tribute to Pioneer Merchant Joseph M. Smith, pioneer resident of California and of Patterson, passed away at a San Francisco hospital late Thursday night of last week, following an operation. Death was due to a complication of diseases, but he did not take to his bed until Monday of last week, after which his condition grew worse until he was rushed to the bay Wednesday. He rallied from the operation In excellent fashion and recovery was expected, but a sudden heart attack brought the end. Born in the Azores Islands in 1862, the deceased came to California with his family when but three years old, crossing the Isthmus of Panama, and has made his home here ever since, being 65 years of age at his death. The family settled In Mariposa county, and Mr. Smith grew up in a rugged life spent In large part in the high Sierras in farming, sheep raising and stage-driving, and he had many tales to tell of the early days. Later he went into the mercantile business in Merced, selling out after six years to come to Patterson in 1913, where he was among the early residents. He bought the Ellis-Hoffman store, which he built into a strong business, continuing until 1920 when he sold out to A. P. Jaderquist and retired from active business. He has been an officer of the peace in various capacities, best in Merced county and in Patterson and was also a guard at Folsom penitentiary for a time. He was one of the organizers of and the first Grand Knight of West Side Council, Knights of Columbus, and was also a member of the U. P. E. C. Probably no member of the community can count a greater number of friends than the deceased.. Innumerable acts of kindness and thoughtfulness have obligated many to him and he was of especial help to his fellow countrymen, who came to this section in large numbers many years later. Last Rites Preliminary to the funeral services, a Rosary Service was held Sunday night under the auspices of the Knights of Columbus, which was attended by about two hundred members, coming from many West Side points and also from Modesto, Stockton and other places. Father Franco of Gustine presided at this service. Monday morning the last rites were held at Sacred Heart church, although only a portion of the immense crowd attending was able to get inside of the church. Father Porto officiated and music was provided by Mrs Alice Trefts and Mrs. May Correia of Newman and Father Franco of Gustine. The remains were escorted from the family home to the church by marching members of the Knights of Columbus and U. P. E. C. Following the brief ceremony, the funeral procession was formed, and a lint of approximately 120 machines followed the remains to their final resting place at Sacred Heart cemetery, floral offerings by the truckload also paying final tribute. Beside the widow and two children, Aida and Russell, two brothers, Frank and John of Merced, are the only immediate relatives. A large number of other relatives, as well as old-time friends of the family from other points were here for the funeral, the list including the following Mrs. R. A Chisholm and daughter, Estelle, of San Francisco; Miss Mary Maloney and Mrs. Sarah Cochrane of Oakland; Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Adair and Mrs. J. H. Corcoran of Los Angeles; Mrs. Emma Nordgren, Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Stone. Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman, Mrs. Chas. French, Mrs. Tom Mack, Mrs. Hokum and Mr: and Mrs. N. L. A. Cody, all of Merced; Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Flint of San Jose. Swenson Lester 19270819 p1 Vacation Visitor Incurs Fatal Illness A happy vacation visit was changed into tragedy Sunday when Lester Swenson, guest at the Carl Busengdal home, passed away at a Modesto hospital. His mother Mrs. S. Swenson of Richmond and his brothers and sisters, were visiting here from Richmond when Lester became ill and his removal to the hospital followed, but an attack of spinal meningitis proved fatal Sunday. The remains were taken to Richmond for interment, Mr. And Mrs. Busengdal and children attending the funeral services Tuesday Towe Andrew 19270506 p3 Pastor's Father Passes Away in Oregon Andrew Towe, father of Rev. A. J. Towe of the Norwegian Lutheran church, passed away at his home in Silverton Ore., Sunday afternoon, cancer of the stomach being the cause. The deceased was known to many here thought a visit to his son's family two years ago and news of his passing is received with regret. Rev. Towe made a trip to Oregon a month ago to visit him, the end being anticipated then. Winther Carl Mrs 19270701 p1 Mrs. Winther Dies at Florin Mrs. Carl Winther, former Colony resident, passed away at Florin Tuesday, according to a wire received by the local Eastern Star chapter of which the deceased was a member. No other particulars werre given, other than that the funeral was to be held yesterday.