Collected Obits P-S, Archuleta County, Colorado
http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/archuleta/obits/obtps.txt

Donated by Leroy Oldham <oldham@pagosasprings.net>
April 20, 2001

These obituaries are from the Ann Oldham collection; typographical 
errors can be attributed to Leroy Oldham.

Donated to the Colorado GenWeb Archives for Non-Profit use.

These obituaries are grouped by alphabet but are not sorted into order.

An index of names in this file is located at:
http://files.usgwarchives.net/co/archuleta/obits/obtndx.txt

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(Pagosa Springs 1899)
William M. Parrish, MD, who is a well known and successful physician and 
surgeon of Monte Vista, Rio Grande County, was born in Greencastle, 
Ind., December 17, 1844, the son of Abel and Bersheba (Rush) Parrish, 
the former a native of North Carolina. The paternal grandfather, Barney 
Parrish, was the son of an Englishman, and the grandmother, whose maiden 
name was Letita Rouk, was also of English extraction. Upon completing 
his literary studies our subject commenced the study of medicine at 
Osceola, Iowa, with Dr. Sherrick, under whose preceptor ship he remained 
for eighteen months, when Dr. Sherrick died. Later he carried on his 
studies under Drs. Howard and Goslin, of Oregon, Missouri. In 1870 Dr. 
Parrish began the practice of medicine at Newpoint, Holt County, Mo., 
and there he built up extensive practice, remaining until 1888, During 
his residence in that place, September 6, 1877, he married Alice L., 
daughter of John Patterson, who had removed from Ohio to Holt County, 
Mo. In their family are three living children, Opal, Meredith, and 
Walden. Ethel died when five years old. The year 1888 found Dr. Parrish 
opening an office in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He engaged in practice 
there until 1896, when he came to Monte Vista, and there he has since 
conducted a general practice. During his residence in Pagosa Springs he 
conducted a drug business in addition to his profession, and was also 
interested in ranching and stock-raising. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 8, 1918)
Martha M. (Butler) Price. Died in Goodsprings, Nevada, Friday January 
25, 1918, Mrs. Martha M. Price, aged 88 years. These few words announce 
the closing of the life of one of those life-long pioneers, who one by 
one are passing to the great beyond and leaving to us of a newer 
generation the heritage of the great west. Martha M. Butler was born in 
Lincoln County, Ohio, in the year 1830. There she grew to womanhood and 
married Barzelle Price, who was her companion through life until his 
death about two years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Price moved from Ohio to Little 
Sioux, Iowa, in the early '60s. There they were on the very outskirts of 
civilization for about ten years, surrounded by Indians, But as the 
country began to show signs of becoming settled they felt crowded and 
moved to Hebron, Nebraska. There Mr. Price became the first County Judge 
of Thayer county, and also helped draft and pass the first Nebraska 
woman's suffrage bill which became a law. In 1879, the desire to seek a 
new country again seized the Price family and they went to southern 
Colorado. Here they were the first white settlers and established a 
stage station on the old Santa Fe, N.M. and old Ft. Durango. In the 
course of time a post office was established and named Price in honor of 
the first settlers. This name was later changed to Chromo by which the 
place is still known. Price post office was the first to be established 
in the southern portion of Colorado. Mrs. Price has been in poor health 
for months and at her advanced age her death was not unexpected. She 
leaves surviving her, of the six children born of her union with Mr. 
Price, one daughter, Addie Confar, two sons, N. B. and E. B. Price, 
living in Goodsprings, and one son C. W. Price who still lives in 
Chromo, Colorado. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun January 24, 1974)
Harry E. Putnam was born in Bourbon Co., Kansas to Mr. and Mrs. Jacob 
Putnam on June 8, 1887. He had two brothers and five sisters, all 
preceding him in death, except for one sister, Grace. He attended school 
and grew into manhood in and near Ft. Scott Kansas. In January of 1905 
Harry Putnam and Alice Mary Bishard were married in Fort Scott. To this 
union there were born three daughters, Millie, Blanche and Myrtle. In 
the year 1906 this young couple moved to Colorado, settling at Pagosa 
Springs. Harry proved up on a homestead in Five Mile area of Archuleta 
County. Farming and raising livestock were his occupations. He joined 
the Pagosa Springs IOOF Lodge, No. 122 in 1919 and had been a member up 
to the time of his death. He had also joined and continued his 
membership in the Pagosa Springs Rebekah Lodge No. 134. In 1936 Mr. and 
Mrs. Putnam moved to Farmington, New Mexico where they were in business 
for several years. Then they moved back to Colorado on a fruit farm near 
Olathe, Colorado. The excellen6t grade of peaches and apples he raised 
was one of the highlights of his life. Mrs. Putnam died at their home in 
1959. He then sold out and has made his home with one daughter, Mrs. 
Asher Crowley of Leoti and his sister Grace Gunsaullus of Ft. Scott, 
Kansas, where he passed away January 14 1974. Mr. Putnam was quite 
interested in antiques and at one time had a large collection along with 
Indian Jewelery, rugs and arrowheads. Survivors are his daughters, Mrs. 
Bay Chambers, Mrs. Ray Murray and Mrs. Asher Crowley. Five 
grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, five great-great 
grandchildren, one sister Grace Gunsaullus, and a number of nieces and 
nephews. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 25, 1946)
Leora Price. Funeral services were held Monday from the Methodist 
Community Church for Mrs. Bert Price, 86, who died in Mercy Hospital at 
Durango early Saturday morning, where whe had been for two months for 
treatment for a fractured hip. Mrs. Price was a member of the Church of 
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Officiating at the services were 
Elder James McIntire, Elder Barrett and Elder Klineman. Music was by Mr. 
and Mrs. Harvey Catchpole and Mrs. Lee Cox. Mrs. Price's grandsons, Sam 
Dunger, Frank Cnner, Warren Joe and Raymond Brown, Jr., Sam Teeson and 
Edwin Crowley, acted as pall bearers. Mrs. Price was born at Fort Worth, 
Tex., and came to Chromo in a covered wagon in 1885. A year later she 
was united in marriage with Samuel Teeson at Chromo and they lived for 
many years on a ranch there. Mr. Teeson died in 1932, Ten years later 
his widow and Bert Price were married at Aztec, N. M. Surviving Mrs. 
Price are her husband; five daughters, Mrs. Jennie Dunger of Marvel, 
Mrs. Doll Frost of Ignacio, Mrs. Floyd Andrews, Mrs. Mary Birch and Mrs. 
R. T. Brown, all of Pagosa Springs; three sons Thomas Teeson of Chinco 
Valley Ariz., James Teeson of Pagosa Springs and Louie Teeson of Cortez, 
Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. Burial 
was in Hilltop cemetery, Ben K. Lynch, Mortician was in charge of 
funeral arrangements. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 6, 1914)
Barzarillia Price. Died Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the age of 84 years. 
Barzarillia Price, of pneumonia and senility. Mr. Price was born in 
Muskegon County Ohio, practiced law in Thayer County Nebraska and came 
to Colorado in 1880 where he opened his law practice. During the thirty 
five or more years of his residence in Archuleta county he occupied many 
responsible positions, among them being that of deputy treasurer for 
several terms, county judge and superintendent of schools. Besides a 
wife he leaves three sones, Will, Norman and Bert, of Nevada, one 
daughter, Mrs. Addie Confar of La Mesa California and several grand 
children and great grand children besides a host of friends. In spite of 
all that medical skill and loving attention could do to facilitate his 
recovery, he died ___ yesterday morning at 9'oclock. Mrs. Myrtle 
Bostwick, a granddaughter, was with him up to the end ___________ him. 
The funeral will probably take place tomorrow and the remains will be 
interred at Hilltop cemetery. The Sun extends heartfelt sympathy to the 
bereaved family. 

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(Pagosa Springs 1899)
Jewett Palmer, sheriff of Archuleta County, was born in Cleveland Ohio, 
in 1853, being a son of Ira Palmer, a native of New York State. When he 
was one year old he was taken by his parents to Wisconsin, where he was 
reared, his education being begun in comm. schools of the state. When he 
was fourteen years of age he came to Colorado, and for sixteen years 
remained in or near Denver, engaged in ranching and the stock business 
during most of that time. From Denver he went to Durango, where he pre-
empted a quarter section of land, eighteen miles east of town, and 
engaged in stock raising and agricultural pursuits. Coming to Pagosa 
spring in 1890, Mr. Palmer opened a mercantile store, which he conducted 
for three years in conjunction with it he carried a genera liver stable. 
In 1893 he sold his mercantile business but continued proprietor of the 
livery barn until 1897, when he sold out. He owns a ranch of one hundred 
and sixty acres six miles south of Pagosa where he deals in stock 
(mostly cattle) for the markets. He was interested in the incorporation 
of Pagosa Springs and has been a warm supporter of all measures for 
growth. Political matters receive Mr. Palmer's attention, and he favors 
Democratic principals. For four years he was deputy under Sheriffs Kern 
and Garvin, and practically had entire charge of the office. In 1894 he 
was elected high sheriff and afterward was re-elected, now serving his 
second term. Several times he has been chosen to serve upon the board of 
school directors, and for two terms he has held the position of town 
trustee. He is an active member of Pagosa Camp No. 412, Woodment of the 
World. By his marriage in 1880 to Estella Patton, he has seven children, 
Harvey, Madison, Levi, Millie, Effie, Jewett Jr., and Jesse. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun November 9, 1951)
Doll Pargin. After seventy four years in the San Juan Basin, Doll Pargin 
passed away at Hot Springs, N.M. October 31, 1951. He had left his home 
here on October 21, with Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Parrish for a short visit in 
El Paso. He left El Paso on October 31 for Hot Springs and on October 31 
spent the afternoon on Elephant Butte Lake fishing with a friend. After 
returning to their cabin they retired early and the next morning Mr. 
Pargin was fount to have passed on some time during his sleep. Born in 
Golden City, Dade County Missouri, on June 20, 1873 to Daniel and 
Serelda Nell Pargin who in 1876 left there in a covered wagon with their 
four sons, Charlie, Ben, Doll and Ed as one of a caravan of 33 wagons on 
the way to the Black Hills. They were stopped at Fort Loren, Kans. by 
General Custer's soldiers on account of an Indian Uprising. They then 
came on to the San Luis Valley where they wintered. Daniel Pargin came 
on over to Pine River with a pack horse, which he traded for the HD 
Ranch and a cabil east of where the town of Bayfield now stands. tho 
which he moved his family in 1877. Later they bought the place on Beaver 
Creek where the Pargin school house now stands and where on September 5, 
1882 he passed away leaving "Grandma" Pargin with her five children, a 
daughter, Pearl having been born to them on Pine River. On November 1, 
1889 Doll was married to Leona Emma Harlan. The first year of marriage 
was spent at Deming, N.M. after which they returned to the San Juan 
Basin and settled on the Piedra river where they lived until August 1944 
when Mrs. Pargin died. To this union was born five children, three of 
whom survive, two daughters having passed away. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 29, 1959)
Alice May (Bishard) Putnam. Mrs. Harry Putnam died Monday, Jan 19, at 
her home on High Mesa near Olathe, Colo. She had been a resident of the 
Olathe community for 12 years and of Colorado for 53 years. She spent 
her younger married life in the Pagosa Springs area where she and her 
husband reared their three daughters. They lived a Farmington 10 years, 
the remainder of her life being spent in Olathe, Colo. Alice May Bishard 
was born May 3, 1888 in Bourbon County, Kansas to J. C. and Emma 
Bishard. Her early years were spent in her native state. On January 31, 
1905, she was married at Fort Scott, Kansas to Harry Putnam. Besides her 
husband, she is survived by their three daughers, Mrs. U. H. (Millie) 
Chambers and Mrs. Ray (Blanche) Murry, both of Pagosa Springs, and Mrs. 
A. J. (Myrtle) Crowley of Leoti, Kansas. There are five grand children 
and fifteen great grand children. She is also survived by three sisters, 
Mrs. Elsie Davis, Canon City, Colo., Mrs Myrtle Grubb, Cedaredge, Colo., 
and Mrs Iva Queen of Neosha, Mo. Mrs. Putnam was active in the affairs 
of her community and also took great pride in her home, garden, flowers 
and orchard. She was affiliated with the Methodist Church and Rebekah 
Lodge No. 134 of Pagosa Springs. She was an active member of both the 
church and lodge. She had received full honors of the offices of her 
lodge and was a Past Noble Grand. One Brother preceded her in death, Lee 
Bishard, who is buried in Hilltop Cemetery in Pagosa Springs. Funeral 
service were held in the Oathe Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on January 22, 
with the Rev. E. B. Rowbotham officiating,. Graveside services were 
conducted by Pagosa Rebekah Lodge No. 134 on January 23. Those from out 
of town attending the funeral services in Olathe were Mrs.. Elsie 
Davies, Mrs. Myrtle Grubb, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miller, Mr. and Mrs. 
Robert Leighton and Larry. Mr. and Mrs. Junior Ludwig, the latter three 
couples also attended the graveside services. Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Leighton 
and Mrs. Ludwig are Mrs. Putnam's grand daughters. Willis Crowley of 
Leotie Kansas, a grandson and doris Crowley of Denver, were unable to 
attend the funeral. Pallbearers were Leon Montroy, George Alley, Carl 
Hayden, Tom Darnall, Rube Connelley, Percy Chambers. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 19, 1936)
Norman Barzillai Price, brother of W. W. Price of Chromo, died 
Wednesday, June 3, at the Naval hospital in San Diego, California. Death 
was caused by a blood clot at the base of the Brain. The deceased was 
born in Thayer County, Nebraska in 1875. He enlisted in company C. First 
Nevada Territorial regiment in 1879, and received an honorable discharge 
one year later. He was a member of the Pagosa Springs Masonic lodge No. 
114, also of the Bennington Camp No. 20 USWV. Mr. Price was postmaster 
at Chromo in the year 1905. In 1907 was a ranger in the forest service 
of Archuleta county. From 1914 to 1918 he was postmaster at Good 
Springs, Nevada. This office was made a third class post office in the 
year 1915. Surviving him are: his wife, Mrs. W. E. Price, five children, 
Mrs W. E. Bassom, National City, Colo., Mrs. I. H. Means, Gardina, 
California, Josephine, Wilma and Norman B. Jr., four grandchildren, two 
brothers, C. W. Price of Chromo, E. B. Price of Prescott, Arizona and 
Addie Confar of San Diego, Calif. Mrs. Price had resided in La Mesa 
California for the past 18 years. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 12, 1939)
Mrs. Juanita Payan of Arboles passed away Tuesday, May 2nd at the home 
of her daughter, Mrs. Delia Herrera of Ignacio, at the age of 75 years. 
Complication accompanying her advance age, caused her death after 
prolonged suffering. Funeral services were held at the Catholic church 
in Ignacio, by Father Bernardo, at one o'clock Thursday afternoon, and 
interment was made at Arboles. born in Hernandez, N.M., March 26, 1864 
she came to Colorado in 1917, where she had since made her home. 
Surviving are four sons, Mel, and John, Arboles, Joe Payan, Ignacio, 
Abel Gallegos, Chama, N.M., a daughter, Mrs. Delia Herrera, Ignacio; 
five grand daughters, Mrs. Ed Romero, Miss Rosanna Romero, Miss Amandia 
Herrera, Miss Margarito Herrera all of Ignacio; and Mrs Lila Cordova of 
Durango; and her nephews, Paul Vigil, Ross Martines and Henry Polar of 
Durango, besides many friends. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 6, 1914)
Van Buren Page. A particularly sad death was that of Van Buren Page, age 
26 years, a young man afflicted with tuberculosis. He came to Pagosa six 
months ago in the hopes that the dry, invigorating climate of this 
mountain region might restore him to health, He was stopping with 
Godfrey Kohler on his Blanco Basin ranch. Sunday morning the boy's 
condition became so much worse that he begged to be taken to Pagosa for 
medical attention. Mr. Kohler accompanied by a Mr. Williams, the boy's 
chum, started with him in a sleigh, but before proceeding not more than 
a couple of miles, he expired. The body was arranged in the bottom of 
the sleigh and brought into town to the Hatcher undertaking 
establishment, where it was prepared for shipment east, but all attempts 
to get communication with the relatives failed. hence interment was made 
in Hilltop cemetery Wednesday. Mr. Page entered the U.S. Navy a few 
years ago and it was while in that service that he contracted the dread 
disease which caused his death. As a consequence he was drawing an 
unusually heavy pension. 

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(The Pagosa Springs News, Friday, June 1, 1900)
Sarah E. Phillips. On Saturday, May 26, 1900, the death angel visited 
the home of Mrs. Teressa Hallett near Pagosa Springs and reached out his 
cold and icy hand claiming for his victim Sarah E. Phillips, mother of 
Mrs. Hallett. Deceased was born August 5, 1835 at Turnham, Mass., and 
died at the age of 65 years, 9 months and 22 days. Her maiden name was 
Sarah E. Fairchilds, and she was married to James Phillips at Bradford, 
Mass., September 6, 1855. Mr. Phillips died at Del Norte November 7, 
1890. Having been a resident of southwest Colorado for over twenty 
years, being in Del Norte until 14 years ago when she moved to Pagosa 
Springs, Mrs. Phillips was well and favorably known and much has been 
said of her bright and cheery disposition. She was a loving and devoted 
mother to her girls, Mrs. Terressa Hallett, and Mrs. Addie Nossaman of 
Pagosa Springs, Mrs. Artina Wentz of Pagosa Junction, and Miss Alice 
Phillips of Mancos. three other children died in infancy. Mrs. Phillips 
spent the last year at Mancos with Miss Alice, and had returned to 
Pagosa to pay her daughters a visit when the summons came calling her to 
the eternal home from where no traveler returns to earth. She is not at 
rest, no more suffering, no more trouble, no more aches and pain, all is 
rest, sweet rest. The funeral services were conducted at the M. E. 
Church on Monday, May 28, at 2 p.m. by Rev. Riegal Hatcher, who spoke in 
a very impressive manner, words of comfort and consolation to those left 
to mourn. The remains were laid to rest in the Pagosa Springs cemetery 
and were followed to the grave by a large concourse of friends. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 20, 1919)
Mrs. Melissa (Thomason) Provancher, wife of David Provancher, was born 
in Metcalf county, Kentucky, January 5, 1863, and died after an 
operation for tumon at the C. F. and I. hospital in Pueblo, 
JanuaryJanuary 12, 1919, at six o'clock in the morning. Her maiden name 
was Thomson. She was married to David Provancher by the late Judge E. K. 
Caldwell, July 6, 1911. She was the mother of nine children, by a former 
marriage. eight of these still survive, and with her now bereaved 
husband mourn her departure. She was a devout Christian woman and became 
a member of the Methodist church of Pagosa Springs May 2, 1909, under 
the pastorate of Dr. DeMotte, and was a faithful and loyal member, as 
far as her opportunities would permit. Living so remote from the church 
she was not as constant in her attendance on the services as she 
desired; but she constantly used her Bible and her religion at home, and 
will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and friend. Of the 
children, Virgil and Bifford Amyx and Mrs.Maggie Mattox, live in 
California: Dean at Chama, N.M.; Claude and Ruby at Pagosa Springs, and 
Mrs. Chas. Port at Windsor, Missouri. She had three sisters, the late 
Mrs. R. J. Chambers, Mrs. F. E. Butler of Pagosa Springs, and Mrs. 
Maggie Ward of Phoenix, Arizona. She had two half sisters, Mrs. J. L. 
Chambers of Pagosa and Mrs. Libbie Burgess, of Tacoma, Washington. She 
left to her sorrowing friends and relatives assurance that she has 
passed to a country where there is no death, where sickness and sorrow 
are not known. Faith in the same Savior will bring to us the same hope. 
and enable us to meet death with the same glad triumph. "Oh death where 
is thy sting: old grave, where is thy victory?" Funeral services were 
conducted from the Methodist church of Pagosa Springs Sunday afternoon 
June 15, by the pastor DeMotte. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 2, 1917)
Lee Patrick of Ignacio died at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon at 
Ochsner hospital from cancer of the stomach. He had been in the hospital 
seven weeks, but owing to the advanced stage of the disease, an 
operation was hopeless and none was performed. The deceased leaves to 
mourn him his wife and their three children, Edna 21, Leslie 19 and 
Milton 12, and two brothers, Wash Patrick of this city and William 
Patrick of Ashland, Oregon and a sister Mrs. D. Preston Bell of 
Silverton, beside a niece, Mrs Otis Stansbury and a cousin George Smart. 
The body was removed to the Otis Stansbury home, 553 Sixth Avenue, where 
it was prepared for burial by the Goodman Undertaking company. Interment 
will be made Friday at Bayfield, going out via Ignacio under the 
auspices of the Ignacio lodges of Odd Fellows and Woodmen of the World - 
Durango Democrat (Feb. 1) - Marion Patrick formerly proprietor of the 
Springs Hotel, now residing in Denver is another Brother. Lee Patrick 
was a long time resident of Pagosa and formerly ran the Oxford 
restaurant, since destroyed by fire. He was well known to most of our 
citizens who will regret his going. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun December 8, 1950)
William Price, pioneer resident of Chromo, passed away in Durango last 
Tuesday, November 29. Mr. Price was born in Iowa in 1862 and came to 
Archuleta County in 1879. He has resided in the Chromo area for many 
years and is well known throughout the county. He served, at one time, 
as county superintendent of schools. Funeral services were held in 
Pagosa Springs last Friday and interment was at the local cemetery with 
funeral arrangements by Lynch Mortuary and Rev. Kent conducting the 
ceremonies. Surviving him are L. B. Price and Elmer Weisel of Chromo. 
Mr. Weisel is a great nephew of Mr. Price. Mr. William Price was a 
highly respected pioneer and lived a helpful life among his neighbors. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 15, 1918)
A. A. Putnam, an old and well known resident of the county for many 
years, died last Tuesday at 3o'clock in the morning, or congestion of 
the lungs, at his ranch west of town. Mr. Putnam has been in failing 
health for a number of years, and particularly since the death of his 
wife some months ago. He received every medical aid and was attended 
carefully by the Harry Putnam family who were staying at the ranch at 
the time of the old gentleman's death. Mr. Putnam was born in 1839 in 
Purvan, N. Y. He joined the Mason Lodge in 1866 at Armada Michigan, and 
became a member of the Pagosa Lodge in 1896 and had been honored by 
holding all the chairs in this lodge. He was also an Eastern Star. Mr. 
Putnam has resided in every portion of Colorado for many years coming 
here from Glenwood Springs, where he followed the bakers trade. One son 
residing in New York state survives him. The funeral was in charge of 
the Masons and burial took place at Hilltop on Tuesday. Gone is another 
of our honored citizens. May he even now be reaping his reward for a 
long life well and honorably lived. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun April 18, 1932) 
Thomas S. Reavis, 60, one of the most prominent and most respected 
citizens of Archuleta county, passed away early yesterday morning in 
Durango, the direct cause of death being pneumonia, though he had 
previously suffered from paralytic strokes. He seemed to be making a 
splendid recovery from paralysis, when he was stricken with pneumonia, 
which hastily speeded his death. He had been in Durango for several 
weeks for treatment and his conditions was reported as extremely 
favorable until the last few days His wife and two youngest children 
were with him when he passed away, having accompanied him to Durango 
some time ago. Also, at his bedside was his sister, Mrs. Walter Bowling 
who resides on West fork. She will accompany the remains to Pagosa 
Springs tomorrow, and the funeral will be held at the M. E. church in 
Pagosa Springs Sunday afternoon, Rev. G. S. Hatcher, and the Odd Fellows 
and Rebekah lodges officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Clay McKinley, the latter a 
daughter of Mr. Reavis arrived today from Mosca, Colo., to attend the 
services. She had previously tended her father while he was ill in 
Durango. Thomas S. Reavis was born at __nton, Mo., on July 19 1871 and 
died at Durango, Colorado on April 7, 1932, aged 60 years, 8 months and 
20 days. He came with his parents to the vicinity of Pagosa Springs, 
Colorado __ years ago, or four or five years after the first white 
settlers, thus being one of the true pioneers of this section of the San 
Juan country. In early manhood he engaged in the ranch and stock 
business for himself and became one of the most successful in that line 
in Archuleta county. He served his county with honor and distinction 
both as sheriff and as county commissioner, and at the time of his death 
was a deputy stock inspector in this section. He was a member of the Odd 
Fellows and Rebekah lodges of Pagosa Springs, and was associated with 
all forward mevements of this community. He enjoyed and merited the 
confidence and respect of everyone who knew him. His first companion in 
marriage was Pearl Pargin Reavis, passed away twelve years ago, leaving 
one daughter, now Mrs. Kittie McKinley of Mosca, Colo. A few years ago 
he married to Miss Mae Mee of Pagosa Spring, and to this union were born 
two children, Marva Mae and _____es. In addition to his wife and 
children he is survived by one grand daughter, Ina Don McKinley and one 
sister, Mrs. Muriel Bowling of Pagosa Springs. The whole community is 
saddened by the death of "Tom" Reavis.  

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun January 15, 1948) 
May Reaves. Elmer Weisel sends the following account of his mother's 
death in San Pedro, Calif.: Mrs. May Reaves 53, widow of Fred Reaves, 
former 68th district assemblyman, died Wednesday of last week at her 
home 964 W. 10th Street, following a 10 day illness. Mrs. Reaves and 
been a resident of the harbor area for 11 years and and had been 
especially active in humanitarian work. She was a member of the American 
Theosophical society and was secretary treasurer of the Ship-yard 
workers auxiliary. She was also active in recent democratic party 
political campaigns. She had been a resident of Chromo and Pagosa 
Springs, Colorado for 20 years previous to moving to California. Funeral 
services were held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the McNerney mortuary 
chapel. Burial was had in the family plot at Roosevelt Memorial park. 
Mrs. Reaves leaves two daughters, Mrs. Freda Sleep of San Pedro and Mrs. 
Willis Everist of Utah; five sons, Sherman, Elmer, Richard Weisel, and 
William Reaves of San Pedro and Duane Weisel of Los Angeles.  

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(The Weekly Times August 1, 1901) 
Matilda M. Richards, was born in Tuscaloosa county, Alabama, March 10, 
1919, and died at Pagosa Springs July 30, 1901, aged 82 years, 4 months 
and 20 days. She was married to Mr. T. Kemp, May 18, 1842. After the 
Civil War they moved to Texas, in 1874 they moved to Colorado and 1878 
they settled in this city, Where her husband died in 1888. She was the 
mother of four children, only one surviving her. John Kemp of Silverton, 
who was with his mother during her last illness. In the death of Mrs. 
Kemp this community loses one of its oldest settlers and the first white 
woman to make her home here.   

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 19, 1970) 
Terry Robinson, 62, a prominent Archuleta County rancher, died early 
Tuesday morning in a Durango Hospital. Mr. Robinson became seriously ill 
with Flu Sunday and was taken to Durango via Mounted Ranger ambulance. 
His death was attributed to heart failure. Terry Robinson had been a 
resident of the county for about 25 years. He and Rs. Robinson who 
survives, had a large ranch in Echo Canyon, Mr. Robinson was very active 
in civic and political affairs. He served as Archuleta County 
Commissioner, was a director of La Plata Electric Association, chairman 
of the Archuleta County Democratic Central committee, and also held 
other public offices. Terry Robinson had served for several years until 
very recently, as a member of the board of directors of the Citizens 
Band. He was well and favorably known all over the San Juan Basin and in 
Denver. Funeral services were held this morning from the local Methodist 
Church. Burial will be at Fort Sumner, N.M. Brandon Terry Robinson was 
born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on July 9, 1907 and passed away on March 
17, 1970, in Durango Colorado. He came to New Mexico as a baby with his 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Robinson in 1909. On August 5, 1934, he was 
united in marriage to Ruth Dunlap. His parents preceded him in death, as 
did brother, Ben White Robinson. Terry ranched in the Ft. Sumner area 
and served as county treasurer and county commissioner there. In 1947 he 
moved to Pagosa Springs where he was also engaged in ranching, and was 
active in the Methodist Church, as well as a leader in many other 
community activities. He was a 32nd degree Mason and possessed a dual 
membership in both Mount Morial Lodge No. 54 at Ft. Sumner and Pagosa 
Lodge No. 114 AF & AM and was a Past Worthy Patron of Harmony Chapter 
No. 84 Order of Easter Star. He was a member of the Consistory of 
Scottish Rite of Free Masonry of Santa Fe, N.M. Terry is survived by his 
wife, Ruth of Pagosa, brother Lewis of Denver, and several nieces and 
nephews.  

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun April 4, 1941) 
Sanford B. Roush. News reached this place Thursday evening, March 27th, 
that "Bert" Roush had passed away in Durango, about 4:30 of that 
afternoon. Few here knew that he was ill, and the news came as a shock. 
Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church on Saturday 
afternoon, at 2 o'clock. Revs. F. C. Sager and G. S. Hatcher 
officiating. Three favorite hymns, "Abide With Me", In The Sweet Bye and 
Bye" and "No Night There" were sung by a quartet composed of Mr. and 
Mrs. Earl Mullins, Mrs. F.C. Sager and Mr. Howard Miller, accompanied at 
the Piano by Mrs. Marguerite Wiley. Pall bearers were Fred Catchpole, J. 
T. Martinez, Joe Jacobson, Frank Matthews, Urban Chambers and Joe 
Melrose, and burial was made in Hill Top cemetery. Sanford B. Roush was 
born in Uniontown, Kansas, December 30, 1873, and was one of the several 
children of James G. and Carolyn B. Roush. When he was about 18 years of 
age, he came to Colorado, settling first at Platoro, where his brother 
John had already established his home, and there he engaged to quite an 
extent in the mining business. He went back east after a while and 
finished his school, returning later to Pagosa Springs, and Archuleta 
county where he had made his home ever since. On Jan 10, 1899 he was 
married to Lillian Arnold, at Pagosa Springs, to which union three 
children were born. The youngest, a daughter Dorris, passed away when 
she was four years old, while two sons, Buryl Roush, who resides in 
Telluride, and Cecil Roush, survive there father. Buryl and his wife 
were at their fathers bedside during the last twenty four hours of his 
life, and remained in Pagosa Springs a few days after the funeral, 
returning to their home in Telluride Tuesday. Lillian Collier Roush, 
wife of the deceased, preceded him in death November 24, 1938.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 29, 1972) 
Services for Buryl O. Roush, Telluride, were held last Sunday at Christ 
Church, Roush, 72, died Tuesday at Montrose Memorial Hospital after an 
illness of several years. Buryl Roush was born March 12, 1900 at Salida, 
the son of Sanford B. and Lillian I. (Arnold) Roush. He spent his early 
live at Pagosa Springs. As a young man he rode as a jockey in horse 
races. From 1930 to 1932 he lived in California, working as a barber. 
Later he located in Telluride and worked as an assayer for Idarado 
Mining Co. He was married on March 17 1925 in Durango to Jennie M. 
Kortes who survives him. One son, two brothers and a sister are 
deceased. Roush was a member of Telluride Lodge No. 103, IOOF and Lodge 
No. 692. BPOE, Grave side services were conducted at Lone Tree Cemetery 
by the Telluride Elks. Pallbearers were Elmer Ranta, William Ranta, Arvo 
Thompson, James Gallager, Harry wright and Don O'Rourke. Memorial 
contributions may be made to Telluride's Christ Church or the Heart and 
Respiratory Fund - Telluride Tribune.  

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun July 19, 1962) 
John B. Read, former resident of Pagosa Springs, passed away at his home 
in Midvale, Utah July 10. He was well known locally, as this had been 
his home until 1947 when he moved to Utah. Funeral services were held on 
July 14. He is survived by his wife, Mavis; three daughters, one son, 
three brothers, four sisters, 19 nieces, 10 nephews and numerous other 
relatives. He was born June 24, 1909 at Walsenburg, being 53 years of 
age at the time of his death. His brothers include Felix Read of 
Colorado Springs, Esquibel Read of Lark, Utah, and Tom Read of Pagosa 
Springs. The sisters are Mrs. Abran Quintana of Riverton, Utah; Mrs Cleo 
Elliott of San Diego, Calif.; Mrs Juanita Rudy of Rochester, N.Y. and 
Mrs. Sona Aubrey of Mobile, Alabama.  

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun October 19, 1967) 
Isam "Ike" Russell, 88 years of age, passed away October 6 in Ponderay, 
Idaho. He was well known to early day residents of this county, coming 
here in the late 1890's. Mr. Russell operated the Charley Boone Ranch in 
Coyote Park for many years and later ranched on the Navajo River. In 
1946 Mr. Russell moved to Idaho and retired. He will be remembered by 
those who knew him as a sincere man. He was a brother of Mrs. P. C. 
Crowley, deceased and was particularly well known by the residents of 
the Chromo area. Funeral services were held Monday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. 
at the Moon Chapel. Interment was th Pinecrest Memorial Park. Mr. 
Russell was born June 6 1879 and was married to Lillian Peterson in 
Lumberton, N.M., in 1901. She preceded him in death in 1957. The 
Russells moved to Ponderary from Colorado in 1946. He is survived by 
three sons, Lyle Russell of Ponderay; Allen Russell of Kootenai and Jack 
Russell of Samuels; two daughters, Mrs. Vera Warren, Limon, Colorado., 
Mrs. Lillian Alley, Everett, Wash.; one sister, Mrs. Laura Wright, 
Oakland, Calif.; 11 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun December 2, 1938) 
Mrs. Lillian Minerva Roush was born in Akron, Indiana, June 28, 1868. 
She died at Cortez Colorado, November 24, 1938. She had reached the age 
of seventy years, four months and twenty six days. The surviving 
relatives are the husband, S. B. Roush, two sisters and a brother in 
Akron, Indiana, two nieces in Cleveland, Ohio, a niece in Fort Wayne, 
Indiana, and a nephew in Elkhart Indiana. Mr. and Mrs Buyrl Roush, a son 
and daughter in law of Mr. Roush, Telluride, Colorado and Many other 
relatives and friends. Mrs. Roush had been in poor health for about four 
years abut not until last spring did she begin to fail rapidly. She had 
lived in this community for a period of twenty eight years, having came 
here from Indiana in the year 1910. She belonged to the order of Easter 
Star for many years. Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 form the 
M. E. church in Pagosa Springs with the Rev. R. C. Sager officiating and 
interment was made in the Hilltop cemetery. The Sun joins the community 
in extending sympathy to the bereaved husband and relatives in their 
sorrow. 

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun December 12, 1970) 
Cecil James Roush, 66 of Cisco, Utah, one of the last of the old-time 
cowboys, died at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, 1970, in Lower Valley 
Hospital at Fruita, Colo. He had been ill for six months. He was an 
employee of the Cunningham Cattle Co. for 17 years. He was an expert 
packer as well as an all around cattleman. Born at Durango, Colorado on 
January 6, 1904, Mr. Roush spent his early life there and in Arizona and 
at Pagosa Springs. He attended the school on the top of the hill from 
the first through the eighth grades. At the age of 16 years, he left 
Pagosa and rode to Green River, Utah, to work for the Nutter Cattle Co. 
He worked for numerous cattle companies in Utah and for the Bureau of 
Land Management at Price. At one time he homesteaded a ranch on Nine 
Mile Creek north of Price. A Brother, Buryl Roush of Telluride, Colo., 
and an uncle C. B. Arnold of Phoenix, Ariz., survive. Survices for Cecil 
J. Roush were held at 1 p.m. Sunday in Fruita with Bishops Vail Hatt and 
Dean King of Green River Utah, officiating. Burial was in Elmwood 
Cemetery in Fruita.  

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 19, 1947) 
Mass for Mrs. Isabel Romero, 64, who died at the home of her daughter. 
Mrs. Frank Ocana, on Monday, was held Wednesday morning at St. Edwards 
Catholic Church. Mrs. Romero was born in Conejos and with her parents 
moved in 1901 to Archuleta County where they settled at Edith and 
engaged in farming. In 1902 she married Jesus Romero and they 
homesteaded at Coyote Park. Her husband preceded her in death in 1940. 
Mrs. Romero is survived by three sons, Tom R. and Tiibeto, both of 
Chromo, and Reuben R. of Pagosa Springs; Three daughters, Mrs Epifania 
Trujillo, Mrs. Tobias Trujillo and Mrs. Ocana, all of Pagosa Springs.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 10, 1933) 
Leslie Rippy. Relatives in Pagosa Springs today received the sad word 
that Leslie, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. John Rippy of Watsonville, 
Calif., passed away yesterday morning in a San Francisco hospital 
following an emergency operation for double mastoids. He was taken 
seriously ill recently with influenza and later removed to the hospital 
for the operation, which was performed on January 28th. He failed to 
recover and the end came yesterday. The remains will be taken to 
Watsonville, where the funeral services and interment will be held 
tomorrow. Leslie was born in Pagosa Springs in December, 1917, but for 
many years has made his home in Watsonville with his parents. With his 
oldest sister Eva, he made a visit to Archuleta county relatives last 
fall, and was planning to return during the coming summer season. 
Besides his parents, he leaves three sisters and numerous other 
relatives at Watsonville, including his grandmother, Mrs. Emma Bayles. 
At Pagosa Springs reside two aunts, Mrs. Harry Speelman and Mrs. Henry 
Gribble, and three uncles, Will, Harry and Jule Macht. Scores of friends 
of the bereaved parents join us in extending sincere sympathy in the 
untimely loss of their only son at the threshold of manhood.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 10, 1933) 
Mary Louisa Stonebarger. Tuesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. 
P. Sisson in Pagosa Springs, occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Louisa 
Stonebarger, Mother of Mrs. Sisson, following an illness extending over 
several months. Her eyesight failed her some years ago, and she had been 
seriously ill for some time previous to her death. The funeral services 
were held yesterday afternoon at the Seventh Day Adventist church in 
Pagosa Springs. Rev. A. C. Long of Durango officiating in the presence 
of scores of relatives and friends of the deceased. Interment followed 
at Hilltop cemetery. Mary Louisa Lohman was born in Los Angeles, 
California, on June 12, 1853, and died in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, on 
Feb. 7, 1933, aged 79 years. On January 8, 1871, she was married to 
Simion Stonebarger of Los Angeles and to this union were born seven 
children, four of whom survive as follows: Simion Stonebarger of Heber 
City Utah; J. F. Stonebarger of Durango; Mrs. Katherine Burt and Mrs. 
Jessie Sisson, both of Pagosa Springs. In 1873 she came through Pagosa 
Springs with her family while enroute to Tierra Amarilla, New Mexico, 
and in 1877 she moved to this city making her home here since.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun July 14, 1922) 
Charles D. Scase. It is our sad duty to chronicle the death of another 
Archuleta county pioneer in the person of Charles D. Scase, who died in 
this city Wednesday evening from peritonitis. Induced by a severe attack 
of appendicitis. He had taken sick at his ranch home, a half mile north 
of town early that morning and a physician was called. He was found to 
be suffering from appendicitis and was brought to town for an operation. 
Dr. Turrell of Durango was summoned and the incision made, when it was 
discovered that gangrene had already set in with no chances for 
recovery. He passed away about 7:00 o'clock that evening. His niece, 
Miss Florence Scase, who formerly resided here, was summoned from 
Denver, arriving here yesterday afternoon by motor from Alamosa. Funeral 
arrangements have not as yet been made, word being awaited from other 
relatives. The local Masonic Lodge will be in charge. Deceased was born 
Sept. 24, 1846, near Albany, N.Y. and was approaching the age of 76 
years. He came to Denver in the early days long before the railroad was 
built, and was one of the earliest settlers in Archuleta , where he had 
practically made his home since. About three years ago he moved to 
California, where he remained until last year when he returned and again 
took up his residence here. He was a veteran of the Civil War, joining 
when he was 14 years of age.. He was a member of the G.A.R., Masonic and 
Eastern Star orders. He is survived by two sisters, one in Oregon and 
one in California, and three brothers, one in New York and two in 
California. George Scase of Iowa and Dorothy Scase, now Mrs. Whitson of 
San Diego former residents, are nephew and niece of deceased. His life 
has been replete with usefulness, he being identified with the political 
and agricultural progress of the county. His passing brings to us the 
realization that the ranks of the pioneers and Civil War veterans are 
fast being depleted.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun February 8, 1918) 
Frank Smith. We are just in receipt of the report that Frank Smith one 
of Archuleta county's former old time citizens, died Jan. 31st in 
Durango from liver trouble, for which he was operated on some days 
previous. He was an old settler in Archuleta County coming here in 1880. 
A few years ago having disposed of his ranch west of town he removed to 
Governador, New Mexico, where he resided at the time of his death.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun October 7, 1965) 
Lucy Lee Selby, 81, a resident of Farmington, New Mexico and former 
resident of Pagosa Springs, died unexpectedly in Kirtland, New Mexico at 
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wilburt Hunt on October 4th. She was born 
April 22, 1884 in Owensboro, Kentucky. In 1900 she came with her 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Lee Bennett to the Pagosa Springs area. In 
1903 she was married to the late Harold D. Selby and resided here until 
1940, at which time they moved to Farmington where she lived until he 
death. Mrs. Selby is survived by one son, Eirwin of San Leandro, 
California, five daughters, Elizabeth Egger of Dunsmuir, California, 
Dorothy Bruley of Vancouver, Washington, Mary Wilson of Walnut Creek, 
California, Virginia Decker of Pagosa Springs; Nineteen grandchildren, 
twenty three great grand children and numerous nieces and nephews. She 
was a loving mother and devoted friend to all those that knew her. 
Services will be held in Kirtland, Friday October 8 at 10 a.m. and 
graveside services in Pagosa Springs at the Hilltop Cemetery on the same 
day at 3:30 P.M.  

*****************************
(The Pagosa Springs Sun October 15, 1970) 
John Reason Snow was born May 16, 1919, at Arboles Colorado. He passed 
away October 4 1970, at Bonners Ferry, Idaho, after suffering a coronary 
occlusion. John Snow spent most of his life in Archuleta county and 
attended the old Bayles School. He served in Europe during World War II 
for four years and was discharged after being wounded while fighting in 
Germany. He is survived by seven sons, Johnnie, Reece, Bob, Larry, 
Justin, Gene and Danny; two brothers, Rob and Dick; four sisters, Mary 
Carpenter, Inez Seavy, Helen Girardin, all of Pagosa Springs and June 
Sweat, of Aurora, Colo. He is preceded in death by two children and his 
parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. N. Snow. Other surviving relatives include 11 
nieces, 12 nephews, as well as more distant relatives. In addition he 
left a large number of friends and acquaintances. John was active in 
Scout work and helped get the Scouting program started in Pagosa 
Springs. He was Cub Scout Master for three years and also taught leather 
craft and shoe repairing at the Job Corps Center. John was a member of 
the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints. Burial services were held 
October 10 from the Community Methodist Church. Interment, with full 
military honors, was at Hilltop Cemetery.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun August 30, 1956) 
Roland Sturgill of Venice, Calif., an old timer of the Pagosa Springs 
area died Tuesday, August 21, after a long illness. Roland Sturgill and 
his brother, Clyde and father, Bill, homesteaded what is now called the 
Three Meadows Ranch. He spent most of his time in Pagosa Springs, 
leaving about 1912. He is survived by one daughter, one son and one 
sister, Mrs. Ruby Rowe. Living relatives in Pagosa Springs are a sister 
in law and a brother in law, Mrs. Jennie Harris and Wade Warr.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 18, 1976) 
Mable (Green) Snow passed away in Canon City, Colo. March 9, 1976 after 
a long illness. She was a former resident of Archuleta County and Pagosa 
Springs. Mable Green Snow was born in Salina, Kansas December 25, 1897 
to John and Jane Green. She came to Colorado with her family at an early 
age and was united in marriage to Otto Snow January 21, 1914. Soon after 
their marriage the couple moved to Mable's homestead in Stagebarn Canon, 
near Dyke. Three daughters were born to them there. They sold the ranch 
in 1935 and moved to Pagosa Springs. Mr. and Mrs. Snow managed a 
dancehall over the old Dunagan Garage for several years and 1938 built 
the Pine Grove Hall. They sold this establishment in 1942 and moved to 
Trinidad, Colo. They then moved to Salida in 1956. Mrs. Snow was 
preceded in death by her husband, Otto; one daughter, Goldie Youngblood; 
and by three grandchildren, Carolyn Barngrover, Clarence Youngblood, and 
James Barngrover, She is survived by two daughters, Cora Barngrover of 
Poncha Springs, and Allie Faye Marsh of Florence; two grnd daughters, 
Ranelle Youngblood of Dallas Texas and Linda Lock of Florence Colorado; 
a brother Archur Green of Naturita, Colo.; one sister, Grace Cundiff of 
Durango; a great granddaughter, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 
Funeral services were held March 12 from the Methodist Church in Pagosa 
Springs with Rev. J. C. Wood officiating. Burial was in Hilltop Cemetery 
and funeral arrangements were in charge of Lynch Funeral Home.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun November 22, 1946) 
William Sorenson. The funeral of William Sorenson was held Saturday 
afternoon at the Methodist Community Church, with the Ref J. David 
Bechtol of Durango as officiating Clergymen. A quartet composed of Mr. 
and Mrs. Earl Mullins, Mrs. Lee Cox and Leslie Lynch, sang "God Will 
Take Care of You" and "Beautiful Isle." Mrs. Marguerite Wiley was 
pianist. Pall bearers were Francis Corrigan, Johnnie Kimball, Donald 
Bennett, Paul Decker, Emmett Gaston and Carl Ludwig. Ben K. Lynch, 
Mortician was in charge of the services.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun July 1, 1965) 
Reason Noble Snow, a resident of the county since before the turn of the 
century, passed away early Wednesday in a Durango hospital after 
suffering a heart attack a few days ago. Noble Snow was one of the real 
old time pioneers that remained in the county. He was well and favorably 
known the length and breadth of the county and could, up until the heart 
attack, put many a younger man to shame when it came to getting around 
the country. He was thoroughly acquainted with the area and had 
homesteaded in the Devil Creek region in the early days. The county had 
been his home for 66 years. Funeral services will be conducted this 
Friday, July 2, at 2 p.m. from the Baptist Church, was born June 28, 
1885 in Spring Town, Arkansas and was united in marriage with Lucy Lee 
Dickens at Carizzo Springs, Texas July 1, 1913. His wife survives. Other 
survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Howard Carpenter, Mrs. Bud Seavy, 
and Mrs. Louis Girardin, all of Pagosa Springs, and Mrs. Fay Sweat of 
Aurora; three sons, John, Robert and Dick, all of Pagosa Springs, one 
sister, Mrs. Lora Hotz of Arvada; 6 brothers, Otto, of Poncha Springs, 
Earl, Henry and Lawrence of this community: Mack of Grand Junction and 
Leonard, who resides in California. There are also 30 grandchildren and 
11 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. His friends are 
legion for to meet Noble Snow was to have Noble Snow for a friend. His 
was a rugged character, and he was a man who practiced what he believed 
and his presence will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He was one 
of the pioneers that carved this area out of the wilderness and his 
resourcefulness left its mark on the county. There are many things that 
could be said about Reason Noble Snow but he would probably have 
preferred the descriptions, pioneer and sportsman.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 4, 1976) 
Earl Milton Snow, a long time resident of Archuleta County passed away 
February 18 at the Veterans Hospital in Grand Junction. He was born in 
Springtown, Ark. March 16, 1894, He would have been 82 years of age this 
month. Earl came to Colorado with his family at an early age. He spent 
his early line on the family homestead near Dyke on Devil Creek. Most of 
the rest of his life was spent here and he worked at various occupations 
including saw milling. ranching, and at other jobs. At one time he was 
considered the best bronc rider in the entire region. He was a veteran 
of World War I and his was a military funeral with interment at Hilltop 
Cemetery. Earl was a member of the American Legion and the Moose Lodge. 
Survivors include one son, Ernest of Kuna, Idaho; two daughters, Ava of 
Newton, Iowa and Doris of Stamford, Texas; one sister, Lora Hotz of 
Bayfield; three brothers, Mack of Grand Junction, Leonard of California 
and Lawrance of Pagosa Springs; 11 grandchildren; 15 great 
grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun July 23, 1943) 
Lena Stallsteimer. Word was received here last week of the death of Lena 
Stallsteimer, on July 12, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Emma 
Archuleta; in Los Angeles, Calif. She was 67 years old. Whe was born in 
Conejos County and in 1880 moved to Dyke where she later married J. P. 
Archuleta. To this union 3 sons and 1 daughter were born. One son, Harry 
was Killed in his youth. After her children were grown, she and her 
husband were divorced, and she again took her maiden name.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March, 1923) 
Mrs. Sophia Swanemyr, Wife of Richard Swanemyr of Allison passed away in 
a Durango hospital at 4:40 a.m. Wednesday morning, following an 
operation, performed on Feb. 21, for cancer of the stomach. For a time 
great hopes were anticipated for her recovery, but owing to her weakend 
condition, matters changed for the worse on Monday with the result as 
stated. The remains were taken to Allison for burial, funeral services 
being held there today. Those in attendance from Pagosa Springs are Mrs. 
John Swanson and Mrs. Harry Putnam, old time friends of the deceased. 
She was a native of Norway coming to this country with her husband about 
twenty years ago. She was fifty years and some days of age at the time 
of her death. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, three sons and a 
daughter at Allison, and a sister in New York city, besides a host of 
sorrowing friends in Archuleta county. Mrs. Swanmeyr was a devout 
Christian woman of the Lutheran faith. Realizing her condition and that 
she was soon to pass to the great beyond, from which no traveler 
returneth, with her family at her bedside she sang "Nearer My God to 
Thee." and after offering prayers for her family, she peacefully passed 
over to her Maker in happiness and without a pain. She wa an industrious 
woman, a splendid neighbor always willing to lend a helping hand to 
anyone in need, and a loving wife and mother. She will be greatly missed 
by all who chanced to know her. The writer and neighbors extend their 
heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Swanemyr and family in the loss of the wife 
and mother.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun July 24, 1936) 
Bertrand Stauffer, 92 years of age of Anita, Iowa father of L. A. 
Stauffer, of Pagosa Springs died Friday July 10. Bertrand Stauffer was 
born in Chillicothe Ohio, on Feb 4, 1844, and at the time of his death 
was 92 years 5 months and 5 days old. He grew to young manhood in the 
town of his birth and on July 3, 1863 enlisted as a private in Co. H. 
88th regiment, Ohio Infantry, and served until close of the Civil War, 
receiving an honorable discharge on July 3, 1865. While a member of the 
88th regiment he had the pleasure of meeting President Abraham Lincoln. 
Following the war he returned to Ohio, where he made his home for a 
number of years, later moving to Iowa where he was married to Miss 
Margaret Stiman at Grandview on Nov. 20, 1878. Later he and his wife 
moved to Cass County and made their home at Anita. Mrs. Stauffer passed 
away July 1, 1932. Those surviving are: four sons, Jess Stauffer, 
Ignacio, Fred and Elmer Stauffer, Pine Bluff, Wyo., Lon Stauffer, Pagosa 
Springs; and two daughters, Mrs. Fannie Sott and Mrs. Alpha Nelson, both 
of Anita Iowa. Funeral services and interment were at Anita, Iowa.  

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(The Pagosa Springs Sun December 16, 1916) 
Amanda Stollsteimer. People will regret to hear that Mrs. Amanda 
Stollsteimer, wife of the late Christy F. Stollsteimer of this city, is 
on her death bed at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Stella Nohr, in 
Pasedena, Cal. She is suffering from cancer of the liver, and may have 
already passed away, as the message dated a few days ago, stated that 
she could not survive beyond two or three days. She was a resident of 
this city and county for a great many years, being one of the early 
pioneers. Here she reared her eight children, four boys and four girls. 
Two sons, Charles and Anthony, reside in this county; another son Harry 
lives in San Luis, while her three daughters, Mesdames J. P. Archuleta, 
Thos. Acord and Stella Nohr, are at her bedside. A son, Fred, and a 
daughter, Della, passed away a few years ago, the former in Durango and 
the later in Denver. Jose P. Archuleta Jr., a grandson is at present in 
this city.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 22, 1979) 
Lulu L. Sharp (**Most of the first column of this obituary is not 
readable, here is what is**) "Lulu Sahrp, a resident of Pagosa Springs 
area for most ____ passed away March ____ at the home of her ____ Eula 
King, at Trujillo. ___ was born June 22, 1895 ____Pagosa Soprings to 
William ____ Mary Myrtle Macht _____ in this family home ____rowing 
years with the _____ of three years when she ____ parents lived in 
Calinornia. ___ united in marriage to ____ Sharp October 4, 1916, to 
this union were born ______. They were engaged ______ most of their 
lives in ____ and in Carbondale. After the death of her _________ she 
lived with two of _____ Browning, Montana ______ years and then ______ 
Pagosa Springs in ______ with her daughter. _____ Pioneer stock, Mrs. 
_______ the mountains, wild ____ life. Her talents ___ some being 
painting, ___work and Cooking. Funeral Services were held March 16, 
1979, 2:00 p.m." (second column is ledgable) from the Community 
Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Strain officiating. Burial was in 
Hilltop Cemetery at Pagosa Springs. Those preceding her in death were 
her husband, Harry; a sister, Ruth; a son, Robert and a grand daughter, 
Alice King. Survivors include a daughter, Eula King of Pagosa Springs; 
sons Jack and Aubrey of Helena, Montana and Jim of El Jebel, Colorado; 
six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 10, 1938) 
Mrs. Charles Schonefeld. Word was received here of the death of Mrs. 
Charles Schonefeld, of Alhambra, California, Monday. Mrs, Schonefeld had 
been in ill health for some time. The Schonefelds are well known here 
having lived in Pagosa Springs for a number of years before moving to 
California. She is survived by her husband Charles Schonefeld, two 
Daughters Mrs. B. J. Bradshaw and Mrs. Ray Buchles all of California. No 
other details were available.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun September 7, 1934) 
Barney Smith, old-time resident of this section passed away suddenly 
last evening at his rooms in the San Juan hotel following a brief 
illness from cancer of the stomach. Though he had no doubt been in ill 
health for some time, he made no complaint and his true condition was 
not known until a few hours before his death. The funeral services were 
held this afternoon at the Hood Mortuary of this city and were followed 
by interment at Hilltop cemetery. The deceased was born at Vienna, 
Johnson County, Illinois on September 5, 1863 and at the time of his 
death was 70 years and one day old. He had resided in Archuleta county 
for about 26 years and was quite well known by all. He had never married 
and there are no known living relatives.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 19, 1981) 
Leona Elanor Snow died Sunday January 25, 1981 at 1:20 a.m. in the 
Osteopathic Hospital in Grand Junction Colorado. She was 80. Mrs. Snow 
was born Leona Fosberg, December 23, 1900, near Loomis, Nebraska and 
spent her early life there. She later moved with her family to Cheyenne, 
Wyoming. She was married to Earl Snow while living in Wyoming. Mr. Snow 
died several years age in Pagosa Springs Colorado. She had been a 
resident of Grand Junction for the past 25 years and had previously 
lived in Pagosa Springs. Mrs Snow is survived by two daughters, Ava Snow 
of Newton, Iowa and Doris Ann Meeks of Stanford, Texas, one son Ernest 
of Kuna, Idaho, one sister Rena Viola Louise Davis of Grand Junction, 
one brother, Bernard Fosberg of California, five grandchildren, three 
great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in 
death by a son, Eldon on November 4, 1970 in California and two grand 
daughters in Texas. Mrs. Snow was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ 
of Latter Day Saints and was very active in all church activities. 
funeral services were held Wednesday, January 28, 1981 at 3:00 p.m. from 
the LDS Church 6th Ward in Grand Junction, Interment was in Mesa 
Cemetery.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 28, 1919) 
Roy Strawn, son of A. L. Strawn and nephew of Mrs. E. M. Taylor, passed 
away at a Silverton hospital March 26, 1919, of meningitis typhoid. 
Roy's boyhood days were spent in Archuleta county, where he had many 
friends. He was working at the Sunnyside mine when stricken. His family 
now reside at Antonito, Color., and hes grandmother, Mrs. E. G. Bovee, 
now living with E. M. Taylor, departed for Antonito yesterday morning.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun September 12, 1957) 
Herman Wilson Sisson was born December 31, 1912 at Pagosa Springs and 
has made this his home all of his life except for some very brief 
periods, He was united in marriage to Ruby Cales, in 1934 at Tierra 
Amarilla, N.M. He died September 7 in an auto accident nine miles west 
of Pagosa Springs. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon of this 
week from the local Methodist church. The business houses of the town 
and the schools were closed as a sign of respect for Mr. Sisson. 
Interment was in the local cemetery. Herman Sisson, better known as 
"Red" to his many friends operated a ranch in the Blanco Basin and was 
well and favorably known throughout this entire area. He was an active 
man and had taken part in many community activities, being a member of 
the Masonic Order, the Elks Lodge, OES and WP. He had also served on the 
Red Ryder Roundup Committee in previous years. He was a member of the 
Seventh Day Adventist Church. He left to mourn his untimely passage a 
wife, Ruby, a sister, Mrs. Millie Nossaman, both of Pagosa Springs; and 
his mother Mrs. Jessie Sisson of Durango. His friends were legion and to 
have knows genial Red Sisson was a worthwhile experience.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun March 8, 1955) 
Mrs. Cora May (Garson) Snow, one of the early day pioneers of Archuleta 
County, passed away at her home on March 4, 1955, Mrs. Snow had been a 
resident of the county since 1899. Cora May Garson was born July 23 1869 
at Siloam Springs, Arkansas and was married to W. H. Snow on November 
26, 1891 in Arkansas. They moved from there to the Cherokee Nation in 
Oklahoma where her first son was born and then later moved back to 
Arkansas where four more sons were born. In 1898 the family started West 
and arrived at Pagosa Junction Colorado, on July 4 1899, In the spring 
of 1900 they homesteaded on Devil Creek where a sixth son, Henry was 
born. They made their home there for 33 years until her husband preceded 
her in death. Since that time she has made her home in Pagosa Springs. 
Funeral services were held from the Methodist Church March 7, with the 
Rev. C. A. Hartley officiating. Interment was in the local cemetery. 
Survivors include eight children, thirty seven grandchildren seventy 
seven great grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. Allie Chase of Corpus 
Christ, Texas  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun January 27, 1933) 
William H. Snow of Devil creek, one of the most respected citizens of 
Archuleta county passed away early Tuesday morning January, 24 near 
Dyke, Colo. at the home of his son, Otto Snow, following an illness 
extending over the past two years. Funeral services were held at the M. 
E. Church Wednesday afternoon, Rev. G. S. Hatcher conducting the last 
sad rites. Interment followed at Hilltop cemetery. Deceased was born in 
Indiana on June 25, 1860, and had reached the age of 72 years at the 
time of his death. At Springtown, Benton county Arkansas, he was married 
to Nora Collins, and to this union were born two children, Noble Snow, 
June 28, 1885, and Carrie Lora May, June 15, 1889, Nora Collins Snow 
passed away in 1891. On Nov. 25, 1891 at Springtown Arkansas, Mr. Snow 
was united in marriage to Miss Cora Garrison. To this union six sons 
were born as follows: Otto, Sept 11, 1892; Earl, March 14 1894; Mack, 
Oct. 11, 1895; Lawrence and Leonard Apr. 6, 1808 and Henry, Mar 24. 
1909. In 1899 Mr. Snow and family moved from Arkansas to Colorado, first 
locating at Pagosa Junction and working for the Pagosa Lumber company. 
In the spring of 1900 they moved to Dyke and settled on the home ranch 
on Devil creek, which had since been their residence. He is survived by 
his widow, his daughter, now Mrs. Robert Hotz of the Bayles section and 
his seven sons, all of whom reside in Archuleta county with the 
exception of Mack, of Farmington, N.M. and Leonard, of Tererro, N.M. The 
passing of this useful and respected citizen of this county is greatly 
regretted by all, who extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones in 
the loss of their husband and father.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun April 13, 1978) 
Lawrence Snow, age 79, passed away Thursday, March 30, 1978, at Valley 
View Nursing Home in Bayfield, Colorado after an extended illness, 
Lawrence and a twin brother were born April 6, 1898, in Siloam Springs, 
Arkansas, to William and Cora Snow. The Snow family came to Colorado 
while Lawrence was a very small boy. They settled on Devil Creek where 
Lawrence spent his childhood. He was preceded in death by his wife, 
Lola, in 1948, his parents and four brothers. He is survived by seven 
children; Mrs. Walter (Florence May) Lambert of Saguache, Kinzer M. 
(Billy) of Bayfield, Mrs Maynard (Marion) Lambert of Creede, Ray M. of 
Snowmass, Mrs. Loren (Opal C.) Woolsey of Silt, Colorado, Cleo of 
California, Mrs. Tom (Linda) McCauley and Mrs. Ralph (Pearl) Yates, both 
of Durango; one sister Lora Hotz of Durango, twin brother Leonard of 
California, brother Mack of Grand Junction, numerous grand children, 
great grand children, nieces and nephews. Lawrence worked on ranches and 
with cattle most of his early life. He was a government trapper in 
Archuleta County and Eastern Colorado for many years. He was considered 
to be one of the very best trappers. Until last year Larry had spent his 
winters in Young, Arizona, returning to Colorado each spring. Graveside 
services were held at 10:00 a.m. April 3, 1978, with the Rev. Roger Long 
of the Bayfield First Baptist Church officiating. Interment was in the 
Pine River Cemetery in Bayfield.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 5, 1969) 
Hazel Maude Snow: DURANGO - Hazel Maude Snow, 58, a resident of Pagosa 
Springs, died Friday in a Durango hospital after a long illness. Mrs. 
Snow was born Nov. 29 1910, in Pagosa Springs, the daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Allen Snyder. She spent most of her early life in Pagosa Springs 
and in Ignacio, attending grade school in Ignacio and graduating from 
Durango High school. The lived for 12 years at Vallecito Lake. She was 
married to Henry H. Snow March 23 1940, in Aztec. They had no children. 
She is survived by her husband of the family home in Pagosa Springs; two 
sisters, Mrs. Cecil Leyshon of Durango and Mrs Leona Baily of Amarillo, 
Texas, two step children, Nadine Bailey of New Boston, Mo., and Mrs. 
LaVernne Swanner, Dolores. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. 
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday at Ertel Parklawn chapel in 
Durango with the Rev. Jesse Hamilton of the Durango Baptist Temple 
officiating. Burial will be in Crestview Memorial Gardens in Durango.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 1 1972) 
Henry Herman "Hank" Snow. Funeral services for Henry Herman "Hank" Snow, 
63, a life long resident of Pagosa Springs were held Tueday at the 
Community Methodist Church in Pagosa Springs with Bishop Ron Shaw 
officiating. Burial was in Crestview Memorial Gardens, Durango under the 
direction of Ertel-Parklawn chapel. He died unexpectedly Thursday in 
Phoenix, Ariz. Mr. Snow was born March 24, 1909 in Rural Dyke, Archuleta 
County Colo., the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Snow. He lived in 
the Black Canyon and Pagosa Springs most of his life. He and Mrs. Snow 
were married March 23, 1940. She preceded him in death in 1969. He was 
retired from the U.S. Forest Service and Job Corps. He is survived by a 
sister, Lora Host. Bayield; and four brothers, Mack, Snow, Pagosa 
Springs, Lawrence Snow and Earl Snow, both of Pagosa Springs, and 
Leonard Snow, Long Beach, California.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun May 25, 1967) 
Otto Snow. Word was received here this week of the death of Otto Snow, a 
well known early day resident of this county. Mr. Snow passed away at 
Salida Tuesday of this week. Funeral Services will be conducted here at 
2 p.m. Friday March 26. The services will be conducted from the 
Community Methodist Church and interment at the local cemetery. A 
complete obituary will published in the next issue of the Sun.  

*****************************
 (The Pagosa Springs Sun May 30, 1924) 
Michael J. Slevin, "Across the Veil of darkness sleeping, A strange 
sitht came onward sweeping, From the far off eastern skies, A radiant 
siwft immortal ray, That broke the fettered chain away, And pierced the 
veil of shaded eyes. - M. Slevin" - How fitting is the above verse taken 
from a poem entitled Ever Fair Pagosa" and written twenty eight years 
ago by Michael J. Slevin the subject of this sketch, who after a long 
illness and almost total blindness during his last weeks, quietly passed 
away yesterday morning at the San Juan hotel. And how fitting that the 
last sad rites and reverence due a veteran of the Civil War were held 
this morning, on National Memorial Day. At 10:00 his comrades, members 
of Gen. Ed. Hatch post of the G. A. R. of Pagosa Springs, whose ranks 
are fast dwindling, conducted a brief service at the San Juan hotel, 
members of Lester W. Mullins post of the American Legion officiated as 
pallbearers and interment followed at Hilltop cemetery. Deceased was 
born on Sept. 28, 1840, in Farmah country, Ireland and died in Pagosa 
Springs on May 29, 1924, attaining the age of 83 years and 8 months. He 
was a veteran of the United States Navy in the Civil War, having served 
on the Clara Dalson, Monitor Tuscambia, Prairie Bird, Ram Sampson, 
Gramples, Great Western and New Erie. He was in the regular army from 
1857 to 1862 and in the merchat service on the Mississippi river for a 
number of years. He enlisted in the 13th U. S. Infantry in 1879 and was 
discharged in 1881. making his total service for his country about 
nineteen years. For the past forty five years his home has been in 
Archuleta county, where he homesteaded a few miles north of Pagosa 
Springs and continuously resided for a great number of years, spending 
considerable time in late years at the Soldiers" home in Monte Vista. 
While blasting near Four Mile Lake eighteen or twenty years ago, he was 
struck on the head by a huge rock, causing a concussion of the brain 
from which he never fully recovered, though he enjoyed long lucid 
periods during which his poetic pen transcribed freely. After the 
disposal of he ranch about six years age, he lived intermittently at the 
Soldiers Home and in Pagosa Spring. He returned from Monte Vista in 
October 1922, since which time he had made his home at the San Juan 
hotel where he was under the care of Mrs. Ralph Hart until his death. He 
had been quite ill for the past year and a half and seriously ill since 
last fall. He was afflicted with deafness upon his discharge from the 
army, and during the past few months he gradually approached total 
blindness. Monday he fell and sustained a severe injury to his hip, 
which, coupled with his defirmities; was more that he could combat and 
he calmly passed away yesterday as stated. He leaves a sister and one 
niece in Pittsburg, Pa., the latter of whom visited him here several 
years ago. Michael Slevin had many friends and no enemies, and though 
his feebled hand is stilled his poetry will live long in the hearts of 
his friends. The Sun will endeavor from time to time to repring some of 
the excellent verses that have appeard in the papers of Pagosa Springs 
for the past thirty four years. Peace to his ashes.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun Nov 9, 1934) 
Delbert Allen Stauffer was born at Pagosa Springs Colorado, on June 25, 
1934, and passed away in this city early this morning at the tender age 
of four months and fifteen days. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Claude Stauffer, and was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Leroy, 
on June 8, 1933. He was taken seriously ill with pneumonia last 
Saturday, succumbing to the dread disease within six days despite all 
that loving care and medical attention could do. During his brief tenure 
of life he endeared himself to his parents, immediate relatives and 
close friends. Besides his parents he is survived by his grandparents, 
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Stauffer, and Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Burt. Numerous 
uncles and aunts also mourn the loss of their little nephew. funerals 
service will be held tomorrow morning at Hilltop cemetery, where 
interment will take place.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun April 18, 1947) 
Grant Shahan. Funeral services were held at the Community Church Sunday 
afternoon for Co,umbus Grand Shahan, 80, who died at his home in Chromo 
April 10, the Rev. J. D. Simms officiating. Pall Bearers were Olen 
Crowley, Everett Crowley, Harry Eaklor, Carl Eaklor, Asher Crowley and 
George Alley. Burial was in Hill top cemetery Pagosa Springs, Ben K. 
Lynch Mortician was in charge of arrangements. Columbus Grant Shahan, an 
old time resident of Chromo, was born at Berryville, Ark. June 14, 1866. 
He spent his early life in Arkansas, and came to Colfax, N.M., when a 
young man. He was united in marriage to Agnes Jackson, June 14, 1866. 
Their first home was in Colfax County. In 1908 they came to Chama, N.M., 
and in the spring of 1909 they located on the present ranch, where Mr. 
Shahan lived until the time of his death. Mr. Shahan owned and operated 
a general store at Chama. He operated his ranch at Chromo since 1909. 
along with his ranch we was county commissioner of Archuleta Count from 
1918 to 1922. He was preceded in death by infant twins. His wife died 
May 30, 1925. Surviving him are a daughter, Mrs. Edwin Bramwell of 
Chromo, two sons, John Shahan of Durango and George Shahan of Chromo, a 
sister Mrs. Sidney Hoffman of Chautauqua, Kan; 11 grandchildren and 
numerous other relatives. Out of town relatives who attended the 
services included Mr. and Mrs. John Shahan and children of Durango, Mrs. 
Hannah Jackson and Edward of Cimarron, N.M., Mr. and Mrs. Richard Atmore 
of Ute Park, Joe Jackson of Santa Rosa, N.M. First Sgt Ben Litteral of 
Denver. Harry Long and daughter Carol, of Cortez and Mr. and Mrs. 
Kenneth Long of Dulce, N.M.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun July 7, 1922) 
A. T. Sullenberger. Universal regret was expressed Saturday when it was 
learned that at 2:30 that morning Alexander T. Sullenberger, San Juan 
basin pioneer and prominent in the business, civic and political 
development of Archuleta County, had passed away at his ranch home near 
Sunetha after a serious illness of several months from paralysis and 
other complications. His death was not unexpected as he had been very 
low for several days. Deceased was born August 17, 1849, at Greesburg, 
Pa. and was nearing the age of 73 years. He taught school several terms 
during his early manhood and was married at Bucyrus, Ohio to Miss 
Cornelia Waters on August 30, 1877. He moved west and spent two years in 
Oregon, following which he came to the San Juan basin when the D&Rg was 
building into this section. He engaged in the lumber business and his 
brother in law R. E. Sloan and T. C. Graden in the vicinity of Chama, 
later organizing and managing the Pagosa Lumber Company, with millsites 
at Pagosa Junction and Pagosa Springs. In 1912 he retired from the 
lumbering business to devote his entire time to ranch and stock 
interests at Sunetha, conceded on of the finest ranches in the 
southwest. About three years ago, together with his son in law, Chas. F. 
Rumbaugh, he commenced the construction of the Sullenberger block in 
this city, which was the last active work in which he participated. 
/while his sawmill was located at Pagosa Junction he built the present 
branch line of railroad to this city, later disposing of it to the D & 
RG for public uses. He also established and owned at the time of his 
death the Pagosa Springs Telephone system. Among other activities, he 
found the time to devote to the political interests of the county. 
serving as county commissioner of Archuleta County. He is survived by 
the widow and two children, Lawrence Sullenberger of Juanita, and Mrs. 
Chas. Rumbaugh of Pagosa Springs, also two sisters in the east.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun Jan 25, 1971) 
Mitchel John "Mike" Swanson. The community was saddened and shocked this 
week by the news of the death of Mitchell John "Mike" Swanson, 26, He 
passed away in a Colorado Springs hospital following surgery. Mike had 
been ill for several years with cancer. Despite this he managed to be 
out and take part in many community activities and continued to work. 
Mitchell John Swanson was born July 8, 1944 to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell 
Swanson of Pagosa Springs, He Passed away January 22. Funeral services 
were held from the Community Methodist Church Monday of this week with 
the Rev. J. C. Wood officiating. Burial was in the local cemetery and 
Lynch Mortuary was in charge of arrangements. Mike was united in 
marriage with Cynthia Kaye Sweitzer May 10, 1967 at Pagosa Springs. She 
survives him as do two children, Mitchell Ernest Swanson and Catherine 
Louise Swanson. His parents also survive as do three sisters, Glenna 
Jean Hardman of Pagosa Springs, Wilma Conner of Durango, and Fern Conder 
of Seattle. There are also several cousins, nieces and nephews servings. 
Mike was a member of the Mounted Rangers, Troop F, and had been active 
in 4-H work when younger, was a graduate of the class of 1962 of the 
Pagosa Springs High School and was well and favorably known in this part 
of the San Juan Basin. He had lived here all of his life and was 
employed as a truck driver at the time of his death.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun October 5, 1970) 
John Snow. Word was received here of the death of John Snow in Bonner's 
Ferry, Idaho the first of the week. Funeral services have tentatively 
been set for Saturday morning at 10 a.m. from the Community Church. Mr. 
Snow, a long time resident of Archuleta County is a veteran of the Armed 
Forces and served in the Army during World War II.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun August 3, 1945) 
Mrs. Elena Sanchez died on the road to Antonito Thursday, July 26th. She 
had been ill for several days at a sheep camp where her husband was 
employed by Gabriel Lopez. On Wednesday, Lopez made a routine visit to 
the camp, was told of the woman's illness and Mr. Sanchez ask him to 
take his wife to town to a doctor, it is said. Lopez is said to have 
refused, whereupon Sanchez told him he would have to quit his job. Lopez 
went on to town, and on Thursday morning, Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez began the 
walk to Antonito, 60 miles away, About 11 o'clock Mrs. Sanchez 
collapsed. Her husband at first thought she had fainted, but finding 
that she had passed on, he finally left her covered with a coat, under 
the sagebrush, Next morning he and a number of friends went out and 
brought in the body. Antonito people took charge of the funeral 
services, held Friday afternoon from the Catholic Church.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 1, 1972) 
Adelina (Sandoval) Silva passed away May 27 in Pagosa Springs after a 
brief illness, Funeral Services were held Wednesday of this week. 
Adelina Sandoval was born September 10, 1895 at Rosa, N.M. She was 
united in marriage to Sefrido Silva, who passed away some years ago, 
Mrs. Silva had made her home at Pagosa Springs the past 15 years and had 
resided at Pagosa Junction for 27 years prior to that time. She is 
survived by five daughters, Mrs. Epifianio Martinez of Durango; Mrs. 
Amarante Quintana, of Arboles; Mrs. Joe F. Martinez of Californig; Mrs. 
Ollie Holland of Pagosa Springs, and Mrs. Harold Phillips, also of 
Pagosa Springs. One son, Rony of Durango, also survives. Other survivors 
include three sisters, Bessie Santistevan, Rosa Duran and Nellie 
Gallegos, and brothers Eliseo Guiterez and Mel Esquibel. There are also 
28 grand children and 12 great grandchildren surviving. Lynch Mortuary 
was in charge of funeral arrangements with services being conducted by 
Father Bernard from the local Catholic Church May 31.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun June 17, 1965) 
Jessie Sisson - Durango - Funeral Sevices will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. 
at Hood Mortuary Chapel for Jessie E. Sisson, 78, who died here Friday, 
Born Dec. 30, 1886, at Pagosa Springs, she had lived there all of her 
lifetime until moving to Durango 25 years ago. Surviving are a daughter, 
Mrs. Fred Nossaman of Pagosa Springs, a grandson, several nieces and a 
nephew. She had been a member of the Order of Eastern Star and the Four 
Corners Rock Club. Pastor A. H. Liebelt of the Seventh day Adventist 
church will officiate at the services and interment will be in Greenmont 
cemetery. - Durango Herald. - The sympathy of the community is extended 
to Mrs. Nossaman in the loss of her mother. Mrs. Sisson was one of the 
real old timers of the San Juan Basis and was very well known to long 
time residents of the County. She was one of the first white children 
born here in this county and had vivid memories of early life in 
Archuleta County. Her friends were many in number and she will be 
remembered with respect and affections.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun April 29, 1949) 
Mr. John Sharp of Pagosa Springs. "In This Corner, by Rev. H. H. Hughs" 
- Our column this week is decicated to the life of a pioneer of the West 
who came to the end of life's trail among us a few days ago. - Those of 
us who attempt to write or speak do not consider it to be our function 
to impart knowledge or wisdom, but to direct attention to the lessons of 
life abut us and to the true source of wisdom. No other subject seems to 
have quite the appeal to Americans as the Pioneer life of our fathers in 
the covered wagon days as they followed the trail west. The life story 
of John Sharp is typical of the opportunities of the west. It has 
youthful adventure, romance, pioneering in new country, and ends as a 
successful rancher producing fine cattle. John Sharp was born in Marble 
Arkansas, March 15, 1868 at the close of the Civil war. As a boy, young 
John did not have to go to the movies for western thrills, for at the 
age of 11 he started west in a covered wagon train. We all remember best 
our adventures of about that age. All his life he must have lived over 
and over the thrills of camping on the plains, of crossing the mountains 
and the Continental divide, for they spent 3 months traveling and 
camping on the trail. It was 70 years ago that they passed through 
Pagosa Springs and the few stores in Durango on their way to Aztec, New 
Mexico. As evidence that youthful impressions are lasting and important, 
we are reminded that as a young man, John, went back to Arkansas to get 
the girl he had left behind at the age of 11. He was married to Mary 
Emaline Jackson on Nov. 7, 1888 at Kinston, Arkansas. The young couple 
returned to New Mexico, established their home, and united with the 
Presbyterian Church at Aztec, 36 years ago Mr. Sharp moved to Pagosa 
with his family and engaged in ranching which he continued until his 
retirement 2 years ago. He always enjoyed life, he loved the west and 
was down on the street cheerfully visiting with friends on Saturday, 
April 22, 1949 a few hours before he was call to his reward. As we think 
of the Character of this young man which stood the test of the West when 
it was wild, and the purpose that established a Christian home and 
reputation for good citizenship, it seems that the words of the psalmist 
are most fitting, for they truly express the faith and confidence of the 
ranchman.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun August 22, 1957) 
George Edward Speelman of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, passed away August 
14, 1957 at a hospital in Durango, Colo. Mr. Speelman was born at 
Newman, Illinois August 18, 1873, the son of James C. and Mary Elizabeth 
Speelman. He came to Pagosa Springs in the year 1900 and was united in 
marriage in 1904 to Carrie (Rippy) Schroeder. To this union were born 
seven children. His wife preceded him in death October 10, 1949. He is 
survived by his seven children, Clark D and Earl Speelman of Richmond, 
Calif., Mrs. Viola Odam of Oregon, Mrs. Anna Margaret Clark, Vernon 
Clifford and Lloyd Speelman of Watsonville, Calif.; a stepson, Ray 
Schroeder of Seaside, Calif., and one sister, Mrs. Daisy Holcomb of 
Auburn, Wash., and two brothers, Bert Speelman of Auburn Wash., and 
Harry Speelman of Pagosa Springs. Thirteen grandchildren and 8 great 
grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were held Aug. 19 at 2 p.m. 
from the Methodist church in Pagosa Springs with the Rev. Elmer O'Brien 
officiating and burial was in Hilltop cemetery.  

****************************  
(The Pagosa Springs Sun Nov 18, 1965) 
Bert Smith, who was about 90 years old, and a long time resident of the 
county passed away Novembver 16, Mr. /smith was in a nursing home at 
Montrose, Colorado at his death was attributed to a stroke. His remains 
will be returned here for funeral services. This date has not been 
announced. A complete obituary will be published next week. Bert Smith 
was one of the true pioneers of Archuleta County and his life history is 
indeed an interesting one. He came to the county when a very young man 
and lived in the Blanco Basin for many years.  

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