Deaths From the Panama City Pilot, 1907, Bay County, FL

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DEATHS FROM THE PANAMA CITY PILOT, 1907

6 June 1907, p. 1:

BEACH COMBINGS - Mr John Davis, an old resident and prominent citizen of Nixon, died Friday 
morning last.  He was buried at Youngs Saturday afternoon.  Rev. Parker conducted the services.

ST. ANDREW - Mr and Mrs L.M. Ware have the sympathy of their many friends in the loss of 
their baby, born on Monday last.  We are pleased to report that Mrs Ware is recovering nicely.

13 June 1907, p. 1:

BEACH COMBINGS - A colored man named William Brown, was killed at Millville on Thursday last, 
by a car running over him which he was trying to stop.

HENRY BOVIS DEAD - The citizens of this section of the bay country were greatly shocked 
yesterday afternoon to hear that Mr Henry Bovis, of Millville, had met death at his own hands, 
while temporarily insane.

Mr Bovis was one of the pioneers in the mill business at Millville, and after selling out 
his interests therein took up the mercantile business in which, and as postmaster at Millville, 
he was engaged at the time of his death,  He had been very successful in a business way 
accumulating quite an amount of property.  He leaves a widow and eight children, one son and 
seven daughters, four of which are married.  Justice Sturrock held an inquest late yesterday 
afternoon, while Undertaker A.H. Brake embalmed the remains to await the funeral, the date 
of which has not been set.

20 June 1907, p. 1:

MASONIC FUNERAL - The remains of Henry Bovis were laid to rest in the little cemetery at 
Millville, at 3 p.m. last Friday.  Mr Bovis being a member of  the Masonic fraternity, Parker 
Lodge were in charge of the funeral services.  Mr W.H. Parker officiated.  Some thirty 
members of the order were present, besides a large number of the friends of the family.  
Among the visiting members of the order in attendance were Capt Barrow, of the Tarpon, 
and Messrs Dorsey, of Tallahassee, A. Greenhut, of Pensacola, and Mr. McCall.

S.C. PROWS DEAD - Another old citizen of the bay country, Mr Simeon C. Prows, passed away 
on Sunday of this week.  Mr. Prows had been suffering from a mental ailment for a short 
time, and had but recently been taken to River Junction for treatment.  He however passed 
away soon after arriving there.  Mr Prows leaves a wife and large family, and many friends 
to mourn over his death.  He was an old soldier, having served in the Federal army throughout 
the war, and was a man of strong convictions.  His neat homestead between here and Millville 
has always been an incentive to those who would build themselves choice homes in this section, 
and get such results from right tillage of the soil as can be obtained through earnest and 
systematic effort, and many are indebted to him for helpful hints tending to such ends.  
Undertaker Brake went after the body, and the funeral was held yesterday afternoon, the 
interment being at Millville.

ST. ANDREW - Our community was greatly shocked on Thursday last to learn that Mrs. Edith 
Danford, wife of Capt E.E. Danford, had passed away.  Though Mrs Danford had been an invalid 
for some time, yet her death was a severe shock to all her many friends.  Funeral services 
were held on Saturday forenoon, Rev Joyner officiating.  She leaves besides her husband, an 
infant son, father, mother, and three sisters to mourn her departure.

27 June 1907, p. 4:

CROMANTON - Many friends here of Miss Susana Burdick will be pained to learn of her death 
at her home in Milton Junction, Wis., some two weeks since.  Miss Burdick has spent several 
winters on the bay as the guest of  Mr Ayars family.

4 July 1907, p. 1:

ST. ANDREW - Our community were [sic] greatly grieved when Friday evening, June 28th, it 
was learned that Mrs Fanny Krebs, wife of Mr Thomas Krebs, had passed away.  For many years 
Mrs Krebs had been prominent in social circles and church work, always having been an active 
church member, and one who has done much in the way of building up and maintaining a choir, 
and her death will be greatly lamented by many friends and acquaintances,  She leaves to 
mourn her loss a husband, a son, and a baby girl but 3 weeks old;  her mother, Mrs Hand;  
two sisters, Mrs. T. Dockstader, of New York, and Mrs Crippen of this place;  and a brother, 
Mr Ed Hand.  She was buried in the St Andrew cemetery on Saturday afternoon last, Rev. E.W. 
Roberts presiding, and her remains were followed to the grave by many sorrowing friends.

11 July 1907, p. 1:

ST. ANDREW - Mr and Mrs J.T. Gwaltney have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in 
their loss of a baby boy on Monday night.

18 July 1907, p. 1:

PERSONAL - F.M. Daniels, of Pensacola, arrived at the home of his father, L. Daniel, of 
Bay Head, to carry the remains of his baby, who died there Friday last, age 2 years and 
5 months, back.  Mrs Daniels brought the sick baby over, about 6 weeks ago, seeking the 
health of the child.  The body was embalmed and will leave on the Lucy H.  Interment St 
Johns cemetery, Pensacola.

25 July 1907, p. 1:

J.A. DONALDSON DEAD.  
PASSES AWAY SUDDENLY AT HIS HOME NEAR PARKER SATURDAY MORNING.

The people of the Bay country were shocked at the reception of the news last Saturday of 
the death at his home near Parker of Mr J.A. Donaldson of heart disease, from which he 
had suffered many years.

Mr Donaldson arrived with his family on Thursday at their summer residence from their home 
in DeFuniak Springs, intending to spend the summer months.

He arose Saturday morning feeling as well as usual and planning for the pleasures of the 
day;  while playing with the children he was seized with the attack which inside of two 
hours, ended in death.

W.H. Parker, and a visiting physician, were called at once and the usual family remedies 
were employed but to no avail.

Mr. Donaldson was about fifty eight years of age.  He leaves a wife and six children and 
other near relatives who mourn his loss.  Mr Donaldson came to this section some fifteen 
years ago.  Soon after he erected the beautiful home on the point opposite Parker which 
he and his family have occupied at various times ever since.  He was a well-known citizen 
in West Florida, of sterling integrity of character, and a husband and father who placed 
home above all other interests.  His funeral on Sunday was conducted by Parker Masonic 
Lodge under the leadership of W.H. Parker.  It was largely attended by members of that 
order and numerous friends from St Andrew, Panama City, Millville, Cromanton, Parker and 
other east Bay points.

25 July 1907, p. 1:

ST. ANDREW - The infant child of Mr T. Krebs joined its mother in the "land beyond" last 
night.  Mr Krebs and son have the sympathy of their many friends in this additional bereavement.

1 August 1907, p. 1:

BEACH COMBINGS - Mr Grover Stevens who died near Chipley was buried in the cemetery at 
Millville, Monday forenoon, at 10:30, the Rev. E.W. Roberts conducting the services.

NEGRO KILLED
THREE BADLY WOUNDED

In a shooting melee at Smith & Britts turpentine camp, eight miles west of Wewahitchka, 
on Saturday evening, one negro was killed, and three others badly shot up.

It is reported that a negro under the influence of liquor went to the house of another 
with his gun intending to kill the latter on sight.  The negro was not at home so the 
drunken brute took a shot at the mans wife,  wounding her in the leg.  As soon as the 
news of this affair reached the husband he gathered together some of his friends and 
started out with guns after the would be murderer.  Coming up with him, some 25 to 30 
shots were exchanged, resulting in the killing of the negro which started the row, and 
badly wounding the husband by a shot through the body and another through the thigh, 
and the shooting of another of the party.

The coroner at Wewahitchka was notified and presumably held an inquest the first of the week.

PARKER ITEMS - A.J. Collom's mother died Sunday afternoon at Cook and was buried  in the 
Parker cemetery Monday afternoon.

8 August 1907, p. 1:

GAY - We regret to learn of the death of Grover Stevens, which occurred at Orange Hill, 
at the home of his sister, Mrs Miles Everett, last Saturday.  His remains were brought to 
Millville and interred in the cemetery there by the side of his mother, and sister, Mrs 
John Peterson who died last October.  The aged father, who resides here with John Peterson, 
and the other members of  the family have our great sympathy.

GAY - Died, at his home near here, Mr Jas. Cavanaugh on last Friday morning.  The news of 
his demise was a shock to his neighbors and friends;  for although it was known that he 
was ill, the nature of his illness was not considered of so serious a nature as it ultimately 
proved.  He is survived by wife, three daughters, Mrs  J.W. Anderson, of Anderson, Mrs 
Cannon, Millville, and Miss Louis and one son, John, all of whom have the sincere sympathy 
of neighbors and friends.

29 August 1907, p. 2:

DEATH OF J.H. WILLIAMS

All of our citizens will read with regret the announcement of the death of J.H. Williams, 
better known to all his friends by the name of "Boss."  Mr Williams was well known throughout 
the county, and had become better known in this section through his connection with Mr A.J. 
Gay, in construction work on the A. & St A.B.R.R.  He also was one of the builders of the 
first ten miles of the Chipley road.  Mr William with his wife and child were guests at the 
hotel here for some time while he was working here last Spring , and made many friends.  
We give below the account of his death and burial from the Chipley Verdict of the 23rd.  On 
Sunday morning about 4 o'clock, J.H. Williams passed to the great beyond after an illness 
of only three days.  Acute congestion was said to have been the immediate cause of his death.

Mr Williams, or "Boss", as he was familiarly known by his friends (who were legion) grew 
up in Chipley and with the exception of a few years spent his life here, for several years 
being engaged with his brother in the hardware business under the firm name of J.H. Williams 
& Co.

He leaves a wife and little daughter, mother, brother, sister and numerous relatives, who 
have the sympathy of the entire community in their sudden and sore affliction.

All that was mortal of the deceased was laid quietly to rest in the city cemetery on Sunday 
afternoon with appropriate religious ceremony, Rev. R.C. Williams, pastor of the M.E. Church, 
performing the last sad rites over the remains.

The funeral cortage [sic] was said to have been the largest ever formed in this city, which 
attested to the great popularity of deceased, and esteem in which held by the community 
where he had spent the major portion of his life.  Requiescat in pace.

12 September 1907, p. 4:

BEACH COMBINGS - One of R.L. McKenzie's hands at the middle quarters named Joe Fulmore, a 
single man, died this morning after a brief illness.  Before his death he told his brother 
that he had been poisoned by another negro through poison being placed in a bowl of soup.  
Mr McKenzie, with Dr Lee, are investigating the matter today.

19 September 1907, p. 1:

DR. CHARLES E. BOOTH

Dr. Charles E. Booth died at the residence of his brother near Binghamton, N.Y., at 4 p.m. 
Monday, September 9th.  The entire Bay country will know the sincere mourning heart when 
the sad news of our grand old doctors death reaches its people.  He was not only a friend 
and brother to every man, woman, and child that called upon him for his assistance, but 
savior to many in their suffering as well, not counting his life dear to himself so great 
were the risks he often assumed for humanities sake.

For some months the doctor had been suffering from blood poison contracted while in the 
pursuit of his profession, but it was hoped that his vigorous constitution and indomnitable 
[sic] will power would enable him to overcome this.  Feeling that possibly a change of 
climate might be beneficial he left here on August 9th, to be with his brother, Dr. John 
W. Booth near Binghamton, N.Y.  But the disease had made too great inroads upon his iron 
constitution and he gradually failed, while near the end a partial paralysis attacked the 
brain and internal organs.  His last days were like those of a sleeping infant, gradually 
lapsing into that sleep that knows no awakening.

His three brothers and wife were with him during those closing days,  and his eldest daughter 
Mrs Dr Snyder, Of Escanaba, Mich., reached there a few hours after his death.  He was buried 
on Thursday afternoon, September 12th, in Glencastle cemetery by the side of his parents, 
grandparents, and other relatives.  The pallbearers were his three brothers and nephew, 
Messrs J.W. Booth, L.D. Booth, E.H. Booth, and Jesse Booth.

Charles E. Booth was born in the town of Washington, Duchess county, N.Y., July 1st, 1840.  
He remained in that locality until he was 17 years old when he went to Illinois.  He lived 
there until the opening of the Civil War when he went to Broome County, N.Y., and enlisted 
in 1862 in the Dickinson Guards, which formed a part of the 89th regiment of N.Y. infantry.  
He was severely wounded in the battle of Antietam, and honorably discharged.  Upon recovery 
from his wounds he reenlisted, entering the Commissary Department at Washington, as Assistant 
Surgeon, serving in that capacity until the close of the war.

Later he again went West locating at Elroy, Wis., engaging in business there.  He soon 
however took up the further study of medicine graduating from Rush Medical College in 1871 
and returning to Elroy, Wis., where he practiced his profession, represented that district 
in the State Assembly one term, and was appointed local surgeon for the C. & N.W. Ry. at 
that point, which position he held until about 1886, when he received the appointment of 
Superintendent of the Northern Hospital for the Insane, at Winnebago, Wis., a position which 
he held for four years, resigning to become Superintendent  of the Booth Medical and Surgical 
Sanitarium, at Ashland, Wis.

In 1896 he was appointed Division Surgeon of the C. & N. W. Ry, with headquarters at Escanaba, 
Mich., where he remained two years, resigning to accept the position of physicain [sic] and 
surgeon for the Low Moor Iron Co., at Low Moor, Va.  He filled that position four years, when 
upon the urgent call of the railway officials he was prevailed upon to return to Escanaba, 
Mich., and again take up the duties of Division Surgeon for the C. & N. W. Ry.  After a four 
years further residence there he was compelled on account of muscular troubles to seek a more 
congenial climate, and removed to St Andrews Bay, Fla., locating at Gay, North Bay.  There 
he built himself a beautiful and comfortable home, and in the pleasures of suburban life, 
and the less exacting practice of his possession, passed the remainder of his days in a way 
that was very congenial and pleasing to his desires and anticipations.

The doctor was one of the finest surgeons in the country, being particularly successful in 
his railway practice, and also doing some exceedingly good work in the sanitariums with which 
he was connected.  He has done some very important work for medical science in microscopy, 
and furnished many articles for medical journals, as well as other papers which were read 
before the various societies to which he belonged.  He was a graduate of the New York Polyclinic 
of 1885, a member of the State Medical Societies of Wisconsin, Michigan, Virginia, and Florida, 
and of the American Medical Association.  He was also a 32 degree Mason, a member of Milwaukee, 
Wis. Consistory.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Belle Booth, of Gay, Fla., two daughters, Miss Jewel Booth, 
of Gay, Fla., and Mrs. A.F. Snyder, of Escanaba, Mich., three brothers and two sisters, Dr 
J.W. Booth, West Colesville, N.Y.;  L.D. Booth Chenango Bridge, N.Y,;  E.H. Booth, West Pittston, 
Pa., and Mrs. Mary Butler of Jersey City, N.J., and Mrs. Clarence Dewey, of Delhi, N.Y.

The PILOT tenders its sincere sympathy to the bereaved wife, daughters, and family.  Personally 
its editor mourns the loss of one who was a congenial companion, a tried and sincere friend, 
and a gentleman in every sense of the word whom the whole Bay country will long mourn.  Would 
it were possible that we might as a last tribute lay upon his grave in that far away north 
land a spray of holly, and leafs from the choicest palms, that our friend loved so well to 
look upon at his quiet home in this land of flowers.

p. 1:

DEATH OF JUDGE TERRY RICHARDSON

From a Montgomery dispatch we learn of the death of Judge Terry Richardson, who was found 
dead on the 16th in his room at Luverne, Ala., where he had gone to act as counsel in a case.  
The cause of death is said to be chloroform taken to relieve the toothache.  Judge Terry 
was well known and highly esteemed here.  He had made trips to the bay with his father 
Judge J.C. Richardson, fishing for tarpon, and made many friends here all of whom will regret 
to hear of his untimely death.  He leaves a wife and child.

3 October 1907, p. 4:

PARKER - Mr J.C. Vickery and wife, and Mrs Ellis Vickery, were called away by the illness 
of their brother Mason of north bay, but arrived too late to see him, as he was dead and 
already buried, before they reached their destination.  They returned home on Sunday.

10 October 1907, p. 1:

DEATH OF THOMAS GWALTNEY

On Wednesday afternoon, October 9th, Thomas Gwaltney passed away at his residence near Old 
Town. Though he has been failing for some time his death was unexpected, and was hastened 
by an illness that set in but last week.  His burial occurred at 10 o'clock this morning.

Mr Gwaltney was born in North Carolina in 1826.  He was married on January 18th, 1855, to 
Miss Pearcy Coley, a Georgia girl, whom he survived but a few years.  There were eight 
children born to this couple, six of whom are still living, namely J.C. Gwaltney,  W.F. 
Gwaltney, Robert Gwaltney, John T. Gwaltney, H.W. Gwaltney, and F.H. Gwaltney.

Mr Gwaltney was crippled so that he was not subject to service during the war but being 
a cooper was employed in the Confederate service in that capacity.  After the war he returned 
to Jackson county, and from there he came to the bay country some 40 years ago, and has 
lived here ever since.

Thomas Gwaltney was a gentleman of the old school.  Always kind and courteous, conscientious 
and generous, and a consistent member of the Methodist church of which he had long been a 
member.  His was a pioneers life in this country;  a life filled with hard work and many 
sacrifices, but aided by his helpful and loyal wife they brought up a family under many 
difficulties with credit and honor.  All who knew him respected and loved him and his death 
will sadden many hearts.

14 November 1907, p. 4:

PARKER - William Stewart, of Cook, Fla., died last Saturday night and was buried in the 
Parker cemetery late Sunday evening.  Mr Stewart was 56 years of age.  He leaves his widow 
with one child a boy 8 years old who is now seriously sick with fever.  Mr Stewart was 
known as a consistant [sic] Christian whose influence was for good and will be much missed 
in the community.

5 December 1907, p. 5:

STATE NEWS - Fuller reports of the capsizing of the Hazel, William Sowells boat, in Choctawhatchee 
bay, state that the accident occurred about midnight on Friday, November 22nd, off Horse Shoe 
Cove, and that William Sowell and Herbert Cohron were drowned, and Frank Jones who clung to 
the boat until daylight, was saved.  It appears that Sowell and Cohron attempted to reach 
shore on a hatch cover but probably became chilled and were washed off.  The bodies had not 
been recovered at last accounts.

STATE NEWS - Mrs. S.S. Stringer, of Brookville, Fla., president of the United Daughters of 
the Confederacy, died at Columbia, S.C. November 26th, while en route home from the General 
Convention.

12 December 1907, p. 6:

BEACH COMBINGS -- B.H. Keel, a tenant on Cope's place near Chipley, was killed by a falling 
limb Monday, while engaged in getting out crossties.  Deseased [sic] came here from Georgia 
about a year ago.  He was 55 years of age, and leaves a wife, two sons and a daughter. - Ex.

On Saturday, Andrew, a 16 year old son of J.B. Williams, of Graceville, was instantly killed
by being thrown from a horse, his head striking a tree.  Deceased was a nephew of Tax 
Assessor J.J. Williams, of Chipley, and a lad of much promise, whose untimely demise is 
mourned by a host of relatives and friends. -Ex.

GENERAL NEWS - Thomas T. Stockton, the able business manager of the Jacksonville Times-Union 
is dead.  Mr. Stocktons untimely death is a blow to the entire state.  He was an indefatigable 
worker, a man of marked ability, and a friend in need.  The PILOT extends its sympathy to 
the family and the Times-Union.