McKean County PA Archives News.....Deaths 1899 MCKEAN COUNTY MINER 1899 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/pafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ronald J. Reid rreid21@cox.net McKean County Miner 1899 DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA 1899 FROM THE MCKEAN COUNTY MINER NEWSPAPER, (SMETHPORT) Transcribed by Ronald J. Reid - 2009 The following death notices appeared in the McKean County Miner during the year of 1892 and 1893. The date of publication is shown prior to the item(s). There is no implication that this is all that may have been published in these editions since many editions are missing and many of the issues are unreadable. All items are found on page 3 of the issue unless specifically noted otherwise. INDEX of Names ============== Mrs. Ira Ball Miss Johanna Bannon Samuel Barley Charles Bissett William McCullough Black R.W. Bloodsworth Byron Borden Lucy Pattison Boyer Robert Broadbent Mrs. Jas H. Brown Mrs. A.E. Burdick Lionel A. Bush Mrs. Mary Campbell John Caple Miss Hannah Coleman William Conklin John S. Corbin Mrs. Julia A. Cunningham Charles Doerner Minnie Dolke Mrs. George Dunbar Laura Edgett Mrs. John Edwards Mrs. Eliza Fessenden Charles C. Foster Mrs. Harriet Gallup Mrs. L.H. Galpin N.M. Glassmire A.D. Goodman M.L. Gridley C.J. Gustafson Moses Hackett Cornelius Haley John Haley Mrs. Lucinda Harder Mary Hartnett Mrs. Katherine Hazen S.J. Holmes J.C. Hughes Patrick Kane Thomas Kane Ervin Morton Kerns Daniel Lane Frederick Hoston LeRoy, Jr. Theo. Lindholm Mrs. John (Beatty) Lyons and son infant Michael Maloney David O. Martin C.C. Mason Aleck McCormick Ralph McCormick J. W. McCray Jame McCready Thomas McDowell John F. McGinness Edward McLavoy Mrs. Charles C. Melvin William Metzger John Meyers Mrs. Lavina J. Mills Walter Moore Harry Morgan Dr. S.J. Mudge Charles F. Newton Albert, child of Mr. and Mrs. Oberlund Enos Parsons Mrs. Orin Perry John Quimby Mr. Ramsey, a son of William and Flora Richard A. Rice F.W. Rumsey Frank Sheldon Mrs. Rose Skiff Joseph B. Smawley Mrs. Samuel Southwick Thomas Stanton Elizabeth Garlock-Stark daughter of Philip Strovic Charles Sullivan H.P. Swanson William Terrill Mrs. M.S. Thompson Prof Charles H. Verrill C.B. Whitehead Edwin Whittmore Col. A.L. Wilcox Frank Wilson Nelson Woodstock Ada Elizabeth Young ============== Jan 6, 1899: Harry Morgan of Hazelhurst, who was taken to the Kane hospital last week suffering from a severe concussion of the brain, died on Saturday. Coroner Sherman held an inquest at Hazelhurst to ascertain if there was anything wrong, but the jury decided that all was correct and the funeral proceeded. Charles F. Newton the well-known glycerine man of Bradford was literally blown into atoms at Orchard Park, N.Y., last Thursday. He was making preparations to shoot a well when the explosion occurred. No one seems to know how or what caused the explosion. The holler house in which Mr. Newton was preparing the shot was entirely destroyed. The drillers and tool dressers were knocked down by the concussion. The few remains of Mr. Newton were gathered up and brought to Bradford. Charles C. Foster of Hazelhurst died at that place on Wednesday of pneumonia aged ?? years. Deceased was taken ill last Saturday. He was a son of Hon. C.?. Foster who died recently in Bradford. Jan 13, 1899: There is a terrible object lesson in the death of Lionel A. Bush, a former resident of this place, who took his own life at Mo_ _ _ _ , Wash., last month, after being a slave to morphine over three years. Death of Mrs. J.C. Cunningham. Mrs. Julia A. Cunningham died at her home in East Smethport on Wednesday, Jan. 11, at 8:30 p.m. of catarra of the stomach, aged 54 years, 11 months and 15 days. Mrs. Cunningham was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Crumb, and was born in Jackson township, Tioga county, Pa., Jan. 27, 1844. She was married to J.C. Cunningham and about seven years ago they with their family moved to East Smethport, where they have since resided. In November Mrs. Cunningham went to Tioga county to attend the funeral of her father, and from that time to her death she had been a sufferer. She leaves to mourn her demise an aged husband and seven children. Mrs. Cunningham was a Christian woman and was beloved by all who knew her. She was ever a faithful wife and a kind mother and the loss will be deeply felt by the remaining ones. She was a member of Civilla Rebekah Lodge, the W.R.C. and of Brown Hive, in the latter she carried an insurance of $500. These organizations will attend in a body the prayer service to be held at the house this morning. The interment will be made in Jackson township Tioga county; Rev. __ _ _ _ of this place will officiate. They will depart on the 11 o'clock train, immediately after the service at the house. The members of Brown Hive showed their esteem for their late sister by sending a magnificent bouquet of white roses tied with a broad white silk ribbon. Obituary. Lionel Al_ _ _ Bush departed this life and _ _ _ Mo_ _ _ _ , Wash, on De. 10, 1898, after having been in poor health a long time. He was born in Smethport, Pa., on Nov. 11, 1874. His parents, Hiram M. and Sarah D. Bush, owned the flour mill and timber mill a good many years. His mother died when he was two years and his father when he was six years old, after which he went with his three sisters to Hamilton, N.Y., where they resided for about two years with their mother's people. The his eldest sister, Lillian M., married Frank J. Ogilvie of Smethport and Lee and his other two sisters came back and lived with them. In 1889 they all went in Washington Territory. The youngest sister, Jessica(?) C., had married Hugh J. Hamilton and the middle sister Guenivere L., who was an artist, prevailed upon Mr. William Haskell, their guardian, to let her take charge of Lee. He had lived with her most all the time ever since. She afterwards married Charles F. Park of Oakville, Wash., who died two years ago. Lee, who was then mining in Montana with excellence prospects, left everything in charge of his partner and came to his sister, where he had been ever since. He said to often during the last few days of his life, (Unreadable) He was so anxious to get well, so hopeful for the future. Hew intending to go to Colorado Springs with his sister, Mrs. Park, who is in very poor health, about the New Year. Cause of Death. He had been taking morphine for about three years. It was first given him by a doctor in M _ _ _ Ind., where he was stopping for a while with his sister, Mrs. Hamilton, for sleeplessness. When he discovered what he was taking the habit was so thoroughly formed he could not do without it. He attended the Keeler cure in Portland, Oregon, where he had to pay a good deal _ _ _ on account of his general health being so very poor. He suffered terribly and for a while they despaired of his life. He looked very badly before he went, but when he came home about three weeks before his death his eyes were bright, his skin as soft as a child's he had fleshed up a good deal and everyone was surprised. He could walk around and he had very little strength and was suffering a good deal, both from the effects of the cure and from his poor health. His lungs bothered him the most of anything. What _ _ _ _ him most of all was that he had no desire whatever for morphine, cigarettes, _ _ _ , coffee of any other kind of stimulant. He said, "I am a man again; a man again, and not a slave, and it seems so good." The doctor from the institute _ _ _ _ us to watch him until he got a great deal better and stronger, as he was _ _ _ _ to grow despondent, but we did not watch him close enough. Oh, god! The pity of it. He went to Mon_ _ _ _ on business and took his own life while there, taking liquor at the saloon so he could have the courage and taking morphine in his veins. He was alive when he was found, but it was too late to save him. L.M.O. Jan 20, 1899: Mrs. Katherine Hazen died very suddenly early yesterday morning at the residence of Andrew Smith, East Smethport. She was apparently was well as ever until Wednesday evening when she suffered a stroke of paralysis, with the above stated fatal result. She was aged 73 years and had been a resident of this borough, where she resided with her son, John, for about five years. She leaves seven children. The funeral will be held to-morrow at the M.E. church at 2 p.m. A sad accident occurred at the Adrain(?) mines, Jefferson county, on January 3d, whereby Robert Broadbent, a brother of Mrs. Chas. Bush of this borough, was horribly mangled and killed before help could reach him. He was a driver on the slope and had reached down to hook the tail chain when in some manner he slipped and fell under the heavily loaded cars, five or six of which passed over his body and crushed his head in a frightful manner. He left his home on 6:30 a.m. in perfect health and when some two hours later the news was brought that he was dead the aged father was almost prostrated. The unfortunate young man was but 19 years of age; he had worked in the mines from childhood. The sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved ones. C.J. Gustafson, who has been an inmate at the poor farm for the past few months died in that institution on Monday evening aged 73 years. The cause of his death was consumption. His remains were taken in charge by the Swedish people and the funeral was held in this place on Wednesday. John Caple died at the poor farm from heart trouble Monday evening, aged 39 years. Caple was at one time a prosperous farmer in Annin township and was well known in that part of the county, but he met with reverses and last fall when he was taken sick he was compelled to apply for aid from the county. The remains were taken to Sartwell Wednesday morning for burial. A fatal fire occurred at Chipmunk early this morning. The house of John Lyons was totally destroyed by fire and Mrs. Lyons and her two year old child were fatally burned. The family was aroused by the suffocating fumes of smoke. Too much confused to find the door of the room they groped about the walls, every second making the fire hotter and the smoke thicker. With the instinct of a mother Mrs. Lyons held her babe closely to her breast and when the way to escape was finally open for them the poor woman was overcome and fell to the floor. The husband made an effort to rescue his wife and little one, but had to save his own life and when the mother and child were taken from the building they were badly burned. Dr. Hicks of Allegany was called and although he did everything possible for the sufferer, the child died not long after being rescued, and the doctor said the mother could not live. Mrs. Lyons' father, Mr. Beatty, leaped from a second story window of the burning building and was painfully injured and burned. The husband, John Lyons, was also burned painfully. It is believed the fire was caused by an overheated stove. - Bradford Star, Saturday. Jan 27, 1899: John S. Corbin of Portville, while despondent from over indulgence of intoxicants committed suicide last Saturday afternoon by shooting himself through the right temple. S.J. Holmes of Buffalo, a brother of F.L. Holmes of this place, died at his home in that city Friday evening from carbolic acid poisoning, the result of a mistake made by his wife. Mr. Homes had been suffering from stomach trouble for some time and had been taking medicine for it. Friday evening he was in great pain and asked his wife to get his medicine. In her haste Mrs. Holmes handed him a bottle containing carbolic acid from which he drank before the mistake was discovered. A physician was immediately summoned, but he died in a few moments. Mr. Holmes was aged 42 years and leaves a widow and two children. F.L. Holmes left for Buffalo on Saturday. The little daughter of Philip Strovic an Italian who lives on Water street, died on Tuesday morning. The funeral was held Wednesday. Feb 3, 1899: Death of C.B. Whitehead. Charles B. Whitehead at died 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, at his home, No. 11 Delaware avenue. Some time ago Mr. Whitehead contracted la grippe and after an illness of about two weeks improved so he was able to walk about the house. He suffered a relapse, however, and an attack of acute bronchitis, aggravated by hemorrhages that followed, _ _ _ _ the skill of his physicians and resulted in death. Mr. Whitehead was in his 59th year and is survived by a daughter, Mary and son, Waldo. The children were attending school in Tioga county, but were summoned home last week and were at the bedside of their father when the end came. Mr. Whitehead has been largely identified with the progress of Bradford and was among the most influential men of the city. He was widely known in the oil regions and his death will be sincerely regretted by hosts of friends. Charles B. Whitehead was born in Lawrenceville, Tioga county, Pa., Jan 8, 1840. He was a son of Isaac and Sarah Whitehead, former residents of Massachusetts. His father moved to Tioga county in 1830 and remained there until the time of his death in 1848. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native county, where he attended the common schools and subsequently became a student in the high school at Spring mills, N.Y. In 1860 he went to Titusville, where he was employed by Brewer & Watson , pioneer oil producers of the Oil Creek region. After two years of service in Titusville, Mr. Whitehead went to Oil City and worked there four years for Fisher Bros. Hen then returned to Tioga county and with his uncle, A.W. Lugg, opened a mercantile establishment at Nelson. In 1860 he sold his interest and started a hotel at Blossburg. The hotel business was not to his taste, however, and after four years in Blossburg, he opened a drug store at Wellsboro. In 1878 he decided to return to the oil country and came to Bradford and engaged in this oil producing business. By the exercise of good judgment and excellent business ability, he soon amassed a comfortable fortune, a portion of which is now invested in Bradford real estate. Mr. Whitehead was a staunch Democrat and served as postmaster during the first presidential term of Grover Cleveland. In 1883 he was elected a member of the select branch of the councils and served three terms before retiring. When Tarport was annexed to the city he was again elected councilman and served one year in the common branch. During his career as a councilman Mr. Whitehead was identified with much local legislation that was of great importance to the city. He always took a deep interest in all matters of public interest and never feared to express his opinion on such questions. He was a frequent contributor to the local press and articles from his pen were always of sufficient importance to attract general interest. Deceased was prominent in Masonic circles. - Wednesday's Era. Feb 10, 1899: The residents of our town were very much surprised yesterday morning to learn of the death of little Minnie Dolke, aged seven years 10 months and 23 days. She attended school last Monday the perfect picture of health. Everyone knew little Minnie and always had a kind word for her as she was always pleasant and lady-like. Pneumonia was the cause of her sudden taking away. The friends will meet at the house at 2 p.m. and proceed to the M.E. church where funeral services will be held at 2:30. Interment in Rose Hill cemetery. Mrs. Orin Perry of Kasson died at her home last Wednesday morning. The deceased had been ailing for sometime. She was married to Mr. Perry in Steuben county, N.Y., in May, 1846. In 1859 they moved into Sergeant township and resided there ever since. Mr. Perry died several years ago. Funeral this morning at ten o'clock. Last Sunday morning Enos Parsons died at his home in Bradford after a protracted illness, aged 53 years. He was born in Cortland county, N.Y., and came in McKean county in 1848. The deceased had always, up to a few years ago, been an active business man. Since 1898 he had taken life more easily and the coming(?) guest at the St. James was almost certain to find the genial face of Mr. Parsons there to greet him. He leaves a wife, a son and one daughter to mourn his departure. The departed had been a constant subscriber to the MINER from the time it started. Elizabeth Garlock-Stark From the Mt. Jewett Herald we give the following which we publish by request. Elizabeth Garlock (mention of whose death was made last week) was the third child of Truman and Catherine Garlock, former residents of Marvin Creek, where the subject of this sketch was born April 14th, 1835(?). On the 30th day of October, 1861, she was united in marriage with Horace Stark, a long resident of Marvin creek valley. The young couple immediately after that marriage established themselves upon what is now known as the Block farm, where they continued to reside for a period of three years, when they succumbed to the western fever and journeyed in Minnesota with the intention of making their future residence in that State. One years' experiences sufficed, however, and at the end of that time they returned to Pennsylvania and settled at Wilcox. They continued as residents of Wilcox and vicinity for a period 18(?) years, or until 18??, when they returned to Marvin creek, where they lived for the next 7 years, when they moved to Cole creek during the oil excitement at that place. After five years of life in the oil country they again returned to Marvin creek, settled at Hazelhurst, where they purchased a small tract of land which has since become incorporated within the limits of that bustling town. Feb 17, 1899: Jame McCready of Clermont died last Wednesday night. Funeral services at Clermont this morning, Father O'Brian officiating. Interment at St. Elizabeth's cemetery, Smethport. Mrs. Harriet Gallup died at the residence of her son-in-law, J.B. Kimball, in Norwich township on Monday morning last, aged 85 years and 3 months. Harriet Rood was born at Pittsford, Monroe county, N.Y., on November 14th 1813. Her parents died when she was quite young. She came to Clermont, then Bunker Hill, when 14 years of age with the family of Samuel Gilland resided there until 1832, when she was united to marriage to Andrew E. Gallup of Norwich township, who died in 1870. Since the death of Mr. Gallup deceased had resided with her daughter, Mrs. Mary B. Kimball. Mrs. Gallup was an exemplary Christian woman and had an extensive acquaintance among the oldest residents of the county. Two daughters, Mrs. Kimball and Mrs, B _ _ _ _ Gunning, and one son, D.O. Gallup, survive her. Mrs. John G. Boyer of Crosby died at her home last Saturday night of dropsy aged almost 69 years. The deceased was born in Genesee county, N.Y. Her maiden name was Miss Lucy Pattison. She came to Norwich township with her parents when quite a small child. She was joined in wedlock with Mr. Boyer in 1851, who preceded her to try the realities of the unknown just two months and two days, having passed away on the 9th of December last. The funeral was held at St. Elizabeth's church last Tuesday morning at ten o'clock, Father O'Brian officiating. The remains were placed in St. Elizabeth's cemetery. Five children remain to mourn the departure of the mother, three girls and two sons, all married but F.H. Boyer now of Rochester, N.Y. Feb 24, 1899: Edward McLavoy died in Charleston township, Tioga county last week, his funeral was held last Friday. The deceased was aged 101 years. He had been twice married, his oldest child being 71 years and his youngest 17. Miss Mary Hartnett of Coleville, this county, died at the Clarion State Normal School on Friday last age 17 years, from the result of an operation for peritonitis. The remains were taken to Bradford and the funeral held from St. Bernard's church on Monday. Thos. Kane, aged about 80 years, died in the Buffalo hospital Monday, of paralysis. Mr. Kane was postmaster at Sartwell and owned a small store there. He leaves a widow who resides in Boston. Mar 3, 1899: J. W. McCray formerly of Bradford died very suddenly at Los Angeles Cal., last Friday of pleuro-pneumonia. He had gone to California some two years ago owing to poor health. Death of Mrs. Burdick. Last Thursday at 9:20 p.m. in the spirit of Mrs. A.E. Burdick took its flight to _ _ _ _ of the unknown future at the age and forty years. Typhoid pneumonia was the cause of death. Her maiden name was Keefer. About twenty years ago she was joined in wedlock to Mr. Lefever and to this union one child was born Claude, who was a soldier in Co., D, 16th [46?] Regt. Pa. Vol., during the late Spanish war. On Sept 27, 18?? The deceased was joined in wedlock to A.S. Burdick. No children blessed this union. The funeral services were held at the M.E. church last Saturday afternoon, Rev. Dr. I.F. Walker officiating. Interment at Rose Hill cemetery. Mar 10, 1899: Frank Wilson, a former Potter county man, died in El Paso, Texas recently. He took morphine, whether with suicide intent or not, does not seem to be known. A Horrible Death. John Meyers, the well known leather dealer, died at 6 o'clock Saturday morning at his home on Chestnut street, the result of a dose of sulphuric acid. On Friday he purchased a quantity of the acid at Cotrell's drug store, but soon after returned it, claiming it was unsatisfactory. The same evening about 6 o'clock he went to Neely's drug store and obtained a small bottle of sulphuric acid, being given the grade known as "commercial." This he also returned and asked for the chemically pure acid, which was given him. Nothing unusual was noticed in his manner and he jokingly inquired about the strength of the acid and its effect if placed upon flesh. He assigned as a reason for purchasing the acid, that he had about 100 bottles gummed with the sediment of some liquid, which could be cleaned with the aid of the poison. After completing his purchase he returned home about 9 o'clock and retired to his bathroom and shortly afterward summoned his wife to his assistance, telling her that he had swallowed a quantity of sulphuric acid by mistake. Dr. Johnson was summoned and the usual remedies were administered, heroic methods being resorted to in the effort to overcome the deadly effect of the poison. Meyers suffered excrutiating pain throughout the night blood flowing from his mouth and nostrils at intervals, until 6 o'clock, when the end came. Mr. Meyers had resided in Bradford for the past 29 years, a greater part of the time being engaged to the wholesale and retail leather business on Corydon street. His integrity of character and sterling business principles had gained for him the respect and confidence of a wide acquaintance. Deceased was a member of Tuna Lodge, No. 411, I.O.O.F., which organization will have charge of the obsequies. He is survived by a widow and two children, George Meyers and Mrs. Zuchmyer(?) of Tonawanda, N.Y. Funeral services will be held at the late residence at 2 p.m. to-day, and the remains will be interred at Oak Hill cemetery. - Monday's Bradford Era. Mar 17, 1899: A young man named William Terrill was killed near Davis last Tuesday while braking on a car loaded with logs. The brake failed to work and the car ran away, crashing into another loaded car. Terrill was crushed between the ends of the logs and instantly killed. The unfortunate man was aged 21 years and married. Mar 24, 1899 Mrs. L.H. Galpin died at her home in Reed Hollow on Sunday night oof heart disease, aged 25 years and 5 months. Mrs. Galpin was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asa Cory of Coryville. Two children besides a husband, father and mother and brother survive her. She was a woman who was well-known and highly respected and her death is deeply regretted by many. The funeral was held on Wednesday, Rev. Bennett officiating. Mar 31, 1899: The MINER hoped to give the date of the arrival of the remains of E.M. Kerns, but so far no definite news has reached here in regard to the matter. They will probably arrive some day next week. Mrs. Lavina J. Mills one of Coudersport's most highly esteemed ladies, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Archibald, in New York city one day last week. Mrs. Mills was the widow of Samuel Mills, the genial Boniface so well and favorably known in the lower oil country many years ago. The deceased was born in Hunesdale June 2, 1839(?). The remains were brought to Coudersport and deposited in the Eulalia cemetery last Saturday. Apr 7, 1899: On Monday afternoon all that was mortal of Ervin Morton Kerns, private, Co. C, 10th Regt., Penn's Vols, was laid at rest in the beautiful cemetery on Rose Hill, overlooking the town in which he spent the greater portion of his life, and where so many of the friends of his happy boyhood days still reside. As will be remembered Ervin Kerns died of fever in Porto Rico, far away from friends and kindred, while bearing arms in defense of his county's honor, on August 31st last, and was buried there by his comrades in arms who carefully marked the location of his grave that o mistake might be made should it be decided to bring him home for burial. The government recently _ _ _ _ of undertakers to Cuba and Porto Rico to disinter the bodies of the soldier dead on those islands, and the body of private Kerns was among those sent north on the steamer Crook, which arrived in New York last Friday. A special train arrived from Bradford on Monday at _ _ _ _ bearing the body accompanied by Trinity Commandry, No. 18, Knights Templar, Co. C. ??Regt. Co. E, 21st Regt., N.O.P., and many friends of the deceased. A delegation of Smethport Sir Knights in full uniform met the train on its arrival at the B.B.&R. depot and escorted thee visitors to the court house, where the remains lay in state until 2:30 p.m. The casket was draped with flags and strewn with flowers and upon it were placed the Knight's sword and chapeau which were worn by Mr. Kerns as a member of Trinity Commandry. Beautiful floral places were sent by Company C, by Trinity Commandry, Bradford Chapter and Bradford C_ _ _ _. The business places were closed and all flags in town were lowered to half mast in honor of the dead. When the exercises in the court house began at 9:30 that edifice was packed to the doors. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. E_ _ _ McCandless, assisted by Rev. D.I.T. Walker, both of whom made eloquent and touching addresses. A large choir under the directorship of Dr. H.L. McCoy, accompanied on the organ by Miss Grace Emily McCoy, sang sweetly solemn music, after which the beautiful and impressive burial services of the Masonic Lodge was performed. Messrs. F.W. Brownell, R.M. Choate, Burt Olson, W.F. Specht, Dr. John Clark and Dr. Burg Chadwick, acting as pall bearers deposited the remains in the hearse and the march to the cemetery was taken up in the following order. Bradford band; Knight Templars; Co. C; Co. E; McKean Lodge, No. 343 F.&A.M.; Smethport Hose Co. No. 1; member of the G.A.R. and a large number of citizens. The pupils of the Smethport schools formed on the north side of Main street in a double line reaching from Fulton to Franklin, and bearing flags, saluted the funeral cortege as it passed and falling in behind the hose company marched to the cemetery. Arriving at the cemetery the body was lowered to its final resting place and after the usual service a firing squad from Co. C under the command of Sergeant R_ _ _ _ fired three volleys over the grave of their departed comrade. The bugle then sounded taps and the highest mark of respect that could be paid to the memory of our deceased townsman had ended. Apr 14, 1899: Mrs. Jas H. Brown of Sandy Hill, Washington county, N.Y., died on Wednesday at 9:40 a.m., aged over 80 years. She had been sick for the past winter and her death was not unexpected. Three children are left to mourn her demise, one of whom is A.F. Brown of East Smethport. Mr. and Mrs. Brown went to Sandy Hill yesterday to be in attendance at the funeral, which will be held to-day. Mr. Brown will probably be detained for some time in settling up the affairs of quite an extensive estate. Lieut. E.A. Rice. McKean county again mourns the loss of one of her distinguished citizens. Last Monday morning Lieutenant Richard A. Rice passed away in his 69th year, the cause of death being Bright's disease. The deceased was born in Eldred township on Dec. 3, 1830. He enlisted in Co. I, First Pennsylvania rifles May 18th 1861. On December 13th, 1862, he was taken prisoner at Fredericksburg, Va., and exchanged the May following, when he was commissioned second lieutenant of his company. He was wounded at laurel Hill in 1864 and honorably discharged June 11th of the same year. Returning to Eldred he commenced clearing up and improving his farm and had resided there until his death. On March 3, 1863, he was joined in wedlock to Miss Calista Lamphler of Eldred. Five children, four sons and one daughter, lessed this union. MR. Rice was elelcted county commissioner in 1884 and county auditor in 1893 serving three years in each position and also held many of the local offices of Eldred township. He was a Knight Templar and a member of the G.A.R. Mr. rice was one of the most genial and upright of men - a man who made friends wherever he went. The funeral was held at Eldred at one o'clock Wednesday, conducted by the G.A.R. and Masonic orders. William Conklin of Lewis Run was found dead and horribly mangled on the Erie railroad tracks, near Big Shanty, last Saturday by a man named Anderson. The remains were taken to Bradford early Sunday morning. Coroner Sherman decided not to hold an inquest as it was clearly evident the man had been run over by the cars while in an intoxicated condition. The Bradford Herald says "His head was crushed, one leg was severed from the body, the other was badly crushed." Apr 21, 1899: Dr. S.J. Mudge of Olean, well and favorably known in this section, died at his home in that city at 3 p.m. Wednesday. The deceased was a member of the medical firm of Drs. Eddy & Mudge. In his death Olean loses a fine physician. Mrs. Laura Edgett, wife of A.J. Edgett, died at her home in Bradford on Monday night, aged 61 years. She had been ill for about a year. She leaves a husband, two sons and one daughter to mourn her departure. The MINER tenders sympathy to the bereaved family. Ralph McCormick, son of S.M. McCormick, Esq., of Lock Haven accidentally shot and killed himself while out hunting last week. Apr 28, 1899: Theo. Lindholm of Kanesholm left his home last Sunday. Nothing more was seen or heard of him until Tuesday afternoon when his body was found lying face downwards in a small stream on his farm. The Kane Republican seems to infer that it was a case of suicide. Four children survive him, one son and three daughters. Coroner Sherman decided that it was not necessary to hold an inquest. Mrs. Charles C. Melvin died at his house in Bradford at 9 a.m. last Saturday, aged 47 years. Death was caused by a complication of ailments which had Sept her confined to her bed since last December. The Star says of the deceased: On Dec. 26m 1874, she was united in marriage at the home of her uncle, R.T. _ _ in this city, to Charles C. Melvin, also one of the early pioneers of Bradford. Mrs. Melvin was one of the most noble of women. She was kind good and true. Her greatest happiness was in doing good for others. She possessed a cheerful disposition and as a result her company was always sought by others. She was companionable and the idol of her household. Deceased was a member of the Universalist church and one of its most earnest workers. She was also a member of the Woman's Literary club, and in both she was always active. She will long be remembered in Bradford for the philanthropic work that she did. Deceased is survived by her husband and two children, Carl and _ _ _ _ , besides her step-mother, Mrs. Loomis of this city; one brother, Harry Loomis of Seattle and one brother-in-law, H. Gifford of York, Pa. While shooting an oil well near the Kinzua bridge on Wednesday afternoon a terrible explosion of nitro-glycerine occurred, causing the death of Joseph B. Smawley of Bradford and Daniel Lane of Portville, and injuring Orrin Knox and Geo. R. Gibbons of Bradford. The well is almost directly under the bridge and the force of the explosion threw small stones and pieces of dirt on the top of it. The body of Smawley was completely obliterated and all that could be found were a few pieces of bone stripped of the flesh and shreds of flesh hanging to the branches of a nearby tree. No one seems to know just how the accident occurred. Jun 9, 1899: A broken rail on the B.&S. railroad at Keating Summit last Tuesday morning caused quite a serious wreck, killing the brakeman, Aleck McCormick. One car was loaded with casing and that went down an embankment, striking a small house and frightening a woman who was confined there almost to death. Jun 16, 1899: The Condersport correspondent to the Galeton Dispatch says: Charles Doerner died on Thursday and was buried on Monday. Mr. Doerner was well and favorably known here, having visited this town for a number of years as agent for a prominent Buffalo grocery house. N.M. Glassmire of Condersport, who has been ill for almost a year, died last Monday. Years ago the deceased used to travel McKean county as agent for the Singer Swing Machine company. Later he kept the Glassmire house at Condersport. He leaves a wife and an adopted daughter. Fred Razey of Roulette, aged 27 years, committed suicide near Mina last Friday night by taking carbolic acid. It is alleged that he committed the rash deed because last fall he had been convicted on the charge of attempting to shoot his mother. Sentence had been suspended and he was to appear before the court this week. Jun 30, 1899: The MINER regrets to hear of the death of Walter Moore, the able editor of the Cross Forks News. His death was sudden and unexpected as he was found dead in bed last Wednesday morning, having retired the night before in his usual good health. J.C. Hughes, a veteran aged 68 years, died at Dallas City last Friday night of a complication of diseases. The little 16-months-old baby of Michael Maloney of Marilla Brook, near Bradford, died last Sunday night of poison. The child had clipped a piece of cake into a dish containing fly poison and catch it and died soon after. Parents cannot exercise too much care in keeping these dangerous ingredients away from their children. Jul 7, 1899: Prof Charles H. Verrill, who for many years was principal of the Mansfield State Normal school, died at Harrisburg last Friday night. He had attended to his duties during the day. He died about ??? at the age of 62 years. Jul 21, 1899: A message from Blossburg was received yesterday announcing the death at that place of Miss Johanna Bannon, sister of Messrs. A.F. and W.H. Bannon of this city. The death of Miss Bannon, following so soon upon that of her sister, causes a double bereavement to the family within a space of two months. W.H. Bannon will leave for Blossburg to-day. William McCullough Black died at the county farm last Friday of heart failure, at the age of 79 years. The deceased came to Smethport about 20 years ago and had been a resident of this place ever since. He was born in Greenupsburgh, Green county, Ky., on July 4, 1820. He had been married and had three sons and one daughter, all supposed to be dead. One of the sons died in South Carolina, one in California and one was killed while a scout with Gen. Custer in that terrible massacre by the Indians. Mr. Black claimed to have been a scout under the noted bushwhacker Mosby in old Virginia and West Virginia, of which there is little doubt. The funeral was held at St. Luke's Episcopal church, Rev. J. Heber McCandless officiating. The pall bearers were Messrs. John Forrest, W.D. Gallup, W.P. Walsh and S.R. Lindsley. After the services at the church the remains were conveyed to Rose Hill cemetery, where in a strange land away from kindred or relatives reposes the body of William Black. While there was none of his kindred present to shed a sorrowing tear, there were many warm hearts present that sympathized with his lonely lot. May his departed spirit find "that peace that passes understanding." Last Saturday the coroner's jury in the Chipmunk murder case decided that Charles Sullivan came to this death at the hands of Thomas O'Meara in Lawrence McDonald's saloon, located on the Flatstone road, in the town of Allegany, in Chipmunk, on July 3d between the hours of 11 and 12 o'clock p.m. O'Meara was placed under $6,000 bail. Jul 27, 1899: Nelson Woodstock of Ladona, near Coudersport, committed suicide one day last week by cutting his throat with a jackknife. The deceased was born at Lymansville, not Ladona in 1823 and had resided in that neighborhood ever since. Aug 3, 1899: [Note: readable dates not correct] Mr. Ramsey was a son of William and Flora Ramsey, was born in Conquest, Cayuga co., N.Y., Feb 12, 186?5. When two years of age he moved with his parents to McKean county and lived on a farm. He became acquainted with Miss Nina Loraine Eaton and on Jan. ? 1898, they were married. One son was born to them, Garth, who survives. He leaves also a devoted wife, and aged father and mother and three sisters. Death of Col. A.L. Wilcox. (First part is unreadable) Col. A.L. Wilcox which the event occurred at _ _ _ N.J. on Friday morning of last week. The cause of death was cancer of the stomach. In accordance with the wishes of the deceased the funeral was held at Hackensack on Sunday afternoon. Col. A.L. Wilcox was born in Herkimer county, N.Y., March 12, 1819, the only son of William P. and Sercey(?) (Paine) Wilcox, who were natives of the New England States and of Irish and English descent. His father was a merchant in Connecticut when a young man, and thence moved to Nunds, N.Y., where he lived until 1832, when he came to McKean county and settled in Williamsville, but later removed to Post Allegany, where he died. He was a prominent Democrat, was Speaker of the State Senate during the administration of Gov. Porter, and for many years played a prominent part in State politics. The subject of the sketch was reared under Democratic _ _ _ _ and adhered to the faith of his father until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion, when he became a strong Union man and ever after voted the Republican ticket. He was given good educational advantages first attending the common schools, and then the academy at Lima, N.Y. After reaching his majority he embarked in the number trade, in which he was very successful until the flood of 1861, when in one night $100,000 worth of his lumber was swept away. He had built a magnificent residence at Wilcox (a place which had its origin in his lumber forests and was named in his honor) and lived there for some timie. After his loss by flood, Mr. Wilcox began contracting and building railroads, becoming superintendent of construction of a large part of the roads. He next embarked in the oil business as a producer, and carried on an extensive business in this line. Col. Wilcox experienced many ups and downs in his business career, having seen fortunes vanish in a few hours, then made fortunate investments and thereby retrieved his _ _ _ _. He was never He was never _ _ _ _ by misfortune, but through all varied vicissitudes of life his manliness and inte3grity were manifest. He took an active interest in the prosperity of Bradford and McKean county and was one of the first presidents of the Bradford board of trade. He earned his title of Colonel by serving on the staff of Gov. William S. Packer(?) and Gove. John W. Geary. In 1847 he represented Warren, Elk and McKean counties in the Legislature as a _ _ _ _and was re-elected serving two terms, and in 1851 he represented Jefferson, Elk and Cameron counties as a Republican although at this time these counties were strongly Democratic. In 18?? He was elected and served one term as sheriff of McKean county. He was married in June, 18?5 to Miss Louise Horton, daughter of Judge Isaac Horton of Elk county. She died in 1880. Their only child, Ida is the wife of Mr Earnest Koester(?), ex-district attorney of that county, now of Hackensack, N.J. Col. Wilcox and Hon. W.S. Brownell of this borough were intimate friends from boyhood. Together they built the first log cabin where now stands the village of Wilcox, nursed each other in illness and fought the greater part of the battle of life side by side. There fore it is not surprising that Mr. Brownell feels the death of his boyhood friend more keenly than can the rest of the Colonel's Smethport friends, whose names are legion. Aug 10, 1899: A dispatch from Coudersport states that Samuel Barley, a stone mason, cut his throat with a jack-knife early Tuesday morning. Too much barleycorn was the cause. He was aged about 30 years and unmarried. His parents reside at Ithaca, N.Y. Frederick Hoston LeRoy, Jr. Little Freddie, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.H. LeRoy (nee Miss Mary Hewitt) died very suddenly on Tuesday morning of last week at the home of his parents in Bradford aged 3 years, 6 months and 15 days. He was a very bright child and his death was a severe shock to his parents and friends, as no one expected that he was so near his end. On Monday afternoon he was first taken ill; during the night he became worse, toward morning he had several convulsions and at ten o'clock death intervened. The funeral took place in the Episcopal church at Bradford, Rev. J. Heber McCandless officiating. Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Hewitt attended the funeral of their little grandson, Frederick Hoston LeRoy, Jr., of Bradford on Thursday of last week. Cornelius Haley, aged 80 years, died at the home of his son, Daniel Haley, at _ _ _ City last Monday afternoon. Aug 24, 1899: At 9:25 this morning, A.B. Armstrong received a telegram from Washington, D.C., stating that C.C. Mason, well and favorably known there, died there last night. The remains will probably be brought here for burial. Mrs. Samuel Southwick died at her home in Keating township on Wednesday of last week. She had been sick for some time and her death was momentarily expected. The funeral was held Thursday. A large number of friends extend their heart- felt sympathy to the bereaved family. Farmer's Valley. Mrs. John Edwards of this place died at Buffalo Monday, where she had gone for treatment for cancer. The family has the sympathy of the entire neighborhood. Sep 7, 1899: Last Monday Albert, the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Oberlund, died at the age of 5 months and 1 day. The child had been sick but a few days. The funeral was held at the house in East Smethport yesterday and was conducted by Rev. P.E. Nordgren. R.W. Bloodsworth, well and favorably known here, died at his home in Olean this morning at 7 o'clock, aged 36 years. The deceased had been ill for some time and the physicians attempted to perform an operation on him, but gave it up. Mr. Bloodsworth was formerly manager of ?ickney, Hull & Co.'s store, first at East Smethport and later in the Backus building. He leaves a widow and two sons. "Bob" was of that genial disposition which enabled him to make everyone his true and steadfast friend. Sep 14, 1899: Death of Moses Hackett. A telegram from Hickox, Potter county, was received Tuesday afternoon, announcing that Moses Hackett had died there that day, aged about 81 years at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robbins, whom he was visiting. The deceased was born June 13, 1818, and married Miss Sarah Gifford of Keating township, Jan. 13, 1841. Ten children blessed this union - four sons and six daughters - of which one son, A.E. of Keating township, and four daughters, Mrs. Anna Eliza Robbins, Mrs. L.L. Simmons, Hickox, Potter county, Mrs. Tina Liggett, Emporium, and Miss Lelish of Port Allegany, survive to mourn his death. The deceased was one of the early settlers of McKean county, highly respected and had been a deacon in the Baptist church here for many years. It hardly seems possible to the writer that he has gone away, never to return. The last view that many of his friends here had of him was on Monday afternoon, Aug 28, when he stood with head uncovered, his silvery locks waving in the breeze, asking _ _ _ _ blessing to rest upon the laying of the corner stone of the Baptist church. His prayer was most earnest, and to his many hearers, it seemed as though, like Moses, he was standing on the mountain top viewing the promised land. The remains will be brought here and the funeral will be held from the residence of John Bender this afternoon. Suicide at Coudersport. Last Thursday, about 10 o'clock a.m. the residents of Coudersport were startled by the announcement that William Metzger had committed suicide by shooting himself in the forehead with a flobert rifle. The deceased lost his wife about one year ago and since that time had been despondent. Last winter fire destroyed his restaurant. A fine brick building had been erected on the ruins and Mr. Metzger had just got everything nicely arranged for business and the restaurant when seen by the writer on Friday morning presented a very neat appearance. Mr. H.A. Button, who occupies one part of Mr. Metzger's residence heard a shot about 6 o'clock in the morning and, looking out of the window, saw a dog run. Thinking that some one had shot at the canine he paid no more attention to the matter. Mrs. Button, after performing her own household duties at about 10 o'clock proceeded to the chamber of Mr. Metzger, rapped on the door and receiving no response supposed he had gone down town to his place of business. She opened the door and was horrified to see the man lying on the bed with a bullet hole in his forehead, and the rifle lying beside him on the bed. It seems he had taken a bath and carefully dressed himself ere he committed the fatal deed. The deceased was about 50 years of age. Sep 28, 1899: Charles Bissett, formerly of this city, will arrive here today with the remains of William Devlin of Dallas City, who was fatally burned at Sizersville Saturday while working around an oil well. A gas lamp which was lighted ignited escaping gas from the well. Thomas smith, the contractor, and William Devlin, the helper, were in the derrick and both were terribly burned. Mr. and Mrs. James Devlin of Dallas City are parents of the dead man. Devlin was age 23 years and was an industrious young man of good habits.- Monday's Bradford Star. Mrs. Ira Ball died at her home in Sizerville on Monday, the 25th inst., at 3 o'clock p.m. of typhoid fever, aged 58 years. Mrs. Ball had been sick only a little over a week, but during that time her sufferings were great. Some twelve years ago she was a resident of this place, where she is well and favorably known by all the older residents. She leaves a husband and three sons, Morris and Burdette Hall of this place and Clarence Hall of Sizerville, besides many relatives in this vicinity. In her death the family loses a kind and devoted companion, and the community in which she lived an estimable citizen. The funeral was held Wednesday at 1 o'clock p.m. from the Grimes's district church. Oct 12, 1899: At a regular meeting of Smethport Hose Co., No. 1, on Oct. 6, 1899, the following resolutions were adopted: Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in His infinite wisdom to remove from our midst our faithful and beloved brother fireman, F.W. Rumsey; be it therefore Resolved, That we, the members of Smethport Hose Co., No. 1, tender to the grief stricken family our heartfelt sympathy and condolence in their hour of sad affliction for the loss of a loving husband, a fond father, and a brave and honorable man, and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be printed in the McKean Democrat and McKean County Miner and that a copy of the same be given the wife of our departed comrade. Harry Backus, Ross Knapp, Samuel Ramer, Committee. Oct 19, 1899: The Olean Times of Tuesday says: John Haley, aged 24 years, unmarried and a resident of Allegany, met with an accident near the Erie depot shortly after midnight, resulting in his death. He was lying across the rails of a siding when a freight train was backed down and several cars passed over his legs just above his knees. Larabee: Edwin Whittmore, who has for a great many years resided in Eldred township, died at his home in Slack Hollow on Thursday morning last at the advanced age of 83 years. The funeral was held from the school house at that place on Saturday at 1 o'clock p.m., Rev. Miller of Mt. Alton officiating. Oct 26, 1899: A young man named Byron Borden of Catlen Hollow, Tioga county, while hunting recently near Germania was shot and almost instantly killed. He and a companion sat down to rest, laying his gun across a log. In picking it up it was discharged. Nov 2, 1899: Patrick Kane the well-known banker of R_ _ _ _ was found dead in his door yard last Friday morning. The deceased had been slightly ill for about two weeks but was rapidly improving. Apoplexy was the cause of his death. He was 60 years old. Last Friday while A.D. Goodman extra engineer and telegraph operator on the United States Pipe Line at Westfield, Pa., was engaged in adjusting a belt on a gos engine, while in motion, one of his legs got caught in the belting an dhe was drawn toward the engine with such force that the leg was broken and he was injured internally from the effects of which he died soon afterward. The deceased was formerly a resident of Bradford. He leaves a wife and three children. Annin Creek: The funeral of Mrs. Lucinda Harder was held in the M.E church here at 1 p.m. Sunday, Rev. Burrows of Turtlepoint officiating. Mrs. Harder was about ninety years old and was loved and respected by all who knew her. She was a faithful and consistant Christian always having a kind word for everyone. She spent almost forty five years of her life in Annin Creek. Her husband died more than twenty years ago. Out of a family of ten children four survive her. Nov 9, 1899: John Quimby, a conductor on the Goodyear Bros. railroad, was killed at Keating Summit on Tuesday while switching cars. The MINER is pained to learn that Mrs. M.S. Thompson of Coudersport died yesterday morning. She was the only daughter of Hon. J.S. Man of Coudersport who died several years ago. Last year her mother passed away. The deceased is survived by a husband and one brother, A.B. Mann. Many of her relatives reside at Ceres. Mrs. Thompson's mother was a member of the King family which settled in Ceres about 100 years ago. The MINER tenders sympathy to the bereaved family. Mrs. Eliza Fessenden, widow of William Fessenden, died at her home in roulette last Thursday, aged 77 years. The departed was one of the early settlers of Potter county and highly respected. Nov 16, 1899: M.L. Gridley, one of Coudersport's most highly respected citizens died Sunday, Nov. 12, aged 56 years. He was a member of Potter Commandery, No. 69. the funeral was held under the auspices of that order yesterday at 9 a.m. Cancer of the stomach was the cause of his death. John F. McGinness of Williamsport, one of the ablest and best known newspaper editors in the State, dropped dead at his residence in that city at 11:30 last Saturday night of heart failure. The deceased was aged 77 years. On the 25th day of last October he, with his esteemed life-companion, celebrated their golden wedding. Nov 23, 1899: Miss Hannah Coleman died at her home near Port Allegany last Friday night. The funeral was held at Port Allegany on Monday. H.P. Swanson, who resided about three miles up Marvin creek, died of dropsy at the age of 69 years, at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The deceased came to this country from Sweden about 20 years ago and settled on Marvin creek. He leaves a widow and four sons to mourn his departure. John who resides at Crosby, Nels, Paul and Charles, who with their mother reside on the old homestead. The funeral services will be held at the house to-day at 1 o'clock. Interment at Kasson. The MINER, with a host of friends, extend sympathy to the family in their affliction. Dec 7, 1899: Mrs. Mary Campbell died on bush Hill last Saturday morning at the age of 68 years. Funeral services were held at St. Elizabeth church Monday morning at 10 o'clock. The remains were placed in the Catholic cemetery. The deceased leaves an aged husband and three children by her former husband. Frank Sheldon, a well-known young man of Bellrun, went to Bull's station several days ago where work had been secured. Shortly after his arrival there he was stricken with pneumonia and died last Monday. Friends brought the remains here by rail Tuesday from whence they were taken to Bellrun by wagon and interred there. Mr. Sheldon was a bright intelligent young man and his demise is mourned by many neighbors and young friends - Port Allegany Reporter. Dec 14, 1899: Miss Ada Elizabeth, daughter of Mrs. Ocella Young, died at her home in Farmers Valley Wednesday evening, aged about 17 years, of consumption. The funeral will be held at Farmers Valley Friday, interment in Rose Hill cemetery. Last Saturday morning at 3 o'clock Thomas McDowell of Port Allegany passed away, aged about 68 years, after a brief but severe attack of pneumonia. The deceased was one of the most highly respected citizens of that town, having been an important factor in all its enterprises. The deceased was a life long Democrat. The funeral was held Monday. Thomas Stanton, the two-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Norman Stanton, died at the home of his parents in White Hollow, a short distance above Crosby, on Monday last of spinal meningitis. The little fellow has been sick only five days and during that time he suffered untold agony. The funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Len _ _ _ of whom he was a nephew in this place Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Walker of the Methodist church of Smethport officiating. The remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery. Dec 21, 1899: Mrs. Rose Skiff died in the Backus building on Tuesday, the 19th inst., after an illness of one week, of pneumonia aged 39 years, 5 months and 19 days. Mrs. Skiff was a resident of Bradford and came here with her husband, who is a carpenter, some time ago. She leaves beside her husband one son and two daughters. She was a devoted wife and a kind and living mother. The funeral services were held at the house, Rev. J.T. Walker officiating. Interment was made at Bradford. Dec 28, 1899: Car Inspector David O. Martin, in the employ of the W.N.Y.&P. R'y at Olean was found dead and horribly mangled along the tracks in the yards at that place about 12 o'clock last Saturday night. He was aged about 51 years. It is supposed that he was struck by a car, as half an hour before he was discovered he had reported at the office. Mrs. George Dunbar of Hattiesburg, Miss., died at that place on Monday of last week. The remains were brought to Eldred where the funeral was held on Thursday. The deceased was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Slack of Eldred township and was 31 years of age at the time of her demise. She was a lady of most excellent character and highly esteemed by all who were so fortunate as to possess her acquaintance. This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/pafiles/ File size: 54.7 Kb