McKean County PA Archives News.....Deaths in McKean County 1904 ************************************************ 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 February 27, 2009, 10:52 pm McKean County Miner 1904 DEATHS IN MCKEAN COUNTY 1904 From THE MCKEAN COUNTY MINER NEWSPAPER Transcribed by Ronald J. Reid, 2009 The dates shown prior to each item or group of items is the date of publication. This can only be considered a partial list as many pages of the paper are unreadable and some may have been missed. All items were found on page 3 of the paper unless specifically noted otherwise. Some notices from "Ancient History" appear with year in [ ]. INDEX of Names ============== John Barry Morris Bartch Frank Bedford David R. Bennett [1876] Lloyd Bennett Charles Benson Swan A. Benson J.B. Bradley Edward Girard Brown Ernest Brown Merle Burdick Martha Burlingame [1872] James Canaan Mr. E. Canfield [1875] Egbert Pomeroy Carter Mrs. V. Perry Carter [1873] Ruth Cleveland Joseph E. Combs James Conlan A.J. Connolly Andrew Coughlin [1873?] Ambrosia A. Crandall Winslow P. Cullian William J. Curtis Peter Dailey Nathan DeGolier [1871] J.C. Dennison Dana Drake Carl Dudley Robert Dunbar Daniel Easterbrook [1874?] Agnes Engle Jerry Flynn Amanda M. (Chapin) Freeman [1874] William Greer Charles W. Hall L.M. Johnson Lorenzo M. Johnson son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Leake Anna Lillibridge [1876] Tama Maker Bridget Maroney Frank McCabe Frederick McCarthy Bridget McCarty Samuel McClure Byron McKeown Matie McGill Thomas J. Melvin John Mills [1872] Alice (McCoy) Olmstead Mrs. Ole Olson Ellen Quirk Bernice Palmer Archibald Patterson S.L. Pitts Calvin Rippenberger Andrew Ross Joel W. Seymour Frank A. Sohuman Casper Smith Fred R. Smith August Steir Caroline Stull [1875] Noah Thornton Andrew A. Thumberg Michael Tobin Edgar Tyler George Vanderhoof George Weimer Alex Wildelm Henry F. Williams [1872] Squire R. Wright [1872] Catherine Young ============== Jan 7, 1904: Page 1. Ancient History. Died, at DeGolier, Pa., December 2, 1871, Nathan DeGolier, aged 65 years, 8 months and 7 days. One of the oldest citizens of McKean county has passed to that better country which is an heavenly." Born in Saratoga county, N.Y., he moved into Steuben county from whence he emigrated into this county forty years ago and selected a home whither he removed his family consisting of his wife, three children a niece and nephew, all of whom survive him. Married at the age of eighteen and commencing in the wilderness after seven years of wedded life, he experienced all the hardships and privations of a young pioneer with a small family to care for. He soon commenced the erection of a saw mill and grist mill and sought in every way to develop the new country to which he had removed. No higher office than road commissioner, postmaster or school director save postmaster, was ever held or sought after by him but his energy and public spirit, where they could be practically useful, were not withheld when the occasion demanded the sacrifice of his time in attend public duties. Many are indebted to Uncle Nate, as he was familiarly known for their start in life in this section; and a case of sickness or necessity was never presented to him in vain. His time and tender care were ever at the call of suffering, and his mill or cellar was ever open to the wants of poverty. Utterly devoid of hypocrisy, he was ever ready to sustain the preaching of the gospel and extend his aid and influence to everything of a moral or literary character. His last days were spent in submission to the will of his Heavenly Farther, believing that His hand would not afflict him more than was for his good and as a preparation for his journey heavenward. When first a railroad was talked of in this county Mr. Degolier _ _ _ his influence by securing the right of way therefore, and every public enterprise found him a ready helper. By fire and flood and the dishonesty of others he became involved in debt, but his energies never flagged - he only worked the harder. And when urged by his pious neighbors to take advantage the bankrupt act "as they did," he told them: "No, I will live to pay my debts," as he did and secured a competency. Physically inferior to few who swung an axe or pulled an oar, with a well balanced mind and high order of intellect, he needed but this strong sense of right to render it impossible for him to be a bankrupt. A few years ago he retired from business and in a pleasant home surrounded by his children and grandchildren, with the wife of his youth, he hospitably entertained the many friends who delighted in his society. He was buried in the cemetery which with the post office, railroad station and other public places bears his name - name unsullied by him and of which as a descendant of a French family of distinction, he felt justly proud. Trusting in Him who doeth all things well, his last days were those of the righteous. Page 1. Found Dead in Reservoir. The dead body of Alex Wildelm, a woodman, was found in the reservoir which supplies Clermont citizens with water, on Wednesday of last week. The man had been missing since the previous Saturday and a search was instituted. A newspaper was found floating on the water which led the searchers to believe that he might have fallen into the tank. The large tank was dragged and the body of this unfortunate man was found. He was considerably bloated and it is thought he had been in the water since Saturday. He was unmarried and has no relatives so far as his friends know. Page 1. Death of Samuel McClure. Samuel McClure died at his home on Cemetery street, this borough, at midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1903, after an extended illness of a complication of ailments, aged 68 years, 7 months and 27 days. The subject of this sketch was born in Franklinville, N.Y., on May 3, 1865, and when 18 years of age moved to Olean and learned the trade of carpenter and millwright. After learning his trade he traveled a great deal and has been employed to ills in nearly every lumbering state in the union. In 1879 he came to Smethport and was head sawyer in Gifford's mill for a number of years and has always resided here since. In 1889 he was united in marriage to Mrs. Alice Walters and to them were born three children, namely: Edwin L., Miss Frances M. and Scott A. McClure, who with their mother and O.S. McClure of Olean, a son by a previous marriage, survive to mourn the loss of an affectionate and devoted husband and father. Mr. McClure was made up of those sterling qualities of honor and honesty which made him many friends He was a man who suffered a great deal from sickness in his latter days but he was always kind and friendly to those who worked with and under him as the writer can testify, having worked with him one summer in Gifford's mill. The funeral services were held at the house at 2 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Rev. Gaylard H. Patterson officiating, and his remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery. Miss Agnes Engle, daughter of William Engle of Hazelhurst, died Saturday evening at the Bradford hospital after a brief illness of a complication of ailments. A surgical operation was performed Saturday morning for her relief but was of no avail. She was aged 25 years and is survived by her father, four brothers and one sister. The remains were taken Monday to Mt. Jewett for burial. James Canaan, a pumper on a lese of the Phoenix Oil Co., located about four miles from Mt. Jewett, committed suicide by hanging himself in the boiler house on Tuesday of last week. Mr. Canaan had had some trouble previous to this and as insanity ran in the family, it is though he was mentally unbalanced at the time. He was 39 years old and leaves a wife and four small children, a mother, four brothers and one sister. While assisting his daughter to alight from a sleigh on New Year's Day at Kane Andrew A. Thumberg dropped dead from heart disease. He was aged 70 years and a native of Sweden. Jan 14, 1904: Page 1. Ancient History. Died, in Eldred township on the 9th of January, 1872, Mr. R. Wright, aged 80 years. The deceased was one of the first settlers of McKean, there being but six families living in the county when he moved to it. Squire Wright was, we think, among the first sheriffs of this county and lie and Jonathon Colegrove were the first commissioners. The deceased has always been regarded as a man of integrity and a citizen worthy the esteem and confidence of all who knew him. He has lived a long and useful life and, now that his work is done on earth, has "joined the innumerable caravan." Thus one after another the old settlers of the county pass away. May their memories be held sacred and their virtues simulated. Page 1. Mrs. M.L. Church of Titusville is visiting in town, called here by the sickness and death of Girard Brown. Page 1. Death of Edward Girard Brown. Edward Girard, the little son of Dr. and Mrs. J.C. Brown died early Sunday morning after a week's illness. Inflammation of the bowels was the cause of his death, although at first it was thought that the child and several others of the family were poisoned by eating candy. Dr. Brown, however, became convinced that their illness was not caused by poisoning the candy and informed the MINER to that effect last week. The little boy was reported seriously ill last week, but his condition appeared to change for the better and the tidings of his death came as a sad blow to the community. He was aged about 2 years and three months and was a bright, loving little fellow, the youngest of three children. The sympathy of all our townspeople is extended to the bereaved parents and surviving little ones. The funeral was held at the family home on Main street, Tuesday, Rev. J. H. McCandless and Rev. G.H. Patterson officiating. Interment at Rose Hill cemetery. Out of town relatives in attendance at the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brooder and daughter of Sartwell, Mr. and Mrs. M.L. Church of Titusville, Mrs. Hughes of Turtle Point, and Chas. J. Geyer of Dayton, Ohio. Page 5. Miss Ruth Cleveland, eldest daughter of former, President Grover Cleveland, died at the home of her parents in Princeton, N.J. on Thursday last. The cause of her death was diphtheria. Jan 28, 1904: Page 1. Casper Smith died at his home in Keating township, about three miles from this place, Monday morning, Jan. 25, 1904, In his 75th year. His death came from a complication of diseases which hav confined him to the house for some time. The subject of this sketch was born in Germany in 1829 and in 18?? he came to this country and located in Pittsburg, where he was engaged at his trade as a tailor for seven years. In 1856 he moved with his family to this county, locating at Clermont, where he cleared up a farm on which he resided until 1874 when he removed to the farm near Farmers Valley where he has resided up to the time of his death. He erected a grist mill there which was ran by himself and others for many years. He was a Republican in politics and in 1865 was elected justice of the peace and in 1877 county commissioner both of which he filled most credibly. He was united in marriage to Miss Anna D., daughter of Conrad Deah of Pittsburg, in 1852 and to them were born six children namely: Margaret, now Mrs. George Bayer, John Smith of Kassens, Mary, now Mrs. C.C. Decker, Regina, now Mrs. Eugene Day; August and Ella, now Mrs. Samuel W. Smith of Port Allegany all of whom survive with their aged mother to mourn the loss of a kind and devoted husband and father. Mr. Smith and family have always been devout members of the Lutheran church. He was a member of McKean Lodge, No. 386 F.&A.M. He was a man who was always honored and respected by his fellowmen and his death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends throughout the country. The funeral services were held at his late home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock under the auspices of the Masonic order, Rev. G.H. Patterson officiating and his remains were laid at rest in the cemetery on his farm. Page 1. Death of Michael Tobin. Michael Tobin died at the home of Edwin Stanton, on Prospect Hill, on Tuesday morning January 26 1904, aged about 60(?) years. The cause of his death was heart disease and he had been sick for some time. Mr. Tobin was a native of Ireland, but when a young man he came to this country and he and his wife settled on the farm where they always resided till taken away by death. They had no children and since the death of Mrs. Tobin, which occurred several years ago, Mr. Tobin has lived alone, until he was taken seriously ill and moved to the Stanton house where he died. The deceased has a brother somewhere in this country but his residence is not known and this brother is his only known relative. The funeral services were held at St. Elizabeth's Roman Catholic church at 10 o'clock this morning, Rev. Father Cosgrove officiating, and his remains were laid at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery. Page 1. Woodsman's Fatal Slide. Last Thursday noon George Vanderhoof a well known Potter county woodsman, who was employed at Putnam's camp, about three miles from Cross Fork, got into the slide in a scoop shovel and started for the foot of the hill. A little later some longs were put in the slide and it is thought that one of them struck him, throwing him from the slide and fatally injuring him. Some of his fellow workmen found him and he was carried to the camp and a physician summoned from Cross Fork. It was three hours before Dr. Burrows arrived and the unfortunate man was then dead. The remains were taken on Friday to Potter Brook where the young man's parents and several brothers beside. Mr. Vanderhoof was about 30 years of age and was well known in Coudersport, having boarded here for some time several years ago. - Potter Democrat. William Greer, a 19 year old young man was killed at Austin, recently, while unloading logs. He slipped and fell and two logs rolled over him crushing out his life. Feb 4, 1904: Page 1. Frank McCabe and Cal Rippenberger Burned to Death. Both the bodies Badly Charred. McCabe was a Former Smethport Man - His Remains Brought Here for burial. The Bradford Era of Monday gives the following account of this terrible accident. Frank McCabe, a woodsman, of Griffiths and Calvin Rippenberger, a well known local character, were burned to death in a fire which destroyed the home of the latter's sister, Carrie Carns, at No. 4 Railroad street, in the White chapel district, about 7 o'clock Saturday evening. The Carns woman was also painfully burned about the face and hands in attempting to rescue the men from the burning structure. The trio had been drinking and at the time of the conflagration were intoxicated, which accounts for the loss of the two lives. (the article continues at length) The remains were brought to Smethport Sunday evening and the funeral services were held at St. Elizabeth's Catholic church at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon and his remains were laid at rest in St Elizabeth's cemetery. Page 1. Death of Ellen Quirk. Miss Ellen Quirk died at her home in Irish Hollow, Keating township, on Sunday last at an advanced age. Miss Quirk was born in Ireland and when a young lady came to this country with her family. Some forty years ago she entered the employ of Hon. Byron d. Hamlin and from that time up to the past few years she remained with the family and had charge of the house. For a few years past she was resided with relatives in Keating township. Miss Quirk was a woman assessed of sweet disposition and a kindly nature which made her many friends. She was a devout member of the Catholic church and was always an active worker for the cause. The funeral services were held at St. Elizabeth's church Tuesday morning and her remains were laid at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery. Page 1. Charles W. Hall, a yard conductor for the Erie Railway Company, while engaged in switching cars yesterday afternoon near the Hilton street crossing, received injuries which resulted in his death at 7 o'clock last evening at the Bradford hospital. No (unreadable) the accident and the exact manner in which Hall came to his death cannot be definitely stated. At the time of the occurrence passenger coaches were being switched about in the yards. Hall was riding on the platform of one of the cars and it is believed that in jumping to the ground he slipped and fell headlong toward the track. In some manner he managed to catch hold of one of the guard irons of the coach, but after being dragged of short distance was unable to maintain his grasp and fell with his body and right arm partially across the rail. The framework of the trucks is supposed to have struck him in the back and a wheel passed over his arm, bruising it to a pulp. The deceased was aged 29 years and had resided in Bradford since he was 6 years old. He had been identified with the Erie road for about 10 years and was one of the most steady and reliable men in the service of the company; commanding the respect of employer and employes alike. He is survived by his widow and three children. Saturday's Era. Page 5. Jerry Flynn who has been reported as missing for the past four or five weeks, was found dead in the woods Monday afternoon by a man who was hunting. He was found fastened down by a log which had apparently rolled onto him as he was sitting down on the pile of logs. It was thought that he had been acting strange for some time past and suddenly leaving as he did and wandering away in the Leadville woods, goes to show something was wrong. He was unmarried and lived will his brother at Ellisburg. - Coudersport Enterprise. John Barry, one of the best known residents of Bradford, died at his home in Jackson avenue, that city, last Sunday morning, age 57 years. He is survived by a wife and nine children. Page 5. Fred R. Smith of Bradford, a switchman employed on the B.R.&P. R.R. was almost instantly killed in the Bradford yards last Saturday morning by being crushed between the bumpers. Exactly how the accident happened is unknown as there was no witnesses to it. He was 27 years of ago and highly respected. He leaves a wife and one child. Page 5. Mr. L.M. Johnson, one of Kanesholm's highly respected citizens, died at his home at that place Monday morning, at the advanced age of 84. For many years he kept the general store and was well known for miles around. Kane Republican. Feb 25, 1904: Page 1. Ancient History. Died at the residence of W.A. Williams, Esq., in this borough, on Wednesday, October 16, 1872, of disease of the heart, Henry F. Williams, aged 36 years. The deceased was a native of this borough and a son of the late Wm. Williams, Esq., one of the early settlers of McKean county. He was a man of warm impulses and generous to a fault. He leaves a wife and two young children to mourn his untimely loss. Page 1. Ancient History. Died, in Otto township, on Friday, August 16, 1872, Mr. John Mills, aged about 75 years. The deceased was only sick some three days and died before medical aid could be procured. He was born in Mount Morris and settled on the Allegany river in Eldred township in an early day and from thence he moved up in Knapps creek and had lived there some twelve years previous to his death. Page 1. Ancient History. In Smethport, August 23, 1872, Martha, infant daughter of H.L. and A.F. Burlingame. Of such is the kingdom of heaven. Page 5. James Conlan, age 101 years, died at his home in Bradford Tuesday morning. He was without question the oldest man in McKean county. Mr. Conlan was born in Milluanie Wood, Ireland and came to this country when 40 years old. He retained his memory to the last and he could recount the happening of his early life with accuracy. Page 1. Death of Thomas J. Melvin. Thomas J. Melvin, one of Bradford's best known and most highly esteemed residents died at his home in that city Monday evening from a complication of _ _ _ which had confined him to the house since last October. Mr. Melvin was deputy county treasurer some twenty years ago and spent most of his time for three yeas in this place, where he made many friends who will join with his relatives in mourning his demise. From the Bradford Era we glean the following; Thomas J. Melvin was born in Bradford August 18, 1817, a son of John F. and Lucretia (Farr) Melvin. He was reared here, attending the public schools and finishing his business education at the Bryant & Stratton Commercial College as Buffalo. In practical clerical work he was further trained for a business career and in 186? Embarked in the mercantile line on his own account continuing in that business until 1876, when he engaged in the production of oil, Mr. Melvin was married September 28, 1869, to Miss Mul?on B. Parker, daughter of Nelson Parker. His wife survives him, as do four sons, John P. Charles C., Milton F., and Thomas J., Jr., he is also survived by his brother, Charles G. Melvin, and two sisters, Mrs. Loyal Ward and Mrs. Evelina Foster of this city. The deceased was prominent in Masonic circles and was a member of Trinity Commandery, No. 32, Knights Template in addition to his oil and other interests he was prominently identified with the brick manufacturing industry in this vicinity. Robert Dunbar died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. David Hull in Liberty township on Thursday of last week, aged nearly 84 years. The deceased was one of the oldest and best known residents of Liberty township, having lived in that vicinity nearly all his life. A host of relatives and friends mourn the loss of a good citizen. Page 5. George Weimer, one of the hardy pioneers of Sartwell Creek, passed away at the family house, on Monday, after rounding out nearly four score years and ten. Mr. Weimer was born in Germany in 1816 and came to this county with his parents at the age of 19 years. Mr. Weiner's family being among the early settles of Roulette.- Port Allegany Argus. Page 5: Merle, aged 6 months, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Wade Burdick of this borough died on Tuesday, March 1st. The funeral services were held at the house this morning at 11 o'clock and the remains were laid at rest in Rose Hill cemetery. Page 5. A Warren dispatch of yesterday says: Frank A. Sohuman of No.. 3 Short street, Gladerun, was so badly burned that he died at 10 o'clock yesterday morning, and Fred Fisher of No. 346 Park street, Gladerun, was seriously, but not fatally, burned in a fire early in the morning which damaged the plant of the Seneca Oil works, situated on the East Side flats near the foot of Carver street, to the extent of $15,000. Apr 21, 1904: Page 1. Freight Train Ran Away Fireman Ernest Brown Terribly Mangled.-Engineer Crouse and Brakeman Clint Hall Severely Injured-Cars, Tracks and Roadbed Demolished. The search for the remains of Ernest Brown continued until about 1 o'clock in the afternoon when a boy saw a piece of cloth sticking out of the mud and upon trying to pick it up, found that it was fast. He notified others of his find and soon the terribly mangled remains of Mr. Brown were removed from the much where he had been literally buried for eleven hours. His head and body were terribly mangled and bruised. The position in which the body was found shows that when he jumped he was struck by the overturning tender and was crushed into the soft earth at the side of the track completely out of sight where he laid for hours. There was not the least bit of debris over him. Mr. Brown was about 25 or 30 years of age and is survived by a wife and two little daughters besides his parents and other relatives. He is spoken of as an honorable and trustworthy young man and he had many friends both among his fellow workmen and in St. Marys where he resided. His remains were taken to St. Marys for burial. (The article goes on at length) Page 1. Edgar Tyler, aged about 70 years, dropped dead near his home in Farmers Valley on Thursday last, the cause of his death being heart disease. Mr. Tyler who is the local veterinary of that place, was watching a sick horse of a neighbor when suddenly he asked why it was getting dark and fell to the barn floor where he expired in a few minutes. Mr. Tyler was one of the old and substantial residents of Farmers Valley, having resided there nearly all his life. He was an honest, upright and industrious man, and he will be greatly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends. He is survived by an aged wife and several children who live at Westons, N.Y. He remains were taken to Weston's on Saturday for burial Page 1. Andrew Ross, aged 10 years, was killed in Bradford Tuesday morning by being run over by a B.R.&P. freight train. The Star says: Ross with some other boys had climbed onto the top of a car loaded with coal and was engaged in throwing pieces of coal off the car along the track. At the North street crossing Ross attempted to get off the train and slipped and fell between two cars. Three cars and the caboose passed over his body. Persons who witnessed the accident hurried to the track and picked up the remains of the dead boy. His body was most horribly mutilated. His head and shoulders had been severed from the remainder of his body and laid on the east side of the track with the trunk and lower limbs between the rails. The clothing had all been torn off the body and pieces of cloth and flesh were strewn along the track for quite a distance. When the mother of the boy appeared she was almost frantic with grief. She hugged and kissed the remains of the boy and finally became so excited that it required two men to convey her to her home. The father of the lad was also demonstrative in his grief. The remains were taken to an undertaking room and prepared for burial. Coroner Hall was called but did not deem an inquest necessary. Page 1. Peter Dailey Kicked to Death Body Found in Palmer & Vickery's Livery Barn Tuesday Morning. The people of this place were startled Tuesday morning when it became known that Peter Dailey had been kicked and trampled to death by horses in the livery stable of Palmer & Vickery some time during the previous night. At about 6:30 Tuesday morning Fred Fisher, who is doing some papering an decorating at the Pleasant Valley dairy farm, went into the barn to get Frank Sherburne's horse and not finding any one in the office to hitch up his rig went down below where the orses are kept expecting to find Dailey there at his work. He went along the alley behind the stalls to the west end of the barn, where he found Mr. Dailey lying upon the floor, cold in death. He reported his ghastly find to Will Murphy, a young man who slept in the barn, and Murphy phoned the proprietors of the barn and a doctor was summoned, who said the he had probably been dead several hours. (The article continues at length) Coroner Hall of Bradford was notified but after being told of the circumstances did not consider an inquest necessary. The body was removed to Sasse's undertaking rooms and prepared for burial and Tuesday evening the remains were taken to Bradford enroute for Dunkirk his former home, where the funeral will take place. The deceased was about 50 years of age and has been employed in livery stables in this place nearly all the time for the past 18 years. "Pete," as he was familiarly called, was an excellent horseman and a valuable man to liverymen. He was always good natured and obliging and he had many friends in this section who will deeply feel his sudden and terrible death. He is survived by his parents and one brother, J.C. Dailey of Dunkirk, and another of Cleveland, and we understand he also leaves one or two sisters. Page 1. Obituary. Egbert Pomeroy Carter died at his home near East Smethport on Monday night, aged 79 years. Mr. Carter was born in Victor, Ontario, in 1835, and for the past twenty two years has resided in Smethport, following the business of jeweler and watch repairing most of that time, and lately living on the Nourse farm, where he ended his days. Mr. Carter was married twice, his first wife being Eliza Ann Brooks. In 1882 he was married to Mrs. Maria Nourse, who survives him, one brother, Capt. T.G. Carter, of Deadwood, S.Dak., and a grandson, Roy Carter, are the only surviving relatives. Previous to coming to Smethport, Mr. Carter resided in Arcade, N.Y., for nearly thirty five years, where his son, the late Albert Carter, of Smethport, is buried. Mr. Carter became well known to our citizens in his business life and was esteemed as an industrious and highly skilled man in his line of work. He was of an upright, honorable character, showing the greatest interest earnestness and faithfulness in anything he undertook to do. Of late he suffered much from heart disease, being confined to his home during the past winter, where he passed away quietly on Monday night, April 18. The funeral service was the home at eight a.m. Wednesday. The interment was at Arcade, N.Y., the Rev. J.H. McCandless officiating. Page 5. Mrs. Bridget Maroney of Carrollton was found dead on the bank of T_ _ _ creek near that place last Saturday. When the body was found it was frozen stiff and it is thought she died from exposure. She was about 50 years old. Apr 28, 1904: Page 1. Noah Thornton Departs this Life. Noah Thornton died at his home on East Main street at 2 o'clock Sunday morning after a lingering illness from a complication of diseases. He was aged 70 years, six months and 27 days. This subject of this sketch was born in Smithville, Chenango county, N.Y., on September 27, 1833, where he resided until 1862, when he and his three brothers, enlisted in Company E, 50th Regiment, N.Y., Engineers. After serving three years he returned to his home and then moved to Maine, Broome county, N.Y., where he resided until about the year 1870 when he came to this county, and has since resided in the vicinity of Smethport. He was a carpenter by trade and a good and faithful workman. As a soldier and in private life he was always ready and willing to do his duty and in his death the community loses an honorable citizen. Noah Thornton was united in marriage to Miss Julia A. Briggs in December, 1861 and to them were born four children all of whom with their aged mother survives to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent husband and father. His children are Mrs. C.A. Canfield and Mrs. E.C. Pattison of Bradford and Miss Alena and Mr. Frank L. Thornton of this place. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Dora Watrous of Cory, Pa., and Mrs. Mary Lifter of Genessee, N.Y., and three brothers, C.O. Thornton of Bolivar, N.Y., R.H. Thornton of Northeast, Pa., and Mason Thornton of Rixford, Pa. The funeral services were held at his late residence at 2:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Rev. P.S. Calvin officiating, and his remains were laid at rest in Oak Hill cemetery. A.J. Connolly, a prominent business man of Port Allegany, died suddenly of apoplexy Monday. Mr. Connolly was in the hotel business there for many yeas and had many friends throughout this section who will unite with his family in mourning his sudden demise. S.L. Pitts, aged 74 years, was found dead alone in his home at Olean last Friday morning. It is supposed he had an attack of heart failure during the night and arose from his bed. He was found sitting before a fire and there was a hot water bag at his feet. He had been dead several hours when found. May 5, 1904: Page 1. Ancient History. Died at Ceres, Pa., on the 2nd of August, 1873, Mrs. V. Perry Carter in the 51st year of her age. She was born in Ceres, Dec. 13, 1822, married in the church in Ceres March 27, 1842, by the Rev. Absalom Miner, who also being providentially present preached her funeral sermon in the same church. She always lived in Ceres except eight years in Richburg. Page 1. Ancient History. Andrew Coughlin, a resident of Kane, has for several weeks been lying dangerously ill at the residence of Mr. Leroy Burlingame in this borough, and under the treatment of Dr. S.D. Freeman. He suffered three very delicate and painful operations, but the best of surgical skill and care were of no avail, and he died Monday night. Page 2. Mrs. Tama Maker, aged 70 years, was burned to death in a fire that destroyed her home in Sabinsville, Pa., on Tuesday of last week. She lived alone in the house and before assistance came the flames had gained such headway that it was impossible to save her. Jun 23, 1904: Page 1. Woman Burned To Death. Miss Bridget McCarty the Victim of Flames Early Sunday Morning. There Were No Means of Escape. The Pierce House and Two Adjoning Buildings, Together with Their Contents Were Destroyed - Many Narrow Escapes. From the Bradford Era of Monday we glean the following. Miss Bridget McCarty, proprietress of the New Model restaurant, was burned to death about 4 o'clock yesterday morning, in a destructive fire on Main street, which destroyed the Pierce House, Nos. 107 and 109, and the buildings at Nos. 111 and 113, the former being occupied as the restaurant and a barber shop and the latter as a billiard room and tonsorial parlor. (the article continues at length about the cause and survivors) As soon as possible a search was instituted for the body of Miss McCarty in the building, which, although not burned to the ground was a charred and blackened ruin. At 5:40 o'clock the remains were found beneath a mass of debris, and they were at once removed too the rooms of Undertaker Still. The body was burned in a terrible manner, beyond recognition, and presented a most gruesome appearance. The loss to property is estimated at about &16,000 on which there was very little insurance. Miss Bridget McCarty, who lost her life in the deplorable fatality was aged 36 years and enjoyed an extensive acquaintance in Bradford, when she had resided for many years. She was a most estimable, industrious young woman and her awful death is mourned by many friends. The deceased is survived by a sister, Mrs. J.T. Shay of No. 90 Boylston street, and a brother, Daniel McCarty who is also a resident of this city. Page 1. Ancient History. Died - At his home in sergeant township of typhoid pneumonia, Mr. Daniel Easterbrook, aged 72 years. Mr. Easterbrook was one of the oldest settlers of this county, and through a long life has been honored as one of its most upright and best citizens. He settled in the county 43 years ago, paying for his first 100 acres of land at one dollar and a quarter an acre, in woolen cloth at one dollar a yard. Like a good many other of the early settlers, he had learned to distrust the low lands and selected his home on one of the highest hills. We are told that when he first went on Bunker Hill from Smethport it took him four days to make the journey. By a life of industry and frugality he was able to leave to his descendants a valuable property, and what is more a good name. Page 1. Ancient History. Died - Very suddenly at her residence in Keating township, Friday evening, June 12, 1874, of congestion of the lungs, Mrs. Amanda M. Freeman, aged 61 years, 9 months and 11 days. Thus suddenly and without warning was a good woman called home, a numerous family made bereaved and desolate, and the entire community saddened. All who knew "Aunty" Freeman mourn her death as the loss of a good woman, ever ready and willing to do good works, with a heart and hand ever open to aid and minister to those in joy or in grief. Death could not have entered our community and singled out one whose loss would be more deeply felt. Mrs. Freeman's maiden name was Chapin. She was married in Chenango county, N.Y., to Mr. Nelson Richmond, and with him settled in this county 42 years ago. By him she was the mother of six children - four boys and two girls, most of whom are living. After the death of Mr. Richmond, she married Mr. Brewster Freeman about 25 years ago, who yet survives her. By this marriage she had two children, one of whom is living. She was called suddenly and unwarned, from a large circle of children and friends among whom her place can never be filled, and at the close of a long life filled with good deeds. Page 5. Miss Catherine Young, of Farmer's Valley, died this morning at 11 o'clock at the Bradford hospital of appendicitis. Miss Young was brought to the institution Tuesday and an operation was performed. The patient was in a dying condition when she arrived and there was but a faint hope that the surgical work would be of avail. The remains were taken to Koch's undertaking rooms - Yesterday's Bradford Star. Page 5. Charles Benson, a Swede, aged 24 years, whose home was in Sweden, was fatally injured Friday while working in the woods near Burtville. A large log rolled down the side hill and before he could get out of its course it struck him, knocking him down, passing over his body, badly crashing his head. He died a few hours after the accident occurred. - Potter Enterprise. Jul 28, 1904: Page 1. Fatal Collision on The P.R.R. Freight trains Collide Near Delevan, N.Y. Three Men Killed. Frank Bedford was a Victim. In a collision between two Pennsylvania freight trains near Develan, N.Y., Monday morning three Buffalo railroad men were killed and one was painfully injured. The Dead are: Frederick McCarthy, fireman Winslow P. Cullian, brakeman Frank Bedford, engineer. (Article continues at length and only parts are excerpted here) Frank Bedford formerly resided at Clermont and was well known throughout this section of the county where he has numerous friends. The tragic death of this popular engineer came as a sad blow to them who knew him as an honest and industrious man. Neither Bedford or his fireman, McCarthy, had time to jump. When the two trains collided Fireman McCarthy was in the act of throwing coal into the furnace. The door was wide open and the jar of the collision threw McCarthy's head and shoulders into the flames. He was burned to death. His body was the first one recovered. Page 1. Ancient History. Mr. E. Canfield, who was badly burned at the late fire in Emporium, died on Saturday morning March 6, 1875. Sep 22, 1904: Page 1. Obituary. Mrs. Ambrosia A. Crandall, whose serious illness was reported last week, died at the home of her sister, Mrs. A.B. Armstrong, at 10 o'clock Thursday evening, after an illness of four days. On Wednesday, Dr. Kane, assisted by Drs. Brown, Clark and McCoy, performed an operation for a complicated bowel trouble, from which the patient never rallied. The funeral services were held in St. Luke's Episcopal church on Saturday afternoon, Rev. J.H. Fairlie officiating. The interment was in rose Hill cemetery. The deceased was the eldest daughter of David R. and Corrine Chapin Bennett, born Dec. 16, 1838, at Port Allegany. The greater part of her life was passed in Smethport, although she lived for various periods in New York, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Florida. For the past twenty years she made her home in this borough, where she was universally loved and respected. She was a woman whose whole life was spent in doing good to others. There are not many of the older residents whose homes she has not _ _ _ with efficient aid and sympathy in times of sickness or sorrow. She will be sorely missed by a wide circle of relatives and friends who will _ _ _ _ her gentleness, her unfailing cheerfulness and her many womanly qualities. It would be impossible to think of such a character as gone forever. In the midst of sad reflections, Longfellow's beautiful lines are a comfort. There is no Death! What seems so Is transition; This life of mortal breath Is but a suburb of the life elysien, Whose portal we call Death. Her demise was the first break in a circle of seven sisters and one brother, of whom E.R. Bennett and Mrs. D.F. Stone reside in Rochester, Mesdames A.B. Armstrong, Frances Mason, D.L. Gifford, Florence Hogarth and Miss Bennett, in Smethport. There is also one son, B.G. Crandall, of Milwaukee. Sep 29, 1904: Page 1. Cause of Death To Be Investigated J.C. Dennison Dies Under Peculiar Circumstances. Coroner's Jury views Remains and Adjourns Until To-morrow Funeral this Afternoon. J.C. Dennison died at the family residence on King street Tuesday evening at about eight o'clock, at the age of 48 years, 4 months and 24 days, after an illness covering a period of three weeks. No alarm had been felt at his illness until last Thursday when a change for the worse took place and he gradually sunk until death came. The circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Dennison and the condition of the body after death were such that Dr. John Clark, the attending physician thought his death might have been due to poisoning and therefore deemed it best to notify the coroner. Coroner Hall being out of the state Judge Bouron ordered that an autopsy be held and this morning Doctors John Clark, J.C. Brown and W.A. Ostrander held an autopsy and after the result of this autopsy was made known to the Judge and District Attorney, Justice of the Peace B.L. Knapp was ordered to hold an inquest. As acting coroner Mr. Knapp summoned the following jury of six to appear at his office this morning at 11 a.m: W.F. Specht, T.H. Purtle, E.W. Jones and Harry L. Backus, Mr. Mitchell was elected foreman and after the jury was sworn they went to Mr. Dennison's late home and viewed his remains. They then returned to Mr. Knapp's office and as no witnesses had been subpoened adjourned to meet at the same place at 4 p.m. tomorrow, when the report of the autopsy will be given and witnesses heard. The subject of this sketch was born in Norwich township on May 4, 1856, where he spent the greater portion of his life. On December 25, 1877, he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Richey, who with two sons, E.C. and Fred Dennison of this place, and Mrs. Mittie Welch of Keating township, and one sister, Mrs. C.W. Dickenson of this place, survive him. Up until August, 1903, Mr. Dennison was a successful farmer of this county. At that time with his family he moved to Smethport, where he has been a faithful employe of Fred D. Gallup. His friends were many his manner gentlemanly and by his sterling qualities, and high character he won the esteem of all with whom he became acquainted. The funeral is being held in the church at Colegrove this afternoon, Rev. W.T. Tubbs of east Ashford, N.Y., officiating and the burial will be in the Colegrove cemetery. Page 1. Ancient History. Died - At the residence of her son, S.S. Lillibridge,on the old homestead of her early days, Anna Lillibridge, wife of Lodiwick Lillibridge now deceased in the eighty-first year of her age. (Jan 1876.) Page 1. Ancient History. Mrs. Caroline Stull of Eldred township died December 29th, 1875, aged 32 years 5 months and 7 days. Mrs. Stull had been as well as usual the day previous to her death. She retired at half past eight and died at four in the morning of heart disease. She has been a resident of McKean county for fifty years, and has left a large circle of friends to mourn her loss. Lloyd Bennett, aged 18 years, of Portville was accidentally shot and killed while hunting last week, by his companion, Guy Moore. Archibald Patterson committed suicide by shooting himself at his home in Bradford last Thursday morning. The deceased was 60 years of age and highly respected. Dana Drake, one of the commissioners of Potter county, died very suddenly at his home in Shingle House last Wednesday night of heart disease. Deceased was 58 years of age and a veteran of the war of the Rebellion. He was a member of the Masonic and I.O.O. F. fraternities. A wife and three sons survive him. Page 5. In the Kane Republican, Chas E. Craven says: After three days of terrible suffering the seven-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. J.M. Leake, living at 745 Park avenue, died of lock-jaw Sunday morning at one o'clock, as the result of compulsory vaccination. How many more innocent children will we have to sacrifice to this cruel superstition, before they can enjoy the privilege of a common education in the public schools. Oct 20, 1904: Page 1. Ancient History. David R. Bennett - the subject of this sketch died very suddenly at his residence in Port Allegany on Thursday, the 23rd of March, 1876. He retired Wednesday night in ordinary health. Some time after he had fallen asleep his wife noticed that his breathing was somewhat unusual, and attempted to awaken him, but without success. All efforts were useless. He never awoke, but passed quietly and peacefully from an earthly sleep to the sleep that knows no awaking. He has suffered in a slight degree for a number of years with rheumatism in his arms and shoulders, and it is probable that his death was caused by the disease sticking to his heart. David R. Bennett was born in Columbia county, N.Y., Jan. 23, 1810, and was thus sixty-five years of age at the time of his death. He was married in 1832 to Miss Lucinda Irena Haight of New Lebanon, N.Y. She died after one year of married life, leaving one daughter three weeks old, who is now the wife of Dement Stone, of Rochester, N.Y. Mr. Bennett came to Smethport in 1834 and in 1836 married Correna daughter of Henry Chapin. He has thus been a resident of McKean county over forty years, braving the hardships of the pioneer, winning by a consistent and manly life the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens and leaving a large family to mourn the loss and honor the memory of a good father. Not only is his death deeply felt in the circle of his own family and friends, but throughout the entire length and breadth of the county. Uncle David R., as he was universally called, was known far and wide. He had a hearty, friendly salutation and a warm grasp of the hand for everyone. He has been called to fill important official positions in the county, and was respected and honored as a faithful public servant and a generous hearted public spirited citizen. He served as deputy sheriff under Nelson Richmond from 1840 to 1843. He was then elected sheriff over Joseph Mann, holding the office until 1846. In 1851 he was again elected sheriff, over John R. Chadwick, since which time he has not, as far as we can learn, held any public office, though he was a candidate for the same office in 1860, and was defeated by Jas. E. Blair. He was also a prominent candidate before the democratic convention for nomination for the office of sheriff last fall. He at one time kept the old Astor House in this borough and later the present Bennett House, and also kept a hotel in Coudersport. He had for several years before his death lived upon a farm near the village of Port Allegany. He leaves a wife, six daughters and one son. Four daughters are the wives of F.W. Hogarth of Port Allegany, L.W. Mason of Elkland, Tioga county, Pa., G.B. Crandall of Angelica,N.Y., and A.B. Armstrong of this place. The funeral services were attended in this place last Sunday in the Baptist church. Rev. rose delivered a very appropriate and affecting sermon, and the remains of the deceased were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of citizens. Page 5. Morris Bartch, a German, aged about 70 years, died at the county home on Monday, the cause of his death being paralysis. He was an inmate of the county home only a short time, being taken there after suffering the stroke. The funeral services were held at St. Elizabeth's church on Tuesday and his remains were laid at rest in St. Elizabeth's cemetery. Nov 3, 1904: Page 1. An awful, agonizing accident happened at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dudley on Brooklyn side early Thursday morning in which little Carl, youngest baby boy of the family, lost his life. His mother went to the well for water leaving the two little boys in the room. She wasn't away from them hardly long enough to be called an absence, but in that time Carl had stuck a paper in the stove and with the burning paper had set fire to his clothes, light fabric that flashed up almost like powder. The screams of the children hurried the mother in and the flames were quickly quenched, but the little fellow was awfully burned. The flesh was practically cooked on his limbs and he had inhaled the fire and smoke. Dr. Cook was summoned by telephone and was quickly at the side of the suffering boy. Anaesthetics were given and the sufferings of the little fellow greatly relieved, but he died two hours later. He was an extremely bright and winsome little youngster. - Port Allegany Reporter. Page 1. A gas explosion occurred in the Bolivar Breeze office Tuesday morning in which Miss Bernice Palmer a compositor, was so severely burned that she died from her injuries at 10 o'clock that evening. Her injuries were of a frightful nature. The clothing from her waist up was burned from her body and her face and hands were terribly burned. Miss Palmer was 19 years of age and resided with her parents in Bolivar. The force of the explosion blew out one side of the building and the office was set on fire, but the flames were extinguished without a great deal of damage to the plant. At this writing we are unable to learn the cause of the explosion but suppose it was caused by escaping gas from some unknown source, Brother Herrick and the relatives of the unfortunate young lady have the sincere sympathy of the MINER in this their hour of misfortune. Page 5. J.B. Bradley, a prominent Bolivar man, well known throughout the oil country, died at a sanitarium in Chicago Sunday. He was 78 years old and is survived by his wife and one son. Page 5. Mrs. Ole Olson died at her home in Oleona last week, aged 7 years. Ole Olson is a brother of the late Burt Olson, formerly editor of this paper. Page 5. Swan A. Benson, while laboring under a fit of temporary insanity caused by illness, committed suicide at Kane Tuesday afternoon by cutting his throat with a razor. Nov 17, 1904: In the early evening on Friday, Nov. 11, 1904, at her home in Shelby, Ohio, Alice McCoy, daughter of Dr. H.L. and Clara ford McCoy, and beloved wife of James Frank Olmstead. The unexpected and sad news brought deep sorrow to her many relatives and friends in this town and all who knew her. The change from the bright, beautiful life, so abundant in its freshness of spirit and ardor of expression and movement to the impassiveness and unresponsiveness of death was too fresh for us to realize at once. In her indeed, was an ideal child and wife and mother, one full of affection, and with generous and unselfish responsiveness to the love and friendship which went out to her from so many hearts. There was a charm in her intellectual nature in its eager movement and a certain child-like sweetness with a poetical temperament shown in the vivid perception and enjoyment of nature in the woods and hills, the wild flowers and the birds, and in the charming ability to interest children in these things by beautiful descriptive stories. (obituary continues at great length) The funeral services were at St. Luke's church Monday noon, Nov. 14. The Altar and Chancel were adorned with many lilies and flowers sent by relatives and friends, by the choir and the St. Cecilia members who remain, of which society Mrs. Olmstead was one of the original members. The St. Cecilia badge was formed in her favorite flowers. A large choir was present with additions from other choirs and friends who were glad to sing for one who had often given her services when needed. Page 1. Death of Mrs. McGill. Mrs. Matie McGill, relict of the late John McGill of Farmers Valley, died at the Olean hospital last Sunday evening, aged about 43 years. Death was caused from a complication of diseases. Miss Matie Reed was burn in Reed hollow where she resided with her parents until she was united in marriage to John McGill. To them were born five children, three girls, namely, Mrs. Grace Carpenter and Misses Lulu and rose, and two boys, Vincent and Lemuel. The funeral services were held in St. Elizabeth's church, Smethport, at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning and her remains were laid at rest beside those of her husband in St. Elizabeth's cemetery. Page 5. Joel W. Seymour of Bradford died at his home at 8 o'clock Wednesday morning of heart trouble aged 61 years. He formerly resided at Ormsby and was well known in Smethport. During the civil war he served in Co. A, 22nd N.Y. Vol. He is survived by his wife and one son, W.W. Seymour of Bradford. Page 5. Through an oversight we neglected to mention last week the death of William J. Curtis, who died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. Dye, on Minard Run, on Monday of last week. Mr. Curtis was 80 years old and is survived by two sons, George of Bradford and C.H. Curtis of Chipmunk, N.Y., and three daughters, Mrs. F.W. Cole of Bradford, Mrs. Dye of Minard Run and Miss Rosena Curtis of Smethport. Dec 1, 1904: Page 5. Mr. Lorenzo M. Johnson, president of the Pittsburg, Shawmut & Northern Railroad Company, died at the Commercial Hotel in St. Marys at 10 o'clock last evening of Bright's disease. The remains passed through this place Tuesday afternoon on a special train enroute for Chicago where the funeral will be held. Page 5. Sunday morning, at 8:30 o'clock, at the General hospital in Olean, occurred the death of August Steir, as the result of injuries received Saturday when he fell and became impaled on a water key in North First street. Mr. Steir was 58 years old. He was a member of the German Lutheran church and Riverside Tent, K.O.T.M. Page 5. Joseph E. Combs, aged 25 years, was instantly killed while walking in front of a locomotive near Ansonia, Potter county, on thanksgiving day. He was a young man of good family who had led a wild life and it was undoubtedly a case of suicide. Page 5. Byron McKeown, brother of the late Arthur McKeown and of William McKeown of Mt. Alton, died in Pittsburg this week. This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/pafiles/ File size: 53.5 Kb