OBIT: Jacob W. BURKHOLDER, 1932, Garrett, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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JACOB BURKHOLDER

Mysterious Death of Jacob Burkholder

His Dead Body Found in His Door Yard - Official Investigation Being Made

  Jacob Burkholder, aged 70, a well known farmer of Summit Township, living near 
Center Church, was found dead in the yard of his home Wednesday afternoon at 3 
o'clock, and State Police and Somerset County officers have launched an 
investigation into his death.
  Discovery of Burkholder's body was made by Mrs. Conrad Haer, who passed the 
Burkholder home Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock and noticed Burkholder lying near 
the front door of the home.  Mrs. Haer returned in the afternoon at 3 o'clock 
and when she noticed the body in the same position as in the morning, she 
notified the police.
  Mrs. Emily Fluck, Somerset County Coroner, was notified and after a 
preliminary investigation called County Detective Fred P. Hare and a detail from 
the Somerset sub-station of the State Police.  The fact that Burkholder had 
carried a considerable sum of money on his person for several months led the 
authorities to suspect foul play, as a search of the dead man's clothing 
revealed that his pocketbook was missing.
  While there was no outward indications of violence, Mrs. Fluck ordered that an 
autopsy be performed on the body which was removed to the Hazel McGilvery 
Hospital in Meyersdale.
  Dr. C. C. Glass performed the autopsy Wednesday night, but announced that the 
result would not be known for several days.  There were no indications of 
violence, the physician reported, but an analysis of certain internal organs 
will be necessary before the exact cause of death can be determined.
  Burkholder's wife had been visiting a daughter in Lorain, O., and returned 
Wednesday, stopping in Rockwood to visit another daughter.  She was advised of 
her husband's sudden death Wednesday night and returned to her home.
  Burkholder is survived by his wife and several children.  The body has been 
prepared for burial by Undertaker J. L. Tressler, but arrangements for the 
funeral have not been completed.
  
Meyersdale Republican, September 8, 1932

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JACOB BURKHOLDER

  Garrett, Pa., Sept. 14 - The citizens of Garrett and surrounding country were 
shocked when they heard that Jacob W. Burkholder was found dead in his dooryard 
close at his home near Center Church, on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 7th.  He 
probably had been dead ten hours or longer before the fact became known, as he 
was alone, his wife having been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Charles Lichty at 
Rockwood when she received word that her husband was found dead.  Heart disease 
no doubt was the cause of his quick departure, his health having been failing 
the last year.
  Jacob W. Burkholder was a son of Mr. and Mrs. William Burkholder and was one 
of a family of six children.  His father died many years ago.  His mother, who 
was married the second time, to Herman Queer, was found lying dead in a field, 
from exposure, four years ago, a half mile from the Burkholder home.
  Jacob Burkholder was a farmer by occupation.  And in spite of many hardships 
and ups and downs he prospered, and with the help of his good, true and honest 
wife, who labored hard as did her husband, he never needed to hire any help to 
operate his fine farm, after his sons were all grown up and had left the old 
homestead, with the exception of one, Norman, who spent the biggest portion of 
the past ten years employed elsewhere.
  Mr. Burkholder had many friends due to his kind and jovial disposition and 
pleasant ways.  He had many visitors who were always cordially welcomed by him 
and his noble wife.  He was nearly 71 years of age.
  Two of his sisters, Barbara, wife of Jerome Judy, of Garrett, and Savilla, 
wife of Harvey Hemminger, of Jenners, passed away several years ago.  His only 
brother, Harvey, died about four years ago.  His only surviving and youngest 
sister is Phoebe, wife of Austin Walter, who resides on a farm two and a half 
miles from Garrett, near Center Church.  He is also survived by his wife, 
Minerva Burkholder and nine children - seven sons and two daughters, namely:  
Samuel, John, William and Lawrence, of Garrett; Franklin, of Robertsdale; 
Norman, at home; Lloyd, of Johnstown; Anna, wife of John Patts, of Lorain, Ohio, 
and Mrs. Charles Lichty, of Rockwood; also by 22 grandchildren.
  His remains were laid to rest in the Center Church Cemetery Saturday afternoon 
at 2 o'clock.

Meyersdale Republican, September 15, 1932