OBIT: Elijah J. FRIEND, 1948, of interest in Somerset County, PA

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

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ELIJAH J. FRIEND

  Elijah J. Friend, aged almost 76 years, was found dead on a couch at his home, 
Thursday afternoon, May 6, about 2:30 o'clock, by his son-in-law, Henry 
Campbell.
  Dr. E. I. Baumgartner, deputy state medical examiner, rendered a verdict of 
suicide.  The man resided on what is known as the Wolfe place, along the Swallow 
Falls road, about four miles west of Oakland.
  Dr. Baumgartner said the man had been dead twelve hours when found.  Others 
who investigated were deputy sheriff Paul W. Fisher, Trooper Robert Henline and 
State's Attorney W. Dwight Stover.
  Mr. Stover said the man was found with a bullet wound in his head, fired from 
a 32-20 Winchester rifle.  Stover said the man had washed, shaved and dressed.  
He was found on a low couch in an upstairs bedroom.  Members of the family were 
of the opinion that his death could have been accidental as he often handled 
guns.
  Authorities said he had been visited on Wednesday night by his son-in-law and 
daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell.  He lived alone, his wife, Mrs. Goldie (Wolfe) 
Friend, having been employed in Oakland in recent months.
  Surviving are his wife, one son, Dale Friend of Street, Md.; one daughter, 
Mrs. Henry Campbell, residing near Oakland; five grandchildren; also one sister, 
Miss Dicie Friend, Sang Run; and four brothers, Alfred L. Friend, Charles G. 
Friend, Andrew C. Friend and John F. Friend, all of Sang Run.
  Funeral services were conducted on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the 
Bolden Funeral Home in Oakland.  Rev. Roy McCauley, Davis, W.Va., officiated, 
assisted by Rev. David Garnes, Sand Flat, and Rev. Paul Robinson, living near 
Swanton.  Interment was made in Oakland Cemetery.

Meyersdale Republican, May 20, 1948