Mclennan Co. TX - Obits from May 1903 Submitted by: Carol Couch Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ----------------------------------------------- WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 04, 1903 MONDAY A BRIGHT YOUNG MAN MET TERRIBLE DEATH News has reached Waco of the death near El Paso recently of Read Hill, son of W.S. Hill, one of the best citizens of the county, and Read Hill was also counted one of the cleanest, brightest young men in this section. He was an engineer and his run was from El Paso to El Magordo. He lighted his lantern, started to his engine, when the lamp exploded his clothes was burned, and his flesh cooked on his body in places. He lingered three days in agony and then died. Read Hill was a nephew of Sam Davis, the young Confederate Hero, who was hanged because he would not divulge a secret which would have implicated others who had given him certain information and in whose honor a monument was erected in Nashville. Mr. Al Ridley of Hewitt spoke of the death of young Hill while at the court house this morning, paying him a magnificent compliment, and saying that his death was generally regretted by those who knew this promising young man. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 05, 1903 TUESDAY HILL, READ The sad news of the death of Read Hill reached this place yesterday morning. He was an engineer on a railroad running out of El Paso. He ran from El Paso to Douglysville, Mexico. On Saturday morning one week ago while oiling his engine, his oil can in some way caught fire and exploded, burning him horribly though it was thought at the time not fatally. But yesterday morning after the painful removal of the flesh from the burned places he died. This is indeed sad news to his many friends in this community as this was his boyhood home. And it can be truthfully said that no one knew him but to love him nor named him but to praise him. He was an obedient son and a kind, affectionate brother. He leaves a father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Hill, whose home is near Elm Mott and five brothers and three sisters to mourn his untimely death, to whom the sympathy of all their friends throughout this and Coryell county will be extended in this the saddest hour of their lives. The remains will reach Waco tonight, accompanied by Mr. Sam Hill of El Paso, brother of the deceased, and will likely be interred tomorrow evening at Oakwood. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 06, 1903 WEDNESDAY J. B. CHESNUT DEAD Funeral Will Be at 10 O'clock Tomorrow Morning J.B. Chesnut for many years a citizen of Waco and a confederate soldier, died last night. The funeral will occur tomorrow at 10 o'clock a.m. from the residence of S.L. Jones, 701 South Seventeenth street, interment at Oakwood. Deceased was 70 years old. He served in the confederate army, enlisting with General Price at Ozark, Missouri. He served continuously until the surrender of Vicksburg being in the confederate army which yielded to General Grant on that memorable occasion. He will be laid to rest beside his wife who died in June, 1890. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 07, 1903 THURSDAY MISS GEORGE CLARK DIED AT FAMILY RESIDENCE Mrs. George Clark wife of Judge George Clark, died at the family residence last night at 8:30 o'clock. Her death was 1 entirely unexpected and came as a great surprise and shock to the family and friends. Mrs. Clark has been in ill health for some months but her condition was not regarded as serious and would probable have been had it not been for the fact that congestion set in yesterday afternoon and the result was that she was taken away in a very short time. Judge Clark was in Dallas. He left his wife as usual having no idea that there would be any serious change in her condition, in fact, he left her as she had been since her ill heath began. When it was discovered that she was getting worse, the news was telegraphed him and before he could get a train out of Dallas his wife had passed away. He reached home as soon as possible, but not until several hours after his wife had passed away. The news of Mrs. Clark's untimely death passed through the city very rapidly last night and by early this morning nearly every one knew it and there is universal sorrow expressed on every side. The untimely ending has cast a gloom over the entire city and all join in extending the most loving condolence to the sorrowed husband and family. Mrs. Clark was a favorite with all who knew her. She has always been prominent in social circles in Waco and in the state and she has a very extensive acquaintance in and out of the state. Mrs. Clark has been spending her summers for the past few years in the eastern watering places and wherever she has been she has soon taken her place in society. Her splendid attainments, her queenly manners and lovable character has drawn all to her and her death will cause unbounded sorrow wherever she is known. Mrs. Clark was born in Hays county, Texas, June 1, 1854, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.R. Johns of Hays county, but later of Austin. Her father died some years ago, but Mrs. Johns still survives and is now in the city to attend the funeral of her daughter. Judge and Mrs. Clark were married November 4, 1874, and two children Irwin and Marie, were born to gladden the home. They have resided in this city since their marriage and there has been no happier home in the city than that of Judge and Mrs. Clark. She has been a most devoted wife and has watched her husband's brilliant career as a lawyer and statesman with a great interest and has been taken into his counsel in his ambitions many times. There is no man in Texas for whom there is more admiration and respect than Judge Clark and he is easily one of the leading lawyers of the state. His wife has shared with him his victories and in his few defeats. Mrs. Clark has always been a most companionable woman and her friends have always been pleased to have her presence at their different functions. Her death will be learned with profound sorrow everywhere and already Judge Clark has received a large number of telegrams of condolence from all over the state. The funeral will take place from the residence this afternoon at four o'clock and will be very largely attended. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 07, 1903 MRS. E.E. ADKINS DEAD Mrs. Therese Hanna Adkins died at 825 Austin Avenue yesterday evening, aged 26 years. She was the wife of E.E. Adkins, who travels for a Cincinnati wholesale house. Mrs. Adkins had only been sick a few weeks and her death came as a shock to her many friends. Her mother came in time to be with her in her last moments. The remains were shipped at 12:45 today to her old home in Cincinnati, accompanied by her devoted husband and mother. FUNERAL OF MR CHESNUT. Laid to rest under a Bed of flowers At Oakwood. The remains of J. B Chesnut was laid to rest this morning at 10 o' clock in Oakwood beside his wife who preceded him twelve years. Pat Cleburne camp turned out at the residence of his son-in-law, S.L. Jones, where a beautiful service was conducted by Captain J.D. Shaw. Many friends and neighbors of the family gathered at the house bringing many flowers and the bier was a literal bower of roses. At the cemetery the services were concluded by Captain Shaw. The floral tribute was bountiful and beautiful. After covering the new grave there was ample for the decoration of the grave of his wife, beside him and they were tenderly placed thereon. Deceased leaves three children to mourn him. They are W. B. Chesnut of Gatesville, A.B. Chesnut of this city, and Mrs. Allie C. Jones. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 09, 1903 JOHN C JURNEY AND A WHEELER READ, BOTH HAVING PASSED AWAY LAST NIGHT John C. Jurney, Sr. died at 7:30 o'clock last night at the family residence on North Ninth street, after an illness of some two weeks, and the news will be read with regret by a large number of people here and elsewhere. Mr. John C. Jurney, Sr. was born June 4, 1830 in Hichman county, Kentucky, where he lived until six years of age when his parents moved to Paris, Tennessee, where he resided until he came to Texas. In 1855, with a younger brother, and two older sisters, both parents having died, he came to Texas and located at Waco. One of his sisters married the late William R. Kellum, founder of the Kellum-Rotan Grocery company. The other married Mr. S.F. Sparks of San Jacinto fame, both sisters now being deceased. His brother, Cyrus W. Jurney, however is still living. In 1857 he was married to Miss M.A. E. Folts of Columbus, Texas, who died in 1875, leaving him three children, John C. Jurney Jr., connected with McLendon, Duncan, Co. at Waco; William W. Jurney of Indian Gap, Texas and Richard Jurney, connected with Tom Padgitt company of Waco. In 1876 he was married to Miss Mary Mozart Webb of Waco who survives him. The second union was blessed with three children; Chesley W. Jurney, now private secretary to United States Senator Charles A. Culberson at Dallas; Edwin J. Jurney, connected with Behrens Drug company at Waco; and Miss Bonner Jurney who lives with her mother. Mr.Jurney was a confederate soldier and served in Cook's battalion during the whole four years of the war. Mr. Jurney was engaged in business for many years first under the firm name of Ripley & Jurney and later as J.C. Jurney & Sons. For nearly forty-eight years he has made Waco his home where he is loved, honored and respected by all. He was a true Christian gentleman and for years was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian church of this city. The funeral will be from the Cumberland Presbyterian church, Twelfth and Washington streets, Sunday afternoon 3 'clock. Interment Oakwood. The pall bearers will be: Active- W. H. Crider, A.C. Prendergast, R.L. Henry, Joe R. Ellison, John Orand, H. Behrens. Honorary-- A. Powers, J.M. Carroll, W.D. Lacy, S.W. Mabry, A.R. McCollum, S.A. Hogan, Martin Killough. A WHEELER'S DEATH Mr. A. Wheeler died at the residence of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Todd, at 1415 North Street, at 2:30 this morning. Mr. Wheeler was born October 5, 1838,in Illinois was married in Oneida, Knox County, Ill, to Miss Lydia B. Todd April 8, 1868, and removed to Waco in 1870, where he has lived since. Mrs. Wheeler died on April18, 1885. He has two sons surviving him. N.D. Wheeler and S.A. Wheeler, who were raised and educated in Waco. The elder was born in Illinois and is now a resident of this city. The younger in a native of Waco and is now a resident of Fort Worth. Mr. Wheeler is well known throughout Texas and was very prominent for years in the cattle business. He was a first class citizen and a big hearted man and universally respected and his death will be regretted by a host of friends here and elsewhere. He was a true friend and never harbored bitterness against an enemy. In fact, he was charitable in thought, word and deed. He will be buried tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Oakwood. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 14, 1903 SAD DEATH NEAR HEWITT Hewitt, Texas-- The home of Mr.and Mrs. Bradley which is about four miles west of Hewitt has been saddened by the death of their daughter, Miss Leona Bradley, which occurred Monday. She was only sick about five days hence it was a severe shock to her parents and many friends as it has only been a short time when seemingly she was in fine health and was out among her friends. Interment took place at Robinson yesterday. To the parents, brothers and sisters, who are bowed down in grief on account of their loved one, hundreds of friends join in extending heartfelt sympathy in this sad hour. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 16, 1903 YOUNG MAN KILLED WITH KNIFE AT TROY, TEXAS Troy, Texas--- Tom Moore, a young man who lives near this city, died here this afternoon at 1 o'clock from the effects of wounds that were inflicted upon him last night by Boyd Pollard, another young man. The two men went to a dance three miles east of the city last night and after the dance they had started home and got into a quarrel which resulted, it is said, in Pollard making a dart at Moore with his knife and he completely disemboweled him. Moore was brought to the city this morning and died from the effects of the wounds at 1 o'clock this afternoon. It is not known just what the cause of the trouble was, but the tragedy is deeply deplored as the two young men stood well in the community. Moore, the dead man, was 18 years of age, and Pollard is 18. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 18, 1903 MONDAY WILL R. JENKINS DIED EARLY THIS MORNING Mr. Will R. Jenkins died this morning at 3:20 o'clock after being in bad health for a number of years. The deceased was a brother of Constable Lee Jenkins and a nephew of Hon. W. H. Jenkins. His father, the late J.W. Jenkins, was one of the honored citizens of this county, who with his brothers, were among the early settlers on the Brazos river. The deceased was an ex-ranger and did service in the frontier battalion when Indian, rustlers, and horse thieves held sway in the unorganized counties. He served under Captain Arrington and other ranger captains who gave him great credit for bravery and fearless character in the discharge of his duty. The remains will be buried at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning from the residence of Constable Lee Jenkins, 508 North Fourth street. MRS. W. R. MATTHEWS FOUND DEAD IN BED Mrs. C.F. Smith this morning received a telephone message from Fort Worth, stating that her sister, Mrs. W. R. Matthews, formerly of Waco, had been found dead in bed early this morning. Mrs. Matthews has been in poor health for some time, but the end came more swiftly than had been expected. The funeral will take place tomorrow at Waxahachie, the family having lived there after leaving Waco and Will Matthews, the son, lies buried there. W.R. Matthews, Misses Rush and Emma Dean Matthews are left as the representatives of this family, which has the esteem of all who known the members thereof. Mrs. Smith left on the first train for Fort Worth and will attend the funeral at Waxahachie. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 23, 1903 SATURDAY MRS. CHARLES MOORE DIED IN DALLAS Mrs. Charles Moore, wife of Charles Moore, who formerly lived in Robinsonville, and who attended school in Waco, died in Dallas last night quite suddenly. Mrs. Moore was formerly Miss Janie Etheridge of Hillsboro, and she was married to Charles Moore last August, their happy married life terminating suddenly and sorrowfully as shown above by the death of the faithful wife. Mr. Moore was the son of Former County Commissioner John Moore, who died a short time ago. His friends here will be pained to hear the sad news. WACO TIMES HERALD MAY 28, 1903 MRS. CHARLES J. KRAFT DIED LAST NIGHT Mrs. C.J. Kraft, who has been in Waco many years is dead. Mrs. Kraft, died at 11:20 o'clock last night rather suddenly and the news will be a great shock to relatives and friends. She was an excellent woman, leaves a husband and several children and a large number of good friends. The funeral will be some time tomorrow from the residence at Twenty-Second and Fort Avenue, but the exact hour has not as yet been determined, as relatives living elsewhere have been notified and are expected to reach here soon.