Adams County, Ritzville, WA ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Sue Gardner sueboo18@hotmail.com ==================================================================== The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, April 6, 1911, issue Train Grinds Out Life LIND - A man, supposed to be Peter Koetze, about 25 years of age, smooth shaven, 5 feet, 8 inches in height, dark complexion and the index finger of the right hand previously amputated, fell from the rods on No. 42 on the N. P., on which he was beating a ride, Wednesday morning, and was instantly killed. The body was removed to the undertaking parlors of E. T. McCaffery as soon as the coroner arrived from Ritzville. A partner of the unfortunate fellow, who was on the same train, got off at Ritzville and told of the misfortune of his comrade. Nothing on the person of the man could be found to convey information as to relatives or as to the surety of the name mentioned above which was written in a memorandum book found near the body. Christian Gering Christian Gering, aged 21, died at the home of Conrad Schafer in this city Friday. Funeral services were held at the German Methodist church Sunday afternoon. The young man was around the house the day of his death. Harley North WASHTUCNA - Harley, the eighteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. North, who live four miles north of Washtucna, died Monday noon at the home of his parents, of acute plurisy. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, April 13, 1911, issue Mrs. Gloyd's Father Dead Dr. Charles Harding Spinning, one of the best known pioneers of the Pacific Northwest, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. H. Gloyd, in Prosser, a few days ago. He was past 90 years of age, and had been feeble for many months. During the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Gloyd in Ritzville, the doctor was a frequent visitor at their home. The life of Dr. Spinning is a history in itself. He was born in Fountain county, Indiana, January 23, 1821. He was educated in Crawfordsville, Ind., at the state university, later taking a medical course at the Electric College, in Cincinnati. For a number of years he was a Hoosier schoolmaster, but at the age of thirty he decided to go west. He crossed the plains as captain of a company of 28 wagons, which reached Portland, Ore., after a six month's journey, without mishap or encounter with the Indians. The following year he married Miss Mildred D. Stewart, who crossed the plains in his party. They remained only a year in Oregon before removing to Lewis county, and it was there he first began the active practice of medicine. From Lewis county he was sent to the legislature a second term and the following term was elected to the senate, where he took an active part in all that concerned the welfare of the new territory. He was among the first to welcome Isaac I. Stevens, the first territorial governor, and always looked upon him as a capable man in a trying position. While in Lewis county the Indian war of 1856-57 broke out and for a year and a half, with a number of other families, the Spinnings made their home in the fort at Claquato, which Dr. Spinning helped to build, and where their second son, William N., was born. He took up a donation claim there but in 1859 sold it and removed to Pierce county, where he has since made his home. After the Indian war he was the first physician on the Puyallup Indian reservation. For nine years he served the Puyallup, Nisqually and Squakson reservation in that capacity and did much to pacify and civilize the Indians. They always held him and his wife in the highest esteem and came to him for counsel for many years after he had ceased to live among them. At differen times he has owned and improved extensive farms at Lake View, Fern Hill, Puyallup and Sumner, and for many years made his home in Tacoma. He was the only practicing physician in the county for a number of yeras. Throughout his career he was an active member of the Christian church and to the end of his life maintained a keen interest in all current events. It has been but a year or so since he has retired from half a century's medical practice in Pierce county. Aged Lady Passes Away Mrs. Downs, wife of Rev. Samuel Downs of this city, died Saturday night at midnight. She was born in Ireland 69 years ago. When four years of age she went with her parents to England and from there to Canada, coming to Ritzville a few years ago. She was a devoted Christian, and leaves a husband, six children and 13 grandchildren to mourn her loss. Funeral services were held at the home of George Johnson Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Mr. Hoskins, pastor of the Methodist church. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, April 20, 1911, issue James Marion LIND - Mr. James Marion, brother of Andy Marion, and uncle of Mrs. A. E. Tinney, Smith Geary and J. M. Hennington, who has been ill with chronic intestinal nephritis at the Hotel Elite for some time, died Monday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Deceased was 73 years, 11 months and 10 days of age at the time of his death. Funeral services were held from the M. E. church at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Moore officiating, and the remains laid to rest in the Lind cemetery. Selected His Own Casket H. H. Kuper, aged 75 years, was in town Saturday and went to the undertaker to select the casket which he deemed suitable to contain his remains after death. At 4:30 o'clock Monday afternoon he died while sitting in a chair at the home of Conrad Groenwald, 14 miles west of this city. Mr. Kuper had been suffering with heart trouble for some time and his physician told him that he had not long to live. While in town Saturday he consulted Mr. Clodius about a lot in the cemetery. He told several people that he would not live more than ten days. One son, John Kuper, lives on Crab creek and another son lives in Sprague. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, April 27, 1911, issue Pioneer Passes Away One of the first men to embark in business in Ritzville was C. F. Clodius. After a residence of twenty-five years in this city and county he died Tuesday monrning at 7 o'clock. Funeral services were held at the German Congregational church at 3 o'clock Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Clodius was born in Germany, and came to Illinois in 1843. In 1886 he came to Adams county and has since made his home here. For 14 years he was engaged in the lumber and grain business. Always of a quiet and enterprising disposition, he made many friends and has accumulated a large fortune. His wife died a little more than a year ago, and since that time his daughter, Mrs. John Vehrs has been living with him. Six children survive. They are Claus H., of this city, Fred, of Portland, Mrs. John Vehrs, as mentioned, John C., of Butte, Mrs. Stein and Miss Gesima, of Spokane. He also leaves three brothers, William, of this city, Hans F., of Waitsburg, and Joseph H., of Weston, Oregon, and one sister, Mrs. Uphoff, who lives in Illinois. The relatives mentioned were all here for the funeral with the exception of Mrs. Uphoff. All business places in this city were closed during the funeral, and the members of the board of managers of the Commerical club attended the services in a body. Young Man Dies In Spokane Ernest Lamb, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Lamb, died in Spokane Saturday morning from appendicitis. He was taken there for an operation but the disease had advanced too far. He was born in Iowa and was 23 years of age at the time of his death. He was a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, and carried $2,000 insurance in that lodge for his parents. Funeral services were held a the Methodist church Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, and Rev. Mr. Hoskins preached the sermon. The Woodmen attended the services in a body. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, May 4, 1911, issue Peter Wurtemberger Dead The funeral of Peter Wurtemberger was held at the Rosenoff church four miles west of this city Sunday. He died at 10 o'clock Friday night at his home ten miles west of Ritzville. Mr. Wurtemberger was 45 years of age. He suffered a paralytic shock about two years ago and has been in poor health since that time. A short time ago he suffered a second shock and rapidly grew worse until death came. Mr. and Mrs. G. Pflugrath arrived here last Wednesday from Walla Walla, having been called by the serious illness of their son-in-law, Mr. Wurtemberger. Brother Dead At St. Louis Charles Archambault received a telegram Saturday stating that his brother, Joseph A., had died of blood poisoning at St. Louis that day. Joseph was 51 years of age. The funeral was held Tuesday. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, May 11, 1911, issue Mr. Prouty Dies Suddenly A telegram from Seattle Tuesday morning brought the sad news that J. E. Prouty had died suddenly. Details of the circumstances of his death have not been received. It is learned that he had reached Ellensburg, enroute to Ritzville on a business trip, was taken ill and returned to his home, and died suddenly at 8:30 o'clock Monday evening. The funeral will be held Friday. Mr. prouty was one of the best known and best liked citizens of Ritzville for many years. He came to Adams county from Umatilla, Oregon, about 20 years ago and engaged in farming 10 or 12 miles northwest of this city. Later he moved into town, and with Henry Greene platted Greene & Prouty's first and second additions, which include a good share of the present city of Ritzville, outside of the original town. Three years ago Mr. and Mrs. Prouty went to Seattle to make their home. Since that time he has made frequent business trips to this city. He was one of the stockholders in the Bassett string of banks, and had been intimately associated with J. D. Bassett in the banking business for a number of years. At the time of his death he owned wheat land in Franklin county and irrigated lands in the Yakima valley. Always of a quiet and retiring disposition, he was in the habit of granting favors to his friends without show or fuss and was held in high esteem by those who knew him best. John E. Prouty was born in Pennsylvania 68 years ago. Later he moved to Illinois, and when the Civil war broke out he enlisted as a private in Co. B, 45th Illinois infantry, and served until July 12, 1865. He received a wound in the war and was always more or less troubled with it. He was a charter member of W. B. Hazen Post G. A. R. of Ritzville, and retained his membership here until his death. He also retained his membership in Ritzville Lodge No. 101, F. & A. M. Meningitis Takes Child Floyd Collier, the four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Collier, died at their home near Washtucna Sunday. The little fellow had been ill for months with spinal meningitis. Funeral services were held in the Christian church at Washtucna Tuesday. Odd Fellows from Washtucna acted as pall bearers. Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Collier, grandparents of the child, and Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Smith of this city, attended the funeral. Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Collier of Pullman also were in attendance and visited in this city before returning home. Measles Cause Death Mrs. H. Laupp, aged 36 years, died at her home near Washtucna Sunday. Funeral services were held Tuesday. Cerebral hemorrhage was the direct cause of death though she had been sick with measles and pneumonia. John Wagner John Wagner died at his home in this city last Thursday. He was 28 years of age and is survived by a wife and one child. Funeral services were held at the Lutheran church Sunday. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, May 18, 1911, issue No Warning Of Death With a slight move and a gasp for breath, Mrs. William Heinemann died at 2 o'clock Tuesday morning. She appeared to be in her usual good health when she retired Monday night. At 2 o'clock Mr. Heinemann was disturbed by a slight movement and the sound of a deep breath. He turned on the light to find his wife dying. A physician was called but it was too late. She breathed only once or twice after her husband was awake. Mrs. Heinemann was in a runaway accident seven weeks ago and one of the bones in her leg was broken but she had recovered rapidly and was out planting lettuce in her garden the day before her death. She was 45 years of age. Besides her husband she is survived by seven children. Four children precede her in death. One daughter, Mrs. John Richter, lives at American Falls, Idaho, and came yesterday. Funeral services will be held at the home at 11 o'clock Friday, followed by services at the German Methodist church in this city at 1:30 p.m. Rev. J. C. Mueller will preach the sermon and other ministers will assist in the services. Burial will be in the cemetery ten miles southeast of this city. Mr. Heinemann is a wealthy farmer, with a beautiful home a few miles south of this city. He and his family have the sympathy of a large circle to friends. Mrs. Heinemann's maiden name was Anna Kistner. She was born at Hessan, Germany, June 11, 1865, and came to this country when in her twentieth year. She was married to Mr. Heinemann in Chicago on October 2, 1886, and two years later came to their present home near Ritzville. A father, four brothers and three sisters survive. They all reside in Germany. David Wicker WASHTUCNA - David Wicker, one of Washtucna's respected citizens, died Tuesday, at his home at the ripe old age of 81 years. The cause of his death was old age and debility. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, June 15, 1911, issue Mrs. J. N. Dooly OTHELLO - The death of Mrs. J. N. Dooly occurred at her parents' home at Granger, Wash., Monday afternoon. It was a sad death. Two weeks ago Mrs. Dooly went to her parents' home where she could have medical attendance. Friday of last week Mr. Dooly received a letter from her, asking him to come there and be with her for a few days. He left for Granger Friday evening, and found Mrs. Dooly feeling as well as usual. Sunday morning a baby was born, and the mothers' death resulted. It was a severe shock to this community, in which her brief residence had gained her many friends. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, June 22, 1911, issue Mrs. J. H. Jenkins WASHTUCNA - Mrs. J. H. Jenkins, a pioneer of the Dayton country, died Tuesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. W. C. Rose of this place, after an illness of five weeks. Mrs. Jenkins had been a sufferer from lung trouble for the past five years, and a recent attack of pneumonia causing an abcess in one lung, was the cause of her death. The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, June 29, 1911, issue Baby Dies The boy baby of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Skinner of Spokane, who was brought here last week for treatment at the hospital, died Monday of spinal meningitis and cholera infantum. McFarland Infant LIND - The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. McFarland died friday of last week and was buried Saturday.