Adams County,  Ritzville, WA  

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The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, January 1, 1914, issue

Mrs. Ralston Holcomb Dies
	News arrived in this city the first part of this week of the death of Mrs. Donna Mead  
Holcomb, the wife of Ralston C. Holcomb, a brother of Judge O. R. Holcomb of this place, the
death occurring in Chicago on December 29th. For several weeks prior to her illness she had been
in constant watch upon her little fifteen months old child, which had the typhoid fever, and it
was from her baby girl that she contracted the disease which caused her death.
	Mrs. Holcomb was well known in Ritzville having visited here for some time previous to  
her marriage, and was known to her friends as Miss Donna Mead. She and Mr. Ralston Holcomb, the
judge's youngest brother, were married on September 1, 1911, in Spokane. At the time of her death
she was 22 years of age. She leaves, besides her husband and baby, a father, mother and two
sisters in Spokane. Her body is being brought to that city for interment. The funeral will be held
on next Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from the Plymouth Congregational church.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, January 29, 1914, issue

Adam Buehler, Pioneer German Methodist Minister, Is Dead
	Adam Buehler, a pioneer minister of the German M. E. church of this city, was born in
Freeport, Michigan, on March 17, 1855, and died January 22, 1914, at Richland, Washington. He
was married in 1880 to Rosie M. Raad, a sister of Mrs. Mary Buehler of this city. He came west in
1883 and entered the ministry as a German missionary, and had what is now the Inland Empire as
his appointment. He traveled from Douglas to Spokane and from Spokane to Lewiston, Idaho, and
almost down as far as Walla Walla. On one of his trips he came to Ritzville in 1883 and preached
the first German sermon that was delivered in this city. John Kanzler and Ferdinand Ebener, besides
others who have since passed away, were present at that first meeting. He has served in different
charges, among which were Douglas, Harrington, Edwall, Spokane, Rosalia, Connell, Everett and
Centralia. Metoleus, Oregon, was his last appointment. Toward the latter part of the summer while
he was living at Metoleus, he became affected with a cough, which gradually became worse, and his
physician advised him to move to a lower altitude. Accordingly he moved to Richland, in this state,
where his daughter, Mrs. Luella Koehler, resides. Slowly his health failed and he continued to grow
weaker and on the 22nd of this month he passed away.
	Funeral services were held in Richland on last Saturday morning, Rev. H. Hauelson of that
place officiating. The body was brought to Ritzville Saturday evening and Sunday morning at 11
o'clock services were held at the German M. E. church. District Superintendent E. E. Hertzler  
preached the sermon. Burial was made in the cemetery south of this city, where his father, Conrad
Buehler, his mother, and his brother are buried.
	Rev. Buehler is survived by his wife and seven children, Milton Buehler of Connell; Mrs.
Lora Schelly, of Newburg, Ore.; Elmer Buehler of Tacoma; Mrs. Luella Koehler, Richland; Mrs. Nettie
Martin of Harrington; Mrs. Ida Kludas of Grandview; and Miss Olga Buehler, who lived at home.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, February 5, 1914, issue

Bastron Dies From Injury
	After having suffered for over six months from a fractured spine, David Bastron, the oldest
son of Jacob Bastron, died this morning at the home of his father, at twenty minutes to five. While
he has been growing weaker for several weeks no unusually alarming symptoms occurred until about
eleven thirty last night, when sharp pains were noticed about the region of his heart. Shortly after
this he sank into a sleep and did not arouse again. Death came shortly after four thirty.
	The accident which caused David's death occurred last August, when he was threshing out
at his father's ranch west of town.
	The Bastron outfit had completed the threshing for Mr. Bastron's father and had moved over
to the Farris ranch, just about a mile and half west of town. David had charge of the separator.
Everything was progressing so nicely that he became enthusiastic to finish up threshing by the
following night, and having finished threshing the forty they were on in the afternoon decided to
make a new setting before nightfall.
	The belt had been disconnected, and they were just getting the separator ready to move.
The long self-feeder, about eighteen feet in length, was being removed. Two young men were assisting
Mr. Bastron. They had unhooked the end which was connected with the separator and David had stooped
under the feeder to push the truck, which they used to haul it on, nearer the feeder. The feeder
was not properly balanced, and without a moment's warning came down across the young man's back, just
above the kidneys, with such force that the back was fractured.
	It was feared that death might come at any moment, but the strong constitution of Mr. Bastron
withstood the terrible shock and by the second evening had shown a very slight improvement, as he
began to feel the tingling sensation in his limbs.
	Desiring to do all that was possible for his son, Mr. Bastron removed David to Spokane where
he was placed in the Sacred Heart hospital.
	During the time since the young man received his injury he has been confined to his bed,
but through it all he was a hopeful and patient sufferer.
	Born in Bickleton, Klickitat county, Washington, twenty-four years ago, David lived with
his parents until the time of his marriage a little over three years ago, to Katie Eckhardt, of
this county. While living in this vicinity for many years, he made a large number of friends. He
was industrious and a steady worker, and at the time of his accident, had charge, practically, of
his father's large ranch.
	Besides leaving his wife and little two year old son, he is survived by his father, mother,
three brothers and four sisters. Funeral services over the remains will be held at the Philadelphia
German Congregational church on Saturday afternoon. Interment will be made in the cemetery west of
town.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, February 12, 1914, issue

John Baumann, German Editor Passes Away
	After an illness lasting through several weeks, John Baumann, editor and publisher of the
German paper, Der Kleine Beobachter, died at his home last Saturday morning. Mr. Baumann came to
this county over fourteen years ago, from Portland, going on a ranch out south of Ritzville, where
he engaged in farming for seven years. Just about seven years ago he moved into town, and became
connected with the German newspaper, The Herold, remaining with it until the publication was discontinued
three years ago. At that time he began the publication of the Beobachter, a weekly German paper,
continuing it until within about six weeks of his death, when he became too ill to attend to his
work. The first alarming symptoms of his sickness were at the time a deep cold was contracted. This
ran rapidly to quick consumption and from this he grew steadily weaker until his death.
	The funeral services were held in the German Methodist church, of which organization he
had long been an active member. Rev. Gaiser preached the funeral sermon.
	Born at Hausen, Switzerland, on January 24, 1866, John Baumann lived in his native land
until grown. In 1887 he migrated to the United States, living for some time at Baltimore. Two years
after coming to Baltimore he moved to California, and three years later to Portland, where he became
connected with a German newspaper, remaining in that city until he came to Adams county. On February
8, 1900, he was married to Katie Wirth. Eight children were born to them, four of whom survive.
Besides his wife and children he leaves a brother and two sisters, and a host of friends.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, February 19, 1914, issue

Fred Kembel, Pioneer, Dead
	Death has again invaded the ranks of the pioneers of Adams county, claiming Fred Kembel, Sr.,
a well known and much respected citizen of this place. Mr. Kembel has been in poor health for
several years, and when the end came Monday morning between ten and eleven o'clock, it was not
altogether unlooked for. His death was the result of diabetes. Mr. Kembel was one of the prosperous
farmers of this section, and also was interested in a financial way in the business of the city,  
being one of the stockholders in the Ritzville Trading company. At the time of his death he was
58 years and five months old. He was born in Russia and came to America in 1876. He first settled
in Nebraska, where he remained until 1882, at which time he came west, settling first in this state
in Klickitat county. In 1891 he moved with his family to this county, where he bought a half section
of land from the Northern Pacific railroad company, and engaged in farming. That he was a successful
farmer is evidienced by the fact that his land holdings increased until he was rated as one of the
well-to-do men of Adams county.
	He was married in February, 1879, to Miss Dorothy DeWald, and to the couple seven children,
six boys and one daughter were born. Of these, two are dead. The oldest son and the daughter, having
passed on to the great beyond. The five living children are Henry, William, George, John and Joe.
	The funeral services were held yesterday at the Philadelphia Congregational church, Rev.
Morach delivering the address. Burial took place in the cemetery west of this city.
	Mr. Kembel's life was exemplary of the hightest type of Christian manhood. He was an earnest
member of the German Congregational church and was held in high esteem by his associates.
	For four years he was a member of the board of county commissioners and the last year of
his membership, being in 1910, he served as chairman of the board.

Mrs. Richter's Brother Killed
	David M. Glasgow, aged 53, a brother of Mrs. F. W. Richter of this city, was suddenly
killed Monday evening when a sled on which he was hauling hay, skidded off an embankment, turning
completely over and pinning his head underneath the hay rack.
	George Midkiff and Leo Glasgow, a son, who were on the load ahead, went to the rescue, but
before the victim was uncovered from the snow and hay he had died. The accident occurred south of
Gerome, near Mr. Glagow's Stevens county farm, 35 miles north of Davenport, where he had lived
with his family for six years. For 20 years Mr. Glasgow lived in Davenport, where he was prominent
in the Masons, Odd Fellows and Knight of Pythias. He was an organizer of the first electric light
company there.

Alfred Kohlsaedt Is Drowned At Reardan (I believe this should be Rosalia)
	Alfred Kohlsaedt, a young man living near Rosalia, who is quite well known here, was drowned
last Saturday. He had attempted to cross Pine Creek, near Rosalia, when the ice broke, and he was
carried underneath it. The services were held in the German Methodist church at Rosalia, on Tuesday
afternoon, Rev. Mueller, formerly of this city, preaching the German service, while Rev. Gaiser
of this city, delivered the address in English.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, February 26, 1914, issue

Roy Hughes
	Lind Leader - Roy Hughes of Hatton, who was in his junior year at Pullman college, died at
an early hour Monday morning after a three days' illness. He was the only son of Mrs. Ida Hughes
of Hatton. Besides his mother, there are three sisters left to mourn his untimely death. One of
his sisters, Miss Bernice, was married on Sunday to Mr. Adelbert Crowe of Pullman, the wedding
services being performed at the home of the bride's mother at Hatton.
		
The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, March 5, 1914, issue

Death of Benge Lady
	Mrs. George Gates died at her home in Benge week ago last Sunday of typhoid fever, contracted
while nursing her two children, who were down with the disease.
	Mrs. Gates had been ill just prior to the time her children were taken to their beds with
the fever, and had not recovered fully therefrom when she was called upon to care for the afflicted
ones. The task of nursing proved too much for her in the weakened condition and she, also, fell
an easy prey to the disease, and after a comparatively brief illness, succumbed to its ravages.
	Deceased leaves a husband and four children, the youngest of whom is but four months old,
to mourn her untimely passing away.
	Funeral services were held on Monday following death and interment was had in the Rattlesnake
cemetery.
	Deceased was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. O. Hart, and was born in Greeley, Colo., October
1, 1887. In April, 1895, she was married to George Gates.
		
Death of J. L. Mohundro
	Mr. J. L. Mohundro, state bank examiner under the Hay administration of this state, died
on Monday of the 26th ult., in a hospital in Bellingham. Death was due to cerebral hemorrhage. He
was stricken while on a train going to Bellingham, and immediately upon his arrival in that city  
was taken to a hospital, where he passed away at 12:30 Monday morning. His wife and daughter were
with him in his last moments. The family home is in Seattle, in which city the interment took place.
	Mr. Mohundro was quite well known to the older inhabitants of this part of the state, having
served as register of the land office at Walla Walla for several years, and later as state bank
examiner. At one time he owned considerable land in the Washtucna country, disposing of it only
a short time ago to the Nunamaker brothers, who have large land holdings in that locality.

Death of Mr. Henry Ratz, Sr.
	Last Tuesday evening a telegram was received by H. J. Ratz, Jr., chief prescription druggist
in the Emerson Drug Store, conveying the sad intelligence that his father, Mr. Henry Ratz, Sr., had
died that day in the passenger depot in his home town, Howell, Mich. From the information available
it appears that Mr. Ratz had just returned home from Canada, where he and Mrs. Ratz had been for
some few weeks, to attend to some business matters, intending to return to Canada immediately
thereafter. The cause of death was not indicated in the telegram.
	Henry Ratz, Jr., departed Tuesday evening for Michigan where it is expected he will remain
a month or more.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, March 19, 1914, issue

Death of Walter W. Youngs
	Mr. Walter W. Youngs died at his home seven miles north of Ritzville on Friday, March 13th,
1914, aged 67 years and one month. The cause of death was pneumonia.
	Deceased was a pioneer in this section of the state and had been a resident of Adams county
for the past twenty or more years, and was highly respected by neighbors and friends.
	He is survived by his widow and a son, Ray, and a daughter, Bessie, all residing at home.
	The funeral services were held in the Methodist church, this city, Rev. R. A. Gailey,
officiating, on Saturday afternoon, March 14, and interment was in the Ritzville cemetery.

Takes Morphine Goes To Sleep
	Mrs. Morgan Hill, of Lind, Commits Suicide
	Coroner Armann was called to Lind last Sunday morning to take charge of the body of Mrs.
Morgan Hill, who had committed suicide the previous night.
	Upon reaching Lind the doctor was taken to J. T. Dirstine's drug store, where the body had
been found by parties who had been searching for her during the previous twenty-four hours.
	Saturday evening inquiry was made at the store for Mrs. Hill. She had been at the store on
business, and knowing this, parties searching for her went there for possible information. In the
rear part of the store is a bed room fitted up for the night clerk. Into this the searchers looked
but found her not. Sunday morning came and not having been able to locate the missing woman further
search was had, the result of which was that she was found huddled up in a clothes closet opening
off from the bed room in the drug store.
	A careful investigation by the coroner revealed the fact that the arsenic and morphine
bottles had been removed from the shelves, and that the morphine bottle gave evidence of having been
opened and some of the contents removed. Examination of the body of the unfortunate woman attested
the theory that she had opened the bottle of morphine, taken some of its contents, dying soon thereafter.
The disarrangement of her clothing indicated that after taking the deadly drug she had intended to
disrobe and retire to the bed in the room, but she was prevented from carrying out such a plan
because of the heavy dose and its quick action.
	Mrs. Hill had been in poor health for some time, and many of her most intimate acquaintances
at times thought her mind had been affected by it. It has been but a few weeks since she was released
from a hospital. She was said to have been extremely despondent at times, presumably on account of
ill health.
	Just what prompted here to commit the deed no one here will probably ever know.
	The funeral was held at Lind last Monday and was largely attended. Interment was in the
local cemetery.

Death of John Olson
	Mr. John Olson, residing three miles northeast of this city, died at his home Tuesday. He
had been in poor health for some time, having made a trip east to a specialist for medical aid
some months ago.
	He leaves to mourn his untimely demise a wife, and three sons, Carl, Ab, and John.
	The funeral services occurred yesterday afternoon and interment was had in the Ritzville
cemetery.

The Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, Thursday, March 26, 1914, issue

John N. Olson
	John N. Olson was born near Filipstad, March 30, 1847, and died on his farm near Ritzville
March 16, 1914, aged 66 years, 11 months and 16 days.
	He came to America when 21 years old, landing in New York May 26, 1868. >From there he came
west, settling in College Springs, Iowa, going from that place to St. Joe, Missouri, the following
year, where he continued to reside until 1874, when he returned to College Springs, where he engaged
in the cabinet making and furniture business.
	In May, 1884, he moved to this state, settling on the land a few miles from Ritzville, and
upon which he continued to reside until his death.
	On the 30th day of November, 1876, he was married to Sarah Nelson, who survives him.
	He occupied several positions of trust during his residence in this county, serving on the
board of school directors of his district for six years, and as a member of the board of county
commissioners two years.
	He was held in high esteem by neighbors and acquaintances, who regarded him as a man of
high moral ideas, and industrious and courteous to all whom he met.
	He is survived by a wife, three sons, and two brothers.