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 Journal-Times, Thursday, January 3, 1918, issue George Kembel George Kembel died last Sunday at the home of his mother in this city after a two days' illness of pneumonia. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 p.m. from the German Philadelphia Congregational church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Jacob Morach. The remains were laid to rest in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Kembel was born July 1, 1882, in Walla Walla, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kembel. While a child he removed with his parents to Bickleton, in Klickitat county, residing there till 1895, when the family moved to Adams county. They lived on a farm till a few years ago when they removed to the city. Mr. Kembel's father died several years ago. The deceased leaves to mourn his death, his mother, Mrs. Fred Kembel, and four brothers, John, Joe, Henry and William. Mrs. Jennie Louisa Lavender The funeral of Mrs. Jennie Louisa Lavender was held Monday afternoon at the M. E. church in this city conducted by the pastor, Rev. M. J. Perdue. Interment was made in the Ritzville cemetery. Mrs. Lavender was one of the early residents of the county and highly esteemed by all who knew her. Jennie Louisa Lavender was born in Pennsylvania, August 27, 1834. She came west in the 80s and in February, 1889, was married to Henry Lavender at Ritzville. They then moved to Colorado where they resided until the fall of 1894, when they moved back to Ritzville. Later they lived on a ranch northeast of town until Mr. Lavender's death in July, 1908. She then moved to Ritzville where she resided until November, 1916, when she went to live with her sister, Mrs. Walter Youngs, near Tokio. Here she remained until the time of her death, December 29, 1917. She was aged 83 years, 4 months and 2 days. She leaves a brother and sister in Pennsylvania. She was a life-long member of the Methodist Espiscopal church. Vernon Gage McBroyer On Wednesday evening of last week Mrs. Hellice Row received a letter from her oldest son, that her second son had been ill for three weeks at Adindine, Kansas, with typhoid fever. She wrote the sick boy a cheering letter and sent it on that evening's train and made plans to go to him on Friday. On Thursday evening she sent a message to find out if he were still alive, but the came back undelivered with the news that the boy was dead. On Friday afternoon she received a letter from her oldest son giving particulars, though he did not reach his brother in time to see him alive. Vernon Gage McBroyer was born in McCook, Neb., Sunday, Oct. 8th, 1893, and died December 22, 1917. He is survived by his mother and two brothers, Fred McBroyer, residing near Lyndon, Kansas, and George, who lives with his mother, and two small half-sisters, Hellice and Marian Moyer, of this city. The remains were taken to Quenemo, Kansas, for burial. O. W. Hughart Word has been received here of the death of O. W. Hughart, formerly of this city. His death occurred at St. Louis, Dec. 21st, following a lingering illness. Funeral services were conducted Dec. 23rd under the auspices of the Masonic lodge, assisted by one of the Baptist ministers of the city. Mr. Hughart resided here for many years, serving as city librarian. He removed to St. Louis about four years ago. During his life he was very active in the work of the Masonic order. He leaves a wife and several grown children. The Journal-Times, Thursday, January 10, 1918, issue Mrs. L. B. Mack Mr. and Mrs. W. F. York were called to Spokane Monday eveing by the critical illness of Mrs. York's sister-in-law, Mrs. L. B. Mack. Mrs. Mack died Tuesday morning. Mr. Mack is quite well known here, having been a frequent visitor to Ritzville in the course of his business as implement salesman. Mrs. Mack also visited in the city. The account given in yesterday's Spokesman-Review is as follows: "Mrs. L. B. Mack of the Iriss apartments died yesterday morning at two o'clock at the Deaconess hospital from an abcess of the brain. She was 49 years of age and had been sick since Dec. 27. Mrs. Mack was a resident of Spokane for 14 years, having come here from Walla Walla, where she was married. She is survived by her husband, L. B. Mack, a traveling salesman for the Advance Threshing Machine Company; her father, James Downing of Portland; a sister, Mrs. Joseph Brooks of Portland; a sister, Mrs. G. P. Thompson of Sissons, Cal., a sister, Mrs. W. A. Baker, of Red Bluff, Cal., and a brother, W. H. Downing of Portland. "The funeral will be held from the Smith undertaking rooms tomorrow at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be at the Fairmont mausoleum." Mrs. J. J. Koch Anna Elizabeth Koch, born January 16, 1873, in Brunnenthal, Russia, and came with her parents in the year 1886 to America. Lived a short time in Colbertson, Nebraska, and came to Ritzville in 1887. In 1893 she was married to Mr. John Jacob Koch. To this union five children were born, two of whom are now dead. She has been sick for the past few years and about two months ago she went to Portland, Oregon, for treatment. She did not find any change for the better and returned about ten days ago to her loved ones. Her pastor, Rev. F. Eggerland, visited with her the 3rd of January and she died on the morning of the 4th. Her age was 44 years, 11 months and 19 days. She was buried Sunday afternoon at two o'clock from the German Zion church. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, two sons, one daughter, her father and mother and three sisters and one brother. One son, Moritz, is in the army. She was an active member of the aid society of the Zion church and the society turned out in a body. The Journal-Times, Thursday, January 17, 1918, issue HATTON - A telegram was received Wednesday by T. E. Ocheltree announcing the death of his brother, Roy Ocheltree, in Marysville, Cal., of tuberculosis. Mr. Ocheltree passed away on January 16, 1918. His mother, Mrs. J. H. Ocheltree and brother, H. R. Ocheltree, were with him, besides his family. The Journal-Times, Thursday, January 31, 1918, issue One Dead; Three Hurt Seldom has this city suffered a greater shock than that conveyed in a message from Los Angeles received here Sunday night that Mrs. John N. Ott, nee Hannah Kanzler, had been killed, her husband, John Ott, and parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kanzler, all of this city, seriously injured as a result of a collision between an auto in which they were riding and a street car in Los Angeles, which occurred last Sunday evening. The first advices gave little details as to the nature of the accident or the extent of the injuries of the three who survived, but later word came they were getting along quite well. This morning G. H. Kanzler received a letter from A. L. Nighswonger with whom they were staying in Los Angeles, giving a fuller account. On Sunday morning the party started in their new car, which Mr. Ott was driving, for Long Beach, 23 miles away, where they expected to visit Mr. and Mrs. Henry Thiel, sr., of this city. At the corner of 21st and Main, while still in the city, the car collided with a city street car. After the collision all four were taken directly to the city receiving hospital where they were given prompt attention. Mrs. Ott died on the operating table. All soon regained consciousness except Mr. Ott, who remained unconscious at the time the letter was written, twelve hours after the accident. Mr. Kanzler was the least hurt of any. He had two ribs on the left side broken, and a compound fracture of the left arm. Mrs. Kanzler suffered a broken jaw and had many cuts and bruises. Mr. Ott had a lame back and lacerations. The injured ones were later removed to the German hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Ott were united in marriage last May. John was proprietor of the Ritzville Hotel, but disposed of that last fall on being drafted into the army. He was discharged from the army for physical disability and they then planned to spend the winter in California. They went down about Thanksgiving time. Mrs. Ott's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Kanzler, left a few weeks ago to join them. It was thought that the trip would be beneficial to Mrs. Kanzler, who has not been well for some years. Hannah Kanzler was born April 1, 1891, on the Kanzler farm north of town. She has resided all her life in this county, removing with her parents to Ritzville 12 years ago. She graduated from the high school in 1912. About ten years ago her brother Alex was drowned near Kahlotus. She has one sister, Mrs. George Adler, of Ritzville, and a half-brother, J. J. Kanzler. Find Chinaman Dead In Bed Monday Lee Tun, the Chinese proprietor of the New York Cafe, was found dead in bed Monday afternoon by J. L. Cross and Sheriff McCollom. Tun slept in a rear room of the restaurant building. He had been dead several days, being last seen on Tuesday, Jan. 22nd. Death had come to him while sleeping. There was no evidence of any suffering or struggle, and the end was probably due to an attack of heart trouble. The restaurant had been closed for several days and this fact was commented on about town.It was generally thought that, business being quiet, the Chinaman had gone on a trip. Finally, Mr. Cross, who is agent for the building, got the sheriff to accompany him and investigate. Lee Tun was probably around 60 years of age. His son of the same name ran the restaurant until late in the summer when he went to Chicago, his father taking over the management here. The sheriff has communicated with the Chinese colony at Spokane, and also wired the son. It is expected that some of his countrymen will arrive to take charge of the remains. Harry Luttrell Dies In Texas OTHELLO - Harry Luttrell, who enlisted last fall and was sent to San Antonio, Texas, just before Christmas, died last week. He was taken sick with measles and developed pneumonia. The bereaved family are relatives of the Stemmier family of Myrtle Point, Oregon. Mrs. Eva Norris LEONE VALLEY - This community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Mrs. Eva Norris at Coffeeville, Kansas. Mrs. Norris, was formerly Eva Merril, who, with her parents, made her home in the valley for many years. She leaves a husband, and two small children, a sister, Mrs. Chas. Williams, of California; a brother, W. A. Merril, of Othello; and a brother in the east, to mourn her loss. She was at one time one of the most successful teachers in Adams County, a woman of splendid character and one whom it was a pleasure to know. Bernard Roth Bernard Roth, until recently a well known building contractor of this city, died suddenly at his home in Spokane last Saturday. The funeral was held at the Zion church here Monday afternoon and interment made in the Ritzville cemetery. A large company of his old friends attended the services. Bernard Roth was born in Offenbach, Germany, Nov. 10, 1856. He was the son of George Roth and Augusta Legier Roth. He came to America, landing June 20, 1881. He was united in marriage to Theresa Hiep on April 2, 1885, at Atchison, Kansas. To this union three children were born, Bertha, Tilly and Benjamin. Bertha died March 20, 1904. Mrs. Roth died Jan. 23, 1911. Mr. Roth served for a time in the U. S. Cavalry, being honorable discharged from the army May 16, 1893. He took out his final citizenship papers in 1894. On May 25, 1913, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Mathilda Tim, who died suddenly at the Roth home here July 16, 1916. Last June Mr. Roth removed to Spokane, residing there until his death. On October 16, 1917, he married Mrs. Augusta Klaus, who survives to mourn his death. The surviving children are Mrs. H. L. Steel of Spokane, and Benjamin Roth of CleElum. Mr. Roth was an active contractor and builder here for many years. Among the buildings he put up was the Gilson block. His last work was the residence of Dr. W. F. Armann. Richard Blum Tuesday morning at six o'clock at the hospital occurred the death of Richard Blum. His death was altogether unexpected. The week before he underwent an operation for appendicitis and had been getting on quite well. Monday evening his wife was with him and he seemed on the road to recovery. Death came suddenly just after the nurse had entered the room. The cause assigned was embolism following an operation for appendicitis. The death was a very sad one. Mr. Blum was just entering young manhood and was actively engaged in farming near Ritzville. Another feature is the fact that the day after his death a baby girl was born to Mrs. Blum. Richard Blum was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Blum who reside at the edge of town on the north. He was born in 1895 and at the time of his death was 22 years, 4 months, 29 days old. He was married to Theresa Hoefel on Christmas day 1916. His parents are living, also one brother, John, who is in the army in France, and three sisters, Mrs. Bertha Sickelstick of Canada; Mrs. Teresa Wood of Spokane; and Mary of this city. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Philadelphia Church conducted by Rev. Jacob Morach. Adams County Man Dies In France In the morning dispatches is the report of the death of Private Otto H. Petrick of Washtucna. Petrick was not a member of the drafted forces of the county, and so must have been an enlisted man. Death was due to pneumonia. This is the first loss of any of the soldiers who have gone from the county into the national service during the present war. The Journal-Times, Thursday, February 7, 1918, issue Will Hold Funeral Of Mrs. Ott Sunday The funeral of Mrs. John N. Ott, who was killed January 27th in an auto-street car collision in Los Angeles, will be held next Sunday afternoon at the Zion church, conducted by Rev. F. Eggerland. The party returning with the body will reach here Friday evening. Mr. Ott has recovered sufficiently to return with S. Ott and Henry Rosenoff, sr. Mr and Mrs. Kanzler who also were injured in the collision, are not thought to be returning at this time, though definite word as to this had not been received. Will Send Body To China The body of Lee Tun, who was found dead in bed last week was sent to Spokane. His son returned from Chicago and arranged to have it embalmed and sent back to China. He was 51 years of age. A party of Chinese from Spokane were here yesterday removing personal effects. One was an interpreter. They have decided to sell the restaurant here rather than continue to operate it. A. W. Shaw A. W. Shaw was born near Somerhill, Ill., Dec. 31, 1842. He departed this life at his Adams County, Washington, home, Feb. 4th, 1918; aged 76 years, 1 month and 4 days. His early life was largely spent in Illinois. In 1862, during the strenuous days of the Civil War, he was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Baxter, who throughout a period of 56 years has been his constant companion and survives her husband. Mr. Shaw answered the call of Abraham Lincoln for men to defend the union and served in Co. G, 8th Regiment, Illinois Infantry. After his war service Mr. and Mrs. Shaw lived in Pike County and St. Clair County, Md., and in Kansas. In the year 1888 they came to the golden west, entering a homestead on Rattlesnake Flat, in Adams County, Washington, in which county Mr. Shaw spent the remainder of his life, a period of about thirty years. About one-third of this time was spent in Ritzville and during four years of this period he served as county treasurer. The remainder of his life was spent on the present Shaw farm in the north end of the county. When a young man Mr. Shaw united with the Methodist church and when in Ritzville he joined the Christian church, in which he became an active member and Sunday school worker, for years teaching a Bible class. He recently gave testimony that his hope to heaven was sure and steadfast. The deceased leaves a wife, a son, Edward E. Shaw, who still lives at home, and a sister living in California. Mr. Shaw possessed rugged health and was a hard worker. Near the time of his death his usual vigor failed him. He became blind and physical disorder incident to old age fastened itself to him. The immediate cause of death was apoplexy. The funeral services were conducted from the home by Rev. O. E. Faulkner of the Sprague Methodist church, and burial took place at the Bemis cemetery on Rattlesnake Flat. The Journal-Times, Thursday, February 14, 1918, issue Marie Schaefer Funeral services for Marie Schaefer were held from the Philadelphia church yesterday afternoon, conducted by Rev. Morach. She died Monday morning at 10 o'clock at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Schaefer. On Wednesday of last week she gave birth to a child, which survives her. Her death is the first in a family of eleven children. The Journal-Times, Thursday, March 7, 1918, issue George Bauer The funeral of George Bauer, who died at his home in this city on Sunday, March 3rd, was held Tuesday afternoon from the Philadelphia church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. Morach. The services were largely attended, as the deceased was one of the pioneer settlers of Adams County. Interment was made in the Ritzville cemetery. George Bauer was born in Russia and was at the time of his death past 43 years of age. He came with his parents to this country in 1876, locating in Adams County in 1884. He engaged in farming and stock raising, but moved to Ritzville a good many years ago. He was employed at the Ritville Trading Company for several years. He has been in poor health for the past twenty years. Last June his illness became acute, and after medical examinations he was found to be suffering from sarcoma. The disease grew more severe, until death came to relieve his pain. In 1900 he was united in marriage to Anna Elizabeth Stromberger. To this union were born two children who with their mother survive. Deceased left also his father, Henry Bauer, sr., and three brothers and two sisters to mourn his death. The Journal-Times, Thursday, March 14, 1918, issue Hold Stephenson Funeral CUNNINGHAM - The funeral of Roy Stephenson, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. John Stephenson, was one of the largest funerals ever held in southern Adams county. The sermon, which was delivered by Rev. Geissier of Hatton, was very touching. The Masonic lodge took charge of the services. Mr. Stephenson's popularity was attested by the large number of beautiful floral offerings. Among those in attendance from out of town were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Mansker of Walla Walla, uncle and aunt of the deceased. Miss Anna Savage, financee of Roy Stephenson, was taken to her home in Spokane by her mother, Saturday, on No. 4. The girl is almost broken-hearted and under the doctor's care. The Journal-Times, Thursday, March 28, 1918, issue HATTON - The people of this community were shocked Friday to learn of the accidental death of the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Bishop. Mr. Bishop was vitrolizing wheat in a barrel sunk in the ground and his little son was playing near him. He had just put a sack of wheat in the barrel and turned to pile up the rest, when he heard a scream from an older child and turning he found the older child trying to pull the baby out of the barrel. The little fellow was unconscious and every effort was made to revive him, but of no avail. He had swallowed considerable vitrol causing his mouth and face to be badly eaten. The child was 18 months old. The funeral services were held last Sunday at the Delight school house, and interment made at the Sutton cemetery.