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, July 11, 1918, issue Lawrence Vernon Pierce Mr. and Mrs. F. V. Pierce mourn the death of their infant son, Lawrence Vernon, which occurred Wednesday morning, July 10th, at 9 o'clock. The baby was one of a pair of twins which were born on May 3, 1917. He was thus 1 year, 4 months and 6 days old. The child had measles and last Tuesday evening pneumonia developed. He was very ill all night, and in the morning fell asleep. This is the first break in the Pierce family and their many friends are extending their most heartfelt sympathy. The baby was a bright child. The other children who survive are his twin sister, Laura Mary, an older brother Bert, and an older sister, Marjorie, who is now ill at the Pierce home with a slight attack of scarlet fever. Owing to this sickness no funeral services will be held, except brief burial services at the grave. The body will be taken from Haight's starting promptly at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, and interment will be made at the Ritzville cemetery. Rev. Perdue will have charge of the service there. The Journal-Times, Thursday, July 25, 1918, issue Two Boys Drowned In Crab Creek Sunday A double drowning occurred Sunday afternoon at Crab Creek near the Lincoln County line. The victims were Clarence Hamilton of Daisy, Wash., and Ernest Hoppe, son of Mrs. Adam Weber residing north of Packard. Both young men were just entering manhood and were boys of ability and promise. Clarence was 20 years, 1 month and 21 days old and Ernest was 19 years, 5 months and 19 days old. Sunday afternoon Ernest and Clarence, who had come down only five days before to work at the Weber ranch through harvest, went bathing up at Crab Creek, about 3 miles from the Weber home. There were several smaller boys also in the party. The boys went into deep water and the small boys warned Clarence that there was a deep hole near. He supposed the approach would be shelving, instead it was a abrupt jump-off, and before he knew it he had stepped off into deep water. He was only able to swim a little, but evidently became frightened and commenced struggling and calling for help. Ernest who could swim only a little, went to his aid. Both went down and their bodies did not come to the surface again. The presumption is that Ernest was dragged down. The smaller boys summoned help at once. John Kramer came and dived down, coming up with the body of Ernest. He was unable to locate the second body for a little time, but finally rescued it. Life was extinct. The funeral services for Ernest Hoppe were held yesterday afternoon at 5 p.m. at the home, and at 6 p.m. at the church. The officiating and assisting ministers were Revs. Auemann of the county line church, Morach of Ritzville and Meyer of Dryden. Interment was made yesterday in the cemetery at Quincy. Ernest Hoppe was born in Denver, Colorado, Feb. 2, 1899. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Hoppe. His father died Aug. 2, 1905, at Soap Lake. Ernest is survived by his mother, his step father, Adam Weber, two sisters, Esther and Elsie, two half brothers, two half sisters; six step sisters and five step brothers. Clarence Hamilton was the son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Hamilton of Daisy. Besides his parents he leaves a sister. An odd and sad coincidence is that Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton lost their oldest son by drowning ten years to the day last Sunday. Funeral services for Clarence were held yesterday in Stevens County, burial being made at the Rice cemetery. Adams County Woman Ends Life In Spokane River Mrs. Alice Williams, who resided at the A. E. Black place in the extreme northeastern part of the county, committed suicide in Spokane Monday morning by jumping into the Spokane River. Mrs. Alice Williams, age 24, of Lamont, leaped from the rail of the Division street bridge into the waters of the Spokane River at 8:35 o'clock and was drowned. Mrs Williams went to Spokane yesterday with her cousin, Mrs. A. E. Black, with whom she have lived for the last five years at Lamont. She has been ill for months and was going to Spokane for treatment. The party was registered at the Pedicord Hotel. This morning Mrs. Black left her room to go out to breakfast. When Mrs. Black returned about 9 o'clock Mrs. Williams was gone. Mrs. Williams is survived by her mother, Mrs. Lizzie Davis of Northport, and five brothers, Thomas Davis of Colville; Roy, Charles, John and Percy, all of Northport. She also leaves a sister, Eleanor at Lamont. Mrs. Williams was born at Hope, Idaho. The Journal-Times, Thursday, August 1, 1918, issue Attend Labes Funeral Charles Labes, a pioneer merchant of Lind, succumbed to Bright's disease last week. His funeral, which was held on Friday, was largely attended. Among those in attendance from here were Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Sandbrink, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Manke, Johann Wellsandt, August Wellsandt, William Bierman, Henry Deking and Carl Reiff; Ottom Hammel, Louis Wellsandt, Henry Buscher and Mrs. Schulter. Called East By Father's Death Rev. O. T. Just was called east by the death of his father and left for Minnesota last Sunday morning. His father, whose name was William Just, has been ill for some time. He was in his 76th year. During the winter Rev. and Mrs. Just visited him at his home in Rapidan. He leaves his wife and six sons and three daughters. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon. He lived a considerable portion of his life at Mankato, Minn. Mrs. O. B. Whitmore Mrs. O. B. Whitmore, wife of the former pastor of the First Congregational church of this city, died at the home in Medical Lake Wednesday night, July 24th, following a long illness. A year and a half ago while residing here Mrs. Whitmore sustained a fracture of the hip bone. The fracture never healed and she remained virtually helpless and much of the time bedfast from that time on. Three months ago she suffered a paralytic stroke from which she never recovered. While conscious and able to recognize members of her family, she was unable to speak a word. Mrs. Whitmore was 64 years of age. She grew to womanhood in the state of Michigan, and there married Rev. Whitmore. Three children survive: Mrs. Kershaw of Yakima, Mrs. Chapman of Victoria, and Miss Addie at home. A son died in infancy. Mrs. W. A. Sparks Mrs. W. A. Sparks, who underwent a Caesarian operation at the local hospital last week, failed to recover from the operation and passed away Monday afternoon. Her husband, a rancher near Lind, and her infant a week old were thus suddenly bereft of a wife and mother. Mrs. Sparks was a woman of education and refinement. She was a former teacher and came of a fine family. The body was taken Tuesday to Garfield, the family home, where the funeral services and burial took place today. Stella Moffett was Mrs. Sparks' maiden name. She was born in the state of Iowa, Jan. 21, 1888, being the daughter of Thomas and Matilda Moffett. She moved with her parents to Washington state, settling in Garfield in the 90s. She graduated from the Cheney State Normal School and also attended the State College at Pullman. She taught in the public schools of Whitman and Adams counties for several years. Two years ago she was united in marriage to Mr. Sparks and they made their home near Lind. Besides the husband and child, she leaves her father, her mother having preceded her in death about three years ago, three brothers and three sisters. The brothers are Solano, a teacher at Johnson, Wash., Cecil and Thomas, who left last week for Camp Lewis; and the sisters are Lulu, Myrtle and Ivy of Garfield. The Journal-Times, Thursday, August 15, 1918, issue Falls To Death In Deep Well John Jess, a well-known farmer living on the Herman Dehnel ranch six miles southeast of Ralston, was hurled to his death down a hundred foot well yesterday morning. The accident occurred about seven o'clock and it was not until nearly noon that the body was recovered. It is now at Haight's undertaking parlors. With the hired men, Mr. Jess was engaged in repairing the pump when the accident happened. As nearly as can be learned the details are as follows: The pump and the pipe had been pulled from the well the day before. Early yesterday morning the men started to replace the pump. They had all the pipe down except the last length. Mr. Jess was standing on the platform, which was of planks, rather old. While they were working with the pipe the chain around it slipped, the jerk broke the rope on the block and tackle by which the weight was supported. The pipe was caught by the jack which is used in handling well pipes, but the sudden jar or the increased weight caused the platform to collapse, hurling Mr. Jess, the pipe, the jack, rope and all down the deep well. There was no double that the unfortunate victim was dead before reaching the bottom. There was four feet of water in the well. John Jess was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, March 10, 1877. In 1900 he came to America settling in Montana where he worked four years. In 1904 he made a three months' trip to Germany, returning to Billings. On Sept. 11, 1905, he was married to Miss Katherine Harder. They lived on a farm in Montana for four years. In 1909 they removed to Washington and Mr. Jess took up a homestead near Cow Lake, living there two years. He rented the Carl Scheel place in 1914 and in 1917 rented the Herman Dehnel place on Rattlesnake Flat. Besides his wife, who is prostrated at the sudden loss of a faithful husband, he leaves Hans Koehler an adopted son, 24 years old, and two daughters, Alma, age 9 and Helenda, age 4. The funeral will be held at the Lutheran church next Sunday. Mr. Jess was an upright citizen who worked hard and was highly respected by his friends and neighbors. Two-Year Old Boy Drowns In Tank Cluthing his little cup in his hand, and wearing his red sweater and cap, the body of little Orris Heimbigner was found in the watering tank last Sunday morning at 11:30. The spark of light had flown, and the child's play had turned into grim tragedy. Orris was the sixth child of Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Heimbigner, who reside on the J. I Farrier place nine miles west of the city. He was born July, 1916. Just how the accident occurred is not known. The little fellow, who was but two years old, had been playing around where the men were doing some work on the combine in the barn yard. Then he wanted to go to his mamma and started toward the house. He may have been reaching into the tank to fill his cup with water and becoming overbalanced fell in. The tank which was only about half-full, contained about two feet of water. In a short time the hired man came to wash his hands, noticed the sweater and started to pull it out, only to find the dead body of the little boy. He carried the form to the house, where the mother undressed him and endeavored to restore life to no avail. The funeral was held Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock at the Zion church, conducted by Rev. Eggerland. Burial was made in the Ritzville cemetery. Besides his father and mother, Orris had two sisters and three brothers. The Journal-Times, Thursday, August 29, 1918, issue J. H. Downey J. H. Downey died suddenly Monday afternoon at his farm home south of the city ten miles. He was stricken with an attack of paralysis from which he did not recover. Mr. Downey has resided in the county for a great many years and farmed on a large scale. His place was well improved and was known as the "Locust Grove Farm." He leaves a wife and eight children. Further particulars concerning his life will appear in next week's issue. The Journal-Times, Thursday, September 5, 1918, issue First From County To Be Killed In War First to be kiled in action among the men who have either enlisted from the county or been enrolled through selective service was Rudolph Stumpf, whose death was announced in the casualty lists lst Thursday evening. While Stumpf was a registrant in this county and lived part of the time in Odessa, his home was Seattle, and that is where his parents now reside. The Odessa Record of last Friday has the following to say concerning Mr. Stumpf "Rudolph Stumpf, whose name was in the casualty list of yesterday's associated press, was killed in action on the western French front on July 21st. Mrs. Con Fink, his cousin with whom he made his home part of the time while in this section, has received word from his parents, who now reside in Seattle, stating that they had received official notice of his death. Rudolph was well known here, having lived in this vicinity off and on for the last five years. Over a year ago he left Ritzville with the Adams County boys for Camp Lewis, and was one of the first of our boys to cross the sea and also one of the first to lay down his life for his country on the field of battle." Mrs. Mary Mills Mrs. Mary Mills passed away at 3:15 a.m. today at the home of her son, Alex Mills, in this city. Death was due to ills incident to old age. Mrs. Mills was 86 years of age. She came here a year ago to make her home with her son and family. Brief funeral services will be held at Haight's undertaking parlors tomorrow afternoon at three. The body will be taken east to St. Charles, Minn., her old home, for interment. J. H. Downey John Harvey Downey was born in Macon, Missouri, Feb. 7, 1862. He left Missouri with his parents in 1865, coming to Oregon. In 1884 he came to Washington Territory and maintained his residence in this territory and state until his death. In 1887 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Marie Olson. Mr. Downey was actively engaged in farming up to the day of his death, Tuesday, August 27th, 1918, he was stricken with paralysis and died shortly thereafter, being 56 years, 6 months old. Mr. Downey was well known as one of the substantial farmers of Adams County. He operated a large farm and gave the work his personal attention. The success which he attained came as a result of his industry and thrift. His farm was well known as the "Locust Grove Farm." Funeral services were held Sunday at the Presbyterian church, Ralston, conducted by the pastor. Rev. J. S. Pennix. Burial was made in the Ritzville cemetery. In his immediate family Mr. Downey leaves to mourn his sudden departure of this life, his wife and eight children. The children are H. A. Downey, F. R. Downey and Elmer Downey, and Agnes, Mabel, Robin, Alice and Violet, all of Ralston. He also leaves six brothers and six sisters. They are Mrs. B. Van Cleave and Mrs. H. Palmateer, of Silverton, Ore.; A. Downey and Mrs. Airie Johnson of Alberta, Canada; Mrs. Mary Stowell and Carl Downey of Stayten, Ore.; Chas. Downey, Hervin, Mont.; Miss Anna Downey, Red Cross nurse in France; Z. Downey, Beaverton, Ore.; Ralph Downey, A. E. F., France: Miss Elizabeth Downey, Salem, Ore.; and Clarence Downey, Silverton, Ore. One sister and one brother preceded him in death. Mr. Downey was faithful as a husband and loving as a father. He was kind and cheerful in disposition, and his passing will be keenly felt in the neighborhood in which he lived so long. The Journal-Times, Thursday, September 12, 1918, issue Mrs. Mary Mills The funeral services for Mrs. Mary Mills, who passed away Thursday, September 5th, were held at Haight's parlors Friday afternoon. The services were private in character, only a small company being in attendance. Rev. O. T. Just was in charge of the services. On Saturday morning Mr. Alex Mills started east with his mother's body, which was interred beside that of her husband at St. Charles, Minn. The following is a sketch of the long and worthy life of Mrs. Mills: Mary Stevenson was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, July 11, 1832. She came to America with her parents in 1851 and settled in Maryland. Two years later she was married to Thos. Mills in Cumberland, Maryland. The young couple moved west as pioneers to the state of Minnesota where they made their home until the death of the husband in 1905. She came to Ritzville a year ago where her quaint Scottish ways and loving deeds brightened the home she entered. Besides three brothers and three sisters she leaves one daughter and three sons to mourn her loss. She was the proud and loving mother of eight children, four of whom preceded her in death. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Otto Schmidt of Willow Lakes, South Dakota, and three sons, R. B. Mills, of Los Angeles. Cal.; T. W. Mills of Lake Preston, S. Dak.; and Alex Mills of this city. Her life was full of good deeds and she died in faith and quiet trust. Besides her relatives she leaves a wide circle of friends, whom she made wherever she lived, who will mourn her passing. The Journal-Times, Thursday, September 19, 1918, issue Charles Dugger Killed In Canada John Dugger received a telegram on Monday night that his son Charles had been instantly killed in an accident while working on a well drilling outfit at Stettler, Alberta, Canada. Mr. Dugger left Tuesday morning for Stettler, which is 150 miles north of Calgary. The particulars of the accident are not known here yet. Charles Dugger was born June 3, 1889, on the Dugger farm 12 miles west of town. He grew up in this county. For the past four or five years he has been up in Canada. He leaves besides his parents, two sisters and four brothers. They are Mrs. Carrie Phillips, Oakland, Calif.; Miss Della Dugger, Ritzville, and Raymond, Jacob, Clarence and Alfred, Ritzville. He was unmarried. The remains will be brought back to this city for burial. Funeral services are planned for next Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Haight's parlors. The M. W. A., of which the deceased was a member, will be in charge. John J. Oestreich accompanied Mr. John Dugger to Canada. Milton Howard Krause Milton Howard Krause died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Krause, Saturday, Sept. 14, 1918. He was less than two months old, having been born July 22nd. Stomach and bowel trouble caused his death. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Zion church, conducted by Rev. F. Eggerland. The remains were laid to rest in the Ritzville cemetery. Mrs. J. H. Downey Dies At Portland Just three weeks and one day from the death of her husband, Mrs. J. H. Downey passed away in Portland yesterday morning. Thus eight children, the youngest of whom is only four years old, are left orphans to face the world without parental guidance. Seldom has such a sad fate befallen a family in this community. Mrs. Downey suffered so severely from shock at the sudden death of her husband from paralysis on Aug. 27th, that her mind was affected. She was taken to Portland last week and placed in a sanitarium, where it was hoped the change and treatment would be beneficial to her. Instead she became worse. Two of the sons left on No. 1 yesterday morning in response to a message that she was quite low. Soon after the train pulled out the telegram came announcing her demise. The body will be returned to this county where funeral services will be held and the remains laid to rest beside those of her husband.