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 5, 1922, issue Prominent Rancher Killed Near Dryden Jacob Hardung, a prominent rancher living between Ritzville and Odessa, near the county line, was killed Monday in an automobile accident at Dryden. The body was brought to Odessa for interment. He is survived by five children, David Hardung, Jacob Hardung, jr., Mrs. fred Heimbigner, Mrs. Al Motycka, and Mrs. David Greenwalt. Mr. Hardung owned about 2000 acres of wheat land besides fruit orchards near Dryden and Cashmere. While Mr. Hardung was closer to Odessa than to Ritzville, still he was well known in this vicinity. Ella May Donnell Ella May Donnell, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. V. T. Donnell of this city, died Sunday morning just after midnight at the Deaconess hospital in Spokane. The cause of her death was inflammatory rheumatism which affected her heart. She had been taking treatment since last summer, but nothing seemed to stop the progress of the disease. The family spent last summer in Spokane and while there May spent a great deal of time in swimming. It is thought her trouble started from this source, a dropsy setting in which grew into inflammatory rheumatism. May was born in this county and attended the public schools at Ralston and at Ritzville. She is survived by her parents, and by a sister, Thelma, and a brother, Herbert. She was 14 years of age. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon in Spokane being conducted by Rev. R. D. Snyder of St. Maries, formerly pastor of the M. E. church here. The burial was in Spokane. George Schaefer George Schaefer succumbed at 9:30 Tuesday morning while sitting quietly in a chair at his home. Heart failure was the cause of his death. He has always been well and active and death came without a moment's warning. He had done his morning's work, eaten his breakfast and had sat down for a little while. His wife discovered him helpless and hurried across the street to Dr. Johnston's but the doctor found that death had come. George Schaefer was born September 23, 1853, in Frank, Russia, and was thus aged 68 years, three months and ten days at the time of his death. In 1877 he migrated to America, settling first at Lincoln, Nebraska, and then at Culbertson, Nebraska. In 1882 he came to Walla Walla where his first wife died. In 1883 with his daughters he removed to Bickleton where he resided for about seven years. Here he married again and to this union one son was born. In 1891 the family came to Adams county which has since been their home. They first lived on a farm southwest of Ritzville, later moving to town. Mr. Schaefer was one of the pillars of the German M. E. church here. He was a trustee and steward and a teacher in the Sunday school. He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Katie Munn of Spokane, and Mrs. Anna Oestreich of Ritzville, and by one son, Sam Schaefer; by two step-daughters and three step-sons, two of whom are John Oestreich and Chris J. Oestreich of Ritzville, and by one brother, Conrad Schaefer, and by a half-brother and a half-sister in Canada. The funeral was held at the German M. E. church this afternoon and was largely attended. It was conducted by Rev. Mann, the local pastor, and Rev. L. Gaiser of Rosalia. Mr. Schaefer was a fine type of citizen, generous, honorable in his dealings, kindly and thoughtful in his home. The Journal-Times Thursday, January 12, 1922, issue Sam Hutchinson Dies At Yakima Samuel Hutchinson, formerly clerk of Adams county, died at Yakima on January 4th. He had been ill for several weeks with pneumonia. Mr. Hutchinson was a pioneer of the west, settling first in the Crab Creek country. He was a noted stockman and rode the range in the early day. For two years he was marshal of this city, and for four years was on the Spokane police force. He was seven feet in height and weighed 200 pounds so was famous for his strength and stature. He removed to Yakima county a good many years ago, first to a ranch near Sunnyside. Then he served as sheriff of Yakima county. Farmer Shot Near Paha George Schutz, a farmer living near Paha, was fatally wounded yesterday afternoon by the accidental discharge of a shotgun during a rabbit drive held in the Paha country. He died about six o'clock through profuse bleeding. The drive was over and the men were standing around, according to the report received here, Schutz happened to swing his gun around it struck the gun of a boy named Kelly, who was standing a little to the rear of Schutz. Kelly's gun was discharged and the load struck Schutz in the calf of the leg. Fired at such close range the shot tore the flesh badly. He was given attention as promptly as possible and it was intended to take him to Spokane on No. 2, but he died before the train arrived. He leaves a wife and five children. The Journal-Times Thursday, January 19, 1922, issue Hold Holmquist Funeral Saturday The funeral of Mr. August Holmquist was held Saturday afternoon at the M. E. church. Rev. R. D. Snyder of Saint Maries, Idaho, preached the sermon in which he touched on the services of the pioneer such as Mr. Holmquist. The Odd Fellows service was read at the conclusion of the sermon. The pallbearers were Lee Long, Chas. Foster, Andrew Towers, J. I Farrier, Melven Oestreich, Wm. Koeplin. Music was funished by a quartet consisting of E. E. Oman, C. A. Sprague, Mmes. Chargois and Cross. Hold Schutz Funeral The funeral of Gustav Schutz who died from a wound received following a rabbit drive near Paha last week, was held from the German church northwest of Ralston last Sunday. Rev. Keppler having charge of the services. Mrs. Henry Clodius Mrs. Henry Clodius died suddenly at midnight at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Oestreich. Her death is extremely sad, attended as it was by the death of her newborn babe. The funeral arrangements have not yet been completed. Mrs. Clodius, whose maiden name was Lydia Oestreich, grew to womanhood in this county. A full obituary will appear in next week's Journal-Times. Bury Babe Here Robert Sidney Stuart, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stuart of Hatton, was buried in the cemetery here Tuesday. He was four months, 9 days old and died of pneumonia. Attend Funeral At Walla Walla Mr. and Mrs. Adam Heimbigner and children returned from Walla Walla friday where they attended the funeral of Mrs. Heimbigner's brohter, David Schiffner, on Thursday. The account of Mr. Schiffner's death, as it appeared in the Pasco Herald last week, was as follows: "As the trainmen were going thru the cars preparatory to making up the Walla Walla train for its return trip to that city Tuesday morning, the body of a man was discovered in the lavatory of the smoking car. From papers found on the body he was identified as Dave Schiffner, 22 years old, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Con Schiffner who reside in Walla Walla. The young man it was learned, had been in poor health for some time. Coroner O'Brien being in Portland, Mayor Warden, acting as coroner summonned a jury, composed of M. M. Eaton, H. W. Hull, A. B. Hill, E. J. Stark, J. W. Clemans and Earl James and Dr. E. C. Hanley conducted a postmortem which revealed, according to the testimony at the inquest the heart was twice the size of normal and acute dialation of that organ was doubtless the cause of his sudden death. The jury after due deliberation brought in a verdict in accordance with the report of the physician. The body was taken to Walla Walla and funeral services held at the German Lutheran church in that city Thursday." The Journal-Times Thursday, January 26, 1922, issue Philip Kramer Last Saturday night Philip Kramer died at his home on Fourth Avenue, following an illness of several months. He retired from farming a little over two years ago, moving into town to spend his declining years. Illness cut off the span which his years of toil had earned. Mr. Kramer was born in Russia on Sept. 25, 1854. He was married to Susanne Brehm. In 1891 they emigrated to America. Their first home in the New World was at Dorchester, Wisconsin. In 1901 they moved to Adams County, locating on a farm ten miles west of Ritzville. To the union twelve children were born, nine of whom, with the widow survive. The children are Conrad, of Dorchester, Wis., John of Ritzville, Mrs. Mary Scheuerman of Abbotsford, Wis., Peter J. of Ritzville, Mrs. Margaret McCall, Butte, Mont., Mrs. Mollie Rinker, Tacoma, Mrs. Susan Hahn, Fred and Emilie of Ritzville. The funeral services were held this afternoon at the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. O. T. Just and interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Mrs. Henry Clodius The funeral services for Mrs. Henry Clodius which were held last Saturday afternoon at the Philadelphia church at two o'clock, were attended by a very large audience. Rev. Jacob Morach preached the funeral sermon, which was impressive. The many floral tributes testified to the esteem in which Mrs. Clodius was held. Her death last Wednesday night was a very sad one, following as it did the death of her new-born babe. Two other children had died at birth and the shock of learning of the death of this one proved too much for her. It was the last hour of the day. Lydia Oestreich was born Dec. 2, 1891, at Klickitat, Washington. She was united in marriage to Henry Clodius Jan. 30, 1915. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Oestreich and is survived by her parents and two brothers, Joe and Ben. She was 30 years, 1 month and 16 days old at the time of her death. Interment was made in the Ritzville cemetery. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 2, 1922, issue Mrs. Augusta Geschke In the death of Mrs. Augusta Geschke on Wednesday, January 25th, Adams county lost one of its oldest residents. Mrs. Geschke was at the time of her death aged 92 years, 3 months and 10 days. She had been a resident of the county for 17 years. Her death occurred at the home of Herman Schultz near Benge. Up to the time of her death she was active and spry as though she was much younger in years. Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at the Lutheran church, being conducted by the Rev. O. T. Just. Burial was in the Lutheran cemetery. Mrs. Augusta Geschke was born October 15, 1829, in Schubin, East Prussia, and was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sonnenberg. She was married to Johann Geschke in the old country. Following her husband's death she came to this country where her son Julius, who is now dead, resided, 17 years ago. After her son's death she lived for a time with his widow, Mrs. Matilda Geschke and later at the Herman Schultz home. She is survived in this country by several grandchildren, among them Paul Geschke, Fred Geschke, Mrs. O. J. Kalkwarf and Otto Busch. Noted Surgeon Dies Mrs. Mary Schroyer has received word of the death of her cousin, Dr. Walter Lindley, a noted surgeon of Los Angeles. He was a native of Indiana, but after graduating from medical school located in Los Angeles in 1875. He did some literary work as well as practicing his profession. He was a brother of Hervey Lindley of Seattle. Relative Passes Away Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Behringer were called to Spokane by word of the death of their brother- in-law, William Barklow of that city. Mrs. Barklow is a sister of Mr. Behringer. Mrs. Behringer went up Tuesday evening and Mr. Behringer on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Barklow had been in poor health for some months. He is survived by a widow and a daughter. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 9, 1922, issue Saw Spokane Grow From Wilderness To Modern City Supt. R. P. Eichelberger and family were called to Spokane Friday by word of the serious illnes of Mrs. Eichelberger's father, A. C. Rubeck, of that city. He passed away Sunday morning. Monday's Spokesman-Review gave quite an extensive account of his life, as he was one of the early settlers of the Spokane country. The following is the article: "After seeing Spokane grow from a wilderness and Indian trails to a city of 'skyscrapers,' streetcars and modern homes, Albert C. Rubeck, age 69, died yesteday at his home. He resided in Spokane and vicinity 45 years. He was stricken with paralysis July 3, last year, but not until two weeks ago did he take to his bed. "Mr. Rubeck was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in early manhood enlisted in the army and came west with a cavalry troop in 1877, and in that year assisted in the building of Fort Sherman at Coeur d'Alene. During this time he became acquainted with the late James Glover, 'father of Spokane who was operating a trading post at the present site of Spokane and they became warm friends. He fought through three Indian wars in the early frontier days, aiding in the quelling of Chief Joseph and fighting in the Nez Perce and Lewiston wars. "In 1879 he left the army and took up a timber claim near Mica peak at the present site of Freeman. He worked as a timber cruiser and in his spare time cleared this land and planted his land to fruit trees and sold half of it. Two years ago he sold his remaining holdings and moved to Spokane. "Mr. Rubeck is survived by his widow, Emme, two daughters, Mrs. Lula Eichelberger of Ritzville, and Miss Laura, and three sons, George, Henry and Burton, all of Spokane. Funeral services will be held at ten o'clock Tuesday from Hazen-Jaeger's. Burial will be made at Freeman, near the old homestead." Henry Bier Passes Away Henry A. Bier passed away at his residence in Spokane at 2:30 p.m. today, according to word received at the hour of going to press. Details of the funeral have not yet been arranged. Mr. Bier was formerly a resident of this city, being connected with the Ritzville Trading Company. He was a man of very high character and leaves behind him many warm friends. He is survived by a widow and two daughters, LaVerne and Irma. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 16, 1922, issue Jacob Becker Jacob Becker, a prominent farmer who made his home on his ranch nine miles west of Ritzville, died in the Sacred Heart hospital, Spokane, early Friday morning. He had gone up there for treatment a few weeks before, having been ill since last September with dropsy or kidney trouble. None of his family was with him when the end came so the news of his death was a great shock to them. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the Zion church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. F. Egerland. The remains were laid to rest in the Ritzville cemetery. Jacob Becker was born Jan. 22, 1873, in Brunnethal, North Russia. In 1886 he came with his parents to America. They spent one year in Kansas and then came to Adams county. In May, 1892, Mr. Becker married Barbara Deer, who survives him. Eight children and six grandchildren are also left to mourn his departure from this life. The children are Mrs. Maria Helzer of Portland, Mrs. Dora Maier, Ida, Lydia, Ruby, Sam, Reuben and Norman of Ritzville. His aged father, Henry Becker, is still living and there are four brothers and one sister as follows: John and Alexander of Toppenish; George of Ellensburg, and Henry, jr., of Lauer, and Mrs. Melcher, who resides about 18 miles west of Ritzville. Mrs. Herman Sickmann Mrs. Herman Sickman died at her home in this city at four a.m. last Friday morning from cancer of the stomach. The funeral was held at the Lutheran church Monday, conducted by Rev. O. T. Just. Burial was in the Lutheran cemetery. Mrs. Sickmann was born in Germany, July 28, 1851. She was twice married, her second husband being Herman Sickmann, who survives. They came to this country in the fall of 1887 and have since made it their home. Mrs. Sickmann is survived by one son, Henry Bierman, of Lind, by her first marriage, and by two sons and one daughter by her second marriage - August, William, and Mrs. Minnie Deking, of Ritzville. Mrs. Sickmann's maiden name was Louise Bierman. She was a sister of William Bierman and of Mrs. Fred Sandbrink. John Kranich John Kranich was born March 17, 1851, in Bessarabia, South Russia. His first wife died in Russia leaving him with one son and two daughters. They came to the United States in 1899, leaving one daughter behind in the old country. Mr. Kranich came to Washington in 1900 where he has lived the remainder of his life. He was married in America a second time, to the mother of Mr. Daniel Kleinknecht. Some years ago he was attacked by an incurable malady - cancer. The last few months he lived with his son-in-law, Daniel Mann, where he was cared for until he died, Feb. 9, 1922, aged 70 years, 10 months and 23 days. The funeral was held at the Philadelphia church conducted by Rev. Jacob Morach and burial was made in the Ritzville cemetery. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 23, 1922, issue Mrs. A. J. Pittner Mrs. A. J. Pittner, formerly a resident of this city, died in a hospital in Seattle Monday morning. The remains were shipped to her home in Yakima, where funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon. The Pittners resided here about ten years ago Mr. Pittner being engaged in the real estate business here. They have since made their home in Yakima. Mrs. Mary Barnett Mrs. Mary Barnett, age 75, of Spokane, was buried at the Ritzville cemetery last Friday. She and her husband lived at Ritzville 20 years ago. The service at the grave were conducted by her son-in-law, the Rev. J. C. Adams. She is survived by seven children, Mrs. Etta Allen in Montana; James Barnett, Rathdrum, Idaho; Mrs. Emma West, Prosser; Mrs. Vergie Hanson, Clarence Barnett and Mrs. Lella Adams, Spokane; and Mrs. Alta Bailey, Zion City, Ill., all of whom were present except Mrs. Bailey and Mrs. West. Frank Flannigan Frank Flannigan, a former resident of this county, living on a ranch near Marcellus, died last week in Spokane from Bright's disease and was buried Friday in Spokane according to word received here. He had been ill for some time. Jacob G. Schoessler Jacob G. Schoessler died last night at seven o'clock at the home of his father, George Schoessler, sr., in this city. Death was caused from pneumonia, which set in after an attack of influenza some two weeks ago. Mr. Schoessler was just in the prime of life and was engaged in farming twelve miles northwest of Ritzville. Date of the funeral has not yet been set. Rev. Morach will conduct the services in town, and the body will be taken to the county line church as soon as the roads are passable, and the funeral there conducted by Rev. Mr. Maier. Mr. Schoessler was a member of the county line church and burial will be in the cemetery near by. Mr. Schoessler was born in Ohio and was 39 years of age. He was united in marriage to Miss Pauline Schmidt, daughter of Mr. amd Mrs. Chas. Schmidt, in May, 1915. He is survived by his wife and five children, and by his father and mother. His death is a very sad one. The Journal-Times Thursday, March 2, 1922, issue Bury Mr. Schoessler Here Owing to the continued bad condition of the roads the funeral arrangements for Jacob G. Schoessler, who died here last week of pneumonia, were changed. It had been intended to hold the services and make interment out at the county line church and cemetery, but the roads have been impassable for autos. The services were accordingly held at the Philadelphia church last Monday, being conducted by Rev. Mr. Meyer and Rev. Jacob Morach, and the body laid to rest in the Ritzville cemetery. The Journal-Times Thursday, March 23, 1922, issue H. A. Tritt Passes Away At Elk, Wash. "An old man in his armor has passed away." These words, spoken by Rev. H. A. Tritt to his daughter just before he fell asleep in the Lord were a most fitting summing up of an active, versatile, interesting and useful life. Rev. Tritt died at 8:30 a.m. Sunday morning, March 12, 1922, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Jesse Gray, at Elk, Washington. Mr. Tritt had been in failing health for the past several months. On the occasion of his last visit to Ritzville, last fall, he complained that his heart was weak, and frequently had to stop and rest in his walks about town. On March 9th he suffered a stroke of apolexy and this was the immediate cause of his death. Born at Hagerstown, Maryland, October 10, 1850, Mr. Tritt grew to young manhood and completed his education at Bethany College in West Virginia. He fitted himself for the ministry in the Church of Christ and devoted himself largely to this calling throughout his life. He served for many years in Indiana whre he engaged in home missionary work quite successfully. In 1900 he came to Washington. He was pastor of the local Christian church for some time. He became interested in lands and at one time owned quite extensive acreage in the Wheeler country. Mr. Tritt is survived by his widow who is herself in poor health, and by two daughters, Mrs. Jesse Gray of Elk, and Mrs. Henry Bauer, jr., of Ritzville; also by five sisters and one brother. The writer is glad to pay tribute to the high character and attainments of Mr. Tritt. He was accomplished in many lines, had a wide fund of information to draw upon from astronomy to Bibilical literature. He was a writer and a frequent contributor to church and other papers, and published some books if we are not mistaken. Just last fall he completed manuscript of a book which he planned to publish, but which failing health prevented. Mrs. Mattie Watkins Mrs. Mattie Watkins, a former resident of Ritzville, passed away at her home in Spokane last Friday morning. The Watkins family resided here about twenty-five years ago. Mr. Watkins being engaged with a Mr. Bellamy in the general merchandise business under the firm name of Bellamy and Watkins. Mr. Watkins build the residence just west of Dr. Burroughs' house. From here the family moved to Athol, Idaho, where Mr. Watkins engaged in business, later removing to Spokane although retaining interests at Athol. Mrs. Watkins is survived by her husband, S. H. Watkins, and by three sons, Emil of Spokane, E. F. of Juneau, Alaska, and G. E. on his way to Alaska with a United States engineering survey party.