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, October 5, 1922, issue Mrs. George Schaefer Mrs. George Schaefer, widow of the late George Schaefer, died suddenly at her home here on Monday morning. Her son, J. J. Oestreich, heard her in her room about seven o'clock, and later he went down town. On his return about ten he went into her room and found her lying in her bed, composed as if in sleep, but her soul had taken flight to its eternal home. Death came painlessly, probably while she was sleeping, and must have occurred some time between seven and eight o'clock. Sunday Mrs. Schaefer was about as usual and attended divine services at her church twice during the day. At night she retired apparently in her usual health. In late months her health has not been of the best and during the summer she had a illness of two weeks. She has since suffered from occasional dizzy spells. The funeral was held yesterday afternoon at the German Methodist church and was conducted by her pastor, Rev. H. B. Mann, in the presence of a large congregation. Burial took place in the Ritzville cemetery. Mrs. Kate Elizabeth Schaefer was born Jan. 27, 1846, at Messer, Russia, and died Oct. 2, 1922, being aged 76 years, 10 months and 5 days. In 1864 she was married to Casper Oestreich and in 1876 they came to America, settling first in Kansas, then moving to Franklin County, Nebraska. They lived at several places in Nebraska and then came to Walla Walla, Washington Territory. In 1885 they removed to Bickleton where her husband died on December 10th, leaving her a widow with six children. She was married to Mr. George Schaefer on December 10, 1889. In 1891 they came to Adams county and lived on a farm near here until about 12 years ago when they came to Ritzville to reside. Mr. Schaefer died suddenly while sitting in his chair on January 3rd, last. Mrs. Schaefer was a devoted member of the German M. E. church and regular in her attendance. She is survived by four sons and two daughters: Pete, John, Chris J. Oestreich and Sam Schaefer of Ritzville, and Mrs. George Dewald of Coeur d'Alene and Mrs. John Dewald of Ritzville; and by two stepdaughters, Mrs. John Oestreich of Ritzville and Mrs. Katie Mumm of Spokane; also by 21 grand children and six great grandchildren. The Journal-Times Thursday, October 12, 1922, issue Albert Ahern Albert Ahern, the nine months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Ahern died Monday afternoon from an attack of lobar pneumonia. He was not well and Monday about noon Mrs. Ahern, who was watching him, feared pneumonia was setting in, and without waiting to call Mr. Ahern who was at work in the field, she drove to town holding her little son in her lap. The baby passed away about two o'clock. Funeral services were held at Haight's parlors Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H. S. Randall and burial took place at the Ritzville cemetery. Besides the parents the child is survived by three brothers and one sister. Mrs. Frank Sellars This community was shocked on receiving word last week of the death of a former resident, Mrs. Frank C. Sellars, at Long Beach, Cal. Death occurred Tuesday afternoon, October 3rd, following an operation for obstruction of the bowel. Her case had baffled leading doctors for several days and the operation was performed too late. She was given every possible care by her husband who remained with her constantly during her illness. The remains were brought to Ritzville by the bereaved husband and funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Zion church, conducted by Rev. F. Egerland. The interment took place in the Ritzville cemetery. Margaret K. Schafer was born in Russia July 18, 1881, and died Oct. 3rd at Long Beach, Cal., aged 41 years, 2 months, 15 days. At about the age of ten years she came with her parents to the United States. They lived for a time at Walla Walla and then came to Ritzville which became the family home. On October 23, 1905, Miss Schafer was united in marriage to Frank C. Sellars, a contractor and builder, at Ritzville. To this union were born one son and three daughters: Rachel May, Esther Elmina, Margaret Louise, and William Isaac, who is only nine months old. Besides the immediate family there are three brothers, Jacob, Henry and George Schafer, to mourn her untimely end. Mrs. Sellars was a member of the Presbyterian church and passed from this life in the Christian faith. Mr. Sellars left Monday night to return to Long Beach to care for the now motherless children. The Journal-Times Thursday, October 19, 1922, issue George A. McBrayer George A. McBrayer, formerly of Ritzville, died Thursday evening, October 12, 1922, in the Yakima hospital, where he was taken on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 11. Funeral services were held at the undertaking parlors of Shaw & Son on Saturday afternoon, October 14, at 3:00 o'clock. The wife, Lillian McBrayer, and the mother, Hellice E. Worley, left that evening with the remains for Olympia, where the body was laid to rest in the Masonic cemetery on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 15. The surviving near relatives are Fred William McBrayer, only brother, at Lynden, Kansas, his mother, Hellice E. worley, sisters, Hellice M. Worley, Marian M. Worley, of Ritzville, and Lillian McBrayer, wife, and baby son, Frederick William. John Peter Kramer John Peter Kramer died Tuesday at the home of his son, Peter B. Kramer, north of Marcellus. Funeral services were held today at the German Lutheran church at Marcellus, conducted by Rev. Mr. Brockman. Mr. Kramer was born at Priwalnaga, Russia, October 18, 1849, the son of John Peter Kramer and Barbara Lutz. He was confirmed in the Lutheran faith March 23, 1865. On Feb. 2, 1872, he was united in marriage to Maria Katrina Kaiser, who died a little over a year ago. To this union were born ten children, five of whom preceded the parents in death, three in Russia and two in America. The surviving children are Peter B., Mike and John Kramer, Mrs. Katrina Kiehn and Mrs. Katie Kinzel, who reside in this vicinity. In 1893 the family migrated to America. They lived four years in Nebraska and in 1878 came to Washington which continued to be the family home. W. D. Smith W. D. Smith, formerly editor of the Washington State Journal, and former postmaster of Ritzville, passed away at his home in Spokane last Friday. Apoplexy caused his death, although his health had been poor for several years past. Mr. Smith was a veteran in newspaper work in the northwest. He was born in Illinois, and in the year 1872 moved to Minnesota. There he founded the Lamberton Morning Leader and the Winebago City Enterprise. About twenty years ago he moved to Moscow, Idaho, where he served as editor of the Moscow Mirror. He moved to Ritzville nearly 15 years ago and served as editor of the Washington State Journal. Later he became postmaster and served in this capacity until 1914 when he was succeeded by A. Faucher. Mr. Smith then moved to Spokane but a little later located at Kalispell, Montana, where he was city editor of the Kalispell Bee. On leaving this position he retired and moved to Spokane. During his residence here Mr. Smith was an active figure in political and church circles. He was at the time of his death a member of St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal church, the Modern Woodmen, and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is survived by his widow and one granddaughter, Ruth Woodruff at the home; one son, Dr. H. R. Smith of Elgin, Oregon, a sister, Mrs. Clara Mack of New Hartford, Iowa, and one brother, Roscoe Smith, of Minneapolis. The funeral was held Monday morning at the undertaking chapel in Spokane, the Rev. Mr. Wemett officiating. The Journal-Times Thursday, November 2, 1922, issue Lawrence Heimbigner The sudden death of Lawrence Heimbigner while on the operating table at Odessa for the removal of his tonsils, came as a great shock to relatives and friends in this community where the family formerly resided. His parents are Mr. and Mrs. John R. Heimbigner. Up to two years ago they lived on the Farrier ranch, 8-1/2 miles west of Ritzville. It was about four years ago that one of their smaller children fell into the water tank on the farm and was drowned. Now the second tragedy has entered their family and removed one of their number. The family now resides at Garfield but had been visiting relatives at Odessa. The funeral was held Monday afternoon here from the Zion church, Rev. F. Egerland officiating. The burial took place in the family lot here. The account of Lawrence's death which appeared in the Odessa Record for Oct. 27th is as follows: "Lawrence Heimbigner, the 15-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Heimbigner of Garfield, died on the operating table in Doctor Thompson's office yesterday of paralysis of the respiratory organs, while anaesthetic was being administered for an operation to remove his tonsils. He had not gone completely under the influence of the chloroform when he stopped breathing. Every known method was used to resuscitate him but he could not be brought back. He had a thorough examination of his heart and other organs the day before, which showed that he was perfectly fit for the operation. Nervous fear is the only cause attributed as to what brought about the condition that caused his death. Prior to his going on the table three other members of his family underwent similar operations and while he was noticeable nervous, it is said that he was not more so than many others who daily go through the same ordeal." The Journal-Times Thursday, November 16, 1922, issue Henry Albert George Henry Albert George, the father of Mrs. C. E. Cortright, passed away at McCall Sunday after- noon at 2:30 o'clock. A paralytic stroke seized him Saturday evening at nine o'clock and the end soon came. Mr. George had been in failing health for several years, having suffered a severe stroke of paralysis nearly three years ago. Since that time he has been in poor health although able to get about. The week preceeding his death he felt quite well. Mr. George was one of the pioneers of Washington. Born October 11, 1860, at Fort Worth, Texas, Mr. George was one of eight children. Three died in infancy, but he and four sisters grew to maturity, the sisters surviving the brother. In 1862 the family migrated from Texas by team to Washington Territory. They located first at Waitsburg on the Touchet River. Mr. George's father owned land which is now part of the city of Waitsburg. With his father he engaged in stock raising, running cattle and horses on the range. He was always musically inclined and played in the early day bands at Waitsburg, Dayton and Spokane. In 1886 he entered the ministry in the Methodist Episcopal church. He attended Spokane College just before the big fire there in 1889. He retired from the ministry about five years ago. In 1888 he was united in marriage to Miss Dora Smith of Walla Walla who survives him, being the teacher of the McCall school. To this union were born four children who mourn the loss of a loving parent. They are Mrs. C. E. Cortright, Ritzville; S. S. Geroge, Eugene, Oregon; F. M. George, Seattle; and Mrs. William Anderson, Portland. The funeral services were held on Tuesday afternoon in Spokane from the Hazen-Jaeger undertaking parlors, and the remains were laid to rest in a cemetery at Spokane. The Journal-Times Thursday, November 23, 1922, issue Teacher Found Dead In Bed Miss Muriel Enman, a teacher in the Willis school ten miles west of Ritzville, was found dead by her sister, Miss Sarah B. Enman, Tuesday morning. The two have been teaching at the Willis school and occupied the teachers' cottage near the building. Miss Muriel was subject to heart trouble and one of these attacks ended her life. Her sister talked with her in the early morning before five o'clock, but later when she called her for breakfast she received no response. On investigating she found her sister dead. The body was brought to the undertaker's here and her parents at Deer Park notified. They came down and took the body to Deer Park where the funeral services and burial will take place. Miss Muriel Enman was 26 years of age and a native of Washington. She had taught school several years and this was her second year at the Willis district. She was well liked by the pupils and patrons of the school, and her sudden death has caused genuine sorrow in that community. Miss Enman is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Enman, of Deer Park, and by six sisters: Sarah B., Esther, Vera and Alvina, Deer Park; Marjorie and Mrs. John McHugo, Spokane. Several years ago a brother Theodore was electrocuted in the electric sub-station at Molson. Another brother, Guy, was killed in the Argonne fighting in France, and the American Legion Post at Deer Park is named in his honor. Mrs. W. W. King Mrs. Victoria King, wife of W. W. King of Spokane, passed away at the family home on Monday night at 11:30. She had been in poor health for some months. The Kings were formerly prominent residents of Ritzville. Mr. King engaged in farming near here, served as county treasurer and was at one time engaged in the mechandise business here. For the past eight or nine years they have resided in Spokane. During her residence here Mrs. King was an active worker in the Congregational chuch, transferring her membership to Spokane on removing there. She continued a member of the Ritzville Royal Neighbors. Mrs. King was aged 50 years at the time of her death. She was an aunt of Mrs. Guy Sturman and a cousin of Walter Staser of this city. Mr. King is a brother of Mrs. D. A. Scott, formerly of Ritzville, now Olympia. Funeral services have been deferred until Saturday afternoon, Nov. 25th, at 2 p.m., pending the arrival of a sister, Ella Willey, from Columbus, Ohio, and a brother C. Willey of Chicago. They will take place at the Westminster Congregational church. Interment in Riverside cemetery will follow. Mrs. King is survived by her husband and two daughters, Cerita and (second name unreadable, looks like Ia-s). The Journal-Times Thursday, November 30, 1922, issue Mrs. Eliza E. Davenny Near the hour of seven o'clock last Friday evening, Mrs. Eliza E. Davenny passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Orr H. Greene, in this city. For weeks her life had been despaired of, but those ministering to her exerted themselves to the utmost in hopes her body might rally from the disease. Her daughter, Mrs. Greene, and daughter-in-law, Mrs. H. G. Davenny, devoted their whole time to her care. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Methodist Episcopal church. Rev. H. S. Randall preached a brief sermon well expressive of the firm faith of the departed. The remains were taken to Spokane Sunday night where on Monday morning brief services were held at the Smith & Co. parlors, conducted by Rev. Joel Harper, pastor of the Westminster church, followed by interment in Greenwood cemetery beside the grave of Mr. Davenny who died five years ago. Eliza Elinor Greene was born in Youngsville, Pennsylvania, on July 28th, 1850, and passed from this life on Nov. 24, 1922, at Ritzville, Washington, at the age of 72 years, 3 months and 26 days. She grew to womanhood in Pennsylvania and on Dec. 4, 1871, at the place of her birth, was united in marriage to William Harvey Davenny. Three sons and one daughter were the fruit of this union, all of whom survive. They are Darius Alton of Edmonds, Frederick F. of Spokane, Laura E., Mrs. O. H. Greene, and Harry G., of Ritzville. All the children were present for the funeral. She is survived by two brothers, C. O. Greene of Spokane and William Greene, Bear Lake, Penn. Another brother was N. H. Greene, one of the founders of Ritzville. Mrs. Davenny spent most of her life in Northwestern Pennsylvania. In the fall of 1899 the family came to Ritzville, which became the family home. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Davenny had made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Greene. Mrs. Davenny united with the Presbyterian church early in life, and later joined the Methodist church. On coming here she became a member of the First Congregational church and was one of its most faithful members. The Journal-Times Thursday, December 28, 1922, issue Former Resident Dies In Ashland, Oregon C. W. Hammond died at his home in Ashland, Oregon, early Friday morning, December 22nd, after a week's illness following a stroke of paralysis. Mr. Hammond was a former resident of Ritzville. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife and daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Spaulding, who were at his bedside. Funeral services were held in Ashland, Tuesday at 2:00 o'clock, and the body laid to rest in the Ashland cemetery. John Sponcler Passes Away At Spokane Only a few weeks after he retired from his position of nearly 15 years as flagman at the Adams Street crossing, John Sponcler passed away in death. He was taken to Spokane last Friday and died at the hospital Tuesday, December 26th. The body will be taken to Tipton, Mo., for burial. Mr. Sponcler was born at Emmetburg, Maryland, October 29th, 1844, and was thus in his 79th year. We think we have never known one to keep on at steady physical toil to so great an age as Mr. Sponcler. Even after leaving the railroad he worked a short time at janitor work at the postoffice building. He could not be idle and when his hands were left empty of tasks the cord of life seemed to snap. A veteran of the Civil War, wounded and taken prisoner, Mr. Sponcler surely possessed a virorous frame to withstand encroaches of age and disease so long. He leaves a son, George Sponcler in Spokane, and four other children residing in the east. His wife has been dead 39 years. Martha A. Bemis Mrs. Martha A. Bemis, one of the pioneer settlers of Adams County, passed away at the home of her son, O. Bemis, on Rattlesnake Flat last Tuesday, December 19th. The immediate cause of her death was hardening of the arteries. She had been poorly for some months and the past two months had been bedfast. The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church at Ralston last Thursday conducted by her pastor, Rev. D. R. Russell of Washtucna, and interment was made in the Bemis cemetery of the flat. Martha A. Watkins was born in Pike County, Illinois, Sept. 27, 1842. She grew up in that county and in 1862 was married to Albert F. Bemis. In 1889 the family removed to Adams County as this county was being developed by settlers into a rich wheat growing country. They located on Rattlesnake Flat, which continued to be the family home. Mr. Bemis passed away 17 years ago. Mrs. Bemis is survived by four children, three sons and one daughter, and three daughters and a son preceded her in death. The children who are living and mourn the loss of a worthy mother are O. Bemis, Ralston; R. S. Bemis, Ritzville; C. H. Bemis, Spokane, and Mrs. M. A. Chapman of Spokane. Mrs. Bemis was a member of the Congregational church in Illinois. When the United Presbyterian church was organized on the flat she became one of its first members. The church was later moved to Wasthucna and she continued her fellowship with it.