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 4, 1923, issue J. J. Joyce Dies At San Diego J. J. Joyce, long a resident of Ritzville, died yesterday morning at 7:30 a.m. at San Diego, California. A message announcing his death was received from Mrs. Joyce by W. H. Martin. The message stated that the funeral would be held at San Diego, but a later message stated that the body would be brought to Spokane for burial. It is expected to reach there next Monday. Death thus removes one who was long active in the business life of this city. Mr. Joyce was a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and was familiarly known as "Scotty." He came to Ritzville from St. Paul about the year 1896. He was a plummer by trade and had followed his trade in St. Paul. Shortly after coming here he embarked in the plumbing business. He continued his business success- fully until 1920 when he sold out to Albert Dehnel. He was a skillful workman himself, and did practically all the plumbing business in the city while he was in the business. After he gave up business on account of ill health he and Mrs. Joyce spent considerable time on the west coast and in California hoping the change would prove beneficial. Last summer after spending nearly a year here they went to the coast, then to Portland and then to San Diego. We are unable to give a full obituary. Mr. Joyce was about 56 years of age. (A later note said he was born June 22, 1865) He is survived by his wife. They had no children. William Harris William Harris, who barbered here for J. C. Stoops for several months, and then went up to Burke, Idaho, died in a hospital at Wallace of pneumonia Tuesday night. His widow and three children reside here. The Journal-Times Thursday, January 11, 1923, issue John Keehner John Keehner died yesterday morning, January 10th, at 1:35 a.m. at his home in this city. About two years ago Mr. Keehner suffered a stroke of paralysis and has been helpless since that time. As a final resort in the effort to effect a cure an operation was performed last Friday by Dr. Suttner of Spokane, assisted by Dr. Bloch, to relieve the cerebal pressure, but death defeated the effort. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. O. T. Just. Mr. Keehner was born in Nordheim, Werttemberg, Germany, March. 15, 1860. He came to America in (line is missing) ington since 1897. Mr. Keehner owned a fine farm in the Carico Hills, retiring from the farm several years ago to move to town. He is survived by one brother and two sisters, who live in Germany. He was married to Miss Minnie Kyriss at Belleview, Ohio, March 29, 1903, who with four children survives. The Journal-Times Thursday, January 18, 1923, issue Hold Keehner Funeral Friday Funeral services for the late John Keehner were held last Friday afternoon at the Lutheran church and were attended by a goodly number of his old-time friends. The services were conducted by Rev. O. T. Just. We were able to add some facts regarding Mr. Keehner's life not mentioned in last week's paper. He grew up at Nordheim, Werttemberg, Germany, where he was born March 15, 1860. He was educated in the schools there and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. At the age of 22 he left the old country and sought his fortune in the New World. He located first at Belleview, Ohio. Ten years later he came to this country, locating on a ranch northeast of Ritzville. He improved the ranch, added to its size and made it one of the good, productive ranches of the county. He devoted himself to farming until he retired in 1916, removing to Ritzville. He was first visited with a light paralytic stroke a number of years ago and rallied from that after a time, but in a few month received a more severe stroke which left him helpless and bedfast for two years. He was taken to Spokane for treatment, which proved unavailing, and later an operation was resorted to, but he succumbed. His wife, who was Miss Wilhelmina Kyriss, also a native of Nordheim, who he married in 1903, survives, with four children, Ella, Oscar, Helen and Wilma. There are two nephews, a Mr. Keehner of nearby Sprague, Ernest von Olenhausen of Ritzville, and a niece, Mrs. Rice, of Irby, all of whom were present at the funeral. Mr. Keehner was a quiet, unassuming man, who bore the burdens of life uncomplainingly. He was peaceably disposed to all. During his illness he was cared for by his wife. Mr. Keehner had always been a hard working man and when he was suddenly stricken and left helpless, it caused him great pain and grief, yet he bore up with fortitude. He was laid to rest in the Lutheran cemetery. Mrs. Cowley Dead HATTON - Mrs. Mary Jane Cowley, for many years a resident of Hatton, passed away at her home in Spokane on Friday, January 12th, 1923, at the age of sixth-eight years. Funeral services were held on Monday from Smith and Company's undertaking parlors in Spokane. She leave to mourn the loss of mother, four grown children: John T. Cowley of Hatton; Mrs. J. E. Edwards, Spokane; Mrs. Bert Bell, Othello; and Mrs. I. E. Partner of Spokane. The Journal-Times Thursday, January 25, 1923, issue Mrs. McWilliams Dies At Fresno Word was received here Saturday morning of the death of Mrs. J. A. McWilliams at Fresno, California. It was largely on account of Mrs. McWilliams' health that the family removed from here to California last fall. Mr. McWilliams was the former district superintendent of the Washington Water Power here and former president of the Ritzville Commercial Club. Mrs. McWilliams was a young woman who passing seems strangely ill-timed. During much of her residence here her health was very poor. She leaves her husband and three young children and her mother to mourn her death. The funeral was held Monday at Fresno. Frederick Thaut Frederick Thaut, who has been in poor health for several years, passed away last Friday at his home here. His wife died three years ago and with Mr. Thaut's death the four children are left orphans. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Lutheran church conducted by Rev. O. T. Just. Burial was in the Lutheran cemetery. Deceased was born in Kolb, Russia, March 9, 1880. He was married in 1904 to Anna Elizabeth Thaut. They came to America living in different places, principally in this state. Several children passed away but four survive. They are Gloria, age 10, Solomon, age 8, Mila, age 6, and Rudolph, age 4. The first named has been adopted by her uncle, Peter Thaut, and the three other children by their uncle, Jacob Thaut, so they will not be left homeless. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 1, 1923, issue August Biel Had Resided In County About 35 Years August Biel died at the Cunningham apartments Sunday morning at 7:30. His health has been poor for several years and in recent weeks he steadily failed in strength. He had no relatives in this country. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. O. T. Just and burial made in the Lutheran cemetery. Mr. Biel had been a resident of this county for about 35 years. The particulars concerning his life so far as known are as follows: He was born near Weimar, Germany, May 5th, 1838, and died in Ritzville, Wash., January 29, 1923. At the time of his death he was 84 years, 8 months and 23 days old. At the age of 8 he came with his parents to America. His father was a Lutheran clergyman. August grew to manhood in New York City, residing there until he was 36 years old. He was for eight years a bank cashier in New York. He came west, settling first in the State of Wisconsin, and after a short residence there came to Adams County, Washington. He had a stock ranch on Crab Creek for a good many years and devoted himself to raising sheep. Then he turned to wheat raising and bought a farm eight miles northwest of Ritzville. Several years ago he retired and came to Ritzville where he spent the remaining years of his life. Mr. Biel was a man whose talents far exceeded his attainments. He was remarkably well educated and to the last continued to be a great student, reading newspapers, magazines and books. In his younger days he was a violinist and had a good knowledge of music. He was never married. It is related that he was disappointed in a love affair in New York state and ever after was a woman-hater. Certain it is that he lived the life of a recluse. He seemed to avoid society devoting all his spare time to his reading. His library was one of his prized possessions. The well worn leaves of his bible testify to his constant perusal of it. He was of the Lutheran faith although he was rather liberal in his theological views. His later years were made more solitary because his eyesight became poor and his hearing likewise. Also a throat affection interfered with his speech. He was appreciative of what was done for him, and when one became acquainted with him one found him kindly disposed, possessed of a vein of humor. He disposed of his land when he retired. He left a will devising his estate to two nieces and two nephews in Germany. The value of the estate is said to be about $8000. Rudolph Greenwalt Rudolph Greenwalt, 18 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. George Greenwalt, residing between here and Odessa, died at 1 a.m. yesterday morning at the family home following one day's illness from sleeping sickness. Monday evening he ate supper although he complained of not feeling very well. Early Tuesday morning he roused his father and was quite sick. Dr. Burroughs was called and when he arrived found the youth in a stupor. He was able to get no normal response from him indicating that his brain or nervous system was affected. He diagnosed the case as sleeping sickness. This is the first case of this malady reported in this county. There have been quite a number of cases and high mortality rate from them in the vicinity of Spokane in recent months. Funeral services for Rudolph will be held tomorrow at the county line church near the late home. He is survived by his parents and brothers and sisters. Two sisters, Odelia, now Mrs. Gustav Hiller of Corvallis, and Ruby, who teaches near home, graduated from the local high school. Then there are four younger brothers and sisters. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 8, 1923, issue N. J. Waggner N. J. Waggner, a veteran employee of the Northern Pacific Railway at this point, died last Thursday night at Spokane at the Sacred Heart hospital. He had been in poor health for a good many months and was taken to Spokane last fall. Mr. Waggner was 63 years of age. He came to Ritzville first in the '80s. He also worked for the N.P. at Spokane as watchman. Here he served as watchman at the Division Street crossing and later worked on the section crew. He lived with the late John Sponcler, who was the watchman at the Adams Street crossing. An item in the Spokane paper stated that he left a sister in Waseca, Minn. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 15, 1923, issue Ellen Burroughs Dies Suddenly At Spokane Miss Ellen Burroughs, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. F. R. Burroughs of Ritzville, died suddenly last Sunday morning at St. Luke's hospital in Spokane. The news of her death was telephoned to this city and caused a profound shock to all her many friends and acquaintances. Just three weeks preceding she had undergone an operation for appendicitis and her recovery had been steady and satisfactory. It was planned to bring her home Sunday evening and her friends were planning to welcome her back with improved health, so that the news of her death was a sad blow. As nearly as can be determined the cause of her death was emoblism. The nature of this is that a clot of blood, formed probably at the time of the operation, instead of being absorbed, entered the veins and when it reached the heart or lungs caused a stoppage of the normal functions of these organs. Mrs. Burroughs, who had been with her constantly in the hospital first noticed she was worse Saturday morning, but it was thought to be indigestion. Her condition was not considered alarming until after midnight Saturday night. Dr. Burroughs was summoned and went to Spokane on No. 12 but reached the hospital too late. Death came about six o'clock in the morning. Watching at her beside were her mother, her intimate friend, Mrs. Day of Spokane, and her physician, Dr. John T. Cunningham. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Smith & Co. chapel in Spokane. The room was filled with the company of friends who gathered to pay the last tribute of respect. Most of them were from Ritzville or were those who had formerly lived here but now reside in Spokane. The funeral was a beautiful and impressive one. Rev. J. Charles Evans, formerly of Odessa, now pastor of the Plymouth Congregational church in Spokane, conducted the service. The interment was made at Riverside Park cemetery. Ellen Louise Burroughs was born Nov. 15, 1884, at Columbus, Pa. The family removed to Ritzville in 1888 where Dr. Burroughs engaged in the practice of medicine through the pioneer days of this country and continues his practice to the present time. Miss Burroughs attended the public school and graduated from the Ritzville high school. She worked as a deputy in the county treasurer's office, and has been a bookkeeper at the First National Bank for several years, rendering in all these tasks efficient and courteous service. During the war she served as treasurer of the Adams county Red Cross. Besides the parents she leaves an aunt, Mrs. Alice Copp, and a cousin, Earl Copp of Lind. Richard Miller Succumbs After Gallant Struggle After a gallant fight against pain and suffering lasting for several months, Richard Miller, the sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Miller, passed away at the hospital at Yakima, Wash- ington, about seven o'clock Monday evening. About the time school closed last spring Richard complained of trouble in his side. The serious nature of his ailment was quickly recognized and he was taken to Hot Lake, Oregon, on the first of July. He was brought back several weeks later, and as he grew worse was taken to Spokane where specialists were consulted. Again he was brought back to Ritzville and then several weeks ago was removed to Yakima for further treatment. While specialists did not agree in diagnosing his case, the accepted opinion was that his trouble was tuberculosis of the spine. He was given every care possible by his parents and in the way of skilled medical attention and nursing, and they devoted their whole energies for months toward bringing him through his illness. Despite all of the effort of skill and of love and of science Richard was called home, the providence of God overruling the human effort. Throughout his long fight, Richard never gave up. His will power was strong and right to the last he fought to regain his health. He realized the seriousness of his case but never lost heart or hope. For months he suffered the most intense pain. Cut off just in his youth Richard nevertheless had lived his sixteen years abundantly and well. William Richard Miller was born August 24, 1906, at Starkville, Mississippi, his father being engaged in teaching school there at the time of his birth. He was their oldest son. The family lived a year in Birmingham, and a short time in Indiana, and came to Ritzville in the spring of 1909 which continued to be the family home. He attended the public schools here and last year was president of the sophomore class of the high school. He was a member of the debating team. He stood high in his classes. He was interested in music, playing the violin, and was a member of the high school orchestra. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church and lived a geniune Christian life. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Miller, by a brother, Walters, and a sister Mrya, and by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. R. S. Walters of Whittier, Cal., the later having come some months ago to assist in caring for him. Other relatives are an uncle, R. T. Walters, a lawyer in Los Angeles, and four aunts, Mrs. F. M. Davis, Fort Branch, Ind., Mrs. Mary Satterly, Searey, Ark., Mrs. Edward Mitchell, Meridian, Miss., and Mrs. Stephen Phenix of Marshfield, Mo. Funeral services were held this afternoon from the Methodist church here, conducted by Rev. M. J. Perdue of Spokane, and Rev. H. S. Randall, pastor of the church. The remains will be taken to Spokane tomorrow for interment in the mausoleum at Fairmount cemetery. Mrs. John Gobel Mrs. John Gobel died at the Deaconess Hospital, Spokane, last Saturday morning at 2:20 following an operation for obstruction of the bowel. She was taken to Spokane Friday afternoon. The funeral was held Tuesday at Marcellus, conducted by Rev. Randall. Burial took place at the Griffith cemetery. Mrs. Gobel's maiden name was Marth Becker. She was born August 3, 1894, at Eureka, South Dakota. She was married to John Gobel and to this union were born four children, who with their father survive. They are Obadiah Jacob, John William, Kathleen Pauline, and Frederick Franklin. Mr. Gobel is a rancher out on Crab Creek. Mrs. Gobel's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Becker, reside at Fishtrap. She also leaves eleven brothers and sisters to mourn her departure from this life. They are Emily Mills, Fred, Henry, Harry, Robert, Willie, Pauline, Katie, Johnnie and Albert, of Fishtrap, and Adolph of Touchet. The death of this young mother is very sad, leaving as it does a husband bereft and four children motherless. Mrs. Esther R. French Mrs. Esther R. French, the aunt of Mrs. T. J. Pearson, died yesterday morning at 3 a.m. at the Pearson home near Tokio. The remains were brought to Ritzville by the undertaker M. F. Haight, yesterday afteroon. Funeral services were held his afternoon at 1 o'clock at Haight's parlors, conducted by Rev. H. S. Randall. The remains will be shipped to Colfax, Iowa, for interment. Esther Reeves was born in Miego Co., Ohio, April 23, 1845, and died at Ritzville, Wash., Feb. 14, 1923, aged 77 years, 9 months and 21 days. Old age was the cause of her death. She was married to George Washington French in 1870. Two children were born to this union but both died in infancy. In the year 1876 the family moved to Colfax, Iowa, where they resided until the death of Mr. French four years ago. She then came to Washington to make her home with her nieces, Mrs. D. K. Pearson of Spokane, and Mrs. T. J. Pearson of Ritzville. She leaves to mourn her loss one brother living in Ohio, one adopted daughter, two grand children and one great great grandchild and a score of nieces and nephews. The Journal-Times Thursday, February 22, 1923, issue Elizabeth Henneberg Grandma Henneberg, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Hofman, was born in Dambach, Theringer Province, Germany, May 31st, 1837, and passed from this life at Ritzville, Wash., Feb. 19th, 1923, at the ripe age of 85 years, 9 months and 18 days. In 1858 she was united in marriage to Jacob Henneberg. Four sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henneberg, two of whom died in Germany, and one of whom still lives there. The other lives in Spokane. In 1878, Mr. and Mrs. Henneberg came to America and went to a brother in Wisconsin, where they lived for many years. Mr. Henneberg passed from this life in 1893. In 1904, eleven years after her husband's death, Mrs. Henneberg came to Ritzville, where she has since resided. At the age of 14 years, Mrs. Henneberg was confirmed in the Lutheran church. In 1906, under the pastorate of Rev. Koontz, she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which she was still a member when she went to join the "church triumphant." She was also a member of the S.S., the Missionary Society, and the Ladies Aid. And what is more important she was a devoted faithful follower of her Lord and Master through the years to the end of her journey. In trial and suffering her faith did not falter. Grand Henneberg, another of God's saints, has gone to her reward. The Journal-Times Thursday, March 15, 1923, issue Mrs. Mary Smith Mrs. Mary Annie Berg Smith was born in Brookfield, Minn., in 1866, and lived there till the family moved to Ritzville, Wash., in 1888. The family lived on a homestead south of town. In 1892 she married James K. Smith, who also had a farm just out of Ritzville. A few years after their marriage, Mr. Smith and Hans Thomsen purchased the N. H. Greene general merchandise store located in the building now occupied by the Pastime Cigar store. He served as a member of the board of county commissioners who built the courthouse in 1892. His health failing Mr. Smith sold his interest in the store and moved to Hillyard. He invested in real estate and continued to reside in Hillyard till his death a few years ago. Mrs. Smith has been living in the family home at 331 Everett Ave. with her sons, Grover and Grant, who were born in Ritzville, and Frank, born in Spokane. Mrs. Smith was ill for a week with pneumonia but was not considered dangerously ill until two days before her death, March 2nd. Her sons were with her when she died. Mrs. Smith was a very religious woman; was a member of the English Lutheran church of Hillyard, being one of the five members who organized this church. She was a very faithful and conscientious mother and kind neighbor. She leaves to mourn her loss, three sons, Grover W., an engineer on the Great Northern, Whitefish, Montana; John Grant, a fireman on the Milwaukee, and Frank, a brakeman on the Great Northern, residing at Hillyard; her mother, two brothers and a sister who reside in Hillyard, and a brother living in Tacoma. Interment was in Riverside cemetery beside her husband. The Journal-Times Thursday, March 22, 1923, issue B. A. Leddy Friday morning's Spokesman-Review contained a dispatch from Great Falls, Montana, telling of the death in a hospital there of B. A. Leddy, who had been ill four days from heart failure. Mr. Leddy was formerly publisher of the Washington State Journal and Ritzville Times, leasing the property from the Ritzville Publishing Company. He went from here to Montana where he has engaged in the newspaper business the past ten years.