Adams County, Ritzvile, 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 3, 1924 issue Jane Fowler Funeral services for Jane Fowler, daughter of Paul Fowler of Soap Lake, were held here Saturday afternoon at two o'clock at Haight's Undertaking parlors. Rev. H. S. Randall had charge of the services and spoke briefly but touchingly of the beautiful young life suddenly cut off like a broken bud. Mrs. V. A. Chargois sang several numbers, one of them, "Onward Christian Soldiers," being Jane's favorite. Then she was laid to rest in the Ritzville cemetery beside her mother, who had been called home just two weeks after Jane was born. A number were here from away, relatives and old friends of the Fowlers. Among them were Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Bennett of Spokane, Earl Thompson and wife, Colfax, Guy Arthur, Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Lovell, Spokane, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Mills and Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Mills, Sprague, H. E. Gritman, Spokane. Jane Ann Fowler was born in Ritzville March 4th, 1915, and passed from this life June 26, 1924, at the age of 9 years, 3 months and 22 days. After her mother's death she lived for a time with her grandmother, Mrs. Ella Woehr. She was frail from infancy, and was watched over tenderely by her grandmother and later by her stepmother, who gave her every possible care. Despite her physical weakness Jane was bright and cheerful in disposition, was a great reader, and derived much joy from life. As she had been better during the past year she was looking forward to the future hopefully. She leaves her father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Fowler, a brother, Freddie of Soap Lake, her grandmother, Mrs. Ella Woehr, Everett, her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Fowler, Spokane, and several uncles and aunts. A Real Pioneer Tuesday John A. Stoughton died at Spangle, Washington, at the age of 94. Mr. Stoughton was born in 1830 and in 1843 started west from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in the wagon train guided by Marcus Whitman. This was the first great overland immigration to the Oregon country, and the coming of this body of settlers clinched the claims of American explorers and discoverers to this great Pacific Northwest. Mr. Stoughton was one of the volunteers who left western Oregon for Wailatpu when word came of the Whitman massacre. Thus for nearly a century Mr. Stoughton was identified with the development of the great Northwest. He saw the pack train give way to the pony express, the pony express to the railroad, then the coming of the automobile and the aeroplane. He saw the great wilderness of sage brush plain, forest-clad hills and mountain settled by the white man and the arts of savage and forest life yield to the methods of civilization. In the face of discouraging conditons which confront those of this day it is well to pause and reflect how conditons have improved and progress achieved during the period which is covered by the span of Mr. Stoughton's life. The Journal-Times Thursday, July 17, 1924 issue Mrs. Edith Bennington Mrs. Edith C. Bennington, a former resident of Ritzville, died at the home of her step-daughter, Mrs. R. L. Ireland, at Neppel on Sunday. The remains were brought to Ritzville and the funeral was held Tuesday morning at the Haight Undertaking parlors. Interment took place in the Ritzville cemetery beside the remains of her husband. Rev. H. S. Randall had charge of the funeral services. Edith C. Bennington, whose maiden name was Vandament, was born in Marshall county, Illinois, April 9th, 1842, and passed away from this life July 13th, at the good age of 82 years, three months and four days. Miss Vandament was united in marriage to Washington M. Bennington in 1865. One son, Joseph M. Bennington, now of Neppel, Wash., was born to this union. In 1891 the Benningtons moved to the Puget Sound country, and from there in 1898 to Adams county, where they lived for several years. On the death of her husband, in 1908, Mrs. Bennington lived for several years in Walla Walla. During the last year she has lived with her step-daughter, Mrs. Ireland, of Neppel. Beside her son, Mrs. Bennington leaves three step-children, Mrs. Ireland of Neppel, Mrs. Emma Vandament, of Grandview, Wash., and W. J. Bennington of Walla Walla, Wash. Mrs. Bennington was a sincere, devoted Christian woman and a member of the church from her youth. She was in sympathy with and interested in all christian work, and at the time of her death and for some years previous was a member of the Central Christian church of Walla Walla. The Journal-Times Thursday, July 24, 1924 issue Rev. Whitmore Dies In Texas Mrs. J. G. Bennett, who was down from Spokane last week, told us that she read in The Congregational Way recently, of the death of the Rev. O. B. Whitmore, at Dallas, Texas. Mr. Whitmore was pastor of the First Congregational church here from 1914 to 1917. He served in many pulpits in Michigan and along the Pacific coast. A little over a year ago he was married to a wealthy woman of Dallas and they tourned by automobile through the Northwest last summer, going south in the fall. Rev. Whitmore was a man of fine mind, an author and lecturer of note. The Journal-Times Thursday, July 31, 1924 Kills His Wife Then Self Last Friday word was received here of a terrible tragedy which occurred at LaGrande, Oregon, and in which former Ritzville residents were the principals. August Horch, jr., shot and killed his wife, then committed suicide. The daily papers reported that Mr. Horch, after calling up his wife on the telephone, went to the room in the hotel where she was staying and shot her, about two o'clock in the morning. Then he jumped from the second story window and killed himself. Both died instantly. Their daughter was in the room with her mother and ran screaming from the room. The hotel clerk roused a state highway officer who was staying in the hotel, but not in time to prevent Horch from committing the dreadful deed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Horch were well known here. Mr. Horch was the son of Mr. and Mrs. August Horch, sr., highly respected residents of this city. He used to farm west of town, lately he had been driving a stage between LaGrande and Enterprise. Mrs. Horch was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Wagner, former residents of this place, who later moved to Wenatchee. she was a sister of Wylie Wagner, formerly of Ritzville. They have three children. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pettijohn went down to LaGrande from here the latter being a sister of Mr. Horach's. The funeral and burial took place at LaGrande. Henry Becker, Sr. Henry Becker, sr., a long time resident of this county, died last Friday at the home of his son, Henry Becker, jr., northwest of Ritzville. Mr. Becker for a great many years followed the trade of shoemaker here, retiring from work some months ago when failing health compelled it. Mr. Becker was born in Russia. In 1888 he came to this country and settled near Ritzville. He has since made his home in this vicinity. He had land interests west of town and residence and business property in Ritzville. His wife died in 1902. There were ten children in the family of whom six are living: George, of Ellensburg; Henry, of this country; John and Fred, of Toppenish; Mrs. Pauline Melcher, of Adams County, and Alexander of Ellensburg. All of the children were here for the funeral. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the Lutheran church, with a large congregation present. Rev. H. G. Meske of Lind, conducted the service. Mr. Becker was aged 70 years, 11 months and 26 days. He was laid to rest in the Ritzville cemetery. The Journal-Times Thursday, August 7, 1924 issue Mrs. John Foley Was Pioneer Mrs. Cynthia Ann Foley, wife of John Foley, and one of the pioneer settlers of Ritzville, passed away at the family home in this city of Thursday, July 31, 1924, at 11 o'clock a.m. after an illness of about three weeks' duration. The cause of her death was a complication of liver and kidney disease. The funeral services were held from the St. Agnes church on Friday morning conducted by the pastor, Rev. Father Noldin, and were largely attended. The floral tributes were very beautiful. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Cynthia Ann Bovee, whose original name was Colvin, Bovee being her adopted name, was born at or near Lloyd, Richland County, Wisconsin, June 9, 1863. She was married to John James Foley at Richland Center, Wis., April 8, 1883. Both Mr. and Mrs. Foley were born and raised in Richland County. Two children were born to this union, David, who died here a few years ago, and Edward F., now residing at Seattle. Ritzville was a small place when the Foleys came here in March, 1893, and as pioneer settlers they have helped in the upbuilding and development of the coummunity. For the past several years Mr. Foley has been janitor of the Lincoln school. Mrs. Foley was a quiet, home-loving woman and a kind and loving wife and mother. She was long a member of St. Agnes church and active in parish work, and will greatly missed by her numerous friends. Mrs. Foley received the last rites of her church a short time before her death. Editor's Mother Dies W. H. Beaton, editor of the Washtucna Enterprise, received word on Wednesday the sad news of the death of his mother, which occurred at Mullan, Idaho, that morning. Mrs. Beaton suffered an illness of two weeks due to a paralytic stroke and she passed away at the family home on Wednesday morning at the advanced age of 72 years. Besides her husband, she is survived by eight children, all but one son being present at the funeral services which were held at Missoula, Mont. The Journal-Times Thursday, August 14, 1924 issue Hans F. Clodius Buried At Waitsburg Hans Frederick Clodius, father of Mrs. Will Weller of Ralston, died at the farm home of his son, John Clodius, in Spring Valley, Walla Walla County, Monday morning, August 4th, at 9:45 o'clock. He was 76 years, 8 months and 24 days of age. Death was caused from diabetes. Mr. Clodius began to fail in health rapidly about six weeks ago, while at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Weller, and was taken to the home of his son, but continued to fail as his age was against him. Mr. Clodius was born in Germany but came to this country over 50 years ago. He located with his wife and one son on a farm in Illinois, removing from there to Walla Walla County eight years later, where he resided up to the time of the death of his wife, about four years ago. Since then he has made his home with his children. Nine children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Clodius, of whom seven are living. Hans F., jr., Walla Walla; Mrs. Katherine Kibler and Mrs. Mary Kibler, Mill Creek; Mrs. Rose Weller, Ralston; Mrs. Augusta McCown, Mrs. Ella Zuger and John Clodius, Waitsburg. Wm. Clodius of this city was a brother. Funeral services were held at the Christian church, Waitsburg, at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. Interment was in the family plot in the Odd Fellows cemetery. An obituary printed in the Waitsburg Times last week says: "Mr. Clodius had been a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Walla Walla for the past 25 years and a number of members of that organization attended the funeral. "The funeral was largely attended, for Mr. Clodius was well and favorably known throughout the Valley. He was a kindly man, a loving father and a good citizen and neighbor and he leaves a host of warm friends. This community call ill-afford to lose citizens of his character." Notions Vender Buried In Ritzville R. M. Cooper of Walla Walla, died at the residence of Mrs. Allen in this city, Sunday, after a brief illness of tubercular pneumonia. But little is known of Mr. Cooper here. He came here a few months ago and under the name of Bradley bought junk about town. Later he opened a small stand near Dr. Burroughs' office, where he sold cheap novelties, etc. City authorities closed up his place of business and he went to work in harvest but was in no physical condition to stand the work and was soon taken ill and removed to this city. According to Walla Walla authorities he has a wife and family at Walla Walla, but he was buried here, Walla Walla County bearing the expense. He was 43 years of age. The Journal-Times Thursday, August 21, 1924 issue Mrs. Mary Logan Mrs. Mary Logan, daughter of Mrs. Catherine Achziger of Ritzville, died at Vantage Ferry on Wednesday of last week from heart failure. The remains were brought to Ritzville and funeral services were held Sunday at the Philadelphia church, Rev. Jacob Morach preached in German, and Rev. Julius Houn of the Zion church, in English. The body was then taken to Washtucna for interment. Mrs. Mary Logan was born May 11, 1877, at Brunethal, North Russia, the daughter of George and Catherine Achziger. She came to America with her parents early in her life, locating at Ritzville. On May 11, 1889, she was married to James Logan. To this union were born seven children, two of whom preceded their mother in death. For several years the family has resided at Washtucna. Mrs. Logan had been in poor health for a number of years. When her son, George Logan, came home recently for a visit, he took his mother to Friday Harbor to consult a doctor there. The results were not satisfactory and they decided to return to Washtucna. Mrs. Logan died, however, just after crossing the ferry at Vantage Ferry. She was aged 47 years, 3 months and 2 days. She leaves to mourn her death, her husband, three sons, two daughters, her aged mother, two brothers and three sisters. The Journal-Times Thursday, August 28, 1924 issue Pioneer Dies Served On Staff Of Gov. Ferry George W. Billington died at his farm home near Washtucna last Thursday afternoon, August 21. His death takes away one of the leading farmers of the county and one who has been a pioneer in the development of the west. He had been suffering with heart trouble since early July and was confined to his bed the past two weeks. Funeral services were held at the home Sunday noon, conducted by Rev. J. T. Eschelman of Tacoma. Interment took place at the Ritzville cemetery, the Masons having charge of the committal service. The story of the life of Mr. Billington is the story of those who, leaving the eastern states in early life, moved to the West and contributed their manhood to the development of this great empire. Mr. Billington was born in Oshkosh, Wis., August 30, 1855. In 1873 he came to California, traveling over the recently completed railway to the Pacific. In 1874 he came by boat to Portland. He was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Jane Hodgson, Sept. 5, 1878, locating near Centerville. Mr. Billington became a member of the national guard in 1885 and was successively advanced to second lieutenant, first lieutenant and captain. He served on the staff of Gov. Elisha Ferry, the last territorial governor. In 1902 Mr. Billington and his family removed to the southwest part of Adams County, near what later was established as the town of Othello. In 1911 they removed to the Lind neighborhood and have since resided in that vicinity. Mr. Billington is survived by his wife, and by three sons and three daughters. They are: Alvin of Lind; Glenn and Garrett, of Washtucna; Mrs. C. P. Blankenship of Washtucna; Mrs. Ralph Devore, of Lind, and Miss Ellen, at home. He also leaves two brothers and three sisters, residing at a distance. A brother-in-law, W. H. Hodson, of Othello, was present at the funeral. A note of interest in this connection is that just about the hour that the life of Mr. Billington was passing away, a baby boy was born to his daughter, Mrs. Devore. Thus it is that the chain of life continues. The Journal-Times Thursday, September 4, 1924 issue Washtucna Pioneer Called By Death WASHTUCNA - Washtucna community was again visited by death last week, when Martin L. Staley passed away at this home 3 1-2 miles northeast of Washtucna. Mr. Staley was a Civil War veteran and a pioneer in this section, having resided here since 1890. Owing to advanced age he had been in poor health for several months, but not until recently was his condition considered serious. Death came quietly at five o'clock Saturday morning. Martin L. Staley was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, May 11, 1842. He was the son of John A. and Catherine (Black) Staley. Mr. Staley came to Dayton, Wash., in 1888 while Washington was yet a territory. About 1890 he located on a homestead 3 1-2 miles northeast of Washtucna, in the coulee which bears his name, and at which place he died August 30, 1924, at the age of 82 years, 3 months and 19 days. In 1870 Mr. Staley was married to Mary E. Carrol, who died Dec. 30, 1917. To this union was born five children, C. Albert and Benjamin A., deceased. He leaves to mourn his loss a daughter, Mrs. L. C. Huffman of Hooper, Washington, and two sons, Harvey C., and Archie D., both of Washtucna; also five grand children and many friends and neighbors who will miss his kindly influence and his christian character. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at three o'clock at the Christian church of which Mr. Staley had long been a member. Neighbors of the family acted as pall-bearers, while the services were conducted by Rev. Randall of the Ritzville M. E. church. The remains were taken to Dayton, Wash., for final services Monday afternoon and interment took place in the family plot beside the grave of Mrs. Staley and other members of the family in the Dayton cemetery. The Journal-Times Thursday, September 11, 1924 issue Emmett Boyd Luiten Emmett Boyd Luiten, two year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Luiten, died Wednesday, Sept. 3rd, at the family home in this city after a two week's illness. He was taken with inflamation of the bowels and at last seemed to be suffering from spinal meningitis. The funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Lutheran church, conducted by Rev. Christensen of Odessa. There was a large crowd present for the funeral service. Emmett leaves to mourn his untimely end his father and mother and three brothers and two sisters. The family recently moved into the former F. E. Robbins house and had just gotten comfortably settled when this calamity overtook them. The Journal-Times Thursday, September 18, 1924 issue Mother Dies in Minnesota Mrs. William Wellsandt received a telegram Monday advising her of the death of her mother, Mrs. Fred Wendelschafer in Minnesota (nee Emily Wilfert) and a sister of Mrs. M. Norman. Her age was 57. Three years ago she submitted to a serious operation. She apparently had recovered and seemed quite well and strong until about six weeks ago, when heart trouble developed and other complications. Mr. and Mrs. Wendelschafter visited their daughter and Mrs. Norman and old acquaintances here three years ago. She leaves her husband, and three children, Mrs. Wellsandt and Arthur and Alice, at home. A son Harry, died in the service overseas.