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, April 2, 1925 issue Mrs. C. E. McAvoy Called By Death The following clipping from the Kelso papers tell of the death of Mrs. C. E. McAvoy. The McAvoys formerly lived at Ritzville and at Ralston, Mr. McAvoy being manager of the Potlatch Lumber yards at those points: "After a prolonged illness, Mrs. Louise McAvoy, aged fifty years, wife of Attorney Charles E. McAvoy, died at the family home in Kelso, Thursday night and will be buried from the Catholic church Monday morning at 10:00 o'clock. There will be special music at the funeral service. "Mrs. McAvoy came here with her husband and family when he decided to locate in this city. She was extremely active in many affairs despite the fact that she had four children and she was popular in her large and increasing circle of friends. "Early last summer she began to fail. She was taken to Portland where a major operation was performed. For a time it was thought she would recover but she gradually grew worse and death came Thursday night. "Aside from her husband she is survived by four children: Harold, aged nineteen; Bernard, aged thirteen; Elizabeth, aged ten; and Margery, aged eight years. She also has one brother, S. L. Anderson of Seattle; and four sisters, Mrs. E. A. Graver, of Spokane; Mrs. C. A. Blackman of Portland, Oregon; and Mrs. Arthur Stockton and Mrs. Ellen McIntosh of Walla Walla. "Mrs. Lucy Elizabeth McAvoy was born May 3, 1874, near Kansas City, Mo., and came to Walla Walla with her parents when she was a child, growing up to womanhood in that city. She was married twenty years ago to Attorney Charles E. McAvoy in Seattle and they, with their family moved to Kelso more than a year ago. Mrs. McAvoy was much interested in church work and she played a prominent and active part in the Parent-Teachers Association." Former Teacher Dies In Idaho Residents of this city and county will learn with regret of the death of Mrs. Rhoda May Egbers, sister-in-law of Wilbur S. Egbers of Ritzville. Mrs. Egbers was formerly a teacher in this county. She taught the second term in District No. 5, the Willis School, back in the '80s. Her husband, Robert C. Egbers, was county superintendent of this county two terms in territorial days and two terms under statehood. The following account of her passing appeared in Monday's Spokesman-Review: "Rathdrum, Idaho, March 29, -Mrs. Rhoda May Egbers, wife of Robert C. Egbers, county superintendet of schools, died last night from a sudden paralytic stroke following a long illness at her home in Coeur d'Alene. The funeral will be held at 1:30 o'clock Monday afternoon from the Methodist church in Coeur d'Alene, the Rev. Ira L. Ketcham, pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the Forest cemetery. "Besides the husband, Mrs. Egbers is survived by the following children: Miles F. Egbers, an attorney, of Rathdrum; Mark W. Egbers, teacher of English in the McKinley junior high school, Spokane, Wash.; Mrs. Ruth L. Miley, Spirit Lake, Idaho; Dwight S. Egbers, Parkwater, Wash.; Alice E. and Frank B. Egbers at the home. Grandchildren are Martha, Mildred and Howard Egbers, children of Miles F. and Eva Egbers of Rathdrum, and Loren Ruth Miley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. L. Miles of Spirit Lake. She also leaves one brother, Ernest J. Bardwell, Cheney, Wash., and two sisters, Mrs. Eunice Myers of Spokane, Wash., and Mrs. Blanche Lavender of Pasadena Park, Wash. "Mrs. Egbers was born January 27, 1868, in Martin county, Minn., coming west with her parents in 1887. She taught school several terms prior to her marriage to Robert C. Egbers on December 30, 1888, at Ritzville, Wash. Mr. and Mrs. Egbers were pioneers of eastern Washington, moving to Kootenai county Idaho, in 1897." The Journal-Times Thursday, April 9, 1925 issue Former Resident Called By Death Clinton Staser, father of Walter Staser of this city, passed away at Yakima Wednesday morning, April 8. Some five weeks ago he fell and broke his hip and owing to his advanced age the shock was too great for him to rally. Death came as a release from suffering and probable invalidism. It ended a long active, useful and honorable life. Mr. Staser was born twelve miles north of Evansville, Indiana, in 1842, on the old Staser homestead. His father had settled there in 1836, the place being known now as Staser station on one of the lines of railroad there. He grew to manhood in Indiana and engaged in the practice of law in Evansville. He was united in marriage to Miss Clarissa E. Willey of Deleware, Ohio, in 1869. The family removed from Evansville to Tacoma in the early part of 1894. Later that same year they removed to Ritzville where Mr. Staser bought the then recently completed S. A. Wells home, now occupied by J. C. Gillett near the Central school. He practiced law here and in the year 1908 removed to Kennewick where he continued his practice. He also served as police judge, holding that office up to his last illness. He is survived by his wife and several children: Eva, Mrs. O. R. Holcomb of Olympia; Walter of Ritzville; J. C. of Rolling Bay, Wash.; Edith, Mrs. O. L. Hanson, Tacoma; Eleanor, Mrs. W. P. Gould, Yakima; J. L., Oregon City; Eloise, Mrs. B. F. Schlund, Tacoma. He also leaves two brothers, Frank of Newberg, Ind.; Frederick of Owensville, Ken.; and one sister, Mrs. Anna Stockfleth of Evansville, Ind. Walter left for Yakima last night. The funeral arrangements had not been decided on, but he thought the interment would probably be in Tacoma. County Pioneer Passes Away; Funeral Friday Henry Bauer, Sr., a pioneer of Adams county, passed away about two o'clock Wednesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Henry Oestreich, where he has made his home for several years. Mr. Bauer has been in failing health for a long time and his passing was not unexpected. He lived to the ripe age of 87 years, one month and one day. The funeral services will take place tomorrow afternoon from the Philadelphia church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Jacob Morach. Interment will be in the local cemetery beside the grave of his wife, who preceded him in death by nearly ten years. Mr. Bauer was born in Russia, March 7, 1838. He grew to manhood there and was married to Maria Barbara Benzel. He migrated to America in the year 1876, at the same time that many German colonists in Russia left that country for the New World. They settled first in franklin county, Nebraska, and later moved to Hitchcock county, the same state, where they resided four years. In 1882, they joined the tide of emigration to Washington territory and came to Adams county. Mr. Bauer located on a homestead seven miles northwest of Ritzville. The country was then new. He raised horses and began the cultivation of the land for wheat. He retired from farming a good many years ago and has since resided in Ritzville. He is survived by the following children: Conrad, Jacob, Jr., Fred, Mrs. Henry Oestreich, all of Ritzville; and Mrs. Lydia Neidt of California. Another son, George, died a number of years ago. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. George Adler, of this city. The Journal-Times Thursday, April 23, 1925 issue Casey Goodyear Dead Word was received here last week of the death of Casey Goodyear of Walla Walla. Goodyear was quite well known here having helped out several seasons in pulling off the Round-Up. He was about 30 years of age. The Journal-Times, Thursday, May 7, 1925 issue Nathalie Mary Vernier Nathalie Mary Vernier, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Vernier, who reside in the western part of the county, died last Saturday of pneumonia. She was aged 1 year, 4 months, 8 days. The funeral was held Sunday and the burial took place at the Menno church. John C. Allen Dies John C. Allen, former county commissioner and former farmer on Rattlesnake Flat, died suddenly at Long, Beach, California, May 1st. For some years he had resided in California, leasing his land to E. A. Graham. Mr. Allen spent some time in the north last summer and fall. Mr. John C. Allen was born in Illinois January 6, 1856, and died May 1, 1925, aged 69 years, 3 months and 23 days. In the year 1880 he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jane Beach. To this union six children were born, five of whom survive him: Mrs. Bessie Shepherd, Pearl, Ralph E., and Claude R., of Long Beach, Cal., and Alda N. Andrew of Los Angeles. He was preceded in death by his wife on Dec. 6, 1899, and by a daughter Blanche, on April 30, 1904. Besides the children and four grandchildren, he is survived by three brothers, James C. Allen and W. S. Allen of Albia, Iowa, and Elmer B. Allen of Parma, Idaho. In 1889 the family came to Washington and settled on Rattlesnake Flat about 9 miles from Washtucna. Four years ago he leased the homeplace and since then has made his home in California. When the Washtucna United Presbyterian church was organized he became a charter member, bringing his membership from the church in the East and retained his membership here at the time of his death. The body was accompanied to Washtucna by two daughters, Mrs. Bessie Shepherd and Miss Pearl Allen, arriving there Tuesday morning. Services were held from the family home in the presence of old friends and neighbors, on Wednesday afternoon, the sermon being preached by Rev. D. A. Russell of the United Presbyterian church of Washtucna. Interment took place in the Bemis cemetery. Bridge Crew Man Dies Suddenly Friday John Connolly, member of a bridge crew of the O. W. R & N., with headquarters at Washtucna, died suddenly Friday afternoon. He had gone to work as usual in the morning but later complained of feeling ill and was told to rest till he felt better. The other members of the crew, upon returning to lunch found that Mr. Connolly had expired and Dr. Victor was called at once. The matter was reported to the county coroner at Ritzville who decided that no inquest was necessary. Death was caused by heart failure. The deceased is survived by his widow, who resides at Hazeltown, Montana, also by a sister at Tekoa. The body was prepared by the local undertaker and shipped to Tekoa for burial on Saturday. The Journal-Times Thursday, May 21, 1925 issue W. A. Shepard Dead Word came to Ritzville of the death several weeks ago of W. A. Shepard, at Longview, Wash. A few years ago Mr. Shepard was in charge of the Central Auto Company here. Mr. Shepard was operated on in December for appendicitis. At that time a cancerous condition was discovered, but he rallied and lived until Feb. 22nd, when he passed away. About two weeks later, Mrs. Coe, an aged aunt who lived here with Mr. and Mrs. Shepard passed away. Both bodies were cremated. Mrs. Shepard expects to leave Longview this month with the ashes of the two bodies, for their former home in Wisconsin, where they will be placed. Mrs. F. R. Hewett Called By Death Mrs. Freeman R. Hewett, formerly a resident of Ritzville, but recently residing at Spokane, passed away suddenly at the family home in Spokane last Saturday morning at about ten o'clock. Funeral services were held at Hazen and Jaeger chapel in Spokane Tuesday morning, conducted by the Spokane Electa Chapter of the Eastern Star. Interment was at Riverside cemetery. Although Mrs. Hewett had been in poor health for the past year and a half, her death came as a shock to her friends here and in Spokane who had not realized her serious condition. An attack of the flu left her heart in a weakened condition and she was confined in St. Luke's hospital, Spokane, a greater part of last summer. However she seemed to improve and for the past six months has been at home and was able to be about until the morning of her death. Mr. Hewett was formerly construction engineer of Adams county, going from here to Olympia where he held the position of state highway maintenance engineer for several years, finally resigning to enter a partnership with C. M. Payne of Spokane, in the contracting business. Pall bearers for the funeral were men prominent in the state highway and contracting work. Alice Thompson Hewett was born in Herkimer, New York, forty-two years ago. She was united in marriage to freeman R. Hewett in 1910 at Herkimer. Shortly after their marriage they came to Washington, locating at Spokane for a short time and then coming to Ritzville, where they resided several years. Two children were born to them here, Elizabeth, now aged 12, and Richard 6 years. Beside the children and husband, two sisters survive her, one living at Detroit, Michigan, and the other in New Jersey. She had no other immediate relatives. The Journal-Times Thursday, May 28, 1925 issue Young Man Killed At Benge David H. Newlands of Spokane was instantly killed when struck by an S. P. & S. passenger train No. 2 at Benge this morning at five o'clock. Dr. C. Henderson, county coroner, was notified and investigated but found no inquest necessary. Particulars of the accident are lacking. The body was removed to Ritzville and is being taken on to Spokane for interment. Mr. Newlands was born Oct. 23, 1902, and was aged 22 years, 7 months, 5 days. He was a miner. A. M. Gillam A. M. Gillam, proprietor of the Lavon Hotel, passed away at the family home at the hotel in Washtucna on Saturday, May 25th, at about 10 o'clock p.m., following a lingering illness from paralysis. Mr. Gilliam had been in failing health for about three years, having suffered a stroke of paralysis, but had been able to be up and mingle with his friends. About a year ago he suffered a relapse from which he failed to rally and had rapidly failed in strength. Death came as a happy relief after a week of helplessness and suffering. Amos Melvill Gillam was born on March 18, 1856, at Bushnell, Illinois, and died May 25, 1925, aged 69 years, 2 months and 5 days. At the age of 21 he left his home state and came west where he engaged for several years in the stock raising business. At the age of 33 years he was united in marriage to Alma Rosine Cox of Colfax, to which union four daughters were born, all of whom survive. Several years were spent in business at Colfax after which the family removed to Post Falls, Idaho, where they remained for 13 years. They then moved to Coeur d'Alene, where Mr. Gillam was employed as sub-station manager for the Washington Water Power Company, moving from there to Washtucna where he purchased the Lavon Hotel and remained active in business until illness and death overtook him. Besides his widow, Alma, Mr. Gillam leaves to mourn his passing, four daughters, Mrs. Ralph Aylor, Jessie Damon and Ella Gillam of Spokane, and Irene Gillam of Washtucna; also three grand- children and many friends who will miss his familiar face. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock from Hazen and Jaeger's parlors and interment took place in Spokane. The Journal-Times Thursday, June 4, 1925 issue Anna Christine Roloff Anna Christine Roloff, wife of Karl Roloff, died at the home of her son, Daniel K. Roloff, in this city on Friday, May 29th, at the advanced age of 93 years, 2 months and 3 days. Funeral services were held from the Philadelphia Congregational church on Sunday afternoon, May 31, conducted by the pastor, Rev. J. Morach, and were largely attended. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Anna Christine Schelske was born at Kulm, So. Russia, March 25, 1832. She was married in 1854 to Karl Roloff, who passed away in Russia. Eleven children were born to this union, five of whom died early in life in Russia, and one in Canada. Three sons and one daughter are living in this country, the eldest son still being a resident of Russia. Mrs. Roloff came to America with one of her sons in 1898, making her first home in Leipzie, North Dakota. In 1902 her sons Daniel and Karl made arrangements to give here a home with them and have cared for her since that time. Besides her five sons and one daughter, she leaves 33 grandchildren 45 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She had resided in Ritzville about 23 years. The Journal-Times Thursday, June 18, 1925 issue Mrs. William Hopp Dies At Toledo, Wash. Mrs. Wm. Hopp of Toledo, Wash., (formerly Esther Ricke) daughter of Rev. Ricke, who was at one time pastor of the church at Marcellus passed away at her home in Toledo on Monday, June 15th. Besides her husband she leaves a small son two years of age. The Journal-Times Thursday, June 25, 1925 issue Boy Dies Suddenly While Bathing At Mud Lake Anton, the 17-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Nissen, residing near Tokio, died suddenly while bathing at Mud Lake on Saturday afternoon at about two o'clock. Funeral services which were very largely attended were held at the English M. E. church on Monday afternoon at 2:30 conducted by the Rev. H. L. Woehl of the German M. E. church. Burial was in the Ritzville cemetery. Anton in company with his young brother, Walter, and a boy friend from Spokane, had ridden over on horseback from the ranch for a swim in the lake. The other boys were in the water and Anton started to follow them in. One of the boys saw him fall forward, but he immediately got to his feet and started on when he fell again. The Spokane boy, mistrusting something was wrong, ran to his assistance. Before he could reach him Anton had started for the shore but staggered and fell with his face in the water. The boys dragged and carried him to the bank where they applied first aid methods and Anton breathed quietly heavily for a short time and then suddenly ceased. The boys rode immediately to the home of Ernest Templin and telephoned the father who came at once in the car and picked Anton up and brought him into Ritzville. He was taken to Dr. Armann's office but had been dead about thirty minutes when he reached there. Various resuscitation methods failed to awake the spark of life and the body was taken to Haight's Undertaking parlors. It is thought the boy must have suffered from a sort of sunstroke, the day being very hot. Anton was not in the best of health. He was but 17 years old but measured about six feet and four inches in height, and it is thought his rapid growth had weakened him physically so that he could not stand as much exertion as other boys his age. The death came as a great shock to the family and to his numerous acquaintances in this vicinity. Besides his father and mother he leaves to mourn his passing three brothers, Clarence, William and Walter, and three sisters, Lydia, Hulda and Rosa, and a large circle of relatives and friends. Pioneers Pass Away On Tuesday afternoon, June 23rd, 1925, at about four o'clock death came to relieve the sufferings of John Dewald, a pioneer of Ritzville and Adams county, at the home of Mrs. E. L. Allen in this city, where he had been confined since the 27th day of April of this year. His age at the time of death was 52 years and 1 day. The funeral was held from the English M. E. church this afternoon at 3:00 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. H. L. Woehl, pastor of the German M. E. church, of which the deceased was a member. Services were in English and German. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. John Dewald was a real pioneer of Ritzville. He was born in the northern part of Russia, June 22, 1873, and came to America with his parents and brothers and sisters when he was five yers of age. The family settled first in Nebraska, where they remained two years, moving from there to Walla Walla, Wash., for two years and then to Bickleton, Wash., where they lived for eight years. Thirty-five years ago, at the age of 18, John came to Ritzville and settled on the homestead eight and a half miles southeast of Ritzville, which he still owned at the time of his death and which is now occupied by his sons, Jesse and Lee. In 1899 he was united in marriage to Mary Oestreich in this city, to which union four children were born, all of whom are now living. In 1914 Mr. Dewald was associated with J. P. Koch in the garage business but on account of ill health was compelled to retire. In 1916 he went back to Mayo Bros. at Rochester, but they promised him no relief and he returned to his home. He then went to Hot Lake and underwent an operation which seemed to give him some relief and for several years was able to be about, although unable to do heavy work. In 1823 he again went to Mayo's and underwent an operation for a sprawling tumor on the brain. The operation was a delicate one, made more so on account of a weak heart, but he rallied nicely from it and improved temporarily. He moved back to the ranch two years ago but last fall came back to town where he could better receive medical attention. On April 27th he was taken to Mrs. Allens and since that time has been bedfast. John Dewald was well and favorably known throughout the county where he had a large circle of acquaintances. Coming across the plains in a covered wagon to this state he underwent the hardship of pioneering and has done his part in the development of the county. He was an upright and honorable man and a good husband and father. Besides his widow, who is herself in poor health, he leaves to mourn his passing three sons, Jesse, Lee and Raymond, and one daughter, Ella. Also two sisters, Mrs. Dora Kembel and Mrs. C. C. Schafer, Sr., of Ritzville; two brothers, George of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Jacob of Ritzville, and a large circle of friends. James Larmer The passing of another pioneer of the county we are called upon to chronicle this week is that of James Larmer, who has been a resident of the Marcellus neighborhood for a great many years, and who died suddenly at his home 12 miles north of Ritzville on Friday, June 19, 1925. Funeral services were conducted from the English M. E. church on Monday afternoon, the Rev. H. L. Woehl of the German M. E. church officiating. Interment was at the Ritzville cemetery. Mrs. Larmer died about six years ago and the deceased is survived by four children: Mrs. F. L. Martin, Edward, Anna and Robert; and one brother, Herbert, all of whom were in attendance at the funeral. Charles J. Norman Formerly OF Ritzville Dies At Yakima Chas. J. Norman of Wapato, formerly of Ritzville, died quite suddenly at the hospital at Yakima Wednesday morning at four o'clock. The remains will be brought to Ritzville Friday night and funeral services will be conducted at the M. E. church on Saturday afternoon at 2:30. The Masonic and Eastern Star lodges will have charge of the service. Burial will be in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Norman was formerly night operator here for a number of years, going from here to Wapato about three years ago. Five years ago he was united in marriage here to Miss Viola Evans, daughter of J. W. Evans. One child was born to this union about four years ago. Mr. Norman had been previously married and had one son, now eight years old. These children with the wife now survive, besides his mother living at Yakima, and several brothers and sisters living in the east. The exact details of his death were not yet obtainable. J. W. Evans received word of his illness Tuesday night and left immediately for Yakima. Since then the family has learned that the death was due from blood poisoning, said to have developed from a small scratch or pimple on his nose. He was apparently in good health last Wednesday, a Ritzville man visiting with him at Wapato for some time. Mr. Norman made many friends during his residence in this city. He was a quiet man, always tendng strictly to business and courteous to all. The sympathy of the community will go out to the stricken family in their bereavement. Chas. E. McAvoy Passes Away At Kelso, Wash. News has just reached here of the death on June 10th, 1925, of Chas. E. McAvoy, at Longview, Wash. Mr. McAvoy was well known here having been the manager of the Potlatch Lumber Co. yards here and at Ralston a few years ago. He came here from Seattle. He resigned as manager here to take up the practice of law in Kelso three years ago. His death is greatly regretted here, Mrs. McAvoy having died in March of this year, and four children are thereby left without parents. They are Harold, 19 years old; Bernard, 13; Elizabeth 10 and Marjery 8. The sympathy of this community goes out to them in their bereavement. The funeral took place on Monday, June 15, from the parish church at Kelso. Doris Wells Gwin We are sorry to report the death of Doris Wells Gwin, June 17, at Phoenix, Arizona. She was a charming, sweet girl who was born Nov. 29, 1903, on her father's ranch near Washtucna and grew to young womanhood here, attending high school in town, where she was very popular with her school mates. She was married on Nov. 28, 1923, to Chas. Gwin, one of our boys, who survives to mourn her loss; also her father, Chas. Wells, and sister, Mrs. Ralph Burkhart. At the time of her death she was 21 years, 6 months and 18 days old. The funeral service was held at the U. P. church on June 22 and interment was in the Washtucna cemetery. Mrs. Earl Preston and son, and Mrs. Verne Oyler of Portland, made the sad journey to attend the funeral of their sister-in-law. They are with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben Gwin. Evans