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, July 7, 1927 issue Two Drowned When Car Runs Into Ditch Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Little of Boise, Idaho, were drowned in the irrigation canal near Boise last week. The body of Mr. Luiten was recovered this week Tuesday 31 miles from where the accident occurred. The body of Mrs. Little has not yet been recovered but the canal is being drained today in hopes of locating the body. Mrs. Little is a sister of Alfred, Carl and Henry Heinemann of this vicinity; also Mrs. Chas. Baumann is a sister. Another sister, Esther Heinemann was staying with Mr. and Mrs. Little at Boise. Mrs. John Richter, another sister, lives in Livingston, California. Just how the accident occurred is unknown. The car was found in the ditch in about nine feet of water. It is presumed that control was lost of the car and as it turned over it went into the water. Mr. and Mrs. Little had left Boise a short time before on a pleasure ride. The accident occurred a mile or so from Boise. A three year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Little did not accompany them on the trip but remained at home with Esther. Carl and Henry Heinemann have gone to Boise to assist in the search for the body of Mrs. Little. Mr. Little's funeral is to be at Boise tomorrow. The Journal-Times Thursday, July 14, 1927 issue Find Body In Canal The body of Mrs. Earl H. Little, who was drowned in the New York Canal near Boise, Idaho, was recovered last Saturday morning at 10:50, thirteen days after the accident occurred. The body of Mr. Little was recovered the previous Tuesday and joint funeral services for Mr. and Mrs. Little were held at Boise Saturday afternoon. (A recap of the notice from the July 7 issue follows.) Mr. and Mrs. Little had been married twelve years and had lived a greater part of that time in Idaho. The past four years they have made their home at Boise, where Mr. Little did a contracting business running several lines of trucks for commercial hauling. Mr. Little was 33 years old of age and his wife 31 years. Mrs. Little was formerly Anna Louise Heinemann, daughter of William Heinemann of Ritzville. Besides their two year old daughter, Lois, relatives include Mr. Little's mother, Mrs. Emma Little, and one brother, R. W. Little, residing at Hollywood; Mrs. Little's father, William Heinemann; three brothers, Henry, Alfred and Carl, of Ritzville and three sisters, Mrs. John Richard of Livingston, Cal., Mrs. Charles J. Baumann of Ritzville; and Miss Esther Heinemann, who was making her home with the Littles. The Journal-Times Thursday, July 21, 1927 issue Old Pioneer Buried Here Funeral services for Rev. Johanas Koch were held at the Philadelphia Congregational church in this city last Sunday. Rev. Koch was born at Kolb, Russia, in 1842 and was 84 years of age at the time of his death. For many years he was a revivalist in Russia and came to Adams county and settled on a farm west of Ritzville. He was ordained a minister in the German Congregational church at Endicott. At that time there were but three English speaking ministers in Eastern Washington. He organized German churches at Packard, Endicott and Ralston and for several years conducted services at all three churches. He afterwards went to Oregon, where he organized churches at Portland and Stafford. In 1898 he organized the Zion Congregational church in this city. Rev. Mr. Gradel of Odessa was the officiating clergyman at the services last Sunday, and was assisted by Rev. Jacob Morach, former paster of the Philadelphia church, and Rev. Neutzmann, the present pastor. Rev. Koch is survived by one son, John Koch, manager of the hardware department at the Trading Company, and two daughters, Mrs. Jacob Bauer and Mrs. Fred Bauer, both of this city. Burial was in the Ritzville cemetery. Former Ritzville Woman Dies At Seattle Anna McCann Haight formerly of this city passed away at Seattle Tuesday following an operation from which she never regained consciousness. Mrs. Esther Haight and Mrs. David Rigg were with her during the last few days of her illness. An operation was decided upon in an effort to save her life, but it was unavailing. Funeral services were conducted at Seattle Wednesday and the body will be shipped to Ritzville today for burial beside the remains of her mother. A son, Harold Haight is also buried on the family lot. There will be a short service at the grave, conducted by Dr. Lloyd Haight, brother-in-law of the deceased. Ann McCann was born on a ranch near Ritzville, April 7, 1887, and was 40 years, 3 months and 12 days of age at the time of her death. She lived in Ritzville up until 1919, when she removed to the coast. Besides her father, Ace McCann, she is survived by four children: Ralph, aged 19; Erwin, 18; Dannie, 16 and Helen 13. Miles Haight is a brother-in-law. The Journal-Times Thursday, July 28, 1927 issue Bury Two Men As County Charges Undertaker M. F. Haight on Tuesday buried two men in the Ritzville cemetery as county charges. One of the men, whose name was Hall, was ill for several months at Mrs. Allen's home, in this city. He had a brother somewhere in Mexico, but the authorities were unable to locate him. The other man was James Welch of Othello. Sheriff Schafer and Deputy Buehler went to Othello to bring him to Mrs. Allen's in this city for treatment. Just as they reached Ritzville, and before he could be removed from the car, he expired. Welch formerly farmed around Othello. A sister, living in Wisconsin, is the only known relative. F. M. Clow Passes Mrs. Henry Williams received news last Saturday of the death of her father, Mr. F. M. Clow, at St. John, Wash. Mr. Clow has been in poor health lately. He visited Mrs. Williams here in Washtucna for some time not long ago. Mr. Clow held the position as postmaster at St. John for thirty years and is well known in that section of the country. The Williams family motored to St. John on Sunday, to be in attendance at the funeral. The Journal-Times Thursday, Aug. 4, 1927 issue Two Killed in Accident At Becker Ranch A double tragedy occurred at the Henry Becker, Jr., home about twenty miles northwest of Ritzville last Saturday when Henry Arnst, son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Arnst of this city, was instantly killed and Harry Becker, 17, year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Becker, received injuries from which he died at the hospital in Spokane Sunday. Just how the accident occurred will probably never be known. The motor had just been installed on the combine and they were trying it out. Mr. Becker, his son Harry, Henry Arnst and another son of Mr. Becker, were at the machine ready to start harvesting. Mr. Becker was behind the machine and the motor had been started. He heard his son say that the machine was running too fast and in a minute heard a scream. He ran around the machine and found Henry Arnst lying on the ground about ten or twelve feet from the machine and his son Harry on the ground in front of the machine. He ran to Arnst, who was unconscious, but even then did not realize the seriousness of the accident. He called Mrs. Becker and upon investigation they found that Henry was dead. They went to their son Harry and assisted him to the house and as soon as possible he was rushed to the hospital at Spokane, where he passed away Sunday, without regaining consciousness. Henry Arnst was born in Nebraska July 1st, 1900. One year later he came with his parents to Ritzville, where he has since resided. In 1923 he was united in marriage with Miss Elsie Rodenberger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Rogenberger. Mr. Arnst was a hard working young man and a faithful member of the church, and was respected by all who knew him. The funeral services were held from the Zion Congregational church in this city on Tuesday, conducted by Rev. Kleinbach, pastor of the Philadelphia Congregational church. The services were largely attended and the floral tributes were beautiful. Burial was in the Ritzville cemetery. Besides his parents, Mr. Arnst leaves his wife and two small children, a daughter three years of age and a baby boy ten months old; also two brothers, John and George Arnst, and four sisters, Mary, Katie, Annie and Lydia. Funeral services for Harry Becker were held at the Emanuel Lutheran church, northwest of this city Wednesday morning conducted by Rev. Brockman, pastor of the church. The attendance was so large that many were unable to gain admittance to the church. Floral tributes filled the rostrum of the church. The remains were brought to Ritzville for interment in the city cemetery. Former Resident Dies At Seattle; Buried Here James Turner, an old time resident of this city, passed away at Seattle last Friday and on Sunday the remains were brought to Ritzville for burial in the local cemetery. The body arrived on the early morning train and services were held at Haight's Undertaking Parlor. The services were conducted by the local Masonic lodge of which Mr. Turner was a member. Mr. Turner located in Ritzville many years ago and for several years was section foreman for the N. P. Railroad. After discontinuing work for the railroad he bought grain for several years in this locality, and was manager of the Ritzville Warehouse company for several years. His wife died many years ago and Mr. Turner reared a family of two boys and three girls to young man and womanhood. During his residence here he owned and occupied the house now owned by Dr. H. F. Adler on Knob Hill. About fifteen years ago he moved from here to Seattle, but has been a frequent visitor here since that time. Father Dies In Michigan County Assessor L. G. Weston, who went to Brown City, Michigan, two weeks ago, upon receipt of word that his father was seriously ill, writes that his father passed away before he arrived. Mr. Weston will visit with relatives and friends in Michigan for a short time before returning to Ritzville. The Journal-Times Thursday, Aug. 11, 1927 issue Lad Drowns In Fish Lake Howard Chambers, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Chambers of Cheney, drowned while swimming at municipal beach at Fish Lake, two miles from Cheney. The boy, who could swim slightly, was playing with some other children in the portion of the beach that is screened off, when he sank in eight feet of water, the other boys became frightened and it was several minutes before the body could be brought up. Dr. N. W. Conway, Cheney, arrived at the beach at that time and worked for some time in an effort to save the boy's life. It is believed the boy had heart failure and became exhausted. The water in the screened portion of the beach generally is not more than six feet deep, but this year the lake is unusually high. Some older boys on a raft farther out recovered the body. Mrs. Chambers is a sister of Mrs. Dan Warren and Mr. Ebert Ramsey of this city. Former Resident Killed At Mohler P. W. Jones, who farmed the Haight ranch here for fifteen years, leaving here a number of years ago, was instantly killed at Mohler the first of the week, when he fell from a handcar. He was employed as a section hand on the Great Northern. Mr. Jones was well known in this locality. After he left Ritzville he went to his old home in North Carolina, but later returned to the west and has been working at Mohler for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Haight and Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Haight drove over to Mohler to attend the funeral today. The Journal-Times Thursday, Aug. 18, 1927 issue Former Resident Dies At Colfax Hospital Magdalena Marguerite Metzner Parr, second oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Metzner, died at the Colfax hospital at Colfax, Washington, Saturday, August 13. The cause of death being peronitis. Mrs. Parr was born in Henry county, Illinois, December 12, 1893, she came to Ritzville with her parents about twenty five years ago. On June 1, 1910, she was united in marrriage with Wm. Burton Parr, at Ritzville. They moved at once to Mohler, Wash., where they lived for eight years, going from there to Garfield, Wash., where they have resided since. Mrs. Parr was a member of the Eastern Star and of the Methodist church of Garfield. She leaves to mourn her loss, her husband and five children, Wayne, age 15, Leon 13, Robert 9, Warren 2 and baby Louis 9 months, her parents and four sisters, Mrs. Ora Ethridge, Pullman, Mrs. Henry Buscher, Sprague, Mrs. Grace Faler, Spokane, Mrs. C. W. Nissen, Ritzville. Two brothers also survive, Fred of Ritzville and Herbert of Marysville, Cal. Funeral services were held at the M. E. church at Garfield, Sunday afternoon. The impressive ritual of the Eastern Star being used. Rev. Pratt of Thornton, an old family friend, officiated. The Journal-Times Thursday, Sept. 1, 1927 issue Another Pioneer Passes Away Henry Kembel, a pioneer farmer of this vicnity, passed away at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane, Sunday evening about eight o'clock. The news of his death came as a shock to this community for very few had learned of his illness. The immediate cause of his death was acute peritonitis, and other complications. Mr. Kembel was first taken ill about ten days ago. He complained of pains in the stomach, and later with pains in the heart. Saturday his condition became critical and he was taken to the hospital. His brother John, accompanied him. He seemed to improve after reaching the hospital and the physician stated that he would probably get along alright. John returned to Ritzville, but Sunday morning received word to return at once as Henry was sinking rapidly. He gradually grew weaker and passed away Sunday night without regaining consciousness. His wife and family were with him when the end came. Henry was born at Hastings, Nebraska, April 6, 1881, and was 46 years, 3 months and 21 days of age at the time of his death. When he was one year of age he came west with his parents, settling first in Walla Walla. After residing there two years the family moved to Bickleton, where they resided for seven years, before coming to Ritzville where they settled on a farm south of the city. About twenty-three years ago he was united in marriage to Maria Elizabeth Rehn. Three sons were born to this union, who with his wife and aged mother, survive to mourn his loss. He is also survived by three brothers, William, living south of the city, John, employed at the Ritzville Drug company and Joe, also residing on a farm southwest of the city. The boys are Dan, Walter and Elmer, all living at home. During his residence of 36 years in this vicinity he has made many acquaintances, who will be surprised and shocked to hear of his sudden death. His father, Fred Kembel, passed away in 1914 and a brother, George, died in 1916. Funeral services were held at the Philadelphia Congregational church Tuesday afternoon conducted by the pastor, Rev. Neutzmann. They were very largely attended and the floral tributes were very beautiful. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. The Journal-Times Thursday, Sept. 8, 1927 issue Mrs. J. A. Willis Dies At Spokane Mrs. J. A. Willis, a pioneer of Adams County, passed away at Spokane last Friday, suffering from Brights Disease. News of her death came as a great surprise to her many friends in this locality, as very few knew of her illness. For the past few years the family resided at Sprague, but before that they had lived here for nearly forty years. The remains were brought to Ritzville Saturday and funeral services were held on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the M. E. church, conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. G. Dann. Burial was in the Ritzville cemetery. Mary E. Mewhiter was born in Ohio, July 31, 1860, and departed from this life in Spokane September 2, 1927, being 67 years, 1 month and 2 days of age at the time of her death. She moved with her parents to Iowa when one year of age and there grew to womanhood. On December 24th, 1882, she was united in marriage to J. A. Willis and in 1877 the family came to Washington, settling in Adams county, and continued to live here up to their removal to Sprague a few years ago. Eight children were born to this union. Those surviving are: one daughter, Mrs. Chloe Heible of Spokane, four sons, W. S., and J. V. of Spokane, and D. M. and J. C. of Portland, Oregon. Those having passed on before were two daughters, Achsak and Hazel and one son, Claude. Ten grandchildren also survive. Mrs. Willis was one of a family of ten children, six sisters and four brothers. Surviving her is one sister, Mrs. Helena Smith of Olympia, and three brothers, Adam and Daniel of Spokane, and J. Marvin Mewhiter, of Alliance, Nebraska. The Journal-Times Thursday, Sept. 15, 1927 issue Gearhard Killed At Hatton Karl F. Gearhard, living near Hatton was killed yesterday in an automobile accident at his home place. Mr. Gearhard had left the house in a Ford bug to go to the field and get a few sacks of wheat. The road was sandy and he apparently lost control or something went wrong with the steering gear and the car overturned. Mr. Gearhard's face was forced down into the loose, wet sand, when the car fell on him and he evidently suffocated. He was alone and was unable to extricate himself from the wreck. An eye witness living about a half mile distant saw Mr. Gearhard disappear over the hill, but did not see the accident. Walter Johnson came along and notified the officers in this city. A hired man working for A. M. Rayburn was the first to reach the scene of the accident. He was unable to raise the car and went back to the Gearhard home for help. When help arrived Mr. Gearhard was dead. Prosecuting Attorney R. B. Ott, who is also county coroner, Sheriff Schafer, Deputy Buehler, and T. E. Hedley, traffic patrolman, went down to investigate the accident. Miles Haight, local undertaker also went down and brought the body to Ritzville where it still is in his charge. Mr. Gearhard had known relatives in this locality and local officers are trying to locate relatives elsewhere. The funeral services will probably be held Saturday and burial will be made at Hatton. Mr. Gearhard was 60 years of age on the 10th day of last July and at that time celebrated his birthday with a large party, which was attended by a large number of friends in the Hatton vicinity. For several years a fued has existed between Mr. Gearhard and A. M. Rayburn, also living near Hatton. The fued started many years ago over land boundaries and stock. It was a neighborhood quarrel and several cases resulting have been tried in the Superior court here. At one time Gearhard attacked Rayburn with a knife; another time Rayburn shot Gearhard through the arm with a .22 calibre rifle, and last winter at Othello Rayburn shot Gearhard following an altercation at the O'Leary store. Rayburn has been acquitted on charges of assault twice in the Superior court. The last case attracted a great deal of attention from all parts of the country and after the acquittal it was predicted that sooner or later one of the men would meet death at the hands of the other. The accident yesterday probably relieves a load from the mind of Mr. Rayburn, as well as from the officers of this county. The Journal-Times Thursday, Sept. 22, 1927 issue Mrs. Mable Wenrick Passes Mrs. Mable Wenrick, for many years postmistress at Palouse Falls, passed away at her home Tuesday morning at Washtucna. She has long been a sufferer of tuberculosis. Funeral arrangements have not been complete. Mrs. J. J. Thaut Buried Thursday Funeral services for Mrs. J. J. Thaut, who passed away on Tuesday, September 13th, were held at the Philadelphia Congregational church last Thursday, conducted by the pastor, Rev. Neutzmann. Burial was in the Ritzille cemetery. Mrs. Thaut had been an invalid for the past two and a half years. She was born in Russia and was 44 years, 8 months and 18 days of age at the time of her death. In 1901 she was united in marriage to J. J. Thaut in Russia and shortly after they came to this country. Besides her husband she is survived by three children, Jacob, Daniel and Mary, all living at home. Also by one sister, Mrs. J. F. Benzel, and one brother, John Reiber, living here, and three sisters and four brothers, living in Russia.