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, Oct. 20, 1927 issue John Heimbigner 65 Dies in Spokane Tuesday John Heimbigner, age 65, retired farmer of Odessa, died at the Sacred Heart hospital, Spokane, Tuesday. The body was removed to Hennessey, Calloway's and was sent to Odessa for interment. Mr. Heimbigner has resided in the Big Bend country about 32 years and had been a resident of Odessa for the last 19 years. He is survived by his widow, Katherine; two brothers, Adam of Packard, Wash.; four sisters, Mrs. Annie Oestreich of Ritzville; Mrs. Conrad Lesser of Packard, Mrs. Schnell of Odessa and Mrs. Mary Myers of California; five sons, August of Tacoma and Fred W., Clarence, John and Casper of Odessa, and a daughter, Rosa, of Odessa. The Journal-Times Thursday, Oct. 27, 1927 issue Ray Haight Was Murdered Word was received here last Thursday that Ray Haight had been shot and killed at Lone Pine, California. Friday, Miles Haight, Mr. and Mrs. David Rigg and Mrs. Esther Haight left for California by car planning to make a record run driving day and night. The latest reports received here are that Ray was murdered, being shot in the back. How the shooting occurred has not been learned. Funeral services were held Wednesday at Lone Pine and the remains were taken to Los Angeles for cremation. The prosecutor and coroner are investigating the shooting. Ray, who is the son of Mrs. Esther Haight, and a brother of Miles, resided here for several years, and is well known. He left here several years ago, going first to the coast and later to California. The Journal-Times Thursday, Nov. 3, 1927 issue Lawrence Schafer Dies At Spokane This community was shocked Tuesday morning by the news that Lawrence Schafer, son of Sheriff and Mrs. Joe Schafer, had passed away about six o'clock that morning at Sacred Heart hospital in Spokane. Lawrence was taken to the hospital last week and physicians there held out considerable encouragement that the boy could be benefitted. For several years Lawrence has been suffering from valvular leakage of the heart and for the past year and a half has been quite ill. Lawrence has attended school up to about a week ago when his condition became such that it was necessary for him to give up his class work. The sympathy of the community goes out to Mr. and Mrs. Schafer and family in their hour of bereavement. Lawrence was born on the ranch southwest of Ritzville, March 16, 1910, and was 17 years, 6 months and 16 days of age at the time of his death. While he was of fragile build it was not suspected that anything was seriously wrong until about a year and a half ago. Since that time he has been tenderly cared for by his parents and everything that could be hoped to benefit his condition has been done. The funeral services were held at the Philadelphia Congregational church this afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, conducted by Rev. Kleinbach, pastor of the German Methodist church. The church was crowded to capacity and the floral tributes were very beautiful. Burial was in the Ritzville cemetery. Lawrence was the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Schafer. Besides his parents, he is survived by four sisters, Ruby, Viola, Verna and Josephine. The court house was closed this afternoon during the hours of the funeral. The Journal-Times Thursday, Nov. 3, 1927 issue George Bassett Passes The Washtucna community was saddened Saturday morning to learn of the death of George Bassett of Colfax, son of C. S. Bassett, who lived here many years. He was a grandson of Mrs. G. W. Bassett. The lad, who was about eleven years of age at the time of his death, which occurred October 28, at the St. Ignatius hospital in Colfax following an operation for appendicitis, was born here and since his removal to Colfax a few years ago, has often visited relatives at this place. The boy had been ailing a few years, but his condition was not considered serious, although an operation seemed advisable and from the condition of the appendix it would have ruptured shortly. The operation seemed successful and the doctor was tieing the last stitch, when for no apparent reason, the heart stopped beating. The funeral service was held from the Methodist church at Colfax Rev. Bell officiating. The Rev. D. A. Russell of Spokane, assisting. The Methodist choir sang three favorite hymns of the boy, who had been a regular attendant at the church. The floral offerings were beautiful. Those attending from here were: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Pearce and family, Mrs. G. W. Bassett, Mrs. Georgia McCabe, Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Bassett and family and Dr. Victor, Rev. and Mrs. D. A. Russell and Mrs. Victor attended from Spokane and Dr. and Mrs. Sherfey from Pomeroy. The Journal-Times Thursday, Nov. 10, 1927 issue Mrs. Skinner Dies At Spokane Mrs. Ethel Skinner of Paha passed away at Sacred Heart hospital Sunday morning after an illness of about three weeks. Mrs. Skinner suffered an attack of tubercular meningitis and was taken to the hospital two weeks ago. Funeral services were held at the Hazen-Jager chapel in Spokane Monday at 2:00 p.m. Burial was in the Greenwood cemetery, Spokane. Ethel Hamilton was born in Minnesota, forty years ago and when a small girl came to Adams county, settling at Paha. They were real pioneers of the district, coming here before the railroad was built through this county. In 1904 she maried to J. H. Skinner at Paha. Mr. Skinner passed away about six years ago and since that time Mrs. Skinner and family have continued to reside at Paha. Mrs. Skinner is survived by four children: LeRoy, manager of the Music and Radio Shop in this city; Wanda, Maxwell and Carol, all residing at Paha, also by her mother, Mrs. Lem Jones of Paha, and two sisters, Mrs. M. L. Leedy of Bend, Oregon, and Mrs. Una Lanos of Paha. The Journal-Times Thursday, Nov. 17, 1927 issue Daniel Desmond Dies In Depot At Spokane Daniel D. Desmond, a resident of this city for more than twenty years, died suddenly in the depot at Spokane Tuesday night as he was about to take the train for his home in this city. Mr. Desmond had an attack of the "flu" last week but was feeling better and Tuesday morning went up to Spokane with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Verdonk, intending to do some work in that city. After his arrival he did not feel as well and decided to return home. He went to the Northern Pacific depot and purchase a ticket and as he left the ticket window he staggered. A friend with him asked if he was sick and he replied that he was. He was assisted to a seat, where the passed away in a few minutes before a physician, who had been summoned, could arrive. Mr. Desmond was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, December 25th, 1863, and would have been 64 years of age next Christmas day. On November 28, 1905, he was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Schoeb at Cleveland, Minnesota. Shortly after the couple came west and settled at Ritzville, where they have resided ever since. Two children were born to this union, both boys. One of the boys passed away 19 years ago at the age of three months, the other died 17 years ago aged 17 months. Since residing in Ritzville, Mr. Desmond followed the trade of painter and paper hanger. For many years he has also been city bill poster, and has a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout this vicinity. He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic church in this city and a faithful attendant. He was also a member of the Modern Woodmen lodge. Mrs. Desmond went to Spokane Tuesday evening and brought the body to Ritzville Wednesday evening. The funeral services will be held at St. Agnes church Saturday morning at 10:00 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Father Noldin. The choir from the Sprague academy will furnish the music. Burial will be in the Ritzville cemetery beside the remains of his two boys. Besides his wife he is survived by one sister, Mrs. William Canfield, of Kooskia, Idaho, two nephews, Roy and William Canfield, one niece, Mrs. William Baldwin, and a large circle of friends. William Howland Suffered Two Years William L. Howland, a pioneer resident of this city, passed away at the home of his sister, Mrs. Frank Frost, Tuesday morning about 3:30, after an illness of two years. Mr. Howland came to Ritzville about twenty four years ago and engaged in business conducting a store first in the building now occupied by the Maytag Shop. This building also housed the postoffice at that time. After the removal of the postoffice to the Gilson building, Mr. Howland moved his business to the present site of the Brunswick, which he conducted up until a few years ago, when he disposed of it to Jack Fahey. About two years ago, Mr. Howland suffered a heart attack and since that time has been unable to do any work although he was able to get about in a wheel chair up until this spring. Since that time he has been confined to his room and his sister, Mrs. Frost, has given him loving care, being on duty at all hours of the day and night. Mr. Howland was between 61 and 62 years of age. Funeral services will be held from Haight's undertaking chapel Friday afternoon at 2:30, conducted by Rev. W. G. R. Dann, pastor of the M. E. church. Interment will be in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Howland is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Bertha Look, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and by his sister, Mrs. Frank Frost of Ritzville. One son, Charles, was drowned in Finnel lake many years ago. Bert Crossland Dies Bert Crossland, formerly an auto mechanic at Harris Bros. garage and later operated the Highway garage in the Treadwell building, passed away at the home of his sister near Post Falls, Idaho, last Friday. Mr. Crossland was ill before leaving Ritzville and went to his sister's home to recuperate. A couple of years ago he had a severe sick spell from which he never fully recovered. Burial was in Idaho. Infantile Paralysis Victim Infantile paralysis claimed a victim from the Hooper district November 9, when Elmer E. Forrest passed away at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Forrest, after an illness of only forty eight hours. He was born at Roy, Idaho, on December 6, 1913, and thus was 13 years 11 months and 3 days of age at the time of his passing. Funeral services were held at the home with Rev. Rayburn Campbell officiating, Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Interment was in Washtucna cemetery. Although there are a number of other children in the Forrest home, none of them have as yet contracted the disease. The other case in Hooper, the little Thomas boy, at last reports, seemed to be recovering. The Journal-Times Thursday, Dec. 1, 1927 issue C. E. Olson Was Pioneer This community has suffered a loss of one of the best known and most respected citizens, in the death of Charles Edwin Olson. Mr. Olson was born at College Springs, Iowa, January 7, 1876. He was the son of Charles and Emma Olson and was baptized into the Lutheran church at the place of his birth. He came to Ritzville with his parents in May 1884, where they lived for about four years. They later moved to a farm north of Ritzville and soon became very substantial farmers. Mr. Olson was married January 16, 1901, to Edith Griffith. After his illness he was removed to St. Luke's hospital at Spokane and though everything was done for him in which the kindness of his family and the skill of physicians could command, it was of no avail. He died November 27, 1927. He is survived by his widow, Edith, a son, Clarence F. and a daughter, Erma, his daughter Doris having preceded him in death, January 26, 1926. He also is survived by Mrs. A. J. Finck, of Ritzville, Mrs. W. R. Griffith, Amber, Wash., Mrs. A. D. Harris, Ritzville, sisters and Mr. N. J. Olson, Ritzville, brother. The funeral was conducted at the M. E. church yesterday by Rev. H. R. Randall of Sprague and Rev. W. G. R. Dann of Ritzville. The large auditorium was filled with his relatives and friends. Interment was made at Ritzville. Mr. Olson was a director in the Marcellus Farmers Elevator Co., and was actively engaged in its management. He was a member of the Woodmen lodge, an up-right, honest man; a true warm-hearted husband, father and friend. The sympathy of the entire town and country is extended to the bereaved relatives. Former Sprague Boy Killed In Plane Crash Captain Edward Axberg, formerly a resident of Sprague, and an old pal of R. E. Edwards, of this city, when they were assigned to Kelly Field during the World war, was instantly killed Tuesday night, when his plane crashed near Corinna, Ind., on his initial run as a mail carrier. Captain Axberg was recognized as one of the most efficient flyers in the country and had many hours' experience in the air. His machine was caught in a wind and rain storm and wrecked. He left Spokane a month ago to take a position as air mail pilot. The Journal-Times Thursday, Dec. 29, 1927 issue County Pioneer Killed At Lind H. A. Conrath, father of Ernest and Albert Conrath of Ritzville, was instantly killed at Lind last week when a Milwaukee train hit him. Mr. Conrath was working with a crew of men near Vassar. They were working at night getting out gravel for a rush order. Mr. Conrath attempted to cross a bridge in front of the train, evidently expecting it to stop before reaching the bridge. The train struck him, cutting off both legs and mangling the body terribly. The remains were taken to Lind and funeral services were held Thursday at the German Lutheran church, conducted by the Rev. Mr. Meske. Burial was in the Lind cemetery. H. A. Conrath was past 71 years of age at the time of his death. He was born in Germany and in early manhood came to the United States, making his home in Wisconsin for a number of years. About 20 years ago he and his family came to Adams county, taking up a homestead near Roxboro. Here they resided until about seven years ago, when he moved to Lind, where he since has made his home. Mr. Conrath leaves to mourn his death his wife and seven sons, William of Lind, Ernest and Albert of Ritzville, Fred and Paul living in Idaho, and Charles, living in Sprague. Herman, residing in Wisconsin, arrived Wednesday to attend the funeral. There are also two daughters, Mrs. Johanna Precht of Lind, and Mrs. McCoy of Filer, Idaho. Other relatives reside in Germany. Two Deaths in Vicinity Past Week Edward Fellers, aged 77, passed away at the Chrislow ranch, near Ruff last Friday and was buried Tuesday at the Ruff cemetery. Mr. Fellers was a farm hand, employed at the ranch and death was the result of heart disease. On Monday, Ruby Schragg, 14 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Schragg of Spokane, passed away at the home of her parents. She was suffering from cancer. Funeral services were held at the Schragg church Thursday morning and burial was in the Schragg cemetery. Undertaker M. F. Haight of this city handled both funerals.