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 ==================================================================== Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, April 2, 1931, issue Dick Pearce Heart Victim WASHTUCNA - Not for a long time has this community been so shocked and saddened as when it learned of the sudden passing of little Dick Pearce, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. William A. Pearce at about 3:30 Saturday afternoon. Dick had been afflicted with an organic heart trouble since birth but which did not incapacitate him from being one of the livest boys in the community and seemed even better this year so that his untimely passing will not soon erase itself from the minds of everybody. All the boys of or near Dick's age had divided themselves into two "armies" with trenches and forts most marvelous to see, in which they had been playing for the past several days and the most important engagement was to be on Saturday. After considerable strategy, Dick's side had managed to capture the other fort and Dick was leading the "general" of the other side to his fort when he fell. His comrades at first thought he was just shamming, but soon saw his distress so ran for help but nothing could be done. Funeral services were held on Monday morning at the U. P. church, the Rev. D. A. Russell, former pastor here, now of Spokane and Rev. Raymond Gordon officiating. It was one of the largest funerals ever held here, with quantities of floral offerings. Interment was in Walla Walla beside the resting place of his aunt, Mrs. L. L. Bassett who preceded him such a short time ago. Dick would have been 14 years old in August. He was born here and had lived here all his short life where his unusual vitality and friendliness made him a favorite. Mother of John Ross Passes WASHTUCNA - Word has been received of the death of Mrs. Bessie Ross, mother of John Ross, who now lives in Centralia but who is well remembered here and who often visited her son, becoming acquainted with many in the community. She died in Tacoma March 15 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. E. H. Colson. She was a pioneer of the Lacrosse country. Leonard Franz Leonard Franz, pioneer of the Schrag country, died at his home Wednesday at the age of 82 years. He had resided in the county for 30 years. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Menno church of that district with interment in the cemetery there. The funeral arrangements are in charge of M. F. Haight, Ritzville mortician. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, April 9, 1931, issue Early Pioneer Passes WASHTUCNA - John Huffman, one of the early pioneers of the Rattlesnake Flat district of Washtucna, passed away at 4 Monday morning. Direct cause of death being heart failure. Funeral services at Washtucna on Wednesday. Obituary in later issue. Mr. Huffman was a great lover of flowers, his early poppies being the admiration of every passerby on the highway. Leonard Franz, Sr. LIND - The funeral services of Leonard Franz, Sr., were held Saturday afternoon from the Mennonite church, Rev. M. J. Galle and P. R. Aeschliman officiating. Mr. Franz, who reached the age of 82, was a native of Germany, coming to the United States while a young man, living first in South Dakota and then coming to Washington, where he made his home. He leaves to mourn his passing, three daughters, Susan Franz, Mrs. Marie Allert, and Mrs. Minnie Jantz and six sons, Leonard, Peter, Henry, Dave, Will and Julius Franz and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, April 16, 1931, issue missing Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, April 23, 1931, issue William Weller Pneumonia Victim Adams county lost one of its most outstanding farmers this week in the death of Martin William Weller, who passed away Saturday morning at the age of 49 years, three months and 25 days. Death was due to bronchial pneumonia, developing from a case of influenza. Mr. Weller was sick but a short time and everything possible was done to prolong his life. An oxygen tent was sent from Spokane, and there being no power on the ranch, it was necessary to equip a small plant. By working most of the night the tent was placed in use by 3 o'clock Saturday morning. For a time it was believed that Mr. Weller was responding to the treatment, but it was only temporary and he gradually grew worse, death occurring at 2:10 a.m. Mr. Weller was born in Waitsburg, Dec. 25, 1881, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. Martin Weller, prominent pioneers of their community. In 1910 he married Miss Rose Clodius and to them one daughter was born, dying in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Weller moved to Adams county in 1917, when he took over a large farm near Ralston owned by the estate. He became one of our leading agriculturists, and by his application of business principles to farming, was recognized as one of our most successful wheat growers. The funeral services were conducted from the First Presbyterian church in Waitsburg Tuesday afternoon and was largely attended, including many from this community. Interment was in the cemetery there. Mr. Weller was a member of Waitsburg lodge No. 16, A.F.& A.M., Zenith chapter No. 55 of Ritzville, El Katif Temple of Spokane, B.P.O.E. No. 287 of Walla Walla, and of Ralston subordinate grange. In addition, he had recently been named chairman of the Ritzville unit of the Columbia Basin Irrigation league. Mr. Weller is survived by his widow, Rose Clodius Weller; one sister, Miss Fanny Weller of Waitsburg, and three brothers, Charles J. of Coulee, Walter R. of Waitsburg and Lawrence L. of Pendleton. Mrs. Felix Miller LIND - Mrs. Felix Miller died at the home of her daughter Saturday noon of heart failure. Mrs. Miller, a native of Arkansas, came to Washington after her marriage, and settled in Oakesdale in 1896. In 1903 she was preceded in death by her husband. In 1911 she moved to Cheney and then in 1914 she returned to Lind to make her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hugh Phillips, where she lived until her death. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and the Eastern Star. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Hugh Phillips, and three grandchildren and five stepchildren. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church, with Rev. Seethoff officiating. Special musical selections were presented by Ruth, Gertrude and Della Krehbiel. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, April 30, 1931, issue Gretchen Meyer Mrs. Reinhardt Meyer passed away at her home here Monday at the age of 58. The funeral was conducted from the English M. E. church, this afternoon at 1:30, her pastor, Rev. Gaiser of the German M. E. church preaching the service. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Gretchen Vehrs was born July 10, 1872, at Holstein, Germany, and came to the United States in 1893, accompanying her brother, and her parents followed a few years later. After eight years' residence at Grand Island, Neb., deceased came to Washington and was married to Reinhardt Meyer, Feb. 26, 1902. For many years they made their home on the farm 10 miles south of Ritzville and in 1927 they moved to town, where they have since resided. Mrs. Meyer suffered a stroke in the fall of 1929, from which she never fully recovered. She leaves beside her husband, three sons, Martin, Max and Walter, all of Ritzville. Two daughters died in infancy. There also survives three brothers, J. H. Vehrs of Ritzville, Marcus Vehrs of Sibley, Ill., and Hans Vehrs of Ritzville, and one sister, Mrs. Marie Hazlitt of Whittier, Cal. Katherine Magdalene Thiel Mrs. Katherine Magdalene Thiel, nee Adler, was born in Kolb, Russia, the 9th day of February, 1851. In 1871 she was married to Friedrich Rehn. After 10 years of married life, Mr. Rehn was taken from her side through death and she remained a widow for two years and then was married to Jacob Thiel. With him she emigrated in 1902 to this country and came from Russia direct to Ritzville, where they made their home ever since. A few years ago, her second husband also was taken from her side through death. She was the mother of 13 children eight of those also preceding her in death. Mrs. Thiel died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Peter Bauer, April 25, at an age of 80 years, two months and 16 days. She leaves to mourn her death five children and one sister, Mrs. Barbara Meier, of this city. She was buried from the Zion Congregational church, April 28, Rev. Geo. L. Zocher officiating. Mrs. Elizabeth Grob Elizabeth Gench, born near Bloomington, Ill., Jan. 1, 1866, was called to her reward early Thursday, April 23, 1931, at the age of a little over 65 years. When she was three years old her family moved to Missouri and in 1883 she was united in marriage to Henry Grob. Three children were born to them: Walter H., now of Lind, Winnie, who passed away at the age of two, and Ivan, who came to life's end accidentally at the age of 25. Mr. and Mrs. Grob and family moved on a farm near Connell in the year 1905. In 1916, they moved to Lind where the two sons, Walter and Ivan, went into business. About the same year Ivan met with accidental death at Kahlotus, Wash. In the year 1928 Mr. and Mrs. Grob retired from active life and moved to Spokane where they lived until last February when Mrs. Grob's health required removal to the home of her son, Walter, in Lind. Mrs. Grob had been in poor health for the past five years and was failing rapidly of late. Little Jean Marie had been in the habit of rising early every morning and going to the bed of her grandmother for a nap. Thursday morning, grandmother did not respond to Jean Marie's appeal as usual which aroused Mr. Grob and he soon discovered that grandmother had fallen asleep in the Lord. Mrs. Grob is survived by her husband, Henry, one son, Walter H., two grandchildren, Russell and Jean Marie; five brothers, John and George Gench of Missouri, Louis and Frank of Kansas, Carl of Florida, one sister, Mrs. Ann Koehler of Missouri. The deceased was a woman of genuine character and a zealous Christian all her life. In childhood and youth she was a member of the German Reformed church, and since 1899 a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. The memory of her is a benediction. Devoted and consistent, she never faltered in her Christian testimony and life. She will be laid to rest in the family lot in Riverside Park cemetery, Spokane. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, May 7, 1931, issue No obits Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, May 14, 1931, issue Local Merchant Loses Mother WASHTUCNA - Last Tuesday F. R. Charman, owner of the United Purity store, was called to the beside of his aged mother at Oregon City, Ore. Slight hope was held for her recovery but the aged lady seem much improved and Fred returned Thursday. Mr. Charman again left for Oregon City Sunday night to attend the funeral, his mother having passed away at 5 o'clock Sunday. She was 93 years old. V. T. Donnell V. T. Donnell, 65, president of the Triangle Construction company died Saturday morning at a Spokane hospital. He had been a resident of Spokane and vicinity for 42 years and had his home at S2803 Manito boulevard. He had been in the highway contracting business for 17 years. He came west to Ritzville from Kansas when Mr. Donnell took up a homestead on the Rattlesnake Flat. He is survived by his widow, Ella Elizabeth, and one son, Jack, at the home; one daughter, Mrs. Dail R. Howell of Spokane; one sister, Mrs. L. A. Fairbrother of Missouri, and a half-brother and half-sister. He was a member of the Elks and Modern Woodmen. Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Monday in the Hazen & Jaeger chapel with the Rev. Ray S. Dum officiating. Interment will be in Greenwood. John Schlomer John Menning Schlomer, age 60, retired farmer, died Sunday at a Spokane hospital. His home was at S1417 Grand, and he had lived in this in this region many years. Surviving are his widow, Mary; one daughter, Mrs. Marie Schmidt; two sons, Henry and John of Spokane; one sister, Mrs. Dora Harder of Kahlotus; one brother, Peter Schlomer of Benge, Wash., and a sister and two brothers in Germany. The funeral was held Tuesday in Spokane, Rev. Asheubremer officiating. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, May 21, 1931, issue Former Business Man Is Taken By Death P. R. Clark, 71, for more than 20 years a business man in Ritzville, died at his home in Kelso, Wash., Saturday morning following a long illness as the result of an automobile accident about two years ago. He had been confined to his bed for five months and was in the hospital for four months. While he was known to his many friends as "Patsy," his name was Pannell Randolph. The funeral was held Tuesday, with the Knights of Pythias lodge, of which Mr. Clark had been a member for 45 years, in charge. Mr. Clark was born near Cincinatti, Ohio, in 1860, and as a young man lived in several cities of the middle west, then came to Spokane. He arrived in Ritzville in 1900, where he engaged in the bakery and lunch room business, and later transferred his activities to real estate and insurance. While here he was always to the front in every civic activity and he also invested heavily in many outside enterprises, among them numerous mining promotions and once he became interested in financing an electric line, all these ventures failing to materialize. Mr. Clark was probably one of the best known of the earlier business men in Ritzville and was always ready to jump in and help out in any cause that he thought might prove a benefit to his community or his friends. He was for a number of years a member of the city council and during the World war he served as county food administrator. He operated what is now Lan's Cafe, and L. W. Evans, the present owner, was taught the business by Mr. Clark. Deceased was married twice, his first wife passing away shortly after their marriage here. He again married in 1904 to Miss Hattie Hitchcock of Upper Sandusky, Ohio, and the former home of Mr. Clark, where the young couple met, and his widow survives. Mr. and Mrs. Clark left Ritzville for Kelso about a year ago and they have been making their home there since that time, Mr. Clark being engaged in the real estate business. William Thomas The fast thinning ranks of G. A. R. veterans was further reduced this week by the death of William Thomas, 82, of Hooper, for more than 40 years one of the best known pioneers of western Whitman county, who passed away Monday morning at the Deaconess hospital in Spokane, where he was taken shortly before by his daughter, Mrs. Archie McGregor. Mr. Thomas was born in Wisconsin, coming west in 1880 and settling at Dayton. In 1884, he moved to Hooper and was actively engaged in farming. He retired a number of years ago and since then had spent most of his time, especialy the winters, in California. He was a Civil war veteran and despite his advanced age had been active up to a few years ago. His wife, Sarah, passed away in the later summer of 1930. Mr. Thomas was of a jovial disposition, and his friends were legion. He was one of those sturdy pioneers who got a lot of joy out of living while at the same time by diligence and hard work accumulated a competence. Having known Mr. Thomas for many years, we can say that he was a man one liked to meet and have as a friend, and up to recently the years sat lightly on his head. He is survived by four sons, John of Oregon, Melvin of Bremerton, Frank of Dishman, and Charles of Hooper; one daughter, Mrs. Archie McGregor of Glendale, Cal.; 21 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, May 28, 1931, issue Eldora Lenhart Eldora Lenhart, 15, oldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Lenhart, residing between Ritzville and Odessa, died at a Spokane hospital last Thursday of double pneumonia. The body was shipped to the Haight mortuary here and the funeral held Sunday from what is best known as the County Line church, between Adams and Lincoln counties, Rev. Morach officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Surviving are the parents and nine brothers and sisters. Charles Wesley Nye Mortician M. F. Haight was called to the lower end of the county Wednesday to take charge of the body of Charles Wesley Nye, 67, a pioneer of Michigan Prairie, who dropped dead that morning of heart trouble. Deceased is survived by the widow, Carrie, and two daughters. The funeral will be held from the home Saturday with interment in the Michigan Prairie cemetery. From Lind news of June 4: Mr. Nye, a pioneer of this country, was born at Albany, Ore., in 1863. He received his education in the Tumwater schools, later going to Klickitat county. He came to this country in 1906, where he has been farming extensively since then. He is mourned by his wife, two daughers, Mrs. Gale of Walla Walla, and Mrs. Bogart of Goldendale, and four grandchildren. Finley Urquhart LIND - Finley Urquhart, an old pioneer of this county, died Sunday afternoon, after a long illness. He is survived by his widow, Sarah, his son, A. J. Urquhart, and one grandson, Douglas, all of Lind; five brothers, Robert in Moro, Ore., William in New London, N. H., Daniel of Ironwood, Mich., and Alex and Peter in Tiverton, ont. He is also survived by six stepchildren, Mrs. H. S. Snead and Mrs. E. J. Barnes of Lind; Mrs. Earl Anderson of Ellensburg; Mrs. Ruby Ashley and Everett and Stanley Alburty in Seattle. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Tuesday morning, the Rev. Seethoff officiating. Interment was made in Spokane. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, June 4, 1931, issue Farm Laborer Dies When Caught Under Overturned Car Henry Walker, 45, farm laborer, was killed Friday afternoon two miles from Lind, when the Dodge roadster he was driving overturned in the loose gravel at the edge of the road. Walker's head was crushed and battered and he must have died almost instantly. The body was brought to Ritzville and taken to the Haight mortuary. The officers spent several days trying to locate relatives, without success, and the funeral was held Wednesday. Walker had been working for a road contractor at Spangle and had shipped his traveling bag back to Lind and a suitcase was left at the pool hall. The overturned car was found on the Odessa road, but where he intended going is not known. While the man had been employed around Lind for several years no one knew anything of his past or family connections. Mrs. Louisa Garrelts Passes WASHTUCNA - Word has been received of the passing of Mrs. Louisa Garrelts, May 21, at the home of her daughter, Miss Alice Garrelts, former teacher at this place for many years, during which time the mother resided here with her. For the past two years they have made their home at Hope, Idaho, where Miss Garrelts is teaching. Mrs. Garrelt's death was caused by a cerebral hemorrhage. She was 92 years old last September. She leaves to mourn her loss three sons in McPherson, Kansas, one son in Salida, Colo., two sons by a former marriage in Nez Perce, Idaho, one step-daughter in Illinois, a step-son in Pullman, two step-daughters in Hope, Idaho, and her daughter, Miss Alice Garrelts at Hope. Burial will take place at McPherson, Kan., beside the body of her husband. Miss Alice Garrelts and Miss Tillie Garrelts accompanied the body to Kansas and expect to be gone about a month. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, June 11, 1931, issue Pioneer Woman Dies While Singing Religious Hymn Death claimed Mrs. David Sauer, 60, of Ritzville Saturday afternoon while she was on her way to a Sunday school picnic at Lake Wenatchee. In the car with Mrs. Sauer were her husband, son and daughter and John Miller of Dryden. They had been attending a Sunday school and Epworth League convention at Dryden and a picnic was to close the gathering. The party was singing religious hymns, when Mrs. Sauer was suddenly stricken with heart failure and died suddenly. The body was brought back to Odessa and sent from there to the Haight mortuary in Ritzville. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon from the Philadelphia Congregational church, with Pastor Rev. Neutzmann, conducting the service. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Amalia Sauer (Knecht) was born Nov. 16, 1871, in Benkendorf, South Russia. In 1893 she was married to Jacob Haisch, and came with him to America in 1905. They made their home at Warden, Wash. From 1927 to 1930 she lived with her children in Olympia, Wash. In March 1930 she was married again to David Sauer. She is survived by two sons and three daughters who are living near Olympia. Hays Infant The eight months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Hays of Othello passed away Wednesday at the Ritzville hospital where the parents were stopping while the child was receiving medical care. The funeral was held from the Haight chapel at 1:30 today. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, June 18, 1931, isue Chas. W. Rathbun Dies Suddenly Charles W. Rathbun, 52, city attorney of Ritzville and former prosecutor for Adams county, died suddenly Saturday night at Olympia, where, accompanied by Mrs. Rathbun and a nurse, he was taken that day, expecting to remain on the Coast some time for his health. Mr. Rathbun suffered a complete breakdown a few days before his death and it was thought that a change might prove beneficial. He was taken to Olympia in a car driven by M. M. Streck, but Mr. Rathbun became worse when they arrived and was rushed to a hospital, expiring about 30 minutes later. Death was ascribed to diabetic coma. The body was returned Monday morning to Ritzville and the funeral services conducted Tuesday afternoon from the Methodist church, Rev. W. G. R. Dann, former pastor, but now of Lacrosse, preaching the service. The Masonic lodge, of which deceased was a member, conducted their last rites and interment under direction of M. F. Haight was made in the cemetery at Lacrosse. Business hours were closed here during the funeral, and the floral tributes were profuse. Mr. Rathbun was born in Dakota county, Nebraska, attending law school at Des Moines, Iowa. He came west 29 years ago to Lacrosse, Wash., where he remained one year, then to Ritzville to take up the practice of law. He had practiced here continuously since then. He was elected prosecutor for Adams county and in recent years has served as city attorney. Mr. Rathbun and Miss Edith Hubbard were married 25 years ago at Colfax, and in addition to the widow, he is survived by two brothers, John of Cheney and W. P. of Lacrosse; three sisters, Mrs. E. S. Knowlton, Miss Frances Rathbun and Mrs. Irene Shobe, all of Lacrosse. Charlie was jovial and kindhearted, who looked on no man as his enemy, and his sudden passing was a distinct shock to his many friends. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, June 25, 1931, issue Life Chapter Ends For Two Pioneers August Schwerin, John Schafer Ritzville lost one of its earliest settlers this week in the death of August Schwerin, who died suddenly Saturday evening from appolexy, at the age of 72. The funeral was held from the Zion Congregational church Tuesday morning, Rev. Zocher officiating, and interment, under the direction of M. F. Haight, was made in the Riverside Park cemetery by the side of Mrs. Schwerin, who passed away four years ago. Mr. Schwerin was born in Germany July 17, 1859, and came direct to Ritzville when he arrived in America 45 years ago. He took up a homestead one mile west and five miles north of town, and on Oct. 25, 1898, married Miss Hannah Siefert at Spokane. They had one son, Fred, born to them. They resided continuously on the farm up to a few years ago, Mr. Schwerin retiring in March of 1928 and moving to town, where he and his son Fred made their home. He also leaves four nieces and three nephews. John Schafer John Schafer, well known pioneer farmer west of Ritzville, died Sunday at a Spokane hospital, at the age of 68. The funeral is to be held Friday at Odessa. Mr. Schafer having been a resident of that community, both as a merchant and farmer, for 30 years. He is survived by his widow, Anna; five daughters, Mrs. George Amen of Ritzville, Mrs. Hy Walter of Odessa, Mrs. W. F. Ramsey of Mansfield, Mrs. Arthur Amen of Nebraska, and Miss Martha Schafer of Odessa; also one brother and two sisters. Mr. Schafer was born at frank, Russia, and came to Washington with Mrs. Schafer in 1890, after living four years at Hastings, Neb. They homesteaded 12 miles east of Odessa in 1891 and moved into town in 1901, when Mr. Schafer engaged in the hardware and merchandise business. He retired in 1917. He was vice president of the German-American Mutual Farmers' Fire Insurance association, which doubled its business during his time in office. Man is Killed Dodging Loose Horses on Road Martin Johnson, father of Mrs. Frank Weber, formerly of Ritzville, was killed Wednesday afternoon near Harrison, Idaho, when he encountered loose horses on the highway, and from the investigation, Mr. Johnson was killed when he tried to dodge one of the animals. The coupe left the road, rolled down a bank and threw the driver through the top. The Webers are now living in Spokane. Mr. Weber was at one time employed by the Ritzville Drug Co. and they are well known here.