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, October 1, 1931, issue Fred Albershardt Fred Albershardt, 63, following an illness of several months, died at his farm home seven miles southwest of Ritzville last Thursday, Sept. 24, and the funeral was held at the German Methodist church here Sunday, the service being in charge of the pastor, Rev. Gaiser. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Albershardt was born at Hanover, Germany, and while less than a year old, was brought to America by his parents, the family settling in Cincinnati, Ohio, where Mr. Albershardt remained until 1892, when he came west. He homesteaded near Ralston, disposing of his land in 1904 and purchased the place that he occupied as his home up to the time of his death. Surviving are the widow, Amelia; three daughters, Mrs. Mary Richardson of Yakima, Mrs. Anna Krug of Othello, Mrs. Carrie Franklin of Brockway, Oregon; two sons, Ernest A. of Ritzville and Fred A. of Coeur d'alene, Idaho, as well as 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. J. W. Turner HATTON - A telephone message to Mrs. Dan Lyle and Mrs. Sam Lyle told of the death of their father, J. W. Turner at Weiser, Idaho, at the age of 77 years, last Saturday morning. The Turners lived near Cunningham several years where they were in the farming and cattle business and later moved to Weiser. Mr. Turner has been in poor health for several years and practically bedfast since last November. Besides his wife he leaves 12 children and many grandchildren to mourn his passing. During their stay in this state the Turners made many friends who extend their sympathy to the bereaved family. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, October 8, 1931, issue Odessa Farmer Killed When Car Goes Over Bank Jacob Gettman, 43, well-known Odessa farmer, was killed instantly Sunday near Wenatchee when his car plunged down a 75-foot embankment, and his companion, John Roth, also of Odessa, was badly hurt and in a Wenatchee hospital. Mr. Gettman lost control of his car, when he attempted to close a door which had come open. The body was taken to Odessa for the funeral and burial. Both men had gone to work in the apple harvest due to poor crops in their district. A brother, John Gettman, had been working at Dryden. Surviving Mr. Gettman are his widow, two sons, Herman and Harold, and two daughters, Helen and Violet, all of Odessa; three brothers, John, Odessa, and George and Henry, Cambrie, Ore., and four sisters, Mrs. Henry Walker, Irby, Wash., Mrs. Conrad Schwabb and Mrs. Henry Gehrlock, Portland, Ore., and Mrs. Carl Weiderspach, Odessa. Mr. Gettman had lived near Odessa 30 years. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, October 15, 1931, issue Mrs. Louise Rheinford Funeral services for Mrs. Louise Rheinford, 58, former Ritzville pioneer, will be held from the Zion Congregational church at 2 p.m. Saturday, the Rev. Geo. L. Zocher officiating. Mrs. Rheinford passed away at the home of a son, William, at Snohomish Wednesday afternoon following a long illness. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, October 22, 1931, issue Mrs. Louise Rheinford Mrs. Louise Rheinford was born May 18, 1873, in Eigenheim, Russia. In 1893 she was united in marriage with Frederick M. Rheinford. They migrated to America in 1900 and made their home in this vicinity. Her husband passed away in 1927. For the past three years the deceased had been residing with her sons in Snohomish. She had been suffering from heart disease for several years, but during the past six weeks her condition became critical, and on October 14th, she passed to rest, at the age of 58 years, 4 months and 25 days. She is survived by eight children: Mrs. D. L. Jensen, Snohomish; Albert Rheinford, Ritzville; Mrs. L. E. Weston, Lind; William, Emil and Oscar Rheinford, Snohomish; Mrs. Arthur Kirchmeier, Olympia; Otto Rheinford, Snohomish; and three grandchildren. The funeral services were held at the Zion Congregational church Saturday at 2 p.m. Rev. H. Neutzmann officiating in the absence of Rev. Zocher. Interment was in Ritzville cemetery. August F. Rutz August F. Rutz, for 37 years a resident of Ritzville, died at a Spokane hospital Monday of dropsy. The body was brought to Ritzville and the funeral conducted Wednesday from the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Rutz was a lifelong member. Rev. E. A. Rein had charge of the service and interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Rutz was born in Marienfeldt, Germany, on Aug. 14, 1863, and was married to Miss Carolina Marquardt on March 11, 1887. The couple came to America in 1890 and made their home at Nepperville, Ill., for four years. They came to Ritzville in 1894 and resided in Ritzville continuously since that time. He is survived by his wife, Caroline, at the home; five daughters, Mrs. John Bazille and Miss Alma Rutz, both of Ritzville; and Mrs. Helen Lynch of Portland, Ore.; Miss Agnes Lynch of Spokane, Wash.; and Miss Lillian Rutz of Portland, Ore.; two sons, August Junior, of Spokane, Wash.; and Henry, of Revere, Wash.; two sisters, Mrs. Fred Weber and Mrs. Carl Brown, both of Ritzville; six grandchildren, and a cousin, Will E. Scheel of Ritzville. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, October 29, 1931, issue Sitting in Chair Death Summons Lemuel W. Jones Death summoned Lemuel Jones, 71, pioneer postmaster and storekeeper of Paha Monday evening about 6:30, as he sat in his kitchen in the living rooms at the rear of his little store. Mr. Jones, who had been in poor health for a long time, made up the evening mail as had been his custom for years, had taken it and hung the sack on the accustomed hook to be picked up by the evening train. Returning to the store, Mr. Jones complained of not feeling well and remarked that he thought he would go to bed. Entering he kitchen he sat down in a rocker. A few minutes later he was discovered dead. The funeral was conducted Thursday morning from Ritzville Methodist church, and the body was taken to Spokane for interment in the Greenwood cemetery. M. F. Haight of Ritzville had charge of the arrangements. Mr. Jones was born in Warren county, Ill., near Cameron, May 24, 1860. He lived at Cameron until he was 21, when he came west to Hunters. Wash. There he met and married Eunice B. Hamilton. Immediately after their marriage they moved to Spokane and later established their permanent home at Paha, where for 33 years Mr. Jones had a general merchandise store. Mrs. Jones passed away May 13, 1930. Deceased is survived by two daughters, Una and Georgia, at home; one brother, a banker in Yuma, Ariz., and six grandchildren. Arno Schussman Dies In Spokane Arno W. Schussman, 45, passed away at a Spokane hospital late Saturday afternoon, following an illness of a few days. He was taken to the hospital but the day before his death, which, owing to the nature of Mr. Schussman's sickness, the doctors were unable to combat. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at the Smith Chapel in Spokane and was largely attended. The Rev. H. S. Randall, Spokane, former Ritzville M. E. pastor, now retired, officiated, after which the impressive ritualistic service of the Masonic lodge was given, the deceased being a member of Ritzville lodge, No. 101, F. & A. M. The body was laid at rest in the Peace Abbey mausoleum at Fairmont, with the C. J. Newland post, No. 51, American Legion, in charge of the last rites. A squad from Ft. George Wright fired the final salute and taps were sounded by a fellow comrade from the home post. Arno Schussman was born at Calumet, Mich., in 1886 and upon coming to the northwest, first made his home on the coast, where he was married. When the World war broke out, he enlisted at Monterey, Cal., and was sent overseas and served for 14 months in the signal corps of the 411th battalion. During his absence in France, Mr. Schussman lost both his wife and a daughter. Upon the signing of the armistice, Mr. Schussman returned to Palouse, Wash. Being employed as wire repairman for the Pacific Telegraph Co., he was transferred to Ritzville 13 years ago, having been in the service of the company six years previous to that time. Mr. Schussman was married again on Oct. 23, 1920, to Miss Pearl Thompson of Sprague, where she was in charge of the telephone station. By an unusual coincidence, Mr. Schussman was taken to Spokane on the anniversary of their marriage. The deceased is survived by his wife, Pearl; one daughter, Wilma, at the home; his mother, Mrs. O. F. Williams of Garfield, Wash.; and one brother, Robert, of Wenatchee, Wash. Nanchen Johanette Cronrath Mrs. Nanchen Cronrath, 71, pioneer of the Lind community, died at her home there Sunday and the funeral in charge of M. F. Haight of Ritzville was held from the Lind Lutheran church Wednesday, with Rev. Meske officiating. The deceased was born in Germany, April 4, 1860, and came to America at an early age. The family was well known in Adams county, the several sons having farmed here for a number of years. The husband was killed in an accident about four years ago. Charles Henry Rogers Charles H. Rogers, 59, passed away at his home in Ritzville last Thursday following a lingering illness and the funeral service conducted by Rev. Attenborough was held from the Haight chapel Sunday, with interment in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Rogers was born in Illinois and was a painter by trade. The family, consisting of the widow and five children, who survive the husband and father, formerly lived at Lind, but had made their home here for several years. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, November 5, 1931, issue Jacob Schott Jacob Schott, 75, for 35 years a resident of this community, passed away at a Spokane hospital Nov. 3 and the funeral was conducted from the Zion Congregational church here this afternoon by the Rev. Geo. Zocher. Burial was in the Ritzville cemetery. Mr. Schott was born in Eppstein, Germany-Bavaria, Aug. 21, 1856, and came to America in 1896, settling here and residing in and around Ritzville since that time. He was married to Mrs. Emma Boyd, nee Pfannekuchen, on Feb. 25, 1901, and besides the widow he is survived by one daughter, Anna; two sons Jacob and William; one step-daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Henricks, and six grandchilren, as well as two sisters and a brother in Germany. Sprague Boys Met Frightful Death The neighboring city of Sprague was stunned this week by a tragedy that took the lives of two boys, the victims being Carl Spuler, 19, star end on the high school football team, and his brother, Anthony, 23, who were killed instantly Sunday evening when their motorcycle collided with an automobile a few miles east of Sprague. The car was driven by J. R. Franck, Sunnyside, who turned it into a ditch and damaged it tying to avoid a head-on collision. Carl Spuler would have graduated in June. Anthony was a graduate of the high school in 1929. The boys had gone to Spokane Saturday to try and dispose of the motorcycle. Both boys were natives of this region, having been born in Lamont. Motor Firm President Dies WASHTUCNA - Friends and business associates of V. W. Weller, president of Weller Motors, were shocked by the news of his death at a Libby, Mont., hospital Oct. 29. Death was caused by a stroke. The Wellers lived here for several years although of late they have been residents of Libby. However, his business interests here have caused him to be a regular visitor, so that he never lost contact with the Washtucna people. He is survived by his widow and one daughter, Margaret at Libby, another daughter, Mrs. Frances Rutter, Sylvonite, Mont., and two sisters in Spokane. Mr. Weller was formerly president of the Glacier Silver Lead Mining Co. which owns property near Libby. Death Calls Ray Adams WASHTUCNA - Death again struck the Washtucna community when Raymond J. Adams, 45, known to his many friends as Ray, passed away Thursday night at St. Luke's hospital in Spokane after several months' illness, although little, if any hope had been held for his recovery for the past several weeks, his vital personality which endeared him to many, has made his passing seem unbelievable. He is survived by his wife, Alice; son, R. J.; his mother, Mrs. Anna Adams, Spokane; a sister, Mrs. Ethel Ramsay, Spokane; one brother, H. F. of Bremerton. He was a brother-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Gillis, Washtucna. He was owner of the Washtucna Meat Market and Cold Storage plant. He came here from Orofino, Idaho, about three years ago, and has made a wide circle of friends since his arrival. He had also been in business in Cheney several years ago. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, November 12, 1931, issue Norma Swigart Norma Lois Swigart, 10, died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Swigart, at Rupp Friday and the funeral, in charge of M. F. Haight of Ritzville, was held from the family home the following day, Rev. Galle officiating. Interment was in the cemetery at Milan. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, November 19, 1931, issue Gassed In War, George Bilter Dies In Arizona Word was recently received here telling of the death of George Bilter, a former Ritzville boy, who died in Arizona and the funeral was held Tuesday at Kennewick, the home of his parents. Mr. Bilter enlisted in Ritzville at the same time that Emil Wellsandt and Henry Biermann entered the service and George and Emil were together throughout their enlistment overseas, where the former was gassed. He was in the Veterans' hospital in Walla Walla for some time and from there was sent to Arizona, passing away about 10 days ago. W. H. Rush W. H. Rush, a transient, was found dead near Lind about midnight last Friday, the gruesome discovery being made by County Commissioner Dave Phillips, who was on his way home. Mr. Phillips came within inches of running over the body, which had fallen 40 feet to the ground from the Milwaukee viaduct, to the highway below. A slip of torn envelope in a small testament and freshly-written line on the fly leaf of the little book disclosed the man's name and led to the address of relatives. Mrs. Woody HATTON - Jake Harmon received a telegram Sunday from Fresno, Calif., informing him of the death of his mother, Mrs. Nate Woody, the immediate cause of her passing being a ruptured ulcer in her stomach. The late Nate Woody and Mrs. Woody were among the pioneers of Michigan Prairie and lived there until Mr. Woody's death. Mrs. Woody was a sufferer of asthma and five years ago she moved to Fresno, where she lived till her death. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, November 26, 1931, issue No obits Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, December 3, 1931, issue Old Pioneer Dies of Stroke LIND - M. L. Schermerhorn died Wednesday evening at the age of 89, at the home of Mrs. Motley, after an illness of several years. He suffered by a paralytic stroke. Born October 1842 in Lewis county, New York, Mr. Schermerhorn received public school and high school education in the state of New York and later in Wisconsin where he moved with his family. Serving an apprentice as a carpenter in Hartford, Conn., he left to enlist in Sept. 1862 with Company B second Artillery under Colonel Green. After his discharge, he lived in Michigan and Nebraska and Fresno, Calif., before coming to Lind in 1900. Here he entered the real estate business with much success. He also has served this community in many official capacities, some of which were justice of the peace and county commissioner. In 1886 Mr. Schermerhorn married Miss Anne Brayman, a native of New York. She preceded him in death. Mr. Schermerhorn was a member of the Masonic lodge and A. O. U. W. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Sunday afternoon the Rev. Seethoff officiating. Interment was made in the Lind cemetery beside his wife. (A second obit in the same issue follows) Martin L. Schermerhorn Martin L. Schermerhorn, 89, for 30 years a resident of the western part of Adams county and county commissioner from the second district in 1921 and 1922, passed away at Lind on Wednesday, Nov. 25. The funeral under the direction of M. F. Haight, was held from the Lind M. E. church Sunday, with interment in the Lind cemetery. The service was conducted by Rev. John Seethoff. Mr. Schermerhorn was well known throughout the county, and particularly in the lower end, where he lived for many years. The deceased was a veteran of the Civil war and received a pension for a long time, until some difficulty arose when another man of the same name in the east got the pension transferred to himself, and while numerous efforts were made to get Mr. Schermerhorn reinstated, it was never done. In addition to losing his pension, Mr. Schermerhorn suffered business reverses, and while considered fairly well to do at one time, at the time of his death was being taken care of by the county. He is survived by his aged widow by a second marriage and she is now a patient in one of the Spokane hospitals, with little hope for her recovery. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, December 10, 1931, issue Tragedy Descends on Crause Family WASHTUCNA - Tragedy descended on Washtucna Saturday shortly afternoon when little Ellen Crause, seven year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Crause, was burned to death in a fire which destroyed the Crause home about 10 miles west of here. Mrs. Crause, who had been ill for a couple of days, had stepped outside for a short time. The little girl had gone out with her mother but on becoming cold had taken her kitten and gone back in the house. She had only been there about five minutes when her mother heard her scream and Mrs. Crause looked to find the kitchen was a mass of flames. The frantic mother plunged into the flaming room and tried to find the child, but after three attempts during which time she received bad burns on face, hands and arms, was forced to give up. Mr. Crause and son had gone over to the other ranch, so Mrs. Crause was alone until the arrival of neighbors, who had seen the fire from a distance and hurried to give assistance. The little charred body was found under the sink next to the outside door through which the mother had fruitlessly tried to rescue her. It is thought the child had used gasoline in attempting to liven up the fire with the terrible result. The home and contents were a total loss. Ellen Crause was born in Washtucna June 15, 1924. She was an exceptionally bright child and had been an honor student the two years of her school life. She had the Victor talent for music and was leader of the rhythm band. She is survived by her father and mother, one brother, John, her grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. A. L. Victor of Washtucna and Mr. and Mrs Hueguein of Portland and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services were held on Monday at 9 o'clock at the U.P. church with Rev. R. H. Gordon officiating. Interment was made in the Pendleton cemetery. Mrs. Augusta Young Adams county lost another of its earliest pioneers this week in the death of Mrs. Augusta Young, who passed away Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Langenheder, at the age of 82 years. The funeral was held from the Haight chapel Tuesday, the Rev. Henry Attenborough officiating. Mrs. Amanda Bier sang two favorite hymns of the deceased, a member of the Christian church for many years. Interment was in the Ritzville cemetery. Augusta Stowe was born in Ohio, Aug. 25, 1849, and upon coming west her family first settled at Goldendale, Wash. She later made her home with her sister, Mrs. Anna Sutton, coming here in 1888, and was married May 1, 1890, at Spokane. Her husband, Walter Young, died in 1914. Mrs. Young is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Langenheder, with whom she made her home for 12 years; one son, Ray, as well as four grandchildren. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, December 17, 1931, issue No obits Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, December 24, 1931, issue Farmer Succumbs to Heart Failure John Peter Miller, 57, a farmer of Adams county for many years, was found dead in the road, his face buried in a snowbank, near his place, 20 miles west of here, last Thursday after- noon. Death was caused by heart failure. Miller had left his home Wednesday for the home of his son-in-law, eight miles away, and when he failed to return, his family believed he had remained overnight. The body was brought to the Haight mortuary here by Sheriff Oestreich and Coroner Freese. Miller's car had stalled in a snowbank and in digging himself out had overexerted himself, the officers said. Miller leaves his widow, formerly Mrs. Katie Becker, whom he married three months ago. He had been married three times and also leaves the following children: Carl, Fred, Hanna and Lydia, at home; Lizzie, Ritzville; Mollie, Tacoma; Mary, in Canada, and stepchildren, Mollie, Wenatchee; Mary, Ralston, and Clarence Becker, at home. Mrs. Miller's children are: William R. Becker, and Anna and Lucile Becker, all of Odessa. The funeral was held from the Lutheran church here Sunday with interment in the Lutheran cemetery. Ritzville Journal-Times, Thursday, December 31, 1931, issue Death Summons Wilgen Kanzler Wilgen Kanzler, 71, died suddenly at his home here Tuesday morning. Mr. Kanzler suffered a slight stroke the day before, but his condition was not considered serious, and he was being given his breakfast, when he gasped a few times and passed away. Death was attributed to heart failure. The funeral was held from the Philadelphia Congregational church at 2 o'clock this (Thursday) afternoon, the pastor, Rev. Neutzmann having charge of the service. Interment was in the local cemetery. Mr. Kanzler was born in Kolp, Russia, Sept. 30, 1860, and arrived in America in 1890. He first went to Walla Walla and came on to Ritzville the year, taking up a homestead eight miles west of town. He was married in 1892 to Marie Elizabeth Stromberger, and they resided on their farm until about 1910, when they moved to town and have lived here since that time. The old home place is being farmed by one of the sons, Arthur. In addition to his widow, Mr. Kanzler is survived by seven children. They are Mrs. Emma Wolsborn, Mrs. Martha Moon, Irene, Elsie, Wilgen, Jr., and Arthur, all of Ritzville; Rheinhart of Olympia and Carl of Portland, as well as seven grandchildren. Mrs. John McGregor Passes On WASHTUCNA - Mrs. John McGregor of Portland, a former pioneer of Hooper, passed away the last of the week in Portland. The remains were sent to Spokane where funeral services were held Monday from Smith and Co. chapel with Rev. D. A. Russell officiating. She is survived by one son, Donald of Portland. Mrs. McGregor with her husband was one of the earliest settlers in the Hooper community where she has many friends who mourn her loss.