Transcribed & Researched by Rob Dwyer, email: robbitd at comcast.net
FOREWORD
The following transcriptions are a bit of an experiment that I’ve recently started while doing genealogical research in Washington County, Tennessee. I began doing research in this area back in 2009, since this is where my wife’s family lived. Since then, I have been doing a great deal of newspaper and cemetery research that will hopefully save a lot of others time in the future.
One of the newspapers I’d always had an interest in exploring was “The Comet” of Johnson City, Tennessee, published between 1884 and 1916. Until very recently, these old newspapers could only be viewed by visiting ETSU and poring through microfilms. Given that I live in the Atlanta area, such a trip would be quite difficult and unlikely for me to make. As many of you know, microfilm research is quite time intensive and difficult to justify for shorter visits.
Recently, I discovered that the Chronicling America project, which digitizes many historic U.S. newspapers for free access, had just completed the lion’s share of “The Comet’s” pages from 1884 to 1909! The original images for these newspapers are available at:
http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn89058128/issues/
Initially, I was browsing through different issues just to see if I could find any family related items. Once I realized how rich these newspapers were with genealogical information, I started indexing births, deaths & weddings with a spreadsheet. (I will also ask Betty Jane to post those somewhere on the site for reference as these will be quicker for researchers to browse.)
When I viewed the transcriptions of obituaries from Jonesborough Herald & Tribute on the Washington County Genealogy site, I decided that I would take my work a step further and do proper transcriptions.
I had initially tried sharing these transcriptions with different administrators who had memorials on Find-a-grave.com, but found that each had their special rules as to whether or not they would include this information or not. I quickly realized that the best way to disseminate all of this information would be to create documents that could all be found in one place. After further consideration, I felt the best home for my research would be the Washington County, TN Genealogy site.
I have always admired the work I’ve found on the Washington County TN genealogy site and approached Betty Jane Hylton about possibly including my work there. She has been very supportive and appreciative of my efforts and agreed to help.
My transcriptions evolved yet one more step into what I’d call a “studied transcription.” In hopes of making my research even more valuable, I have done my best to correct & verify the information in these obituaries by using additional research. For each person, I have added the parents, spouse, dates & places of birth and death and burial information wherever it has been possible to find. I have tried very hard to stick with verifiable information sources such as census records and death certificates, rather than accepting 2nd hand data from other researchers.
For the transcriptions themselves, I have mostly stuck with the original texts as they originally appeared in ‘The Comet.’ I have made some minor corrections in the misspellings and typesetting errors I encountered, but only in cases where these words did not impact the genealogical data. In most cases, I have added [sic] to indicate incorrect spellings.
Why did I begin with the 1909 editions? Mainly because this was the way I’d initially started browsing them. If I had it to do all again, I probably would have started from the beginning (1884). Since I had already done so much work for 1909, I decided it wouldn’t make sense for me to abandon when I’d already started.
One of the interesting things about researching the 1909 newspapers is that I’ve been able to compare my findings with the early Tennessee Death Certificates. Of course, the earlier pre-1908 issues of “The Comet” will hold even greater value for the fact that there are no death certificates for that era.
This, of course, begs the question of whether I will continue these transcriptions. To that I can only offer a tentative “probably so”, but this will have to be as time allows me. What I’ve accomplished to date took me about two months of work. I also have other local projects I’m interested in completing, aside from my family research. I only hope that other local researchers will find what I’ve done here to be worthwhile to them.
THE TRANSCRIPTIONS
Note: The Comet was published each Thursday in 1909, so all implied dates should be calculated from that publication day.
ALLEN, GEORGE S.
GEO. S. ALLEN DEAD.
After an illness of several months George S. Allen died Wednesday afternoon at his home in this city, in the 56th year of his age. He had been a resident of Johnson City for a number of years, coming here from Virginia. Several months ago he was stricken with a spinal trouble and gradually grew worse, in spite of every effort from all known medical sources, until the end came yesterday. Relatives have been notified and the funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at the late residence. (From April 15, 1909, pg. #7)
[Husband of Aria Keys. Possibly the son of Simeon Allen & Martha Frances Dunevant of Buckingham, Virginia. Obituary, headstone & death certificate supports Apr 14, 1909 death. Certificate says he died in Johnson City, TN from “stomach trouble”. Obituary implies that George was born in 1854, but his headstone supports Dec. 15, 1858 birth. Death certificate supports approximate 1859 birth in Richmond, VA (lists age as 50). Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
ALLRED, (INFANT)
INFANT DIES AT GREENEVILLE
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Allred, of Greeneville, died Saturday and the remains were shipped to this city Sunday morning and buried in Oak Hill cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Allred were formerly residents of Johnson City and have many friends here to sympathize with them their loss. [From August 19, 1909, pg. #2]
[Son of Belvin M. Allred & Nola Scott Wattenbarger Allred. No further information found in Tennessee death records.]
ANDERSON, WILLIAM LLOYD “LLOYD”
BOY DROWNED IN SPRING.
Lloyd, the 18-months-old son of Prof. and Mrs. Elbert Anderson, who resides at Okalone, eight miles south of Johnson City, fell in the spring and was drowned on Friday on 5 p. m. The funeral was held Saturday at 3 p. m., and interment was made at Anderson’s chapel. [From May 13, 1909, pg. #6]
[Son of Elbert Luther Anderson & Flora E. Crouch. Headstone and certificate of death supports May 7, 1909 death in Unicoi County, TN. Headstone supports Oct 21, 1907 birth. Also supports Unicoi County, TN birth. Buried at Anderson Chapel Cemetery in Marbleton, Unicoi, TN.]
AUSTIN, HENRY CLAY
H. C. AUSTIN DEAD.
H. C. Austin, aged 60 years, died Sunday morning at 6 o’clock at his home in Dante. The deceased leaves a widow and the following children: Richard, Fred and Charles, all at home except Charles, who is in Cincinnati. Four daughters also survive him, being Misses Nannie, Jennie and Elizabeth, at home, and Mrs. Maud Truslow, of Redland, Cal. The funeral services were conducted Monday morning at 10 o’clock at the Dante M. E. church, south, of which the deceased was a member. The services were conducted by Rev. W. R. Barnett, of the city and Rev. W. W. Pyott, pastor of the church. The remains were laid to rest in Glenwood cemetery. – Knoxville Sentinel.
Mr. Austin was a resident of Johnson City for a number of years and has many friends here who regret to learn of his death. It was known that he was ill and the announcement of his death was therefore unexpected. (From November 11, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Rev. Clisbe Austin & Jane Ann Hammond. Husband of Mary J. “Molly” Kidwell. Henry was born in Strawberry Plains, TN in June 1849. Place supported by death certificate. Date supported by 1900 U.S. Federal Census and headstone. He was working as a “poultryman” at the time of his death. Obituary & Certificate of death supports November 7, 1909 in Knox County, TN. Cause of death listed as “hemorrhage of brain”. Buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Powell, Knox County, TN.]
BAILEY, JAMES ARCHIE “ARCHIE”
ARCHIE BAILEY DROWNED.
Archie Bailey, the adopted son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bailey of Flourville, was drowned in the Watauga river last Sunday while in bathing. The remains were recovered within a short time. Death is supposed to have been caused by cramping. The young man was only about 14 years old and the idol of his foster parents, who have the sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement. [From July 1, 1909, pg. #1]
[Adopted son of Robert E. Bailey & Nannie Webb. Name is misspelled as “Archey Bailey” on certificate of death and is working as a “farmer’s boy”. Headstone supports January 18, 1896 birth, which was in Sullivan County (according to death certificate). Death certificate, headstone & obituary support June 27, 1909 death. Certificate also indicates his death took place in Washington County, TN. Buried at Boones Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Gray, TN.]
BAILEY, MINNIE LUCILE
MISS LUCILE BAILEY DEAD.
Miss Lucile Bailey died Monday of last week, after a short illness with appendicitis, at her home at Flag Pond, in Unicoi county. An operation was performed by Drs. Edwards and Hensley and it was thought she would survive, but she grew worse the following day and death soon ended the earthly career of a bright and lovely young woman and a consistent member of the Flag Pond Baptist church. She was a sister of Mrs. R. T. Tilson, of this city, and had many friends here who will regret to learn of her untimely death. She was just twenty-one years of age and was a beloved teacher in the Flag Pond public school. R. T. Tilson and wife attended the funeral from this city. (From September 30, 1909, pg. #7)
[Daughter of William Wiley & Lucy Bailey. According to her Findagrave.com memorial, she was born on December 1, 1887 in Madison County, NC. This conflicts with her death certificate which names Flag Pond, TN as both her place of birth and death. 1900 U.S. Federal Census also supports Dec. 1887 birth in Tennessee. The date of death is difficult to read on the certificate and has been indexed incorrectly as September 10, 1909. It actually looks more like September 20, which supports the date implied by the above obituary. Buried at Sams #2 Cemetery in Unicoi County, TN.]
BAILS, DELPHIA A. CALDWELL
MRS. J. M. BAILS DEAD.
Mrs. J. M. Bails died last Friday night after a short illness at her home in this city. She was sixty-five years of age and had been a member of the Methodist Church for over forty years and was a consistent Christian, a loving wife and a fond mother. She is survived by a husband and five children. The remains were taken to Rheatown, in Greene County, for burial at the old family burial ground. (From April 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[Daughter of Thomas K. & Maria Caldwell of Hawkins County, TN. She married John M. Bails in Hawkins County in 1866. This obituary implies April 23, 1909 as her date of death.]
BAKER, DAVID E.
CAPT. D. E. BAKER KILLED
Capt. David E. Baker, of Hampton, Carter county, who was captain of Co. E., Third regiment, state militia, was killed as the result of a dynamite explosion Saturday near his home. He was near where some parties were blowing up stumps with dynamite and was struck in the head by a portion of a stump, hurled by an explosion. His death resulted almost instantly. His body was buried today with the entire company of militia in attendance. (From September 16, 1909, pg. #1)
[Son of Thomas Marion Baker & Margaret Elizabeth McLaughlin. Husband of Ada Evelyn Glover. Headstone supports March 31, 1879 birth. Findagrave.com memorial supports birth in Clark County, IL, but death certificate incorrectly claims he was born in Unicoi. David & his parents can be found living in Clark County, IL in 1880 when he was barely a year old. Headstone supports Sept. 10, 1909 date of death, while obituary implies (Saturday) Sept. 11, 1909 date. Buried at Hall Cemetery in Braemar, Carter, TN.]
BATEMAN, ROSS
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Vance little nine-months old Ross Bateman, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Bateman, of Elk Park, died Tuesday morning at 3.40, of whooping coughs and complications. Borne on wings of love to a home of glory, forever lifted from a world full of strife. Cheer up, dear parents, his soul is saved. (February 11, 1909, pg. #2)
[Implies February 9, 1909 date of death. No other information found.]
BAWGUS, TIRA MATTHISON
TYRE BOGUS ASPHYXIATED
Tyre Bogus, an employe [sic] of the Cranberry Furnace Company, was overcome with gas while charging the furnace and could not be resuscitated, dying Sunday morning. He leaves a widow and two children. (From April 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Irvin Mattison Bawgus & Celia Ann Pruitt and the husband of Rosa Bell McClure. The Bawgus surname is commonly misspelled in public records, although his first name is also mangled here. The corrected spelling originates from his headstone. Date of birth was February 3, 1880 in Wilkes County, North Carolina. His headstone also supports the April 25, 1909 date of death indicated by this obituary. Buried at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN.]
BAYNTON, CAPT.
Except from SOLDIERS’ HOME NOTES
Capt. Baynton of Co. C., this home, but he was First Sergeant of Co. F. 1st Maine cavalry, Civil War, who was away on leave of absence, and died of pneumonia at Bristol, was brought back Here and buried Monday. (From November 18, 1909, pg. #2)
[Unable to find any further information on Captain Baynton. Will require more research.]
BLACK, JANE
THE OLDEST WOMAN DEAD
“Aunt” Jane Black, of Bristol, Expired at the Reputed Age Of 112 Years
Bristol, Nov. 12. – Probably the oldest woman in Tennessee is dead. She was “aunt” Jane Black, 112 years old, who was found dead in bed here yesterday. She is said to have been half Indian and half negro, and her remarkable longevity is puzzling. Since the death of her husband, an aged full-blooded African, she has lived alone.
“Aunt” Jane had long straight black hair and possessed remarkable strength even to her death. She claimed to have been 125 years, but more correct compilations placed her age at 112. (From November 18, 1909, pg. #5)
[The only Jane Black I was able to find living in Bristol, TN between 1880 and 1900 was born in March 1830 in Virginia. In fact, the 1880 U.S. Census, which has Thomas & Jane also living in Bristol, claims she was born in 1834 in TN. In other words, she seems to get older every time you ask her age! She was listed as “black” and married her husband Thomas Black (b. 1834, VA) in about 1869. In other words, I have my doubts about the veracity of the above claim. If this is the same woman, she would have only been 79 years of age at death. I would welcome anyone to find other evidence that supports the above article, but I’ve been unable to find any. I was unable to find any death certificate or burial information either.]
BLACK, RUFUS B.
RUFUS BLACK DIES OF BLOOD POISONING
Rufus Black, a familiar figure in the labor world, died yesterday morning from the effects of blood poisoning. He received an injury to his leg some weeks ago while working at the Soldiers’ Home and blood poisoning resulted. The limb was amputated Tuesday afternoon, but the operation did not stop the disease and death followed Wednesday. (From August 26, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Nancy Black of Ashe County, NC. Husband of Lou Black (maiden name unknown). Rufus Black was 53 years of age, married and working as a laborer at the time of his death. He was born in Ash County, NC. Both his obituary and death certificate support an August 25, 1909 death in Johnson City from “blood poisoning”.]
BLACKBURN, DORA SMITH
Mrs. A. E. Blackburn was called to Morristown last week by the death of her son’s wife, Mrs. Frank Blackburn. She has returned, accompanied by her son and his little daughter. (From September 16, 1909, pg. #3)
[Possibly the daughter of Leon B. & Louvena C. Smith of Morristown, TN. Spouse of Frank E. Blackburn. She was 26 years of age at the time of her death. This document says that she died on September 8, 1909 in Morristown, TN. Cause of death was “consumption”. Probably buried at Saint Paul Presbyterian Church in Morristown, where husband Frank is interred.]
BLAIR, JOHN NELSON
JOHN N. BLAIR DEAD.
Native of Washington County Passes Away in Texas at Advanced Age – Brothers Here.
John N. Blair, aged 67 years, died at his late residence, 486 College street, yesterday afternoon at 5.30 o’clock. The funeral services will be conducted at the late residence of deceased at 4 this afternoon, Rev. J. W. Moore, pastor of the Methodist church officiating. Interment will be at Magnolia cemetery.
Mr. Blair is survived by three children, Mrs. W. W. McCarter and C. E. Blair of Beaumont, and W. C. Blair of Dayton, Texas, and three sisters and two brothers, Mrs. B. B. Rice, of Aremsville, Ore.; Mrs. Sam Wright of Jonesboro, Tenn.; Mrs. W. K. Blair, of Morristown, Tenn.; R. W. and S. C. Blair, of Johnson City, Tenn.
Deceased has been a resident of Beaumont for the past eight years, having resided at Knoxville, Tenn., some twenty years before coming to Texas. Deceased has been a constant sufferer from rheumatic troubles for the past ten years and this, together with other complications has hastened the end, the direct cause of his death resulting from anema [sic] and an acute attack of rheumatism settling on his heart.
Mr. Blair has been a life-long member of this church and was a member of the First Methodist church of this city and while not physically able to attend the meetings, yet he was a devout Christian at all times. – Beaumont, Texas, Enterprise, Sept. 29. (From October 7, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Robert Laird Blair & Martha Roe Cunningham. Wife’s name was Sarah C. 1900 Census data supports August 1842 birth in TN. Obituary supports September 28, 1909 death in Beaumont, Texas. Was buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Beaumont, Jefferson, TX.]
BLEVINS, PEARL
The funeral services over the body of Miss Pearl Blevins, who died at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Tom White, in Carnegie, were conducted Monday at the Roan Street Baptist church by pastor, T. G. Davis, at 2 p.m. The burial followed in Oak Hill cemetery. (From August 5, 1909, pg. #3)
[I was unable to find any further information on Pearl.]
BOWERS, DAVID HENRY
D. H. BOWERS DEAD.
“Daddy” Bowers is dead. This simple announcement caused general regret to a large circle of friends last Saturday. It was by this name that David H. Bowers was familiarly known all over East Tennessee. For many years he was with the Southern, running out of this city in the later years of his service with the road. Last year he was appointed jailor by Sheriff Jones and died there last Friday after a short illness with tuberculosis of the throat. He was only 34 years of age and was a big-hearted, loyal soul and numbered his friends by his acquaintances. He leaves a widow and mother to mourn his untimely death. The remains were brought to Johnson City Saturday and buried in Oak Hill by the Elks, a large number meeting the train and escorting the remains to the last resting place. There were many beautiful floral emblems from the various orders of which he was a member and a mound of beautiful flowers marks the spot where this generous and whole-souled friend sleeps the sleep that knows no waking. [From June 17, 1909, pg. #3]
[Son of Abe Bowers & Sarah Wright. Husband of Cora Lee Costner. 1880 U.S. Federal Census shows David living with his parents in Watters, Floyd County, GA. Census supports GA birth.]
BOWMAN, (INFANT DAUGHTER)
“The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Bowman died Wednesday, after a short illness, and was buried today in Oak Hill.” (From September 30, 1909, pg. #7)
[Daughter of John H. Bowman & Mary Hamner of Johnson City, TN. 1910 U.S. Federal Census shows that Mary had birth one child that was no longer living.]
BOWMAN, JOSEPH ROBERT “ROBERT”
DEATH OF MR. ROBERT BOWMAN
The death of Robert Bowman, a prosperous farmer of Boones creek, a brother to Dr. S. A. Bowman and the late John Bowman, on Monday, January 25, at 11 a. m., from typhoid, removes one of the county’s best citizens. He was a man of considerable means, owning many acres of fine land. He leaves a wife and four children to mourn his death.
A good husband, a kind father and a useful citizen had been called away forever. (From February 4, 1909, pg. #1)
[Son of George Crouch Bowman & Anna M. Hylton. According to his headstone, Joseph was born on November 20, 1869. His headstone also supports the January 25, 1909 date of death given by his obituary. Buried at Boones Creek Brethren Cemetery in Johnson City.]
BOYD, KATE
Excerpt from Local and Personal section
Mrs. Kate Boyd, wife of W. S. Boyd, of Jonesboro, died last Sunday evening after a short illness of erysipelas which resulted in blood poisoning. (From December 30, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of Benjamin & Alice Goodin. Wife of Winfield Scott Boyd. Born May 11, 1855 in Knox County, KY. Obituary & TN death certificate support December 26, 1909 death in Washington County, TN. Buried at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Jonesborough, TN.]
BROWN, MALONE
DEATH OF INFANT.
The infant son of Mrs. [sic] and Mrs. Walter Brown died this morning after a short illness. The bereaved parents have the sympathy of many friends in the loss of their first child.
The remains were taken to Knoxville Thursday afternoon for interment. (From June 3, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Brown. Malone was born on October 26, 1908, according to his Findagrave.com memorial. Knoxville certificate of death supports June 3, 1909 death in Johnson City, TN from “colitis”. Buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Knox, TN.]
BROWN, MARGARET M. PAYNE
AGED WOMAN DIES IN CARTER COUNTY
Mrs. Margaret Brown, widow of Isaac Brown, died at the home of her daughter Mrs. J. W. Renfro, in ter [sic], Carter county, last Friday evening at 6 o’clock. Mrs. Brown was one of the best known ladies in the county. Isaac Brown, her husband, was one of the most prosperous farmers that ever lived in Carter county, and was one of the wealthiest citizens at his death. Mrs. Brown as a good Christian woman and had been a member of the Christian church for sixty-six years. She was the stepmother of our townsman, C. N. Brown. (From September 16, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of Nicholas Payne & Mary McKeehan of Carter County, TN. 1st husband was Mongomery T. Williams, whom she married in Carter County in 1850. Married 2nd husband Isaac H. Brown in Carter County in 1855. Headstone supports March 21, 1829 birth (in TN) and September 10, 1909 death, also implied by obituary. Buried at Kitzmiller Cemetery in Carter County, TN.]
BROWN, RUTH
Excerpt from Local And Personal
Ruth, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George R. Brown, died Monday after a short illness. Interment in Oak Hill. [From July 15, pg. #3]
ASLEEP IN JESUS.
After a brief illness Ruth, the bright two-years-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R. Brown, died July 12, at 10:30 p.m., at her home on Watauga avenue. Everything that medical skill could do was done, but death had marked her for his victim. She was a pleasant, lovable child, and will be missed by all. Though young in age, her heart’s desire and pleasure was to go to Sunday-school, only missing ten Sundays in her life. The funeral services were conducted Tuesday, the 13, at 3 p. m., at the United Brethren church, by the pastor, Rev. H. T. Athey, attended by a large number of sympathizing friends. Interment followed at the city cemetery.
There is no death! An angel form
Walks over the earth with silent tread,
And bears our best loved things away,
And then we call them dead.
He leaves our hearts all desolate,
The plucks our fairest, sweetest flowers,
Transplanted into bliss, they now
Adorn immortal bowers.
The bird-like voice, whose joyous tones
Made glad these sins of sin and strife
Sings now an everlasting song,
Around the tree of life.
Whereon he sees a smile too bright
Or heart too pure for taint or voice,
He bears it to that world of light
To dwell in paradise.
And ever near us, though unseen,
The dear immortal spirits tread,
For all the boundless universe
Is life—there is no death. –X.
[Daughter of George Riley Brown & Sarah Ella Miller. Headstone supports June 11, 1907 birth and July 12, 1909 death (as does these obituaries). No death certificate found. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
BULLOCK, CHARLES FAIN
C. F. BULLOCK DEAD.
Charles F. Bullock, aged 27, son of Esquire A. H. Bullock, and brother Mrs. J. E. Crouch, Mrs. Bond of Texas, Mrs. Wm. Smith of Kentucky, Wm. Bullock of Texas, and Sam and Crockett of this city, on last Sunday morning at 10 o’clock, a victim of the “great white plague.” Mr. Bullock contracted consumption while a resident of California. He then went to Florida for his heath, but failed to be benefited, and came back to his home in this city. The funeral services were conducted from the Christian church by Rev. J. F. Brown on Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock. Interment followed in Oak Hill cemetery. Cut down in the vigor of young manhood, he leaves many friends to sympathize with those who bear the burden of his loss. [February 18, 1909, pg. #2]
[Son of Adam Henry Bullock & Dora Murray. His headstone supports a birth date of October 5, 1881, as well as the February 14, 1881 date of death implied by this obituary.]
BUSH, SAMUEL REAVES
BRAVE IN THE FACE OF DEATH
Was Engineer Bush, First Thought Was for the Passengers; Last, to have His record spotless
Passengers who were on the Southern train wrecked near Midway, last Thursday, gave details of the bravery of Engineer Samuel Bush, of Knoxville, Bush was slowly and painfully working his way out of the wreck of his engine, scalded and frightfully bruised, when the few passengers who retained their senses dug into the mass of twisted and burning iron to meet him. He was lifted out upon the ground and a hurried call for physicians resulted in the discovery that there was not a doctor on the train. As the passengers began a hunt for whisky to stimulate him and were breaking open suitcases in their search. Bush asked for a last look at his old engine, as hopeless a wreck as was its engineer. When they came to him with the liquor he begged them to look after the comfort of the passengers. Told that no passengers had been injured, he said:
“That’s good. But before I take this whisky I want you men to smell my breath and testify, if need be, that I had not been drinking when this happened.”
Although suffering horrible agonies, the brave engineer would not touch the stimulant until four of the men had smelled his breath and promised to bear witness to his sobriety.
“All and [sic – an] engineer has is his record,” he said feebly, “and he can not afford to have anything against that.”
And Engineer Bush went out upon his last run with his record spotless.
Saved His Salary
Following the death of Samuel Bush, the veteran engineer who died from injuries sustained in the Mohawk wreck Thursday, a Bristol friend recalls an interesting statement Mr. Bush made to him only a short time ago, says the Herald-Courier.
As he is generally known, Samuel Bush leaves a considerable estate, having accumulated a large amount of property by thrift and saving. He told the Bristol friend that he had not spent a penny of his salary for three years, and he made about $200 every month. As regular as pay-day came he went to a bank in Knoxville and deposited his check, never using a cent of it. It is reported that he left on deposit at the bank between $10,000 and $20,000 in cash. He owned some excellent improved property in Knoxville. (From August 19, 1909, pg. #3)
[Husband of Nancy M. “Nannie” Newman. Was married and 49 years of age at the time of his death. Born in Virginia. Certificate of death supports August 13, 1909 death at Knoxville Hospital (in Knoxville, TN). Cause of death given was “engine turned over at Midway.” His Knoxville death certificate goes on to explain that he had a “Fracture of right femur at junction middle & lower thirds. Scars of shoulders, neck & face.” Contributing factor was shock (from R. R. accident). Buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, TN.]
BUTLER, LUCINDA L.
DIED.
Miss Lucinda Butler died Monday night, February 8, at the family home three miles from Jonesboro. In June, 1866, she went to live with Mrs. John White, two miles north of Johnson City. When the eldest daughter, Mrs. Mountcastle, took charge of the home in 1883 she remained in the household. All these years she faithfully and tenderly ministered to each one with whom she was associated. She seemed to always find the greatest pleasure in doing for others. She helped to rear two generations and spent the last two years of her life with the third – little Frank and Helen Summers. She was a consistent member of the First Presbyterian church in Johnson City for forty years. Her Christian life was quiet, but a happy one. She gave liberally to her church and all who knew her well marveled at the wonderful kindness of her heart. She leaves six sisters, two brothers and numbers of friends to mourn their loss. (February 11, 1909, pg. #2)
[Daughter of Ira Ellis Butler & Susannah Thomas. She worked as a school teacher living in Washington County, TN in 1870 and never married. According to her death certificate, she was born and died in District 5 of Washington County, TN. Her death was due to “heart trouble”. While living in the household of John & Susannah White she is listed as “cousin”. Her Find A Grave memorial supports a January 17, 1845 date of birth, as well as the February 8, 1909 date of death specified in her obituary. Lucinda is buried at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Jonesborough.]
CAMPBELL, JAMES D.
JAMES CAMPBELL KILLED OUT WEST
James Campbell, son of Mrs. R. F. Campbell, of this city, was killed in a railroad accident in Oklahoma last week and the remains were shipped here for interment last Friday. The deceased grew up in this city and has only been in the west a few years. He was coupling cars when the accident occurred. (From April 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of William Newton Campbell & Rachel F. Kingsolver. According to his death certificate, he was 24 years of age and born in Virginia. The certificate incorrectly lists his date of death as “May 1909”, but does say he was “killed by train” in Oklahoma. His Find A Grave memorial (which may be based on his headstone) supports an April 19, 1909 date of death.]
CAMPBELL, VIRGIE
Miss Virgie Campbell, aged eighteen years, died at her home in Florence, Ala., Tuesday. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Campbell, and had many friends in this city. Mr. Campbell and family moved from this place to Florence about seven years ago.
Miss Christine Scott and Blaine Hendricks, cousins of the deceased, attended the funeral from this place. [From March 18, 1909, pg. #5]
[No additional information known at this time.]
CANTRELL, WILLIAM
WM. CANTRELL DEAD.
Wm. Cantrell died last Thursday afternoon in a hospital at Knoxville with meningitis. He was taken ill at the Carlisle hotel in this city with typhoid fever and had only been in the hospital a few days when complications arose that resulted in his death. He was about 36 years of age and was a civil engineer on the C., C. & O. He married Miss Bird Ray about three years ago and is survived by her and two children, the youngest only a few weeks only. The remains were taken to Mississippi for interment. (From February 11, 1909, pg. #2)
[Obituary seems to imply February 4, 1909 date of death. Unable to locate any other information to confirm.]
CARTER, LUCY ANN JENNINGS
MRS. L. A. CARTER DEAD
Mrs. L.A. Carter, the mother of Geo. L. Carter and Mrs. J. Fred Johnson, of Johnson City, died at the old Carter homestead at Hillsville, Carroll County, Virginia, last Wednesday. Her death followed a brief illness, and the relatives at a distance were hurriedly summoned to her bedside. Mrs. Carter was about 70 years of age. She was a most estimable woman, being characteristic of the sturdy virtues and the nobleness of character that have given to Virginia women the distinction for true womanhood for more than a century.
The funeral of Mrs. Carter was conducted from the home on last Saturday afternoon, and the body was buried beside the grave of her husband in the family burying ground at Hillsville.
The surviving children are: Geo. L. Carter, Mrs. J. Fred Johnson, of Johnson City; Mrs. M.W. Doggett, Austin, Texas, and Mrs. R.J. Wilkinson, of Hillsville.
Mr. and Mrs. Carter and Mr. and Mrs. Johnson attended the funeral, having been called to Hillsville by the senior Mrs. Carter’s last illness. – Bristol News. (From December 30, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of James Jennings & Lemina Barnard of Carroll County, VA. Wife of Walter Crocker Carter. Lucy was the mother of George Lafayette Carter, a wealthy entrepreneur & philanthropist who donated $100,000 and 150 areas of land towards establishing East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. Headstone supports March 1, 1840 birth (in VA). Obituary implies December 22, 1909 date of death, but headstone lists December 23. Interred at Carter-Wilkinson Cemetery, Hillsville, Carroll County, TN.]
CHEESMAN, MORTON JEWETT
M. J. CHEESMAN DEAD.
Prominent Business and Public Man of Salt Lake City Very Suddenly Passes Away
Salt Lake City Dec. 1. – With startling suddenness came the announcement to the community of Salt Lake City of the death of Morton Jewett Cheesman, which occurred at his residence, West Temple and Fourth South streets, at 4 o’clock Tuesday morning. Thus was called one of the men prominently identified for over twenty-five years with civic, educational and social life of the city.
Mr. Cheesman went to bed at 1 a. m. Some time after 2 or 3 in the morning he arose and went to the sitting room and sat before the fire. Mrs. Cheesman heard him and went to the room to ascertain the cause. He complained of feeling ill, and his wife lieft the room to procure some stimulant or restorative for him. Just as she did so he asked: “Do I look peculiar?” These were his last words. When Mrs. Cheesman returned, she found her husband laying face downward on the floor and life extinct.
The deceased was the father of Mrs. Campell, wife of Liet., R. Nelson Campbell, of Ft. Dupont, Delaware. – Salt Lake Tribune. (From December 16, 1909, pg. #1)
[Son of Morton Cheesman & Margaret Pitcher Scott. Husband of Mary Ann Walker. Headstone supports May 18, 1857. Utah death certificate supports May 15, 1857 birth in CA. Death certificate, obituary & headstone support November 30, 1909 date of death. Died in Salt Lake City, UT. Certificate lists cause of death as “Heart failure, dropped dead. Interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Salt Lake City, UT.]
CLOYD, ELIZABETH MILLER
DEATH OF MRS. ELIZABETH CLOYD.
On Friday morning last, at 4:30 O’clock, the spirit of Mrs. Elizabeth Cloyd was called home by its maker.
She was the wife of the late Thomas J. Cloyd, and the mother of ten living children – J. N., A. C. , T. M., Cornelia and Nellie of Johnson City; Sam, John and Matt of Bristol, Mrs. Chas. Green of Washington College, and Mrs. A. C. Peters of Sunbright, Tenn.
To these of the family and their friends, we extend our deep sympathy in their implorable loss.
Rev. S. B. Vaught reports an excellent meeting at Midyear conference last week of the M. E. Church South at Morristown. Every single presiding Elder in Holston Conference was present. (February 25, 1909, pg. #3)
[According to her headstone, Elizabeth was born in 1834. She married Thomas Jefferson Cloyd on January 31, 1856 in Washington County, TN, according to Tennessee State Marriages collection. The date of death on her headstone is fairly illegible. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
COCHRAN, LEONORA L. “NORA” HOWARD
DIED IN HOSPITAL.
Mrs. Nora Howard Cochran died about ten days ago in a Cincinnati hospital from the result of an operation for appendicitis. She will be kindly remembered here by a large circle friends as Miss Nora Howard, the accomplished daughter of Dr. S. L. Howard, the Kentucky financier who started the City National Bank, and of which she was assistant cashier for some time. After leaving here she married Dr. Cochran, of Madison, Ind., several years ago. She was his second wife and died upon the tenth anniversary of his first wife’s death, both dying as the result of an operation for appendicitis. (From December 23, 1909, pg. #5)
[Daughter of Sam L. & Anna Cochran of Ghent, Carroll County, KY (as of 1880-1900). Wife of Dr. R. W. Cochran. Nora was born in July 1874 in Kentucky, according to her headstone & 1900 U.S. Federal Census data. The Ohio, Deaths 1908-1932 collection supports December 6, 1909 death in Cincinnati, although obituary roughly implies a December 13, 1909 death. Buried at Ghent Masonic Cemetery in Ghent, KY.]
COOPER, FRANK
QUARREL ENDS IN YOUNG MAN’S DEATH
Two young men became involved in a quarrel near Chestoe, Mitchell county, N. C., on last Sunday night and Frank Cooper lost his life from a shot fired by Luther Bailey. Bailey is said to be a young man of good habits, and Cooper is reported as using threatening language before the fatal shot was fired. Bailey has not been apprehended but it is thought that he will come in (and) and give himself up to the officers. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #6)
[Unable to find any death certificates or locate any Frank Cooper living in Mitchell County, NC in 1900.]
COOPER, WILLIAM FRIERSON
DEATH OF W. F. COOPER
BROTHER OF D. B. COOPER
DECEASED FORMER JUDGE
For Years He Has Resided in New York – Interment Will Be In Maury County, Tenn.
Nashville, May 7. – A special to the American from New York says that Judge Wm. F. Cooper died there tonight at the age of ninety years. He was a brother of D. B. Cooper, recently convicted here together with his son J. Cooper [1st initial illegible], of the killing of Ex-United States Senator E. W. Carmack. Judge Cooper was of a distinguished Tennessee family and was an appointed a member of the Confederate States Supreme Court which body never convened and a member of the Tennessee Supreme Court. He was graduated from Yale in the class with William H. Evarts Alonzo Taft, father of President Taft. He was employed by the publishers to edit Daniels’ Chancery Practice and was also author of Cooper’s Chancery Reports, both of which volumes he dedicated to his classmate, Alonzo Taft. Judge Cooper was unmarried. He was born in Maury County, Tenn., but since his retirement from the state supreme bench a number of years ago, he made his home in New York City. The remains will be brought to Maury County for interment. (From May 13, 1909, pg. #1)
[Son of Matthew Delamere Cooper & Mary Agnes Frierson. Headstone also supports May 7, 1909 death. Was born March 11, 1820 in TN. Buried at Zion Presbyterian Church Cemetery.]
COWAN, DR. JAMES BENJAMIN “JOHN”
ONLY MORTON IS LEFT
Cowan died yesterday. He has followed his chief over the river with Kelley, with Billy Forrest, with Anderson and with Dashiels and the others of that matchless group of men who constituted Forrest’s staff.
They were a chivalric force, these members of Forrest’s military family. Only one is left, John W. Morton, who was chief of Forrest’s artillery. Kelley was a fighter and a preacher. He died less than a year ago, quickly following Billy Forrest, whose funeral he preached in this city.
In a ripe old age Dr. Cowan died yesterday at Tullahoma. He was Forrest’s chief medical officer. A few years ago, in conversation with Morton and a few others, harking back to the time that tried men’s souls, he boasted, and he had reason to boast, that all the medical supplies he needed were captured by his chief from the enemy. “And I not only had plenty for my own army,” said Dr. Cowan, “but we sent medical supplies to the army in Virginia.”
The Confederate medical officer much to contend against. The surgeons that followed the armies of the North had hospitals, attendants, food for the convalescent, plenty of instruments and drew their drug supplies from the whole world. The Confederate surgeon had to find for himself his own supplies, had to build his own hospitals and had to invent many things which were provided in abundance for the surgeons in the North.
Peace to Cowan’s ashes. In the days of his buoyant youth he was a soldier and surgeon. In the old age he was a philosopher. There was in him even to the last the enthusiasm of youth for his profession and the Lost Cause. Only Morton is left. (From July 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Rev. Samuel Montgomery Cowan & Nancy Coker Clements. His wife was Lucy Caroline Robinson. He was born on September 15, 1831, according to the U.S. Veterans Gravesites, ca. 1775-2006 collection (probably in Fayetteville, Lincoln County, TN.). Although this obituary implies a July 28th death in Tullahoma, the U.S. Veterans Gravesites collection supports a July 27th date of death. Buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Tullahoma, TN.]
DALTON, FLORENCE
DEATH OF MISS FLORENCE DALTON.
Miss Florence, the 15-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Dalton, after a short illness of typhoid fever, died at her home in the eastern part of the city Saturday at 10 o’clock. Miss Dalton was a student at Science Hill and was a bright pupil. Sunday and at 2 p. m., in the Christian church in the presence of a large number of sorrowing friends and relatives, the funeral service was conducted by Rev. W. S. Buchanan, of Philipsburg, Pa., and interment took place in Monte Vista cemetery. (From October 28, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of Charles Hale Dalton & Sarah Elizabeth Pulliam. Findagrave.com memorial supports September 2, 1895 birth in Marion, McDowell County, NC. Obituary supports October 23, 1909 death in Johnson City. No Tennessee death record found. Interred at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN.]
DAVIS, THOMAS T. “TOM”
DEATH BY LIGHTNING.
During a frightful thunder storm Sunday afternoon about 1 o’clock, Tom T. Davis was instantly killed by lightning. Mr. Davis was standing in the door of his home on Ivy street holding a little child in his arms and another child by his side when he was struck. His neck was broken and he sank to the floor dead. Neither of the children was hurt in the least. The deceased was about 25 years of age and was employed as shipping clerk by Lockett Bros. He leaves a widow and several small children. The remains were buried in Oak Hill Tuesday morning by the Jr. O. U. A. M., of which the deceased was a member. (From September 2, 1909, pg. #5)
[Son of Charles & Nancy Mary Davis. Tom Davis was born in Telford, TN in October 1883. He was married and working as a clerk at the time of his death. Certificate of death & obituary support August 29, 1909 death in Johnson City. Cause of death on certificate listed as “killed by lightning”.]
DeARMOND, DAVID ALBAUGH
The pathetic death of Congressman David A. DeArmond, of Missouri, has touched the hearts of the American people. In trying to escape from his burning home with his little six-year old grandson, his favorite and namesake who had been sleeping with him, they both lost their lives and were later found locked in each others arms. The little fellow had been heard to cry out, “Oh grandpa, get me out of here; I’m burning to death.” “Yes son, don’t be afraid, grandpa’ll take you out,” was the calm reply, then both went down to death. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Samuel & Mary DeArmond of Pennsylvania. Husband of Alice May Long. Born March 18, 1844 in Altoona, Blair, Pennsylvania. Elected to represent Missouri’s 6th and 12th Districts in the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1891 to 1909. Also served as a Member of the Missouri State Legislature. Headstone supports November 23, 1909 date of death. Interred at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Bates County, MO with grandson David.]
DeARMOND JR., DAVID ALBAUGH
[See obituary above for Grandfather David Albaugh DeArmond. David Jr. was the son of James A. De Armond & Nancy Lee Bell. He was born September 21, 1902 in Missouri. Headstone supports November 23, 1909 date of death. His grandfather’s mansion (where the fire took place) was in Butler, MO. David Jr. was buried with his grandfather at Oak Hill Cemetery, Butler, Bates County, MO.]
DOAK, MARGARET L. “MAGGIE”
MISS MARGARET DOAK DIES IN OXFORD, OHIO.
Miss Margaret Doak, daughter of Col. And Mrs. H. M. Doak, died yesterday in Oxford, Ohio. Miss Doak had many friends in Nashville, and the news of her death will comes as a shock to all who knew her. The body will be brought to Nashville tonight and conveyed to the apartments of her parents, 31 Vauxhall Flats, from which the funeral will be held tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock. Dr. W. M. Anderson will have charge of the services and interment will be made at Mt. Olivet. – Nashville Banner of last Thursday. (From October 21, 1909, pg. #2)
[Daughter of Henry M. Doak & Margaret Lockert. March 1875 birth in TN supported by 1900 U.S. Federal Census, which shows Maggie living with her parents in Davidson County, TN. Obituary & Ohio, Deaths 1908-1932 collection supports October 13, 1909 death in Oxford Village, Butler County, TN.]
DUNBAR, J. H.
JOHNSON CITY MAN KILLED
Is Run Over By a Freight Train at Appalachia, Va. – Head is Severed From Body.
Appalachia, Va., Sept 14. – At 5:15 o’clock this morning the body of J. H. Dunbar, a carpenter of Johnson City, Tenn., was found on the tracks of the V. & S. W. railway, about five hundred yards east of the Appalachia yards, with the head severed from the body, both legs mangled in a horrible manner, and one of them cut entirely off.
The coroner’s inquest returned a verdict that Dunbar came to his death while intoxicated, having fallen or lain down on the track. The coroner’s jury exonerated the railroad company for any responsibility whatever.
It seems that Dunbar and a companion, named Tomlinson, were on their way from Greno, Va., to some mining camp in Colorado, and after arriving at Appalachia on the afternoon of Monday Dunbar procured some whiskey. After loading up on same, Dunbar decided to go to Mendota, Va., before leaving for the west, he and his friend separating about 9 o’clock Monday night. It is thought that Dunbar was waiting for an east-bound freight train on which he intended beating his way to Mendota, and in his drunken dilemma, either sat or fell down on the track and was run over by a west-bound freight train some time near midnight.
Dunbar’s wife has requested that his remains be sent to Johnson City for burial. (From September 16, 1909, pg. #3)
[No additional information found on J. H. Dunbar.]
EDWARDS, SOLOMON
KILLING IN UNICOI
A game of cards on Rock Creek road near Erwin, last Thursday resulted in a general fight and as a result Solomon Edwards is death, short four times by Frank Miller. Miller was shot in the shoulder and William Edwards and Deon Day and other participants were badly disfigured during the melee. Miller was bound to court and is in jail. (From August 12, 1909, pg. #3)
[Solomon Edwards can be found living in Civil District 5 of Unicoi County on the 1900 U.S. Federal Census. This document says that he was born in October 1885 in North Carolina. He was living in the household of his parents, William & Nattie Edwards. I was unable to find any death or burial information for Solomon.]
EVANS, JOHN
JOHN EVANS DIES WITH PNEUMONIA
John Evans, a laborer on the C. C. & O., but a puddler [?] by trade, was discovered in a critical condition with pneumonia on last Sunday morning at his boarding house on Spring Street by J. W. Smith. Mr. J. Fred Johnson was notified and employed physicians and nurses, but it was of no avail, Mr. Evans dying Sunday night about 7 o’clock. He was 32 years old. The remains were buried in Monte Vista cemetery, all expenses being borne by the C. C. & O. The deceased has no people in this country but one brother and his place of residence is unknown. Any information as to his whereabouts will be gladly received by J. W. Smith, 203 Cherry street, this city. (From April 22, 1909, pg. #5)
[No additional information found.]
FAIR, WILLIAM C.
W. C. Fair, an old veteran of the 13th Tenn. Cavalry, died on last Saturday at his home at Watauga. Ever since he suffered a stroke of paralysis a year ago he has been very feeble. His death was due to senility. (From January 21, 1909, pg. #5)
[The January 16, 1909 date of death implied by this obituary is supported by an image of the original death certificate in the Tennessee, Death Records, 1908-1958 collection. It lists his age as 83 years of age and the cause of death as “general decline”. Some indexes list his date of death as January 19th, due to the pen strokes used on the original documents which could lend to this interpretation. However, this obituary should help clarify the matter.]
FISHER, FREDRICK “FRED”
FRED FISHER DEAD.
Fred Fisher died at his home in the city last Friday afternoon. He was only about 40 years of age but had been in bad health for sometime [sic] and his death was not unlooked for. The remains were buried Sunday afternoon in Oak Hill with the honors of Odd Fellowship. (From June 17, 1909 – page #2)
[Obituary and TN certificate of death support June 11, 1909 date of death in Johnson City. Certificate of death says that Fred was born in Dayton, Ohio, 42 years of age, married and employed as a “Taylor” [sic]. His death was caused by “Tuberculosis of the bowels”.]
FULMER, GEORGE W.
DEATH OF GEO. FULMER.
George Fulmer, aged 90 years, one of the most prominent citizens of Boones creek, his death being due to a stroke of paralysis. He was a son of the late John Fulmer, who died at the age of 93 years, having been a member of the Masonic order order for sixty-four years. George Fulmer is survived by one, John Fulmer. The funeral was conducted at the home of the son, and the interment was at the Longmire cemetery. (From August 12, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of John Fulmer & Elizabeth White. Although the obituary would seem to imply an August 4, 1909 death, the certificate of death confirms the actual date of death as July 28, 1909. This discrepancy can likely be explained by publishing delays. Buried at Longmire Cemetery in Washington County, TN.]
GIVENS, GEORGIA
W. T. GIVENS’ HOME BEREAVED.
Little Georgia, the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Givens, died at her home on Pine street last Wednesday. She was the only daughter in the home. Thursday at 12.30 p.m. funeral services were conducted in the residence, after which the remains were taken to Milligan for interment. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #1)
[Daughter of William Thomas Givens & Ollie E. Williams. Buried at Williams Cemetery (Milligan College) in Milligan, Carter County, TN with parents. No further information found.]
GOFF, JAMES
JAMES GOFF DEAD
James Goff died at his home south of this city Tuesday morning at 1 o’clock after a long illness. He was 77 years of age and was a familiar figure around Johnson City until his health failed so much he could not go around. He was a G. A. R. Veteran and was one of the old Andersonville prisoners during the war. He leaves a widow and four children, all of whom are married. The funeral services were held at the late residence Tuesday afternoon and the remains were buried in the Leach graveyard nearby. (From August 12, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Mary A. Goff (maiden name unknown – b. circa 1809 TN). Husband of Emeline Oliver. Obituary implies 1831-1832 birth, but 1900 U.S. Federal Census supports Nov. 1833 birth in TN. Unable to locate any index or certificate for James in TN death records. Buried at Leach Family Cemetery in Johnson City, Washington, TN.]
GRAY, ROBERT EUGENE
Excerpt from THE HARVEST OF DEATH
On the same day [Monday, June 28, 1909] … the two months old infant of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Gray died with cholera infantum. (From July 1, 1909, pg. #5)
[Certificate of death says that Robert Eugene was actually 4 month of age and was born in Johnson City, TN. His date of death is written as June 27, 1909 in Johnson City from “Stomach Trouble”, not June 28th.]
GUMP, CAROLINE
MRS. DAVID GUMP DIES.
Last Wednesday night about eleven o’clock Mrs. David Gump died, after a brief illness with pneumonia. She was taken ill about three weeks ago and was given the most careful medical attention and nursing, but the 75 years charged to her overbalanced the account and she sank peacefully to sleep surrounded by her husband and four children. Funeral services were conducted at the late residence Friday morning by a Rabbi from Bristol and the remains temporarily deposited in Oak Hill cemetery. A few months ago Mr. and Mrs. Gump celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, and now that his wife of more than fifty years has been taken, the grief of the bereft husband is particularly poignant and inconsolable. The family and relatives have the sympathy of many friends in their bereavement. (From December 30, 1909, pg. #3)
[Wife of David Gump. Born in April 1834 in Hesse-Kassel, Germany, according to U.S. Federal Census data (1870 & 1900). Obituary & certificate of death support December 22, 1909 death in Johnson City, TN, as well as cause of death (pneumonia). Interred at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
GUTHRIE, CHARLES W.
C. W. GUTHRIE DEAD.
The unexpected death of C. W. Guthrie, cashier of Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio Railway, Saturday night came as a severe shock to the officials of the road and the many friends of the family. He had been ill for only two weeks with typhoid fever, and but few, if any, of his friends believed the end was so near. Mr. Guthrie was a man of fine character, of sturdy and quiet disposition, and was well liked by the officials of the road. He had made many friends in the city on account of his exemplary life. He leaves a widow and three children. The family formerly came from near Staunton, Va., and the remains were shipped to Basic City, Va., for interment. (From October 21, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of George W. Guthrie & Cornelia Grass. Certificate of death supports approximate birth of 1858 in Augusta County, VA. Was married & working as a bookkeeper for the C. C. & O. There is a 2 month conflict between the obituary and certificate of death for his actual date of death. While the death certificate supports August 17, 1909 (in Johnson City), the obituary implies an October 16, 1909 date of death. Burial was probably at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Fisherville, VA, which is where his parents are interred, but this is only a guess.]
HALE, SUSAN M. CROUCH
THE PASSING OF MRS. J. B. HALE
Mrs. J. B. Hale, aged 67 years, after a long illness, died at her home on Boone’s creek Monday at 3 p. m. She was a member of the Baptist church and was one of the best women in the community in which she lived.
She is survived by seen children, including Mrs. R. A. Lusk and Miss Bird Hale, of Johnson City.
The funeral was held at Boone’s Creek Tuesday afternoon at the Baptist church, being conducted by Rev. Fred Devault. Interment took place near the church.” (From July 1, 1909, pg. #5)
[Daughter of John “Jackie” Crouch & Nancy Epperson. Wife of Jeremiah Bon Hale. Certificate of death supports circa 1839 birth (70 years of age) in 11th District, Washington County, TN, but headstone lists April 22, 1842 D.O.B. Headstone, obituary & death certificate support June 28, 1909 death. Died in 11th district, Washington County, TN from “tuberculosis”. Was widowed at the time of her death. Buried at Boones Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Gray, Washington, TN.]
HAYNES, CHARLES “CHARLEY”
The press of East Tennessee universally extends sympathy Ben Haynes, editor of the Claiborne Progress, upon the death of his son, Charley, the occurred Monday at the age of 23. (From July 29, 1909, pg. #2)
HENDRIX, SOLOMON HARRISON “HARRISON”
HARRISON HENDRIX DIES MONDAY.
Harrison Hendrix, a veteran of the civil war, and one of the noted bridge burners of East Tennessee in the Federal army, died Monday [Feb 1] at his home in Watauga after a short illness. He was about 70 years of age and was a good citizen, justly proud of his war record, and found great pleasure in telling the history of the recent conflict, and was an interesting talker. We understand he was preparing a history of local encounters during the stormy period, and if he left any papers they will be published. The remains will be taken to Greeneville Wednesday for interment. (From February 4, 1909, pg. #3)
[According to his certificate of death, Solomon Harrison Hendrix was actually 68 years old and was born in Carter County, TN. Solomon’s death certificate supports the February 1st, 1909 date of death implied by his obituary. He had been working as a notary public and died from rheumatism. Buried at Andrew Johnson National Cemetery at Greeneville, TN.]
HODGES, HENRY KITZMILLER
DEATH OF WELL KNOWN CITIZEN
Henry Hodges, a former wealthy and prominent citizen of Washington county, Tenn., died Saturday afternoon at his home at Bluff City. The deceased was an uncle of Samuel C. Hodges, L. E. Hodges, Robert H. Smith and Earl Smith, of Bristol.
Mr. Hodges was seventy-eight years old. He owned a splendid farm on Boones Creek and lived there all of his life until about four years ago and he sold his plantation and moved to Bluff City to spend his declining years. The deceased was twice married, his first wife being Miss Mary DeVault. After her death he married her sister, Miss Lizzie DeVault, who survives him with four daughters – Mrs. Robert Calloway, of Bluff City; Mrs. “Deck” Henley, of Chucky, and Mrs. Carriger Staples, of Johnson City. Another daughter, Mrs. R. C. Staples, died at her home in Bristol in January.
The funeral services and burial will be conducted Sunday afternoon at the family home on Boones Creek. –Herald-Courier. (From April 22, 1909, pg. #5)
[Son of James H. Hodges & Mary Kitzmiller. Obituary & headstone support April 17, 1909 death. Headstone supports Sep. 22, 1830 birth. Buried at Allison-Boring-Hodges Cemetery in Boone’s Creek, TN. I was unable to find a Tennessee death certificate for him.]
HOSS, ELIZABETH SUSAN WILLIAMS
DEATH ENDS HER LONG ILLNESS.
Saturday at 2:30 p. m., Mrs. Elizabeth Hoss, widow of the late Abraham Hoss, died at her home on Millard street, after an illness of several weeks.
Mrs. Hoss was sixty-four years of age and was one of the best women of the city, being a lifelong member of the M. E. Church, South.
Rev. S. B. Vaught conducted the funeral services Sunday at 2:30 p. m., in the presence of a large number of friends. The body was interred at Oak Hill cemetery. (From October 14, 1909, pg. #2)
[Wife of Abram H. Hoss. Married in Giles County, VA on June 3, 1874. Headstone supports May 19, 1845 birth. 1900 U.S. Federal Census supports May 1846 birth in Virginia. Headstone & obituary support October 9, 1909 death. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
HOUSTON, JOHN WILLIAM
JOHN W. HOUSTON DEAD
John W. Houston, of Bluff City, one of the best known and most upright citizens of Sullivan county, died Wednesday at 3 a.m., death being caused by disease of the heart and dropsy.
Mr. Houston was 70 years of age, had been a member of the M. E. church, south, for many years, and in the war between the states he wore the gray. He is survived by seven children, including G.D., Edward and J. W. Houston of this city.
The funeral was conducted from the home this morning, and interment had at Popular [sic – Poplar] Ridge cemetery. (From August 12, 1909, pg. #2)
[Husband of Ruth Anne Webb. 1900 U.S. Federal Census supports Aug 1839 birth in TN. Obituary & Findagrave.com memorial support August 11, 1909 death. Buried at Poplar Ridge Cemetery in Piney Flats, Sullivan, TN.]
HOWARD, OTIS
Excerpt from SOLDIERS’ HOME NOTES
Major General Howard is dead at the age of 79, which leaves only one general living today, that is Daniel Sickles. Gen. Howard commanded the Fourth Army Corps under Gen. Sherman. He lost an arm at Shiloh. Gen. Sickles had command of the escort at the inauguration of the martyred McKinley, and he told McKinley he wanted old veterans that had seen service, so 200 members of the Union Veteran Legion had the right of the line at the inauguration. (From October 28, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Rowland B. Howard (b. MA) & Eliza Otis (b. ME). Born November 8, 1830 in Leeds, Maine, according to VT death records. Was a highly decorated and accomplished Major General for the U.S. Army during the Civil War. His record and biography are too lengthy for this particular article, but is worth looking up. Obituary implies recent death for Otis Howard, but does not specify place or date. VT certificate of death supports October 26, 1909 death in Burlington, VT from Arterio sclerosis. Interred at Lakeview Cemetery in in Burlington, VT. There is also a memorial to him at Gettyburg National Cemetery in Gettysburg, PA.]
HUGHES, ZEPH
DEATH OF MR. ZEPH HUGHES
Zeph Hughes died of pneumonia at the home of James White, near the furnace in this city, on January 9.
Mr. Hughes came to Johnson City on December 31, 1908, to accept a clerkship in the furnace store for The Cranberry Furnace Co., and had only worked four days when he contracted a heavy cold which developed into pneumonia, and everything was done to save the young man’s life, as he had the best physicians attending him, and the family he was boarding with left everything and gave him their service, and his many friends did what they could, but in vain, and death occurred about noon Saturday, his father and brothers being at his bedside.
He was a young man of a pleasant disposition, and was the kindest and manliest of young men, his friendship was the largest part of his life, but most of all, was love and devotion to his parents, brothers, sister and home, his say at Johnson City being the longest time he had been away from home.
Mr. Hughes was the youngest son of Waitzel W. and Harriet Hughes. He was 21 years old and is survived by father, mother, four brothers and one sister, all of Cranberry, N. C.
The remains were taken to Cranberry on the 3.15 afternoon train and was buried Sunday evening at the graveyard about one mile from the home.
Death has taken from our midst a son, a brother and a dear friend, whom to know was to admire, and during his short stay with us he made many friends.
J. C. Laher, with whom the young man worked, accompanied the remains and attended the funeral Sunday, returning on Monday morning.
Mr. and Mrs. Hughes and family wish to take this method to thank the good people of Johnson City who aided for caring for the son through his illness and assisted them after his death.
(From January 28, 1909, pg. #5)
HUNT, WALTER A.
WALTER HUNT DROWNED SUNDAY
Walter Hunt was drowned last Sunday in the Nolachuckey [sic] river near Limestone while in bathing. He became strangled and was sweft [sic] into a swirling element and could not be rescued by his companions. The body was recovered Monday and buried at Washington College. The deceased was a nephew of G. C. and Walter Seaver, of this city, and was a promising young man just 21 years of age.” (From July 15, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of William M. Hunt & Lillie Belle Seaver. Headstone supports Jan 31, 1888 birth. Certificate of death says he was born in Washington County, TN. July 11, 1909 date of death is supported by headstone, death certificate & obituary. Death certificate gives place of death as Limestone, TN. Was single and working as a farmer at the time of his death. Buried at Salem Cemetery in Washington County, TN.]
JACKSON, (SON)
Excerpt from THE HARVEST OF DEATH
On the same day [Monday, June 28, 1909] the 2-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Jackson… died with cholera infantum. [From July 1, 1909, pg. #5]
[No further information found.]
JAFFA, SAMUEL
“M. I. Gump, wife and little daughter have returned from Trinidad, Colorado, where Mrs. Gump has been for several weeks to visit home folks. Mr. Jaffa, father of Mrs. Gump, contracted pneumonia and died while they were there. He was sixty-seven years of age and will be remembered by many of our citizens, he having visited here upon several occasions.” [From May 20, 1909, pg. #5]
[Son of Aron Jaffa & Ellie Hahn. Husband of Amelia Sommers. Was born in Hesse Cassell, Germany on April 25, 1842. Headstone supports May 4, 1909 death. Was buried at Masonic Cemetery in Trinidad, Las Animas County, CO.]
JENKINS, HAROLD PIERCE
BURNED TO DEATH.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. S. Jenkins was burned to death by catching fire from an open grate. Mrs. Jenkins is a sister to the Pierce brothers, of our city. (From February 4, 1909, pg. #3)
[Although this obituary specifies a “daughter”, the original article is almost certainly in error. According to his TN death certificate, Harold Jenkins died on February 2, 1909 in Elizabethton, TN from “accidental burn”. He was just 2 years and 1 month old. Harold was the son of David Stover Jenkins & Virginia Cordelia Pierce. Buried at Highland Cemetery in Elizabethton.]
JENNINGS, LEMINA “MINA” BERNARD
MRS. JENNINGS DIES AT AGE OF EIGHTY-SEVEN
George L. Carter, president of the Carolina, Clinchfield and Ohio railway, was called to Hillsville, Va., Saturday on account of the death there of his grandmother, Mrs. Jennings, who was 87 years old. The deceased was the widow of James Jennings, a pioneer resident of Carroll county, Virginia, whose death occurred a year or more ago. The funeral of Mrs. Jennings took place on Sunday afternoon, and the body was buried at Hillsville. – Bristol News. (From July 8, 1909, pg. #2)
[Mina Jennings was the daughter of Isham Bernard & Sarah Burch. She was the wife of James M. “Jimmi” Jennings. Her headstone supports May 4, 1822 as her birth date and July 3, 1909 as the date of her death. Buried at Jennings Memorial Cemetery in Hillsdale, Carroll County, VA.]
JOHNSON, GOV. JOHN ALBERT
GOVERNOR JOHNSON IS DEAD
BREATHED HIS LAST AT 3:25
TUESDAY AFTER OPERATION
John A. Johnson was Three Times Elected Governor of Minnesota and Was a Popular Man
Rochester, Minn., Sept. 21 – Gov. John A. Johnson, three times elected governor of Minnesota, a candidate for the democrative nomination for president of United States in 1908 and looked upon by many throughout the country as the probably democratic national standard bearer in 1912, died at St. Mary’s hospital here at 3.25 o’clock this morning, following an operation last Wednesday.
Gov. Johnson’s life hung continually in the balance until the end came. So frequently did his condition change alternately for better and then for worse that his physicians, ever hopeful but none too optimistic, were able to say at no time since the operation was performed that the governor had more than an even chance for his life. At his bedside when the end came when Mrs. Johnson, Miss Margaret Sullivan, her friend, Doctors W. J. and Charles H. Mayor, Dr. C. F. McNevin, Frank A. Day, the governor’s private secretary; Fred B. Lynch, democratic national committeeman, and the Misses Jane and Sue Heller, the governor’s nurses.
Dr. W. J. Mayor stated that there were no traces of blood poisoning and that the immediate cause of death was exhaustion and heart failure.
It being the fifth day after the operation, the one when the crisis usually arrives in a case of this kind, unusual apprehension was felt by the physicians yesterday.
When the governor had breathed his last Mrs. Johnson, who had been in attendance at her husband’s side and who had borne up bravely under the ordeal, totally collapsed and was taken to the Sullivan home.
Gov. Johnson at times during the night seemed to wish that the end might come, for on one occasion he said:
“My, the time drags slowly. I am so uncomfortable.”
He lapsed into unconsciousness at one o’clock. Toward the end he revived and raised himself several times to pat his wife on the cheek. His last words were:
“Well, Nora, I guess I am going; we have made a brave fight.” (From September 23, 1909, pg. #2)
[John Albert Johnson was the 16th governor of Minnesota. He served from January 6, 1905 until his death on September 21, 1909. John was still under consideration for the 1912 Democratic nomination for the presidential race, although he had lost the 1908 nomination to William Jennings Bryan. Son of Gustav Johnson & Caroline Christine Heden – both natives of Sweden. Husband of Eleanor Marie “Nora” Preston. Born at St. Peter, MN on July 28, 1861. Minnesota death index & obituary support September 21, 1909 death in Rochester, Olmstead, MN. Buried at Greenhill Cemetery in Saint Peter, MN.]
KENNEDY, WALKER
The death of Walker Kennedy last Thursday night removed one of Tennessee’s noblest citizens. He was chief editorial writer of the Memphis Commercial-Appeal, and as such had made that newspaper a leader in the south. He was only about fifth years of age, had scarcely reached the zenith of his career, and was cut down with scarcely a moment’s warning, dying before a doctor could reach him after being stricken on his return from the theatre. Walker Kennedy was one of the most lovable men it has ever been our pleasure to meet. He was not only the brightest paragrapher in the south, but he was also its strongest editorial writer, because he had a literary mind and had stored it will all that was good and useful in his line.
Being thus splendidly equipped, he had a graceful, easy style of writing that made his articles readable, and his facts palatable in spite of themselves, and was the widest quoted editor Tennessee has ever known. To his wife and mother The Comet extends sincere sympathy in this terrible affliction. May his soul rest in peace. (From November 18, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of James P. Kennedy & Kate Kaye of Kentucky. Husband of Sarah “Sadie” Peebles Cannon. Born June 8, 1857 in Louisville, KY. Unable to find death certificate or verified burial information. Funeral services were held at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, TN.]
KENT, RANDALL M.
BODY OF RANDALL KENT FOUND.
The body of Randall M. Kent was found in Nolachucky [sic – Nolichucky] river Sunday, near Unaka Springs. On Tuesday, June 1, Kent and a party were fishing, and while wading after a fish which had been killed, he got into a swift current and was drowned, the body being found four miles from where he was last seen alive. The river was dradged [sic – dragged] by friends of the deceased from where the drowning took place to the spot where the body was found.
Kent was about 24 years old, and was a civil engineer on the C.C. & O. railway.
The remains were brought here Sunday evening, and shipped to Max Meadows, Va., his former home. (From June 10, 1909, pg. #2)
MYSTERIOUSLY DROWNED WHILE HE WAS FISHING.
A searching party of 100 men have been engaged in dragging the Nolachucky [sic – Nolichucky] river, near Lost Cove, at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line, for several days, in search of the body of Randolph Kent, 22 years old, and an employee of the Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio railroad.
Kent was fishing at Lost Cove, when he was mysteriously drowned. He was a relative of John Skelton, Williams, of Richmond, and John Harris, of the supreme court of Virginia. [From June 10, 1909, pg. #3]
[Son of John Brown Kent & Lucy Nancy McGavock. Although these obituaries imply a birth year between 1885 and 1887, the 1900 U.S. Federal Census says that Randall was born in January 1883 in Virginia. He was living with his parents & siblings at that time in Fort Chiswell, Wythe County, VA. Originally buried at Old West End Cemetery in Wytheville, Virginia, his remains were moved to the new West End Cemetery in 1959. His date of birth and death are not listed on the cemetery plaque the lists the moved burials.]
KIRKPATRICK, MARION ELIZABETH
DEATH OF INFANT.
Marion, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. N. D. Kirkpatrick died last Friday morning at 8 o’clock. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon, the body being interred at Boone’s Creek cemetery. [From June 24, 1909, pg. #3]
[Parents were Nathaniel D. Kirkpatrick & Charmain Young. Obituary makes obvious mistake of referring to Marion Elizabeth as a “son”, but was actually a daughter. Supports June 18, 1909 date of death. Interred at Boone’s Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Gray, TN.]
KLEPPER, WILLIAM L.
WILLIAM KLEPPER DIES AT THE HOME.
William Klepper died in the Soldiers’ Home Sunday night of heart failure. He was 71 years of age and was an uncle of T. B. Klepper, formerly depot agent for the Southern in this city, now residing in Limestone. The deceased was born in this county. He is reported to have several thousand dollars in the bank. The remains were buried on the reservation Monday. (From April 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[William L. Klepper was the son of Jacob Klepper & Catherine Bowman. He was a private in the 35th Illinois Infantry between 1861 and 1864. U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers records support the April 25th, 1909 death in Johnson City implied by this obituary. Buried at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
LANDES, J. F.
J. F. LANDES DIES AFTER LONG ILLNESS
J. F. Landes, a barber by trade, died Saturday night at 8 o’clock at his home No. 16 King street, after an illness of eighteen months. His father, G. E. Landes, and two brothers, W. W., of Bristol, and W. D., of Johnson City, survive him, as do also his wife and one child.
The body will be taken to Johnson City today for burial. The funeral services will be held there this afternoon.
Services will be conducted at the home this morning at 10:30 by Rev. J. Randall Farris, pastor of the Central Christian church. – Bristol Herald-Courier. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #5)
[According to his TN death certificate, J. F. Landes was 21 years of age (born about 1888) in “Birmingham” (state not listed). He was married and working as a barber. Both the obituary and his death certificate support a November 20, 1909 death in Bristol, TN. Cause of death given was “tuberculosis”. Unable to find J. F. Landes or his family on the 1900 U.S. Federal Census. His brother Worthey Walter Landes (1873-1946) lived in Bristol, VA with his wife Annie and was also a barber.]
LEWIS, ISAAC FIELDEN
DEATH OF I. F. LEWIS
I. F. Lewis, who formerly lived in this city, died in Knoxville Monday, and the remains were taken to Bluff City Tuesday for interment. Mr. Lewis was 47 years old, an Off Fellow and a member of the Baptist church. He is survived by a wife and several children.” (From July 1, 1909, pg. #5)
[Husband of Matilda Virginia Smith. Middle name written as “Fielding” on certificate of death, although other sources drop the G. Age given as 46 years of age and born in Tennessee. 1900 U.S. Federal Census supports an October 1861 birth in VA. Death certificate supports June 28, 1909 death in Knoxville, TN from “Atrophic Cirrhosis of the Liver”. Buried at Morning View Cemetery in Bluff City, Sullivan, TN.]
LEWIS, RUFUS
RUFUS LEWIS SHOT TO DEATH WEDNESDAY.
Wednesday afternoon Pat Connolly, an inmate of the Soldiers’ Home, and member of G company, who resides with his family just east of the reservation in what is known as Tynertown, went to his home and found Rufus Lewis, member of A company, also inmate of the Home, in a compromising position with his wife. Connolly drove him from the building and when they reached the yard Lewis attempted to strike Connolly with a piece of timber, when the latter drew a revolver and shot Lewis dead. He gave himself up to Sheriff Jones and Deputy Pitts, and was brought before Esquire Miller and bound to court, and was sent to jail for default of bond. Connolly was not apparently very much disturbed over his action. He told The Comet shortly after arrest that he had killed a “Yankee,” and seemed pleased with the result. (From September 16, 1909, pg. #2)
[Rufus Lewis was born in Tioga County, New York in January 1840. He enlisted into military service twice during the Civil War in Illinois & Buffalo, NY, although he had also briefly deserted his company at one point. He was in and out of Soldiers’ homes in various parts of the country up until his death in 1909. U.S. National Homes for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers, 1866-1938 records and the obituary both support September 15, 1909 as his date of death due to “Gun shot wound outside Reservation”. Buried at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
LINGENFELTER, THEODORE S.
FUNERAL OF T. S. LINGENFELTER
The funeral of T. S. Lingenfelter, who died from heart failure last Wednesday, was held at the late residence last Friday afternoon, Rev. Dayton Dobbs presiding. A large number of friends were present and followed the remains to their last resting place in Matevista [sic – Monte Vista] cemetery. The deceased was a native of Pennsylvania and came to this county several years ago, locating at Telford later moved to this city where he resided until his death. His wife died several years ago and he is survived by an only daughter, Miss Ada, who as the sympathy of the community in her bereavement. (From March 25, 1909, pg. #5)
[Son of Daniel Lingenfelter & Catherine Snyder. Husband of Sally Hartman. According to Ancestry.com Family Tree sources, Theodore may have been born on November 26, 1849 in Bedford County, PA. Obituary implies March 17, 1909 date of death in Johnson City.]
LONG, ROBERT A.
MAYOR ROBERT A. LONG PASSES AWAY
Elizabethton, Tenn., July 28. – Robert A. Long, mayor of Elizabethton, died at 3 o’clock Tuesday afternoon. He was 52 years of age. His death was due to uremic poisoning. He had been in poor health for some weeks, but his critical illness dated from only a week or two ago, when his condition became such as to afford little hope of his recovery. (From July 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Nathaniel Taylor Simerly & Nancy Jane Long. Headstone supports 1858 birth. Death certificate says he was born in Blount County, TN. Obituary & death certificate supports July 27, 1909 death in Elizabethton, TN. Buried at Highland Cemetery in Elizabethton, Carter County, TN.]
LYLE, STACY HELEN
STACY HELEN LYLE
The Angel of Death has once more called at our home and taken from us little Stacy Helen, our baby girl. For three years and seven months only this little darling has been permitted to brighten our lives, and with scarcely a moment’s warning, in the midst of sturdy health, the precious soul was recalled by Him who has said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not, for such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Last Saturday morning at 8 o’clock God’s finger touched her and she slept, after battling all night with croup. The human heart is a truly wonderful structure. Each child builds its separate estate in the heart, yet never crowds it, and when one dies the suffering seems in no way relieved by the number living.
Some writer has said that “when we weep, we weep alone.” This is not true in the sense that we have not sympathy in our deepest afflictions, but is true only in that we must bear our suffocating sorrow alone. We alone miss the pattering feet and lisping tongue, just as we alone enjoyed them. Our hearts are emptied only because they only were filled. The mystery of death is so profound that it is hard to keep human hearts from rebelling at death. God knows how we tried to keep her, how we ministered to her wants and plead with Him to let her get well, but in His infinite wisdom He thought best to take her back.
Funeral services were held at the residence Sunday afternoon at 2:30 and conducted by Rev. S. B. Vaught and Rev. Geo. D. French and the little body laid to rest in the family plot at Oak Hill and the mound covered with floral gifts of sorrowing friends.
May God bless those who have spoken words of sympathy and performed acts of kindness, and shield them from a similar affliction.
Ah! How we loved her God can tell;
Her heart was folded deep in ours.
Our hearts are broken, Baby Bell!
At last he came, the messenger,
The messenger from unseen lands;
And what did dainty Baby Bell?
She only crossed her little hands,
She only looked more meek and fair!
We parted back her silken hair,
We wove the roses round her brow –
Wrapt her from head to foot in flowers;
And thus went dainty Baby Bell
Out of this world of ours.
-Thomas Bailey Aldrich.
[Daughter of Major Cyrus Hamilton Lyle Sr. & Stacy Crumley. Obituary supports October 30, 1909 death. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery, Johnson City, TN. No other information or death record found for Stacy.]
We extend our sympathy to Mr. Cy H. Lyle, editor of the Johnson City Comet, in the death of his dear little girl, aged 3 years and 6 months, which occurred Oct. 30. The child had reached that interesting age when it was the light and joy of the household, and the pangs of grief must be keenly felt by the bereft parents. – Morristown Gazette (From November 11, 1909, pg. #2)
The sympathies of his brethren of the press go out to Editor Cy H. Lyle in the loss of his little daughter. – Journal and Tribune. (From November 11, 1909, pg. #2)
The heartfelt sympathy of the newspaper fraternity of Tennessee will go out to Editor and Mrs. Cy H. Lyle of the Johnson City Comet in the death of their bright little baby girl, Stacy Helen Lyle. The little one was only three and one-half years of age, just at that point in the infant life where affections are the greatest and care tenderest. Seemingly in the best of health a few hours before the final summons, the little one developed an aggravated case of croup and almost in the twinkling of an eye the malady had done its worst. Only those who have suffered a similar loss can imagine the pain and sorrow brought to this home. The Times unites with the other newspapers of the state in extending to Editor Lyle and his good wife its profound and heartfelt sympathy. – Rockwood Times. (From November 18, 1909, pg. #2)
MANLEY, PLEASANT M.
TENNESEEAN DIES IN WASHINGTON
MORRISTOWN MAN DIES OF INJURIES
P. M. MANDLEY INJURED
While Trying to Board a Car and One of His Legs Had to be Amputated.
Washington, March 28. – P. M. Mandley, of Morristown, Tenn., one of the wealthiest business men of that city, and a member of one of Tennessee’s oldest families, died at the Emergency hospital this afternoon at 2 o’clock as a result of an operation performed a week ago. Mandley fell from a Pennsylvania avenue car on inauguration eve and received a compound fracture of the right leg. The limb was amputated last Sunday and blood poisoning set in. Mrs. Mandley and W. H. Mandley, his father, of Jefferson City, were at the hospital when death came. The body will be sent to Morristown on the Southern vestibule at 10 o’clock tomorrow night. The coroner’s inquest will be held tomorrow morning.
Senator Robert L. Taylor, his son D. H. Taylor, Representative R. W. Austin, and his secretary, G. M. Freeman, all of Knoxville, are making preparations for the removal of the body. Mandley came to Washington before the inauguration to see Senator Taylor relative to the postmastership of Morristown. He was a member of a committee representing one of the factions. He was a personal friend of Senator Taylor. When the latter was informed of his death, he wept like a child.
Mandley, while attempting to board a moving car, slipped on the rain soaked running board, which struck his right knee. He was thirty-four years of age and well known in Tennessee. [From April 1, 1909, pg. #1]
[Son of William Henry Manley & Oliva J. Senter. Husband of Ethel Mullins. Pleasant was born in 1875 in Grainger County, TN. TN death certificate supports March 28, 1909 death in Washington, D. C. due to “Streetcar Accident”. Surname was misspelled throughout obituary, but I chose not to correct this at every occurrence.]
MASON, ANGELINA ELIZA COSSON RYLAND
MRS. A. E. MASON DIES AT THE AGE OF EIGHTY
Jonesboro, Oct. 18. – Mrs. Angelina E. Mason, wife of the late A. G. Mason, died at her home here Sunday morning, October 17, aged eighty years. She is survived by seven children, namely: The Rev. Jas. G. Mason, D. D., of Metuchen, N. J.; the Rev. Edgar C. Mason, of Newark, N. J.; Mrs. Eva M. Anderson, Chas S. Mason, Misses Lena D., E. Gertrude and Mary Nell Mason, of Jonesboro; also by a brother, S. E. Cosson, M. D., and a sister, Mrs. Mary C. Harris of Morristown, and by a host of grand and great grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock in the Second Presbyterian church of this place, conducted by Prof. Chas. E. Dillworth, an old-time friend of the deceased. (From October 21, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of John Edwin Cosson & Mary Eliza Harris. Born on October 31, 1829 in Washington County, TN. (Place supported by death certificate) First husband was John Ryland, Jr. (1829-1855) (m. 1848, Washington County, TN). Second husband was Archibald G. Mason (1813-1895) (m. 1855, Washington County, TN). Obituary & death certificate support October 17, 1909 death in Washington County, TN. Buried at Jonesborough City Cemetery in Jonesborough, TN.]
MCKAMEY, SAMUEL MARSHAL “SAM”
CONFEDERATE VETERAN DEAD
S. M. McKamey died Monday afternoon at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. E. Milhorn, after a long illness with dropsy. He was 76 years of age and had been a member of the Southern Methodist church since the war. He was a lieutenant in Vangham’s brigade and was as brave a confederate soldier as ever shouldered a gun. He had many warm friends who will regret to hear of his death and his familiar figure and genial face will be missed in Johnson City. The funeral services were held in the Munsey Memorial Church Tuesday afternoon by Rev. S. B. Vaught and the remains laid to rest in Oak Hill. (From July 29, 1909, pg. #2)
[Possibly the son of John & Orphalinah “Orpha” McKamey. Born on April 11, 1836 (according to headstone) in Sullivan County, TN (according to death certificate). Was married at the time of his death and had worked as a School Teacher. July 26, 1909 date of death is supported by headstone, death certificate and obituary. Died in Johnson City, TN from dropsy. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
MILLER, ALEXANDER
AGED UNION VETERAN LEAPS TO HIS DEATH.
Dayton, O., Oct. 25. – Alexander Miller, aged 73, leaped from the third floor of the Stag hotel in this city tonight, and was instantly killed. He had arrived in this city today from Tennessee and in his pocket he had an honorable discharge from the Mountain Branch of the National Military home in that state. The cause of the act is unknown here. (From October 28, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Robert Miller & Ankey Alderson. Never married & worked as a farmer. Served as a private for Company B, 5th Illinois Infantry from November 21, 1861 to October 15, 1865. Obituary and Ohio Deaths 1908-1932 collection support October 25, 1909 death in Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio. Interred at Woodland Cemetery And Arboretum in Dayton, OH.]
MILLER, JACOB F.
An old soldier and member of the home by the name of Jacob F. Miller dropped dead on last Sunday while walking towards Jonesboro. He was 71 years old and a member of the 12th Ill. Cavalry. (From January 21, 1909, pg. #5)
[Jacob was born in Ohio in about 1837. Several records from the Veterans Administration support a January 16, 1909 date of death for Jacob, which conflicts with the date implied by this obituary – Sunday, January 17, 1909. Buried at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City.]
MILLER, FRANKLIN F. “FRANK”
PUT BULLET IN HIS BRAIN
Frank Miller, a Farmer Living Near Limestone, This County, Commits Suicide the 10th.
Limestone, Nov. 15. – Frank Miller, aged fifty-six years, a very prominent farmer living on Big Limestone creek, some five miles east of this place, committed suicide Wednesday morning by shooting himself with a small pistol. It seems that he took his pistol and went up into the barn, telling his hired boy that he was going to shoot some varmint that was destroying his chickens, and for him, when he heard the pistol shot, to come up and help him catch the animal. The boy followed his instructions, and as soon as he heard the shot went to assist him and found Mr. Miller lying on the hay with a bullet hole through his head in the agonies of death. The wounded man was carried to the house, where he expired in a few minutes. No cause can be assigned for the rash act, as he was in good circumstances, and had a fine farm and everything necessary.
He was buried at Oakland cemetery Thursday. He leaves a wife, several relatives and numerous friends to mourn his departure. (From November 18, 1909, pg. #1)
[Son of William C. Miller & Amanda Armentrout. Frank Miller was born December 16, 1852 in Tennessee. He was 56 years of age, married & working as a farmer at the time of his death. Death certificate supports November 10, 1909 in Washington College, TN. Cause of death was “suicide”, but this was grossly misspelled. Interred at Oakland Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in Washington County, TN.
MILLHORN, MILDRED
“An infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Millhorn died last Thursday morning after a short illness. Interment Friday in Oak Hill.” (From July 22, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of Cornelius Eugene & Paralee Millhorn just 4 weeks old and born in Johnson City, TN. Death certificate & obituary both support July 15, 1909 death. Died in Johnson City from “cholera infantum”. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
MITCHELL, ORA CATHERINE “KATE”
MISS ORA MITCHELL DIES OF FEVER
At 5 o’clock Monday evening Miss Ora Mitchell, aged 36 years, died at her home on Boones creek, after an illness of typhoid fever of three weeks. Miss Mitchell was a noble Christian woman, being a faithful worker in the Sunday school at the Christian Church at that place. She is survived by her father, two sisters and two brothers. The funeral was held at the home Tuesday at 2 p. m., and the interment followed in the cemetery at Boones creek Christian church. (From October 14, 1909, pg. #2)
[Daughter of John Mark Mitchell & Sarah R. Pennybaker. Was single at the time of her death. Headstone supports May 25, 1874 birth. Headstone and obituary support October 11, 1909 death. No certificate of death found.]
MOORE, LUCIAN
Excerpt from THE HARVEST OF DEATH
Last Monday, the 6-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Moore died after a short illness. Interment in Oak Hill. [July 1, 1909, pg. #5]
[Although there are several discrepancies here, I strongly believe that this obituary was for Lucian Moore, the son of James Alexander Moore & Ianthia “Ina” Monroe. His death certificate supports the 1903 birth date (in Hawkins County, TN) implied by the obituary. However, the date of death implied by the obituary is June 28th, rather than June 25th, 1909 in Johnson City, as is written on his death certificate. Cause of death listed as “flux”. Also – the interment was at Monroe Cemetery in Hawkins County, TN, not Oak Hill.]
MOREFIELD, WILLIAM A. “BILL”
OLD SOLDIER DEAD.
“Uncle Bill” Morefield is dead at the age of 74. He died last Friday night at his home in the Eighth district and was buried in the old Carr cemetery. He was an old Federal soldier and has been a law abiding citizen of this county for many years. [From April 8, 1909, pg. #5]
[Obituary implies April 2, 1909 death. According to the 1900 U.S. Census, Bill Morefield was born in December 1832 in TN. He may have been the son of Vincent & Margaret Morefield of Johnson County. His first wife was Melvina M. Lowe (m. 1869). His second wife was Malinda J. Griffith (m. 1881). I’m not certain which Carr Cemetery he was buried in, as there are several with this name in Washington County.]
MORRISON, H. G.
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh G. Morrison died last week and the remains were taken Friday to Gate City, Va., for interment. (From August 19, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Hugh G. & Lucille B. Morrison. Death certificate supports August 18, 1909 birth & death in Johnson City, TN, although obituary says that the death occurred the prior week. Child was stillborn.]
MULKEY, JAMES DUNCAN
JAMES MULKEY DEAD.
James Mulkey, aged 73 years, after several years affliction with Bright’s disease, died Sunday at 2:30 p. m. on Seventh avenue. He was a son of the late Philip Mulkey, of St. Clair, Tenn., and was a soldier in the war of the rebellion. Mr. Mulkey was a good citizen and a faithful Christian. He is survived by a wife and seven children, all of whom are married. The funeral was conducted at Harrison chapel Monday at 2 p. m., and the body was laid to rest in the People’s cemetery, four miles north of this city. (From September 23, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Philip Mulkey & Ann Duncan. First wife was Sarah Jane Mahoney. Second wife was Rachel Peoples. Born August 23, 1837 in Washington County, TN., according to headstone and military enlistment records. Fought for 8th Tennessee Cavalry (Union side) during Civil War. Headstone & obituary support September 19, 1909 death. Buried at Peoples Cemetery in Washington County, TN.]
OWEN, NANCY WILKERSON
DIED.
Nancy Wilkerson Owen, aunt of Sam H. Hunt, died Tuesday morning. The funeral took place from the Hunt residence on Wednesday at 3:30 p. m. The soul of a good woman has gone to her reward. (From January 28, 1909, pg. #2)
[Since I have been unable to confirm Wilkerson as her maiden name, I will leave this as her middle name for now. However, I’ve had trouble finding any other information, so it seems likely that her name is misspelled somehow.]
POWELL, JOSEPH L. “JOE”
JOE POWELL DEAD.
Jonesboro, Dec. 20. – The remains of Joe Powell, whose death at Chattanooga occurred Friday night, were brought to Jonesboro yesterday. After funeral services at the First Presbyterian church, conducted by the local pastor, the remains were interred in New West cemetery. Mr. Powell formerly lived at this place. He belonged to one of the best families in this section. He was a brother of Mrs. N. N. Warlick and a brother-in-law of Sidney Murray and Thomas Pritchett, all of this place. He was about sixty years of age. (From December 23, 1909, pg. #5)
[Son of William Powell & Harriett E. Blackmore. Husband of Mary “Mollie” Murray. Date of birth was probably April 1856-57 in Tennessee, according to 1900 U.S. Census & FindAGrave.com memorial data. He was working as a Salesman (agriculture related) in 1900 and living alone as a widower in Chattanooga. There is some conflicting information as to his exact date of death. His obituary implies a December 17, 1909 date of death, while his Chattanooga death certificate supports December 16. Cause of death listed as “carbolic acid”. Interred at Maplelawn Cemetery in Jonesborough, TN.]
REEVES, ALICE DULCINA ROBESON
MRS E. C. REEVES IS LAID TO REST
At 10:30 o’clock last Friday morning the first funeral service ever held in Munsey Memorial Church was conducted over the remains of Mrs. Alice Robeson Reeves, wife of Col. E. C. Reeves, who died on Wednesday before, after a short illness. The church was filled with the sorrowing friends and relatives of the deceased, and as the flower wreathed casket bearing the mortal remains of Johnson City’s noblest Christian spirit was slowly wheeled to the altar, where she has so loved to worship for nearly half a century and from which she has received many fervent and devout prayers at the throne of the god she has so faithfully served, there was not a dry eye in the congregation and the few moments silence rested upon the throng like a benediction.
Rev. S. B. Vaught was assisted in the service by Rev. R. T. McDowell, of Elizabethton; Rev. J. J. Robinette, Dr. T. B. Russell, Rev. J. A. Ruble, of this city, and Rev. K. C. Atkins, of Bristol. “Nearer, My God, To Thee,” was rendered by the choir, and Mrs. Boring sang “Face to Face” with great pathos.
No funeral sermon was preached, but the short talks by Rev. Atkins, Rev. Ruble and Dr. Russell were beautiful tributes to the memory of a noble woman, full of consideration to the bereaved and inspiration to the living.
The deceased had just passed her 57th birthday and since eight years of age had been a member of the M. E. Church, South. She has resided here for nearly twenty-five years and in that time Johnson City has not known a more ardent church worker, nor one who has been so effective for good. She was the embodiment of Christianity and her daily walk was an inspiration and made one reverence religion as exemplified by her. She carried her Christianity with so much grace and equanimity that her very presence was a blessing. The bereaved husband, daughter and three sons have cause to feel they have been peculiarly fortunate in living in the atmosphere of such a character, and morn only as those who have certain knowledge that wife and mother has gone to that home not built with hands, eternal in the skies.
The remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery, six members of her Sunday school class acting as pall bearers, and the mound of earth was transformed by loving friends into a bank of flowers and decorated with beautiful floral designs. Thus ended a noble, Christian life, for which the community in which she lived was made brighter and better. (From March 25, 1909, pg. #2)
[Obituary and death certificate both support March 17, 1909 date of death. Death certificate states that her death occurred in Johnson City and was reportedly caused by a gallstone. This source also incorrectly states her maiden name as “Robinson”. Alice’s husband was Elbert Clay Reeves. Both are buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City. Her parents may have been William & Adaline P. Robeson, who resided in Greene County, TN in 1870.]
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR MRS. REEVES
At the Munset Memorial Church Sunday at 3 p. m. service was held in memory of the late Mrs. E. C. Reeves, who was known over East Tennessee. Mrs. E. E. Wiley, of the Greeneville Orphanage, read memories of Mrs. Reeves. Mrs. W. H. Fulton told of her life as president of the Missionary society. Mrs. S. B. White spoke of her labors in the Juvenile societies. Mrs. S. C. Williams read resolutions offered by the Missionary societies of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Miss Isabel Wade read resolutions from the Juvenile societies. J. S. Anderson presented resolutions from the Young Men’s Bible Class, which was taught by Mrs. Reeves. Four girls from the Greeneville Orphanage sang a sweet song. Rev. S. B. Vaught spoke of her as a typical Christian. [From April 8, 1909, pg. #3]
RITCHIE, MARGARET A. DAVIS
DEATH OF MRS. J. R. RITCHIE
Monday of last week at 11 o’clock at the home of her daughter Mrs. Houston, on King street, occurred the death of Mrs. J. R. Ritchie. She was 60 years old, and had been a faithful member of the M. E. church, south, for a number of years. Tuesday at 2 o’clock the funeral services were conducted from the residence by Rev. S. B. Vaught in the presence of a large number of friends, after which the remains were laid to rest at Oak Hill cemetery. [From June 17, 1909, pg. #3]
[Wife of James R. Ritchie. Census records supports TN birth. Family lived in Sullivan County in 1860 & 1880.]
RUTH, W. L.
W. L. Ruth, the other one of the firemen hurt in the wreck, died the second day after the wreck. [From Local and Personal section, January 14, 1909, pg. #5]
[No further information found.]
SAYLOR, NOAH D.
NOAH SAYLOR DEAD
After a lingering illness of more than a year, Noah D. Saylor died last Saturday at his home on Sinking Creek in his 78th year. “Uncle” Noah was a familiar figure in this city a few years ago, before he grew too feeble to come to town, and had many friends who will regret to hear of his dead [sic – death]. Rev. L. W. Pierce conducted the funeral services at the late residence Sunday and the remains of the physically bent, but morally straight, and kind-hearted old man was laid to rest in the old family burying ground. (From June 24, 1909, pg. #3)
[Noah D. Saylor was born September 1831 in Washington County, TN. Parents may be Henry & Susannah Saylor of Carter County, TN (in 1850). 1st wife was Susannah Loudermilk (m. Jan. 3, 1856 in Carter County, TN). 2nd wife was Rachel Carrell (m. May 15, 1877 in Carter County, TN). Obituary & death certificate support June 19, 1909 death in Carter County, TN. Cause of death was “Heart Trouble”. Buried at Flarity Cemetery in Carter County, TN.]
SCOTT, SAMUEL W.
MASONS BURY CAPT. SCOTT
The Masonic lodge of Elizabethton came to Johnson City this morning to assist at the funeral of Capt. Scott, a member of the Soldiers’ Home, who died Tuesday. The deceased was a member of the Elizabethton lodge and requested that he be buried with Masonic honors. (From October 21, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of John Scott & Jemima Jane Humphreys. Born in Elizabethton, TN in 1842. First wife was Mary Cordelia Fletcher, eldest daughter of Hon. A. J. Fletcher, who was the Secretary of State of Tennessee (m. 1865, Knox County, TN). Second wife was Irene J. Kirkman (m. 1889, Gibson County, IN). Third wife was Elizabeth Jane “Mittie” Singletary (m. 1898, Carter County, TN). Samuel Scott served as Captain in company G of the 13th Tennessee Cavalry during the Civil War and was later named historian for the cavalry. He was a Past Master in Masonry and served as W. M. of that order. Died from pulmonary tuberculosis at the Soldiers’ Home at Mountain Home, TN. Buried at Mountain Home National Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
SENEKER, EDGAR
News has been received here of the accidental death of Edgar Seneker at Bismarck, North Dakota, Wednesday morning. He was the son of E. H. Seneker, of Bristol, a brother of Mrs. P. H. Wofford, of this city, and a former resident of this city, and a member of the Elk lodge here. His untimely death will be mourned by many friends in this city and throughout East Tennessee. He was only 21 years of age. The remains will be shipped to Bristol for interment. (From July 29, 1909, pg. #3)
ATTENDED FUNERAL OF EDGAR SENEKAR
A large number of Elks from the Johnson City lodge went to Bristol Sunday to attend the funeral of Edgar Seneker, the young man who died in North Dakota last week. The deceased was a member of the order in this city and was a popular favorite with the Elks and citizens of Johnson City.
The Johnson City pall-bearers were: Capt. P. S. Range, W. B. Coon, A. D. McAnally, J. B. Colon, E. L. McLeod, and Capt. W. W. Markwood. The flower-bearers were: Robert Smith, M. F. Hickey, Charles G. Hannah and F. S. Miller. (From August 5, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Elijah Hill Seneker & Mary H. Vance. According to the July 29, 1909 edition of “The Times Dispatch”, Edgar died when a timber being unloanded from a steamer on the Missouri River fell on him. Headstone supports Feb 22, 1887 birth (probably in VA). Headstone & obituary supports July 28, 1909 death in Bismarck, N. D. Buried at East Hill Cemetery in Bristol, Sullivan County, TN.]
SHIELDS, JOHN RHETT
JOHN R. SHIELDS DIES FROM WRECK INJURIES
John R. Shields succumbed at the Morristown General hospital at 1:30 o’clock last Saturday to injuries received in the derailment and wreck of Southern railway passenger train No. 47, near Midway, a week ago last Thursday morning. Mr. Shields was express messenger and his death makes the third victim of the wreck. Engineer Samuel R. Bush and a negro passenger named Henry Robinson, having died a few hours after the wreck. (From August 26, 1909, pg. #3)
[Son of Samuel T. & Lucy M. Shields. Husband of Sarah Dautzler Galbraith. Was born in Jasper, Alabama in May 1889, according to 1900 U.S. Federal Census info and his death certificate. Death Certificate & obituary support August 21, 1909 death in Morristown, TN.]
SIMCOX, MOLLIE SANDERS
MRS. GEO. P. SIMCOX DIES.
Mrs. George P. Simcox, died Monday morning after a short illness at her suburban home about two miles north of this city. She had been ill only a few days and her death came as a great shock to the community. She was only about 30 years of age and leaves a husband and two children; one a babe in arms. The deceased was a consistent member of the Muncy Memorial Methodist Church and the funeral services were conducted in that church Tuesday by Rev. S. B. Vaugh [sic – Vaught], and the remains were laid to rest in Oak Hill. [From May 20, 1909, pg. #2]
[Daughter of John Sanders & Amanda King. Wife of George Powell Simcox. Mollie was born July 1, 1878 in Washington County, TN. Headstone and obituary support May 17, 1909 death. Buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Johnson City, TN.]
SIMPSON, FRANCES VIRGINIA “VIRGINIA” SHEWALTER
GOOD WOMAN PASSES AWAY
At Jefferson City on Christmas day Mrs. Virginia Simpson closed her eyes in that sleep that knows no waking as peaceful as a child goes to slumber. After an illness of several months, a bed of pain that baffled the best physicians was changed to a couch of death and a ceaseless worker in the Lord’s vineyard was called from labor to rest. She was 68 years of age and for more than half a century had been a member of the M. E. church. She was a sister of Mrs. E. G. Lyle and the mother of Miss Kate Simpson, who is well known here as a former teacher in our public schools. At the time of her death she was surrounded by five daughters and two sons, one of the latter, Earnest Simpson, of New Haven, reaching home only a few hours before dissolution, but in time to be recognized and bidden goodbye. Mrs. E. G. Lyle, and Mrs. Robert Burrow, of Bristol and Cy H. Lyle, of this city, attended the funeral Monday afternoon. (From December 30, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of Jacob Shewalter & Arabella Abby. Wife of George M. Simpson. Born December 1841 in Winchester, VA. Certificate of death & obituary support December 25, 1909 death in Jefferson City, TN. Cause of death listed as “stomach & liver trouble”. Buried at Westview Cemetery in Jefferson City, Jefferson County, TN.]
SLAGLE, ANDREW J.
MURDER STILL A MYSTERY
Full Confession of Suspect Expected When Trial Begins – John Cash is Held for Murder.
Bristol, Tenn., Oct. 31. – The case of A. J. Shagle [sic], the Jonesborough lumberman, who was murdered and his body thrown into the French Broad river, near Newport, is still a mystery, despite the confession of John Cash, the youth, who says he saw John Hyden Spencer commit the crime and helped him to dispose of the body.
The general belief now is that the secret of the murder was buried in the breast of Spencer, who committed suicide by drowning himself in a rain barrel at the home of the dead man, when he learned that he was suspected of the horrible crime. This much is certain, that Slagle went to Newport to keep an engagement with Spencer to get out an imaginary pot of gold, which Spencer claimed to have hidden in the mountains, and upon which Slagle had advanced him more than $4,000. He never returned, and his body was found a week later with the hands and feet tightly bound and the head beaten to a pulp, in the river near Newport.
Cash will be tried shortly, before Judge Coleman, on the charge of having been a principal in the grewsome [sic] murder, and his confession that he witnessed it and afterward helped to bind the limbs and throw the body in the river, will be used against him. He is only about 20 years old and ignorant, though called shrewd. The theory is that he has not made a full confession. The tragedy has aroused much interest in East Tennessee. (From November 4, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of Peter Slagle & Sarah J. Claymore. Husband of Cordelia G. Rhoda. Born December 20, 1864 in Carter County, TN. Was working at a school teacher at the time of his death. Certificate of death supports August 24, 1909 death in “Coke” [sic – Cocke] County. Cause of death was “homicide”. Interred at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Jonesborough, TN.]
SMITH, (INFANT SON)
The little son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanton Smith, 18 months old, died Tuesday after a short illness and was buried in Oak Hill cemetery Wednesday. [From April 22, 1909, pg. #5]
[Son of Stanton Pierce Smith & wife Fannie of Johnson City, TN. Implies April 20, 1909 death. Unable to find death certificate in Tennessee records collections.]
SMITH, GEORGE
GEORGE SMITH KILLED LAST SUNDAY NIGHT.
George Smith was found dead near the Woolwine school building Sunday night with a bullet wound through his heart. His slayer was not known but circumstantial evidence lead to the arrest of “Coon” Jones and he was a given a preliminary hearing before P. Q. Miller and held to answer the charge at the next term of the Circuit Court. In default of a $500 bond he was taken to jail. [From May 20, 1909, pg. #5]
[George Smith may have been the son of Monroe & Ellen Smith, who lived on Fairview Avenue in Johnson City in 1900. George was a single, black laborer of 18 years of age at the time of his death. Death certificate supports birth in Johnson City about 1891. Certificate and obituary both support May 16, 1909 death, giving cause as “killed by shooting”.]
SMITH, JOHN
WOMAN BEGGED FOR MERCY
Negro is Lynched for Horrible Assault Upon a Young White Girl at Arcadia, Fla.
Arcadia, April 12. – John Smith, the negro who late Saturday afternoon attempted criminal assault on Miss Mary E. Ewing two miles from this city, by dragging her from her buggy, was captured here yesterday morning and lynched.
The negro was taken from the sheriff and his deputies at an early hour and was hanged to a tree.
The story of the attempted assault is as follows: Miss Ewing, who had been to the city on a shopping tour, was returning to her home, four miles from the city, when the negro attacked her. The young woman begged, fought, and prayed to the black fiend to let her go and offered to give him $100 in cash, if he would accompany her home, but this did not stop the brute. Will Knowles and his brother, walking some distance from the scene heard the screams of the woman and rushed to her assistance. The brute made his escape. After taking Miss Ewing to her home, the men rushed to this city, spread the news, and blood hounds followed by a posse of three hundred men were soon on the trail. The negro was found at a turpentine camp and taken before his victim, who positively identified him. Sheriff Freeman and his deputies succeeded in placing Smith in jail, but being afraid of an attack, attempted to spirit him out of Arcadia, when they were met by an automobile party, held up and forced to give up their prisoner.
The negro pleaded for mercy, but the mob carried him to the edge of the city where they strung him up to a tree. (From April 15, 1909, pg. #15)
[Supports April 11, 1909 death at Arcadia, Florida. Obituary also can be found in the Ohio, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Obituary Index, 1810s-2013 collection. Very difficult to pinpoint any additional information about this John Smith without more evidence as to his age. There were many men with this name in DeSoto County, Florida during this period.]
SPEARS, CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS
The death Tuesday of Capt. C. C. Spears at Knoxville removes one of the best known Tennesseans and one of its picturesque citizens. He was a native of Hawkins county and a gallant Confederate soldier. [From April 29, 1909, pg. #2]
[Son of Drury Alsbrock Spears & Mary Ann Parks (or Pope). Served in Company K for the 13th TN of the Confederate Army. Obituary & headstone both support April 27, 1909 death. Headstone supports August 17, 1840 birth. Death certificate gives his birth place as Hawkins County, TN and cause of death as “appendicitis”. Captain Spears is buried with his wife Siberia M. “Dee” Bean at Rogersville Methodist Church Cemetery in Rogersville, TN.]
SPENCER, JOHN HYDEN
MURDER STILL A MYSTERY
Full Confession of Suspect Expected When Trial Begins – John Cash is Held for Murder.
Bristol, Tenn., Oct. 31. – The case of A. J. Shagle [sic], the Jonesborough lumberman, who was murdered and his body thrown into the French Broad river, near Newport, is still a mystery, despite the confession of John Cash, the youth, who says he saw John Hyden Spencer commit the crime and helped him to dispose of the body.
The general belief now is that the secret of the murder was buried in the breast of Spencer, who committed suicide by drowning himself in a rain barrel at the home of the dead man, when he learned that he was suspected of the horrible crime. This much is certain, that Slagle went to Newport to keep an engagement with Spencer to get out an imaginary pot of gold, which Spencer claimed to have hidden in the mountains, and upon which Slagle had advanced him more than $4,000. He never returned, and his body was found a week later with the hands and feet tightly bound and the head beaten to a pulp, in the river near Newport.
Cash will be tried shortly, before Judge Coleman, on the charge of having been a principal in the grewsome [sic] murder, and his confession that he witnessed it and afterward helped to bind the limbs and throw the body in the river, will be used against him. He is only about 20 years old and ignorant, though called shrewd. The theory is that he has not made a full confession. The tragedy has aroused much interest in East Tennessee. (From November 4, 1909, pg. #2)
[John Hyden Spencer was born around 1876 in Parrottsville, Cocke County, TN. John was probably the son of James Spencer & Melvina Gregg, who lived in Grass, Cocke County, TN in 1880. He was married and working as a farmer at the time of his death. His death certificate indicates that he committed suicide on August 30, 1909 in Jonesborough, TN – just 6 days after the murder of Andrew J. Slagle. Unable to find burial information.]
STAPLES, LOLA MARY HODGES
DIED.
Mrs. R. C. Staples died this morning at 3 o’clock at her home in Bristol, of pneumonia. (From February 4, 1909, pg. #3)
[Daughter of Henry Kitzmiller Hodges & Mary Jane DeVault. Her husband was Robert Clarence Staples (1873-1950). According to her headstone, she was born on August 27, 1867, probably in Washington County, TN. Lola & Robert can be found living with 3 children in Lynchburg, VA on the 1900 U.S. Federal Census. Headstone also supports date of death implied by obituary – February 4, 1909. They are both buried at Morning View Cemetery in Bluff City, TN.]
SWADLEY, EDWARD ALDINE
LITTLE CHILD DIES.
Little Edward Aldine, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Swadley, died Sunday afternoon after a short illness with acute indigestion. The little fellow was about a year old the pet of the household. The funeral was conducted at the late residence Monday at 3 p. m., and the remains laid to rest in Oak Hill. (From June 17, 1909, pg. #2)
[I was unable to find a death certificate, nor any further information about the parents at this writing.]
SWANN, MARGARET RUBLE
REV. J. A. RUBLE’S DAUGHTER DEAD
Rev. J. A. Ruble, chaplain of the Soldiers’ home, was called to Judson, N. C., Tuesday by the sudden death of his daughter, Mrs. Maggie Swan [sic]. The deceased was only thirty-five years of age, and was an amiable Christian woman. She leaves a husband and five children. [From April 29, 1909, pg. #2]
[Daughter of James A. Ruble and Anna Rebecca Florence. Headstone supports January 4, 1874 birth (in West Virginia) and April 18, 1909 death. Was originally buried in Judson Public Cemetery, but was relocated by the TVA to Lauada Cemetery in Bryson City, NC.]
SYDON, PATRICK
Excerpt from SOLDIERS’ HOME NOTES
Patrick Syden [sic], member of the Dayton home, fell down stairs in one of the barracks there Sunday night and was instantly killed. He was an employee in the machine shop. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #5)
[May have been Patrick Sydon, who served as a private in Company K, Ohio 72nd Infantry Regiment, enlisting on March 13, 1864. I have been able to find a person of this name born in June 1844 in Ireland living in Minnesota and Northbridge, MA (in 1900).]
TAYLOR, GEORGE DUFFIELD
MAJOR GEORGE D. TAYLOR
Surrenders to the Grim Reaper on His Weite [sic] Horse After a Long Life.
Maj. George Duffield Taylor died at his Happy Valley plantation Tuesday morning just as the sun was tiptoeing over the mountain tops to look upon a spot made famous in song and story by the late Landen C. Haynes and “Bob” Taylor. The death of this venerable soldier and citizen was not unexpected, as he had been in feeble health for several months. He was 78 years of age and was a bachelor. During the war he served with distinction with such warriors as Wm. B. Bate and Josiah Patterson, both of whom have crossed over the river and are resting under the shade. He was as brave a soldier as East Tennessee gave the Confederate cause and that is honor enough. After the war he returned to his large estate in Carter county and lived a quiet, and to all appearances, a lonely life, giving his whole attention to his large agricultural interests. He was a kind and generous neighbor and in every way a useful citizen. The Taylor home is one of the landmarks in this section and will now pass to his heirs-at-law, the children of the deceased brothers and sister, and he made no will. They are Tip Pepper, who has lived with the deceased for years; George Pepper and Alford Taylor, of Knoxville; Mesdames C. C. English, J. H. Winston and Tom Davis, of Bristol. The state consists of about 1300 acres of the home place, large boundary of mountain lands, some real estate in Elizabethton and one or more small farms.
The funeral service was held at the residence Wednesday and conducted by Rev. F. D. Kershner, of Milligan, and Rev. L. W. Pierce, of this city. A large number of friends were present, many going from this city, to pay their respects to the dead and help lay the remains in the family burial ground.
Thus passes one of the grand old men of this section, the men who have made East Tennessee famous in war and in peace. May his soul rest in peace. (From July 1, 1909, pg. #4)
[Son of Alfred Wilson Taylor & Elizabeth Carter Duffield. Appears not to have married and remained single to the end of his life. Certificate of death implies 1829 birth in Carter County, TN and says he was 80 years old. This differs from the obituary estimate of 78 years. Both obituary and death certificate support June 29, 1909 death in Carter County, TN. Cause of death was “Heart & Liver Trouble”. Probably buried at Taylor Cemetery in Elizabethton, TN.]
TAYLOR, J. H. “HEN”
“HEN” TAYLOR DIES SUDDENLY LAST WEEK.
J. H. Taylor, a prominent farmer living one mile south of Jonesboro, was found dead at his home last week by Charles Ryans, his colored cook. He came to Jonesboro and reported to Ed Boyd. Failing to find a physician, Mr. Boyd asked Sid Murry to go and see Taylor. When Mr. Murry arrived at Taylor’s home he found him dead. The negro stated that he had left Taylor about 10 o’clock Thursday morning and when he returned at noon to prepare dinner he found him in an unconscious condition. The interment was at New Victory church Friday. (From October 14, 1909, pg. #2)
[Unable to easily find any information on Mr. Taylor. No TN death certificate or headstone photo available.]
TAYLOR, SARAH JANE WILLIAMS
DIED.
Mrs. Wm. H. Taylor, mother of Mrs. Wm. Deakins, gave up this life on Friday afternoon about 5 o’clock at the home of her daughter at 204 W. Maple street. The funeral services took place at the home at 1 p. m. on Monday, January 18. Burial in Oak Hill cemetery. The beautiful soul of a good woman has changed her mortal home to live in immortality with the angels of rest. [From January 21, 1909, pg. #1]
[A death record for “Jane Taylor” can be found in the Tennessee, Deaths and Burials Index, 1874-1955, but it appears that the date of death was incorrectly transcribed as JUNE 15, 1909.]
TONCRAY, COL. CHARLES P.
DEATH OF COL. TONCRAY
Proved a Great Shock to Citizens of Elizabethton, of which Town He was Practically Founder
Elizabethton, Tenn., March 6. – Our town was greatly shocked on yesterday evening about 5.30 when it became known that Col. C. P. Toncray, one of Elizabethton’s most widely known citizens, had dropped dead in her yard. He had just returned from Knoxville and was feeling unwell, and remarked to L. C. Harkleroad: “I am feeling very badly and will have to go to my room,” and he once dropped to the ground and expired. Col. Toncray was born at Abingdon, Va., but came to Elizabethton in his early manhood, and has since that time been one of her leading citizens. He was largely instrumental in getting the Co-operative Town Co. to choose as their town site Elizabethton. Col. Toncray was always an ardent republican, and has been one of the party’s leaders in upper East Tennessee for many years.
Col. Toncray was widely known in Tennessee as well as in other parts of the United States and frequently was in the east consulting with capitalists to turn their eyes toward this way as a profitable place to invest their money.
He leaves four children, Samuel Toncray, of Big Stone Gap, Va; Mrs. W. D. Hunter, of Elizabethton; Mrs. J. N. Shoolbred, of Waynesville, N. C., and Mrs. Horace Frost, of Bristol. [From March 11, 1909, pg #1]
[Son of Jackson Toncray & Louise Fitzsimmons. He married Margaret Lucretia Williams. According to his death certificate, Charles was born on September 15, 1837 in Abingdon, Washington County, VA. Obituary and TN Death Certificate both support March 5, 1909 death in Elizabethton, TN. Cause was “apoplexy”. Buried at Highland Cemetery in Elizabethton, TN.]
TORBETT, JOSEPH FRANKLIN “FRANK”
J. F. TORBETT A SUICIDE
Bristol Tenn., Feb. 20. – J. Frank Torbett, 61 years old, father of George P. Torbett, state editor of the Atlanta Georgian, committed suicide (at) his home at Piney Flats, Tenn., this county, today, by cutting his throat. Ill health and despondency caused it. The suicide married a sister of Richard Lynch Garner, the famous student of monkey language. Mrs. Torbett survives him. (February 25, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of James Alexander Torbett and Martha Scott. His spouse was Virginia Anne Garner. He was born in Sullivan County, TN in December 1849, according to the 1900 US Federal Census. Obituary supports February 20, 1909 death in Bristol, TN. His burial place in unknown, although he may be buried with his wife at New Bethel Cemetery in Piney Flats, TN. Due to the nature of his death, he may have been denied burial there.]
TRIGG, HON. DANIEL F.
Dr. Dan Trigg and wife returned to the city Tuesday from Abingdon, Va., where Dr. Trigg had been called on account of the death of his father, Hon. Daniel F. Trigg, one of the prominent lawyers in Southwest Virginia. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #5)
[Son of Dr. Daniel Trigg & Anna Munford Tompkins. He was the husband of Louisa Bowen Johnston. He served in the Navy for the Confederate States of America. Headstone supports March 12, 1843 birth (in Abingdon, VA) and November 18, 1909 death (in Richmond, Henrico, VA). Buried at Sinking Spring Cemetery in Abingdon, VA.
TURNBULL, WALTER J.
LITTLE CHILD DIES.
Little Walter Turnbell [sic], the 18 months old son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter J. Turnbrell [sic], died Tuesday night after a short illness. Funeral services were conducted Thursday morning by Rev. S. B. Vaught and the remains laid to rest in Oak Hill. [From May 27, 1909, pg. #5]
[Son of Walter J. Turnbull & Ella Inez Schooley. Obituary implies May 23, 1909 death. Unable to find TN death certificate.]
WARD, MARION C. MILES
MRS. WARD DIED.
Mrs. Marion Miles Ward died this morning at any early hour at the home of her son, P. M. Ward, on Maple St., after a short illness. Mrs. Ward was born in Newark, Ohio, on August 8, 1832, and came in Johnson City in 1890 to reside with her son and daughter, the late Mrs. C. C. Friberg. She was one of nature’s noblest creations, a lovable Christian woman, and goes to her reward after a long life in the Lord’s vineyard, leaving one son. P. M. Ward, and many grandchildren to mourn their loss. Funeral services were conducted at late residence at 3 o’clock by Rev. Dayton Dobbs and a large number of friends were present. The remains were taken to Geneseo, Il., her old home, for interment. (February 11, 1909, pg. #2)
IN MEMORIAM.
Whereas, It hath pleased the Almighty Ruler of the universe to enter our midst and remove our much-loved friend, Mrs. Marion M. Ward,
Resolved, That we, the members of the Ladies’ Aid and Missionary Society of the Wataugh avenue Presbyterian church, bow in humble submission to His will, knowing our loss is her gain.
Resolved, That we recognize in her a faithful earnest and untiring worker in anything that tended to uplift humanity, and the memory of her beautiful Christian life will ever remain with us.
Resolved, That we extend to the bereft loved ones our sympathy, and thrust that He who doeth all things well will sustain and comfort them.
Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved families and to each of the town papers, also to be spread on our minutes.
MRS. W. B. WHITESIDE,
MRS. M. E. GILDERSLEVE
MRS. A. A. MORSE
(From February 25, 1909, pg. #2)
[The date of death implied by this obituary (February 11) may be incorrect, as Marion’s memorial on Find A Grave supports a February 3rd date of death. Marion was the daughter of Solomon Miles & Eliza Ann Gilmore. Interred at Oakwood Cemetery in Geneseo, IL.]
WELLS, THOMAS M.
THOMAS M. WELLS DEAD
Thomas M. Wells, aged 56 years, an ex-magistrate and a prominent farmer and citizen of the county, died at his home at Fall Branch Sunday. He had been in declining health for some time and his death was not unexpected.
He was a staunch democrat and always took an active part in the party’s welfare. Funeral services were held Monday. – Herald and Tribune. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #5)
[Probably the son of James A. & Jane L. Wells of Hoggards, Washington County, TN, as of 1860. Husband of Florence A. Moulton. TN certificate of death lists Thomas’ age as 54 years & 8 months, implying a January/February 1855 birth. Place of birth given was Fall Branch. The 1900 U.S. Federal Census gives his birth month as Jan. 1856 (in TN). He was married and his occupation is listed as “Lawyer”.
The main discrepancy here is regarding his date of death, which is 1 month different than the obituary. The certificate says he died October 21, 1909 in Fall Branch, while the obituary implies a November 21, 1909 date of death. Cause of death was tuberculosis. Place of burial not currently known.]
WHITE, EVERETT T. “E. T.”
FATAL WRECK AT SPRUCE PINE
A freight train was wrecked on the C., C. & O. near Spruce Pine yesterday afternoon. The engine was derailed and turned over. W. F. Webb, the fireman, had his foot cut off and the engineer was badly injured. Brakeman White was instantly killed. He was the front brakeman and was on the engine at the time the accident occurred. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #2)
[Son of John Christopher White & Delia Simmons. Husband of Maggie L. Jones. Everett White was born in December 1883 in Unicoi County, TN. Obituary and Certificate of death support November 24, 1909 death in North Carolina. Place written as “NC on C C + O Rail R”. Interred at Jones Cemetery in Unicoi, Unicoi County, TN.]
WHITE, JOHN CLIFTON “CLIFT”
TRAGEDY AT EMBEVILLE [SIC]
Jonesboro, Oct. 10. – News has just reached here of the killing at Embreville [sic] at an early hour this morning of Clift White by a young man named Tipton. The first intimation of the tragedy came to relatives of White here by telephone to a local undertaker, an order for a casket. No further particulars could be learned at 10 o’clock this evening, except that Tipton made good his escape, with a posse of Jonesboro officers in pursuit. Both young mean are about 20 years of age and of good families. (From October 14, 1909, pg. #1)
YOUNG TIPTON IS HELD FOR MURDER
Jonesboro, Tenn., Oct. 12. – The young man, Tipton, who killed Clift White at Embreeville last Saturday night, was apprehended by Jonesboro officers Sunday at “Kansas City,” near the scene of the killing, and is now in jail here. The prisoner claims that the killing was accidental. However, it is said that he made threats a few days ago that he would kill White before the end of the week. Tipton and White are each about 18 years of age and of good families. (From October 14, 1909, pg. #2)
EVIDENCE DIDN’T SHOW KILLING WAS MALICIOUS
Jonesboro, Oct. 29. – At the preliminary trial of Charles Tipton, charged with killing Clifton White at Embreeville, the state failed to produce proof sufficient to show that the killing was maliciously done, and Tipton was discharged. It will be recalled that Tipton and White were out hunting two weeks ago last Saturday night, when White was shot and instantly killed by the discharge of a gun in the hands of Tipton. It is claimed that the killing was accidental. (From November 4, 1909, pg. #3)
[John Clifton White was the son of Alexander N. White & M. Eliza Howren. He was born in July 1889 in Washington County, TN. He was working as a laborer at the time of his death. Both the obituary and his death certificate support his October 10, 1909 death at Embreeville, TN “by gun shot”. I was unable to find any burial information for him.]
WHITE, J. B. “JAY”
DROWNED IN THE WATAUGA RIVER.
Jay White, a fifteen year old boy, was drowned in the Watanga [sic – Watauga] river near Piney Flats, Tenn., Tuesday afternoon. The skiff, which he and another boy occupied, was carried through the rapids and capsized. White’s companion swam ashore. White’s body was recovered and brought to Johnson City. Funeral services were held at the late residence Wednesday morning and the remains buried in Montevista [sic] cemetery. [From June 10, 1909, pg. #2]
[Son of James H. L. White (1858-1919). Certificate of death listed age as 16 years of age and place of birth as Whitsburg [sic], TN. Death certificate supports June 8, 1909 death at Watauga River from “drownding” [sic]. Was living in Whitesburg, Hamblen County, TN in 1900 with grandparents & divorced father. Buried at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN.]
WHITLOCK, DR. THOMAS W.
DR. T. W. WHITLOCK DEAD
Dr. T. W. Whitlock died at about one o’clock Thursday morning at his summer home at Unaka Springs after a lingering illness of a complication of diseases, and the remains were shipped to his old home at Jonesboro for burial. Dr. Whitlock was well and favorably known to a large number of our people, having spent the summers at Unaka Springs, while he spent the winters the State of Florida for his health, and the news of his death will be received with much regret by many friends here and elsewhere. – Erwin Magnet. [From August 5, 1909, pg. #3]
[Possibly the son of Pleasant Samuel Whitlock & Parthenia Hines. Wife’s name was Mollie. Obituary implies July 29, 1909 death. Unable to find burial information or death certificate.]
WILCOX, CAPT. JOHN M.
DEATH OF CAPT. WILCOX.
Was One of Elizabethton’s Well Known Citizens and Prominent in Republican Politics
Capt. J. M. Wilcox, one of our best known citizens died Wednesday night at 7:30 o’clock at that national soldiers’ home here, with kidney and bladder disease. Mr. Wilcox was one of the best known citizens of our town, and for many years was proprietor of the Wilcox House of our town. He was a veteran of the civil war and was a strong republican. His place was a rendezvous of republican politicians, and many of the leading men of Tennessee have been his guests. He leaves a wife and the following children: Chas R., Frank and Roy Wilcox, and Mrs. T. J. Williams, all of Elizabethton. His remains will be brought back to Elizabethton for interment. (From December 16, 1909, pg. #1)
[Son of Christopher C. Wilcox & Matilda J. Burrow. Husband of Margaret Pace Barker. 1900 U.S. Federal Census supports Dec. 1846 birth in TN. Fought for the Union side during the Civil War in the 13th Regiment of the Tennessee Cavalry. Obituary seems incorrect about his rank, as he was a Second Lieutenant when he left service. Obituary implies December 15, 1909 death. Wife Margaret filed for military pension one week later on December 21. Buried at Green Hill Cemetery in Elizabethton, TN.]
WILDER, MARGARET C. “MAGGIE” SOMERVILLE
MRS. WILDER DEAD
Mrs. Horace M. Wilder died Monday morning at her home on Third avenue after a protracted illness. The deceased came her with her husband, who is a brother of Gen. J. T. Wilder, from Roan Mountain nearly 20 years ago. She was about 70 years of age and was a most exemplary woman. She is survived by her husband, who is also very feeble. Gen. Wilder was not able to attend the funeral, as he was in Indiana attending a reunion of his old brigade, but James A. Maher and wife, Misses Mary and Martha Wilder and other relatives from a distance were present. The funeral was conducted at the late residence Tuesday afternoon and the remains laid to rest in Monte Vista. (From September 16, 1909, pg. #2)
[Headstone supports Sep 21, 1836 birth. 1900 U.S. Federal Census supports Sep. 1836 birth in Indiana. Horace & Margaret were living in Unicoi County with nephew, Stuart Wilder, as of June 1900. Margaret’s headstone and this obituary both support September 13, 1909 as her date of death. Buried at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City, TN.]
WILKINSON, JAMES WALTER
DEATH OF JAS. WILKINSON.
Prominent Citizen of Carroll Couty Died Wednesday Evening. Had Relatives in Bristol.
James Wilkinson, father of Mrs. Geo. L. Carter, of Johnson City, and an uncle of J. A. Wilkinson and Judge N. P. Oglesby, of Bristol, died at his home at Hillsville, Carroll county, Va., at 8:30 o’clock Wednesday evening, after an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Carter was at his bedside at the time of his death, having gone there two weeks ago and remaining constantly with him until the end.
Mr. Wilkinson was about seventy-five years old, and was a well known farmer and stock raiser of Carroll county. His wife died in Bristol some two years ago, and since that time he has been in poor health. Of his immediate family, he is survived by only Mrs. Carter, his son James Wilkinson, jr., having died at Macon, Ga., while in school in that city some years ago.
The funeral services will be held at Hillsville this afternoon, and the body will be buried in the Hillsville cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Carter and son are among the relatives from this section who will attend the funeral. J. A. Wilkinson is away on business, and efforts were made to reach him by telegraph all day Thursday, and it is not known as yet whether he will get the news in time to attend. Judge Oglesby went to Hillsville Thursday. – Bristol Herald Courier. (From April 8, 1909, pg. #2.)
[Son of William Wilkinson & Christena Lyon. Husband of Lillian Jeannie Reeves. Was born on January 4, 1832 in VA. (Date supported by headstone) Although the obituary would seem to imply an April 7th death (day before publication), his headstone actually supports March 31, 1909 (the prior Wednesday).]
WILLIAMS, PEARL
MISS PEARL WILLIAMS DIES.
Miss Pearl Williams, 16 years of age, died last Wednesday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Williams, on First Avenue, after a short illness with fever.
Funeral services were held at the residence Thursday morning by Rev. T. G. Davis and the remains were laid to rest in Monte Vista. [From September, 16, 1909, pg. #2]
[Daughter of Harry Elbert & Hattie Williams. Tennessee birth in June 1894 supported by 1900 U.S. Federal Census. Headstone incorrectly lists date of death as 1907. Unable to find any Tennessee death record for Pearl. Buried at Monte Vista Memorial Park in Johnson City.]
WILSON, AUGUSTA EVANS
AUTHOR OF “ST. ELMO” DEAD
Was Known and Loved Throughout the Country, Particularly in South, Her Native Land
Mobile, Ala., May 7. – Mrs. Augusta Evans, the well known southern authoress, died at her home here this morning at six o’clock from at attack of heart failure.
Mrs. Evans Wilson was a native of Columbus, Ga., and was 74 years of age. For the past years she has been in retirement at her beautiful suburban home, “Ashland.” She was the daughter of Matt Ryan and Sarah Howard Evans. She began her literary career early in life and continued her writings until about a year ago, when her last book, “Devota,” was issued from the press. Dec 2, 1868, she was married to L. M. Wilson, a prominent citizen of Mobile, and their beautiful suburban home was a literary and social center from that day till his death in October, 1891.
Among her writings are such well known books as “Inez,” “St. Elmo,” “Beulah,” “At The Mercy of Tiberius” and “The Speckled Bird.”
Mrs. Evans Wilson is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Virginia B. Bragg, of Mobile; Mrs. J. W. Bush, of Birmingham; Mrs. Leo Tarleton, of New York.
She had many relatives throughout the south. [From May 13, 1909, pg. #1]
[Augusta Evans Wilson was the first American female author to earn over $100,000 in book sales, according to Wikipedia.org. Daughter of Matt Ryan Evans & Sarah Skrine Howard. Wife of Lorenzo Madison Wilson. Was born in May 8, 1835 in Columbus, Muscogee, Georgia. Although this obituary supports May 7, 1909 as Augusta’s date of death, this appears to be in error. Her headstone and other Alabama death indexes support May 9. Buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Mobile, AL.]
MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES OF INTEREST
Although the following articles may hold very little genealogical value, I felt they were amusing enough to include here for your reading enjoyment.
TRACKED CROOK TO HIS DEATH
MAN SWINDLED GETS REVENGE
DESERT BLEACHED BONES
Ten Thousand Mile Chase After Man Who Got Money Ended in Waste of California.
With the satisfaction of knowing that the bones of the man who swindled him out of $3,500 lie bleaching in the sands of the Southern California desert, Newton A. Grabill, a mill owner of Daleville, Ind., returned home last Thursday, after a 10,000-mile chase and found that his creditors, believing him dead, had petitioned the Delaware county court to wind up his estate. Grabill is 72 years old, but he is strong of body and grim of will.
One day last June, Grabill was approached by a man who said he represented a brokerage firm at Chicago. The stranger had prospectuses of a gold mine in Colorado, and, persuaded that it would be a profitable investment for his savings. Grabill gave the supposed broker’s agent $3,500 in cash and made an appointment with him to meet him in Indianapolis and turn over the remainder of the amount he intended to invest. At Indianapolis, Grabill learned he had been tricked.
Angry and sore with chagrin, he took up the trail of the swindler. First it led to St. Louis, and then to Denver. From that city to New Mexico and Arizona, Grabill followed. The confidence man knew the victim was on the track, and he fled without rest, doubling through the southwestern states.
At length the swindler crossed the border into Mexico, with which country he was evidently familiar. Here he had the better of Grabill, who, an Indiana farmer and millwright, was confused by the language and manners of the people. But if he could not keep close to the game himself, Grabill had the shrewdness and the determination to employ an agent who could. And so he engaged a Mexican detective.
Grabill and the detective followed the swindler into the California desert. The Indianan had no hope of recovering any of the money that he had so easily been taken from him, but he was dead set on making sure that the man who had taken it should never enjoy it. The pursuit wore him out, and he stopped in a village, but the detective pressed on.
Within a few weeks, the detective returned to Grabill and gave him sufficient proof that he had caught up with the swindler at a lonely ranch house, that the man was at bay and desperate, that they fought, and that he shot the swindler dead. His body was buried in the desert.
Satisfied that in this final deal he was getting his money’s worth, Grabill paid the detective, and set out for Indiana. He had been too busy to write home. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #4)
[Newton A. Grabill (b. about 1840 in Clark County, OH, d. October 20, 1924) was a Civil War veteran. He served from June 11, 1861 to June 21, 1864 in the 3rd Ohio Infantry. He reenlisted for an additional 2 months in March 1865 with the 58th Ohio infantry. He was the son of David & Catherine Grabill of Clark County, OH. He was the husband of Harriett R. Graybill of Springfield, OH.]
An obituary for a horse?!
Charley Yokum Gildersleeve, the 36 year old family horse of the Gildersleeve family, died last week. He had been in the family for 27 years and was purchased from Col. S. H. Yokum. A faithful servant is at rest. For several years he has been permitted to roam at will over the plantation and was monarch of all he surveyed. (From November 25, 1909, pg. #5)
OBITUARY.
Mr. “White Nose” is no more. In other words, he is dead – dead as one of Dicken’s door nails. He departed this life at 9 p. m. the 22 of December, 1909. Mr. “White Nose” was a dog, and no common one. He was of small, medium size, compactly built and of fine proportions. Socially he was highly connected, being in sense related to big hearted Jim Burns, for Jim raised him; but he was the special favorite of Alex. So highly did Alex esteem him that when advised of the plan to kill him so as to avoid the dog tax, Alex wrote: “Kill my dog, kill me.”
Mr. White Nose was a full 16-years’ resident of Vineland, Indian Ridge, and played a conspicuous part in dog life. His predecessor was a half-brother brindle in color and had but one eye, hence he born the name of “Mr. One-Eye,” and was considered almost religious, for, after being absent from home a full week, it was found that he had followed Bob Cross to Sulphur Spring camp meeting and had worshiped with Bob for the full week. Mr. White Nose had another name, “Lincoln,” and was called “Link” for short, but he was best known by the name that harmonized with his clear white color. He could run as fast as any other dog of his size and build, but not fast enough to overtake a rabbit, however, what he lacked in speed he more than made up in rapid barking, giving forth a bark for every jump he made, and his barks so terrified rabbits as to cause their tails to turn white. For a year preceding Mr. White Nose’s death he had a social companion known as “Mr. Black Nose,” a slender built black dog of the high grade Kentucky speed class, and although not much larger than a big rabbit, could, and yet can, pick up a rabbit over either smooth or rough ground. Being thus out-classed for speed, I think, caused Mr. White Nose to yield to the infirmities of age and die prematurely.
Well, why so much about a dog or dogs? Simply this: The dog is proverbially spoken of as mean, whilst an average dog, and especially a good one, in some respects averages above the status of a good man. Such a man rebels often against the just requirements of his Great Master and complains because of merited chastisement, whilst the dog, unjustly whipped, affectionately licks the hand from which the cruel rod has just falled; and the outcast beggar is followed by his faithful dog to his unmarked grave. May there not and ought be an enjoyable future for the good and faithful dog? Such reward would but add to the blessedness of heaven. On the 23d Mr. White Nose, neatly coffined, was buried on the high ground north of the southern end of the C. C. & O. tunnel under Indian Ridge, there to remain as a “mascot” watch, until when? The resurrection. At any rate, peace to his ashes. HIS FRIEND
Staff and Herald and Tribute please copy. (From December 30, 1909, pg. #1)