Obituaries & Death Notices
The obituaries below are extracted from historical newspapers; submissions are welcome.
A Surnames
ADAMS, Theodore (Capt). – a clerk in the drygoods house of Seasels & Sons, Memphis, was shot and killed by Gen. J.W.S. BROWN, on Tuesday. ADAMS had seduced BROWN’s daughter and refused to repair the wrong by marrying her. [Source: Whig and tribune. (Jackson, Tenn.), 02 Sept. 1871]
B Surnames
BARBER, R.F. (Dr.) – BARBER, formerly of Memphis, died at Hernando, Miss., on the 5th. He was an honored member of the 154th senior Tennessee regiment and belonged to the Maynard Rifles. [Source: Bolivar Bulletin, February 10, 1886]
BOBBITT, Archie Lloyd “Hoppy” – 74, of 884 Greendale Circle, retired welder, died yesterday at Baptist Hospital. Services will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in Memorial Park. He was Mason and a member of West Frayser Baptist Church. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. E.J. COX, Jr. of Jackson, Miss. and Mrs. James P. RUTHERFORD, Jr. of Memphis; a son, Charles A. BOBBITT of Memphis ; a sister, Mrs. Valerie DAWSON of Tucson, Ariz. and eight grandchildren. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Oct. 16, 1979]. Submitted by Ed Cox.
BOBBITT, Isola E. (Mrs.) – 60, of 884 Greendale Circle, died yesterday at Baptist Hospital. Services will be at 11:15 a.m. tomorrow at Memphis Funeral Home on Poplar with burial in Memorial Park. She was a nurse’s assistant at Baptist Hospital and a member of Georgian Hills Baptist Church and the order of the Eastern Star. She leaves her husband, Archie Lloyd BOBBITT of Memphis; two daughters, Mrs. Edwin J. COX, Jr. of Jackson, Miss. and Mrs. James P. RUTHERFORD, Jr. of Memphis; a son, Charles A. BOBBITT of Memphis; four sisters, Mrs. Golda WATSON of Kentwood, La., Ms. Pat WATTS of Dallas, Texas, and Mrs. Ouida May ARNOLD and Ms. Maude Lee ADAMS, both of Baton Rouge, La.; three brothers, Lynwood ROBERTS of Holden, La., Raymond ROBERTS of Albany, La., Jerry ROBERTS of Baton Rouge, and eight grandchildren. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Sept.4, 1979] Submitted by Ed Cox.
BOBBITT, Philmore Haden – at Missouri Pacific Hospital, St. Louis, Mo., Sunday afternoon, May 6, 1951. Phimore Haden BOBBITT, aged 62. Father of Mrs. Genevieve C. BROWN, Holly Ridge, N.C.; brother of Mrs. Valerie DAWSON, Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. G. C. GUNN and A. L. BOBBITT, both of this city; nephew of Mrs. Mary Bell MORRIS, Hughes, Ark.; grandfather of Lewis L. BROWN, Jr., Holly Ridge, N.C. Funeral will take place from the Spencer-Sturla Memorial Chapel, 1745 Union Ave., Thursday morning at 8:30 o’clock. Requiem mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church (Linden Ave. and Fourth) at 9 o’clock. Friends are invited. Interment in Calvery Cemetery. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, May 7, 1951]. Submitted by Ed Cox
BOLTON, Wade – a well-known and wealthy citizen from the northern part of the county, who was shot by Dr. DICKENS in front of Court Square, on Wednesday morning, 13th instant, expired this morning at seven o’clock, at the residence of F.M. CASH, Esq., on Court street. The ball entered the left shoulder just above the lung, and was never found, as Mr. BOLTON would not consent for the wound to be probed. He lingered in great pain until the moment of his death, but was sensible almost to the last moment. A post mortem examination was held by Doctors LYNCH, RICE, and ROGERS, but the ball had not been found when our informant left the scene. It had evidently passed through the shoulder and probably lodged against the spine. Thus for the present rests one of the most remarkable family wars ever known in this country. Dr. DICKENS was released soon after the shooting on the charge of shooting with intent to kill. His bail was fixed at five thousand dollars. [Source: Public Ledger. 23 July 1869. Available online at Chronicling America: Historic American Newspapers]
C Surnames
COLE, John B. – DIED. Of typhoid pnuemonia, January 1st, in this city, John B. COLE, aged 25? years, formerly of Georgetown, Ky., a member of the Second Kentucky infantry regiment (Confederate). Funeral from the residence of J.W. FOWLER, 128? Marshall avenue, this Sunday evening, January 2d, at <…>o’clock. Services by Rev. Dr. Whea<…>. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 2 Jan 1870, pg. 1.]
COX, Charles H. – “Former Florist, long an invalid dies at residence.” Charles H. COX, 74, former florist died at his home, 693 Leath St., early yesterday from a paralytic stroke. He had been confined to his bed for three years and had retired from active work 10 years ago, at one time, he operated a florist shop under his own name. He is survived by his three sons, Dr. Charles L. COX, Dr. W. R. COX and Phillip R. COX. Funeral services will be held at the parlors of McDowell and Monteverde this afternoon at 3 o’clock. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Sept. 27, 1927]. Submitted by Ed Cox
COX, Diane F. – 69, of Bartlett, TN, passed away peacefully at her home on April 26, 2013. She retired from Shelby County Schools and was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church Bartlett. Mrs. COX was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Rose CALIGARIS. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard L. COX, Sr.; sons, Richard COX, Jr. (Donna), Jeff COX (Lisa); daughter, Tracy CALDWELL(Chris); six grandchildren, Brandon COX, Nathan COX, Aaron COX, Andy COX, Mason CALDWELL, Landon CALDWELL; brother, Frank CALIGARIS (Stella); and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. with Rosary beginning at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, April 28 at Forest Hill East Funeral Home and funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 29 at St. Ann Catholic Church Bartlett. Entombment will follow in Forest Hill East Mausoleum. Forest Hill East Funeral Home 901-382-1000. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, April 27, 2013]. Submitted by Ed Cox.
COX, Elizabeth Ann – Wednesday morning Jan. 26, 1949, Miss Elizabeth Ann COX, age 87 years. Sister of Mrs. J.A. JOHNSON and Mrs. Melvin MURPHY, both of this city. Funeral services will be held at the National Funeral Home, 1177 Union Ave. this Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock. Friends are invited. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Jan. 27, 1949]. Submitted by Ed Cox.
COX, John B. – at his late residence on the Old Raleigh Road, Wednesday Morning, Sept. 18, 1878, of Yellow-fever, John B. COX, age twenty-nine years. At the same place, Sept. 19, 1878, of congestion, Mrs. E. A. COX, aged sixty-six years. Nashville (Tenn) and Waco (Texas) papers please copy. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, Sept. 21, 1878. Submitted by Ed Cox.
COX, Johnson Edwin – At residence, 934 North Dunlap Street, Sunday night, Oct, 9, 1927 AT 11:30 o’clock, Johnson COX, aged 63 years, husband of Hattie COX, father of Mrs. H. C. MURPHY, Mrs. M. J. RYON, John E. COX, George W., Edwin and Tip COX, all of Memphis. Brother of Mrs. Lizzie COX, Mrs. J. C. Johnson and W. T. COX. Funeral services will be conducted at the residence this Monday afternoon at 3 o’clock. Interment in Forest Hill. McDowell & Montaverde in charge. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Oct. 10, 1927]. Submitted by Ed Cox.
COX, Joseph Montgomery – at Residence, 490 Fifth Street, Thursday afternoon, June 11, 1914 at 5:30 o’clock, Joseph M., husband of Mary COX, aged 76 years, father of Miss. Lizzie and Johnson COX, Mrs. Ed M. GRANT, Mrs. J. A. JOHNSON and Willie COX, brother of Mrs. A. O. MILLER of McGregor, Texas, and C. H. COX of this city. Funeral services conducted by the Rev. J. H. ROBERTS, will be held at residence this Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock, friends of the family invited. Interment private. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, June 12, 1914]. Submitted by Ed Cox
COX, Nettie (Mrs.) – “MRS. NETTIE COX DIES AT 80–SERVICES TO BE HELD TOMORROW .” Mrs. Nettie COX of 994 North Dunlap died at 8:30 am at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Melvin MURPHY of 489 North Sixth. Mrs. COX was taken to her daughter’s home when she became ill six weeks ago. She was 80. Born in Richmond, Ind., Mrs. COX had lived in Memphis practically all her life. She was a member of Holy Names Catholic Church. She had been active in Northeast Memphis Civic Club. Mass will be said at 9:30 tomorrow morning at holy Names Catholic Church. Burial will be in Memorial Park. National Funeral Home has charge. Mrs. COX leaves two daughters, Mrs. Melvin MURPHY and Mrs. Annie Laura RYON; two sons, Edwin J. COX and Tip M. COX, all of Memphis; six grand-children and five great-grand children. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, Jun 28, 1957]. Submitted by Ed Cox
CROSBY, Peter – A very sudden death occurred at Broom’s Opera House night before last, the decedent being Peter CROSBY, a youth of about nineteen years of age, who for years has been attached to Mr. BROOM in the capacity of a bill-carrier and poster. He was seized with an apoplectic fit about ten o’clock in the evening, and died in the course of four hours. A coroner’s inquest was held yesterday, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the facts as stated above. His remains will be buried this morning at ten o’clock. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 3 Jan 1870, pg. 4]
CUNNINGHAM, Emma C. – In this city, on the evening of the 13th inst., in the twenty-eighth year of her age, Mrs. Emma C., wife of Dickson CUNNINGHAM. The friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services at their residence, on Bass, east of Dunlap street, on this (Saturday) afternoon, at 2 o’clock. The remains will be conveyed to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Carriages at J.C. HOLST & Co. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 15 Jan 1870, pg. 1]
D Surnames
DAMAN, Noah – of the oldest residents of Memphis, died last week at the residence of his son-in-law, Judge L.H. ESTES. Mr. DAMAN moved to Memphis in the early ’50s. He was widely known in Memphis, and especially among the Methodists, for he was a life-long member of that church. He was 84 years old. [Source: Carroll County Democrat, 19 Feb 1897, pg. 3 | View his FamilySearch Family Tree profile]
DAVIE, Elizabeth R. (Mrs.) – died January 29 in the seventy-sixth year of her age. For over fifty years she had resided in Memphis and for thirty years of the time she had been a widow. She was the mother ofJ.G. DAVIE., Mrs. B.A. BRIDGES and Mrs. James K. PORTER. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
DEGARIS, Charles F. – one of the well-known business men in Memphis died January 3. He was president of the DeGARIS Printing Company, a stockholder in the George Arnold Grocery Company and a member of the levee contracting firm of Arnold & DeGaris. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
DILL, Benjamin F. (Colonel) – editor of the Memphis Appeal, departed this life on the 4th inst., after a long and severe illness from pleurisy. His death was not unexpected, as his condition promised no hope of his recovery. He has been attached to the Appeal as one of its editors and proprietors for many years, and to Col. DILL’s energy and perseverance is that paper largely indebted for its popularity. Since the Appeal has been resumed in Memphis, it has mourned the loss of both its pillars – the first number containing the death of J.R. MCCLANAHAN, and on the 5th inst. recording the death of Col. DILL. The publication of the Appeal will be continued, but under whose management we have not learned. [Source: Bolivar Bulletin, January 13, 1866, pg. 2]
F Surnames
FORBUSH, T.B. (Rev.) – pastor of the First Unitarian Church, died January 6 [1898], from the effects of grip. He was 66 years old and had been pastor in Memphis only one year. He was a man of fine education and intellect. He had occupied a pulpit in Boston for a number of ears and went from there to Chicago, where he gave up a charge to come to Memphis and take charge of the work and struggling church here. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
G Surnames
GABRIEL, Edward R. – “Electrocuted While Repairing Leaky Pipe. Edward R. GABRIEL Killed Instantly by Shock.” – Screaming with pain as the current from an electric torch passed through his body, Edward R. GABRIEL, 32, foreman in the wheel department at the Ford plant, was electrocuted yesterday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock while repairing a leaky water pipe under his home at 777 Richmond Avenue. Mr. GABRIEL’s body lay limp when Mrs. GABRIEL, his wife, rushed to him after hearing his agonized cry. About 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon Mr. GABRIEL went under his home at the request of his wife to mend a leaky joint of pipe. He had been under the house only a short time when Mrs. GABRIEL hear his cry of pain. Instantly she rushed to the switchbox and shut off the current. She went to his side and on seeing he had suffered an extremely severe shock she called a Cole-Carlin ambulance. Mr. GABRIEL had been in Memphis about five years since coming from Meridian, Miss., his home. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 308 at Meridian. He had been employed in the wheel department at the Ford plant for several years. He is survived by his widow and four children, Edward, Jr., Frederick, Norris Ray and Dorothy Jean. The body is being held at Cole-Carlin funeral parlors pending funeral arrangements. [Source: Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Monday Morning, March 21, 1927]. Contributed by Steven Gabriel (maesrick [at] att [dot] net)
GAMBLE, R.R. (Esq.) – an old and estimable citizen of McNairy county, and well known in this city, died recently near Jackson. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 11 Jan 1870, page 4]
H Surnames
HARVEY, Alice – DIED. In this city, on the 5th inst., Alice HARVEY, only daughter of J.H. and M.A. ATKINSON, aged one year and eleven months. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 6 January 1857, page 3]
HEISKELL Jr., Joseph B. – the 18-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. F.H. HEISKELL, died January 7 [1898], at Rockville, Md., near Washington, D.C., where he was visiting relatives during the Christmas holidays. He was unusually gifted with a talent for art, and went to Baltimore some months previous to his death to study art. His remains were brought home for burial. He was a grandson of Gen. J.B. HEISKELL and also a grandson of the late L.G.C. LAMAR of Mississippi. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
HERRON, A. Hamilton – DIED on yesterday morning, at his residence in this county, Col. A. Hamilton HERRON, formerly of Madison county. Col. H. was esteemed by all who knew him, and his death is deplored by a large circle of friends and relatives. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 10 January 1857, page 3]
J Surnames
JOHNSON, Adolphus – a colored convict from Memphis, was killed in the mine at Coal Creek, on the 28th inst., as we learn from the Knoxville Chronicle. He went in the lead, and his lamp igniting the gas, caused it to rush first towards the back of the mine and then recoil, and then came with terrific force against Johnson, hurling him a distance of about forty feet, causing his death. A white convict was injured slightly. [Source: Blount County democrat. (Maryville, Tenn.), 31 July 1879]
JONES, Susan E. – daughter of John KIRK, Esq., and wife of W. A. JONES, died suddenly at her father’s residence in Memphis on the 20th from the effect of chloroform which she had inhaled. Deceased was highly esteemed by all who knew her. [Source: Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 26 Jan. 1867, Page 3] Transcribed by Jim Daniel
K Surnames
KEOGH, (daughter) – On the 6th a little girl, aged three years, daughter of Mr. T. KEOGH, while attempting to cross Front street, Memphis, was run over by a passing hack and received injuries which caused her death in a few moments. It is not known who the careless driver is, but efforts are being made to bring him to justice. [Source: Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 13 Oct. 1866, Page 2]. Transcribed by Jim Daniel.
L Surnames
LACEY, Charles – “Shot by a Horse Thief.” Charles LACEY, a well known liveryman of Memphis, was shot and killed at Dexter, Tenn., by a negro named Bill SWIFT. A few days ago Swift stole a mule from Jon FARABEL, a farmer, living near Dexter, and brought it to Memphis, where he effected a trace with LACEY. FARABEL appeared and claimed the mule. LACEY swore out a warrant for SWIFT’s arrest and in company with FARABLE drove out to the thief’s house. SWIFT was ready for them, and as LACEY opened the door shot him dead. The murderer escaped. [Source: Roanoke Beacon newspaper (Plymouth, NC), 11 October 1889, page 1, column 4]
LANCASTER, William H. – In the city of Memphis on Wednesday the 26th day of September 1866 at 112 Jefferson St, after a short and agonizing illness of cholera, William H. LANCASTER, aged twenty-four years and thirteen days. The deceased was a native of Franklin county, Alabama. He was a member of the Baptist church, and leaves a mother, brothers and sisters and a large number of friends and relatives to mourn his loss. While we grievously lament, we have a sweet hope that “our loss is his Eternal gain.”A. J. L. [Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 29 Sept. 1866, Page 2]. Transcribed by Jim Daniel
M Surnames
MINER, Mary Alice – DIED. Mary Alice MINER, aged five years and two days. The friends and acquaintances of the family are invited to attend the funeral, from No. 21 Hill street, This (Thursday) Evening at 3 o’clock. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 1 Jan 1870, page 1]
P Surnames
PADDISON, (daughter) – DIED. On the 11th, Imogen, infant daughter of E.W. and M.C. PADDISON. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 12 Jan 1870, pg. 1]
PULLIAM, Charles – Died. At his father’s residence, near Bartlett, Tenn., on the 9th inst., of congestion, Charles PULLIAM, in the 17th year of his age. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 11 Jan 1870, page 1]
R Surnames
RAMSEY, E.A. (Rev.) – pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, died at Excelsior Springs, Mo., January 13 [1898]. He had been pastor of that church for six years. He was 47 years old and was a native of Tennessee. His birthplace was Sweetwater, near Knoxville. His theological education was received at the Union Theological Seminary, then at Hampton-Sidney, Va. He was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Murfreesboro for nine years before coming to Memphis. He was a member of the educational committee of the Southern Presbyterian Church at the time of his death. He was for a while a member of the committee on foreign missions. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
ROBINSON, James (Mrs.) – “Funeral Invitation”. The friends and acquaintances of James ROBINSON, Esq., are requested to attend the funeral of his wife, from his residence in the country, Today at 10 ½ o’clock. Services by Rev. Mr. STEADMAN. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 3 January 1857, page 3]
ROGERS, Walter M. – a member of the metropolitan police force of Memphis, was killed in that city on the 3rd by a man named Thomas PRUITT. Both parties were under the influence of liquor at the time of the fatal re-encounter. ROGERS was shot in the neck and died shortly after receiving the wound. The accused is in jail. [Source: Bolivar bulletin. (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.), 08 June 1867, Page 1]. Transcribed by Jim Daniel.
ROSE, James (Esq.) – one of the acting Justices of the Peace for Shelby county, died suddently, at his residence in Memphis last Friday, 21st, in the 43d year of his age. [Source: Whig and Tribune, 29 July 1871]
RYON, Annie L. “Granny” – 96 of Arlington , formerly of Memphis, died of heart failure Thursday at St. Francis Hospital. Services will be at 10 a.m . Monday at Memphis Funeral Home Poplar Chapel with burial in National Cemetery. She was a member of Scenic Hills Baptist Church and worked in the church nursery for 14 years. Mrs. RYON, the widow of Martin J. RYON , leaves a daughter, Dorothy M. MOORE of Arlington, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. [Source: Memphis Commercial Appeal, August 12, 1995]. Submitted by Ed Cox
S Surnames
SCARBROUGH, Nellie Conly (Mrs.) – the wife of F.J. SCARBROUGH, died January 7 [1898]. She was a native of Mississippi and was a sister of Mrs. E.E. HAMMOND, J.B. and L.H. CONLY. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
SPICKERNAGLE, Widdie – Died. January 6, 1870, of pneumonia, Widdie SPICKERNAGLE, aged 1 year, 10 months and 11 days. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 7 Jan 1870].
T Surnames
THOMPSON, Rose P. (Mrs.) – died January 19, [1898]. She was 84 years old. She was the widow of William C. THOMPSON, who in the early days of Memphis was manager of the old Memphis Theater. She was born in England August 20, 1814. She came to America while a young woman and was married here. She was at one time a member of a stock company at the Memphis theater and afterward became an actress of note. After retiring from the stage she taught elocution. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
TOBIN, (Mrs.) – Memphis (Tenn.), July 14th – Mrs. TOBIN, residing on Bradford street, died this morning at 6 o’clock, and was buried at 8. [Source: Sacramento Daily Union, Volume 8, Number 109, 15 July 1879. Available at the California Digital Newspaper Collection. <http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cgi-bin/cdnc>]
U Surnames
UHRIG, Adam Joseph – died January 7 [1898] in the forty-third year of his age. He was a native of St. Louis and came here in 1885. He was secretary of the Tennessee Brewing Company. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and high priest in Penn Chapter R.A.M. He was an Odd Fellow and a member of the Bruderbund and Maennerchor. He was well known, and was among the popular German citizens of Memphis. He was buried in St. Louis. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, January 2, 1899, page 2]
W Surnames
WEATHERFORD, Caesar (Major) – “Major Weatherford Dead.” one of the best-known citizens of Shelby county, died last week. [Source: Carroll County Democrat, 19 Feb 1897, pg. 3]
WHITE, John – “A Negro Desperado” -Memphis, March 17. A desperate fight occurred on President’s Island, a few miles below this city, yesterday. Deputy Sheriff R. RODEGAN went there for the purpose of arresting a negro, named John WHITE, who, for some time , has been the terror of the negroes living there. RUDEGAN was met by a large body of armed negroes, who professed to want to assist in the arrest, but they stated WHITE had barricaded his cabin and would make a desperate fight. RODEGAN approached WHITE’s cabin and demanded his surrender. WHITE refused, saying he would be murdered by the negroes if he did. After some further parleying, one negro approached the cabin and was shot dead by WHITE, who rushed out and secured his gun. [Source: Cleveland Banner newspaper of Bradley County, TN; 22 Mar 1872, pg. 3]
WINSTON, Edmond (Major) – At the residence of Capt. C.B. JONES, near Lagrange, Tenn., on the 10th of January, Maj. Edmond WINSTON, in the 69th year of his age. Mobile papers please copy. [Source: Memphis Daily Appeal, 12 Jan 1870, page 1]
Y Surnames
YANCY, Elizabeth W. (Bragg) – DIED. On the 29th ult., in Germantown, Tennessee, Mrs. Elizabeth W., wife of Alexander L. YANCY, and daughter of Thomas BRAGG, Sr., formerly of Warrenton, NC. [Source: Semi-Weekly Register (Raleigh, NC), 2 March 1847]