Parke County Obituaries

Cyrena Alice, beloved daughter of George and Elmina Davis, was born in Marshall October 4, 1884 and died September 18, 1906; aged 21 years, 11 months and 14 days. She was converted to the Christian religion during Rev. F. W. Hixson’s ministry and was always a true and earnest believer in the teachings of God. Her long sickness of thirteen weeks of sever pain and suffering she bore with great patience and fortitude, often assuring loved ones that all was well with her soul. She knew that she soon would leave them but urged them not to weep and mourn for her when she was gone. Her loving, tender nature never failed to manifest itself by the sympathy that she always expressed for the ear ones. She realized how lonely the home would be without her for she always said when speaking of her departure that she hated to leave “pa, ma, and Will”. With her sweet and cheerful disposition she was a real sunbeam in the home. She leaves to mourn her loss, a father and mother, two brothers, Edwin and Will; three sisters, Mrs. Harry Myers, Mrs. Fred Maris and Mrs. Elmer Maris. While we can not understand God’s divine plans in dealing with us, we know that He doith all things well, and now that Rena is resting in the arms of Jesus, Heaven will be nearer and Christ dearer than he has ever been before.The funeral service was conducted by Rev. F. W. Hixson, assisted by Rev. Z. D. Maris and Rev. S. K. Fuson. Wednesday at the M. E. church at 2 o’clock. There were many beautiful floral offerings. The remains were laid to rest in the Bethany cemetery.

Rebecca Sutton, daughter of William and Mary Sutton, was born in Union County, Indiana October 19, 1826 died at her home near Parkeville, March 19, 1909, age 82 years 5 months. She was united in marriage to Josiah R. Davis in 1859, who departed this life in 1862. She had been a member of the Christian Church 61 years, having been a faithful attendant until her health failed. Although she had been afflicted for a number of years she bore her sickness with great patience. She was of a modest disposition always ready to do any act of kindness. A life well spent, what more can we say? Gone, yet living on, her noble life an inspiration for all that is good and holy. Shall we say come back to us? No, rather we will go to her, follow her path to the great beyond. She leaves to mourn her loss one sister, two brothers, one step son and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted by MR Burks at the home of the deceased Saturday. Burial in Bethany Cemetery.

Rockville, Ind. - Services for Earl Edwin Deplanty, 66 years old, who died Thursday, will be at the Butler Funeral Home at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, Central Daylight Time. The Rev. B.F. Nickless will officiate and burial will be in Mt. Moriah cemetery. Friends may call after 4 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Central Daylight Time. - Terre Haute Tribune, December, 7, 1963

The Parke County Republican says that on Tuesday evening , Miss Donaldson daughter of Mr. Donaldson, Superintendent of the poor House was drowned while attempting to cross the ford of Leatherwood creek, which had been washed by the flood into dangerous levels. A (unreadable) heard her cry out supposing it was some boys in swimming paid no attention to her, till he saw her horse some little time after, when he went to the spot and found her dead. – New Albany Daily Ledger, 08 July 1858

Rev. A. H. Dooley was born in Shelby county, Ky., April 26, 1829. His parents moved to Parke county, Ind., when he was but 10 years of age. He was converted to Christ at the age of 20 years, united with the Baptist church in August 1850, preached his first sermon in the Goshen Baptist church near Judson, Ind., in July 1853; was ordained to the gospel ministry August 2, 1854. He was married to Miss Mary Connelly April 8, 1852. This good wife preceded him to the glory world, January 1, 1907. Having no children of their own they reared tow foster daughters, Mrs. Elvina York and Mrs. Sadie Lanning. The ties of love that has bound these foster parents and children together all these years were no less than are the ties of filial kinship. In 1854 Brother and Sister Dooley moved to Boone county, Indiana and his first pastorate was at Elizabille where he faithfully served 12 years. He was served as pastor 19 different churches in the following associations; Indianapolis, Logansport, Judson, Whitelick, Monticello, and Freedom. In these years he has baptized 412 converts, while thousands of lives have been helped by his ministry. Brother Dooley was a man that stood in character, habits, ideals and in the whole of life, high above any and everything narrow, selfish and unbecoming a Christian gentleman. Among his brethren in the gospel ministry he was a constant inspiration. The last years of his life were no less useful than the fruitful years of middle life. He remained cheerful, active and helpful until the last moment of life. On leaving the casket in which lay the remains of his good wife he said tenderly: “Good bye, Mary, soon I’ll be with you.” And thus in less than two years his promise was realized. Brother Dooley died after three weeks of illness and intense suffering on Nov. 8 at 2 o’clock a.m., 1908; age 79 years, 7 months and 2 days. Thus closes a life which has blessed the world with the richest legacy that men ever leave. Blessed be his dear memory. A brief service was held at the residence of Emos Lanning in Rockville at 8:15 Monday morning. Rev. Wm. B. Chancellor offering prayer and Revs. Vancleave and Fuson assisting in the other services. The regular funeral services were held at Hollandsburg church. Rev. S. K. Fuson delivering the funeral sermon and Rev. W. H. Vancleave assisting. Interment in Mt. Moriah cemetery.

Marcus A. Dooley one of Parke County's best known citizens died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Richard Farmer of Ellsworth on September 1 of typhoid fever. Mr. Dooley was born in Parke County April 8, 1837. In 1860 he united in marriage with Miss Lydia Rusk of Terre Haute. To this union were born 7 children, six survive their father. Mr. Dooley resided at his country home at until (sic) 7 years ago when he was called to Ellsworth to assist in caring for his aged father and mother. His father preceded him tot he better land 3 years ago but his mother is still living aged 88. Mr. Dooley lay ill two weeks and death was not unexpected. He told his children the end was near and he was prepared. His children are Mrs. Clara Reeser; Mrs. Eva Crooks; Will Dooley, Frank Dooley, Mrs. Jennie Harshbarger and George Dooley. The funeral was conducted at the home of Rev. Rippetoe and the remains laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery. - Waveland Independent, Friday, September 11, 1903

Mrs. Mary T. Dooley, wife of Rev. A.H. Dooley died at the home of E. G. Lanning, Tuesday afternoon, age 71 years. Short services were held at the house at 9:30 Thursday morning after which the remains were taken to the Baptist Church at Hollandsburg, where services were held, conducted by Rev. SK Fuson assisted by Rev. W. H. Vancleave. interment at Mt. Moriah north of Hollandsburg. (death recorded as January 1, 1907 in Mt. Moriah Cemetery Listing)