SAPPENFIELD

Daniel Sappenfield, a well known citizen of Green Township, died at his home in Parkeville last Thursday of a complication of diseases, one of which was measles. He was 55 years old. In 1893, Mr. Sappenfield won a damage suit against Parke County for injuries sustained by his team backing off a bridge that was not supplied with railing. The case was taken to Terre Haute on change of venue, the trial resulting in a verdict of $700 for the plaintiff. The county appealed to the Supreme Court which reversed the case and sent it back for retrial. On the second trial, Mr. Sappenfield was awarded $3,000 damages, which he was paid. The burial took place Saturday in the Blake cemetery, east of New Discovery. Mr. Sappenfield has no children but leaves his wife.    -  Rockville Republican, April 1, 1896

SEYBOLD

Died - On the 22d inst., near New Discovery, of Spotted Fever, Martha Seybold. – Rockville Republican, 26 February 1873

Died - In Denver, Hancock County, Ill., on the 30th of April, of consumption, Sanford C. Seybold, aged 49 years. The deceased was born and raised in Parke County. - Rockville Republican, 10 May 1871

SHANKS

Grange Corner, Ind., July 8 - On July 6th, at or near the residence of Fred Shanks, occurred one of the most horrible events that has ever occurred in Parke County. The event referred to is one of suicide or cold-bloodied murder. On the day named the family became involved in a quarrel as a result of intimacy, between their daughter Clara (one who has always been respected) and a nearest neighbor, Daniel Keller. This intimacy has prevailed for some time, but was unknown to the parents until a short time before her death. As soon as the news was made known to her parents the fatal trouble began. As they sat down to their last dinner together scarcely none could eat. The poor girl ate but a few bites, and arose form the table, never to be seen alive by any member of the family. After an hour's absence the family became alarmed, and made a search for her, but all in vain. They were informed by Miss Keller and Miss Cox that she was seen by them going east about one hour before, bare-headed and bare-footed. A search was made for her until dark, in the woods, along the road, and every place, but no trace of her could be found.  On the day following, her brother went to the falls of Wolf Creek, about three quarters of a mile away, and while hunting for her body in the water, found, to his utmost horror, her dead body. Mr. Shanks returned home and picked up a repeating shotgun and went to Keller's house and called him out. Keller stepped to one side of the door, when Shanks raised his gun and fired, but missed Keller, as he darted to one side and rushed for the door. He was kept at bay by Shanks until some neighbors came, and then Keller made his escape. Hundreds of people gathered, and quiet a number of newspapermen were present. A few scars were found on her face and head. The coroner rendered a verdict of suicide, as no sufficient evidence of murder could be obtained. Interment will probably take place today at the Zackmire cemetery.  – Rockville Tribune, July 11, 1895

SIDENER

‘Shorty’ Sidener, brother of Charles Sidener, deceased, it is reported suicided at Crawfordsville this morning by throwing himself under the cars on the Vandalia at the depot.” - Rockville Republican, March 13, 1889

SKEETERS

Many of the Republican readers will be interested to learn that Elder Joe Skeeter's wife of Edgar, Ill., died a few days ago. Mr. Skeeters has been well known throughout… - Rockville Republican 17 February  1897

Perry Hudson Skeeters, son of Tilghman H. and Eugenie A. Skeeters, who died February 15, from burns received the morning before, was a remarkable child, having a mind seeming much beyond his years, and was loved and admired by all who knew him. After he was so badly burned and his mother doing all she could for him, he noticed her hands were badly burned, said, "Mama, leave me alone and do something for your hands." This with numerous occurrences of like character shows remarkable sagacity and parental devotion for one so young. He would listen to reading from the bible for hours at a time, seemingly drinking in every word, and if at night he grew sleepy it was more than ever his delight. Perry was 3 years, 8 months, 9 days old, being born June 6, 1894. A bright beacon light in the glory world. – Parke County Journal, 24 February 1898

SKELTON

“Mrs. Eliza J., wife of Mr Jefferson Skelton, died of typhoid fever at her home, some three miles north of town, on Friday, October 13, 1882. The funeral was attended by  a very large circle of relatives and friends on Sunday morning. Burial at Nyesville. – Rockville Tribune, October 20, 1882

SMITH

DIED - At her home, near Montezuma, of typhoid pneumonia, Rachael W., wife of Orion Smith, in the 58th year of her age.  She was an accomplished woman and gave a ready, helping hand to all who sought her aid. – Rockville Republican, 26 February 1873

Rueben D. Smith, who came to Rockville in 1828, died at Wallace, July 29, age 83. He was buried in the Rockville Cemetery. – Rockville Tribune, 04 August 1898

“01 August 1898 - Death of Reuben Smith at Wallace”. - - As recorded in list of August 1898 deaths -in the  Rockville Tribune, 05 January 1899

STAGGS

Margaret Maria Phipps, daughter of Hiram and Sally Phipps, born May 25, 1849, after an illness of four weeks passed gently from this life Sept. 1, 1899, at Clinton, aged 50 years, 3 months, 6 days.  She was married to Samuel Staggs May 16, 1867, and 12 children blessed the union of which 7 survive her, 4 sons and 3 daughters.  She united with the Methodist Church at Salem in 1886, and died in that belief. She was of a cheerful disposition ever ready to administer comfort to all.  The funeral services, held at the Methodist Church in Clinton (Ind.) Saturday at 1 o’clock p.m., were very impressive, Rev. Mr. Royce officiating. The text for the sermon was Eccl. xii and John xi. Internment at Salem cemetery.”  - Rockville Republican,  September 6, 1899

STITH

David Reader Stith – The death of David R. Stith, which had  been expected at any moment for several days, occurred at 1:45 p.m. Sunday.  For over a year he had been in feeble health, his disease finally taking the form of catarrh of the lungs and stomach.  Until a few weeks before his death he was able to walk about, and it was not until he became too weak to leave his bed that his friends became alarmed.  But he clung to life so tenaciously, and was at times so hopeful that it was thought that he might partially recover.  The end came peacefully.  All members of his family excepting, harry, who lives in Kansas, were present when he breathed his last.  David R. Stith was born in Butler county, Ohio, March 26, 1825.  He came to Indiana when a boy of ten, to Boone county, with his father, who died there.  Upon the death of his father, David, found a home with Persius E. Harris, at that time the leading business man in this part of Indiana.  He was married to miss Emily Michael of Rockville, May 17, 1847.  Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stith, the two eldest  being dead.  Emily died soon after her marriage to John Adams of Terre Haute in 1871, and George was killed while on duty as a locomotive engineer in 1892.  For over forty years the family has lived in the property where the father died, his being the first death to occur there.  No man was better known throughout Parke county than David R. Stith, who since boyhood was identified with our business interest.  For years he was an active dealer in live stock and until business reverses came, was ranked with the wealthy men of Rockville.  His judgment  on matters of business was considered exceptionally sound and his advise was frequently solicited in financial ventures.  He was an agreeable companion, and had a wide acquaintance and many friends outside the borders of Parke county.  Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon, by Rev. S. P. Colvin and Rev. Z. D. Maris.  A large concourse of citizens attended and followed the remains to the cemetery. – Rockville Tribune, June 17, 1897

STRICKLER

Mr. Daniel Strickler of Washington Township died this morning of bilious fever. – Rockville Republican, August 21, 1878

“In Washington Township, March 2nd, 1882, Jacob Strickler, aged 92 years, less 4 days.  - The deceased was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, March 6, 1790. He was married to Miss Mary Fulwider in 1817. Six children – three boys and three girls – were born to them, four of whom still survive. His wife died in 1829. In 1838 he was married to Barbara Airhart, to whom two children were born. His last wife died in 1872, leaving him a widower the second time. He removed from Virginia to Indiana in 1842, and settled on the farm on which he died. He was a blacksmith by trade and followed that business up to about 10 years ago. He united with the Presbyterian Church in 1820, since which time he has lived a consistent Christian life. He was universally regarded a s a man of strict integrity and honesty.” – The Rockville Republican, March 8, 1882

Nathan L. Strickler was born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, October 8, 1846. He came to Parke County, Indiana, in February, 1869, where he was married to Martha A. Rush, December 10, 1874. To this union were born five children, all of whom with their mother are left to mourn the loss of a kind father and loving husband.  He was an active member in the Missionary Baptist Church for 27 years. Nine months of sever suffering ended on the night of October 7, 1898, when with his bedside surrounded by his family, kind friends and neighbors, his soul took its flight to a home where trials and troubles are unknown.  Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. S. K. Fuson, in the Baptist Church in Judson, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery.” - Rockville Tribune October 20, 1898

STURGEON

KILLED BY A BOY - James T. Sturgeon Shot by 16-Year Old Harry Porter,  Under Circumstances Peculiarly Sensational.   -   Another terrible tragedy stains the records of Parke County, and James T. Sturgeon, a well-known farmer and stock dealer of Greene Township, lies cold in death.  He met his fate Tuesday morning at the hands of Harry Porter, son of William Porter living about a mile northwest of the U. P. church in Greene Township.  The story of the tragedy is not lengthy. There are many unreliable tales afloat but The Republican believes the following is about correct in general.  Bert Harbison, a cousin of Harry Porter and son of James Harbison, took a Winchester rifle belonging to the Porters, which had been borrowed, to school to return it. The two boys decided to take it home at once and proceeded to the Porter home across the field. Harry carried the gun. Reaching the front of the house, he pushed right thru and out at the back in pursuit of a man he had seen go out. In rapid succession, three shots were fired and James T. Sturgeon fell dead some 200 yards from the house, back of the barn in a sort of woods pasture.  Examination afterwards showed that a 32-caliber Winchester ball had struck him under the left shoulder blade, ranging upward and coming out in the right breast. He was found lying on his face, right arm extended, left under the body and feet extended naturally.   Harry came at once to Rockville, consulted Rice & Johnston and surrendered to the officials and has since been in jail where he will remain until the grand jury takes action. It is called for next Monday.  The cause of the killing is an alleged liaison between the boy's mother and Mr. Sturgeon. The male members of the Porter family and particularly the boys had warned Sturgeon to keep away under penalty of death. Tho Harry has declined to talk it may be stated that he said he did not shoot to kill but only to scare and that the fatal shot was accidental. This is likely true as both man and boy were running at the same time.  Coroner Adyelott, Attorney Johnston and Prosecutor Maxwell visited the scene of the tragedy yesterday afternoon. The coroner has not yet filed his verdict.  The tragedy is greatly deplored, involving as it does prominent families of the community. Sturgeon leaves a wife and several children. He had a beautiful residence east of Parkeville and no man in that part of the state was better known. His funeral, it is reported, will take place tomorrow.  - Rockville Republican, December 1, 1897

SUNDERLAND

Died - At Quincy, Illinois, on Friday, the 27th ult., Dr. J. C. Sunderland, of New Orleans, formerly of this place. - Parke County Republican, June 15, 1864

SWAIM

Geo. Swaim, of Washington township died yesterday of Measles. He had discharged the physicians and thought he was out of danger when he suddenly grew worse and died. - Rockville Republican, 24 March 1875

Levi Swaim, who has long been sinking with consumption, died Tuesday last at three o’clock p. m. He was about forty years of age and leaves a wife and six children. – Rockville Tribune, May 15, 1879