Saturday evening the community was astounded by the announcement that Chas Barker of Milton township, had perished by his own hands. Although it was the subject of general comment upon the street Saturday evening, the morning paper here with its usual enterpise (?) gave the affair but a three line notice and that was erroneous and consequently few of the particulars were learned. From parties living in the neighborhood our reporter learned the following facts:
Chas. Barker came to Butler county several years ago and located with his wife in Milton township. To all appearances they were doing well and nothing unusual could be noticed in the conduct of either of them. He was a man probably 35 or 40 years of age, medium height and with a sand complextion. Although his wife noticed a change in his actions about a fortnight ago the neighbors could see no change. His wife told a Republican representative that Barker was uneasy and restless for several days previous to the tragedy and was accustomed to get up in the night and walk around the house and yard as if searching for something. She was alarmed but thinking it was his ill health and business care, with a womanly heroism remained silent. A few days ago he conceived the idea that his wife was not faithful to him and accused her several times of misconduct. Last Saturday morning he got his razor which he had sharpened the day before and started for her. She ran too fast for him and turning back saw him apply the blade to his own throat, serving the windpipe and juglar vein. Mrs. Barker ran to a neighbors near by and assistance was brought, but it was too late. He breathed only a few moments after help arrived but was unable to speak. An inquest was held before Justice Smith and the following verbal statement.
State of Kansas
Butler County
An inquisition held in Milton township, Butler County, Kansas, on the 11th day of June, A> D. 1887, before me a Justice of the Peace of Milton township, in said county and State, acting Coroner the Coroner being unable to attend on the body of Charles Barker there lying dead, by the Jurors whose names are hereunto subscribed. The said Jurors upon their oaths, do say that the deceased Charles Barker came to his death at about 11 o'clock on the 11th day of June 1787, from the effects of a wound inflicted by his own hand with a razor, cutting the throat, severing the wind pipe and small veins and it further found that said act was committed in a fit of temporary insanity.
In testimony whereof the said Jurors have hereunto set their hands the day and year aforesaid.
H. Young, G. P. Neiman, C. L. Dolman, J. G. Morgan, I. W. Eaton, J. M. Foy, J. G. Morgan
Attest I. M. Smith, Justice of Peace of Milton township, acting Coroner of Butler county, Kansas. (Walnut Valley Times, June 17, 1887)
Mrs. Sarah J. Dimeling, who died at Newton, May 19, was born June 9, 1852, in Vewango County, Pennsylvania, was united in marriage to Geo. Dimeling in 1877. From Pennsylvania they moved to Tennessee then to Kansas where they have since resided, living in El Dorado nine years. Besides the bereaved husband she leaves five children to mourn her death, Mrs. M. D. Cowley of EL Dorado, Elmer, Minnie, Zula and Nonie of Newton. Mrs. Dimeling had been suffering from cancer for almost a year, was very patient and cheerful and realized she was not going to recover and was ready and willing to die. She has many friends here who mourn her death. (Walnut Valley Times, June 12, 1903)
Mrs. F. R. Dodge, died at the home of Chas. Ayler, on West Third Street in Wichita, September 14 at 7:00 o'clock. Mrs. Dodge has been sick for a year or more but has been able to be up and around. Last Wednesday, she went to Wichita to visit Mrs. Ayler and at that time was apparently in as good health as usual. She was taken with an attack of uremic poisoning, the result of the disease; with which she was afflicted. About 8:00 Sunday Morning. Mr. Dodge was notified and went over on the early morning train. Upon his arrival there he wired for their daughter, Edna and Dr. McKenzie, who went over on the noon train. Mrs. Dodge was almost unconscious when they arrived. She did not recognize her son, Clair, who arrived from Fairview, Oklahoma, at 7:00 o'clock last evening. She was unconscious from three o'clock yesterday afternoon until death.
Mrs. Dodge was born at Columbus, Ohio, about 47 years ago. She was married to Mr. Dodge at Cottonwood Falls. They have two children, a son Claire, aged 21, and a daughter, Edna, aged 17.
Mrs. Dodge was possessed of all the virtues and attributes of a truly good woman, a faithful wife, a kind and loving mother and a real friend. Her whole life was given to making her home happy and through all her physical afflictions she has not complained, but has borne it all patiently and with great fortitude. Only those who knew her, those who were acquainted with her in her home life can realize what a bereavement it is to the husband, whose loving companion she has been for so many years, and to the children to whom she has given all the loving administrations and care of the best of mothers.
Mrs. Dodge's body was brought from Wichita on the 4:00 o'clock train this afternoon. The funeral will be held at the Presbyterian church tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 o'clock and the services will be conducted by Rev. George Harkness. Friends of the family, who wish to see Mrs. Dodge for the last time may call at the home tomorrow from 10 to 11 a.m. The casket will not be opened at the church. (Walnut Valley Times, September 18, 1903, Volume XXXIV, #35)
John Hartenbower, of Douglass, a pioneer, splendid man and citizen, died September 30, aged about 80 years. The news was brought up by Wm. Hilton. (Walnut Valley Times, October 2, 1903, Volume XXXIV, #37)
Wm. J. Jamison, died at Hobart, Oklahoma, Monday, March 2, after a long and tedious illness from dropsy. His years were against him else he might have won the battle against death.
John Jamison came from Ireland to 1818 to Baltimore, Md., was married there; and there William J. Jamison was born in 1819. His father dying - the widow, Sarah Jamison went to Newark, Ohio, where William J. was married in 1849 to Eliza Gill. They went to Chicago to live, then to Indiana; came to Kansas in 1876 moved to El Dorado in 1884, where his wife died during the first weeks of residence here. He lived here 19 years, going last spring to Hobart, with his daughter, Sadie. Of his children, three are living, C. C. Jamison of El Dorado, Mrs. Allie Brown of Braman, Oklahoma and Miss Sadie Jamison of Hobart.
W. J. Jamison was a Mason more than fifty years and the society has aided and comforted him in his long sickness.
It is at his personal request that his body is to be brought here for burial. The funeral arrangements are not completed. Due announcement will be made of the time. (Walnut Valley Times, March 6, 1903)
Richard Morgan, a brother of J. W. Morgan of this city was murdered near Manitou Spring, Col. It appear that one, Brown, employed Mr. Morgan on a rail road tie contract, he boarding with Morgan's family during the time. Brown occupied a bed with Willie Morgan, a twelve year old son of the family and one night gave him a severe kicking for restlessness. The result of this was that Mr. and Mrs. Morgan compelled Brown to leave the house, which bred ill feelings. One day Willie and his little sister, Emma carried dinner to their father in the timber, meeting Brown they asked after their father, Mr. Morgan. Brown replied: "I do not keep track of your father, I hate him and am going to kill him." These facts go to show the attitude of Brown toward the murdered man. Brown also owed Mr. Morgan some $180 on the tie contract. Mr. Morgan lived about 25 miles out from Manitou Spring and made an engagement to meet Brown at that town and have a settlement. Brown and another man met Morgan about a mile out of the city. The companion struck Mr. Morgan with a loaded whip, knocking him senseless. Brown then thrust a knife through the heart of the insensible victim, completing a most unprovoked and cruel murder. Mr. Morgan expired almost immediately. The body was then partially concealed in a ledge rock by the roadside. Some quarry men on the mountain side witnessed the scene but were too far away to render timely assistance. The murders are under arrest. Mr. J. W. Morgan is much prostrated over the sad affair, and has the sympathy of all. (Walnut Valley Times, March 25, 1887
James Neill, aged 78 years retired farmer, died late last night at 1017 West Towanda Avenue, where he had been living for some time.
Mr. Neill, who never married and had no living relatives, was born on March 12, 1867 in Hancock County, Ill. He came to this area in 1883 and located on a farm near Towanda. He lived in that community until he came to El Dorado to make his home.
Funeral services will be announced by the Byrd Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 4 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Byrd Funeral Home, with Rev. L. F. Arend, pastor of the Methodist Church in charge. Interment will be made in the Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, November 23, 1945, volume XXVI, #307)
Funeral services for James Neill who died Thursday, were held Saturday afternoon at the Byrd Funeral Home with Rev. L. F. Arend, pastor of the Methodist Church in charge. Interment was made in the Sunset Lawns Cemetery.
Rodman Burchett, Isaac Lewis, Ralph Kennedy and William Painter were the pallbearers. The organ selections, "Ava Maria" and "Trees" were played. (November 26, 1945, El Dorado Times, Volume XXVI, #309)
Died this morning at 4 o'clock, Willie the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Parrish, of typhoid fever. Funeral at 10 o'clock at the residence, 163 10th Avenue. (Walnut Valley Times, June 17, 1887)
Mrs. Oscar Stewart, who has been afflicted with heart trouble, died between three and four o'clock this morning at her home on Settler street. Mrs. Stewart had a violent fit of vomiting last night. Dr. Dillenbeck who was called about nine o'clock left some medicine but could not stop the vomiting. At three o'clock Mr. Stewart gave her some medicine and a drink which she immediately threw up, but as she seemed better, Mr. Stewart laid down on a couch in the room until four when the next dose was to be given. He was awakened by his little daughter coming into the room and saying, "Papa, mamma is party uncovered." Then, "I don't believe she is breathing." Mr. Stewart told the child to run back to bed as mother wanted to sleep. After the little one left the room, he thought of what she said and went to his wife's side and found it indeed too true that she had ceased to breathe. Mrs. Stewart was a daughter of Wm. Halfhill Sr of this city and was 33 years of age. She was married to Oscar Stewart October 2, 1900. She leaves a son, and a daughter, nine and eleven years, respectively. The bereaved ones have the sincere sympathy of all in the loss of a true and loving wife and mother. The funeral will be held at the home at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow. Rev. Morony will preach the service and interment will be made at Belle Vista Cemetery. (Walnut Valley Times, February 6, 1903, Volume XXXIV, Number 3)
The funeral of Mrs. James W. Teter yesterday was very largely attended. It was conducted by Rev. W. V. Burns. Mrs. Teter was a member of the Methodist church and was esteemed and honored as a good woman, Christian wife, and mother. She leaves two children, Gladys about 8 years of age and Jamie, three. Her body was taken on the Mo. Pacific to Eureka where services were also held. Interment was made today in the Norwegian cemetery northwest of Eureka and near her childhood home. Universal regret is expressed at the ultimely death of Mrs. Teter, just when her life had its sweetest joy. (Walnut Valley Times, October 2, 1903, Volume XXXIV, #37)
Nathaniel Thompson, a former resident of West Branch and a pioneer of Butler county, died a few days ago at his home in Wyoming aged 87 years and 5 months. He first located in Butler county in 1858, came here from Illinois. His family followed in 1863. He lived here continuously until 1897 when they with others moved to Big Horn, Wyoming where his death occurred. A widow and ten grandchildren of whom Mrs. L. A. Pippig of Chelsea is one, survive him. Uncle Nattie as he was long and familiarly called had a host of friends here who will be pained to hear of his death - Advocate (Walnut Valley Times, July 3, 1903)
John Trout, aged 80 years, died at his home at the corner of North Main and 10th avenue last night, June 29. Mr. Trout has been ailing for several months but has not been confined to his bed. He was down town yesterday afternoon. Last evening he went to bed about 10 o'clock, complaining of a pain in his head. His daughter was awakened a few hours later, found him suffering and within a few minutes he expired. Rheumatism of the heart was the cause of his death. Mr. Trout was born in Ohio. When a young man he entered the butcher business in Peoria. He was married there. In 1872 Mr. and Mrs. Trout moved to Kansas and settled on a farm in Prospect township where they endured the privations of the early comers. Afterward he moved to El Dorado and entered the butcher business in partnership with John Stewartson, their market was where Pattison's implement room is now located. His wife died 18 years ago and he went out of business. He formerly belonged to the Odd Fellows but dropped his membership in the organization several years ago. He was known as a worthy man and citizen. Mr. Trout leaves two children. Mrs. Jannie Young of El Dorado and Mrs. Ida Joyce of Shrevesport Louisiana. The time of the funeral is not known and Mrs. Young is waiting to hear whether her sister can be present. (Thursday, July 8, 1904, Walnut Valley Times)
The coroner's jury impaneled yesterday by Dr. Hunt found that Martin Truka came to his death by his own hand, shooting himself in the head with a 22 rifle. The jury was composed of W. H. Curry, W. J. Jordan, W. R. Taylor, T. N. Purcell Jr., Chas D. Hoover and John O Thompson.
Martin Truka was a foreigner. He came to Butler county from Nebraska about seven years ago and purchased a 120 acres a quarter north and two miles west of Gordon. He lived all by himself in a little one-room shack. He was an unsociable fellow and had nothing to do with his neighbors whatever. He was about forty-five or fifty years of age.
It is thought he committed suicide Sunday evening. Wednesday evening some of his neighbors went to his house to see if he was sick, Truka having not been seen about the premises for several days. They hesitated about calling upon him as on a prior occasion when he was sick and they came to help him he abused them. Upon investigation they found him in bed, dead, and holding a rifle in his right hand. He was dressed only in his underclothing. He had placed the muzzle of the gun at the base of his skull, just behind the right ear, and pulled the trigger with his thumb, the position in which he was lying making it impossible to pull it with his finger. Death was instantaneous. The covers of the bed were disturbed and the gun was still clasped firmly in his hand.
The room was desolate and bare of comforts. It is off the road, and in a rather isolated place. At one side was an old stove and a roughly made cupboard. On the opposite side of the house was the low, old fashioned bed on which he laid to take his own life. A bunch of grass and corn stalks littered the floor. In a trunk was found the deed to his land, several redeemed mortgages and a new suit of clothes which had never been worn. His overalls hung on the bed post and in a pair trousers that hung behind the door was found $48, a $20 bill, two $10 bills and $8 in silver.
A circular later received by Truka in 1901 was the only writing found about the house. It was from a Chicago firm and written in some foreign language.
Truka was buried at Douglass. (Walnut Valley Times, March 27, 1903, Volume XXXIV, #10)
VARBLE, FLORA WILLETA & INFANT SON
Funeral services for Mrs. Harry G. Varble and her infant son, both of whom died Monday in a Wichita hospital, have been set for 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Byrd Funeral Home. Rev. L. F. Arend, pastor of the El Dorado Methodist Church will be in charge.
Mrs. Varble, mother of four other children, had resided in El Dorado for 29 years, previous to moving to Wichita with her family about 10 years ago. During the war and for several months thereafter, she worked at the Boeing plant in Wichita.
Flora Willeta Hurt was born August 23, 1905 at El Dorado Springs, Mo., the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William S. Hurt. As a child she came with her parents to El Dorado and continued to live here after her marriage April 24, 1921 to Harry G. Varble. He survives her. The four children are: two sons, Harry, Jr. and Clifford of Wichita, two daughters, Mrs. Norma Rennard also of Wichita and Mrs. Marcella McKinney. Three sisters, Mrs. Luther Danner, Mrs. Perry Dunham, Mrs. Ethel Owens; two Forest R. Hurt and Fred H. Hurt, all of El Dorado and three grandchildren and other survivors.
Burial will be in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, February 19, 1947, Volume XXVII, #69)
Many friends and relatives attended last rites held at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon at The Byrd Funeral Home for Mrs. Flora Willeta Varble and her infant son, who died Monday in a Wichita hospital. The Rev. LeRoy F. Arend, pastor of the Methodist Church, was in charge. A profusin of beautiful flowers attested to the deep sympathy extended the bereaved family.
The pallbearers all nephews of Mrs. Varble, were Ted Yaryan, Bill Yaryan, Forrest Yaryan, Harold Dunham, William Danner and Bob Danner. Music was by Mrs. Fred Burr, who sang, "Old Rugged Cross", and "Whispering Hope," playing her own accompaniment. Interment was in Sunset Lawns Cemetery. (El Dorado Times, February 12, 1947, Volume XXVII, #71)
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