Obituaries for Meade County, Kansas

MEADE COUNTY, KANSAS

OBITUARIES

BENNETT, FRANK I.

"Frank I. Bennett was born Nov. 3, 1872 at Lafayette, Indiana and moved with his parents to Meade County Kansas in the spring of 1885 and he made his home continuously in this county since that time.

He was united in marriage to Miss Katie Krisle in about the year of 1894. To this union four children were born, two of whom died in infancy.

The past ten years he spent as a resident of Meade, and was connected with the Southwest Telephone Co. until about a month or so before his death. He has also served several terms on the school board of which he was reelected clerk this spring. It was mainly through his efforts that the schools of this city have advanced to the position which they now hold, and in the voting of bonds with which to build a new school building this summer.

Mr. Bennett has also been active in Christian work in this community being an active member in the men's class of the Sunday School.

He was a member of the I. O. O. F. Masonic and modern Woodman lodges.

He is survived by his wife and a young son and daughter, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Bennett who lived about eight miles east of Meade, and two sisters, Mrs. Ross Drinnen of near Fowler, and Mrs. Wm. Harris, of Davenport, IA.

The entire community extends sympathy to the bereaved in their dark hour of sorrow." (Meade Globe, Meade, Meade, Kansas, May 20, 1915, submitted by Jan Dishon)

Popular Citizen Died

Little did the people of Meade county think a few weeks ago that a citizen, apparently so hale and hearty would be taken from us. Frank I. Bennett has been suffering from Bright's disease, and was taken to Mineral Wells, Texas to take treatment. He did not get any better. Word was received last Saturday evening about 8:30 that he was dead.

He died at the age of forty-two years, six months and twelve days.

Mr. Bennett was a man of generous impulses and whose conscientions character was above reproach. He loved his home and fellow menh as was shown by every day living. He was stern and decisive in his business at the same time held the love of those with whom he dealt. He is widely known in this communitu, having been closely associated with it for many years. The hearts of the people of this vicinity go out in sympathy to the bereaved relatives whose loss is greater than words can express.

Funeral services were held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the M. E. church, of Meade. He was guried in Graceland Cemetery of Meade. Considering the bad weather, a large attendance was present at the services ehich showed the high esteem our friend and neighbor was held by Meade county people. (The Fowler News, May 20, 1915, submitted by Jan Dishon)

BENNETT, FREDDIE

Baby Bennett was called from among the living Monday morning while surrounded and closely watched by some of its friends. It had been ill for some days from the effects of a cold which marred the hearts of its parents with sorrow and caused a sadness over the entire country. The funeral services were held in the church Tuesday at 10 o'clock and was attended by a large crowd of sympathizing people who came to pay their last regards to the deceased babe. (Meade County Globe, Meade, Meade, Kansas, April 29, 1897, submitted by Jan Dishon)

BENNETT, KATIE C. KRISLE

DEATH CLAIMS MRS. K. BENNETT MARCH ELEVENTH

Was Member of Meade County Pioneer Family

The news of the death of Mrs. Katie C. Bennett at Champaign, Ill, was received with sorrow in the community. Mrs. Bennett was a member of one of the pioneer families of Meade county and her family was always prominent in the affairs of the community and county. Her husband, the late Frank I. Bennett, died in 1915, and the Bennett school in Meade is named in his honor. Lemuel Bennett, her son, who preceded her in death, served as county treasurer of Meade county and was prominent in community and county affairs.

Mrs. Bennett was a mother in the true sense of the word, after the death of her husband, she reared and educated hr children and in the meantime was active n church and community life.

Mrs. Bennett's hearty laugh and unfailing good nature and the unflinching manner in which she met life and its problems won the admiration of her friends and neighbors and endeared her to them.

Since the death of her son, she has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Clair Wood of Champaign, Ill., where she suffered a stroke several weeks ago from which she never recovered.

Katie C. Krisle was born in Cross Plains, Tennessee, on May 25, 1874, to William F. and Nancy A. Krisle, with whom she moved to Kansas at the age of twelve years. She was married to Frank I. Bennett; December 30, 1894 and died at Champaign, Illinois, March 11, 1941. She is survived by her daughter, Mary, and two grandchildren, Sue and Donald, all of Champaign, Ill, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at the M.E. church in Meade, Friday afternoon at 2 p.m. with the Rev. L. O. Smith in charge. Interment will be made in the family plot in Graceland Cemetery. (Meade Globe-News, Meade, Meade, Kansas, March 13, 1941, submitted by Jan Dishon)

BENNETT, LEMUEL E.

LEMUEL BENNETT DIED TUESDAY - Passed away at Topeka. Had Many Friends Over Entire State.

Late Tuesday night word reached Meade that Lemuel F. Bennett had passed away at Topeka at 9:15 P. M. The body was brought to Meade Thursday morning and taken to the Fletcher Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church Friday afternoon, at 23:30. Rev. L. O. Smith will conduct the services assisted by Rev. Rohl, former pastor of the Methodist church here.

For the past several months Lemuel had not been feeling well but continued his work until about a month ago. Since that time he has been confined to his bed. Brights Disease was the case of his death.

For the past four years Lemuel has been working with the executive office of the relief agencies in Kansas. He has worked in the offices at Meade, Topeka, Dodge city and Wichita. He entered this work shortly after he completed his four years as Treasurer of Meade County. He made many friends over the state while employed in this work. In all four of the offices he was recognized as one of the most efficient persons in the office. So well was his work recognized that when one of the offices was shut down, Lemuel was transferred to one of the others in order that his efficiency would not be lost.

In the fall of 1928 Lemuel was elected to the office of Treasurer of Meade County. He held this office for the two terms that are allowed treasurers. His record in this office stands as evidence of his efficiency. At the conclusion of his four years, the auditor who audited his books made the statement that the records that had been kept by Lemuel were the finest that he had ever examined. He stated that so well did the records check, that the books balanced to the penny.

Lemuel is a Meade county boy having been born here. He was educated in the Meade schools and graduated from the local high school with the class of 1920. After graduating from high school Lemuel worked in grocery stores in Meade for many years. Here too, he made many friends.

Lemuel's father died when he was but twelve years of age and since that time he has been the man of the house caring for his mother and sister as only Lemuel could. His greatest pleasures in life came from doing things for his loved ones. Their enjoyment of life was his happiness.

The making of friends was won of Lemuel's greatest assets. Wherever Lemuel went he made many friends. He possessed that quality of meeting people , of having them like and remember him. His interest in people and nature is exemplified, in that the places he went he was remembered by all and it was a quality of his own that he could see more things of interest while at different places than those who were with him. It has been said by his friends that to have him with them added greatly to their enjoyment while on trips.

In early childhood Lemuel became a member of the Methodist church and has always been active in church work.

Lemuel placed in the hearts of the people who knew him cannot be filled but these friends all feel that they are much better for having known him. His life was short but his achievements have been great. (Meade Globe News, Meade, Meade, Kansas, July 14, 1938, submitted by Jan Dishon)

BENNETT, MARGARET FLORENCE MORRIS

Margaret Bennett, Pioneer, Passed Away Friday P.M.

"Death came to one of Meade's oldest pioneers Friday, when Mrs. Margaret F. Bennett passed away at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ross Drinnen.

Funeral services were held in the Methodist church Sunday afternoon, and was attended by hundreds of friends who had been admirers of Mrs. Bennett. Rev. Gardner Forman, pastor of the church, delivered a very comforting sermon from Hebrew 11-11: "Faith is a substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen." Burial was made in Graceland Cemetery.

Margaret F. Morris was born in Wales, April 12, 1843, the daughter of Rev. Richard and Catherene Morris, and departed this life, February 25th, 1932, at her home near Meade.

When she was one year old her family came to the United States, and settled at Rochester, N.Y. Here she resided until she was about fifteen years of age. They moved from there to Layfayette, Indiana, where she grew to young womanhood.

On August 6, 1864 she was united in marriage to Samuel M. Bennett, of Lafayette, Indiana. to this union five children were born, two sons and three daughters.

When she was twelve years of age she became a member of the Baptist church, of which her father was a minister.

At the age of eighteen she transferred her membership to the Methodist church and has remained a faithful member throughout her lifetime.

In 1887, she with her husband and family, answered the call of the west and moved to Meade County, Kansas, where she has since resided. She was always interested in the upbuilding of the community and took a great interest in everything that pertained to the welfare of the community.

She was preceded in death by her husband and two sons, Clarence and Frank I. Bennett.

She is survived by her daughters: Mrs. A. B. Russell, of Brookston, Indiana; Mrs. Ross Drinnen and Mrs. W. A. Harris of Meade. And two grandchildren, Lemuel and Mary Bennett, of Meade."

"Card of Thanks
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to our many neighbors and friends who by their acts of kindness did much to alleviate our suffering during the illness and death of our beloved mother. And for the beautiful flowers at the home and church.
Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Russell
Mr. and Mrs. Ross Drinnen
Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Harris
Mrs. Kate Bennett and Family"

(Meade Globe Press, Meade, Meade, KS, March 3, 1932, submitted by Jan Dishon)

DRINNEN, MARY BENNETT

Mrs. Ross Drinnen

"MEADE - Mrs. Mary Bennett Drinnen, 86, died Friday at the Lone Tree Lodge here after a long illness. Born Sept. 8, 1880, in Tippecanoe County, Ind., she was married to Ross Drinnen April 3, 1915, at Dodge City. He died in 1956. She had lived at Meade for 79 years.

Member: Meade Methodist Church; OES.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Fidler Chapel, Meade; Rev. Richard Bowersox. Burial: Graceland Cemetery, Meade. Friends may call at the mortuary 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Tuesday." (April 7, 1967, submitted by Jan Dishon)

HARRIS, RUTH BENNETT

MRS. W. H. HARRIS DIED SUDDENLY FRIDAY NIGHT

The death of Mrs. Ruth Bennett Harris, wife of W. H. Harris, Friday night came as a shock to her many friends in Meade county. For some weeks Mrs. Harris has not been well, but her many friends did not know of her serious illness.

Because of her long association in educational work and being county superintendent some years ago, Mrs. Harris' circle of warm,m friends extended to all parts of the county.

After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harris in 1909, they made their home in Chicago and later on in Blackwell, Okla., from which place they came to Meade about three years ago. Mrs. Harris immediately took her place among her old friends and acquaintances with the old cheering smile and womanly ways that had endeared her to so many Meade county people.

Ruth Bennett was born in White County, Indiana, September 18, 1882 and departed this life at her home in Meade, Kansas, April 13, 1934.

When a child she came with her parents to Meade County, Kansas where she resided until her marriage to William Harris on May 27, 1909.

She taught in various schools in Meade COunty and served two terms at County Superintendent.

Since girlhood she has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She, also has been active in the work of the Eastern Star and in the P.E.O. Chapter.

She leaves to mourn, besides her husband, two sisters, Mrs. A. B. Russell, Lafayette, Indiana, and Mrs. Ross Drinnen, Meade, Kansas; a nephew, Lemuel Bennett of Meade, Kansas and a niece, Mrs. Clair Wood, of San Francisco, California, as well as a great company of friends.

Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church in Meade, by Rev. L. Gardner Forman, assisted by the officers of The Eastern Star. Interment in Graceland Cemetery. (Meade Globe-News, Meade, Kansas, April 14, 1934?, submitted by Jan Dishon)

RUSSELL, JESSIE BENNETT

Jessie Bennett Russell Services at Brookston

MONTICELLO -- Final rites for Mes. Jessie Bennett Russell, 88, Brookston resident, and former White county school teacher, will be at two o'clock this afternoon at the Thompson funeral home, Broookston. Reverend Charles Kern will officiate and burial will be in the Odd Fellows cemetery, Bookston.

Her death occurred Sunday evening at a Logansport hospital. Surviving is a sister, Mrs. Mary Drinnen, of Meade, Kansas. (Logansport Press, Logansport, Cass, Indiana, February 2, 1954, page 3, submitted by Jan Dishon)

SIMS, SARAH HODGES

Died, in this City, Saturday night, after a long and lingering illness, Mrs. Sarah Hodges Sims, wife of Lafayette Sims, of consumption of the bowels.

The funeral took place Monday afternoon and was attended by a large number of people, at the late home of the deceased. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. S. H. Giveler, pastor of the Christian church, of which church the deceased had been a member for 49 years, having embraced the christian religion at the early age of 15 years. The services were held outside of the house - the pastor and choir being seatedon the portico, and those in attendance on chairs under the trees north of the house.

After the singing of a few beautiful hymns by the Christian church choir, Mr. Giveler gave a short biographical sketch of the deceased. Sarah Hodges Sims was born June 3, 1833, at Carrigan, Ind., and was married to Lafayette Sims, Oct. 28, 1855, and was 64 years, and 16 days at the time of her death. Mr. Giveler said the deceased had followed the example of her mother who was long a devoted christian mother, and who was a mother in Israel.

Mr. Giveler spoke of the sorrows of life and how we should overcome them. He said there were certain flowers that gave out their best fragrance when they were crushed, and so it was with certain people. They show the best human characteristics when under affliction and sorrow and pain. The decreased, he said, had been an invalid nearly the entire time during the past 18 years, and under her suffering and affliction she bore life well and made home pleasant and hospitable. At all times there were no indications of her sufferings and cheerfulness was her supreme trait.

The remains were followed to the grave, where the last rites were performed. The body was buried in the cemetery of the Grand Army of the Republic, which joins Maple Grove cemetery.

Mr. Sims and family came to Dodge City in 1886, ahving also located a ranch in Meade County. A husband and four children survive the mother. John W. Sims, a son, lives in Meade County; Ed in Dodge City, the latter with her parents; and a son, H. R. Sims, who lvies in Illinois. (The Globe Republican, Dodge City, Kan., June 24, 1897)