SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
OBITS
ANDERSON, BURL SR.
A Pioneer Passed Away
In the death of Mr. Burl Anderson Sr. who died
Wednesday May 25th, 1911, this community lost one of its best and most highly respected pioneer citizens.
During his residence of 26 years in Wichita the deceased had built up a large circle of friends among both white
and colored.
Burrell Anderson was born in Hoopenville, Ky, Frigg county, May 11th, 1835 - died at Wichita, Kans., May 25th, 1911, and was 76 years - 14 days old at his death. In 1859 he moved to Sedalia, Mo., where he was united in marriage in 1866 to Miss Susan Lilly from this union seven boys and one girl was born.
His first wife died Sedalia, Mo. Feb. 14th, 1884.
In 1885 he moved to Wichita, and bought his children all of whom survive him, save Lake Anderson who died June 21st, 1899 here in Wichita.
He was marriage again to Mrs. Lucinda Adams, March 31, 1886. She survives him. He was converted to Christianity more than 35 years ago and lived a faithful consistent Christian life. He had a host of friends who will miss his ever sunshine, pleasing countenance and pleasant words.
He is survived by his wife and his children as follows: Lee Anderson with General Supt. Santa fe R. R., Burl Anderson, Jr., who is with the Wichita Street Railway, Charles Anderson, Janitor at the Park School, Sylvester Anderson, member Hose company No. 3, Thomas Anderson, Shipping Clerk for Chas. Lawrence Wholesale Photo Supply House, Claud Anderson, Chief, Mrs. Mary Collins, Kansas City, Kansas Babe Adams with Morgan Drug Store. He also leaves one sister, Six sister-in-laws, and 8 grandchildren and one son in law.
Funeral services were held at the family residence 1427 N. Mead Ave. conducted by Rev. G. T. Wooten, assisted by Revs. M. L. Copeland, E. T. Fishback and J. E. Edwards.
Mrs. Dr. N. D. Briley sang, "Asleep in Jesus," His favorite song "There is A Fountain Filled with Blood" was sung by Mesdames N. D. Briley and J. W. Thompson "He is not dead, but sleepeth." (Wichita Searchlight, June 10, 1911, page 4)
Mrs. Mary Avant died in St. Louis, Jan. 18th and her remains were brought to Iola for burial.
Dtr. Mary Avant was one of the oldest members of the A. M. E. Church of Iola. Mrs. Octavio Lyons of St. Louis accompanied the body of her grandmother to Iola for burial. (Wichita Searchlight, February 11, 1911, page 1)
We are informed that Mr. Stewart Bell, a former Wichitan, died in Oklahoma last week. We have been unable as yet to find the cause of Mr. Bell's death. It has been only a short time since Mr. Bell moved to Oklahoma with his family to live on the farm with his father in law Mr. Garrett. Mr. Bell had many acquaintances in Wichita who will regret very much to learn of the death of Mr. Garrett and extends to the bereaved family their full sympathies. (Wichita Searchlight, May 4, 1907, page 2)
A Pioneer Dead
After a lingering illness covering quite a long period generally and for the past nine weeks in particular, Mrs. Mary Blackwood died at her home 712 N. Main, last Sunday afternoon.
Mrs. Blackwood was one of the oldest citizens in Wichita and had lived here for the past 32 years.
Mrs. Mary Blackwood was born in Clark County, Kentucky, Oct. 12th, 1812, and died June 17th, 1906 and was at the time of her death 93 years, 8 months and 5 days old. She was borne a slave and lived there until the year 1836 when she came to Kansas and lived with the Indians for 25 years - with the Pottawatomie tribe from the reservation near St. Mary's Mission. She moved to Leavenworth, Kansas in 1855 and was a most prominent member of the "Underground Railway," in Kansas. She moved to Wichita in 1874, where she has since resided. The deceased leaves three children: Mrs. Amanda Jones, Williams Syivers, and George P. Syivers. She leaves seven grand children, eight great grand children and one great great grand child living. She was a consistent Christian of more than 40 years standing. Funeral services was held from the Second Baptist Church, Tuesday afternoon and was witnessed by a host of friends. (Wichita Searchlight, June 23, 1906, page 1)
Died Suddenly Mrs. Minerva Brown died very suddenly at her late home 2551 N. Shelton Ave., on Monday in the morning Dec. 20th, 1909 of apopelexy of the heart. She was a devoted and consistent Christian and was loved by her neighbors and friends. She was born in New Orlean, La., and was 52 years of age at the time of her death. In 1872 she was married to Rev. Anderson Brown and four daughters blessed their union two of whom Mrs. Loretta Devereraux and Mrs. Lillie Thomas survive her. In 1879 her husband and family she moved to Kansas City, Kans., where she resided until the family moved to Oklahoma in 1889. Five years ago she came to this city. She was a member of New Hope Baptist church, Mt. Olive Court No. 9 H. of J., and Wichita Tabernacle No. 34. A husband, two daughters, two grandchildren and a sister are left to mourn her demise. Funeral services were held at New Hope Baptist church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock Rev. E. T. Fishback, officiating. (Wichita Searchlight, December 25, 1909, page 1)
Mrs. Anna Burton at Rest
After less than ten hours sickness Mrs. Anna Burton died at her home on Blaine Ave. The news of her death came as a thunderbolt upon the citizens of this city among whom she was so well and favorably known. Her death was a surprise because only last Saturday she was down in the city apparently well and hearty. She was taken suddenly sick Monday afternoon about 5 o'clock and died at 10 o'clock Tuesday morning. She was at her home and was taken suddenly with cramping, a doctor was summoned but she steadily grew worse and at 10 o'clock she was dead. (Wichita Searchlight, August 22, 1903, page 4)
Mrs. Carter Dead
Mrs. Sarah Carter one of the pioneer colored citizens
of Sedgwick county died Monday died, March 15th at the Carter home, 5 miles northeast of Wichita, at the ripe age
of 82 years. Mrs. Carter had lived to rear up a large family and by her daily Christian walk left an indelible
mark on the sands of time.
Surrounded by her loved child knows no awakening, and her soul went home to the God who gave it and she is at rest
in that land of bliss, prepared from the foundation of the world for those who know their Christ and do his commandments.
Obituary
Sarah Carter was born in West Virginia, Dec. 23, 1827, died March 15, 1909 and was therefore 81 years, 2 months, 22 days old at the time of her death. Early in life she professed a hope in Christ and for more than fifty years she led a devout Christian life. In 1844 she moved to Jackson county, Ohio, and met and was married to Henry Carter in Pike County, Ohio. Thirteen children blessed their home. With her husband she came to Sedgwick county in 1887, where she had since resided. She was a member of the Second Baptist church of this city. She is survived by ten children - the residence of two of them is unknown. Those known are: James Carter of Kenton, Ohio, John Carter of Columbus, Ohio; Mrs. Millie Knapper, of Mt. Sterling, Ohio; Wm. Carter, Willis Carter, Mrs. Hattie Hurst, Cora Carter and Julia Carter all of this county and city. She also leaves about 20 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Second Baptist Church, Saturday afternoon. March 20 at 2:30. Interment will be in the family lot in Maple Grove cemetery beside the body of her husband and son. (March 20, 1909, Wichita Searchlight, page 8)
Newton Kan. - Peter Coleman died Wednesday May 25th. He was born in Ky Sept. 4th 1842 and was 68 years 6 mos and 21 days old at the time of his death. Funeral held at 2nd Baptist Church, Rev. W. H. Garnett, officiated. (Wichita Searchlight, June 4, 1910, page 8)
Al Covington Dead
After a lingering illness of several months Alfred Covington died Wednesday morning, February 2nd at his late home, 708 North Water street. He was born in Bowling Green, Ky., in 1861 and came to Wichita in 1880. Soon after coming here he married the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Benj. Jackson who died three years ago. One daughter, Miss Marie survives both. He was a member of Home of the West Lodge No. 2906 and Household of Ruth No. 12 G. U. O. O. F and also a member of the Second Baptist Church. For many years he took an active part in politics and was quite a prominent figure in political and social matters in the race. He accumulated some property. He leaves a mother, a sister, a brother, a daughter and many friends. Funeral was held Friday afternoon from the Second Baptist Church under the auspices of the Odd Fellows and Household of Ruth. (Wichita Searchlight, February 5, 1910, page 1)
Mrs. Mary Erperson formerly of Guthrie, Okla., died in Wichita last Friday at the home of her daughter Mrs. Sam Brazill, 24t and Fairview. Her body was taken to Guthrie Sunday for burial accompanied by her daughter Mesdames Sam Brazill of Wichita J. J. Lewis of Kansas City and Mattie Tucker of Okla City and her son in law Sam Brazill. Mrs. Mary Tryon was born in Nashville, Tenn. De. 12th 1830 and died Nov. 26 09 she was 78 years 11 mos 14 day old at time of her death. She was a member of the Order of Twelve and also of the Baptist Church and leaves four daughters and a host of friends to mourn after her. (Wichita Searchlight, December 4, 1909, page 1)
Died From Heat
A colored man by the name of Joe Ersery died in the Wichita Hospital Monday from the effects of being over heated Sunday while at the ball game. It is believed he has relatives in Texas. He was unconscious when found and never regained consciousness. (Wichita Searchlight, July 22, 1905, page 1)
Mrs. Louisa Gibbs dead
After a lingering illness with dropsy for the past year Mrs. Louisa Gibbs died at her late home, 219 West Eighth street, Monday night, February 24th. Mrs. Gibbs was one of the pioneer citizens of Wichita and was closely identified with the progress of her people in this community.
Mrs. Louisa Gibbs was born near Smith Mills, Ky., about 43 years ago as near as can be learned.
She came to Wichita about 1884 and made this city her home from that time to the time of her death.
For more than twenty odd years Mrs. Gibbs had been a faithful and consistent member of St. Paul's A. M. E. church and she was always at her post of duty. She was a member of Class No. 4 also one of the first members of the Song Service of the church. She was deeply interested and often expressed great delight in this service.
For more than eight years Mrs. Gibbs was a dutiful member of the Stewardess Board.
She was energetic thrifty and progressive and was a property owner. In 1901 she was united in marriage to Mr. Walter Gibbs, who survives her.
She delighted in songs and prayer and praises to her God. Among her favorite songs were these: "I've Anchored My Soul," "Is My Name Written There," "A Charge to Keep I Have," "Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone?" "Try Us, Oh God, and Search the Ground."
Mrs. Gibbs had been lingering for some time with that much to be dreaded disease, dropsy, and for the past three months was confined to her bed, but she always bore her affliction with Christian patience.
She died in the loving embrace of her Saviour, conscious to the last, and peacefully waiting the coming of death.
She leaves a husband, one brother, two cousins an aunt, other relatives and many warm friends. (Wichita Searchlight, February 29, 1908, page 2)
Mr. Willis Gilbert died at his home Monday at the age of about 107 years. (Wichita Searchlight, February 8, 1908, page 2)
Died - the infant of Mr. and Mrs. Syl Griggs last Monday. (Wichita Searchlight, April 16, 1904, page 3)
John Wesley Hall is Dead - He Died Thursday Afternoon
After lingering for more than two weeks in intense pain at the Wichita hospital suffering almost death itself, John W. Hall died on Thursday afternoon at about 1 o'clock
He had stood the dreadful and heart-rendering ordeal manfully; and many times since he had received the fatal injury the loving ones who eagerly watched at his bedside caught the move of every muscle and hoped that each move was a sign of some improvement. But alas! - fate had decreed that he should not get well and fate won. Time went on and as it flew, so did the eventful life of that son, husband, father, brother and friend, John Wesley Hall, ebbing away soon to rest among those whom sorrow is unknown. Could we convey to the mind of others the worth of this one man as it was then we should be satisfied but we, alas find words pen, pencil or ink inadequate to properly convey. He was a man full of friendship, true as steel and worthy the name of friend. Shall we see him more, let us hope. Truly has it been said "man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble; he springeth up like a flower and is soon cut down."
In the fullness of his manhood, yes, in the day when seemed it was brightest, with the thought of a dear wife and sweet children and multitude of warm friends to cherish his mind and spur him on to higher and nobler aims in life - what see he ghastly monster FATE as she plucks him and ere long he is no more. Manhood lost his wife, children and friends are left to mourn and wonder how soon he went. It seems but yesterday when his pleasing voice and familiar smile mingled with ours and his friends. Can it be true? Were we to write, write, write, we could more write of this friend who was like a brother.
With more than 22 years of close and intimate acquaintance who knew him better than we? Who admired him more? None! But he is gone.
We can but extend to the bereaved wife, children, brothers and relatives our most sincere and certainly our heartfelt sympathies. We feel with them their loss.
John Wesley Hall was born in Giles county, Tenn., March 5th, 1865. He lived there till about 22 years of age when he moved to Ft. Scott, Bourbon county, Kansas. In Ft. Scott he built up a large acquaintance where he was well known and liked by all, white and black. Feb. 26, 1890, he was married to Miss Sadie Parks by Rev. James W. Wilson in Ft. Scott. In 1892 he began work for the Missouri Pacific railway and remained in their employ till the time of his death. He leaves a wife, three children Bettie, May, Mahion and three brothers and hosts of relatives and friends.
His body was taken to Ft. Scott, Friday, New Years day, by his dear wife and his brother Andrew Hall where it was tenderly laid in its natural place. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Jas. W. Wilson at Ft. Scott in the same church where Rev. Wilson married them Feb. 26, 1890. (Wichita Searchlight, January 9, 1904, page 2)
Mrs. Harriett Hood departed this life Tuesday at St. Francis hospital. Funeral was held Thursday. (Wichita Searchlight, July 18, 1908, page 1)
After a lingering illness of about a whole year, Miss Grace Helen Lockridge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. Price, 1420 N. Mosley, died at the home of her parents Sunday night September 11th, 1910. The deceased had suffered much, but bore her suffering with a marked degree of ?.
Grace Helen Lockridge was born in Kansas City, Kansas, October 17, 1887 and died September 11, 1910 and was therefore 22 years, 10 months and 34 days old at the time of death. She was a Christian young woman, having professed religion in ? and was baptized in January, 18?. She was a member of St. Paul A. M. E. church where she was an active member of the junior choir and St. Allen league. She came to Wichita bout four years ago with her parents and regarded as one of the most promising young ladies. She had a host of warm friends among both young and old. She leaves a mother, a step father, a sister and four brothers. Funeral services were held at the A. M. E. Church Monday at 2 p.m. September 18th, Rev. J. T. Smith, pastor officiating. (Wichita Searchlight, September 17, 1910, page 1)
Mrs. Morris Mayo died Thursday at 11 a.m. The deceased was one of the pioneer ladies of our city and was highly respected. She leaves a husband, a daughter and many friends to mourn after her. Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon. (Wichita Searchlight, July 18, 1908, page 1)
Kansan Dead at the Age of 99
Halstead, Kan., July 19 - Allan Miller, 99 years old, died here Friday. Mr. Miller was born in Kentucky. He learned the blacksmith trade and the slave holders in that state were his patrons. He came to Kansas in the early 70's. (Wichita Searchlight, July 25, 1908, page 3)
Arkansas City - Died Wednesday night Feb. 20th grandfather Purcell at the residence of his daughter Mrs. P. B. Andrews cause lagrippe and old age. Funeral held Saturday. (Wichita Searchlight, March 2, 1901, page 2)
Ben Ross Dead
Ben Ross who was shot by his wife Sunday evening, September 9th, died Saturday morning, September 15, from the effects of his wounds. Before his death it is said that he fully exonerated his wife and said that the shooting was his own fault.
He died at his late home 539 N. Water street. His
wife his mother and father, his mother in law and father in law and many friends being present at his bedside.
Funeral services were held at the home at 2:30 Monday afternoon Sept. 17th and his body was followed to its last
resting place by a large number of friends and acquaintances.
Ben was well known in Wichita and had a large number of friends among both colored and white people who regret very much the unfortunate occurrence which ended in his death. (Wichita Searchlight, September 22, 1906, page 1)
Mrs. Russ Dead
H. H. Neely received the word from Argenta, Ark., stating the sad news of the death of Mrs. Ophelia Russ, his sister-in-law, who died Sept. 6th. Mrs. Russ was in Wichita recently to attend the funeral of her sister Mrs. H. H. Neely, who died Aug. 22, On her return home she taken sick and died two weeks after the death of her sister, Mrs. Russ was 68 years of age. (Wichita Searchlight, September 16, 1911, page 1)
Mrs. Emma Sherman received the sad news that her husband Ben Sherman died more than two weeks ago in Siam, Wyo. (Wichita Searchlight, February 11, 1911, page 5)
Died - Mrs. Ida Simmons died at her home on South 5th St. Sunday night. Funeral services were held at New Hope Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon. (Wichita Searchlight, June 2, 1906, page 1)
Died David J. Spears, age 29, died at his home 715 Cevland on Tuesday night. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon Feb. 24th at the A. M. E. Church under the auspices of Thos. Lodge No. 10 Knights of Pythias of which he was a member. (Wichita Searchlight, February 26, 1910, page 5)
A KANSAS MANIAC DIED IN JAIL
Wichita, Kan., July 26 - Miss Jewell Stapleton, 19 years old, died suddenly at the county jail Friday morning where she was awaiting a hearing before an insanity commission. Miss Stapleton was released on parole from Osawatomie July 2, but became unmanageable and was put in the detention room for safety. (Wichita Searchlight, August 1, 1908, page 3)
Rev. C. S. Stewart Dead
Rev. R. L. Stewart, Missionary to Africa, for the Baptist National Convention, died in the jungles of Africa recently. His home was in Old Town. He went to the jungles to get two boys and before his return he died. The people here will remember Rev. Stewart who was here during the session of the National Baptist Convention a little more than three years ago. He had two native African boys and many African relics on exhibition. Mrs. Stewart is in much need and makes a pathetic appeal to the American people for aid. Anyone desiring to help may do so by forwarding their contributions to Rev. Dr. L. G. Jordan, Secretary of the National Baptist Convention, Louisville, Ky. (Wichita Searchlight, April 20, 1901, page 1)
Daughter Mary Swan Peacefully Passes Away
After a long, lingering illness of several months' duration Mrs. Mary Swan died at her alte home, 23d and Armstrong, Wednesday morning in the throes of Christ. Through bedfast for several months with pains and misery indescribable permeating every portion of her body she never once lost sight of the promise of Him who said, "I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am there ye may be also," and with these precious thoughts an unrelenting and imperishable faith in her Redeemer she lived to die in Him to live again - and for all the faithful ones of her relatives and the Daughters of the Tabernacle of which she was a member, who watched at her bedside she had a smile, a pleasant word and a cheering countenance. "She is not dead, but sleepeth."
Daughter Swan was conscious to the last and though speechless for several hours before death claimed her, yet by signs, smiles and gestures to the waiting ones she gave evidence that she fully understood all that was said to her by those about her bedside. She leaves a Christian experience and a Christ-like legacy, amply befitting to be followed by the dear ones left behind. Thrifty, energetic and industrious in life, she had accumulated much of this world's holding to benefit as she often said her children. She leaves four children, Willis Bartett, Mrs. Sam C. Collins, Geo. Smith and Frank Smith and several grandchildren.
Biographical
Dr. Swan left a statement of her to which she dictated four months ago and which we republish in full as she had it written at that time.
I was born in Montgomery county Tennee, May 16, 1863 and at the age of five months my mother was sold and we were taken to Cheatham county, Tennessee and father was freed. In 1865 father took us to Davidson county, Tennessee, where he died. On Dec. 20th, 1867 I married and my husband died in 1875 and in 1877 I married Mr. A. J. Smith and in 1880 my husband and I moved to Kansas. He died and in 1894 I married Mr. Nelson Swan. Dr. Mattie Miller my High Priestess I have fixed up this the best I know how as I know it will be need and these are things which I know no one else could give the true statement except me. I write this to the Daughters of Wichita Tabernacle No. 34 of which I am proud to say I am a member. Daughters, I am in my right mind and I shall never forget the loving kindness of you Daughters of Wichita Tabernacle No. 34 and your dear High Priestess Drt. Mattie Mille. If I never meet with you again let me ask you all to meet me in heaven and I beg you to stand by your High Priestess, Dtr. Mattie Miller, for she is a good Christian daughter and will ever lead you safely. May God bless you all and prosper our order. Yours in Christ, Mary Swan
Dtr. Swan joined Wichita Tabernacle No. 34, June 14th, 1904 and was a true honest and faithful member and one who had the interest of the order at heart. She was born May 16th, 1853, and died Nov. 27, th 1906, and was therefore 53 years, 6 months, 11 days old at the time of her death. Funeral was held at New Hope Baptist Church Friday afternoon. November 30th under the auspices of Wichita Tabernacle No. 34, Daughters of Tabor. Sermon preached by Rev. Joseph Wilson Jr., from 90th Psalm, 10th verse. (Wichita Searchlight, December 1, 1906, page 2)
Last Tuesday, Jan. 2nd, Mrs. Ellen Thompson, 1102 North 5th Street, received the sad news that her daughter, Miss Amelia Thompson had died in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she had gone several months ago with her sister, Miss Alice Thompson, for the benefit of her health.
While all were aware that Miss Thompson was sick,
yet none knew her condition was so serious and the announcement of her death came as a great surprise.
Amelia Thompson was born in Greenville, Ala., Maarch 15, 1889, and was at the time of her death Jan. 2nd, 1906,
16 years, 9 months and 17 days old. She had lived in Wichita for 14 years and was a great favorite among both young
and old on account of her very pleasing manner. She was a member of the A. M. E. church and a member of the Junior
choir of that church. She died with typhoid fever. The body has not yet arrived from Santa Fe and arrangements
for the funeral cannot be completed until it has arrived. The funeral will be preached by Rev. H. W. King pastor
of the A. M. E. church at that church.
She leaves a mother, sisters and brothers and many friends to mourn her loss. The Searchlight extends to the bereaved family its profound sympathies in this the hour of their grief. (Wichita Searchlight, January 6, 1906, page 1)
TURNER, JAS. W. (JAMES OR "JIM")
Thursday afternoon March 31st, Jas W Turner died at his late residence 817 N. Wichita. James or "Jim" as he was better known by his hundreds of friends and acquaintances had lived in Wichita for more than 30 years and was well and favorably known. He had friends by the scores. Jas. W. Turner was born in Lawrence, Ks., Dec. 21, 1870 and died in Wichita March 31, 1904. He was therefore 33 years, 3 months and 10 days old at the time of his death. He leaves a mother, a sister and a host of friends behind. Funeral services were held at the A. M. E. church Saturday, April 2nd at 2:30 interment in Elmwood Cemetery. (Wichita Searchlight, April 9, 1904, page 2)
Mrs. Jennie Turner died at her home 603 N. Main St. Monday night at 8:25 from a stroke of paralysis which attacked her on last Wednesday the paralyzing her left side. The deceased was born in Louisina Mo April 17th. 1870, died May 16th, 1910 and was 40 years and 29 days old at the time of her death. She was a consistint Christian and had been a resident of Wichita near twelve years. She leaves a daughter Mrs. Mattie F. Young two sisters one brother and many friends to mourn after her. Funeral was held Thursday May 19th at 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church Rev. E. T. Fishback officiating. (Wichita Searchlight, May 21, 1910, page 5)
Electric Lineman at Wichita tried to Pull Fellow Workman From Wires and Received Death Shock
Wichita, Kansas, - Emil Utz, 24, years old, went to the assistance of a fellow lineman who was being burned to death by electricity and lost his own life here. Utz had climbed a pole to where Edward Trent had fallen across a wire carrying 2,300 volts of electricity. He pushed Trent loose from the wire, but in doing so he became entangled and the high current came in contact with his body. (Wichita Searchlight, October 7, 1911, page 2)
The little infant of Williams Willis died Wed.
August 4th was born February 15, 1908, died at an early age of 5 months and 19 days. (Wichita Searchlight, August
7, 1909, page 1)
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