SEDGWICK COUNTY, KANSAS
OBITS
ALLEN, H. H.
H. H. Allen whose death caused a so universal regret in this city, and who was buried day before yesterday was born August 9, 1830 at Akron, O., and died April 1, 1888, at Eureka Springs, Ark., where he had gone for treatment. He was married in 1850 at Akron, O., where he lived until 1862, when he moved from there to Elkhart, Ind. While there he was engaged in active business and was elected city mayor, which office he very efficiently filled. He moved to Wichita with his family in 1870 which has been his home every since. He was converted and joined the M.E. church at Elkhart, Ind., in 1865, and lived a conscientious Christian and faithful member of the M. E. church and was an earnest, efficient class leader in the church here for several years. He leaves a devoted wife and two children, Arthur E. Allen and Mrs. N. P. Jackson. His illness was a lingering one, but no murmer escaped his lips, and his confidence in the Saviour was unshaken. To his widow son and daughter the memory of his words and his example are a most precious inheritance.
A Card of Thanks
To the Editor of the Eagle:
We would not forget in our grief the kind offices and tender sympathy of the many friends whose words and acts will be treasured throughout our remaining life. May they, when the dark hours come, be alike consoled and sustained is the wish and prayer of Mrs. Amelia Allen, Arthur E. Allen, Mrs. N. P. Jackson. (Wichita Eagle, April 6, 1888, page 5)
Daniel Belford, aged 44 years, died at his home in Andover yesterday from a complication of dropsy and heart disease. The funeral will occur at the Andover M. E. Church this morning at 10 o'clock and burial will be made in Andover Cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, December 24, 1902, page 5)
A Sad Accident - Little Claude Benton has Both Eyes Blown Out by a Revolver in the Band of his Brother - Last evening about 7 o'clock a most distressing accident occurred at No. 1123 North Ohio avenue; and one that will result in the loss of the eyesight, if not the death of little Claud Benton, two year-old son of James Benton.
Mr. Benton has for several nights past heard persons walking around his house at night and thinking that they might be burglars had gotten a revolver. He loaded it with a blank cartridge, believing that this would frighten any one bold enough to attempt to effect an entrance. This firearm he had left the night before under the pillow in his sleeping room.
His two boys, one four years of age and the other two, went into this room to play and in some way found this revolver. It is not definitely known as the two little fellows were by themselves what they did do but in a few minutes after they had entered the room the father was horrified to hear the report of the revolver and screams of pain from the younger, Claude. He rushed into the room, saw the sad plight of the boy and immediately sent for Dr. Stoner.
Dr. Minnick soon arrived. The injured child was suffering intense pain the whole of the discharge of the blank cartridge had entered his face, mangling and blackening and tearing out both eyes. Everything possible was done to alleviate the suffering but the attending physicians fear the outcome of the accident.
Mr. Benton says that misfortune appears to hover over his home. But a short time ago his wife died leaving him the charge of six small children; and added to the loss of a wife comes this sad and distressing accident. (Wichita Eagle, April 12, 1888, page 5)
Mrs. Robert Black, formerly the wife of the owner of the Manhattan hotel building and other valuable property in Wichita died some ten days or so ago in a Chicago hotel. She went from Cleveland to Chicago to get treatment for a cancer and died very suddenly. Her daughter Mrs. Fullington who is separated from her husband and living at Pittsburg with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mancourt, went to Chicago after the remains and took them to the old Ohio home for burial. The estate of Mrs. Black has not yet reached the probate court here for settlement. After she became the widow of Robert Black she married a man named Mackay but separated from him after a brief honeymoon of a week or so. It is a matter of some interest here to know whether she was divorced from him but it was said last night that for certain reasons it was not necessary for her to have secured a divorce to bar him from any share of her property, which amounted in value to between $40,000 and $50,000 and which will all go to her daughter, Mrs. Fullington.
Fred Mancourt who was Mrs. Black's brother would probably have come in for a share of her property by will but it specifies Mr. Mancourt has himself grown wealthy and does not need it. He went into the coal business in Pennsylvania with Senator Mark Hanna's son and made a very fortunate business alliance. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 9, 1903, page 5)
Romain Braitsch died at his residence 527 South Topeka avenue yesterday at noon. Mr. Braitsch went to his work as foreman of McComb Bros. Saddlery company as usual in the morning apparently in the best of health. About 8 o'clock he approached his son Emil who works at the same place and said he must be paralyzed and turned and fell. A doctor was called and he was taken home but rapidly sank and died at noon of a hemorrhage of the brain. Mr. Braitsch was a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. and Sons of Herman. He has been foreman at McComb Bros., for twenty years. He leaves a wife and four children - Emil Braitsch, Edith Braitsch, Gertrude Braitsch and Mrs. Paul Brown, all of this city. He was a brother of John Braitsch and Constantine Braitsch. He was a man of great worth and force of character. He was kind hearted and an exemplary father and husband.
The funeral will take place from the Reformed church, corner of South Topeka avenue and Lewis street at 4 p.m. Sunday. He was born along the Rhine river in Germany and at the time of his death was a little over 53 years of age. Mrs. Braitsch was at Abilene, Kan., when the death occurred and reached Wichita yesterday afternoon. She was stricken as she knew nothing more than that he was sick. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 9, 1903, page 5)
Another Old Settler Gone - Uncle Horace Carpenter Lays Down Life' Burden and Enters into Rest - Another old timer, a staunch and true friend to Wichita and Sedgwick county, has been gathered to his reward after a long and useful life. No longer will the familiar form, the hearty handshake of Uncle Horace Carpenter be given to his many friends in Wichita.
That hand which was always outstretched to render aid and comfort to others lies folded over the still heart of one of God's noblest men at the family residence at Colwich today. The great and powerful frame of one of the earliest settlers of Kansas is rigid in the embrace of death. Weeping relatives and loving friends will gather around the casket in the Methodist church to take their last look upon one whom they have loved for many years and then with honor and love will his remains be borne to the little cemetery where he has often stood to give cheer to those who wept as the cold clods fell upon the coffin containing loved ones. He was always there. He always had words of comfort and consolation for those who weep but today all that is mortal will be laid to rest.
His journey is over. His work is done and now only the grand fruit of such a life will shine forth glistening as the ripened sheaf in the summer's sun. His work will live after him. Death to such as he is but a change, the laying aside of the outer garment when threadbare. To such, death can have no sting, nor can the grave boast of a victory.
He was 77 years of age and his death was caused from the effects of la grippe two years ago, from which he never recovered. He came to this county twenty-six years ago and was one of the most energetic and truest friends that could be found. During his last visit to Wichita he visited the Eagle office and talked over the times when he stood by and watched the process of making the first issue. He is gone but he will never be forgotten. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 29, 1896, page 5)
Miss Ella Chester of Wichita died August 23. Dr. P. S. Thomas a reputable physician attended her. Saturday evening he filed the death certificate with the city clerk, and in it he made the startling certification that she was talked to death by women in the neighborhood. It is probably the first time on record that such a death certificate was filed. It appears that the woman had nervous trouble and that while suffering a lot of neighbors came in and talked so much that it threw her into spasms, from which she died. Dr. Thomas is the attending physician of the Martha Washington hospital. (The Globe-Republican, Dodge City, Kansas, September 14, 1899)
A Sudden Summons - Morphine Causes the Death of G. W. Davis Yesterday Afternoon at His Home on North Market Street - Yesterday afternoon a death very sad and distressing occurred at the corner of Second and Market streets. G. W. Davis a well known and skillful carpenter and an aged man, took five grains of morphine and from the effects of the drug died without being able to speak a word or show a sign of consciousness to the loving ones that hovered over him during the greater part of the day in their vain, fruitless efforts to undo the melancholy work of his own hands.
Mr. Davis rose yesterday morning complaining that he was unwell. He has been troubled for some time with rheumatism and often spoke of the intense pain which he was suffering. About 8 o'clock he sent to Cooper's drug store on North Main for ten cents worth of morphine. He mixed the powder in water and commenced taking it. Receiving no benefit from the drug, he repeated in the hopes, as he explained, that he would go to sleep.
By 10 o'clock he had taken the whole of the amount purchased, five grains and when found by his family he was sleeping soundly. He commenced to breathe very hard and about 1 o'clock Mrs. Davis tried in vain to awaken him. She then called her daughter to assist her, but their efforts too, proving of no avail, physicians were sent for. Drs. Tilden and Hays immediately hurried to the bedside. An examination of the patient showed them pretty conclusively that all efforts at resuscitation were useless and they communicated their fears to their friends. The drug, they believed, had laid so long in the body that nothing that they could do would counteract its terrible effects.
Nevertheless a number of gentlemen who had been
attracted to the house by the cries of the women worked hard and diligently, rubbing him, bathing his body and
otherwise endeavoring to keep up an artificial respiration. By the heroic efforts of these men the spark of life
was kept up for some time. At last he expired, never once having regained consciousness after going to sleep from
the effects of the poisonous drug.
The family were during this sad scene deeply affected and put forth every effort in their power to bring back to
life the one who so long lingered on the very edge of the grave.
Mr. Davis was by trade a carpenter and was considered a very skillful workman. He came to Wichita last spring from Nevada, Mo., and he was fifty-seven years of age. Besides a widow he leaves three grown up daughters, who deeply mourn his loss. He was a member of the Seventh day Adventists and was a regular attendant upon their meeting at the church on the West side. For some time he has been a sufferer from rheumatism it is stated and for this reason he took the fatal drug.
While there are some persons inclined to think that it was taken with suicidal intent yet the statements of his family as the more just and charitable view to take of the occurrence is that it was an accident, the drug being taken by him while he was unfamiliar with its nature and thus did not know in what quantity it could safely be administered.
It was not known last night whether coroner's inquest
will or will not be held over the remains. (Wichita Eagle, April 7, 1888, page 5)
Funeral Notice - Funeral services of J. W. Davis, will take place at the Christian Church, corner Second and Market
streets at 2 p.m. today, conducted by W. W. Stebbins. (Wichita Eagle, April 8, 1888, page 5)
Old Citizen Gone - S. L. Davidson Died at His Home
Yesterday - Passes Peacefully Away - He was one of the Earliest Settlers in the Country. - In this city yesterday
at 4 o'clock S. L. Davidson, one of the oldest citizens of Wichita, died at his home of heart failure, surrounded
by some members of the family. Mr. Davidson has been confined to his home for some weeks past but it was thought
that he was recovering from his illness and Dr. Hoffman the family physician told the family he thought that his
patient was getting better not later than yesterday. His death was painless and at intervals he could be aroused
by being spoken to. The last words spoken was his asking for Frank on two or three occasions.
Mr. Davidson was in his eighty-fifth year. He was born in the town of Acworth, Vermont, February, 1814. At the
age of seven he went with his father to New York State. After Mr. Davidson grew to manhood he engaged in the lumber
business in Allegheny county. He had less than the ordinary opportunity of acquiring an education but little of
his time went to waste. When the war of '61 came he engaged in the business of buying mules for the government
and spent much of his time in Washington, D. C. After the closing of the war he went back to the New York homestead,
where he lived till 1872 when he came to Wichita. Six children survive him: J. O. Davidson and C. L. Davidson of
the Kansas National Bank. Two daughters, Mrs. Mary J. Sweet and Mrs. Woolard of this city. Mrs. A. H. Gossard of
Kansas City and Mrs. Rogers of New York. Mr. Davidson's father was a volunteer in the Revolutionary war.
The remains have been removed to the residence of C. L. Davidson, 1326 North Lawrence, where the funeral will be held probably Sunday afternoon. More definite notice will be given later. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, November 19, 1898, page 5)
Death of Mr. Dewey - Father of the Wichita Councilman Passes Away in Illinois - On October 1, the father of Councilman H. H. Dewey of Wichita died at Sheffield, Illinois. A dispatch from that city to the Chicago Chronicle says: Harvey Henry Dewey, grand uncle of Admiral Dewey, died at the home of his son, B. F. Dewey, in Sheffield, Ill., yesterday. He was born at the old Dewey homestead in Berlin, Vermont, December 20, 1809. His father Israel Dewey was the youngest brother of the admiral's grandfather.
H. H. Dewey in 1835 married Mary Louise Cummings of his home town and in 1863 removed with his family to Sheffield, Ill. He leaves five children, two sons and one daughter living in Sheffield one son in Annawan, Ill., and one in Wichita, Kansas.
The greatest work of H. H. Dewey is the genealogy of the admiral's branch of the Dewey book. This work he spent years in compiling and turned over complete to the publishers. It is now in great demand. William Dewey, a son, is mayor of this town. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 8, 1899, page 5)
The funeral services over the remains of the infant son of E. J. Healy were held yesterday at 10 o'clock. Quite a number of the friends were in attendance. (Wichita Eagle, April 6, 1888, page 5)
Harrison Hupp, father of W. C. Hupp, the Rock Island baggage man, died suddenly last night at his home in Ellsworth. He was 92 years of age and for the past few years has been staying with his daughter at whose home he died. He was hale and hearty in spite of his age, up to within a few hours of his death. The funeral will be held today at Burrton. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 24, 1903, page 3)
Mr. R. W. King an old resident of Wichita, died yesterday morning about 2:30 o'clock at his home 1512 Boston avenue. Mr. King has been subject to bilious attacks for some time and when he was taken sick last Wednesday no particular alarm was felt; but on Friday he was stricken with heart trouble, from which he rallied and was supposed to be practically out of danger. A second attack at 2:30 Saturday morning resulted in his death.
Richard Wilson King was 70 years of age, and served his country well during the Civil War. He enlisted as a three months man at the first call at the expiration of which time he returned home and was married to Miss Arrilla Beard, who survives him. He re-enlisted for the second call and served throughout the war. He was a member of the Union Veteran's Union and the Grand Army of the Republic. The former order will conduct the services today at the cemetery, while the old soldiers of Garfield and Eggleston Posts will attend.
Mr. King leaves a wife and two children, both of
the latter, however, being grown, a son, Richard E. King and a daughter, Mrs. A. J. Johnson.
The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Harmon, chaplain of Garfield Post, at the United Presbyterian church,
corner of Ohio and First street at 3 o'clock this afternoon. All old soldiers kindred organizations and friends
are invited to attend. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 24, 1903, page 3)
Col. McCoy of the firm of McCoy & Underwood, live stock commission merchants, Kansas City and Wichita, died at his home at the former place, yesterday morning. His son, Fred, bookkeeper for the firm at this place, has been in attendance on him for the past ten days. Col. McCoy was one of the pioneers in the stock business at Kansas City. The salesmen of the firm here went to Kansas City today to attend the funeral and wait the arrangement of the firms' business matters. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 19, 1890, page 6)
Oscar McCune, late with P. V. Healy, Wichita, died at his home four miles north of Scott, at 1 o'clock last Sunday. His friends in this city learn of this sad event with deep sorrow. (Wichita Eagle, November 5, 1886, page 4)
John Mendenhall Passes Away at Alert, O.T., Settled Here in 1870; Moved with the Financiers of the Boom. John Mendenhall one of the earliest of Sedgwick county and until recently a citizen of Wichita, died at his home at Alert, Grant County, Monday evening.
Mr. Mendenhall was born in Green county, Ohio, September 7, 1829. Moved, with his parents to Poweshelk county, Iowa, October 1854, where he married Emily Girard in February 1862. In July 1870 he settled on a farm near Wichita, from which time to within the last two years his life has been closely identified with the history of Wichita and Sedgwick county where he proved himself a financier of more than ordinary ability and was classed among Wichita's wealthy during the palmy days of the Princess. Among the enterprises he fostered and built in this country was the erection of a $15,000 flour mill at Ziba, Kansas, several years ago. His fortune, however, like the fortune of the most mighty, suffered some shrinkage with the collapse of the boom. His thorough business tat and unquestioned integrity won for him the confidence and regard of all his acquaintances, while his sunny temper and cheerful disposition made him a general favorite wherever known. Perhaps no man in this city ever enjoyed the blessing of a larger circle of friends, who will be shocked and pained to learn of his demise.
His death was the final result of home decay which began with only a slight pain in the knee some four years ago and grew steadily worse and worse until a complication of troubles get in which ended this life, after a long siege of intense suffering.
He leaves a wife four sons and one daughter all heading in Oklahoma. Two brothers, Andrew and Silas Mendenhall and one sister, Mrs. A. Denbow, reside in Albion, Iowa. Mr. Mendenhall was a life long Republican having never voted any other ticket and has been a constant reader of the Eagle for twenty-nine years. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, June 22, 1899, page 6)
George Merriman, one of the men who platted the townsite of Wichita, died at the home of his son George B. Merriman, at Ottawa at twenty minutes to seven Saturday evening. He was 81 years of age and the first time he saw the ground on which Wichita now stands was in the early seventies. He was raised in New York and came west more than thirty years ago and settled in Michigan. He took the train for the west one day and came to the end of the road - Newton. Then he drove over in to Butler county to look at some land. He wanted to look at Sedgwick county but could find no conveyance so he walked.
In after years in telling of the incident, he said that as he came to the top of the hill east of the city and looked upon the broad valley of the Arkansas river he said to himself "Here is a great opportunity for development."
Taking that as his cue, he purchased, many acres of land close to the village of Wichita. He added to his possessions from time to time and at the time of his death was one of the largest land owners in Wichita. He now owns Merriman park, the site of the Country Club, and numerous other tracts of land in and around Wichita. Although he never lived here, he visited the city quite often in latter years once or twice a year. Within the past year or so he has deeded to his wife and children a great part of his lands. He did not turn the deeds over to them, however, but directed that they should be turned over when he died. He still retained control of the property.
Mr. Merriman was a man of strong character, thoroughly upright and just in all his dealings. He was at all times cheerful and pleasant with his acquaintances, and none but the highest words of praise have ever been said concerning him or his family. He was on a visit to his son at the time of his death and the remains were taken back to Michigan for interment. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, December 24, 1902, page 5)
Very Sad - The many friends of W. S. Morris, Esq. and his estimable wife, will feel a genuine touch of sympathy this morning on learning that little Frank, one of their bright little twin boys died last evening and that his brother Fred was not expected to live more than a few hours at nightfall. Words fail in the presence of such a sorrow and we can only tender these friends the sympathy of a heart that has passed through the same dark waters. (Wichita Eagle, April 8, 1888, page 5)
Oscar Nighswonger Dead - Funeral will Occur this Morning at Eleven - Oscar Nighswonger, who lives six miles west of Clearwater and who is a brother of Frank Nighswonger of Wichita, died yesterday afternoon at 1 o'clock of a complication of troubles arising from fever. The funeral will occur today from the home west of Clearwater. Mr. Nighswonger leaves a wife and three children. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 8, 1899, page 6)
Remains Reinterred - Ashes of Mrs. Mary O'Hanlon Brought Home for Burial. - I. W. Gill, the undertaker, returned yesterday from Ossawatomie, Kansas, with the remains of Mrs. Mary O'Hanlon, who died there a year ago. The remains will be reinterred in the Catholic cemetery of Wichita, which city was Mrs. O'Hanlon's home. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 19, 1902, page 6)
A Former Wichitan Dead - Benjamin C. Parcells,
formerly a resident of Wichita, died last week at his home in Lakin, Kansas, in his thirty-ninth year. The Lakin
Pioneer gives an extended sketch of his life in connection with the resolutions of the Masonic lodge. The Pioneer
says:
Mr. Parcells was highly respected by all who knew him. He was honest and upright in all his dealings and numbered
all among his friends. He was a member of the M. E. Church and it was through his endeavors that the M. E. Church
was organized as early as it was in Lakin.
He was a member of Lakin Post No. 364, G. A. R. and was its first post commander.
Brother Parcells was made a Mason in Wichita Lodge No. 99, A. F. & M., at Wichita, Kansas and demitted from his mother lodge to become a charter member in Emerald Lodge, No. 289 when it was instituted, March 18, 1887 at Lakin, and served the lodge as its secretary while the lodge was working under dispensation. (Wichita Eagle, April 6, 1888, page 5)
Death of Lewis Petticord - The result of Hemorrhage of Brain caused by Accident - Lewis Petticord, a well known citizen of Wichita died at his residence 446 North Mosley yesterday. Mr. Petticord's death is attributed to an accident some days ago which produced a hemorrhage of the brain. He was a good citizen and his death is a serious loss to his family and the community. The funeral will take place from the residence today at 2:30 p.m. with interment at Highland Cemetery. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 18, 1902, page 6)
W. M. Polk, one of the oldest citizens of this city and county, died last night at 6 o'clock in his seventy-eighth year. The time of the funeral will be announced later. (Wichita Eagle, April 10, 1888, page 5)
Mrs. Richard Pool Dead - Will Be Burried Today from her Daughters Residence - Mrs. Richard Pool, an old and respected citizen of Wichita, died on Friday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Will Long, corner of First Street and Brinley avenue, at 8 o'clock a.m. Her death was caused by heart affection. The funeral will be held today from Mrs. Long's residence at 12:30. The body will be interred in Maple Grove cemetery. All friends of the family are invited. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, May 15, 1898, page 5)
John H. Preston Dead - An Old Sedgwick County Settler Passes Away - John H. Preston, father of T. E. Preston, of Wichita, died Tuesday at Brownville, Tenn. Mr. Preston settled nine miles southeast of Wichita in August 1869, being one of the first settlers in the county. He was a member of the Baptist church and was 79 years old at his death. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, July 2, 1899, page 6)
Death from Cancer - T. P. Reed, a Neighboring Farmer, Succumbs to Disease. - S. P. Reed living on his farm four miles southwest of Wichita, died there yesterday of cancer of the stomach, aged 52 years. Mr. Reed came to Kansas about a year ago from Nebraska and purchased the lace on which he died. He was much respected in his neighborhood as a clever, honest man. (Note: Typed as was in the following paper: The Wichita Daily Eagle, September 19, 1902, page 6; upon further investigation, his name is Simon P. Reed and buried in the Highland Cemetery in Wichita, Kansas)
Death of C. S. Robinson - Has been Resident of Wichita for Many Years - C. S. Robinson died at 10:30 o'clock yesterday morning at his residence 2700 East Second street of la grippe. He has been in a feeble condition for some time past and was attacked with the grip about ten days ago, which so weakened him that he sank very rapidly from exhaustion and passed away as if going to sleep. His age was 84.
Mr. Robinson was born in Eastern Shore, Md., February 6, 1816, and went from his native place to Philadelphia and thence to Pittsburg, Pa., in 1837 where he met and married his wife, who was a Miss W. L. Crummel. They went to Bloomington, Ill., where they resided for eighteen years, and afterward moved to Wichita twelve years ago, and have made this city their home ever since. Mr. Robinson was a builder and contractor by trade, but did not follow his trade very closely after coming to Wichita, but has rather lived a retired life at his residence on East Second street, which he built about eleven years ago.
The deceased leaves an invalid wife, who has been bedridden for more than a year and is now lying in a critical condition with an attack of the grip, and whose death is expected at any moment. There are also ten living children scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific some of whom will arrive to attend the funeral, which will not be decided upon until the members of the family are heard from. There are living in the county three of the children, one of whom is a son A. C. Robinson, living four miles north of the city and two daughters, Caroline and Emma who live at home with their parents.
Mr. Robinson was one of the old time Whigs who voted for Harrison and Taylor for president. He always remained a staunch Republican since the Whigs became Republicans and during the late Spanish-American war was greatly interested in the victories gained by the Americans, advocating that everything that the Americans took should remain in their possession for the good of humanity and the cause of civilization. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, January 18, 1899, page 5)
Death of A Pioneer - George Roseberry, Dies of
Pneumonia at Hospital - George Roseberry, one of the pioneers of Wichita, died yesterday at the city hospital after
a brief period of illness with pneumonia. He took sick at the Crawford Grand hotel a few days ago, and having no
one to care for him was sent to the hospital. The body was taken to Mueller's undertaking rooms where it will await
the disposition of his relatives.
Old settlers will remember George Roseberry and the embarrassing incidents connected with his life that caused
him to lose all interest in himself. His wife was the first school teacher in Wichita. For years they lived very
happily together, but finally differences came into their lives and they separated. He had her tried for insanity,
but it wouldn't work. Then he gave her the 320-acre farm and he came to town. His life since was not a happy one.
He was poverty-stricken and his trade - that of a shoemaker - did not earn a very luxurious livelihood. The family
will probably see that he has a respectable burial. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, January 18, 1899, page 5)
Old timer passed away at his residence - John Schott one of the oldest residents of Wichita died yesterday at his home, 123 South Water street. John Schott was a German machinist. He was born in ?, Darmstadt, November 14, 1822. In 1844 he married Miss Anna Descher and a year later came to America and settled at Baltimore, Md. He was a practical machinist of much ability and worked in the United States foundry at Baltimore making arms for the government. He stayed at that work until 1837 when he moved to Lawrence, Kan. Where for six years he was a freighter and his accounts of the stirring times of the antebellum days in Kansas were very interesting and as he was considerably mixed up in the events of those times his stories were very interesting.
In 1879 John Schott moved with his family to Wichita. This town was very small in those days but lots of business was done and the frontier aspect had been considerably smoothed over.
Douglas avenue was the principal street and John Schott opened a candy and confectionery store on the south side of Douglas avenue just west of Main street and conducted this business for a number of years. He purchased property in the south end of the city and after closing out his candy business commenced gardening and during the past few years has made this his business.
Four sons, John Frederick Schott, Henry Schott, Louis E. Schott and John W. Schott and his aged wife remain. John Schott was a very estimable man. He was one of the sturdiest of German stock industrious and honest. When he completed a day's work he could truthfully say that his best effort had been spent on it. His character was an admirable one. He knew people had studied them. Once he was a friend he could always be depended on. He labored hard through his long life, but was always pleasant to his family and friends. John Schott was known to hundreds of people in Wichita and when the news of his death became generally known.
The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon from the residence. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, March 14, 1903, page 6)
Was Well Known Here - Old Time Citizen of Wichita Dies in the East - Isaac shellabarger, one of the old time residents of Wichita died recently at his home in Decatur, Ill. He was a citizen of Wichita in an early day and engaged in the lumber business in partnership with A. W. Oliver, of this city many years ago. Later he and Mr. Oliver went into the milling business and constructed the mill and started the business which later became the firm of Oliver & Imboden, who are the well known business men of this city. Mr. Shellabarger retired from business several years ago. He was a man of excellent executive ability and his good judgment and foresight made him a highly prosperous man. He was successful in all his undertakings and assisted in making wealthy several of his nephews and other men. He was persevering and industrious and gradually worked himself up to a position of wealth and influence and through it all maintained the honest respect of all with whom he came in contact. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 31, 1896, page 5)
The funeral of Miss Belle Slaven occurred yesterday afternoon from the home of her parents, on Sycamore street, West Wichita. A large throng of friends and sorrowing relatives filled the house, the porches, the yard, and even out in the street. Rev. Preston, of the Unitarian church, delivered an eloquent address, which though simple in its diction was afflecting and consoling. The services were opened by the sweet hymn, "Just as I Am, without One Plea." The Fraternal Aid of which she was a member, were present in large numbers, bearing the insignia of the order. After the short services at the house the cortege moved to the cemetery, where the last somber rites were finished. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, June 24, 1899, page 5)
Death of J. R. Taylor - Former Citizen of Wichita Dies in Chicago at the Age of 78 - Died in Chicago, November 8, 1897 at the ripe old age of 78, Colonel J. R. Taylor, father of Mrs. E. W. Wiggins of College Hill this city. He was born and raised in Cincinnati and came to the city of Wichita during the boom days. He operated here in real estate and was an active and energetic business man and during his stay here made many warm friends. He leaves a wife and six children. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, November 14, 1897, page 5)
Died of Appendicitis - Miss Kate Thomas of Emporia
Passed Away - Miss Kate E. Thomas died in the Wichita hospital of appendicitis, at about 4 o'clock yesterday morning.
Miss Thomas' home was in Emporia where for some time she had been ill with typhoid fever. Recently she was stricken
with appendicitis and was brought here to be operated upon. Owing to her long illness she was too weak to rally
from the operation.
Miss Thomas has many friends in this city. She was a trained nurse and graduated from the Wichita training school
for nurses in the class of '01. After graduating here she went to Emporia where her parents live. The body was
taken to Emporia yesterday afternoon for burial. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, August 2, 1903, page 7)
Yesterday Mr. William Kay received a telegram from Louisville, KY, informing him of the death in that city of his sister, Mrs. Katie Wahl. The funeral will take place there at 2 o'clock this afternoon. Mr. Kay's many friends in Wichita will deeply sympathize with him in his sore bereavement. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, October 19, 1890, page 6)
Death of J. W. Younger - He has been a Resident
of city for Eighteen Years - J. W. Younger died at his home, corner of Seventeenth street and Arkansas avenue,
this morning at 1 o'clock. He has lived in Wichita for eighteen years and was engaged in the manufacture of brick.
Mr. Younger has been one of Wichita's best known citizens. His wife died about nine years ago and Mr. Younger has
lived at home surrounded by an interesting family. He was the father of fourteen children, eight of whom are living.
Notice of the funeral arrangements will be announced later. (The Wichita Daily Eagle, January 18, 1899, page 5)
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