Author Archives: Kris

Carl, James D.

Date of Death: 25 Nov 1904
Subject: James D. Carl
Source: Savannah Reporter, 26 Nov 1904

James D. Carl, one of the early settlers of St. Joseph, died yesterday morning. Mr. Carl was born at Frankfort, Kentucky, Nov. 5, 1826. He came to St. Joseph in 1849, and soon after his arrival opened the first bakery and confectionery establishment in the frontier village.

He remained in this business for a number of years, and afterwards conducted a fish and oyster house in a store room on Market square. He continued to follow this business until 1876, when failing health made his retirement necessary.

During his active career Mr. Carl was recognized as one of St. Joseph’s enterprising citizens, and older residents recall him as among those who did much for the early development and progress of the city.

The deceased leaved a widow, one daughter, Mrs. Henry Petrie and a son, Oscar, who is now in business here.

The funeral will take place Sunday morning from the late home of the deceased, 924 North Second street. Interment will take place at Long Branch cemetery, near Avenue City.

Source: unknown

James D. Carl, aged seventy-eight years, died at 4:45 Friday morning. Will be buried Sunday morning at 9 o’clock. Long Branch Cemetery. Funeral will be at family residence, 923 No. 2d.

Caples, Henry Green

Date of Death: May 1898
Subject: Henry Green Caples
Source: Tabor Beacon [IA] 27 May 1898

Our Percival letter which was received too late for this issue, contains the news of the suicide of H. G. [sic] Caples, a prominent physician of that place, last Saturday. From the particulars given in the letter, it seems that Dr. Caples had been drinking heavily of late, and that while under the influence of liquor, took an overdose of morphine, but whether the drug was taken with suicidal intent is not known. He leaves a wife and 7 children. Funeral was held Monday, conducted by Rev. Simons of Hamburg, after which the remains were shipped to Savannah Mo., his old home for interment.

Campbell, Andrew H.

Note: There is not definite confirmation that Andrew H. Campbell is buried at High Prairie.

Date of Death: 29 May 1876
Subject: Andrew H. Campbell
Source: Savannah Reporter, Jun 1876

“In last week’s Reporter was a brief notice of Mr. Andrew H. Campbell, of Monroe township, being struck by lightning. We have since learned the following particulars.

“It seems Mr. Campbell had been to his brother’s farm in the northeast part of the country, to get a load of corn, and had started on his return; his little daughter, aged about 10 years, accompanying him. Not being near any house when overtaken by the storm, Mr. Campbell halted his team, took off his coat, which he gave to the little girl for protection against the rain, and was standing near his team beneath an umbrella at the time of the accident. So heavy was the bolt that descended that Mr. Campbell and the horses standing nearest to him, and the little girl standing at the rear end of the wagon, fell at the same instant. The little girl, however, soon came to her senses and went immediately to her father, turned him over and found that he yet breathed. She started to run to the nearest house, about three-fourths of a mile distant, but thinking the team would not be safe, she returned and placed her hand upon her father’s heart and found that it had ceased to beat. By this time the injured horse had regained its feet. The little girl immediately summoned the nearest neighbors and the body of Mr. Campbell was taken to his home. The shock to the unfortunate wife and family at home, occasioned by this sad news, can neither be described nor imagined.

“Mr. Campbell was a highly respected member of Castle Grange, No. 722, and the members of that grange turned out en masse and conducted the burial ceremonies in a manner that showed the respect due the deceased. In the death of Mr. Campbell is lost the love of a good husband, the protection of a kind father, and the citizenship of an honored neighbor. The family are left with means for their support, but in their sad affliction they have the sympathy of the entire community.”

Calvert, George M.

Date of Death: 31 Jan 1914 [even though tombstone says 1913]
Subject: George M. Calvert
Source: Savannah Reporter, 6 Feb 1914, p. 1, column 2

George Calvert Buried at Amazonia.

After the funeral at the residence Monday the remains of George Calvert were taken to Amazonia for interment. He was fifty-three years old and had been sick only a week with bowel trouble dying at his home in Nodaway Sunday morning.

Callen, Rosa (Ott)

Date of Death: 26 Apr 1905
Subject: Rosa (Ott) Callen
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 5 May 1905, p. 5

Mrs. Rosa Ott Callens [sic], died at her home near Nodaway, Mo., April 26, 1905, aged 27 years. She had been a long sufferer from consumption. In 1897 she was married to Luther Callens, who with one son together with two sisters and a brother survive. The funeral services was conducted by Rev. Hite of Nodaway, where the remains were laid away to await the resurrection morn.

Callen, Rachel (Townsend)

Date of Death: 1 Jun 1912
Subject: Rachel (Townsend) Callen
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 21 Jun 1912, p. 3

Rachel Callen died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. A. H. Bushman, in Nodaway, June 10 [sic], at 2:30 p.m. She was born in Armstrong county, Penn., August 12, 1829. She was 82 years, 9 months and 28 days old. She leaves two sons, one daughter, also nine grandchildren and sever great-grandchildren to mourn her loss. She was an old pioneer settler of Andrew county and was well known by a great many of our neighborhood. Her maiden name was Townsend. She was married to Samuel Callen, November 30, 1854. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. W. Garrett, of St. Joseph, at 2 p.m., June 11. Text, Rev. 21, verse 4.

X.

Caldwell, John Rice

Date of Death: 10 Jan 1918
Subject: John Rice Caldwell
Source: Savannah Reporter, 18 Jan 1918

John Rice Caldwell was the great-grandson of William Caldwell, who was born in Scotland, and the grandson of John Caldwell, who was born in Ireland and who later settled in Ross county, Ohio, and who in 1807 was united in marriage to Mary McClure of York county, Pennsylvania. Captain William Caldwell, the father of John Rice Caldwell, was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1808, and his father John Caldwell service in the war of 1812 against Great Brittain. Captain William Caldwell was united in marriage July 26, 1841, to Mary Pearson, who was born near Cape May, N. J., February 24, 1806.

John Rice Caldwell, the subject of this sketch, was born on the same farm on which his father was in Ross county, Ohio, June 13, 1832. In 1833 Captain William Caldwell, with his family and aged mother, moved to Noble county, Indiana, where they remained until 1849.

The Caldwell’s [sic] were pioneers of Ohio and Indiana, and lived among the Indians, who were especially friendly, and whose language they learned to speak.

In 1843 Captain William Caldwell married Elizabeth Christie, who was born in Ross county, Ohio, in 1822. William Caldwell moved his family from Noble county, Indiana, to Andrew County, Missouri, in 1849. They made the trip by wagon and during the entire trip did not cross a bridge or a railroad track. They crossed the rivers by ferry and forded the streams. Arriving in Andrew county in August, 1849, they settled in Rochester.

Captain Caldwell bought mill property and built the first bridge across the Platte river at Rochester, J. R. working in the mill with his father in his early manhood, and later engaged in the mercantile business. In April, 1865, he moved to Savannah where he served as deputy circuit clerk under his father. In 1868, he was elected judge of the probate court and re-elected in 1872. After retiring from the probate office he engaged in the practice of law and mercantile pursuits until 1887, when he moved to Kansas to engage in the banking business. He retired from business and returned to Savannah in 1905, where he resided until his death.

In 1857, John R. Caldwell was married to Miss Sarah D. Phillips of Maysville, Kentucky. Four children were born of this union. William S., died in infancy, Mrs. J. P. Burns, Mrs. Sue E. Laney and Edwin survive him. Mrs. Caldwell died in 1868.

In 1871 Judge Caldwell was married to Miss Elizabeth Farley. To this union three children were born, Dr. Clyde F., Charles and Mrs. Grace E. Hall. He is survived by his wife, six children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild and three brothers.

He united with the Presbyterian church in 1869, was elected deacon in 1870 and ruling elder in 1880. When a very young man he joined the I.O.O.F. in Rochester and was thought to be the oldest continuous member of the Savannah lodge.

Judge Caldwell was very devoted to the church and under no circumstances would he permit any thing to interfere with his church attendance and duties, and at the day of his death he was the senior member of the session.

He came from that sturdy Scotch-Irish stock which always stood for the right and his influence for good will long be felt in this community. His going is not alone felt by his family, but by many old friends, who have sat with him in the church or the councils of the Godly.

Cain, Margaret (Barr)

Date of Death: 20 Mar 1897
Subject: Margaret (Barr) Cain
Source: unknown, Mar 1897

Died – Saturday, March 20th at about 2 o’clock P.M. at the home of her father, Boyd Barr, near this city, Mrs. A. J. Cain, aged 43 years and 3 days. The funeral services were held at the Presbyterian church Monday afternoon at 1 o’clock, conducted by Rev. Cravens. The remains were interred in the Savannah cemetery.

Cain, Amy M.

Date of Death: 28 Jan 1905
Subject: Amy M. Cain
Source: unknown, [Feb] 1905

Amy M. Cain was born May the 11th, 1889 and died January the 28th, 1905, aged 15 years, 8 months and 17 days. She had been afflicted for some weeks with inflammatory rheumatism and suffered great agony for several days prior to her death. She united the the M. E. Church in August 1903 and had lived a faithful Christian to the end. She leaves a father, two sisters and four brothers in mourning. Amy was a good and kind girl and beloved by all who knew her. Her remains were interred in the Savannah cemetery, Monday by the side of her mother and sister who preceded her some years ago.

Cagg, Ida (1865-1884)

Date of Death: 29 May 1884
Subject: Ida B. Cagg
Source: The Democrat, 6 Jun 1884, p. 3, column 4

Cagg – Ida B., daughter of Isaac W. Cagg, by his first wife, and beloved by her step-mother, died at the residence of her father in Benton township, on Thursday morning, May 29, 1884, at 45 minutes past two o’clock, of brain fever, after a painful sickness of four weeks; aged 18 years, 5 months and 27 days. The last sixteen days she suffered the most excruciating pain in her head, and the last seven days she was unconscious. On Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20 and 21, in presence of her father, mother and sister, she said:

“Dear mother, you don’t know how to pray, but Jesus sent me to talk on the subject of religion and I never get tired of it, and I will teach you to pray. Now, mother, I want you to be faithful and meet me in Heaven, for I am going to die.” Her mother’s answer was: “I will, by the help of God, meet you in Heaven.”

“Now, mother, after I am gone I want you to tell my dear sister Hellen and my dear brother George to lead a better life than they are, and to meet me in Heaven. Yes, I had wandered from the Savior, but sought and found him; and such sweet feelings I had then, I never shall forget. The Savior blessed me, and now Jesus has sent me to talk to you. He teaches me to pray, to kneel at my bedside morning and evening and ask him to lead and guide my steps aright. I am so glad I gave my heart to God. I want to talk to all my friends and neighbers [sic] about Jesus, my blessed Savior.

“And now, my dear sister Sarah, I want to talk to you. Will you seek the blessed Jesus and be saved? You are a good sister, but your goodness will not save your dear soul unless you come to the Lord and be blessed, and pray him to keep you in his arms of love and mercy, where you will be forever blessed. Will you meet me in Heaven? The answer was “Yes.”

She talked to others on the subject of religion at the same time.

Thursday evening, May 22, 1884, Ida said to her father, “I dreamed I saw the angels, and my blessed Father was the sweetest one of all of them.” She said, “Blessed Jesus! blessed Jesus! Hallalujah [sic]!”

Dear sister Ida is in Heaven. Truthfully does the Bible say, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from henceforth saith the Spirit that they rest from their labors.”

The funeral services took place from her father’s residence, Thursday, May 30th, to Bennett Lane Cemetery, Rev. W. L. Powers officiating.

Sarah.

Byers, Benjamin

Date of Death: 18 Jan 1875
Subject: Benjamon Byers
Source: Andrew County Republican, 29 Jan 1875, p. 8

Obituary.
Monday, January 18th, 1875, at 1 p.m., of Pneumonia, Benny R., only son of William and Sophonia [sic] Byers, aged 15 months and 10 days.

Sweet angel child of heavenly birth, He was too good and pure for earth,
His spirit, like the soaring dove, Has winged its flight to realms above.
His pure spirit freed from clay, To God has winged its upward way,
And there ‘mid angels pure and bright, Has joined their songs in worlds of light.
And there amid that happy band, With crown of gold and harp in hand,
The sweetest music angels make, Will be the tune his harp will wake.

By Mrs. M. Byers

Burtch, William E.

Date of Death: 30 Aug 1903
Subject: William E. Burtch
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 4 Sep 1903, p. 8

Dr. W. E. Burtch, who has been practicing medicine in Southeastern Holt for over a quarter of a century, while out, on his way to answer a sick call, was found dead in his buggy in Nodaway on Sunday last, August 30, 1903. No inquest was deemed necessary as his death was believed to have been from natural causes. He was 61 years of age and was a graduate of the Canada School of Medicine. He leaves a wife and five children. He was buried at Fillmore on Tuesday, September 1st.

Burns, Phillip (1836-1913)

Date of Death: 13 Sep 1913
Subject: Phillip Burns
Source: Savannah Reporter, 19 Sep 1913

Phillip Burns was born in Morgon [sic] county, Ind., January 28, 1836. He departed this life at his home three and one half miles northwest of Savannah September 13, 1913, aged seventy-seven years, nine months and fifteen days. He was married to Isabell Simmons, April 23, 1860. To this union ten children were born of whom five are living. Mrs. R. M. Faires, Mrs. J. F. Adkins, Mrs. W. J. Vaughn, Mrs. R. F. Davidson, Mrs. Rolla Hurst. They all reside in this county. He also leaves sixteen grandchildren and nine great grand-children. The deceased has one brother and one sister living in Savannah. In the year 1864 he united with the Methodist church. The funeral was conducted from the home by Rev. A. R. Hunt and interment was in the Bennet Lane cemetery. Mr. Burns’ father John Burns, was one of the early settlers here and was a very highly respected pioneer. He settled here sometime before 1854.

Burns, John Columbus

Date of Death: 11 Jul 1914
Subject: John Columbus Burns
Source: Savannah Reporter, 17 Jul 1914

John C. Burns Buried Monday

The funeral of John Columbus Burns was held at the M. E. Church, South, on Monday at 2:30 p.m. Mr. Burns was the son of John and Susanna Burns, and was born in Morgan county, Indiana, June 29, 1844, and died at his home in Savannah at 8:15 p.m., Saturday, July 11, aged seventy years and twelve days. He had suffered for many long and weary days from Bright’s disease but the end came calmly and peacefully. For many years he had been a citizen of this community and was well known and honored as an honest upright man. In June 1888, he was married to Mrs. Mahala Laney, who survives him. He was the step-grandfather of Mrs. Earl Henderson, who was raised from infancy by Mr. and Mrs. Burns. During the pastorate of Rev. S. W. Hayne Mr. Burns joined the M. E. Church, South, and was ever a faithful, loyal member. No higher honor can be given him that to say he was a Christian.

F. M.

Bryant, Mary (Welch)

Date of Death: 22 Jun 1866
Subject: Mary (Welch) Bryant
Source: Liberty [MO] Tribune, 29 Jun 1866

Died in Smithville, Clay county, on Friday, 22d of June, in the 24th year of her age, Mrs. Mary, wife of Richard G. Bryant. The deceased had resided only eight months in this place, and was a devoted and affectionate wife, admired and respected by all who knew her. The deceased was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was an exemplary Christian, and seemed perfectly resigned to her fate, relying confidently upon the romises of the Saviour made to his faithful followers. Her remains were taken to Savannah, Andrew county, for interment.

Bruner, Susan (Wise) Clemmons

Date of Death: 7 Oct 1920
Subject: Susan Catherine (Wise) Clemmons Bruner
Source: The Beloit [KS] Daily Call, 18 Oct 1920, Monday, p. 2

Susie Catherine Wise was born at Louisville, Kentucky on October 17, 1870, and died near East Lake, Colorado, on October 7th, 1920, at the age of 49 years, 11 months and 23 days. She had gone to East Lake some four years ago in an effort to regain failing health but the battle was to no avail.

When about eleven years of age the deceased moved with her parents to Whitesville, Mo. There, in 1886, she was united in marriage to James J. Clemmons. To this union three children were born, they being: V. T. Clemmons, of Brighton, Colorado; Mrs. Vernia Gould, of near Cawker; and Mrs. Marie Carolus, of St. Joseph, Mo. The husband and father died on July 8, 1902.

On November 14th, 1906, Mrs. Clemmons was married to D. H. Bruner, and shortly after this the family moved to Beloit. To this union one son, Lawrence, was born. Aside from her children and five grand children, Mrs. Bruner leaves a mother, four sisters and four brothers to mourn her loss.

The deceased lady was a member of the East Lake Baptist church. She was a devoted Christian, a loving mother and a kind and good woman. All who knew her loved her. Short services over the remains were held on Saturday morning at Denver. After that the body was taken to Whitesville, Mo., where funeral services were held from the Baptist church. Interment was made in the family lot in the Whitesville cemetery.– Contributed.

Brown, Samuel (____-1875)

Date of Death: 9 Aug 1875
Subject: Samuel Brown
Source: Andrew County Republican, 20 Aug 1875, p. 1

From Monroe Township. Two of Monroe’s oldest citizens were called away from this stage of action during last week,– Mrs. Duncan, an esteemed lady, and the venerated pioneer Mr. Samuel Brown.

Brooks, Joseph C.

Date of Death: 21 May 1906
Subject: Joseph C. Brooks
Source: Savannah Reporter, 25 May 1906- probably partial

Mr. Brooks came to Andrew County with his parents in 1857 from Rockcastle County, Ky. The family lived near Kodiak, Rochester Township. Mr. Brooks taught school for about eight years. While he was threshing, a serious injury resulted in the loss of his left September 5, 1882. During the same year he was elected Circuit Court Clerk. He held that position for eight years. He held various offices of trust and was a member of the Christian Church. His father was Judge James W. Brooks.

On May 21, 1906, Joseph C. Brooks took his own life, using a gun borrowed from William Clasbey. The train men on the noon Maple Leaf freight saw the body and told the section men who were down the track. They told the agent who notified the prosecuting attorney, Mr. Pyle, who found the unfolded note pinned to his vest and his coat buttoned over it.

Source: Holt County Sentinel, 25 May 1906, p. 5

J. C. Brooks, 63 [sic] years old, killed himself at Savannah, Monday, May 21st, by firing a shotgun with his cane. The aged man went to the city park about 3 o’clock and made all preparations to die. A shot was heard by a train crew in the neighborhood, and upon investigation, they found the old man dead. The entire upper portion of his head was blow off. He had seated himself on a bench, and, steadying the shotgun, he pulled [the] trigger with his cane. Mr. Brooks was twice circuit clerk of Andrew county. He was a cripple, having lost a leg many years ago. He leaves a wife, a daughter and a brother, all living near Savannah. The old man is said to have been despondent for some time past.

Brewer, John (1830-1921)

Date of Death: 28 Sep 1912
Subject: John Brewer
Source: unknown, [Oct] 1912

John Brewer was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1830. He passed away in death at his home 3 miles northeast of Bolckow, Mo., September 28, 1912, age 81 years, 11 mos. and 18 days.

In the year 1855 he was married to Elizabeth Rush, with whom he lived 3 years, when she was called away by death. One daughter was born to this union, Mrs. Mary Jane Savacool, who now resides in Iowa.

He was next married to Allie J. Hicks, who died in 1867. To this union there was born 3 sons and 3 daughters. One son and one daughter died in infancy. The two surviving sons are Joseph and John, both of Andrew County, and the daughters are Sarah E. and Rhoda E.

In 1870 he was again married, this time to Sarah A. Hutson, who with 4 sons born to them survives. These sons are Arthur of Nodaway County, Elsworth of Conrad, Montana, and Marcellus and Edgar of Andrew County. A daughter died in infancy.

Father Brewer obeyed the Gospel of Christ, at Bedford, Iowa in 1871 and continued in the faith to the end. For several years past he has held his membership in the Church of Christ, at Rosendale, Missouri. he was an honorable, upright citizen, industrious to a fault. For a number of years he was almost totally blind but instead of giving up in despair, he went about his business, being led by his little boy, until he finally recovered his sight.

Elder W. A. Chapman preached a brief funeral sermon, at the home, and interment was in Bolckow Cemetery, Bolckow, Missouri.

Breit, Celestina (Turpin)

Date of Death: 16 Sep 1915
Subject: Celestina (Turpin) Breit
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 24 Sep 1915, p. 2

J. E. Breit, of Nodaway township, returned Saturday of last week, from Crown Hill church in Andrew county, Missouri, where he had been for several days, at the bedside of his mother, Mrs. Tina Breit, who died there, last week, the funeral taking place Saturday, September 18. She was 81 years old at the time of her death, and came to Andrew county, when 11 years old, and settled in Deakins school district of that county, where she continuously resided up to the time of her death. She was a member of the Christian church, and had been a consistent member for over a half century. She left six children to mourn her departure to the other shore, five sons and one daughter.

Bradford, Duffield

Date of Death: 6 Nov 1871
Subject: Duffield Bradford
Source: Andrew County Republican, 8 Nov 1871, p. 3

From Dr. John M. Huffman of Whitesville, we learn of the death of Duff Bradford, Esq. one of the best citizens of that place– he went to bed in usual health on Sunday night; at about a quarter past one he awoke the family by his breathing. The family sent for Dr. Huffman, who dressed as soon as possible and went down, but when he arrived, Mr. Bradford was dead. The cause of his death was disease of the heart.

Bradbury, Cyntha (Reno)

Date of death: 23 Dec 1922
Subject: Cyntha? (Reno) Bradbury
Source: St. Joseph News-Press, 25 Dec 1922, p. 6

Mrs. Miller Bradbury, thirty-two years old, a former resident of St. Joseph, died Saturday at her home in Kansas City. She is survived by her husband, four sisters, Mrs. L. W. Newland, Mrs. A. L. Casey, St. Joseph; Mrs. Lora Edelman, Bolckow, Mo., and Miss Sarah Reno, Rae [sic], Mo., and by three brothers, C. L. and K. C. [sic] Reno, St. Joseph and W. N. Reno, Rae, Mo. Burial was this afternoon at Whiteville [sic], Mo.

Boyles, Phillip M.

Boyles, Phillip M., farmer and stock-buyer, Sec. 29; P. O. Winterset; born Canaan Twp., Athens Co., Ohio, June 5, 1823; he was the second son of George and Martha Boyles, and one of the twelve children; his father was a farmer and the son assisted him in the duties of farm life; in 1839 he moved with his parents to Elkhardt [sic] Co., Indiana and remained there until 1843, and then went to Andrew co., Mo., there he remained until 1846; while living here [sic] he witnessed the brutal whipping of a slave that was so revolting to his manly nature, that he resolved to seek a home in Iowa, and no sooner had he resolved than he acted, and the same year came to this county and settled on the land he now owns, and has resided here since that time; he has made all the improvements; he split all the rails for thirty-five cents per hundred, to purchase land warrants with which to locate his land; he has gone to Saylorville and hewn logs to purchase seed corn, and has worked at harvesting at fifty cents per day, half of which was to be taken out in trade at the store, calico at the time being twenty-five cents per yard; he served in the war during the rebellion; he owns a fine farm of 320 acres and another near the above of 177 1/2 acres, both well improved and in a good state of cultivation; for the past few years he has been devoting the greater portion of his time in buying stock; he married Miss Lydia Allison February 22, 1845; she was a native of Crawford Co., Illinois, where she was raised; their family consists of seven children: Martin, Milton, Mary, now Mrs. Seevers, Maria, Myra, Marilla and Maloy.

Source: The History of Madison Co., Iowa, 1879, pp. 606-607 (Union Township)
Submitted: Monica Schirmer Eshelman

Boyles, George

Interesting Reminiscences of an Old Pioneer

Within the past month or so, one of the original pioneer settlers of Andrew county, whose name heads this article, took up his residence in Savannah, with his son, Jeff. Boyles, having lived on the same piece of land, one mile south of Flag Springs, which he bought as a claim from the Government in 1841, until he came to Savannah, a few weeks ago. He is still cheerful and buoyant of spirits, and would be in excellent physical condition were it not for an accident he met with while riding in a stage, but a few years ago, which broke several ribs, dislocated his shoulder, and injured him to such an extent that it was thought he could not recover, but his iron constitution brought him through it. He is quite deaf, and suffers from a cancer on the neck, which he has had since 1845.
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