Category Archives: People

Armfield, Luther A.

Date of Death: 23 Mar 1913
Subject: Luther A. Armfield
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 4 Apr 1913, p. 5

Funeral services for the four persons who were killed in the tornado, Easter Sunday night, which virtually wiped out the village of Flag Springs, were held, Thursday of last week. Flag Springs is in Andrew county, five miles from Union Star, in DeKalb county. The dead are Mr. and Mrs. Armfied [sic], who were killed outright, and Mr. Auterburn [sic] and Mr. Reed, who died of injuries received in the storm. Two children of the Armfields were badly injured. Homes in the village were demolished and livestock was killed.

Anderson, Ann (Fox)

Date of Death: 2 Dec 1873
Subject: Ann (Fox) Anderson
Source: Andrew County Republican, 12 Dec 1873, p. 3

Died.
On December 2, at the head of Lower Neely Grove, between Rosendale and Bolckow, Anna Fox, the beloved wife of Judge Wm. Anderson, aged 53 years.

Deceased was a native of Ohio, and had been failing since June with paralysis. She leaves a kind, good husband, large family, and numerous relatives and friends to mourn her loss; but they mourn not as those without hope, for as she had been a consistent member of the M. E. Church for over 20 years, they have reason to believe she has gone to her reward.

Allen, Charles

Date of Death: 3 Apr 1899
Subject: Charles Allen
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 7 Apr 1899, p. 1

Charles Allen, aged about 65, died at his home near the Richville school house, in Nodaway township, April 3, 1899, and was buried in the Fillmore cemetery on the following day. He was an old bachelor, living alone, and was very eccentric, hardly ever coming to town– was an old soldier and a pensioner, having belonged to Co. D., 22nd Indiana volunteers. He owned 40 acres of land on which he lived, and had recently had a new house built. He was supposed to have considerable money hidden around the house, but thus far, Public Administrator, Giles A. Laughlin, who has taken charge of the estate, has only found $276.00 in gold, and a little over $12 in silver, which was discovered in a glass fruit jar inside of an old tin can, covered over with rags. The only relative in this county, is reported to be a Mrs. Shields, residing near Maitland.

Alexander, James

Date of Death: 1 Jul 1872
Subject: James Alexander
Source: Andrew County Republican, 5 Jul 1872, p. 3

On Monday last, Mr. James Alexander, a well known citizen and farmer of Jackson township, left his dwelling in apparently as good health as even, to go to a piece of woods near by to cut poles for a fence. At noon the dinner-horn was blown several times, and Mr. Alexander not making his appearance, the family went in search of him. Their consternation may be imagined when they found him dead, his head lying on a sappling [sic] which he had that morning cute down. We have since learned from Mr. Chambers, of Fillmore, that a Coroner’s jury held an inquest over the remains on Monday evening, who rendered a verdict that the deceased came to his death by falling backward upon the stick of wood upon which his head was resting when found. The opinion was, that in attempting to evade a falling limb, he stepped back, tripping and falling as above, causing instant death.

Alderman, Eli

Date of Death: 7 Mar 1902
Subject: Eli Alderman
Source: The Democrat, 14 Mar, 1902, p. 4, column 2

A Pioneer Passes Away

Eli Alderman, who was one of Savannah’s pioneer citizens passed away at his home in this city on Friday, March 7, 1902. Mr. Alderman was born in Morgan county, Ohio, in 1822, where he continued to reside until he came to Savannah in 1865. He was the founder of the Dry Goods firm, which is now known as M. H. Alderman & Co. The business was started by him in the same building in which the above firm is now doing business.

He was married to Mary J. Joy, who passed to the great beyond in 1893, in 1846 in Ohio, and to this union were born three sons and one daughter, two sons, Carl J. and M. H. survive him.

Mr. Alderman in middle life became a member of the M. E. church, and was a member of that body to the day of his death.

The funeral services were conducted from the Sixth Street M. E. church

Adkins, William (1848-1907)

Date of Death: 24 Jun 1907
Subject: William Adkins
Source: unknown, Jun 1907

William Adkins was born in Monroe county, Ohio, March 24, 1848, and died at his home, northwest of Savannah, June 24, 1907. He married January 5, 1863, to Mary A. Miner. He leaves his wife and nine children, all of whom, except Mrs. Ruth Fleming, of Giasco, Kansas were at the funeral. Others of his children are: James Adkins, Mrs. Laura Todd, Miner Adkins, and Mrs. Maude Buis, of Savannah; Charlie Adkins and Mrs. Belle Quinn, of St. Joseph; Mrs. Gertie Smith of Kansas City; and Mrs. Juana Robison of Helena. He also leaves three sisters and one brother. Mrs. Lizzie Trapp, of Skidmore, Mrs. Amy Duel, of Sheridan, Oregon; and Mrs. Anna Werth, and James Adkins, of Fillmore. There were also present except Mrs. Duel. Aside from these he leaves twenty-two grandchildren. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday by Rev. Geo. McGee, and interment was at Bennett Lane Cemetery.

Adkins, Martha Ann (Pyle)

Date of Death: 13 May 1874
Subject: Martha Ann (Pyle) Adkins
Source: Andrew County Republican, 22 May 1874, p. 1

Flag Springs Items. The spinal meningitis has made its appearance in our midst. Mrs. A. P. Adkins died of it last week. A daughter is low with it now, but hopes are entertained of her recovery.

Addington, Donald (1913-1915)

The two-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Addington of Rochester, Mo., is dead at a hospital in St. Joseph from a bullet wound caused by the accidental discharge of a revolver held by the baby’s mother. While putting the child to bed Mrs. Addington was amusing it with a revolver she found under her husband’s pillow. She did not think the weapon was loaded and snapped the trigger. The mother is in a state of collapse.

Source: The King City Democrat, 24 September 1915, p. 6


Child Killed by Mother

The St. Joseph papers tell of a sad accident at Rochester a few days since. They state that a Mrs. Wm. Addington was preparing her 2-year-old baby for bed and picked up a revolver and playfully pointed it at the baby and was snapping it to amuse the child, when it discharged and the ball entered the side and lodged in the left side. The mother was horror stricken. The child was at once taken to St. Joseph and operated on, but without much hope for its recovery. It died the next morning. It is the empty or supposedly empty revolver again that has brought such unspeakable grief to that home and ever to be remembered sorry to the mother heart. — King City Chronicle

Source: The Albany Capital, 23 September 1915, p. 2


Date of death: 10 Sep 1915
Subject: Donald David Leroy Addington
Source: St. Joseph Gazette, 20 Sep 1915, p. 5

[Much of article illegible]

Different Version of Death of Child

Letter From Rochester, Mo., Explains Accidental Killing of Little Boy

Chief of Police James A. Clouser received a letter explaining the accidental shooting of the 2-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. William Addington, Rochester, Mo., the night of … The letter said Mrs. Addington … for the night … under … and was away … As … the gun … accidentally discharged. … was brought here to a hospital … died a few hours after ar…

… differs from that published in the Gazette, the latter … Mrs. Addington was snapping the revolver to amuse the baby and that it was accidentally discharged. The writer of the letter to Chief Clouser was a neighbor of the Addison’s [sic].

Abplanalp, Margaret (Trautman)

Date of Death: 9/10 Oct 1917
Subject: Margaret (Trautman) Abplanalp
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 12 Oct 1917, p. 1

It is with keen sorrow that we learn of the death of Mrs. J. C. Abplanalp, which occurred at her home in Fillmore, on Tuesday of this week, October 9, 1917, aged 66 years. Mrs. W. C. Opel, a sister, of this city, attended the funeral. She is survived by her husband and several children. Funeral arrangements had not been completed at the time of the closing of our forms. We hope for an obituary for our next issue.

Source: Holt County Sentinel, 19 Oct 1917, p. 3

Margaret Troutmann [sic] was born in Decatur county, Indiana, November 5, 1850, and departed this life at her home in Fillmore, Missouri, October 10, 1917, at the age of 66 years, 11 months and 5 days. On October 7, 1969, just 48 years ago last Sabbath, lacking only two years of their Golden Wedding anniversary, she and Mr. John C. Abplanalp were united in marriage and journey along life’s pathway happily together, until she fell out by the way, and left her companion to finish the journey alone. Mr. and Mrs. Abplanalp were the parents of nine children, two of whom soon quit the struggle of life and their spirits returned to the God who gave them. The husband and his seven children are left to grieve for the loss of a devoted wife and a loving mother. The names of the surviving children are: Newton L., Wesley A., Mrs. Emma Hornecker, Charles S., Anna L., Coro [sic] O., and Lora D.; also seven grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Katherine Opel, of Oregon, Missouri, and Mrs. Sarah Baur of Tipton, Indiana, survive their sister and were both present at the obsequies.

The Abplanalp family have been well known in Eastern Holt and Western Andrew counties for many years, and are most highly respected for their real worth as good citizens, and Mrs. Abplanalp will be missed, not only by her immediate family, but also by a large circle of old and new acquaintances. While the deceased has not been in rugged health for some years, nevertheless her exodus was rather sudden, she having attended church Sabbath day and was taken alarmingly ill that night, and the death messenger called for her early Wednesday morning, leaving the family astonished at the suddenness of her leaving and sorrowful that they were powerless to do anything to prolong her stay with them. The deceased in early life was converted and united with the German M. E. church, and was faithful to her profession of faith in Christ Jesus and so the messenger of death had no terrors for her and life was a constant reminder to others of the rich promises God has in store for those who put their trust in Him.

On Friday afternoon, October 12th, friends of the family gathered at the home in Fillmore, and after brief services there, conducted by the Rev. A. H. McKullup [sic], of the M. E. church of Fillmore, the remains were taken to the M. E. church, where a large concourse of people, filling the church building to its utmost capacity, were assembled to pay their tribute of respect to the memory of the one who had endeared herself to them by her gentle christian [sic] character and to sympathize with the bereaved family. Many beautiful floral designs were in evidence bearing their fragrant testimony to the esteem in which the donors held the subject of this sketch. The funeral rites were conducted by the Revs. T. D. Roberts, of New Point; A. H. McKillup, of Fillmore, and W. L. Meyer, of Oregon. A large choir, by their well chosen selections of music, did much to soften the asperities of such an occasion. At the close of the services in the church, the earthly tabernacle, which she had put off two days before, was laid to rest in the beautiful city of the dead just south of Fillmore, there to await the trumpet call of her Lord when He shall descend from heaven to raise the dead in Him and change the living believers and take them unto Himself.

Abney, Julia Emeline

Date of Death: 16 Sep 1852
Subject: Julia Emeline Abney
Source: Savannah Sentinel, Saturday, September 18, 1852, p. 2

“[Died] Early yesterday morning, Julia Emeline, daughter of Mr. Jackson Abney, of this place, aged 10 months.

“Leaves have their time to fall–
And flowers to fade at the north wind’s breath
And stars to set; but all–
Thou hast all seasons for thine own, O death”

Abbott, David P.

Date of Death: 25 Dec 1897
Subject: David P. Abbott
Source: St. Joseph Gazette, 26 Dec 1897, p. 5

David P. Abbott, of Savannah, fell dead at the corner of Fourth and Jule streets, about 9:30 o’clock last night, and his daughter, Maud, was the only witness to his sudden demise.

The screams of the young lady soon brought assistance and a carriage bore the remains to the home of L. O. Stiles, Twelfth and Felix, from which place the deceased had departed a few minutes before in apparently splendid health and spirits.

Dr. T. H. Doyle was called and arrived by the time the body did, but life was extinct, and the physician was called on to wait on the daughter, who was almost hysterical over the sudden death of her father. Mr. Abbott was one of the wealthiest and best-known citizens of Savannah and came down yesterday with his daughter, Maud, to attend the matinee. They stopped with Mr. Stiles’ family, who are old friends, and after supper Mr. Abbott looked at his watch and thought it was 8 o’clock. A few minutes later he discovered that it was 9 instead of 8, and as he wanted to return home on the 9:30 Chicago Great Western train, he hurried his daughter into her wraps and the two started for the depot on North Third street.

When they reached the corner of Fourth and Jule streets after walking rapidly, Mr. Abbott suddenly reeled and fell to the ground. He tried to rise, but his daughter told him to be still. He said, “I am gone,” and his spirit quietly left the clay tenement and winged its way to its Creator.

The young lady, frantic with grief, screamed for help, which quickly arrived, as above stated.

Miss Maud was so overcome that Dr. Doyle was compelled to remain with her till after midnight, when she became more quiet.

Mr. Abbott is one of the oldest citizens of Savannah, is well known in St. Joseph, and was 57 years old. He leaves a wife and two daughters, Mrs. William Limrick of Savannah, and Miss Maud who was with him at the time of his death.

He had retired from active business, but was interested in several banks in Kansas and Missouri, besides having another of other business interests. No one stood higher in the estimation of those who knew him than did Mr. Abbott, and his sudden taking off will be a sad blow not only to his family, but to many friends. Mr. Abbott has had several attacks before, and Dr. Doyle said had also been suffering for some time from diabetes.

Coroner Spier Richmond was notified and responded promptly, but after viewing the body and hearing the facts decided an inquest was not necessary. Undertaker Heaton took charge of the remains, and the funeral will be announced later.

West, George W.

Date of Death: 10 Apr 1902
Subject: George W. West
Source: The Savannah Register, 18 Apr 1902, p. 1, column 2

Died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. W. Bridges in Barnard, Mo. on Thurs, Apr
10 at 6:20 p.m. George W. West aged 68 years, 1 month and 27 days. His remains were
brought here and interred in the Savannah Cemetery Friday evening, attended by a
number of the G.A.R., deceased having been an old soldier. He was an old citizen
and respected by all.

Wilkerson, Robert O.

Date of Death: Nov 1904
Subject: Robert O. Wilkerson
Source: unknown, 1904

Robert Wilkerson, son of David Wilkerson, living east of Helena, died last Thursday
evening at 6, and the body was taken in the hearse from this place to Savannah Friday
by E. R. Cordry, at which place the interment took place. The deceased was 26 years
old, and had been a sufferer from the effect of an injury received while skating
twelve years ago.

Willis, America Aleen

Date of Death: 11 Mar 1857
Subject: America Aleen Willis
Source: North West Democrat, Saturday, March 14, 1857, p. 3

Died– In this city, on the 11th inst., Aleen, infant daughter of John G. and Matilda
H. Willis.

"Weep not for those
Who sink within the arms of death,
Ere yet the chilling wintry breath
Of sorrow o’er them blows;
But weep for them who here remain,
The mournful heritage of pain,
Condemn’d to see each bright joy fade
And mark grief’s melancholy shade
Flung o’er Hope’s fairest rose.
"

Source: North West Democrat, Saturday, March 21, 1857, p. 3

Died– Of inflamation [sic] of the brain in this City, on Wednesday the 11th inst.,
America A., daughter of John G. and Matilda H. Willis– aged 2 years, 3 months and
11 days.

"She was Father’s doating pet,
A Mother’s anxious care,
It hardly seems she’s left them yet,
She was so young in years,
But still their fondest hopes must blight,
And soon their sorrows come,
But now she is an angel bright,
In Heaven her lasting home.
"

Keeves, Mary (Wilson)

Date of Death: 11 Jan 1903
Subject: Mary V. (Wilson) Keeves
Source: Holt County Sentinel, 30 Jan 1903, p. 1

The passing away of a woman who has made the worth better for having lived in it,
and who has been all that a wife and mother to her family and a true warm hearted
friend to all who came near her, could be, as Mrs. Mary V. Keeves has been, must
needs be told in your columns to stimulate and strengthen other noble spirited women
by her example. Mary V. Wilson was born Mary c, 1833, in the state of Virginia,
where she lived with her parents until 1854, when she married Anthony S. Keeves
and lived with him until May, 1898, when he was called to his Maker. It was said
of him: "Amid the temptations, trials and vicissitudes of his long career,
he kept untarnished and unsullied the bright escutcheon of his knightly honor."
He said of his wife many times: "All that I am I owe to the counsel and companionship
of my wife." Their forty five years of association was not as naught. Men live
lives of credit and are lauded, but women who have lives of strenuous effort and
succeeded in doing their duty by their home and surroundings go almost unnoticed.
Perhaps it is because the effect of their efforts is seen only in another, who gets
the credit as being self made. Be that as it may, women, like Mrs. Keeves, will
go on undaunted, with an unselfish devotion, something akin to godliness, in their
own quiet noble spirited ways, uplifting, purifying and strengthening mankind. —
Savannah Reporter.

Wright, Olive

Date of Death: 22 Jan 1914
Subject: Olive Wright
Source: Savannah Reporter, 23 Jan 1914, p. 1, column 3

Miss Olive Wright Died Yesterday.

Miss Olive Wright died Thursday, yesterday morning, at 5:30 at the home of her father
Charles Wright in Selecman Heights aged thirty-six years and five months after an
illness of several weeks. The funeral will be held at the Baptist church at 1 o’clock
Saturday. She had been a member of the Baptist church since early childhood and
was a quiet, gentle, obedient loving daughter always doing what she could. Her mother
died last summer and she has not been well since.

Obituaries — Pre-1924

Compiled by Monica Schirmer Eshelman. This is an ongoing project. Some of the documents are quite large, so allow time to load.

Larrabee, Bruce (c. 1897-1899)

WHITESVILLE
Jan. 30.

At the home of his parents in Barnard, Mo., Bruce, the little child of Dr. and Mrs. J. A. Larrabee departed this life on Thursday, January 26, aged almost two years. This is indeed a sad blow to the father and mother and gladly would we console them if we could, but words of ours are too feeble to carry consolation to their aching hearts; but though the little voice is stilled, no more pattering of little feet to be heard in that home, his life will live on in your hearts and what a sacred thought it will be to you in years to come to think of the sunshine his brief life brought to your home and to remember that he lived to love and be loved by those who will ever cherish his pure sweet memory.

The little one was laid to rest in the Whitesville cemetry [sic], Friday afternoon, by the side of his little sister, of whom the sad parents were bereft several years ago.

His voice on earth you will hear no more,
But he will call to you from above,
You will hear his voice and better be
Because of your darling’s love.

CLEOPATRA.

Clare, Francis (1812-1894)

Date of death: 25 Nov 1894
Subject: Francis Clare
Source: Andrew County [MO] Democrat, 07 Dec 1894, Friday, p. 1

Francis Clare was born in Pulaski county, Kentucky, March, 1812, and died at Excelsior Springs, Mo., November 25, 1894, aged 82 years, 8 months and 16 days.

He was married when a young man. There was born to this union five children, four boys and one girl. The daughter and one son preceeding [sic] the father to the spirit world.

While yet a youngman [sic] Mr. Clare joined the Baptist church and lived a faithful member until death. His wife preceeded [sic] him to the better land about four years. The remains were brought to Bolckow by train, accompanied by two sons, and buried by the side of his wife in Gravel Wall cemetery, a large concourse of people being present. The funeral services were conducted at the grave by the Rev. G. W. Litts, of Bolckow. The deceased has many friends and relatives in this community.– Bolckow Blade.