USA > Indiana > Noble County > Obituaries and news items of early settlers of Noble County, Indiana : as published in the "The Albion new era" and other sources, 1876-1888 > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16
He leaves to mourn his departure two daughters and one son, Mrs. B. C. Lewis of Willard, Ohio, Mrs. George Knauer of this place, and Mr. John D. Stewart of Sturgis, Mich., aside from a number of brothers and sisters and many more distant relatives.
The funeral occurred from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Knauer on Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. J. E. Lawshe, Pastor of the local M. E. church officiating. Burial taking place in the Avilla Cemetery under the supervision of Funeral Director Mcclellan.
Excerpts from Second Obituary Samuel Patterson Stewart was born in Alleghany County,
T
·
---
-
1 50
Pennsylvania, July 15, 1840, and passed from this life February 21, 1927, aged 86 years, 7 months and 6 days. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan Hooper, December 17, 1863. To this union were born four children, two sons and two daughters. One son Arthur, died in childhood.
Mrs. Stewart passed away three years ago. Since her death Mr. Stewart made his home with his daughter Mrs. George Knauer of Avilla, Ind.
Mr. Stewart was a man of sterling character and a very ardent supporter of the cause of Prohibition, being one of its pioneer advocates in Noble County. He was a member of F. & A. M. Lodge No. 460 of this place and for many years was its honored secretary. He belonged to the Tribe of Ben Hur Court No. 40 of this place and was one of its foremost supporters, until lack of interest caused the Court here to disband.
In his early life he was an erdent Sunday School worker, and for many years taught the Men's Bible Class in our Sunday Schools.
He was the oldest of a family of nine children. One sister, Mate, and two brothers, Joseph and Matthew having preceeded him to the spirit world.
Obituary
Conden H. Macklin was born June 22, 1848, in New Springfield, Ohio. He was a civil war veteran having enlisted at the age of 16, in Company K. 18th Regt., Chio Infantry Volunteers.
After his discharge from the army he came to Indiana where he made his home with Ben Renkenberger in Swan township, following the trade of painter and
.
All cisse ato el
------
1 51
decorator.
In 1889 he was united in marriage to Carrie M. Dolan, to this union was born four daughters and two sons, one daughter and two sons preceded him in death.
He was a member of the Methodist Church of Avilla, having joined under the pastorate of Rev. Lamport; the Masonic Lodge, Chapter of Eastern Star of which he was a charter member, and the Life Associates of Ben Hur.
He passed away Saturday morning February 7th, at the age of 82 years, 7 months and 16 days.
He is survived by the widow, three daughters, Mrs. Seckle Yarian of Swan township, Mrs. J. E. Padgitt of Avilla, Mrs. Ora Miller at home and four grand children, a sister, Laura Miller of Mckeesport, and a brother George of Hubbard, Ohio, and other relatives.
Noble County Pioneer Dies
George H. Fairbanks, aged 82 years, a retired farmer, and one of Noble County's best known residents, died at 8:15 o'clock last Thursday at his farm just north of Fairbanks' Corners, after a lingering illness. Death was caused by complications and Bright's disease.
Mr. Fairbanks retired from active farming several years ago, and has since quietly lived on his farm, three miles north of this oity. For the past two years he has been ailing, and had been bedfast since December, 1927. Sunday morning his condition became critical, and since that time he rapidly failed, until death came.
N
...
٠
1 52
The decedent was born in Geanga County, Ohio, January 12, 1846, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Fairbanks, who moved to Noble County when George was but a few months of age. Mr. Fairbanks grew to manhood in the Fairbanks Corners neighborhood, and attended such schools as the times afforded. Later he completed a course at Hiram College, in Chio, but he chose farming as his life occupation.
On November 23, 1875, he was married to Miss Clara Jane Baughman, daughter of the late Grafton F. Baughman, who was a county official. For the past 53 years, Mr. and Mrs. Fairbanks lived on the farm where he died.
During his younger years, Mr. Fairbanks became affiliated with Kendallville Lodge No. 276, F. & A. M., and with Chapter No. 64, Royal Arch Masons. He was also a member of the Methodist church of Avilla.
Surviving relatives include the wife, four daughters, Mrs. David Shanline, Avilla; Mrs. Rolla Whitford of near Kendallville, Miss Bessie B. Fairbanks of Wichita Falls, Tex., and Mrs. Crlo H. Imes, west of Kendallville; one sister, Mrs. Emma Barton, who resided at the Fairbanks home; a niece, Mrs. Fred L. Bodenhafer and a grandson, Ralph Shanline, of Kendallville.
Funeral services were held at the late home Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, central standard time.
Robert E. Swinehart, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Swinehart was born in Noble County, Ind., July 29, 1865 and departed this life January 3, 1928, age 62 years, 5 months, and 5 days.
In the year 1892 he was united in marriage to Mary Mary E. Weimer. After their marriage they resided on
1
٠
O
.
T
.
153
the old home farm for a while, from there they moved to Avilla and later to Kendallville. Twenty three years ago they moved to the farm in Swan township where he passed away. This union was blessed with four children, three boys and one girl. Irvin, who lives in Swan township, Walter, of near Huntertown, Lula, who is still at home, a son Floyd preceded his father in death.
Besides the children mentioned he leaves the widow and one sister Mrs. Rebecca Haines of Kendallville, seven grand children, other relatives and a host of friends to mourn their loss. In the passing of Mr. Swinehart the family have lost a loving husband and father and the community a neighbor and friend which will be greatly missed.
In Memoriam
The funeral of Mrs. Etta Halferty whose death was mentioned in our last week's issue of The News was held on last Friday afternoon at the local Evangelical church with the Rev. Ira Steele, pastor officiating. Burial being made in the family lot at the Avilla Cemetery. The funeral was quite largely attended and many were the floral offerings from friends and neighbors.
She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ranier and was born at Waterloo, Ind., on Nov. 8, 1860. Her mother died while she was a small child, and she made her home with neighbors and friends at Kendallville and this community when she grew to womanhood.
She was united in marriage to Byron Halferty of this township in 1880. He preceded her in death about seventeen years ago. Except for two years spent at Waterloo, Ind., her entire life had been spent in
P
٩
٠
٠
.
-
PST
-
1
1
٠٠
Tenve PTAe
----- -
154
Avilla and Kendallville. For fifty years she had resided in the same home here and was favorably known.
Early in life she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and for years was active in church and Sunday School work. Specializing in primary work, she became affiliated with the county Sunday School organization and during the active period of her life was one of its valued members in extending the work throughout the County. She was 70 years of age at the time of her death.
Surviving relatives are one son, Ralph W. Halferty of Albion, Ind., two sisters and three brothers, together with numerous distant relatives.
Death of Former Resident
John Vanferson, a former well known and pioneer resident of this Community, died very suddenly at his room in the Waverly House at Hooperstown, Ill., on Wednesday evening, Jan. 4th. The body was brought to this place on Saturday morning and taken to the home of his cousin Mr. Willaim Pennel on North Van Scoyoe Street, where funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Lawshe, Pastor, of the local M. E. Church officiating.
Music for the occasion was furnished by Mrs. Lawshe and daughter, Dorotha. Burial took place in the local cemetery, under the direction of Funeral Director, Mcclellan, where his wife, formerly Miss Clara Clipper, and two sons, who preceded him in death many years ago, are also buried.
Those from out of town, who attended the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Walter Vanferson, Harry Vanferson and wife. Mr. Glen Crawford and Mr. Hosler of Elkhart,
8
.
٠
٥
1
155
Ind., and Mr. Chas. Hilkert of Swan, Ind., James Fulk of Swan Township, and Eldon Engle and family of Jefferson Twp.
An Excerpt taken from the Hooperston, Ill. paper of January 5th
"Mr. Vanferson was born at Avilla, Indiana, November 26th, 1852 and was over 75 years of age. He had been a resident of Hooperston most of the time for the past nineteen years.
Mr. Vanferson was a member of the Bricklayers Union, at Danville. The lodge will have charge of the services and burial. Fr. Vanferson leaves one sister, who is in very poor health at the present, and an inmate of the Masonic Home at Sullivan, Ill."
Aged Avilla Woman Dies
Mrs. Sarah Mckee, aged 82 years, pioneer resident of this community died last Thursday afternoon at the home of her grand daughter, Mrs. Lester Smith, Ft. Wayne, with whom she had been making her home since last September. Death resulted from complications incident to old age.
The decedent was a well known and highly respected resident of the community. She was preceded in death by her husband about 25 years ago. Mrs. McKee was a member of the Avilla Methodist Episcopal Church.
Surviving are two sons and two daughters, including Carl Mckee of Avilla, Edward Mckee and Mrs. O. L. Whan of near Avilla, and Mrs. A. W. Weed of Cromwell.
-
٠
.
1 56
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon from the Methodist Episcopal Church here, the Rev. J. E. Laushe officiating. The body was brought here Thursday evening.
Sarah Elizabeth (Switzer) Mckee was born in Bichalnd Co., Ohio, March 13, 1844 and departed this life at the home of her grand-daughter, Mrs. Lester Smith of Ft. Wayne, March 11, 1926, aged 81 years, 11 months and 28 days.
When but 12 years of age her mother answered the summons of death and Mrs. McKee came to Indians and made her home with her sister Mrs. Rachel King near Mt. Pleasant, remaining there until Sept. 12, 1863 when she was united in marriage to William Mckee. After marriage they resided north of Albion for some time then moved to Green township. To this union was born 9 children, Addie Weade of Kimmel, Nanna Whan of Swan township, Edward Mckee also of Swan township and Carl Mckee of Avilla, the rest having preceded the mother in death. The father and husband also preceded her, dying Sept. 14, 1892.
In early life Mrs. Mckee became a member of the U. B. church of Albion, but after moving to Swan she placed her membership in the M. E. church of that place and when she moved to Avilla about thirty years ago she became a member of the Avilla M. E. church and has been a member here since that time.
Mrs. McKee was a faithful Christian, a kind and loving mother and a friend and neighbor to all with whom she came in contact. And in her departure we can feel that though she is absent from our midst she is only transplanted and enjoying the blessed realities of the Christian life she lived while here.
Besides the children previously mentioned she leaves to mourn their loss ten grand children, three great-grand children and a host of relatives and friends.
هي
٠٦
OL
.
٠ .
٠
5
1 57
Rigdon Glosser Pioneer Dies
Eigdon P. Closser, aged 79 years, prominent Noble County farmer, died at 7 o'clock last Thursday morning at his home 2 miles northeast of Avilla, after an illness of several months. Death was due to heart trouble and complications.
The decedent first became ill in September, after a trip through a rain storm to Kendallville. His illness continued and he was not able at any time to leave his home. For the past several weeks his condition was critical.
Mr. Glosser was born in Ohio, June 23, 1849, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Glosser. Five years later in 1854, his parents moved to this section of Indiana, where he grew to manhood. He was married to Miss Columbia Bennett, and for the past 39 years they resided on the Glosser farm northeast of town.
The decedent was well known here, having spent much time in Avilla during the past few years. He was active as a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Avilla.
Surviving relatives include the widow, and two daughters, Mirs. Gertrude Forker, who lived with her parents since the father's illness, and Mrs. Edith Forker, two miles west of Kendallville. A son Frank, preceded Mr. Glosser in death.
Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the home. Interment, Union cemetery.
Ellis D. Bolton eldest son of James Proctor and Lucie A. Bolton was born in Swan Twp., December 13, 1870 and departed this life at his home in Swan, October 9, 1928, aged 57 years, 9 months and 26 days.
1
4
.
158
In the spring of 1901 he was united in marriage to Miss Icy May Bricker, and to them was born one child Lucile, who with her family, has lived with her folks, where she has helped in the care of her father, who has been confined to his home for a number of years and for about fifteen weeks he was confined to his bed.
These years were years of suffering for Mr. Bolton and care for his family, but they have felt amply repaid for the patience that has been given in these years, for out of it grew a glorious experience in which Mr. Bolton confessed Christ as his Lord and Master, and in that faith he fell asleep. He leaves to mourn his departure, the widow, cho daughter, two grand children, two sisters, Hrs. Wm. Pfeightner of Avilla, and Mrs. G. Fitzsimmons of Ft. Wayne, two brothers Carl of Swan and John of Avilla and an aged mother of Swan, also many other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed in the home, but he awaits the coming of his loved ones.
Dora B. (Padgett) Yeiser, beloved wife of Frank S. Yeiser and Mrs. Fred Golden responded to the call of her Savior, Wednesday noon January 20th, 1926.
Her birth occurred in West Virginia, June 23rd, 1864. In early childhood she accepted Christ as her Savior and united with the Calvary Presbyterian Church at Parkersburg, West Virginia. She came with her parents James Thomas and Lavinia Padgett, to Avilla, Ind., in 1879. In 1893 she revived her vows with Christ and united with the Avilla M. E. Church. She was a quiet but consistent Christian and always was found at her place of worship at church and S. S. when ever health permitted. She was also a member of the Eastern Star Lodge. She was one of the home makers ever looking to the welfare of others.
27
7
1
م
CLIOL
1 59
Altho too ill to see friends, she gave her testimony of her assurance and trust in her Savior. On being told of her Pastor's call she said "Tell him I am too weak to talk but all is well and I am ready to go." Later when parting with her loved ones, she asked them all to live a Christian life and help others in the way.
Aside from the husband and children, she leaves four grand children, one brother Francis S. Padgett, and two sisters Mrs. T. S. Savage of Parkersburg, West Va., and Mrs. Ella Collins of Tiffin, Ohio. Other relatives and a great host of friends.
The funeral services were conducted by their pastor Rev. James Laushe from the residence on Saturday after- noon, January 23, 1926, who by request read the hymms, "Abide with Me, " and "The Old Bugged Cross," followed by a talk from the 12th chapter and 13 verse of the Book of Daniel. Amid flowers and tears of sympathy, and love she was laid to rest in the Avilla cemetery under direction of Undertaker MoClellan.
Sudden Death of Mrs. Frank Crothers
This community was much surprised on last Thursday when announcement was made that Mrs. Jane Crothers, wife of Frank Crothers, well known grocer at this place, had passed away at the family residence on South Main Street at noon on that day. Death was caused by diabetes, and although she had been ailing for some time, she was confined to her bed but two days.
She was 64 years of age and was noted for her kind and jovial disposition and made friends easily. For years she had aided her husband in clerking at the store, and has performed that duty for the last time only on Monday of last week.
Ib
ء
٥
٠
٠
٥٠
2
٠
160
She was a member of the local M. E. churoh, and was quite active in Civic affairs, being one of the highly respected women of this community. She is survived by the husband; two sons, Rolla Crothers of Garrett, and Ralph Crothers of Angola; two daughters, Mrs. Fred Rauh of near Albion, and Mrs. Walter Pepple of this place, and one sister, Mrs. J. P. Leitch of Tallequah, Oklahoma and five grand children.
The funeral, which was one of the largest ever held in Avilla, was held at the Avilla M. E. Church on Sunday forenoon at ten thirty o'clock, with the Rev. J. E. Lawshe, pastor of the local church officiat- ing. Burial being made in the Avilla Cemetery under the direction of Funeral Director Mcclellan.
Obituary.
Ida Jane Hanlon was born in Green Township, Noble Co., Ind., March 15, 1867, and was the daughter of Mary Ann and Robert Hanlon.
She spent her early life on the farm where she was born. In 1889 she was united in marriage to Frank Crothers and came to live on a farm in Swan Township.
To this union four children were born, Mrs. Walter Pepple of Avilla; Mrs. Fred Rauh of Jefferson Twp., R. H. Crothers of Garrett, and R. C. Crothers of Angola.
In 1905 the family came to Avilla where they have since resided.
Mrs. Crothers united with the Hopewell Presbyterian Church early in life and after coming to Avilla transferred her membership to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
75
7F
.
م
-
!
1
٠
161
In her home she was loving and true and as a neighbor and friend we feel her life was above reproach and the world is better for her having lived.
Sumer K. Randall Called by Death.
Summer K. Randall, a native son of Allen township and for many years a popular and well known merchant of this place, passed peacefully away at the Randall homestead in Kendallville on Sunday afternoon at 2:40 o'clock, after an extended illness of several months from pneumonia and complications.
Mr. Randall was first taken ill with an attack of influenza and within a few days pneumonia developed. His condition became critical soon after the start of his illness and since that time had been but slightly Improved. Day after day his condition remained practically unchanged until last Friday when a change for the worse came. The strong heart and exceptional vitality which had fought the ravages of disease so gallantly for several weeks gave way and death came peacefully and without suffering.
Few, if any, residents of Noble County were more well known than Mr. Sandall. He was 82 years of age and & pioneer resident of Noble County. He was a son of Edwin and Mary A. (King) Randall and was born on May 2, 1843 on the Randall fara just west of this place, which became his home for more than seventy years.
He received his education in the township schools and following the death of his father, the control and management of the farm fell to him and for many years he successfully operated the farm.
Mr. Randall's business activities in addition to the conduct of his farm, extended in various directions and
،
٠
٠
162
for 33 years he was the proprietor of a general store in this place, which was known as Randall's Emporium and the mecca for people who came to trade for miles around. For years he engaged also in the business of the buying of grain and through his efforts Avilla became the center for a great grain selling constituency. Mr. Randall always took an interest in the welfare of his home town, Avilla and was ever ready to give financial aid to any project that might prove beneficial to the town and surrounding community.
Mr. Randall was married September 12, 1876 to Miss Loretta M. Stahl, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Stahl, who resided on a farm just east of this place. Their married life has been a very congenial one and if Mr. Randall had lived, they anticipated celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary the coming September.
Aside from the widow he is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Albert E. Thomas of Ft. Wayne and Mrs. Charles G. Beckman and Mrs. Arthur J. DeCamp of Kendallville and one sister, Mrs. Amy R. Seavey of Ft. Wayne. Mr. Randall moved from the Eandall homestead to Kendallville about twelve years ago and has resided there since.
Politically Mr. Randall followed in the footsteps of his father and became an ardent Democrat being ever ready to stand by the principles of the Democratio Party as enunciated in its platform. Fraternally he affiliated with Kendallville Lodge No. 1194 B. P. O. E .; Avilla Lodge No. 460 F. & A. M; Kendallville Chapter No. 64 F. A. M .; Kendallville Council No. 50 R. & S. M .; Apollo Commandery No. 19 K. T .; a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason, Ft. Wayne Consistory and a member of Mizpah Shrine Temple, Ft. Wayne.
Funeral services were held on Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from the late home on Diamond Street, Kendallville, the Rev. Arthur J. Folsom of Ft. Wayne officiating assisted by the Rev. M. E. Runden of
14
14
-
.
.
·
٠
ء
0
---
٠
163
Kendallville. Interment taking place in the Randall burial Area in the cemetery at this place which can be distinctly seen from the paternal home of the Randall's nearby. The active pall bearers were the three sons-in-law, Arthur J. DeCamp and Charles Beckman of Kendallville and Albert E. Thomas of Ft. Wayne and the three grandsons, Edwin R., Thomas E., and Perry R. Thomas of Ft. Wayne. The funeral was largely attended, many going from this place.
Grim Reaper Takes Another
John Hooper, age 90 years, passed away at his home on west Albion street on Tuesday afternoon at 2:45 from old age.
Mr. Hooper had been failing in health for the past year, not from sickness, but just wearing away. He was usually seen about town up until eight or ten months ago and after that he kas confined to his home and seldom was on our streets.
Mr. Hooper was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hooper and was born in Alleghany Co., Pennsylvania. He moved with his parents to a farm near Avilla when a young man. He was united in marriage to Jane King and up until 3 years ago they were partners in life, having lived 53 years together, until her death.
Mr. and Mrs. Hooper moved from the farm to Avilla twenty years ago and were fine neighbors and friends to all they came in contact with. Mr. Hooper is perhaps one of Noble County's oldest residents, having lived in this county for the past 70 years. He was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church and enjoyed attending services.
Mr. George Hooper, a brother of Carrett, and a number of other relatives survive. The funeral will be
.
.
T A -------
164
held from the home Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock and the remains laid to rest in the King's cemetery.
John S. Hooper son of William and Susan (Springer) Hooper was born in Allegheny County, Pa., November 30, 1835, being the eldest of a family of six children. With his parents he came to Indiana in the fall of the year 1857 settling on a farm in Swan Township in Noble County where he lived with his parents and assisted in all the arduous duties of farm life in those pioneer days until April 19, 1866, when he united in the bonds of holy wedlock with Eliza Jane King, daughter of Hiram and Catherine (Low) King, thereafter making his home with his bride on the King farm continuing the pursuits of agriculture, doing good and shedding sunshine wherever he could amongst his neighbors and friends. In the fall of 1888 he was called by the electorate of Noble County to serve them in the capacity of County Commissioner which office he filled to the satisfaction of his friends and credit to himself and the county.
About twenty years ago he and his faithful wife, who preceeded him in death about three years ago, came to Avilla to make their home where he resided since.
At a quarter of three o'clock in the afternoon of January 12, he was called to depart from this life and was ready and willing to answer the summons.
He is survived by one brother George Hooper; Edward Gump, a foster son, a number of nephews and nieces and great nephews and great nieces, besides a host of friends.
im m in
-
٠
21
4
---
165
Pioneer Resident Passes Away
Jane King, daughter of Hiram King and Catherine Low King, was born in Portage County, Ohio, October 17th, 1833. When but 3 years of age, she came to Noble County, Indiana with her parents, in May of 1837, and settled on a farm two and a half miles south-west of Avilla where she grew to womanhood.
On April 19th, 1866, she was married to John S. Hooper. There were no children. Mr. Edward Gump came into the home as a boy, grew to manhood, married, and has remained in charge of the farm ever since. Miss Mary Weil, now Mrs. Leo Blust of Aville, spent her girlhood days as a member of this household.
For sixty-eight years Mrs. Hooper lived on the old homestead, during which time she was untiring in helping those who were in want or distress.
In 1905 she and her husband moved to Avilla where they have continued to live among a large and wide circle of friends. She was a sister of Hiram L. King, Ira M. King, and Mrs. Edwin Randall, and was the last surviving member of her generation.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.