Obituaries
& Death Notices
in the
Minneapolis
Independent
1880
Ottawa County, Kansas
Compiled by K.A. Jacques
2005
Andrews, infant
Minneapolis Independent, September 18, 1880
NORTH LOGAN
DIED, on Sept. 21st, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews.
Funeral services the 22nd by Rev. T.J. Ream of Delphos.
Baker, Roy
Minneapolis Independent, August 14, 1880
FOUNTAIN
The case of fire last week was too bad to think of. We
hope it will be a warning to us all. We were called to
witness the consequences. We have laid away a great
many, but never found one in such a terrible condition.
The circumstances were as follows. The parents had
gone to the river to set some hooks, and left the children
at home. The oldest girl is eighteen years of age. She told
a brother about ten years old to build the fire and she
would get some corn. This little fellow of seven said he
would build it, and went to the basement to start it. It did
not blaze as he wanted it, so he reached up for the oil
can, which was two-thirds full of oil. It caught fire and
exploded. He ran out to his sister, his clothes all on fire.
She threw her clothes around him, but with no effect.
Her own clothes caught fire and she was obliged to pull
off her skirt to save herself. The also tried to smother the
fire with a quilt but could not do so. The little fellow said
he wanted some water, which they brought and threw on
him. M.H. Kensey came to the rescue. The fire was still
burning. He threw more water and put out the flames.
His clothing was burned off with the exception of his
with the exception of his woolen pants. He refused to
have them cut off, as he thought his mother would not
like it, they being his best pair. On being promised others
he finally consented to have them cut off. The skin and
nails came off both hands together. He lived from 6 p.m.
to 3 a.m. The girl's hands and wrists were burned to a
blister. She did all she could to save her brother. The boy
was an unusually smart one.
Barron, George
Minneapolis Independent, January 31, 1880
GROVER ITEMS
We are called upon to record the painful intelligence of
the death of George Barron who departed this life Jan.
26th, 1880, he leaves singing school at this place just
half finished, he will be missed by all who knew him.
IN MEMORIAM
DIED - On Monday morning last, of lung fever, at his
residence on Pipe Creek, George T. Barron, aged 56.
The late Mr. Barron came to Ottawa County from
Michigan in June, 1870, in company with his wife and
two daughters, the eldest of whom Mr. A.B. Ayers
married, and Mr. James Tucker married the second
daughter. He was remarkable for his mental and physical
energy and activity, and possessed considerable ability
to influence his fellow citizens in any cause of purpose
he advocated. He had a good knowledge of the science
of music, and possessed considerable vocal powers, his
rendering of some of the old English ballads delighted
his hearers and made him a great favorite with all who
love music. By his great love of music and the pleasure
he took in inculcating a knowledge of it amongst our
people he stood in the first rank of those who consider
music an important element in human happiness. He has
been teaching a singing school at Grover and also at the
1
1880
Minneapolis Independent
EDITOR: WILLIAM GODDARD
stone school house in District No. 10 on Pipe Creek, the
latter he taught so late as last Wednesday, when he
complained of not being in good health. Since which his
indisposition gradually increased, but not sufficient to
induce the belief that his death was so near.
He has always taken an active interest in everything
tending to the social and education advancement of the
community. He was twice elected assessor for Concord
township, and when he moved his residence on Pipe
Creek he was elected assessor of Logan Township. He
was well known throughout the county and his death
will be much regretted by a large circle of friends and
acquaintances.
The mortal remains of Mr. Barron were interred in the
Lindsey Cemetery on Tuesday last. The Rev. Horace
Bushnell delivered the obsequies. Nearly forty vehicles
were employed to convey the large concourse of
volunteer attendants at the funeral, who where anxious
to testify their respects to the memory of the deceased.
Betteson, John
Minneapolis Independent, September 4, 1880
DIED, on Thursday last, August 26th, at the residence of
his mother at Bennington, John Betteson, aged 32 years,
of typhoid fever, after a short illness. He was a
blacksmith, was skillful and industrious at his business.
He was greatly esteemed by all who knew him and his
demise in the prime of life is deeply regretted by his
relatives and friends.
Boss, George
Minneapolis Independent, March 6, 1880
BENNINGTON
George Boss, a son of S.Z. Boss, died after a short illness
and was buried in Bennington cemetery March 2nd; age
19 years. He was a young man of good moral habits and
commanded the respect of all who knew him. He leaves
a father, mother and one sister (Mrs. Freeman) and many
relatives and friends to mourn his departure.
Bruce, Robert
Minneapolis Independent, February 21, 1880
Robert Bruce, of Bennington, who was injured in the
head last week by a windlass used in sinking a well, died
36 hours after the accident happened, but was
unconscious during the whole time.
February 14, 1880
FROM BENNINGTON
An accident occurred on the morning of the tenth instant
casting a gloom over our village. Robert Bruce, a well
known merchant and an early settler of this county,
engaged for pastime to aid F.F. Osborn and C. Bennett in
raising the stone from a twelve foot well only a few
yards from his store, the well being the property of Dr.
Osborn and Bruce. Bennett was in the well and Osborn
did the hauling up of the stone by means of a rope
windlass and tub whilst Bruce would shove a board
across the platform for the reception of the well tub.
After the tub had been drawn to the top and Bruce had
adjusted the board and the rope slackened so far in
safety, Bruce undertook to draw the tub on shore.
Osborn called on him not to move the tub - but too late.
The tub loaded with stone was precipitated to the bottom
of the well, at that moment throwing Mr. Bruce across a
trustle that supported the windlass, and the windlass
handle struck him on the back part of the head and
brought his body forward, at the same time inflicting a
terrible wound and fracturing the skull, which threw him
into lockjaw. Up to date he is still alive, but not expected
to survive long.
Casebeer, Lewy
Minneapolis Independent, March 13, 1880
Lewy Casebeer, son of Thomas Casebeer, died
Wednesday, the 3d instant, after an illness of three days,
at the age of six years. He was buried in Greenwood
Cemetery. Rev. D.D. Baird conducted the exercise. A
large concourse of relatives and friends were present.
2 Minneapolis Independent, 1880
Chuard, Charles L.
Minneapolis Independent, January 24, 1880
Charles L. Chuard suicided by hanging, Saturday at
Peoria, near Ottawa, Kansas. Wife and four children left.
Mental depression.
Clover, Mr.
Minneapolis Independent, September 11, 1880
BENNINGTON
Mr. Clover died after a protracted illness of nine weeks.
The body was taken to Mitchell County for interment.
Davis, child
Minneapolis Independent, August 14, 1880
FOUNTAIN
The hot weather is bringing sickness. Two small children
have been laid in Fairview Cemetery with the last few
days. One was Mr. Witt's, and the other was Mr. Davis's,
cousins living on Second Creek.
Davis, Wellington D.
Minneapolis Independent, July 3, 1880
IN MEMORIAM
It is our painful duty to have to record the death of one of
our old time city merchants. Wellington D. Davis departed
this life at this private residence in this city at 7:30 on
Thursday morning last, after an illness of six weeks,
caused by chronic disease of the stomach and liver.
The deceased gentleman was born in Marion
township, Wayne County, New York, in 1847,
consequently he was 33 years of age. He was in the
prime of life, and appeared healthy and robust. He leaves
a wife and three daughters to mourn his loss. He came to
Minneapolis in 1871. He built the two large stores at the
south-east corner of Second and Ottawa streets, one of
the largest and handsomest blocks in the city. He
occupied one with dry goods, groceries and
miscellaneous merchandise, and the other with
hardware. He was a man of great energy and enterprise,
and he was very successful in attracting a good share of
customers of both city and county to his stores. He built
a large residence on Fourth Street, where he resided
when he died. Mr. C.B. Davis, the proprietor of the
furniture store of Second Street, is a brother of the late
Mr. Davis.
The business left by the deceased will be continued
under the management of Mr. Swift, who has been
actively engaged in it for some two years past.
Divelbess, Mrs.
Minneapolis Independent, February 21, 1880
Mrs. Divelbess, mother-in-law of Mr. James Barrett of
this place, died at Salina Wednesday.
Dunham, Mrs.
Minneapolis Independent, February 28, 1880
BENNINGTON
DIED, Mrs. Dunham, aged 56 years, leaving a husband
and two daughters and many friends to mourn her
departure.
Early, Amanda
Minneapolis Independent, April 10, 1880
DIED, at Solomon City, March 13, 1880, Miss Amanda
Early, in the 22nd year of her age. Miss Early was an
accomplished young lady, having gained an education
mainly by her own exertion. She was a teacher by
profession, and taught her last school at the Ayers
schoolhouse in this county, and acquitted herself in a way
which gained the love of her pupils and the highest regard
of her patrons. She was a devoted Christian, and a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and died as she lived, in full
faith of having and enjoying a better and higher life
hereafter on the other side of the beautiful river.
E.M.
Eaton, Lucius
Minneapolis Independent, March 13, 1880
A telegram to the Rev. T.C. Eaton brings the sad news of
the death of his brother, Lucius, of Champaign Co., Ill.,
where he had lived twenty-four years.
3 Minneapolis Independent, 1880
Evarts (Ebberts), Annie
Minneapolis Independent, July 17, 1880
BENNINGTON
Mrs. Annie Evarts died the 13th instant, it is supposed,
from heart disease, aged 56 years. Mrs. Evarts emigrated
from Maryland about 9 months ago, in company with
her husband, two sons and one daughter. The daughter
died shortly after the arrival here, which seemed greatly
to increase her trouble. This with other family troubles
greatly aggravated her disease. On the morning of the
13th instant Mr. Evarts came to Bennington for a doctor,
but not being able to secure the services of the one of his
choice, took none, returned home, and about 11 a.m.
made his second trip. Still unable to procure his choice,
the doctor being absent from town, he waited for him to
come until about 1 p.m. and then returned home, which
is about three-quarters of a mile north of town. He found
his wife alone, dead, the neighbors not even knowing of
the poor woman ailing worse than common - no friendly
hand to aid her, not even to a cup of cold water. Thus
ended the last days of a good Christian lady.
Gouldin, Alice and baby
Minneapolis Independent, July 3, 1880
CULVER
DIED. Alice Gouldin and babe, the wife and child of W.Z.
Gouldin, June 15, 1880, at three o'clock p.m. Alice was
in her eighteenth year and the babe was three days old.
Neither one was thought to be dangerously ill until
within one hour of their deaths. The supposition is that
inflammation of the bowels was the cause of death. The
husband has the full sympathy of the community. The
funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Maxon at
H.R. Gouldin's grove at 11 o'clock a.m., July 10th.
Graves, Richard E.
Minneapolis Independent, April 3, 1880
DIED, on the 24 instant at three o'clock, at his residence
on Second Street in Lincoln County, Richard E. Graves,
in his 45th year.
Farewell, kind friend, calm be thy rest
In the stillness of that dreamless sleep.
No grief can disturb thee, no danger molest,
In that chamber so silent and deep.
He's left a companion in sadness to mourn
With three children that stand by her side.
Blessed hope to the widow - O God, Thou wilt be.
And for the fatherless Thou wilt provide.
AUNT LOUIE
Heald, Charles S.
Minneapolis Independent, March 13, 1880
IN MEMORIAM
It is with much regret that we have to record the death of
our much esteemed and well known townsman, Charles
S. Heald, who breathed his last on Saturday evening,
March 6th, a few minutes before six o'clock, from
disease of the liver. His complaint has been long
standing, but it was only four weeks since he was able to
attend to his business.
Mr. Heald was born at Birmingham, Florence
township, Erie County, Ohio, on the 3d of April, 1833,
consequently he was forty-six years, eleven months and
three days old when he died. He was in business as a
general merchant in Delaware County, Iowa before he
came to Kansas. He came to Ottawa County in
September, 1874, and purchased the store and lot at the
corner of Second and Ottawa Streets, where he has
conducted a very successful general mercantile business
ever since, in partnership with his brother, Mr. Amos
Heald. He has implicit faith in the permanent prosperity
of both our city and county, as practically manifested by
his investments in each. He built a commodious stone
mansion nearly opposite the M.E. Church for the
residence of himself and family, and which he occupied
when he died. He also built a large millinery store on the
north side of Second Street, which Mrs. Heald has
successfully managed for the last years. He owned 160
acres of land three miles south of town, 40 acres
adjoining the Rev. Mr. Eaton's farm, and also 80 acres in
Grant township.
He was a man of the strictest probity and honorable
and reliable in every transaction in life, and was
sincerely esteemed by all who knew him. He has been
elected a member of the city council every year since he
has been here, the only man in the city who has received
the support of his fellow townsmen such a number of
times in succession. If he had lived there is no doubt that
he would again have been re-elected.
4 Minneapolis Independent, 1880
He leaves a widow, and a daughter fifteen years old, to
mourn his departure.
His funeral sermon was preached by Elder Bishop
in the Presbyterian Church on Sunday afternoon last at
three o'clock. Appropriate and most excellent music was
rendered in the church, under the leadership of Professor
Vincent, who was supported by a powerful choir. The
church was not only crowded to its utmost capacity, but
large numbers who came were unable to gain admission.
At four o'clock the funeral procession moved towards
the cemetery on the hill, when over thirty vehicles fell
into line, besides a large number of pedestrians, who
paid their last respects to the memory of the deceased by
following his remains to the grave on foot.
The demise of C.S. Heald in the prime of life is not
only a sad, and irreparable affliction to his kindred and
friends, but is a great loss to this community. He was a kind
and devoted husband, an affectionate father, an enterprising
merchant, an honorable and liberal minded gentleman, a
good citizen, a kind neighbor and a faithful friend.
Lewis, T.S.
Minneapolis Independent, May 8, 1880
T.S. Lewis, of Coal Creek, died on Friday, April 30th, of
affection of the lungs, was buried on Sunday, May 2nd.
A large number of friends and neighbors attended the
funeral, having resided in Ottawa tp some ten years, and
was highly esteemed by all who knew him. He was
elected tp trustee the term before last. The Rev. T.C.
Eaton preached his funeral sermon.
Long, child
Minneapolis Independent, April 3, 1880
Mr. Long, living south of Darling's Point, lost a son on
Friday, who died from diphtheria, having previously had
the measles.
McCanley, Michael
Minneapolis Independent, January 24, 1880
Michael McCanley, stone mason, Beloit, Kansas,
midnight Saturday night, intoxicated, laid down on the
K.P. track; run over by several freights and buried Sunday.
McClanahan, John
Minneapolis Independent, July 3, 1880
BENNINGTON
John McClanahan died of palsy on the 23d instant at the
age of 63 years. He has not been able to walk but very little
for the last seven years. He emigrated from Athens County,
Ohio, and settled in Bennington about three years ago.
Morris, John
Minneapolis Independent, March 6, 1880
BENNINGTON
Mr. John Morris, the father of Mrs. Noah Boss, died on
the 28th day of February, aged 84 years. His remains
were taken to Salina for interment. Mr. Morris was an
old settler, a member of the Baptist Church for the past
forty years, a zealous Christian, a good citizen and
neighbor. He leaves a son and daughter and many friends
to mourn his departure.
Nance, infant
Minneapolis Independent, August 21, 1880
BENNINGTON
DIED, on the tenth instant, an infant child of Mr. and Mrs.
Nance. Mr. Nance has the sympathy of our community.
Nelson, Lewis
Minneapolis Independent, July 3, 1880
BENNINGTON
DIED, Mr. Lewis Nelson, aged 27 years. Mr. Nelson
settled in Bennington 11 years ago, and by his
uprightness, industry and enterprise made many friends.
He leaves three brothers and two sisters and the entire
community to mourn the loss.
Nobles, W.H.H.
Minneapolis Independent, September 4, 1880
DIED, Tuesday August 31st, W.H.H. Nobles of Sherman
Township, Ottawa County, at his residence, of typhoid
fever in his 86th year.
5 Delphos Republican, 1880
Patterson, child
Minneapolis Independent, July 17, 1880
BENNINGTON
Thomas Patterson had a child die on the 14th.
Reeves, William
Minneapolis Independent, March 27, 1880
DIED on the 5th of March, William Reeves, aged 25
years, 4 months and 14 days. His sickness was short but
severe. The supposition was that he was poisoned. He
was a young man well-liked by all who knew him, and
will be greatly missed by his young associates. The
funeral services were conducted by Rev. H.R. Gouldin.
Rowe, Juliett
Minneapolis Independent, February 7, 1880
BENNINGTON
DIED, on the 31 of January 1880, Juliett, wife of E.M.
Rowe, aged 58 years. Mr. Rowe settled and bought a
section of land west of Sloan Bros. about one year ago,
with a view to the improvement of his wife's health, our
country being salubrious, and well adapted for the
improvement of lung diseases, but the vile destroyer
(lung disease) was too firmly seated. Mrs. Rowe was a
kind wife and mother; was a devoted Christian and
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the past
thirty years. She leaves a husband and two children, J.E.
Rowe and Mrs. Jennings, with many friends, to mourn
her departure. Her remains were taken to Sheridan,
Lacell County, Ill. for interment.
Rueck, child
Minneapolis Independent, May 8, 1880
DIED, a child of Peter Rueck's last Wednesday night at 10
o'clock. Mr. Rueck's wife is also very sick, and the
probabilities are that she will not recover.
Sloan, Mrs. Horace
Minneapolis Independent, March 20, 1880
Mrs. Horace Sloan, living three miles below Lindsey, died
Wednesday and was buried Thursday in the Highland
Cemetery.
Spivey, Mrs.
Minneapolis Independent, March 27, 1880
DIED, at her residence on Salt Creek, on Thursday, the
18th instant, Mrs. Spivey, leaving a husband and family
to mourn her loss.
Taylor, Bertha B.
Minneapolis Independent, April 24, 1880
DIED, Bertha B. Taylor, daughter of Jasper and Sarah M.
Taylor, near Crown Point, April 18th, 1880, aged 10
years. Thus early in life the little flower faded on earth
to bloom in the realms of eternal beauty. May these kind
parents continue to trust in Jesus.
On, little did we think she'd be called for so soon,
But, oh, her morning sun has gone down ere noon.
Funeral services by Rev. J.H. Bloyd, pastor in the United
Brethren Church.
Thom, Amanda
Minneapolis Independent, May 1, 1880
BENNINGTON
DIED, wife of Mr. R. Thom, after a short illness, leaving
a husband and four children and many friends to mourn
her loss. The funeral services were conducted by Rev.
Seidel. A large number of friends attended the funeral.
DIED, near Caledonia, April 27, 1880, Amanda, wife of
Reuben Thom, in the 34th year of her age. The funeral
was quite largely attended by relatives and friends. Rev.
W.C. Seidel conducted the services. The deceased was
buried at the cemetery near Bennington.
Thom, John C.
Minneapolis Independent, February 14, 1880
DIED, on Sunday morning last, at eight o'clock, John C.
Thom, aged 22 years, 3 months and 14 days, oldest son
of Mr. Thom, the proprietor of the Commercial Hotel in
6 Minneapolis Independent, 1880
this city. He was affected with lung disease, and has been
sick since November last. He was a fine grown healthy
looking boy, well known and much respected in town.
He was buried in the cemetery on the hill east of town,
on Monday last, and a large crowd of friends followed
his remains to the grave.
DIED, in Minneapolis, Kansas Feb. 8th, 1880, John
Clayton Thom, son of J.W. and Nancy Thom, aged 22
years. The deceased was born in Jefferson County, Ind.
Oct. 24th, 1857 and came with his parents to this state
about ten years ago. By his amiability and gentlemanly
deportment, he made many friends, and his early death
will be a surprise to a large number who knew him in the
vigor of early manhood. For assistance rendered by
neighbors and friends, and offers of assistance equally
kind, Mr. and Mrs. Thom return their heartiest thanks.
Wheelock, Mrs. Andrew
Minneapolis Independent, September 4, 1880
BENNINGTON
Our village was called to witness a mournful and
sorrowful accident on the 28th inst. Mr. Andrew
Wheelock, wife and two children and James Lelans and
wife having been forced by the law of necessity to leave
the west, by the failure of crops and dry weather, to seek
employment. They left the town of Downs in Osborne
County, for Kansas City, Mo., in a covered wagon.
Having traveled thus far they came to Sand Creek
leading to Solomon City. One of the men waded across
the bridge and at the same time did not discover that
there was a bridge, it being all covered in water, and
there being no side railings to the bridge the water on the
bridge being only about 18 inches deep, the reporter
being unconscious of the fact that a bridge was there,
and though he was walking on the bottom of the creek
reported all safe and the team was driven on the bridge.
About midway the wagon was cast over thus drawing
the team with it; which resulted in the drowning of Mrs.
Wheelock and the two horses. Diligent search was at
once made but the unfortunate victim was not found
until after noon the next day. Her body was brought to
our village and place in Dr. Dempsey's office where the
body was cared for and late in the afternoon interred in
the Bennington Cemetery. The bereaved father and
husband being penniless a subscription was soon spoken
of and put into circulation, in which Wm. H. Boyd, E.D.
Struble and others were quite frugal. A pony purse of
about $50 was soon raised, to enable him to take his
children to Penn., amongst their relatives.
White, Mrs. George
Minneapolis Independent, May 1, 1880
BENNINGTON
On the 28th inst. Mrs. George White was followed to her
grave by 200 of her neighbors and friends leaving a
husband and five friends (the youngest being but a few
days old) to mourn her departure. Mrs. White was a
fervent Christian and a devoted wife and mother,
commanding the love and esteem of all who knew her,
with Christian faith to live beyond the grave. The funeral
services were conducted by Rev. Scott.
Witts, child
Minneapolis Independent, August 14, 1880
FOUNTAIN
The hot weather is bringing sickness. Two small children
have been laid in Fairview Cemetery with the last few
days. One was Mr. Witt's, and the other was Mr. Davis's,
cousins living on Second Creek.
York, Mrs.
Minneapolis Independent, July 24, 1880
Mrs. York died on the 16th inst., after a short illness,
leaving a husband, children and many friends to mourn
his (sic) departure.
7 Minneapolis Independent, 1880
8 Delphos Republican, 1910
Andrews
infant 1*
Ayres
A.B. 1
Baird
D.D. (Rev.) 2
Baker
Roy 1*
Barrett
James 3
Barron
George T. 1*
Bennett
C. 2
Betteson
John 2*
Bloyd
J.H. (Rev.) 6
Boss
George 2*
Noah (Mrs.) 5
S.Z. 2
Boyd
Wm. H. 7
Bruce
Robert 2*
Bushnell
Horace (Rev.) 2
Casebeer
Lewy 2*
Thomas 2
Chuard
Charles L. 3*
Clover
Mr. 3
Davis
C.B. 3
child 3*
Mr. 7
Wellington D. 3*
Dempsey
Dr. 7
Divelbess
Mrs. 3*
Dunham
Mrs. 3*
Early
Amanda 3*
Eaton
Lucius 3*
Rev. 4, 5
Ebberts
Annie 4*
Freeman
Mrs. 2
Gouldin
Alice 4*
H.R. (Rev.) 4, 6
infant 4*
W.Z. 4
Graves
Richard E. 4*
Heald
Amos 4
Charles S. 4-5*
Jennings
Mrs. 6
Kensey
M.H. 1
Lelans
James 7
Lewis
T.S. 5*
Long
child 5*
Maxon
Rev. 4
McCanley
Michael 5*
McClanahan
John 5*
Morris
John 5*
Nance
infant 5*
Nelson
Lewis 5
Nobles
W.H.H. 5
Osborn
F.F. 2
Patterson
child 6*
Thomas 6
Ream
T.C.(Rev.) 1
Reeves
William 6*
Rowe
E.M. 6
J.E. 6
Juliett 6*
Rueck
child 6*
Peter 6
Scott
Rev. 7
Seidel
W.C. (Rev.) 6
Sloan
Mrs. Horace 6*
Spivey
Mrs. 6*
Struble
E.D. 7
Swift
Mr. 3
Taylor
Bertha B. 6*
Jasper 6
Sarah M. 6
Thom
Amanda 6*
John C. 6-7*
J.W. 7
Nancy 7
Reuben 6
Tucker
James 1
Wheelock
Andrew (Mrs.) 7*
White
Mrs. George 7*
Witt
child 7*
York
Mrs. 7*
9 Minneapolis Independent, 1880
Index of names
*denotes obituary/death notice