Obituaries and Death Notices
1895-1899
Coffey County, Kansas




This web page contains obituaries with Coffey County, Kansas ties. The source of the obituary is indicated.

from the Lebo Enterprise, January 24, 1895

Obituary.
After a long and severe illness, Josiah Lebo passed to his reward at three o'clock, Tuesday, January 8th, 1895, aged 65 years, 7 months and 22 days.
He was born in Indiana May 12, 1831, and removed to Kansas in the year of 1855, and barring one year, spent in Illinois, has resided here continuously.
The deceased was married to Mary Crail, Feb. 12, 1860, and of this union was born one son, who survives him.
He was one of the oldest settlers in this section and was well identified with the pioneer days of Kansas. He was a man whose heart was right, and therefore he was well and favorably known.
It is with sorrowful hearts that we bow to the will of the Father who doeth all things well. We know that we cfannot bring back the departed, but we know also that we can go to him, where death shall come no more. He passed away happy into his Savior's arms and we humbly bow to the will of the One who is able to cfarry us over Jordan.
Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church in this city at 1 o'clock P. M., on Wednesday--Rev. Harkness officiating.--Hartford News.

 from the Lebo Enterprise, February 14, 1895

DIED--Sunday, the 10th inst., west of Arvonia, Mrs. Jas. Barnett, colored. She was buried in the Arvonia cemetery, on the 11th, the funeral services being conducted by Rev. Todd Jones, and the interment by our efficient undertaker, W. C. Holloway.
 from the Lebo Enterprise, February 21, 1895

General Manson Dead.
The Delphi Ind., Journal reports the death of General Manson, who was a cousin of our merchant, J. M. Manson, of Dr. Manson of Burlington, and Mahlon, of Neosho township, this county:
He died at Frankfort Monday evening. He had been to Monticello with Col. W. F. Bush, Crawfordsville, and when at noon Monday they boarded the Monon south bound train the General told his companion that he felt drowsy. Two seats were turned together and the General made a pillow of his overcoat and fell into what was thought to be a gentle sleep. It was the sleep of death. The feet of the great old man had entered the dark waters and when the train reached Frankfort it was impossible to arouse him. He was carried from the train to the hotel where he died in a few hours.
God bless the memory of General Manson. He was one of those rough sturdy patriots whose sympathy and devotion was the salvation of the Union a third of a century ago. With him patriotism was a passion. He was strong and brave and true and his strength and bravery and truth and goodness, he offered to his country and to his country's flag in the hour of need. Left fatherless when an infant, his education was secured from the book of stern necessity. His was a struggle for existence: He faced the world and want, and won. No man ever lived who placed a higher value on our republican institutions and was prouder of our national glory. He embraced the first opportunity to enlist in the war with Mexico and was in the Mexican capital when the American flag was first unfurled over that city the signal of its capture. Although the champion of Douglass, he offered his services to Lincoln when Sumpter fell and never once flinched in his felty to the cause of the Union and the constitution. He never shirked a duty or responsibility either as a soldier or a citizen. He was a plain, blunt honest, patriotic man. He hated form and conventionality. He despised fawners and hypocrites. He never wore borrowed livery. The old hero loved children. I have seen him a score of times stop on the streets of Crawfordsville to shake the hands of little boys and girls. His heart was as tender as his courage was unflinching. He was universally beloved and honored. Again I say God bless the memory of General Manson.
 from the Lebo Enterprise, February 28, 1895

DIED.
Jesse B. T. Nichols, aged 65 years, fell dead from a stroke of paralysis, while in the act of pitching fodder onto a wagon on the farm of Col. David Taylor, near Emporia, at 5 p.m., Feb. 25, 1895.
Mr. Nichols moved from Ohio about 15 years abo to Texas, and from there to Morris county Kas, from whence he came to Lebo and settled several years ago. Last August he removed with his family to Emporia for the purpose of educating his children, and while there has been employed as a farm hand on the farm where he received his final summons.
He severed as a soldier in the 10th Iowa Infty during the war, in which service his bodily health was seriously impaired, and though for most part outwardly vigorous he had on more than one occasion received premonitions of the coming stroke. He was strong minded, self willed, yet tender hearted, a well meaning citizen, and a great biblican student which he construed for himself conscientiously as he saw it, aggressively and fearlessly so far as the opinions of others were concerned, having many eccentricities the memories of which are overshadowed and lie buried with his prostrate form.
The remains were brought to Lebo by the Emporia morning train on Wednesday, and buried in Lincoln cemetery to await the fulfilment of His coming and the ressurrection in which he so strongly believed. A large number of old neighbors and friends assisted in the last rites, and extend their sympathies to the bereaved family.
from the Lebo Enterprise, March 14, 1895
DIED.
Eva, wife of W. Romary, at her father's Monday at 3 a.m.
Frank Ireton informs us of a fatal accident the family of a brother of his. A little son of four years fell from a wagon while in motion, breaking his neck and expiring instantly.
from the Lebo Enterprise, March 28, 1895
Waverly lost two of her citizens very unexpectedly by death last week. A. Betts died about 5 o'clock of heart disease and H. H. Crouse at the same hour of some brain trouble. Mr. Betts was Stricken not more than five minutes before his death and Mr. Crouse was ill only two hours.
from the Lebo Enterprise, April 11, 1895

OBITUARY.
Hepsabeth Caroline Paddock was born in the state of N. Y., Oct. 21st, 1821, and died april 4th, 1895, at 5 p.m., being 73 years, 6 months, and 4 days old.
She was married in Troy N. Y. to Peter Oakley, and together they could have celebrated their 55 wedding anniversary next Nov. if she had lived. Five children were born to them all of whom were buried in their infancy. She moved with her husband from N. Y. to Ill. and from there to Iowa and came to Kansas 25 years ago settling on Badger Creek, where she made friends who remained true to her to the day of her death. From Badger Creek she came with her husband to Lebo in the early days of its settlement and heartily cooperated with him in building and improving a cozy comfortable little home in which to spend their declining years. Since her residence here she has been very feeble and though fond of company, has been unable to visit and entertain as would have been her pleasure to have done, so that to a good many of our people she was not very well known, but those who were intimately acquainted with her knew her as a friend in whom they could trust in times of adversity as in times of prosperity. Indeed having in her a friend meant having a strong friend while she in turn highly appreciated the warm friendship of others.
She was for a great number of years a member of the M. E. Church, an was a loyal Methodist, always rejoicing at its prosperity, and willing to aid all in her power toward its upbuilding. She was also loyal to her country, and disdained the man or woman who was cowardly or traitorous to the best interests of their country. He illness was only of one weeks duration, she in some way having contracted a cold which settled into pneumonia before it was realized what it was doing, until, with the best of care and treatment, it was too late to counteract its effects upon her frail body. Her sufferings were intense, but she remained conscious through it all, and was able to the very last to recognize all of her friends. Her nearest relatives were some nieces in the east, to whom word could not have reached in time for them to be here. Miss Fannie Caldwell, of Badger Creek, was notified Sunday and came immediately to her assistance, and Mr. and Mrs. Fuqua, old friends of the same place, came on Wednesday, Mrs. Brown, of Emporia, was also with her on that day, while her near neighboring friends were at her bedside to administer to her every want. She called for the minister and requested prayer and song, and spoke of how she always loved to go to church, and said, "though feeble, I always went when I cou.d" The funeral took place at the M. E. church Friday at 2 p.m., Rev. Whitehead, officiating, which was well attended. The aged husband who is left thus sad and lonely is among friends who deeply sympathise with and will smooth his pathway the remainder of his journey.
from the Lebo Enterprise, April 18, 1895
DIED.--Saturday morning, April 13, 1895, Pearl E., infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. G. Clawson, of pneumonia. She was buried at Ottumwa the next day.
from the Lebo Enterprise, April 25, 1895
Obituary.
A. T. Wilson was born in Pennsylvania Mary 3, 1811, and was married to Miss Mary Ross Janurary 1, 1834. Moved to Illinois in the years 1853, and to Kansas in 1880. For some years he was afflicted and suffered much. April 17, 1895, the end came in peace. The funeral services were conducted by the writer. The interment was in Key West Cemetery.
J. C. Miller

Obituary.
Our valley for over ten days, has been very much wrought up in solicitude, and sympathy for our esteemed Bro. and neighbor: W. W. Knight and his family. He was taken dangerously ill a week ago last Monday, and so soo as his suffering condition became known among his neighbors, a doubt took possession of the minds of all as to his recovery, hence the anxiety. On Monday morning he went to Lebo to consult Dr. Luck. He returned about noon, stabled his team, went into the house and rested a while, then returned to unharness them, but having been taken with a severe pain, and becoming unable to stand he could not complete the task. Mrs. K. became uneasy and went to look after him, and found him lying on the ground. with her assistance he managed with difficulty to get to the house. They were seen by one of the writer's boys, who hastened to inform us of what he had seen. We at once went to his assistance and found him in bed but some what easier. He remarked that unless he soon obtained relief he could not survive. All that seemed possible for human hands to do was done for him, until Friday night the 19th when he crossed to the other side.
Although he expressed himself from the very start as having no expectation of getting well, yet, we had hopes he was mistaken. While we could not expect that he would ever get healthful, yet we hoped he would get around again for a while. Little did we think the Sunday before, while he taught our class in Sunday school that one week hence, we would listen to and take part in his funeral obseques, at the same hour, and in the same room. Peace to his ashes, and loving memories to his christian and neighborly traits of character, and sympathy for the distressed and bereaved family. Those who kenw him as an old settler in the valley, are better qualified to estimate his manly qualities, and do justice in setting them forth than we though we have known him well enough to say that he was a man among men. Sympathetic companionable, obliging and generous, he was universal favorite. He was always ready to extol virtues, and detested narrowness and trickery, at the risk some times of unsavory criticism.
His influence was always found to be on the right side of moral questions and if through a misunderstanding, or before mature consideration, he took a stand on any question which was not to the best interest of those concerned and he afterward became convinced of his error, he was always ready to right wrongs, and did not consider that he was humbling himself in asking the forgiveness of any one whom he felt he had wronged.
He wa born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Oct. 5, 1841, and departed this life Friday, April 19, 1895, at his home on Lebo Creek, Coffey county, Kas., aged 53 years, 6 months and 14 days. His father died when he was a babe 6 months old, and he was thrown upon his own resources at the age of 9 years. He was converted when about 17, and joined the Methodist church. He was married to Rosana Worrell, July 4, 1864, at her home near Brownsburg, Indiana. Nine children were born to them, all of whom have gone before except Mattie and Arthur.
He entered the army in the fall of 1861 in Gin. Lew Wallaces' 11th Ind. Vols., and receiving a disability was honorably discharged. Recovering his health sufficiently he again enlisted in 1864 and remained until the close of the war. He was with Gen. Lew Wallace at Donaldson, Shiloh, and the celebrated campaign that opened the Mississippi. Since his army life his great, big, tender, generous heart has throbbed with an unfaltering loyalty and devotion to his country, though racked with pain. One of the most intelligent, safest, wisest counsellors of party and state, his loss will be sorely felt in places beyond his own immediate neighborhood.
Rev. Mackenzie, his former pastor, preached a most impressive funeral sermon on Sunday, at 2 p.m., when he was sorrowfully laid away by Lebo Lodge No. 152 A. F. & A. M., assisted by delegations of brother Masons from Neosho Rapids, Hartford and Burlington Lodges. The attendance was extraordinary large who took no account of the storm threatening weather accompanied by slight rain throughout the ceremonies.
Enshrined in our hearts, cherished in our memories, the world better for his having lived, words can add nothing to his monument or the jewels in his crown. Friends, neighbors, brothers--near, dear ones, in this hour look not to the east, or the west, but look upward!
BILL.
from the Lebo Enterprise, May 23, 1895

Lebo Creek.
Just a month has elapsed since the death angel served his melancholy summons in our valley upon the lamented W. W. Knight. Last Saturday evening he again cam, this time to the abode of our friend and neighbor James Wise, and piloted him across the chilling tide to be known no more on earths camping ground. Deceased was born at Rockville Ind., June 20, 1852, being 42 years 10 months and 28 days old. He was married Aug. 18, 1878, to Miss Anna Robinson who, with three boys and one girl and a host of friends, mourn his departure. He was well and favorably known and so far as we know had not an enemy. His illness was of long duration, and for some time after his disease was pronounced incurable he was still able to labor and did quite an amount of work before he was confined to his room. From what we could learn he had no fears in grappling with the grim monster death having made that preparation that disarms it of its sting. He was interred in the Lebo Creek cemetery Sunday evening May 19, the funeral being conducted by that venerable veteran of the cross Elder J. C. Miller, in a well chosen and effectively delivered discourse much beyond his seeming physical condition at the time. It is owing to bro. Miller's feeble condition of health that the writer at his request consented to perform this sad duty instead of leaving it to his more experienced hand. The church building was filled beyond its seating capacity on the occasion. The Rev. David Worley had an appoinment 4 weeks ago to preach for us, and a funeral sermon was preached by Bro. Mackenzie at that hour. Again he had an appoinment last Sunday, and another funeral was preached at the same hour, a coincidence we trust will not be repeated soon.
BILL.

Card.
I desire through the ENTERPRISE, to thank my neighbors one and all for their assistance and sympathy during the entire illness of my husband. The interest taken by them in aiding me in making him comfortable during his sickness is appreciated beyond my power to express. Also, Bro. Miller is enthroned affectionately in our hearts for the kindness manifested by him.
Anna Wise.
from the Lebo Enterprise, June 20, 1895
There were two interments in the Lebo creek cemetery last Monday, the infant child of Mr. and Mrs. W. N. White of near Ottumwa and Mrs. Jones mother of Mr. Rising and Mrs. John Blue. Mrs. Jones maiden name was Sarah Jane Harvey and she was born in Franklin Co. Ind. Aug. 22, 1822, and was married to Hiram W. Jones Jan. 22, 1838. To them were born 11 children all of whom have preceded her to the tomb except the two above named. She had for many years lived in our midst, making her home with her daughter and family to whom she was intensely devoted. She suffered severe bodily afflictions the greater portion of her eventful life, which closed at the age of 73 years nine mos. and 24 days. She had been a member of the M. E. church since her 17' year and before he death selected as a text for her funeral sermon: Rev. 7, 14, "These are they which came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." Rev. J. C. Miller preached the funeral sermon in his usual impressive manner. Owing to the brief notice of the funeral it was not as largely attended as it would have been otherwise. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the entire community.
from the Lebo Enterprise, September 3, 1896
Mrs. Smith, mother of Erastus and Sam Smith of this place, died Sunday about noon at her home near Ottumwa. She was 69 years of age and was afflicted with a combination of ailments of a chronic nature, and although taken sick Saturday there was no thought of its being any thing more than an ordinary attack, so that her sudden taking away was quite a shock to the family.
The funeral will be held tomorrow, awaiting the arrival of relatives from a distance. A large number of Lebo people will be in attendance.

from the Burlington Independent, December 31, 1897

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, January 7, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, January 14, 1898

Sudden Death.

Saturday morning last S. S. Wingett died very suddenly of hemorrhage of the lungs. He had been down town all day Friday and worked as usual, going home in the evening apparently as well as ever. After supper he read a couple of hours and then retired. About three o'clock on Saturday morning he had a severe coughing spell and dies before any of the family could get to him. Mr. Wingett was born in Ohio in 1820 and came to Kansas about twenty years ago. He served four years in the army during the late war and was a member of the G. A. R. post of this city. He leaves a wife and nine children, as follows: Mrs. S. S. Wingett, Burlington, and George Wingett, Pueble, Colo.; L. Wingett, Kansas City, Mo.; F. C. Wingett, Sterling, Kansas; Will Wingett, Pueblo, Colo.; Charles and Edwin Wingett, of this city; Miss Mattie Wingett, California; Mrs. George Elrod, Lincoln Center, Kansas, and Mrs. A. J. Ward, of this city. Mr. Wingett has been a resident of Burlington for a good many years and was a man who was well liked by everybody. He never had an enemy that we knew of. He was honorable in all his dealings and one of the finest mechanics that ever lived in our city. His funeral took place Monday last and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of friends.
from the Burlington Independent, January 28, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, February 4, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, February 11, 1898

Died of Heart Disease.

The news of the death of Charles Stoeltzing, of Le Roy, was received here on Tuesday last and was a great surprise to many of people as he was in town on Saturday last and apparently in good health. He was born in Germany in 1832 and immigrated to America when about fifteen years old. After spending some years in Pennsylvania he came to Kansas in 1856 and located on a farm in Spring Creek township. He engaged in stock raising and wool growing and became prosperous and prominent in the affairs of the county. He has served six years as couty commissioner and four years as probate judge. In 1874 Mr. Stoeltzing made the race for state senate and was defeated by D. W. Finney. He was first married in 1860 and a separation soon took place, after which he married Mrs. Matilda Russell, a widow with five children. Mrs. Stoeltzing died in 1883 and in 1887 he married a Miss Weimer and they lived together until 1895 when they were divorced. In November the same year he married Mrs. Lucinda Craft, of Le Roy, who survives him. Mr. Stoeltzing was a Royal Arch Mason and was buried with Masonic honors at Le Roy yesterday.
from the Burlington Independent, February 18, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, February 25, 1898

[Note: There is an excerpt of this issue of the Burlington Independent elsewhere.]
from the Burlington Independent, March 4, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, March 25, 1898

Neal Henderson Dead.

Word was received here a few days since that C. A. Henderson, of Osawatomie, died at that place on March 17th and was buried the following day. Mr. Henderson was a resident of Burlington a great many years and had many warm friends in this locality. Some ten years ago he engaged in railroading and it was not long until he was promoted to a conductorship and for a number of years his run was from Kansas City to St. Joe. Overwork, however, compelled him to take a less active position and he moved to Osawatomie, but the change did him no good. A fatal disease had a firm hold upon him. Most of the past winter he spent in a railroad hospital at Kansas City where two or three surgical operations were performed. About a month ago it was thought a change of climate might be beneficial and he was induced to go to Colorado. Instead of improving he grew rapidly worse. He returned home, reaching there on the 17th and his death followed the same evening. He was very popular among railroad men and was a member of the O. R. C. He was a son of Mrs. H. A. Eador and a half brother to Mrs. Ed. Rehkopf, of this city. Several ago years he married in St. Joe and he leaves a wife and three children.
from the Burlington Independent, March 25, 1898

Death of R. B. Woodworth

Richard Baxter Woodworth died from paralysis at his home in this city, March 18, 1898. He was 73 years old, having been born in Paynesville, Ohio, March 21, 1825. He was confined to his home nearly three months prior to his death. When in his 16th year he moved to Iowa and in 1845 he was married to Miss Elizabeth B. Morford, of Henry county, that state. Eight children was the result of the union, six of whom survive him. They are Mrs. Mary Gordy, Denver, Colorado; Mrs. Emma Mann, Iowa City, Iowa; Mrs. Jennie Watrous, Burlington, Kansas; J. W. Woodworth, Cripple Creek, Colo.; O. B. Woodworth, Van Buren, Arkansas, and O. M. Woodworth, Park City, Utah. Mr. Woodworth moved to Kansas in 1858, settling on big creek, this county. He opened up a farm and lived upon it eight years, during which time he served two terms as county commissioner. In 1866 he moved to Burlington and this was his home the balance of his life. Mr. Woodworth was a Christian in the fullest sense of the word. When twenty-four years old he became a member of the Congregational church and was one of the charter members of that church in this city. In 1870 he transfered his membership to the Methodist church and he was a member of the same, holding the position of steward, at the time of his death. He was loyal to his church and his country. He was a loving husband, a kind and indulgent parent, an excellent neighbor and a man whose friendship it was good for one to possess. Must of the success of the Methodist church of this city is due to the untiring work of Mr. Woodworth and his most estimable wife. Their helping hand is seen in all the landmarks in the history of that church. Noe have been more faithful. The funeral services were held at the M. E. church last Sunday at 2 p.m., Rev. J. E. Brandt, the pastor, officiating. the minister paid a truthful and glowing tribute to the Christian life work of our departed friend and neighbor. His good wife, who survives him, has the deep sympathy of our people in the loss of him who was her kind and loving companion for more than fifty years.
from the Burlington Independent, April 1, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, April 8, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, April 15, 1898

DIED.
from the Burlington Independent, April 22, 1898

DIED.

Mrs. Harkness Dead.

From the Hartford Times we learn of the death of Mrs. Lizzie Harkness, which occurred at Cottonwood Falls on the 12th of the present month. She was confined to her bed for more than three months. The funeral services took place at Cottonwood Falls and were conduted by Revs. C. R. Rice and H. J. Coker, after which the body was taken to Emporia and the interment made in Maplewood cemetery. Mrs. Harkness was the eldest daughter of Mr. Charles P. Morse and wife and was reared in Coffey county and will be remembered by all of our early settlers.
from the Burlington Independent, April 29, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, May 6, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, June 17, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, July 1, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, July 15, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, July 22, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, July 29, 1898

DIED.
McKINLEY,--In Burlington, Kansas, July 24, 1898, James B. McKinley; aged 60 years, 3 months and 5 days.

Mr. McKinley was born in Franklin county, Penn. He was a graduate of Alleghany College, Meadville, Penn. At the age of 17 he taught his first term of school in his native state, and he was employed as bookkeeper for a wholesale shous in Pittsgurg until the breaking out of the Rebellion. He then came to Kansas and at once enlisted in Co. L., 14th Kansas Volunteers, serving three years and was honorable discharged, holding the rank of sergeant. He was married to Julia A. Porter at Lawrence, Kansas, April 19, 1865, and to whom seven children were born, all of whom survive him. In 1869 he moved his family to Coffey county, locating on a farm 14 miles southwest of Burlington. Here he farmed during the summer and followed his profession of teaching during the winter months, until failing health compelled him to retire from active work and he moved to Burlington in the spring of 1890. He resided here until his death. For years he was an active member of the Presbyterian church. He was a charter member of the Grand Army Post at Gridley and his hand and purse were ever open to his suffering and needy companions in arms. The funeral services were held last Monday afternoon at the M. E. church, Rev. B. Robbins delivering the discourse. The interment was in Graceland cemetery. There was a large concource of sorrowing friends and relatives present, including many mambers of the G. A. R. and other old soldiers. Coffey county has lost one of her most valued citizens and our county one of its most loyal defenders. One by one the old veterans are passing away and another green mound will be tenderly remembered with garlands of flowers on Decoration day. Farewell, old soldier. Peace to your ashes.
from the Burlington Independent, August 5, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, August 12, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, August 19, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, September 9, 1898

Death of a Burlington Citizen.
On Saturday morning of last week the Topeka Capital announced the death of one of Burlington's most esteemed and respected citizens. The Capital said:
"Hon. A. M. F. Randolph, a former attorney general and for eighteen years reporter of the Kansas supreme court, was found dead in bed yesterday morning at 9:10 o'clock.
For the past two years Mr. Randolph has been the only occupant of the house at 1012 Harrison street, taking his meals at Captain Spivey's at 1100 Topeka avenue. Thursday evening he did not come to supper, but as he was in the habit of missing a meal occasionally nothing was though of it at Spivey home. When, however, he did not appear at the breakfast table yesterday morning, Captain Spivey became uneasy and walked over to Mr. Randolph's house. Failing to get an answer to his ring at the door he went around the north side of the house to the window of Mr. Randolph's sleeping room, called to him and rapped on the shutters. Failing again to get an answer, he called Judge Johnson and Henry Dillard, a colored man who was passing by. A shutter slaw was broken, the shutter unhooked and Dillard crawled through the window, opened the front door, and the three men went into the bed chamber.
Mr. Randolph was lying on the bed on his left side, turned partly on his face and clutching the sheet with one hand. He was attired in his night clothes. There was no evidence of any struggle and his position was that of a man who had just turned over in bed. The room was apparently in the order that he usually kept it and there were no evidences of foul play.
Sheriff Cook and Coroner Westerfield were at once notified, and in the afternoon an inquest was held, the jury returning a verdict of death from natural causes.
Heart failure or congestion is supposed to havge caused his death, though he seldom complained of being unwell. Thursday, noon, however, he told N. P. Garretson that he was going home to take a nap as he did not feel well. That was the last time he was seen alive.
A memorial service was held last night at the house where he lived, conducted by Dean Sykes and largely attended by his friends and former political associates.
When is was acertained that Mr. Randolph was dead a message was telegraphed to his brother, L. F. Randolph, an attorney at Nortonville and editor of the Nortonville News. Mr. Randolph, however, did not receive the dispatch. In the morning he decided to come to Topeka to visit his brother and was on the way when the message was sent to his home. In the afternoon as he was starting to his brother's house a neighbor who met him told him the sad news.
This morning the body will be taken to Nortonville by L. F. Randolph. There it will be interred in the family burying lot. Dean Sykes will conduct the ceremony.
A. M. F. Randolph was born in Allegheny county, N. Y., January 19, 1829, and was educated at Alfred academy, New York, and Allegheny college at Meadville, Pennsylvania. At the former place Solon O. and T. Dwight Thacher were his school mates.
From 1854 to 1859 he taught school at Covington, Ky., being assistant principal of the High school most of the time. In 1856 Allegheny college conferred upton him the degree of Master of Arts. during this time he read law in the office of Stevenson & Kinkead where he was associated with John G. Carlisle who was studying law in the same office at the same time.
After being admitted to the bar in the courts of Kentucky in 1859 he went to St. Louis, but soon returned to Covington.
When the war broke out he espoused the union cause joining the Forty-first Kentucky regiment. In 1868, Mr. Randolph came to Lawrence and in November located at Burlington as an attorney.
For two terms he was county attorney of Coffey county, and in 1874 was elected Attorney General, holding his position one term.
He was then elected to the Legislature and was chairman of the House committee which investigated the charges made at the time of John J. Ingall's re-election.
In April, 1879 he became supreme court reporter which office he held for eighteen years or until G. C. Clemens was appointed as his successor. during that time the Supreme court reports are a testimonial of his work.
Mr. Randolph never married but lived a bachelor's life. He had a fine literary taste and possessed a carefully selected library, well worn by constant use as his books were his intimate companions.
Shakespeare was his favorite author and he possessed the best editions of that writer whom he loved to read and quote.
He has written a number of articles for magazines and edited an edition of "Trial of Sir John Falstaff," which was issued from the press in 1894.
Mr. Randolph was well liked by those with whom he came in contact. He was not an aggressive man, but of a sociable and genial disposition and in a quiet way made friends wherever he went.
His relatives in Kansas are two brothers and two sisters who live in Nortonville."
The sad news of the death of Mr. Randolph was received here with sorrow. No man ever lived in Burlington who was better liked, and on account of his pure character he was elected to office in this county on several occasions. He has always claimed Burlington his home and came here to vote every fall. He also held his membership in the Masonic lodge here and was a member of the Church of the Ascension of our city. In his death Kansas loses a good citizen, one who made a record that will always shine in the pages of Kansas history. Those who knew him loved him and will remember him for years to come.
A Sad Death.
One of the saddest deaths that ever occurred in our city, was that of little Marguerite Winona Deets yesterday morning aged about seven years. About two weeks ago this little one was in the best of health, when she was taken with a slow fever. Ten days prior to her death she was unconscious most of the time. He father died a few years ago and Mrs. Deets and little Marguerite have since lived alone in their little home on Juniatta street, and the mother has seemed to live and work for the one purpose of making the child's life one of pleasure and enjoyment. And now her only child is taken from her by the angel of death, and a home that was full of sunshine and happiness a few days ago is one of mourning and sadness. Little do we know to-day what will occur to-morrow. "In life we are in death." Those who are with us to-day are liable to be gone to-morrow. The bright sunlight of life can be turned to a cloud of sorrow in the twinkle of an eye. But there is a hope in the future of a life where sorrow and trials are unknown; one of joy and happiness will be found. The rose blooms in the spring, it is beautiful, it is grand, but it fades and passes away. And like the rose those whom we love and admire, pass from us to a "home from which no traveler has ever returned." May God comfort the mother of little Marguerite Deets in her sad bereavement. Our community deeply sympathizes with her in the loss of her child.
On Wednesday Sept. 1st, Mrs. A. H. Mahurin, of Ft. Scott, passed away after a months illness. She was the mother of Mrs. J. W. Beavers, of this county, and Prof. J. A. Mahurin, of Lane, Kansas. She had lived in Bourbon county almost thirty-nine years.

 from the Burlington Independent, October 7, 1898

Death of C. Hoffer
On Friday last C. Hoffer died at the poor farm. He was sixty-eight years old. He died from softening of the brain. Mr. Hoffer was one of Burlington's oldest citizens and until his health failed him he worked every day that he could get work. He was a stone mason by trade and a good one. No man thought more of his work than Mr. Hoffer. He was strickly honest and if he left a debt on earth it was because he was unable to pay; not because he wished to beat anyone our of a penny. A few weeks ago we spent an hour or so at the poor farm and while there talked with Mr. Hoffer. His mind to seemed to be blank, as he could not recollect anything said to him for more than a minute.
On Friday last one of the triplets born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rigdon on Sept. 12 died from some unknown cause. The other two children seem to be in the best of health.

from the Burlington Independent, October 14, 1898

Death of Thomas Lane.
Daily News: Thomas Lane, the well-known old resident of California township, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cordelia Beelar, in Belcherville, Texas, Friday, October 7, and the interment took place there. Mr. Lane was born in Boone county, Indiana, May 12, 1822, and was therefore over 76 years of age. He came to Kansas in 1858 and located in California township, until a year or two ago, when he went to the home of his daughter in Texas. He had been in feeble health for a year or more. There were seven of his brothers and sisters, four of whom survive. They are Samuel H. Lane who lives in California township, James M., of this city, Mrs. Crogun, of Utah, and Mrs. Jackson, of Topeka. The surviving members of his family are Mrs. Beelar, of Texas, Squire M., of this city, and Eldo B., of Colo. The latter was with him in his last hours. "Uncle Tommy," as he was called, was one of the prominent characters of his locality, and in an unusual degree commanded the respect and esteem of the people who knew him. He was always kind, resourceful and full of life and that good fellowsip that attracts men and make the life of its possessor one of value and goodness in the world. It is with sincere sorrow that we chronicle the end of such a life.
A terrible accident, which resulted in the death of Leo. C. Hagel, took place at the Hagel home on Eagle Creek last Saturday night. About nine o'clock young Hagel went to the barn to catch some young pigeons that were roosting near the roof on some shelves where broom corn had been stored. In reaching up the shelves gave way and he fell some 8 feet, striking the end of a loose board, which also gave way, and the young man fell to the barn floor, about 12 feet below, making an entire fall of about twenty feet. He struck squarly on his feet, perfectlly rigid, then pitched over on his side. He was picked up unconsious and carried to the house and medical aid summoned, but there was no help. He remained in an unconscious condition until death, which followed in about four hours after the accident. The funeral took place last Monday and a large concourse of sorrowing people followed the remains to their last resting place in the Hartford Catholic cemetery. Young Hagel was about nineteen years of age, a bright, intelligent young man, and one who was universally loved and respected. He was a resident of Burlington a good many years and many of our young people will remember young Hagel. Jacob Hagel and wife, the grief stricken parents of the young man, desire to publicly express their gratitude to their neighbors and friends for their many acts of kindness and words of comfort in their sad affliction.

from the Burlington Independent, October 21, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, October 28, 1898
Mrs. Emily Havens, mother to Mrs. L. S. Drake of this city, died at her home in Wisconsin on the 9th of the present month. She was nearly 79 years of age. She was married to Rev. James Havens, a Methodist minister, in 1842. Several years ago the family located on a farm west of Burlington about 12 miles, and remained there about two years, at which time they moved back to Wisconsin. Rev.Havens is still living and has been actively engaged in the ministry for many years. Mrs. Havens' family name was Hobson and she was a near relative to Lieut. Hobson of late Spanish war fame. They were Carolina people.

from the Burlington Independent, November 4, 1898
from the Burlington Independent, November 18, 1898
DIED.
HURLEY--In Burlington, Kansas, Nov. 14, 1898, of old age, George W. Hurley; aged about eighty years.

from the Burlington Independent, November 25, 1898
DIED.
SHEELEY--In Star township, Coffey county, Kansas, Nov. 16, 1898, of lung trouble, G. L. Sheeley; aged 32 years.

from the Burlington Independent, December 9, 1898
DIED.
FANN--In Pottawatomie township, Coffey county, Kansas, Dec. 6, 1898, of old age. Matilda Fann; aged 87 years and 11 months.

from the Burlington Independent, December 23, 1898
DIED.
MILNER--Eight miles Southeast of Burlington, of old age, Mrs. Milner, aged 90 years.
DENHART--At her home in Hall's Summit, Dec. 12, 1898, of paralysis, Louise, wife of Conrad Denhart, aged 39 years.
Mrs. Denhart had been a resident of that neighborhood for nearly twenty years and was esteemed by all who knew her. She was a member of the Ladies' Aid Society and of the Cumberland Presbyterian church. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. McIlvain on Wednesday, the 14th.
The startling discovery made by H. H. Hufft and W. H. Hughs last Wednesday morning about 9:30 on H. H. Hufft's place of a badly decomposed body caused considerable excitement in and around Gridley. It seems that the body of the murdered man for such was the case, had been lying in the weeds near the partition fence of Hughs and Hufft one and one-half miles south of Gridley for at least five or six months before it was discovered. Last Wednesday morning Messrs. Hughs and Hufft went out about 9:30 to fix up the partition fence, which is some distance from any road. A hat was noticed by one of the gentlemen and upon investigation the bones and clothes of a man were discovered near by. A loaded revolver with the exception of one chamber was found under the body. A bullet hole in the back of the skull and the bullet lodged in the head told the story. The coroner was notified and held an inquest. The bullet and condition of the body plainly showed foul play. There are several theories advanced in regard to the dead man's identity and death but nothing positive as to either can be affirmed. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of killed by party or parties unknown. There was a dollar and one cent found in the pockets of the dead man. Dr. Salisbury brought the remains to our city and turned them over to the county undertaker, who will bury them today.


from the Burlington Independent, December 30, 1898

DIED.
BEAVERS--In Ottumwa township, Coffey county, Kansas, Dec. 29, 1898, of cancer of the stomach, Edward O. Beavers, aged 32 years.
The funeral will take place today at 10 o'clock a.m. and will be conducted by the Ottumwa camp of the M. W. of A. of which the deceased was a charter member. Interment will be made in the Bowman cemetery.
The man found at Gridley last week and brought to burlington was identified as H. G. Myers, of near Yates Center. He was fifty-seven years old, the father of nine children and had been deranged for several months. He left his home on July 19 and has been absent since. Mrs. Myers, wife of the dead man, was here and identified the remains.
from the Burlington Independent, January 6, 1899

OBITUARY.
Edwin O. Beavers passed away Dec. 28, 1898, after an illness of two weeks, of enlargement of the mesentic glands, aged 32 years. He was the youngest son of John Beavers and was born and reared on the old homestead where he died. He leavges a wife, two little children, an aged mother, a brother, a sister and many friends to mourn his untimely death. On Dec. 30th his remains were deposited in the Evergreen cemetery. His parents were among the first settlers of this county. The exemplary life of them and their children needs no comment. The bereaved ones have the sympathy of the community. Sad indeed is the death of one so young and promising.
DIED.
THIMES--In Pottawatomie township, Dec. 31, 1898, of consumption, Benjamin H. Thimes; aged 28 years 3 months.
STINE--Near Halls Summit, Jan. 3, 1899 the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Stiner.
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