Gallia County Newspaper Obituaries [Smo-Sw]

Smoke, Jennie

Miss Jennie Smoke, daughter of Henry Smoke, who died at the institute of Gallipolis on Tuesday of last week, was 13 years and 8 months. The funeral took place on Thursday, and interment was made in the cemetery at Mt. Zion church. Her father and one sister survive to mourn her death.

Betty Snead, 17, Is Buried Today At Bluefield
     Betty Snead, granddaughter of Frank Mills, Sr., of Swan Creek, died Thursday in St. Luke’s Hospital, Bluefield, W. Va., of a hopeless kidney ailment.
     She was the second child of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Snead (Katherine Mills) and would have been 17 years old on June 29. Besides her parents, she leaves a brother Billy, who is in the armed service and a sister, Nancy, aged 10, at home, 354 Shenandoah Avenue, Bluefield.
     Funeral service was held at 3:30 this afternoon at the Bluefield Episcopal Church with burial in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bluefield.
     Mr. Mills, Frank Mills, Jr., and Mrs. Lewis Maddy of Swan Creek and Mrs. A. F. West (Dorothy Mills) of Marietta went up for the last rites.

Body of Miss Rebecca Snead Buried Here
The remains of Miss Rebecca Snead were laid to rest Wednesday morning in Pine Street Cemetery. W. N. Hayward having charge. Prayer was offered at the grave by Rev. Beardsley, funeral services having been held at her late home in Fayetteville, W. Va.
The body was accompanied here by her nieces, Miss Nettie Snead, of Huntington, and Mrs. Erskine Phillips, and Mr. Phillips, of Fayetteville. Mrs. D. A. Wolfe and son Harry of Pittsburgh, friends of the deceased, also were here.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday, March 14, 1928
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Death of Mrs. Francis Snead
At Her Home In The City On Last Saturday From Paralysis
Funeral Service Was Held Monday Afternoon
   Sarah Elizabeth Snead died early Saturday morning, May 28, at her home on upper Second Avenue, aged 70 years. Death was the result of paralytic shocks received Wednesday and from which she never regained consciousness.
   She was born in Greenbrier County, Virginia, her maiden name being Haptonstall and one brother, James Haptonstall, of this city, still survives her.
   She was married to Francis Marion Snead at her home near White Sulphur Springs, Virginia in Oct. 1857. In 1862, the family moved to this city and have occupied the same home for 47 years. Eighteen years ago Mrs. Snead underwent a severe surgical operation and has been in very delicate health ever since with the family bestowing on her every care and attention possible.
   She had been a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for many years. Besides the aged husband, she leaves children as follows: James of Huntington; William of Portsmouth and Mrs. E.N. Deardorff and Misses Lillian and Nettie of this city.
   The funeral services at the residence Monday afternoon were largely attended. Rev. Arthur P. Cherrington of the Methodist Episcopal Church conducting the same. The remains were laid to rest in the Pine Street Cemetery by Hayward and Son, the following being the pallbearers, H.E. Conard, J.W. Gardner, A.W. Kerns, S.B. Winters, A.H. Weaver and C.G. Parker.
   Mrs. Snead will be sadly missed and sincerely mourned by a large circle of friends and by the bereaved family.

[Note: Death Certificate..Born Jan. 28, 1841 VA; died May 28, 1910 Gallipolis; 69 years of age. Francis Marion Snead born 1834 Healing Springs, VA; died Aug. 25, 1919 Gallipolis, 85 years of age, widower. Burial Pine Street Cemetery.]

Death of Mrs. Snider
The remains of Mrs. Maggie Snider, who died at her home in Huntington, were brought to this city on Friday of last week, accompanied by the bereaved husband, Mrs. Henry Baxter, and other relatives, and received interment at Mound Hill Cemetery.
Deceased was a sister of Mr. John Cline, of this city, and the widow of the late Mat Williams. Her death was caused by dropsy from which she had been a sufferer for a long time.

Gallipolis Bulletin
Saturday, June 26, 1897
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

   James Snodgrass, 57, a resident of Rt. 2, Gallipolis, died at 7:20 p.m. Wednesday in Pleasant Valley Hospital. He had been in failing health the past six months. Mr. Snodgrass was a self-employed painter and carpenter.
   He was born April 25, 1922, at Gallipolis Ferry, W. Va., son of the late Matt Ellwood Snodgrass and Alice Mae Duncan Snodgrass, who survive and reside at 50 Mill Creek Rd., Gallipolis. He is also survived by his wife, Esta Beck Snodgrass, along with one son and one daughter, Tom Snodgrass and Linda Snodgrass both of Rt. 3, Gallipolis. Two grand-children survive.
   The following brothers and sisters survive; Richard Gallipolis; Mrs. Nellie Stover, Pt. Pleasant; one half-sister, Mrs. Glenna Henderson, Gallipolis and one half-brother, Harold Stover, Addison.
One brother and an infant sister preceded him in death.
He spent most of his life in Gallia County. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U. S. Army.
     Mr. Snodgrass was a member of VFW Post No. 4464 and Gallipolis Eagles Club. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m,. Saturday at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Rev. James Patterson officiating Burial will be in Centenary Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 until 9 p.m. Friday. VFW Post 4464 will present military honors at the graveside services.

Gallipolis Tribune
April 3, 1980
Transcribed by J. Farley

Miss Soden Dead
     Miss Rebecca Soden died in a hospital at Clarksburg, W.Va., Thursday morning, August 10, 1911, following a severe surgical operation. She was in her 51st year and had been a resident of Gallipolis until a few years ago, when she moved to Clarksburg.
     She is survived by brothers Jacob T., of this city, Samuel of Columbus, Roy of Springfield and a sister, Mrs. John White of Clarksburg. The remains, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. John White arrived here Friday and were taken to the home of her brother Jacob T. Soden of First Avenue.
     The funeral was conducted Friday afternoon by Rev. Arthur P. Cherrington of Grace M.E. Church, interment following at Mound Hill cemetery by undertaker Wetherholt. The following acted as pall bearers: Alfred and Elmer Davis, Arthur Pauley, Walker Sheets, W.K. Merriman and Silas E. Gilbert. Miss Soden was a good (rest of line missing.)

Mrs. Soles Dies Today In Wellston
     Mrs. Nellie Soles, 80, Bidwell, wife of Lester Soles, died at 8 a.m. Friday at a Wellston Rest Home . She was a life long resident of Bidwell. Born March 30, 1887, near Vinton, she was the daughter of the late Alonzo and Tirzah Huntley Quickle.
     Surviving in addition to the husband are two sons, Glenn Soles, Eureka, and Paul Soles, Columbus; a daughter, Mrs. Tommy (Mary) Chick, Gallipolis; a sister, Mrs. Carrie Woods, Gallipolis, and a brother, Tom Quickle, Vinton. There are nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
     Mrs. Soles was a member of the Mt. Olive Church, near Bidwell. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at the McCoy Funeral Home in Vinton. Burial will be in Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Saturday.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, January 19, 1968
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Sudden Death of Mrs. Soles
     Word reached town early this morning from Rodney of the sudden death of Mrs. Sarah Soles, of that village, widow of the late Valentine Soles, who died eight years ago. Mrs. Soles was 71 years old and lived alone at Rodney and she and Mrs. Susan Topping, who also lived alone, often spent the night together for company, Mrs. Soles now and then at Mrs. Topping’s and Mrs. Topping now and then at Mrs. Soles.
   Friday night Mrs. Soles was at Mrs. Topping’s. She had been engaged at work all day with her household duties as usual, and retired in a separate bed from Mrs. Topping. She was not feeling well, having been ill with the grip this winter, but being of a very industrious nature, she would go about and try to be as usual and of late had been complaining of her heart troubling her. At about 10 o’clock, Mrs. Topping got up for something and found that Mrs. Soles had passed away without a struggle or sign of dissolution. She had simply ceased to live and had passed away at the house of her old and true friend to whom she had been a companion for so many years.
   Mrs. Soles was kindly in her nature, good and charitable and Christian-like in her ways, though not a member of any church, and her death brings regret to all who knew her, as well as her own relatives.
She was born in Centreville, but had lived in Rodney for a half century. She was the mother of Mrs. Henry Gibbs, Mrs. George Bolles, Mrs. Gustie France and Mr. Harry Soles of this city, and who by the way went to Columbus only yesterday, and Mrs. Helen Cheney and Mr. Ed Soles of near Rodney, all of whom have our sympathy in their loss of a kind and good mother. She left no brothers or sisters.
   At this writing the funeral hour had not been set, but it is likely it will occur sometime Sunday. Harry has been telegraphed for.

Funeral Services
The funeral services of Mrs. Sarah Soles took place at her late home at Rodney at 10 a.m. today. Several of the relatives attended from here.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, April 10, 1899
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

     John Michael Sommer, 28, Gallipolis, died Sunday, July 12, 1992, at his residence. Born in Gallipolis, July 6, 1964, the son of Jon Michael Sommer and Janice Kaye McKenzie, both of Gallipolis, he was a 10-year employee of the Bob Evans Farms sausage plant in Bidwell, and was a member of the Moose Lodge in Point Pleasant, W. Va., and the Elks Lodge in Gallipolis.
   He was married to Mary Ann Johnson Sommer, who also died July 12, 1992. In addition to his parents he is survived by: a step-mother, Kim Coronel Sommer, Gallipolis; a son, Robert Casey Sommer, Gallipolis; a brother, Jason Frederick Sommer, Gallipolis, and a half-sister, Carol Jo Kidwell, Columbus.
   Also surviving are: maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Carrol H. McKenzie, Gallipolis; paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Sommer, Florida, and Mrs. Dorothy S. Starcher of Florida; a niece, Candice Sommer and an uncle, Frederick A. W. Sommer, Toledo. He was preceded in death by an aunt, Nanette Moody.
     Services will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis with the Rev. Albert Earley officiating. Burial will be in the Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Rick Moody, Joseph Moody, Bernard Holley, Bill Holley, Jack Saunders and Ralph Spence.

     Mary Ann Johnson Sommer, 28, 15 Ann Drive, Gallipolis, died Sunday, July 12, 1992, at her residence. She was born March 14, 1964 in Gallipolis, the daughter of Robert Lee and Beatrice Waugh Johnson of Crown City.
     She was a dispatcher for the State Highway Patrol Gallipolis Post, received The Dispatcher of the Year award for 1991, helped start the Gallia County MADD program, and she attended Kings Chapel Church.
Other survivors include one son, Robert Casey Sommer; three sisters, Mrs. Charlie (Regina) Cremeans, Mrs. Terry (Beverly) Shaffer, and Mrs. Scott (Donna) Gibson, all of Crown City; maternal grandmother, Lyle B. Waugh of Crown City; paternal grandmother, Freda Johnson of Crown City; three nieces and four nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Michael Sommer.
     Services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday at Willis Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Jeffrey officiating. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. Pallbearers will be Todd Johnson, Rick Stocker, Mark Danner, Allen Waugh, Bruce Waugh and Robert Waugh. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Waugh and Richard Waugh.

Sorg, Ambrose

Ambrose Sorg Dead
Mr. Ambrose Sorg, a former Gallipolis boy, but a resident of Parkersburg for many years, died at a hospital in Ironton last week after a long illness. The remains were taken to Parkersburg for burial. He was 48 years of age and leaves two daughters and brothers Adolph, Albert and Louis, and sisters Mrs. Frank Henake, Miss Elizabeth Sorg and Mrs. Chas. Ratekin, all of Parkersburg.

Gallipolis Bulletin
June 2, 1905
Vol. XXXVIII, NO. 31
Transcribed by Charles Wright

Souverain
Albert Souverain died Monday at Bridgeport, opposite Wheeling. We have no particulars as to the cause of his death. He was employed at the Mullineux planing mill for many years and has been at Bridgeport about five years. He was 39 years of age and besides a wife leaves Rube Souverain, brother, and Mrs. Alice Bowyer, a sister. The remains were taken to Mason City for burial, it being the old home of his wife. Albert was a magnificent specimen of manhood and had many friends here who will be sorry to learn of his death.

[Date of death: April 13, 1903]

Gallipolis Bulletin
April 17, 1903
Vol. XXXVI. No. 23
Transcribed by Joanne Galvin Top of Page

Sowards, Betsy

Mrs. E. Sowards Died This Morning - Burial 2 Monday
    After a long illness, Mrs. Betsy Sowards, wife of Eustace Sowards, died at 7:15 this morning at their home on Bladen rural route. Her age was 39 years and 50 days. She was the daughter of the late Vint and Lydotia Clark Houck.
   Surviving besides the husband are a daughter, Ruby, at home; two brothers, Henry and Noel Houck and a sister, Mrs. Eva Lewis, all of Bladen.
   Funeral services will be held at St. Nicholas at 2 o'clock Monday with Rev. Jennings Cremeens in charge. Burial in church cemetery by Stevens.

[Note: Tombstone reads 1880 - 18 March 1939]

Gallipolis paper
1939
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall

H. Sowards, 87, Claimed
     Homer Wilson Sowards, 87, one of the few remaining veterans of the Spanish-American War in Gallia county died at 10:30 p.m. Friday at his Kanauga home. An ambulance had been summoned to take him to Holzer hospital, but he died before it arrived.
     Mr. Sowards served this county as deputy sheriff in 1911 under Sheriff Jenkin Jones and in 1915, he was elected sheriff and served two terms. Later he was chief of police of Gallipolis for a period of eight years. He served in the Spanish-American War and saw active duty in Cuba. He was the oldest member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and at the time of his death was adjutant commander of       John T. Edward Camp No. 119.
     He was born on Aug. 20, 1873 at Crown City, the son of the late John and Margaret Williams Sowards. He spent his youth in Guyan twp., and when the war broke out enlisted and served until July, 1899. Shortly after his return he married the former Sophia Albertson of Cincinnati. They were the parents of five children and she and two sons, Charles and John preceded him in death.
     Three children who survive are Mrs. Leslie (Mabel) Dean of Daytona Beach, Fla., Mrs. W. Mason (Selma) Green of Newport, O., and Albert W. Sowards of Denver, Colo.
     On July 19, 1944, he married the former Virgie Lewis, and she survives at their Kanauga home. The body is at Miller’s Home for Funerals, and funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Final Rites For Mr. Sowards Set
Last rites for Homer W. Sowards, former sheriff and chief of police and Spanish-American War veteran will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Miller’s Home for Funerals. Rev. C. J. Lemley of Cheshire will officiate and burial will follow in Mound Hill cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Friends may call at the late home until 11 a.m. Tuesday and then at funeral home until the hour of the service. Pallbearers will be Warren F. Sheets, Paul Niday, Oscar Russell, Elmer E. Caldwell, Jack Finnicum and D. O. Taber

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, July 17, 1961
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

Miss Sowards, 68, Succumbs
Ruby Frances Sowards, 68, died around 6 p.m., Tuesday in the Holzer Medical Center following an extended illness. She was born in Ohio Twp., on March 21, 1904, daughter of the late Eustace and Betty Houck Sowards. She never married. Several cousins survive.
Funeral services will be held at the F. L. Stevers Home, Mercerville, at 1 p.m., Friday with Rev. Bruce Unroe officiating. Burial will be in St. Nicholas Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 5 p.m., Thursday.

[Note: According to Ancestry.com Ohio Deaths, 1908-1932, 1938-1944, and 1958-2007, she died January 2, 1973]

Wife of Former Sheriff Sowards Died At 9 A.M.
Word from Sons Awaited Ere Rites Are Planned
     Mrs. Homer W. Sowards, long an invalid, died this morning at the Sowards home in Kanauga. Mr. and Mrs. Sowards came home Thursday from Newport, Ohio, where they had spent 10 weeks with their daughter, Mrs. Selma Green. Saturday morning Mrs. Sowards lapsed into a coma and passed away without ever regaining consciousness.
   Sophia Albertsen Sowards, was born Feb. 5, 1881, in Winton Place, Cincinnati, and hence was in her 63rd year. Her marriage to Mr. Sowards occurred July 19, 1919, shortly after he left the Regular Army, in which he had served an extended period including that of the Spanish-American War.
   They lived for a few years at Crown City but the remainder of her married life was spent in this community. She assisted her husband when he was in the restaurant business on Court St., and at 502 Second and was matron of the county jail when he was sheriff of the county. She was a member of the Methodist Church at Kanauga and the WSCS and the auxiliary of the United Spanish-American War Veterans.
   Mrs. Sowards was tenderly devoted to her family and they reciprocated that devotion in full measure, especially during her four years of invalidism.
     There survive, besides the husband and the daughter named, these three children: Albert, who is in the army and in maneuvers near Shreveport, La.; Charles, who is in the navy and somewhere in the Atlantic, and Mrs. Leslie Deem of Kanauga. There are nine grandchildren and these two brothers: W. H. Albertsen, Pittsburgh, and Alert Albertsen, Huntington. A son, John, died when but 17 months old as a result of burns.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, October 18, 1943
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Mrs. Sowards, 93, Claimed
     Mrs. Vergie May Sowards, 93, Eureka, died at the Holzer Medical Center on Fourth Ave., around 2 a.m., Thursday. She was the widow of Homer Sowards, who preceded her in death on July 14, 1961. Mrs. Sowards was born in Raccoon Twp., daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Methere Allen. Her parents died when she was young. She was raised by her grandparents on Garfield Ave., (Allen Drive).
     She was twice married. Her first husband was Alvarado Lewis. Mrs. Sowards, who formerly lived in Kanauga, resided with a niece in Eureka during the past few years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Gallipolis for 74 years.
     Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Saturday at Miller’s Home for Funerals under the direction of Rev. Charles Lusher. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. on Friday.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Thursday, April 17, 1969
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Died in Huntington Hospital
William Sowards, 20, of Crown City, died in a Huntington hospital Sunday of typhoid fever after several weeks illness. His wife and one son survive.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, December 9, 1918
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Mrs. Spangler Dead
Mrs. M. J. Spangler, 87, wife of the late John F. Spangler who died three years ago, passed away last Thursday evening at their home at Thivenir from cerebral hemorrhage. She had been in an invalid condition for a year prior to her death from injuries received in a fall.
Mrs. Spangler was the mother of nine children, five of whom survive her. They are Mrs. W. A. Carter of Harrison township, Mrs. G. W. Lusher with whom she made her home, Mrs. W. H. Tope of Rock Island, Ill., W. F. Spangler of Cedar Falls, Iowa. and J. J. Spangler of Rolfe, Iowa. She was a fine woman with hosts of friends.

[Note: Buried in Cottrell Cemetery in Clay Twp. According to her death certificate available at familysearch.org, she was the daughter of Jacob Loneke and Ladocia Cotrell. 03 Aug 1826-03 Sep 1914]

Spear, Ben

Native Dies In West
Relatives here have just learned of the death of Ben Spear at Spokane, Washington, at the age of ninety years. Mr. Spear was a native of Gallia County and went to the far West when he was a young man. He came back frequently and his last visit was about three years ago.

[Note: Death Certificate..born 1853; died June 27, 1943 Wenatchee, Chelan, Washington; 90 years 3 months and 18 days of age. Father: Mathew Spear.]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
July 10, 1943
Transcribed by F. K. Brown

Spear, Ben H.

Died Suddenly
     Ben H. Spear, a former meat dealer of Gallipolis, died quite suddenly at the Riverview Hotel in Gallipolis on Monday morning, August 16, 1914. He was eating breakfast with his wife when he fell over and expired before a physician could reach him. Coroner Clary was called and gave heart disease as the cause of his death. Mr. Spear was apparently in good health and had been on the streets half an hour before he died.
     The remains were taken to the home of his parents in Walnut Township, where the funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon by Rev. Hugh Evans of the Presbyterian Church of Gallipolis. Mr. Spear's home was at Guyandotte and was here to visit relatives. He was 26 years of age and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Spear.
     Besides his parents he is survived by his wife, who is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gus Woda of Walnut Township, a daughter two years old, six brothers, Charles Everett, Emory, Ernest, William and Ezra and four sisters, Ola, Etha, Flora and Annie. Mr. Spear was a young man with many warm friends, who will join us in extending sympathy to the bereaved family.

[Note: Ben is buried at Mound Hill and the date on the tombstone and on his death record is actually August 17.]

Gallipolis Bulletin
August 20, 1914
Transcribed by Henny Evans                                                                             Top of Page

Everett Spears Dies Suddenly
     Everett W. Spears, 83, a native of Gallia county and a one-time store owner in Gallipolis, died very suddenly while sitting in a chair at his home, Rt. 2 Northup, at 8 p.m. Friday. His residence is known as the Old Spears homestead and it was there he was born June 29, 1871, son of the late William and Mary Graham Spears.
   He was one of 13 children born to that union, and the only one still living is Frank, 78. The two brothers never married, and had lived together all of their lives.
Brothers and sisters who preceded him in death were Elizabeth, Charles, William, Ezra, Etha, Benjamin, Flora, Anna, Ernest, John and Ola.
     An odd incident took place just three days ago when Spears wrote some of the above information and the following on a slip of paper: “On Easter Sunday in 1927, I was baptized and became a member of the Church of God in Gallipolis.”
     Funeral services will be held at the residence at 10:30 a.m. Monday, with Rev. P. A. Casto officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery under the direction of the Elliott and Sanders Funeral Home. Friends may call at the late residence after 3 p.m. Sunday and until time for the services.

     Emma Jane Lee Spencer, 98, of Kanauga, died Tuesday, May 28, 1991 at Scenic Hills Nursing Center. She was born Dec. 25, 1892 in Gallia County, daughter of the late Sherman Cox and Catherine Burns Cox. She was a retired employee of the Gallipolis State Institute, and a member of the Fairhaven Methodist Church and WSCS at the Fairhaven Church.
     She was preceded in death by her first husband, John W. Lee Sr.; her second husband, Herbert Spencer; two sons, Lewis and Luther Lee; two daughters, Dorothy and Lillian; and one sister, Rachel Virginia Curry.
     Survivors include three sons, John W. Lee, Jr., of Point Pleasant, W.Va.; Lester G. Lee of Kanauga, and Lawrence E. Lee of Columbus; 15 grandchildren; and several great and great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be conducted 11: a.m. Friday at Pine Street Cemetery, with Rev. C. J. Lemley officiating. Friends may call at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home from 6: to 9: p.m. Thursday.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday, May 29, 1991
Transcribed by Sandy Milliron                                                                            Top of Page

Spencer, Jennie M.

     GALLIPOLIS - Jennie Myrtle Spencer, 81, 560 Fourth Ave., Gallipolis, died at 2:45 a.m. Saturday in Holzer Medical Center, having been in failing health for the past several years. Born Sept. 20, 1903 at Gallipolis, daughter of the late Charles Ross and Margaret K. Sowards Carter, she lived for several years in Huntington, W. Va., and was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Spencer, in 1964.
     Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Gonzalez of San Jose, Calif.; two grandchildren and a great-grandchild; three brothers, Chauncey Carter of Gallipolis, Earl Carter of Circleville, and Stanley Carter of Cover, Mass.; and two sisters, Mrs. Ida Merle Durkee and Mrs. Mabel Herrsman, both of Gallipolis.
     Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday in Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodmere Cemetery, Huntington. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-9 tonight.

Gallipolis Tribune
January 20, 1985
Transcribed by J. Farley

Spencer, Marvin H.

     Marvin H. Spencer, 76, Rt. 3, Gallipolis, died Sunday night in Holzer Medical Center. Born Aug. 7, 1910, in Mason County, son of the late George D. and Harriet E. Fowler Spencer, he retired from Gallipolis Developmental Center in July 1980.
     Surviving are his wife, Sarah Berry Spencer, whom he married in Galipolis on Oct. 3, 1931; four sons, Randall Spencer of Richlands, N.C., and Peter Spencer of Gallipolis; three daughters, Mr. Earl (Margaret) Burnette of Gallipolis, Virginia Russell of Rt.3, Gallipolis, and Mrs. Donald (Eudora) Vanscoy of Gallipolis; 19 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
     He was preceded in death by a brother, three sisters and two grandchildren.
     Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Willis Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bruce Unroe officiating. Burial will be in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday.
     Pallbearers will be Richard Spencer, Donald Spencer, Mike Russell, Scott Russell, Boyd Burnette and Kevin Burnette. Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Montgomery, Tim Spencer, Kenny Spencer and Jim Saunders.

Gallipolis Tribune
Nov. 24, 1986
Transcribed by J. Farley                                                                                      Top of Page

   Emerson Arthur Spires, 79, of Pomeroy, died Saturday evening at the Pinecrest Care Center in Gallipolis. Born April 18, 1908, in Gallia County, he was a son of the late Lewis H. and Pansy M. Walsh Spires. He was a coal miner for many years and attended the Freewill Baptist Church at Old Kyger.
   Survivors include his wife, Rita B. Spires, Pomeroy; two daughters, Martha Fry of Pomeroy and Donna Bourne of Palm Bay, Fla.; three sons, Gene Spires of Alexandria, Va., Robert Spires with the U.S. Army in Japan and Jerry Spires of Pasadena, Texas; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; three brothers, Clair Spires of Fostoria, Ted Spires of Defiance and Chester Spires of Snowflake, Az.; six sisters, Marie Powers of Huntington, W. Va., Virginia Addlesburger of Bethesa, Ohio, Hilda French of McConnelsville, Marjorie Gardner of Bloomdale, Ohio, Mildred Hines of Fostoria and Dorothy Underwood of Rising Sun, Ohio; a half brother, John Spires of Morgadore, Ohio, and several nieces and nephews.
   Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Betty June Spires; one sister, Frances Price; three brothers, Ralph, Stanley and Lawrence Spires; a half sister, Bethel Grover; and three half brothers, Oscar, Howard and Wesley Spires.
   Services will be Wednesday, 1 p.m., at Rawling-Coats-Blower Funeral Home with Al Hartson officiating. Burial will be in Old Kyger Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 on Tuesday.

Aunt Ida Spires Dies in Athens
     Mrs. Ida Dyke Spires, 89, a lifelong resident of Gallia county, died at the home of her nephew, Rev. Robert Novell Russell, Athens at 3: p.m. Wednesday.
     “Aunt Ida” as she was familiarly known to a wide circle of friends and relatives, was born in Morgan twp., on March 9, 1869, the daughter of the late Harrison and Sarah Grover Dyke. At an early age, 13, she joined the Union Christian church, and just recently a history of that church written by her was published.
     She was twice married. Her first was to Samuel Russell, who preceded her in death on Jan. 30, 1894. Three children were born to that union, a son and two daughters. Surviving is Mrs. Bryce (Dale) McClaskey of Porter, with whom she made her home until five years ago when she went to Athens to live with a nephew. Another daughter, Mrs. Bertha Russell died in 1929, and the son died in infancy.
     Her second marriage, to David Spires, took place on Jan. 1, 1910, and he preceded her in death on March 9, 1947. She is survived by one brother, Jake Dyke of Waverly. There are 15 children and 15 great-great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services will be held at 2: p.m. Sunday at the Vinton Baptist Church. Her two nephews, Rev. Novell Russell and Rev. Nobel Russell will officiate. Burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park under the direction of the McCoy Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home after noon Friday and until the hour of the service.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Thursday, July 31, 1958
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

Lewis H. Spires Leaves 17 Children
Funeral Set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Cheshire
   Funeral services for Lewis H. Spires, 76, who died Thursday night at his home in Cheshire, will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Cheshire Baptist Church. Burial in Gravel Hill.
     Mr. Spires, a native of Morgan Township and a retired railroader, had been in distressing physical and mental condition the last two years. He was twice married and was the father of 19 children, 17 of whom are living.
     Mrs. Bethel Grover and Oscar Spires of Cheshire and John of Mogadore, Ohio are children of his first marriage. The surviving children of his second marriage are Stanley and Chester Spires, Kyger; Margie Gardner, Bloomdale; Emerson Spires, Cheshire; Lawrence Spires, Frances Price, Dorothy Underwood, Clair and Mildred Spires, all of Fostoria; Ralph U.S. Army, stationed in Germany; Hilda French, Zanesville; Virginia McCumber, Middleport, Marie Gilmore and Ted Spires at home. There are 34 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

   Mary Belle Spires, 87, of Ewington, died Sunday, March 30, 1997 at her residence. Born Feb. 8, 1910 at Stonelick, W. Va., daughter of the late Walter and Donie Skeen Polsley, she was a member of the Vinton American Legion Auxiliary and attended the Vinton Baptist Church.
     Surviving are her husband, Gerald Spires; a brother, Harry (Desta) Polsley of Ewington; and two sisters-in-law, Edna Rollins of Akron and Ernestine Polsley of Ewington.
     She was preceded in death by her first husband, Leland Terry, a daughter Patricia Terry; four brothers, Weston, Wirt, Warren and Fred Polsley, and six sisters, Verna Casto, Alice Fisher, Edna Rollins, Myrtle Cummings, Mayme Bee and Mae Bobo.
     Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Vinton Baptist Church, with Rev. Marvin Sallee officiating. Burial will be in the Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton on Tuesday from 7-9 p.m.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, March 31, 1997
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Spires, Roy

     Roy Leo Spires 89, Columbus died Saturday at Riverside Hospital in Columbus. He is survived by two sons, Darrell of South Carolina and Gerrell of Columbus. One grandson survives. Mr. Spires was a reired employee of the state of Ohio.
     Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the Northeast Chapel of Long Funeral Home in Columbus. Calling hours will be 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be 2:45 p.m. Thursday at Vinton Memorial Cemetery.

Gallipolis Tribune
Jan. 17, 1983
Transcribed by J. Farley                                                                                   Top of Page

DIED
     SPRAGUE--February 1st, at the home of his youngest daughter, Mrs. L.E. ELLIOTT, in Hammondsville, Jefferson County, BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SPRAGUE, formerly of Gallipolis, Ohio, in the 75th year of his age. His death was the result of injuries received by a fall while walking on the icy railway.
     He leaves many stricken hearts behind him to mourn their loss. Those of use who knew him best, and loved him withe the tenderest affection, can truly testify to the gentleness of his disposition in his old age, to his exalted life and studious habits. His patience and silent endurance, during his last illness was remarkable. The strong mind never once gave way, the grand true spirit never faltered.
     The funeral services were conducted by the Methodist minister of Hammondville, and were very pathetic and impressive. The attendance of friends and neighbors was large, for with his kindly, quiet ways, he had found a place in every heart. He is sincerely mourned by all. He died without an enemy.

"The Bulletin", Gallipolis, Ohio,
Saturday, March 18, 1883
Transcribed by Teresa Herrmann

Mrs. C. Sprague is Found Dead at Kerr Home
Funeral is set for 2 Sunday at Westerman
     Mrs. Catherine (Kate) Sprague, 71, who insisted on living a (words missing) and looking after her big Springfield Township farm, died alone at a late hour Wednesday in her home east of Kerr. She had suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and was found dead on a couch.
     Dr. N. H. Foster, Coroner and Deputy Sheriff Dickey arrived there about 9:30 in response to a call. The former said rigor mortis had not set in and he fixed the time of death at about 6:30. The body had been found by Otho Sprague, a nephew and neighbor and Cecil Scruggs, who worked on the Sprague farm. She was fully dressed and lying face down.
     Mrs. Sprague was the widow Charles Sprague, who died about 26 years ago. She was a daughter of Holley Levisay and was born near the Chillicothe road a short distance back of Gallipolis Nov. 1, 1870. Mrs. Sprague had not been well but had been getting about and doing her work as usual.
     She was a member of Westerman Methodist Church and the Ladies Aid and the Springfield Grange. The following children survive, Harry Sprague of near Bidwell, Mossman of Porter, Mrs. Helen Barnet of Marion and Charles, a teacher at New Marshfield.
     Mrs. T.J. Moore of Bidwell was a sister and Earl, Jake and Ted Moore and W.H. Livesay are among the surviving nephews.
     Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Sunday at Westerman by Rev. J.L. Stephenson. Interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery by Coleman & Sons.

[Note: Stone says 1870-1942......Death Certificate shows Catherine Sprague born Nov. 1, 1870; died March 18, 1942 at 69 years, 4 months and 17 days of age. Parents Holley Levisay and Eliza Short.]

Gallipolis Paper
No date
Transcribed by F.K. Brown Top of Page

Sprague, Hulda

Death of Mrs. Sprague
Mrs. Hulda Sprague, of Springfield township, wife of John E. Sprague, died Friday
night,Jan. 6, 1911, of lung trouble. She was about about 75 years old and a fine woman. She is survived by her husband, but no other relatives. Her funeral will be at Westerman Sunday at 2 p.m.

[Note from death certificate: buried at Pine Hill in Springfield Township, maiden name Boggs,
Apr. 16, 1834-Jan.6, 1911.]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
January 1911
Transcribed by Henny Evans

A singular coincidence heppened in connection with the death of Jas. H. Sprague. His first illness, we believe, was the result of an accident. News was received here this week, that his elder brother, Benj. Sprague, a former citizen of this city, but of late years of Hammondsville, Jefferson County, was also hurt in some way sometime ago, and never recovering from the injury died on the same day, and at nearly the same hour, and was buried the same day that his brother Joseph was.

     DIED - - At Gallipolis, on Thursday, May 21st, 1868, Mr. Joseph H. Sprague, Jr., in the 23rd year of his age. After a long and painful illness, on the evening of the 21st, just at sunset, he fell asleep, and was borne to that land “from whence no traveler returns.”
     As the sun sinks in the West to rise in the East, let us hope, as his sank behind the hill of death, that he may rise again on that day when the dead shall come forth at the sound of the trump ~ that he may come forth unto everlasting life, and not unto death.
     Let us hope that he trusted in One who hath said: “I am the resurrection and the life.” We can hope this, for he is in the hands of a merciful and just God.
     Amidst a number of friends, on the 22d, his remains were committed to the ground ~ “ashes to ashes, earth to earth, dust to dust” ~ to await the general resurrection, when all things shall be made known. He said that he would like to live, but that if he had to die, he was willing, thus showing a resignation to his death.
     He leaves a dear brother and loving father and family, and a number of friends, to mourn his loss. C.M.P.

The Gallipolis Bulletin
Wednesday, May 27, 1868
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Death of Lewis Sprague
     Mr. Lewis Sprague, son of the late David Sprague and a well known gentlemen born and raised here and a carriage painter in the old James Vanden shop, died in the Protestant Hospital at Columbus, Thursday morning April 16, 1903.
   He was an unmarried man, 47 years of age and left here some fifteen years ago to work in a carriage factory at Athens. For a year he had been in ill health and taking medical treatment for kidney trouble and about a month ago went to Columbus for treatment. He was a nice gentleman, much thought of wherever known and his death will be sincerely regretted by many friends.
     He left a brother, Mr. John Sprague and a sister, Mrs. Thomas Blackburn both of Catlettsburg and who are here with Mr Blackburn and their little girl and attended the funeral services at Epworth M.E. Church at 3 o'clock this afternoon, conducted by Rev. Frank Richards. He was buried by Undertaker Wetherholt in the Pine Street Cemetery, where lie his parents and other relatives.
     Mr. and Mrs Blackburn and little girl will remain here a few days. Mrs. Blackburn and brother, John, are the only relatives of his immediate family.

[Note: Death Certificate...Louis Sprague born 1857 Kentucky; died April 16, 1903 Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Age 46 years.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, April 17, 1903
Transcribed by F.K. Brown Top of Page

DIED
In Addison township, on the 15th instant, MARY ESTHER, daughter of NICHOLAS and LOIS SPRAGUE, aged 9 months and nine days.

     Thomas E. "Tommy" Sprague, 62, Bidwell (Evergreen community) died Tuesday, Feb. 18, 1997 in the Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth.
     Born July 19, 1934 at Kerr, son of the late Chauncey and Florence Moore Sprague, he was an employee of Norris-Northup Dodge, Inc., Gallipolis. He was a 1952 graduate of Bidwell-Porter High School, and a U.S. Army veteran.
     Surviving are his wife, Patricia Skidmore Sprague, whom he married Nov. 16, 1955 at Gallipolis; a daughter, Karen Sprague of Gallipolis; a foster son, Keith E. Burnett of Belpre; two sisters, Lucille Skidmore of Vinton, and Virginia Adams of Bidwell. He was also preceded in death by a brother, George "Buster" Sprague.
     Services will be 11 a.m. Friday in the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home Wetherholt Chapel, Gallipolis, with the Rev. Jim Lusher officiating. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel from 5-9 p.m. Thursday.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the River Valley Athletic Department, in care of Sharon Vannoy, 1428 Little Kyger Road, Cheshire, Ohio 45620; the Gallia Academy High School Athletic Boosters, in care of Mrs. Robin Lane, P.O. Box 1058, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631; the M-Team, Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio 45750; or the University of Rio Grande Boosters Club, URG, in care of Dr. Clyde Evans, Rio Grande, Ohio 45674.

William R. Sprague, 64, Middleport, died at Holzer Medical Center, Tuesday. He was a retired telegraph operator, a World War II Army veteran, member of Middleport United Methodist Church.
He was born Nov. 22, 1921 at Bidwell to the late Ross and Florence Glassburn Sprague. He married Emily Phillips, August, 1952, in Toledo, and she survives along with one daughter, Glenna Sprague, Chicago.
Funeral services will be Saturday, 1 p.m., McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton with Rev. C. Sonny Zuniga and Rev. Woodrow Bell officiating. Burial in Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call at Thursday, Rawlings-Coats-Blower Funeral Home, Middleport 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Visitation Friday at McCoy-Moore Funeral Home 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday, December 18, 1985
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Martha Jane Spriggs
     Martha Jane Spriggs, 64, Rt. 1, Bidwell, died at 7:15 p.m. Wednesday in Holzer Medical Center, having been in failing health for the past nine months.
     Born Aug. 13, 1917, in Gallia County, the daughter of the late Joseph and Harriet Brown Albright, she was a retired sales clerk and attended Springfield Baptist Church.
     She married Woodrow O. Spriggs in 1939 and he also preceded her in death in June 1965.
     Surviving is a son, Woodrow of Lafayette, Ind.; a grandchild; three sisters, Mrs. Laura Brown of Bidwell, Mrs. Clarabelle Drummond of Gallipolis and Mrs. Lynn Monroe of Patriot; and a brother, Dallas, of Gallipolis. Six sisters and three brothers also preceded her in death.
     Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral home, with the Rev. Larry Justice officiating. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-9 p.m. Friday.

George Springer, died at 1:45 AM Wednesday at his home at 43 Neil Ave. He leaves his wife, the former Gracie Johnson, and the following children: Virgil Thomas, Mrs. Homer (Margeret) Johnson, Mrs. Clayton (Betty) Johnson, Clarence and Hazel Springer, all of Gallipolis; Marshall Layne of Welch, W. Va., is a step-son.
Funeral services were held at 2 PM Friday at Swan Creek Chapel. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Sprouse, Naomi Gertrude

Mrs. Sprouse Dies At Home
Mrs. Norman Sprouse who had been bedfast for the past 8 1/2 months, died at 7:30 a.m. today at the home of her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Arnold Sanders, Turkey Creek in Lawrence County, Ohio. Surviving Mrs. Sprouse are her husband and one year old daughter, Leann, six sisters and three brothers: Mrs Leslie (Audrey) Beaver, Mrs. Charles (Iva) Beaver, Mrs. Dwight (Garnet) Beven, Sharon, Carl, Blaine and Sidney, all of Crown City; Mrs. James (Annabelle) Combs, Huntington, WV and Mrs. Dale (Zenia) Flone, Columbus. Although time of the funeral has not been set it is scheduled for Siloam Baptist Church, where she was a member. It will be held sometime Wednesday and burial will follow in Saunders Cemetery.

[Note: Death Certificate..Naomi Gertrude Sprouse, born May 28, 1920; died July 19, 1952 Lawrence County, Ohio; aged 32 years. Parents: Arnold Sanders and Goldie Shaw.]

Gallipolis Paper
July 1952
Transcribed by F. K. Brown

Spurlock, Jesse M.

Jesse M. Spurlock, 81, died suddenly from a heart attack at his home at Bladen Monday afternoon. He was formerly a carpenter by trade, but ill health and age had prevented his working for several years past.
His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Barker Spurlock, survives him, as does a daughter, Mrs. May Griffith, of Fort Worth, Texas. Burial will be at Mt. Zion the latter part of the week after the daughter arrives.

[Note: From DC B.2 May 1854 - D.17 Feb 1936 - Ohio Tp. Buried Mt. Zion. Parents: Harvey Spurlock & Elizabeth Campbell]

Gallipolis paper
1936
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall

Nola Faye Spurlock, 72, Rt. 2, Crown City, died at 7:10 p.m. Saturday in Holzer Medical Center. Born Aug. 28, 1911, in Gallia County, daughter of the late Robert and Clara Lanthorne Barcus, she attended Providence Church. Surviving are a son, Earl of Crown City; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Thelma) Barcus of Oak Hill, and Mrs. Ray (Connie) Waugh of Crown City; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Norma Daniels, Mildred Sanders and Emma Jean Dray, all of Gallipolis. He (sic) was also preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in Mina Chapel Church, with the Rev. Earnest Baker and the Rev. John Jeffrey officiating. Burial will be in Mina Cemetery. Friends may at the residence of Connie Waugh after noon today [sic]. The body will lie in state in the church one hour prior to the service. Funeral arrangements are by Miller’s Home for Funerals.

Stambaugh, Mary K.

     Mary Kathryn (Crace) Stambaugh, 60, died Friday in Crescent City, Fla. A native of Huntington, W.Va. she moved to Crescent City from Gallipolis in 1982.
     Born Aug. 3, 1928, she was the daughter of the late James E. and Marge Ellen (Young) Crace. Also preceding her in death were her husband, James Stambaugh.
     She is survived by one sister, Mrs. Sanford (Georgene) Childers of Welaka, Fla.; one brother, James H. Crace of Gallipolis; two nieces and five nephews.
     She was a member of the Vinton Methodist Church, Vinton Order of Eastern Star No. 375, and White Shrine of Jerusalem No. 44 of Gallipolis.
     Services will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home with the Rev. Archie Conn officiating. Burial will be at the Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call Monday, 7 to 9 P.m. at the funeral home. OES services will be Monday, 8:49 p.m.

Gallipolis Tribune
Nov. 1988
J. Farley                                                                                                      Top of Page

Stamp, Anna

Anna Stamp, 72, of Columbus, died Friday at home. A Gallia County native, she was born Jan. 6, 1913 to the late George and Lesta Smith Cremeens. Survivors include her husband, Herbert W. Stamp; two daughters, Helen Martin and Mildred Herndon, both of Columbus; one son, Carl Wade Wheaton of Columbus; 15 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Rutherford-Shroyer Chapel, 1278 West Broad St., Columbus, with Rev. William T. Dick officiating. Graveside services will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Poplar Ridge Cemetery in Cheshire Township. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Gallipolis Tribune
Sept. 1, 1985
Transcribed by J. Farley

Eugene Stanley, the sixteen-year son of Richard Stanley, was seized with chills Friday noon, and died Saturday morning of that terrible disease, cerebro spinal meningitis. His father, who is Steward on the towboat Jno. Hanna, was telegraphed for. He was a bright, handsome boy, and well liked.

Gallipolis Bulletin
December 8, 1881
Transcribed by Margaret Calvin. Top of Page

Mrs. Stapleton, 27, Died Friday
Funeral Is Set For 2 Sunday At Ohio Township Home
     Mrs. Mary Ellen Stapleton, wife of Carl Stapleton, died at 5:30 last evening at the Holzer Hospital. She had been brought there early that morning from their home in Ohio Township (Crown City R.D.) but a few hours later she was expecting to return home.
     Mrs. Stapleton was in her 28th year and was born and reared and spent her whole life in the lower end of the county. She was a daughter of George and Elizabeth Ann Pike Haskins, both deceased.
     Surviving besides her husband are two sons, Floyd Edward, 8 and William Franklin, 7 and four brothers, Lawson, Calvin, Walter and Chauncey Haskins, all of Crown City.
     Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Sunday at the Stapleton home and it was thought likely that Rev. Oma Williams will officiate. Burial will be in the Kings Chapel Cemetery by F.L. Stevers.
     The Stapleton home is near the site of the Jim White home in the burning of which about 12 or 15 years ago eight persons lost their lives.

Staten, Anauias

Gallipolis Man Killed
Anauias Staten, Respected Colored Man, Meets Death at Dam No. 10
Mr. Anauias Staten, a colored resident of this city, met death by having his neck broken by a hoisting crane striking him Saturday morning at 8 o'clock at Dam 10 at where he was employed. Mr. Staten was a well liked old man in his 65th. year. He had been in the employ of a number of prominent families here years ago and was honest and square in every way. He originally came here from Virginia and married here.
One son, James, of Cincinnati and a daughter, Mrs. Irene Lee, of Charleston, survive him. The remains arrived on the noon train Sunday and were taken to the Hayward Undertaking establishment where they will remain until Tuesday when they will be taken to the Paint Creek Baptist Church where the funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m.by Rev. Wright with burial at Pine Street Cemetery. He was a member of the Masonic, I.O.O. F and K of P lodges.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, June 8, 1914
Transcribed by F. K. Brown

Mrs. Sarah Barlow Steel
Sad funeral services were solemnized on Sunday morning last, at 10 o’clock, at Dayton Ohio, over the remains of Mrs. Sarah Barlow Steel, who died October 12., at her late residence in that city. Mrs. Steel had been a resident of Dayton for the last three years. Previous to that she resided in Gallia County 82 years.
She was the daughter of Elnathan and Annie Morehouse Barlow and widow of the late William Steel. Funeral at U. B. Miami Chapel, Rev. J. E. Synder officiating.

The Gallipolis Bulletin
Saturday, October 21, 1893
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron

Death of Aged Lady
     Mrs. Elizabeth Steger of Thevenin died Sunday evening, aged 92 years. She was born in Green township and was the daughter of Frederick and Susanah Kerns. She has made her home for several years with her son-in-law, Mr. Henry Harrington.
     She is survived by a son residing in New York and son Henry in this county. She was a nice old lady and had many friends.
     The funeral was held Tuesday at her home, interment following at Centenary by Wetherholt.

Gallipolis Bulletin
Friday, April 3, 1908
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

Death of Mrs. Steinbeck
Mrs. Doretta Steinbeck died at Athens, last Saturday morning. The remains were brought here Saturday evening, and taken to the residence of her son, Mr. G. H. Steinbeck, where the services were conducted Monday afternoon, by Rev. Mr. John W. McCormick, interment following at Mound Hill Cemetery, by Wetherholt.
Mrs. Steinbeck was born in Hanover, Germany, and was eighty seven years of age. Her husband, John Steinbeck, died in1899. One son, G. H., one daughter, Mrs. Valentine Swigert, and one brother, Mr. David Bolte, of Pittsburg, survive.

Death Claims Mrs. G. H. Steinbeck Suddenly Last Week
     Mrs. Doretta M. Steinbeck, wife of G. H. Steinbeck, died suddenly Tuesday evening, Jan. 16, at 6:30 o’clock at her home on Third ave., with intestinal grippe. Mr. and Mrs. Steinbeck very recently moved to town having sold their farm and her illness was of only a couple of days duration.
     She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Ecker and was born in Allegheny, Pa., August 28, 1851. She was united in marriage to Mr. Steinbeck in July, 1872 and they became the parents of four children, three of whom, with their father survive -- Mrs. J. A. Lear, Green township, William L. Morris, Ill., and Frank H. of this city. She is also survived by one sister Mrs. Leonard Beck, a half brother, George Ecker of San Diego, Cal., two half sisters, Mrs. W. H. Miles of this city and Miss Charlotte Ecker of Detroit and her stepmother, Mrs. Keeler of this city.
     Mrs. Steinbeck was a member of the Lutheran church and an excellent woman, devoted to her home and family and the sorrowing and bereaved relatives will have the sympathy of all. The funeral services were held Friday at the Baptist church by Rev. J. W. McCormick and the burial was at Mound Hill cemetery by Wetherholt.

The Gallipolis Journal
Wednesday, January 24, 1912
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Former Gallian, J. C. Steinbeck, Dies Suddenly
     John C. Steinbeck, 71, former Gallipolis businessman and hotel attache died suddenly at 10 p.m. Friday night in his Cleveland home. He had just returned from taking his step-son to a hospital following a heart attack. He had just returned home and seated himself when he suffered the fatal attack and died in a matter of minutes.
     Mr. Steinbeck was born in Germany on June 20, 1889, and came to this country at an early age. He was a traveling man for many years and met and married the former Edith Davis of Gallipolis on Dec. 25, 1913. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis, and a sister of the late Alfred and J. Elmer Davis. After several years of marriage, he settled in Gallipolis and engaged in the shoe repair business. Later he was associated with the Libby Hotel, and was also engaged in the insurance business. His wife preceded him in death on Dec. 4, 1949.
     Children who survive his first marriage are Mrs. Lyman (Ruth) Lockwood of Toledo, John Jr., Henry Luder and James Steinbeck, all of Gallipolis. There are eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A brother George Steinbeck of Florida also survives.
     Eleven years ago he left Gallipolis and went to Cleveland, where he was associated with the University Club. There he met and married Marcella Schuster, who survives. They made frequent visits to Gallipolis.
     The body is at the Chambers Funeral Home in Cleveland, and will arrive at Miller’s Home for Funerals Monday, when funeral arrangements will be announced.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Saturday, July 23, 1960
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

Death Of Miss Steinman
Miss Augusta Sophia Steinman, aged 78 years, passed away Saturday evening at nine o'clock. She was the daughter of Gottlieb and Sophia Steinman and was born at Lancaster May 23, 1833.
She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Laura M. Deletombe of Lancaster and Miss Mary Ceclia Steinman of this city, with whom she always made her home.
Short services were held at the home on 3rd. Avenue Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock by Rev. Williams after which the body was sent to Lancaster on the Hocking Valley and upon arrival the funeral services will be held in the afternoon at the Lutheran Church of which she is a member and burial will take place. The Masons of Lancaster will act as an escort.

[Note: Death Certificate...died March 4, 1911. Parents: Gottlieb Steinman born Germany and Sophia Camnity born Maryland]

Stephens, Inez

     Inez Ellen Stephens, 89, a resident of Chesapeake, died Sunday at Pulley Care Center, in South Point. She was born June 24, 1900 in Huntington, W.Va., a daughter of the late Sherman and Mary LaFon Nance. She was preceded in death by her husband, Owen T. Stephens, two brothers, two sisters, and two infant daughters.
     She is survived by five daughters: Mrs. Harvey Opal Butcher and Mrs. Billy Imogene Templeton, both of Chesapeake, Mrs. Quida Templeton Johnson, Belpre, Mrs. Russell Wykle Whitley, Vinton, Mrs. Charles Nancy South, South Point, three sons: Owen Stephens, Jr., Chesapeake, Jack Stephens, Valdosta, Ga., and Richard (Dick) Stephens, Clearwater, Fla.
     Twenty grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter survive, along with three step-grandchildren along with one sister, Mrs. Retta Brammer, Chesapeake.
     Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Schneider Funeral Home in Chesapeake with Rev. Dallas Reynolds and Randy Templeton officiating. Burial will be in Centenary Cemetery. Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Gallipolis Tribune
Jan. 30, 1990
Transcribed by J.Farley                                                                                   Top of Page

     Della K. Stevens, 87, died at Holzer Medical Center Sunday following a brief illness. She was a resident of Porter. She was born Aug. 13, 1891, in Gallipolis, daughter of the late Phillip and Caroline Goetting Kraus. She married the late H. Morton Stevens, Dec. 29, 1913. He died in 1969.
     She is survived by two daughters and two sons, F. Eugene Stevens,Bidwell; E. Wyman Stevens, Sarasota, FL; Mrs. Donald (Virginia) Grant, Springfield and Mrs. Carribel Dingess, Porter. Four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren survive. She was preceded in death by one brother.
     She attended preparatory school and Bliss College. She was a postmaster in Porter from 1933 to 1959. She attended Porter Methodist Church and was a member of Rodney Methodist Church as well as a charter member of the Porter Women's Society of Christian Service and was a past president of that organization. She was also a charter member of Harris Grange.
     Funeral services will be Wednesday, 1 p.m. at the Porter United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Rowland and the Rev. C.J. Lemley officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Rio Grande. Friends may call this evening at the McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The body will lie in state one hour at the church prior to the services.

Stevens, F. Eugene

     F. Eugene Stevens, 81, Bidwell, died Monday, Jan. 22, 1996 in Holzer Medical Center. Born Oct. 4, 1914 in Gallia County, son of the late Morton and Della Kraus Stevens, he was a retired elementary school teacher in the Gallia County Local School District at Bidwell and Cheshire schools. He taught for 37 years prior to his retirement in 1979.
     He was a graduate of the University of Rio Grande with a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and a former Springfield Township trustee. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II, and a member of the Vinton American Legion Post 161, the Gallia County Retired Teachers Association and Vinton F & AM Lodge 131.
     Surviving are his wife, Mildred Ward Stevens, whom he married June 17, 1941 at Bidwell; a daughter, Janice (Steve) Bryant of Bidwell; two grandchildren; and two sisters, Virginia (Don) Grant of St. Paris, and Carribel Dingess of Porter.
     He was also preceded in death by a brother, Wyman Stevens.
     Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the McCoy-Moore Funeral HOme, Vinton. Burial will be in the Vinton Memorial Park. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday.
Masonic services will be conducted in the funeral home at 8 p.m. Wednesday. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Vinton American Legion Post 161.

Gallipolis Tribune
January 1996
Transcribed by J. Farley                                                                                      Top of Page

Mrs. W. R. B. Stevens
     After an illness of several months, Mrs. Margaret B. Stevens died on Monday evening, February 27th. She was born in this city in 1818, and was the youngest daughter of the late Daniel Baltzell, who came from Morgantown, Virginia, to Gallipolis, in 1814. Her entire life was spent in this city. Here she was born, educated, married, and died.
     Of a numerous family, but one sister and two brothers survive her ~ Mrs. Harriet Gates, of Charleston, W. Va., Dr. Thomas W. Baltzell, of Kentucky, and George Baltzell, of Illinois. Mrs. Stevens was married in 1839 to the late Mr. W. R. B. Stevens. She was earnestly devoted to her family, and it can be truly said she was a kind and affectionate mother. Two daughters survive her - Mrs. George D. McBride and Mrs. A. R. Chase, both of this city.
     The funeral services were held at the family residence on Wednesday last, the Rev. John Moncure officiating, the burial taking place at Mound Hill Cemetery.

The Gallipolis Bulletin
Tuesday, March 6, 1888
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Mrs. Stevens, living near Ewington, died Saturday, February 4, and was buried on the following day at Mt. Olive. She was seventy-three years old.

Gallipolis Bulletin
Personal Notes
Tuesday, February 14, 1888
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

W. R. D. Stevens, an old and respected citizen, has passed away. Mr. Stevens had almost reached his 67th year, when the fell destroyer overtook him. He first came to this city in 18- and was then a fine looking man. He has occupied positions of prominence in city and county affairs , taking great interest in the politics of the day. He was honest and uncompromising in his principles. He leaves a widow and two daughters, Mrs. Geo. D .McBride, and Mrs. A.H. Chase. The funeral services were conducted Monday at the family residence by Rev. R, Breare,

Charles B. Stevers, 80, Dies In Holzer Hospital Thursday
     Charles B. Stevers, 80, long prominent in the business and fraternal life of Gallipolis, died at Holzer Hospital at 3:30 p.m. Thursday. He had been a patient there since Jan 7, after becoming seriously ill Jan. 4. He had been in failing health for the past six months.
     At the time of his death he had been in the insurance and real estate business for 15 years and during that same period had been connected with the Gallipolis Theaters for 13 years. As a young man, he had been employed at the Gallipolis State Institute and later he was employed by the J.M. Kerr and Womeldorff and Thomas hardware firms. At one time he operated the Gallipolis Hardware Company on the Public Square. His political activity included membership on the Republican Central Committee and at one time he was Republican chairman of Gallia County and a member of the County Board of Elections. He was a Director and Vice President of the Buckeye Building and Loan Company.
     He was a member of Grace Methodist Church and belonged to Morning Dawn Lodge of Masons, Gallipolis Chapter; Moriah Council, Rose Commandery Knights Templar, Aladdin Shrine and Gallipolis Shrine Club. He also was an avid sports fan especially baseball.
     Mr. Stevers was born at Mercerville on Jan. 19, 1880 to the late John L and Moriah Evans Stevers. His marriage to the former Anna L. Lewis of Rio Grande was an event of June 15, 1911. She survives at the family home at 514 Second Avenue and one son, Dr Charles Lewis Stevers of Toledo, whose wife is the former Metta Herbert, daughter of former Ohio Governor, Thomas Herbert. There are four grandchildren.
     Other survivors are a sister and four brothers, Rev. Oma Williams of Crown City; Frank Stevers of Columbus; Ed Stevers of Gallipolis; John Stevers of Mercerville and Lester Stevers of Crown City.
     Brothers and sisters who preceded him were Bert, Mrs. Allie Fraley, Mrs. Maude Haskins and Mrs. Myrtle Plymale; who died a few weeks ago.
     Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home. Rev. Warren H. Wilson will officiate and burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4 to 5:30 p.m and from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Crown City Man Shoots Himself With .22 Pistol
Suicide was the official verdict of Coroner Donald R. Warehime in the Monday death of C. Hugh Stevers, 43, Crown City civic leader, high ranking Mason, artist and musician. Dr. Warehime said that Mr. Stevers shot himself in the heart with a .22 caliber target pistol which he borrowed from a neighbor, Lewis Woodyard. Mr. Stevers's Crown City home was the scene of his death and the time was fixed at 3:50 p.m.
Woodyard said Mr. Stevers borrowed the pistol to kill a rat he had seen Monday morning on his front porch.

Bookkeeper
Five years ago Mr. Stevers became bookkeeper for Condee Coal Co and a few weeks ago he accepted the same position at Spring Hill Dairy Co. He and his wife also operated a grocery store at Crown City.
In 1949, Mr. Stevers was chairman of the annual drive of Gallia COunty Chapter, American Red Cross.
At the time of his death Mr. Stevers held three public clerkships, he was clerk of the Guyan Township trustees, of the Crown City Local Board of Education and a the Crown City Village Council.

Hobby was Music
     Mr. Stever's greatest hobby was music and he was an accomplished pianist. He was skilled at artistic lettering. However, he devoted much of his time to lodge work.
     Decedent was a member and past Master of Crown City Blue Lodge (but the Gallipolis Blue Lodge-Morning Dawn #7 F&AM--will conduct Masonic rites at 8 p.m. today at the C.J. Waugh Funeral Home) and he was a member of these Gallipolis Masonic bodies, Moriah Council 32 R&SM (Past Master); Gallipolis Chapter 79 R&AM; Rose Commandery 43, Knight Templars (of which next year he would have been commander).
     World War II Navy Veteran, Mr. Stevers served four years and came out as a storekeeper Petty Officer.
He was the son of John W. Stevers, former member of the Board of Gallia County Commissioners and the late Edith Waugh Stevers. His mother died April 13, 1949. Hugh Stevers was born Feb. 3, 1909 in Ohio Township, back of Bladen.

Mercerville Resident
Mr. Stevers lived for years at Mercerville, where his father was a funeral director. Decedent had resided in Crown City about 15 years. He was married Oct. 4, 1931, to the former Joy Lanier in Gallipolis, The Rev. William Wood Duff, First Presbyterian Church Pastor, officiating.
Survivors include his father, his widow and two sons, Delmas Hugh Stevers and Dwight Nelson Stevers, his brother, F.L. (Bud) Stevers, Mercerville Funeral Director.

Rites Wednesday
Final rites will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in the C.J. Waugh Funeral Home, the Rev. Frank Harding, Beaver (former Crown City Pastor) officiating with burial in Mound Hill Cemetery. Morning Dawn Blue Lodge #7 services will be held at 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Selwyn White, Raymond Jones, Ted Chandler, Otis Drummond, Burhl D. Hood and Neal Blaine Clark.

[Note: Death Certificate....Charles Hugh Stevers born Feb. 3, 1909; died July 7, 1952; aged 43 years.]

Stevers, Eva

Young Woman Is Suicide Victim
     Death came to Miss Eva Stevers, 37, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Stevers of Mercerville, eary Monday morning, Jan 13, 1936, in Holzer hospital from a poison draught self-administered at her home Saturday night.
     Ill for a period of ten years, Miss Stevers gave up employment in Hungington more than six months ago, and after consulting several physicians she gave up hope for recovery. After swallowing poison, Miss Stevers went to the home of her brother Lee and informed him of the fact. She was brought at once to the Holzer hospital, where she later died. Before the end came, Miss Stevers consulted members of her family and planned her funeral arrangement.
     Miss Stevers was born in Ohio township and had many warm friends wherever she was known. Surviving are her parents, three brothers and three sisters. They are Mrs. Haskell Sheets and Mrs. Harold Sheets, twin sisters who married twin brothers, living in Huntington; John Stevers of that city; Hugh of Crown City and Naomi Stevers at home.
     Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at Bethel church near Bladen by Rev. Ira J. Sheets, interment following there.
     Many friends and relatives sincerely mourn her tragic death, but know that she has found peace and happiness in the world beyond.

Gallipolis paper
Jan. 13, 1936
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall

John L. Stevers Dies Early Mon.
Was Oldest Man Ever to Hold Public Office in County - Funeral Wednesday
     Monday morning at 2:45 Mr. John Lafayette Stevers, one of the oldest residents of the county and the oldest ever to hold office here, died at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Oma Williams, in Crown City at the age of 90 years. At the time of his death Mr. Stevers was serving as trustee of Gallipolis township.
Born Feb. 29, 1844, Mr. Stevers had spent his entire life in Gallia county and was well and widely known. He served two terms as county commissioner and had served in various lesser official capacities for more than half a century.
     He is survived by the following children: Edward and Charles Stevers, Mrs. Ed Plymale, Mrs. Tom Haskins and Mrs. John Fraley of Gallipolis, John and Bert Stevers of Mercerville, Lester Stevers and Mrs. Oma Williams, Crown City and Frank Stevers of Columbus.
     Funeral services were held at Bethel church near Bladen Wednesday afternoon conducted by Rev. Maddox of Crown City. The ritualistic Masonic service was given by his brethren of that order of Crown City lodge.

Death of A Little Boy
     Joseph Russell Stevers, six year old son of Edward and Martha [Moore] Stevers of 914 Upper 2nd Avenue, died this morning at 6:30 a.m. of diphtheria.
     The funeral and burial service will be at Mercerville Sunday morning, the funeral party leaving here at 8 o'clock. Wetherholt has charge of the burial.
     The little fellow had been ill for a week and had the best of care and attention but all of no avail. He is survived by both parents and a brother and sister.

Stevers, Mariah

Mrs. Lafe Stevers Died Friday Evening
     Mrs. Lafe Stevers, age 70, died at her home down the river road Friday evening, Sept 27, 1921, after a prolonged illness.
     Mrs. Stevers, a fine old lady and well known here by many friends was the mother of ten children, all married and living near by. Six boys and four girls, one of which is Mrs. Charles Stevers of this city, John, Lester and Bert, living at Mercerville, Edward in Huntington and Frank in Columbus. The girls are Mrs. Dahl Williams of Crown City, Mrs. Ed Plymale of the river road, Mrs. Tom Haskins of Garfield Avenue, and Mrs. Fraley of the County Home. Besides her children to mourn her loss is her husband.
     The funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 o'clock at Bethel church by Rev. Ewing of Rio Grande. Burial at Mercerville by funeral director Tope of Mercerville.

[Note: Birth date from tombstone B.1852]

Gallipolis paper
Sept. 23, 1921
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall

Stevers, Maria

Mrs. Stevers Dead
     Ms. Maria Stevers, aged 70, wife of Mr. J. L. Stevers, passed away at the family home on the river road a short distance below this city Friday evening, Sept. 23, 1921, after long illness. The funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Bethel Church by Rev. W. E. Ewing of Rio Grande, the interment following at Mercerville by undertaker Tope.
     Mrs. Stevers is survived by her husband, four daughters and six sons. The daughters are Mrs. Dahl Williams of Crown City, Mrs. Ed Plymale, Mrs. Tom Haskins and Mrs. John Fraley. The sons are Edward of Huntington, John, Lester, Bert, and Frank of Columbus and Charles B. Stevers of Gallipolis.
Mrs. Stevers was born July 26, 1852, and at the time of her death was aged 69 years, 1 month and 26 days. She was the daughter of Evan and Eliza Evans who came from Wales to this country in their youth and settled in Ohio.
     Mr. and Mrs. Stevers were married Nov. 4, 1869. Besides her husband and the children named she is survived by 21 grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Amanda Wellington of Wellsville, and brothers, Lewis and John Evans of Bladen, and many other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Stevers was converted in her youth and joined the Bethel M. E. Church, and in after years carried her membership to Cherrington Chapel, where she lived a quiet, unassuming consistent Christian until her. [end of sentence]
     She raised a large and well respected family who will rise up and call her blessed. She was taken sick several years ago with a complication of troubles and for years suffered untold pain, but never complained.
     Mrs. Stevers was a splendid Christian woman, a devoted wife and mother, and her passing has brought sorrow to many hearts.

Card of Thanks - The members of the family wish to extend their thanks to Rev. Ewing for his consoling words, and friends for the beautiful floral offerings, to the singers and all friends for help during the illness and death of our dear mother.
         J. L. Stevers and Children
Gallipolis paper
Sept. 23, 1921
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall                                                                            Top of Page

     GALLIPOLIS - Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby E. Stevers, 62, who died Friday at University Hospital, Columbus, will be held Monday, 1:30 p.m. at the Smith Funeral Home, Lancaster. Burial will be in Forrest Rose Cemetery.
     Mrs. Stevers was born in Walnut Twp., daughter of the late Steve and Carrie Martin Elliott. Her husband, Roscoe Buhl Stevers preceded her in death.
     Surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Gary Smith, Columbus; a brother, Harold Elliott, Springfield; three sisters, Mrs. Stanley (Fern) Davis, Vinton; Mrs. Henry (Miriam) Allison, Gallipolis; Mrs. Harris (Beatrice) Wellman, Columbus.

Stevers, Verba G.

     Verba Gertrude Stevers, 89, of 758 First Ave., died at 3 p.m. Friday at her home. She had been in failing health two weeks. She and her husband operated a grocery store in Crown City several years.
   She was born March 26, 1887, in Gallia County, daughter of the late Rev. Ira and Martha Fillinger Sheets. She married Lester A. Stevers, who preceded her in death in November, 1960.
     Surviving are a son, Paul Stevers, Dunbar, W. Va.; one step-daughter, Mrs. Haskill (Belva) Wells, Gallipolis; two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; a sister and three brothers, Mrs. James (Lula) Landon, Table Rock, Neb.; Okey Sheets, Huntington, W. Va., and Isaac and Claude Sheets, both of Gallipolis. Five brothers and one sister preceded her in death.
     She was a member of Siloam Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday at Mercerville Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Lusher officiating. Burial will be in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Mercerville. Friends may call at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home from 3-5 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday.

VINTON - Madison Steward, 77, Rt. 2, Bidwell, died Thursday at his residence. Born April 5, 1905, at Wilkesville, son of the late Brown and Irene (Renie) McDaniels Steward, he was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. Surviving is a son , Richard, of Columbus; two nieces and several cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday in McCoy-Moore Funeral Home, Vinton, with Rev. Vance Watson officiating. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery, Harrisburg. Friends may call at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Monday.

Stewart, Arden

Arden Stewart, 68, of Rt. 1, Gallipolis, died Tuesday at Holzer Medical Center. Born April 17, 1919, in Jackson County, WV, he was a son of Elijah and Marinda Campbell Stewart. He came to Gallipolis 20 years ago, where he lived with his brother, the Rev. Howard Stewart. Surviving in addition to his brother are two sisters, Tressie Campbell, of Akron and Daisy Jordan, of Columbus and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be Friday at 1:30 p.m. at the Addison Freewill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Richard Barcus officiating. Burial will be in Reynolds Cemetery. Friends may call from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Addison Freewill Baptist Church.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
July 7, 1987
Transcribed by F. K. Brown

Stewart, Arius Burton (Bert)

Dies of Lung Trouble
Soldier, Cook and Singer
     Arius Burton Stewart, colored, aged 32 years, 7 months, and 27 days, died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Fannie Stewart, widow of Otho Stewart, Saturday noon, of lung trouble, after a long illness. Besides his mother, two brothers, Harry Gordon and Halsey Stewart, survive him.
     Bert enlisted in the hospital corp during the Spanish-American War. He was a good, industrious young man and well-known and well-liked about town. He was a cook by occupation, and when not working on the river he was much sought after by camping parties in the summer months. He was also a singer of considerable ability and talent.
     The funeral services were held at the residence at 2 o'clock yesterday, Rev. Mr. Huff officiatin. Interment in Pine St. cemetery by Wetherholt.

Belva B. Stewart
     Belva B. Stewart, 95 of the Bulaville Community, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 29, 2005, at her home, surrounded by her family.
     She was born Sept. 29, 1909, in Addison Township to the late Eli and Emma Atkinson Shaver. She married Raymond Claude Stewart on Oct. 19, 1926 in Gallipolis and he preceded her in death on Oct. 9, 1993, as well as a son, Charles R. Stewart; a twin sister, Melva Davis; a sister Lula Richards; a brother, Otis Shaver and a granddaughter, Teresa Stewart.
     Belva was retired from the housekeeping department at Holzer Medical Center. She was a member of the Bulaville Christian Church and attended White Oak Baptist Church.
     She is survived by three daughters, Edna French and Sara Lou Plants, both of Gallipolis and Barbara Thomas of Columbus, 10 grandchildren, Sheridan French, Charlotte French and Tammy Kostival, all of Gallipolis, Kevin Thomas of South Vienna, Ohio; Richard Stewart of Las Vegas, NV; Gary Stewart of Spokane, WA, Michael Stewart of La Mirada, CA; Linda Stewart of Las Vegas, Loretta Turley of Fort Dick, CA and Sandra Stewart of Kailva Kona, Hawaii; numerous great-grandchildren and g-g-grandchildren; her church family, friends and hospice workers.
     Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday, June 2, 2005, in the Cremeens Funeral Chapel. Officiating will be Pastors Carl Ward, Alfred Holley, Andrew Parsons and Joseph Godwin. Interment will follow in Gravel Hill Cemetery in Cheshire. Friends may call at the funeral chapel from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2005.
     Casketbearers are Tyler Lucas, Kevin Thomas, an Kostival, Robert Rothgeb, Bob Shaver and Warren Harbaugh. Honorary casketbears are Billy Davis, Calvin Stewart and Don Thomas.

Ben Stewart Dies at County Home
Wife Was Drowned In May
     Ben Stewart, who figured in the headlines in a minor way two months ago, died at the County Home Saturday night. His illness was of rather brief duration and death was due to a loathsome disease.
     Ben was the husband of Ella Siders Stewart, 35, whose lifeless body was found afloat in an abandoned cistern at the upper end of Eastern avenue on the morning of May 17. She had been drowned as a result of accidentally falling into the uncovered cistern, the authorities were convinced.
Prior to that Stewart and wife had lived in a house on wheels that stood on Flatiron Square near the bridge leading into the O. H. E. grounds.
     Rev. W. B. Neal conducted the funeral rites at the Tope home at 2 o’clock Sunday. Burial in Mound Hill cemetery by Tope.

Stewart, Charlotte B. Koontz Oty

     OBITUARY - Charlotte B. Koontz, born Feb 6, 1840, died, Dec 20, 1925, age 85 years, 10 months, 14 days. She was united in marriage to Henry Oty near 1860, and to this union was born two children, Harriet who preceded the mother in death and Charles yet living. The husband and father gave up his life in the service of his Country during the Civil War. She was again united in marriage about 1874, to William Jackson Stewart, To this union was born three children, two of whom are living. David of Swan Creek, and James with whom she made her home. Mr. Stewart died Aug 26, 1904.
     She leaves to mourn her loss one brother Eli Koontz of Huntington W. Va., three son's Chas Oty of Ray, O., David and James of Bladen, Ohio., three stepdaughters, Mary Houck, Fannie Brumfield and America Swords, thirteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. She also has three brothers, Charles, John and William, three sisters, Permella, Mary Ann and Juia Koontz, one stepson Wiliam who preceded her in death.
     She was converted and joined the United Brethern Church at Mt. Olive some 60 years ago, in later years she removed her membership to the Victory Baptist Church near her home living ever a faithful member till her death. For several months she has been more or less afflicted but only the last few weeks confined to the house and the writer has missed her kind and cheerful greetings as she passed. She has borne her suffering with great fortitute and always in good spirits and we have many rememberance's even in this her last sickness of her enjoying the sweet communion of the Holy Spirit and rejoicing in the Saviors Love. This brings peace and consolation in this sad hour and when asked if she was ready for the great change, her answer was. "I am waiting for the Summons."
     We can add no word to the life that has been her's for it has told of whom she followed and how well she served and that while her friends miss and mourn for her. She has awakened in the morning of God's sunshine and love.

Funeral services were held at Victory Church by Rev. E. V. Cremeens. Interment at Mercerville by Undertaker F. L. Stevers.

Gallipolis paper
Dec 20, 1925
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall Top of Page

Ella Stewart Dies on Monday
     Mrs. Ella A. Stewart, 75, of 554 Fourth Ave., widow of Charles L. Stewart, died Monday afternoon at the Crestview Nursing Home, Dayton, Ohio. She had been in failing health several months.
     Born July 26, 1892 at Middleport, she was the daughter of the late William and Sarah Young Reed.
     Four children also preceded her in death. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Kenneth (Betty) Dugan, Dayton; Mrs. Lambert (Esther) Bush and Mrs. John P. (Sally) Yeagle, Gallipolis; six sons, Charles, Eugene, Dan, Frank and William, all of Dayton; and Robert H. Stewart, Columbus; a brother, Richard Reed, Columbus; three sisters, Mrs. Frank Betz and Mrs. Lucinda Danes, both of Middleport; and Mrs. R. B. Lamb, Columbus, and 18 grandchildren.
     Mrs. Stewart was a former employee of the Gallipolis State Institute and a member of Grace Methodist Church.
     Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Miller’s Home for Funerals by the Rev. Paul Bauders and burial will be in Pine Street Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Thursday.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Tuesday, August 15, 1967
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron

John C. Stewart Dies Early Today
     John C. Stewart, native of Walnut Twp., who had made his home here in recent years, died about 6 o'clock this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. C. A. Wiseman, 83 Powhatan Ave., Columbus.
Mr. Stewart, who had returned to Gallipolis in February after spending the winter with his son, Joe, at Brunswick, Ga., went to Columbus before or about the time of the death of his son-in-law, Chester A. Wiseman. It was known here that he was in a precarious physical condition.
     The body will be brought to the Waugh Funeral Home and services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Monday. Rev. L. A. Donally will officiate. Burial will be in the cemetery at Jackson.
     John Clifford Stewart was in his 82nd year. He was the last survivor of nine children of Joseph and Charlotte McIntyre Stewart. The older generation of Stewarts came to this county and Walnut Twp. from Muskingum County about 110 years ago. Decedent's wife, Elizabeth Davis Stewart, died about a quarter of a century ago and they are survived by three sons, in addition to the one already named, and a daughter, Mrs. Wiseman, towit: Carl Stewart, Chillicothe; Walter Stewart, Youngstown, and Paul Stewart, local furniture dealer.
     Mr. Stewart had been a traveling salesman and merchant. He was a large, jovial, impressive-looking man, a Methodist and a Mason, and held to a marked degree the devotion and affection of his children, grandchildren, nieces and other relatives, and was respected and esteemed by all.

[Note: From death certificate date of birth January 10, 1866; date of death July 10, 1948; burial at Fairmont CE in Jackson Co.]

Newspaper (prob. July 1948, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, Stewart file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Debbie Carter Evans Top of Page

Death of Mrs. Stewart
Mrs. Lillian Stewart, wife of Jessie Stewart, died at her home in Maple Shade, Thursday of pneumonia. She was 50 years old and is survived by a husband and five children. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 1 o’clock. Interment will follow at Pine Street cemetery in charge of Wetherholt & Entsminger.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, February 27, 1920
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Stewart Rites Set Tuesday
     Lulu Wagoner Stewart, 82, wife of Joseph Stewart Sr., died at her home, Saturday evening at 4 p.m. after an illness of ten days. Mrs. Stewart was a native and lifelong resident of Gallia county and had lived most of her life in the Flag Springs neighborhood where she and her surviving husband operated a farm.
     She was born Oct. 24, 1872, the daughter of the late Daniel and Rosalie McDaniel Wagoner, in Greenfield twp. She was married to Mr. Stewart in 1900 and they have lived on the Flag Springs farm since that date.
     Seven children were born to this union of whom five are living. They are Mrs. Mary Luman, Chattanooga, Tenn., Joseph W. Stewart and Mrs. Rosa Wiseman, Flag Springs, Mrs. Georgia Shelton, Patriot, and McDaniel Stewart at home.
     Other survivors are one sister and five brothers and they are Miss Rosa Wagoner, Floyd and Dan, all of Patriot; Lester, Chillicothe; Earl, Huntington, and Roy, Toledo.
     Funeral services for Mrs. Stewart will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Wateroo [sic] Methodist church, of which she was a member. Rev. Clifford Allen will officiate. Burial will be in the Flag Springs cemetery under the direction of the Phillips Funeral Home. Friends my call at the late home until the funeral hour Tuesday.

Newspaper (prob. November 1954, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, Stewart file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Debbie Carter Evans

Death Claims Al Stewart
     Robert Allen (Al) Stewart, 71, died at 11 AM Sunday at his home on Teens Run, where he had been ill for four or five years. Resident of a farm all his life, he worked some on the Eureka Dam.
     He was born June 20, 1879, at Milton, W. Va., to Mrs. Anna Ingels Stewart, who survives, and the late William F. (Frank) Stewart, but he was brought to Ohio when he was only six months old, and spent his childhood at Waugh Bottom, below Bladen.
     He was married June 28, 1902 to the former Jessie Martin, who survives. They had no children. Survivors include three brothers and two sisters: Gilbert Stewart, Toledo; Chauncey and Stanley Stewart, North Kenova, O.; Mrs. Minnie Saunders, Waterville, and Mrs. Gladys Mewborn, Haverton, Pa. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Wednesday in Macedonia Church, Harrison Twp., with Rev. David Bates officiating, and burial will be made by C. R. Halley in Macedonia Cemetery. Two sisters and two brothers preceded Mr. Stewart in death.

Mrs. Stockhoff Passes
     Mrs. Dora Wymond Stockhoff, wife of Charles F. Stockhoff, died Tuesday evening after several years of declining health and a few months of illness. She leaves one son, Wymond and her husband, besides a sister, Mrs. Charles Dages and brother R.J. Wymond of Pittsburgh.
     She was born Jan. 18, 1859 at Dillsboro, IN and married June 25, 1884 at Aurora, IN. Her married life has been spent in Gallipolis, where her amiable character and many virtues won her many friends, now grieving over her death.
     The funeral will be Friday at 2 o'clock by the Rev. Mr. Ross of St. Peter's Episcopal Church, of which she was a devoted member. Interment will follow by Hayward at Mound Hill Cemetery.
     A loyal wife, loving mother and earnest Christian woman, the memory of Mrs. Stockhoff will long be cherished in many hearts.

[Note: Death Certificate....Died March 8, 1921, age 62 of acute TB. Parents: Samuel Wymond (England) and Eliza Abbott (IN).

     Miss Allie Stone died at the home of her mother, Mrs. Lewis Stone of Gallipolis Sunday after long illness, aged 32 years.
     Funeral services were conducted at the home of her sister, Mrs. George Tabit, Tuesday afternoon by Rev. J. R. Fields of Grace M. E. church of which she was a member, interment folowing [sic] in Pine Street cemetery.
     Miss Stone is survived by her mother, one sister, Mrs, [sic] Nellie Tabit, and two brothers, Lewis F. and Carlos W., both of Logan.

Ben Stone Dead
     Mr. Ben Stone, 62, passed away at his home near here Saturday afternoon after an illness, following a stroke of paralysis suffered a week ago Thursday. He was a splendid man who will not only be missed by his family, but also by his many friends in the community in which he resided.
     Besides his widow, he is survived by one son, Roy Stone, of Marysville, a daughter, Anna Belle Vance, having preceded him in death several years.
     Funeral was held at Mt. Tabor Church Monday afternoon at two o’clock by Rev. Stump, burial in church cemetery by Undertaker H. K. Butler..

The Gallia Times
“Vinton News Notes”
Thursday, July 28, 1932
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Stone, Emma

Stone Passes Thursday 1 P.M.
Funeral Services Will Be Held At Entsminger Funeral Home 2 [P.M.] Sunday
     The community was shocked when news came of the death of Mrs. Emma Stone, which occurred at 6 p.m. Thursday at the home of her birth on the Neighborhood Road in Green Township. Mrs. Stone was the daughter of Robert and Sarah Hamilton, pioneer settlers of Green Township. Their other children were John P. Hamilton, Gallipolis; James Hamilton, deceased; Frank Hamilton, living in Minnesota; Mrs. R.E. Russell, Gallipolis; Miss Etta Hamilton, deceased; Mrs. Julia Stevenson, Sidney, Ohio and Miss Lida Hamilton, deceased.
     She was united in marriage with Charles Stone on April 19, 1896 by Rev. J.W. Dillon. Mr. Stone was killed in a truck accident near the Courthouse here about 18 years ago. She was 66 years old and all her years were spent in the one home. She was a most lovable character, whose chief aim was to be helping others. Because of her good qualities she will be greatly missed in her community.
   Thus another home is broken and left desolate, but it will still be the Old Homestead for the other members of the family and a cherished spot to all of them.
     Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Entsminger Funeral Home with Rev. W. Scott Westerman of Grace M.E. Church officiating. Burial at Mound Hill Cemetery. The following pall bearers have been chosen: John William Hamilton, J.A. Beard, Homer Russell, Frank Swigert, Harold Hoyt and Charles Baker.

[Note: Death Certificate..born June 26, 1871; died March 17, 1938; age 66 years 8 months and 19 days. Mother's maiden name Reynolds]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
March 18, 1938
Transcribed by F.K. Brown

Mrs. W.F. Stone Died In The West
     Our readers will remember that about two weeks ago we noted the serious and (?) illness of Mrs. Wilbur F. Stone of Junction, Idaho. She rallied shortly after that and nothing more was heard from her until Sunday morning, when her brother-in-law, Mr. V.A. Tanner, of this city received a telegram announcing her death, which occurred the Saturday evening before. It was sad news to her mother, Mrs. Judge H.P. Hanna and family for they had hoped that she would recover. Her trouble is supposed to have been something like appendicitis.
     Her funeral services and burial were at Salmon, Idaho Monday afternoon. The intention is to have the body brought here later on. Mrs. Stone was 44 years of age and a most excellent woman with a host of friends here. She went with her husband to Idaho some 18 years ago when in delicate health and which did greatly improve.
     She was the second child and oldest daughter of Judge and Mrs. Hanna and is survived by her mother, husband, brother Ed of Columbus and John of Marietta and Fannie, Mrs. V.A. Tanner, of this city.

Dr. Stone Dead
Dr. J.B. Stone, a brother of the late J.W. Stone, died at San Diego, CA, June 10 and was buried there. He was 59 years old and a resident of California the past twenty-five years.
His wife and daughter, Miss Eva, live at Patriot. His sons, Charles is a Sergeant at the Columbus, OH, Barracks; Loren, an attendant at the O.H.E. and Roscoe in the U.S. Navy. He also left two brothers, C.W. Stone of Melville, LA and W.F. Stone of Junction, Idaho and one sister, Mrs. C.L. Ecker of Centenary These with many friends here were shocked when the sad news of his death reached them. Heart trouble and dropsy was the cause of his death.

Lewis J Stone Dead
     Mr. Lewis J. Stone died at his home on Second ave., Sunday afternoon, March 6, 1910, of heart trouble. He was a son of John Stone, of Maple Shade, and was a member of the Methodist Church and a good industrious citizen. He was a good husband and a kind father and well liked by all who knew him.
     He married to Miss Nannie J. Minor in 1883 and she with four children, Mrs. Geo. Tabit, Lewis J. Stone, Jr., Carl and Miss Allie Stone, survive him. He also left the following sisters: Mrs. Andrew Walter of Buffalo, W. Va., Mrs. Geo. Brown of Columbus, Mrs. Henry Darst of Pt. Pleasant, Mrs. John Robinson, Leon W. Va., Mrs. Chas Mayes, Mason county, W. Va., Mrs. Jessie Rose, of Rio Grande.
     The funeral services were conducted Wednesday afternoon by Rev. A. P. Cherrington under the auspices of the Modern Woodmen and Junior Order of American Mechanies, of which he was an honored member. Intermemt following at Pine street cemetery by Wetherhold.

Gallipolis Bulletin
March 11, 1910
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall                                                                            Top of Page

Col. Loren F. Stone, 53, Dies Suddenly in Columbus
     Lieutenant-Colonel Loren Frederick Stone, 53, a native of Gallipolis and a resident of 858 Westwood Ave., Columbus, was dead on arrival at University Hospital, Monday evening.
     His death was apparently due to a heart attack. He and his family had visited his brother, John Paul Stone and Mr. and Mrs. Don Rees here over the past weekend.
     Col. Stone was born in Gallipolis, son of the late Loren and Gusta Davis Stone. He was graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1930, and received his bachelor of science degree from Ohio University. He taught science in Gallia Academy High School until his enlistment in the Armey during World War II.
     He graduated from Officers Training School, and served throughout the war, taking part in campaigns in North Africa and Italy. After his return to this country he attended several command schools. At one time he was stationed in the Pentagon. His last tour of duty was a charge of the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Ohio State University. He recently retired from the Army.
     He as a member of Morning Dawn Lodge of Mason of Gallipolis and was a member and executive secretary of the Columbus Rotary Club.
     His marriage was the former Doris Campbell, and she survives along with three daughters, Misses Jean, Sherry and Sandra Stone, all at home. His only other survivor is a brother, John Paul Stone, of Locust Street.
     There will be services at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Schoedinger Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Rd. and Masonic services and military rites by a unit from Fort Hayes at 1 p.m. Thursday at Miller’s Home for Funerals. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 p.m. Wednesday.

Mrs. J. V. Stone, Wife of M.E. Pastor Passes
Succumbs After Trying Illness in Parsonage Here
Funeral Service Monday Evening
     Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Stone, wife of Rev. J. V. Stone, who passed away Saturday evening at the M. E. parsonage after a long illness, will be held Monday evening at 7 o’clock in Grace church. Rev. C. F. Bowman and Rev. H. J. Holcomb, superintendents of the Portsmouth and Marietta districts, respectively, officiating.
     The body will lie in state in the church from 4 p.m. until the hour of service. The remains will be taken Tuesday morning to Columbus where further services will be held at 2 p.m. in Glenwood M. E. church. Delegations will be present at the services in Columbus from Dayton, Newark, Bremen, Chillicothe and Zanesville, where Rev. Stone has held pastorates. Burial will be in Memorial Park Burial cemetery, Columbus, in charge of Wetherholt and Entsminger.
     In addition to her husband, Mrs. Stone is survived by a son Merrill and a grandson. She also leaves her mother, Mrs. P. C. Kennard, three sisters and three brothers.
     Mary Irene Kennard was born on the bluff overlooking the Loup river valley, near Monroe, Nebraska, Aug. 2, 1877. When a small girl, she came with her parents to Ohio where she grew up. She attended the public schools and Ohio Wesleyan University. In early life she became a member of the Methodist church, in which her father was an official member. From this early age to the close of her life, she did some active work in S. S., Epworth League of church, either as teacher, young people’s leader, member of choir or organist.
     In 1898 she became the wife of Justus V. Stone and in 1901 they, with their six months old son, journeyed to their first charge in the hills of eastern Washington county. Their cottage overlooked eight miles of the Ohio river. Here they came to love the river and it was with anticipation last fall that they again were privileged to come back to the old river along whose upper course they had earlier lived and labored.
     During her years in the parsonage and among young people she developed a marked leadership. She had a particular gift in reaching and interesting young men of high school and past high school age. In every church she gathered them about her, secured their active interest in such activities and interests as were particularly appealing to young men of such age. Many of the young people who thus came under her influence are today in responsible positions in the professions. Tomorrow one of her boys, as she called them, Rev. C. W. Brasheres D.D., now of Grace church, Dayton, will speak in Columbus at her funeral. Another is Dr. Earl Briggs, the assistant to Dr. Andre Crotti, of Columbus, one of the leading goiter specialists of the state.
     To find such interests she turned to Bible stories, built around them such settings as could be easily presented in dramatic form. Out of this work came a number of Bible dramas which were published in 1926 under title “Dramas From Bible Stores.” A large dramatic production in the form of a pageant entitled, “The Traveler,” was given by some 200 people in 1924 in Newark filling the Auditorium Theater for two successive nights. In order to stimulate this type of work, which is fast becoming popular, she, with her son Merrill, have organized a number of dramatic schools for the training of leadership in the churches. In October, she was called to Alliance, O., where such a school was held under the leadership of Dr. McMasters, the president of Mt. Union College.
     In addition to this, Mrs. Stone had a native poetic talent, of which the best illustration is her poem entitled “Let Me Serve in My Place,” which is a blending of Sam Walter Foss’, “The House by the Side of the Road” and Graham’s “The Man in the Way”. This poem was given on the front page of the Western Christian Advocate in Nov. 1921, some of which is given below. It has been discovered that this poem has been used quite widely and by many of her friends who were unaware that she wrote it. It might well be called her philosophy of service and is in accord with the service dreams of her life. Indeed, “Service” was her motto and so completely was it a part of her character that she thought of little else.
     A few days ago when facing the final crisis of her life, she looked longingly out of the window of her room, through eyes heavy with pain and said, “I do wonder whether my work is really done.” Like a good soldier she died at the post of duty, the place where life’s deep satisfactions were discovered. When the grim reaper was claiming her, she made a stiff fight to live longer and serve better. And when she knew she must go, it was with rare courage and totally without fear. She wanted to hasten away to see the Master’s face, which years ago she envisioned in her poem the last stanza of which reads as follows:

Faithful in service herself she was quick to recognize any beautiful service received. A few minutes before she slipped into unconsciousness, she looked into the nurse’s face and said, “How kind the folks have been.” Even in death, she did not forget others.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, January 13, 1930
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

Funeral Monday for Mrs. Mary C. Stone
Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Cassie Stone were conducted Monday morning at 10:30 o'clock by Rev. George Sagen at the country home of her daughter, Mrs. Harry Morgan (Eva Stone) where she died Saturday evening from a stroke of paralysis. Mrs. Stone had been failing health throughout the winter.
She came from a prominent Gallia county family, her name before her marriage being Carter. She celebrated her 84th birthday a few weeks ago. In addition to Mrs. Morgan, she is survived by three sons, Charles of San Antonio, Texas, Ross, of Idaho, who came a few days ago for a visit with his mother, and Loren L. Stone, of this city. She was the widow of the late Dr. John B. Stone. A. E. Tope was in charge of the interment in Mound Hill cemetery.

Thomas Stone Dies Wednesday
Kanauga Resident Claimed by Illness
     Funeral services for Thomas P. Stone, 78, Kanauga, will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the First Christian Church, Russell, Ky., and burial will be made in Flatwood Cemetery there.
     He died at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Robert (Eileen) Baker, Greenup, Ky., after a two-week illness of complications. He had gone there Dec. 1 on his annual Christmas visit to his children in Northeastern Kentucky, and he became ill before he could return to his home in Kanauga, where he had resided for five or six years. He seemed almost recovered Wednesday at noon, but slumped during the afternoon.
     A resident of Gallia County for the last 10 or 11 years, the decedent owned a small farm near Morton Woods. Born March 2, 1871, at Mouth of Laurel, back of Vanceburg, Ky., he was educated in the Lewis County schools, farmed a while in his youth, was a Portsmouth shoe worker 20 years and then a grocer for another 20 years. He kept the Greenup County infirmary for two or three years and then came to Gallia County.
     His parents were James and Marietta Blankenship Stone. His widow, Mrs. Myrtle Osborne Stone, whom he married Oct. 24, 1901, in Portsmouth survives along with these sons and daughters. Mrs. Charles (Marie) Miller, Portsmouth Rd., Gallipolis; Owen E., Ashland, Ky.; Otto, Flatwood; Lewis O., Flatwood, Ky.; and Mrs. Baker, Greenup. There are seven grandchildren, the oldest 12 years of age.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, January 20, 1950
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Judge A.J. Stormont Dies At 7 Last Night
Funeral At 2 Friday
Finis was written to a long, useful and rather remarkable career at 7 o'clock last night when Judge Andrew J. Stormont died at the Holzer Hospital. He had been ill about a month, most of the time in the hospital, and it was known a week or more ago that he was steadily growing weaker and could not recover. Death was caused by a heart condition and complications. Prior to his last illness, Judge Stormont was extraordinarily active and alert for one of his advanced age and stuck to his post as desk clerk in the police department. He would have been 88 years old next January 1.

Was Zealous Patriot
     It is hardly likely that anyone now living has known more Gallia County people that Judge Stormont knew. He was a native son and had been a familiar figure in Gallipolis for two generations; he had held many responsible positions and was deeply interested in politics, national, state and local; and he was outstanding as a patriot and a Gold Star father.
     Funeral services will be conducted at Grace Methodist Church at 2 o'clock Friday by Rev. W. Scott Westerman. Interment will be made in Mound Hill Cemetery by Geo. J. Wetherholt & Sons. The body will be removed Thursday noon from the mortuary to the Stormont home at 80 Locust street.
     Mr. Stormont was born in Guyan Twp. Jan. 1, 1857, when the first rumblings of the coming Civil War were being heard. He was a son of Samuel Boyd and Louisa J. Stormont. On March 7, 1883, he married Louisa-Carolyn Carter, a daughter of John and Margaret Williams Carter. She died Dec. 28, 1939.
     To the Stormonts four children were born: Rowena M., the only daughter and only survivor, who presided over the home after her mother's passing; Hurst E., Benjamin H., and Floyd E. Stormont.
So strongly was he stirred by the aggressions of the Central Powers 30 years ago that Hurst gave up a lucrative position to serve in the Canadian Army before the United States was drawn into the conflict. He was killed in Elmira, N.Y., in an auto accident May 9, 1923.
     Ben died in France on Oct. 8, 1918, of wounds received in action in the Argonne Forest in the First World War. Floyd E., the youngest of the family, served as a torpedoman on a U.S. submarine in the First World War and enlisted in the present war and rendered valuable service as an instructor. He died in the naval hospital at Miami, Florida on Sept. 30, 1943.
     Mr. Stormont is survived by three half-brothers, John W. Stormont of Long Beach, Calif., E.E. and S.R. Stormont of Dighton, Kansas; a half-sister, Mrs. Carrie Watson of Pasadena, Calif.; a step-brother, Herbert T. Hineman, nationally known stockman, also of Dighton, Kansas.
     Early in life Mr. Stormont united with the Methodist Church and was a member of Grace Church for 54 years, serving for a long time on the official board. He was a faithful attendant of the church and the St. John's Bible Class.
     Except for a period of five years, from 1885 until 1890, when the family lived in Kansas, all his life was spent in Gallia County. He taught school for fifteen years, ten years in Gallia County and five years in Stafford and Lane Counties in Kansas.
     He was time-keeper for Westwater & Co. in the erection of O.H.E. building 1892-95; Gallipolis waterworks clerk 1895-1901; city letter carrier 1901-11; post office clerk 1911-24. After his retirement from the post office, he served first as mayor and later as municipal judge and his court handled many interesting cases in the Prohibition era. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias and Daughters of the American Revolution and he was a sort of honorary member of the Lafayette Post and a friend extraordinary of Legionnaires and of all who had fought for the country on whose alter he laid a notable sacrifice.
     Peace to his ashes!

[Note: From death certificate middle name Jacob; mother Louisa Harless; date of death September 5, 1944.]

Newspaper (prob. September 1944, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, Stormont file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Lynn Anders Top of Page

Bodies Of Gallia Boys
Remains of Ben Stormont Arrives in Hoboken With that of Lieut. Lawson, Vance and Richards.
Mr. A. J. Stormont has received notice of the arrival of the body of his son, Benjamin H. Stormont, in Hoboken. Ben Stormont was a member of Company F, of the 148th Infantry, and died from wounds received in action during September 30, 1918, in a hospital on October 8, 1918. The body of Ben Stormont is the fourth returned for burial during the past week from Gallia County. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but the bodies are expected here during the week.

The Stormont Funeral
The funeral of Ben Stormont will be held Sunday morning at 10 o’clock at the home of Mr. A. J. Stormont with Rev. S. D. Hutsinpiller in charge. Burial will follow at Mound Hill under direction of Mr. George Wetherholt.

Military Funerals for Heroic Dead
Bodies of Four Gallipolis Boys Re-Interred In Home Town Cemeteries
Large Crowds Assemble to Pay Grateful Acknowledgement to Those Who Gave Their All
     Military honors were paid here Sunday to the memory of four Gallipolis boys who had made the supreme sacrifice in the supreme crisis of the history of civilization. The four in honoring whose memory the city honored itself were Lieut. John K. Lawson, Benjamin Stormont, Mirl Vance and John Richards.
     Following appropriate ceremonies their bodies recently removed from graves in French soil were re-interred here. The bodies of Vance and Richards were laid at rest in Pine Street cemetery at 1:30 after a service conducted by Rev. Robert Peirce. Wetherholt & Entsminger had charge of the funeral of the former, and George Wetherholt of the latter. Rev. Simeon Hutsinpiller preached the Stormont funeral at the Stormont home at 10:30. Burial took place at Mound Hill.
     The Lawson funeral was held late in the afternoon at the Episcopal church, Rev. Albion Ross in charge. There was a large attendance at each funeral, and sorrow lodged in every heart as traits of character and incidents in the lives of the heroic dead were recalled. Saturday’s paper contained a sketch of Lieut. Lawson. There will follow brief reviews of the life and patriotic service of Stormont and Vance, but data as to Richards are not yet available.
     Benjamin Harrison, son of Andrew J. and Louisa C. Stormont, was born in St. John, Kansas, November 26, 1887, and came with his parents to Gallipolis in May, 1890, where he grew to manhood. He was graduated from the public schools of this city in the class of 1908. After graduating he worked in the drug store of the C. D. Kerr Company and left that employment in February, 1909, and accepted a position in Chicago where he remained about a year and went from there to Grant’s Pass, Oregon. He returned to Gallipolis in the fall of 1916 and promptly enlisted in Company F. of the 148th Infantry after war was declared against Germany. After a period of training at Camp Sheridan, Alabama, and Camp Lee, Virginia, he sailed for France, in June, 1918, his regiment being attached to the 37th division. He was mortally wounded in the Argonne Forest Sept. 30th and died in a second base hospital October 8th, 1918.
     The deceased became a member of the Grace M. E. Church of this city in his boyhood, retaining his membership to the time of his death. His life was so consistent as to bring no reproach to the church and was devoted to the comfort and happiness of those he loves.
He leaves behind, to mourn their sad loss, a father and mother, one sister, Rowena at home, and two brothers, Hurst, who accompanied the remains here from Hoboken, and Floyd, in the submarine service, now stationed at Honolulu.
     Ben’s life work is ended and those who knew his life and character best can judge whether the world is better or worse for his having lived in it; and He “(without whose notice not even a sparrow falls to the ground”) will reward him according to his works.
     The pallbearers at Ben Stormont’s funeral were all members of the old company with whom he enlisted and were as follows: Capt. H. E. Houck, James Robinson, Herbert Cardwell, Fred Johnston, Harold Stansbury, Vinton, and Leo Carter of Cleveland, who was wounded by the same shell which killed Ben.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Tuesday, September 13, 1921
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Floyd E. Stormont, 50, Ardent, Useful Patriot, Dies At Miami, Fla.
     Floyd E. Stormont, two-fifths of whose life had been spent in the armed services of his country, died at 5 o'clock Thursday evening in a Miami, Florida hospital. News of his death was not received by his father, Judge A.J. Stormont, and sister, Miss Rowena Stormont, until nearly 24 hours after.
Previous messages had apprised them, first, that Floyd was in a critical condition, and second, that his grave condition was the result of an automobile accident. The death message said a letter would follow. The father has telegraphed an order for the body to be shipped home.
     Floyd Ernest Stormont was born here January 1, 1894, and hence was nearing his 50th birthday. His father will be 87 on Jan. 1. Floyd attended the local schools but an injury affecting his vision caused him to quit before graduation. He joined and worked for a while with the Davey tree surgeons at Cincinnati. From there he went to Norfolk and entered the Navy in 1912. For 20 years he served on sub tenders and submarines with the Pacific fleet- a period that of course covered the first World War- and was retired Oct. 1, 1932-11 years lacking 1 day before his death. He was a torpedoman and highly skilled in various phases of under-water warfare. He had seen much of the great Pacific spaces and of the Orient.
     The years after his retirement were spent here at the family home at 80 Locust Street, but 14 months ago, when his country was again involved in war, he re-enlisted for naval service. Good use was made of his training and talents, first in Washington, and in recent months at Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Perhaps it would not be proper to tell what little is known about the nature of his work there.
     No doubt about it, Floyd Stormont was a zealous patriot-his patriotism was both inherited and acquired- and he was a close student of the history of the times.
     Floyd Stormont's older brother, Hurst E. Stormont, was equally zealous to oppose those who asserted a divine right to rule or ruin, and he enlisted in the Canadian Army before the United States was involved in World War No. 1. He was killed in an automobile collision May 9, 1923, at Elmira, N.Y.
The other brother, Ben Harrison Stormont, who was a member of the company mustered in here in 1917, died in France on Oct. 8, 1918, as a result of injuries received in battle. Only the father and sister of the family survive, the mother having died on Dec. 28, 1939.
     Floyd was a Mason and a Legionnaire; and he took a keen interest in whatever affected or concerned those who had been in the armed services of their country.
     It is unlikely that the father or sister will know before the first of the week when and where the funeral will be held.

[Note: Ann Simmerman wrote "Sept. 30, 1943" on the obituary. He is buried at Mound Hill with all immediate members of his family.]

Newspaper (prob. September-October 1943, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, Stormont file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Lynn Anders Top of Page

     Mary Gardner Stormont, 69, of 556 Buhl-Morton Road, died Thursday morning at Holzer Medical Center. A member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gallipolis, was born on Dec. 10, 1915 in Gallipolis to the late Sylvan G. and Caroline Handley Gardner. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Ernest Stormont, in 1943.
     She is survived by four sisters, Mrs. Carl (Jane) Lanier of Columbus, Mrs. Amos (Louise) Sando of South Bend, Ind., Mrs. Paul (Hester) Ingleheart and Mrs. Lew (Avalon) Roush, both of Gallipolis; and several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, Gordon (Jack) Gardner and Nelson P. Gardner, preceded her in death.
     Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at the Willis Funeral Home. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Gallipolis.

Also surviving Mary Stormont was one brother, Sylvan H. Gardner of Gallipolis. One brother, Columbus Gordon (Jack) Gardner preceded her in death. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Willis Funeral Home with Dr. James Lee Harter officiating.

DIED - Rena Stormont, youngest child of J.W. and Mary E. Stormont, aged 1 year 10 months, Sept. 24, 1882. Father, Mother, friends, weep not for her, she has gone to a land of immortal rest; we will meet her if faithful a little longer.

Bruce S. Stout, 52, Route 1 Bidwell, died Friday.
Born Aug. 8, 1930, at Notomine, WV, son of the late J.D. and Danfred Dunn Stout, he was an Assistant Shift Engineer at Ohio Valley Electric Corp's Kyger Creek plant, where he was employed for 28 years and a member of the Gallia County Local and Galla-Jackson-Vinton Joint Vocational Boards of Education.
He was a Korean War Army Airborne Division Veteran, member of VFW Post #4464, Gallipolis, Vinton American Legion (rest of article missing)

Stover Funeral At 2 Thursday
Bulaville Resident Succumbs While Chopping Wood
     Funeral services for Charles C. Stover will be held at the Bulaville Church at 2 o'clock Thursday. Burial will be in the Pine Street Cemetery by O. E. Elliott. Rev. Earl Cremeens will officiate.
     There was brief mention of Mr. Stover's death in Tuesday's Tribune. He expired of a heart attack at his home on the James Fulton farm at Bulaville while chopping wood. The body was found by Mrs. Stover when she went out to fetch in an armload of wood. Mr. Stover would have been 70 years old next Feb. 27. He had been under the care of a physician for a heart ailment.
     He was born on Rocky Fork and was a son of Meredith and Elizabeth Saunders Stover and nearly all his life was spent in this county. He married Anna Irwin. They lived for a while in Mason County, moving back to this county 20 or more years ago.
     Mrs. Stover and these eight children survive: Russell Stover, Maple Shade; Nellie Burgess and Rosetta Thornton, Washington C. H.; Charles C. 622 Third Ave., Gallipolis; Raymond, Neal Ave.; Verna Lane, near the parental home, Gallipolis R. 1; J. Oliver Stover, 906 Second Ave., and Lucille Jacques, Waterloo star route (Centenary).
     Also surviving are a brother Earl of Mason County and these three sisters: Docie Shaw and Bertha Neal, Bladen R., and Zonia Fowler of Columbus.
     Mr. Stover was a member of the Church of God and lived a quiet and useful life and devoted himself to farm work as long as he was able.

     Mrs. Minnie P. Stover, 86, of Rt. 1, Bidwell (Van Zant Road), died at 7 p.m. Sunday in Holzer Medical Center. She had been in failing health for the last two years.
     A former school teacher in Raleigh County, WV, she was born Dec. 31, 1891 at Artie, WV, to Valentine Perry and Elvira Hodge. She married Eli V. Stover April 4, 1916 in Clear Creek, WV. He preceded her in death May 14, 1959.
     Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Herndon (Florie) Grounds, Leewood, WV; Mrs. Cecil (Irene) Wiseman, Marmet, WV; Mrs. Janice Workman, Middletown, IN; four sons, Melvin, Rt. 1, Bidwell; Noel, Rt 1 Patriot; Ira, Rt 1 Vinton and Paul of Rt. 1, Bidwell. There are also 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchldren, a step-brother, Jim Workman of Columbus and a step-sister, Mrs. Norma Stover of Artie, WV. Two brothers preceded her.
     Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with Rev. Chester Lemley officiating. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery at Cheshire. Calling hours will be held at the funeral home from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday.

Wm. A. Stowers, 90, Died 4 A.M. Kemper Hollow
     William A. Stowers, who was in his 91st year, died at 4:30 this (Thursday) morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Virgie Huffman, on Gallipolis Route 1. The Huffmans own the old Watts homestead in Kemper Hollow. His parents were Joseph and Martha Payne Stowers and his late wife was Victoria Estep before their marriage.
     He is survived by five daughters and two sons; Mrs. Ed Brewer of Bidwell. Mrs. Nellie Oxley of Oak Hill, Mrs. Jennie Dingess of Gritffithville, W.Va., Mrs. Stella Brewer of Addison and Mrs. Huffman; Manie Stowers of St. Albans, W. Va., and Hurston Stowers of Warsaw, O. He also leaves a brother Charles Stowers of Giffithville W.Va.
     The body will be taken to Sandfork, Lincoln County, W.Va., for burial. Arrangements were not completed but funeral services will probably take place Sunday at Sandfork (W.Va.) Baptist Church of which he was a member. J.L. Coleman & Son of Bidwell are in charge.

Straight, Lewis

Death of Aged Man
Lewis Straight, one of the oldest men in the county, passed away in his home near Waterloo the first of the week and was buried there Thursday. He was close to 90 years of age and was a fine old citizen. His widow and the following children survive; Mrs. Joseph Baker of Waterloo, Mrs. Pearle McCarley of Bladen and John Straight of Bethesda

November 3, 1919
Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Transcribed by Cheryl A. Enyart Top of Page

Mrs. Straight, 90, Passes At Home of McCarleys
Funeral At 1:30 Thursday P.M. At Ohio Chapel
     Mrs. Mary E. Straight who was in her 91st year, died 6:30 last evening at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Rev. and Mrs. R.P. McCarley at McCarleyville. She had been in poor health for eight years and her condition had been serious in recent weeks.
     Funeral services will be conducted at Ohio Chapel at 1:30 Thursday, in charge of Rev. J. W. Frye, Rev. Harold DeWolfe and J.D. Craft. Burial at Flag Springs by Coleman & Son. Old friends will be permitted to view the features at both the church and cemetery.
     Mrs. Straight was the widow of Lewis Straight, who died 22 years ago. She was born Aug. 20, 1851 at Gage and was a daughter of James M. and Elizabeth Prose Waddell. Her marriage to Mr. Straight occurred on Dec. 9, 1869, at the home of Alex McDaniel.
     Mrs Straight was converted at Flag Springs in 1880 under Rev. Mr. Jarvis and joined the Ohio Chapel Methodist Church in 1936 during the pastorate of Rev. Tracy Martindale.
     Besides the daughter, Mrs. Rilla McCarley, there survives a son, John A. Straight of Bethesda, Walnut Township. There are two brothers and a sister surviving; John and Joseph Waddell and Mrs. Harriet Smith, all of LaFarge, WI. There are 18 grandchildren, 45 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

OBITUARY
     Mary Ellen (Waddell) Straight, daughter of James M. and Elizabeth Prose Waddell, was born Aug. 10, 1851 and departed this life Oct. 28, 1941, age 90 years, 2 months and 8 days. She was united in marriage to Lewis Straight Dec. 9, 1869 To this union was born 4 children, namely John A. Straight of Patriot and Arila McCarley of Gallipolis; two children having preceded her in death; namely, Mrs. Sallie Baker and Jane Grube. She leaves to mourn her loss, 18 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren; also two brothers, John and Joe and one sister, Mrs. Harriet Smith, all of Lafarge, WI.
     She was converted 1880 at Flag Spring Church under the leadership of Rev. Jarvis and lived a devoted Christian life. Having made her home with her son-in-law and daughter the past 8 years, she changed her membership to Ohio Chapel. She was highly esteemed by all who knew her. She was always ready to lend a helping hand. The night never got too dark or the weather too rough to sway her from lending a helping hand in time of need.
     She repeated time and time again she was just waiting for the Lord to call her home and would say, like to Apostle Paul, it is far better to be with Christ than to be here.
Mrs. Straight was a member of The Ohio Valley Grange and was its oldest member and possibly the oldest member of any local Grange in the State.
     Funeral was conducted by J.W. Fry, Rev. Harold Dewolf and Rev. J.D. Craft at Ohio Chapel Oct. 30. Interment at Flag Springs Cemetery by J.L. Coleman.

Card of Thanks
We wish to thank all of those who helped in any way during the sickness and death of Mrs. M.E. Straight.
Rev. and Mrs. R.P. McCarley

Gallipolis Papers
Oct. 1941
From the Debbie Carter Evans Collection
Transcribed by F.K. Brown Top of Page

Mrs. Straight Dies Saturday After Illness
     Mrs. Rella Pearl Straight, 63, a native of Walnut twp., died at 1 p.m. Saturday in Holzer hospital where she had been a patient since May 20.
     Mrs. Straight, a resident of Northup Rt., was born April 22, 1900, daughter of the late Henry W. and Phoebe Bostic Drummond. Her marriage to Joseph Straight, a member of the Gallia County Election Board, took place June 1, 1921, at Gallipolis.
     Mrs. Straight attended schools in Walnut twp., and Rio Grande College. She was a teacher for a number of years in county schools.
     In addition to the husband, she is survived by three children, Miss Ermalie Straight, cashier of the Ohio Fuel Gas Co., Robert L. Straight of Knoxville, Tenn., and Mrs. B. A. (Donna) Hoffman of Grand Rapids, Mich. A son, Earl, preceded her in death. There are five grandchildren. Other survivors are two brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Viola Carter of Northup, Mrs. Nettie Simmons of Indianapolis, Ind., Otis Drummond of Margate, Fla., and Myron Drummond of Huntington.
     Mrs. Straight was an active member of the Bethesda Methodist Church. She taught a Sunday School class at that church.
     Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Miller’s Home for Funerals. Rev. Frank Fenton will officiate, and burial will be in Mound Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home until the hour of the service.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, June 3, 1963
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron Top of Page

Death of Mrs. Strausbaugh
Mrs. J. C. Strausbaugh, wife of Dr. Strausbaugh of Vinton, died Thursday night, September 26, 1918, after a prolonged illness. The deceased, a lovable and prominent lady, is survived by her husband and daughter, Mrs. Wesley Oliver of Columbus. She had many friends who will be grieved to hear of her death. The funeral will be held some time Sunday, the exact hour not having been decided upon.

Mrs. J. C. Strausbaugh Dead
     Nothing has caused more universal sorrow and regret in Vinton and surrounding country than the death of Mrs. J. C. Strausbaugh, which occurred Thursday night, Sept. 26, 1918, at 10 o’clock. Alice Leslie, daughter of Wm. and Sarah Leslie, was born in Gallia County, January 30, 1848, and died at Vinton, aged 70 years, 7 months and 27 days.
     She was one of a family of several children, all of whom with their parents have preceded her in death except one sister, Mrs. Nettie Strausbaugh of Hartford, Conn., and one brother W. T. Leslie of Vinton.
     On March 24, 1872, she was united in marriage to Jacob C. Strausbaugh, to whom she was a devoted wife through all these years of toil, of sunshine and cloud. To this marriage were born three daughters, Lillian, Etta and Melva, the youngest and eldest having crossed the bar.
     Almost her entire life was spent in and near Vinton, her early education having been received at the Ewington Academy. She began teaching at a very early age, and was a highly educated and cultured woman whose whole soul and life was given to good deeds. She loved and enjoyed the beautiful things of the world and the abundance of beautiful flowers she always had about her bore evidence of her love for the beautiful and how emblematic they were of the purity of her life.
     Mrs. Strausbaugh had been greatly afflicted for many years, but patient under affliction and sometimes burdened with sorrow that seemed almost unbearable, it only strengthened her faith in God. Love of home and loyalty to her family was ever her foremost thought, her devotion to her family being beyond the power of tongue to tell or pen to portray, for she poured her entire heart into a passion of love for her family.
     Her interests and kindnesses broadened out, beyond her hearthstone, yet there she was supreme. In her life was the light that never fades, but spreads its radiance over her associates, for to know her was to love her, and in her home all were welcomed alike and its hospitality knew no bounds.
     The funeral was held at Vinton in the Baptist Church Sunday afternoon conducted by Rev. W. J. Fulton. The order of Eastern Star had charge and gave their entire ritual at the church. The floral offerings were most beautiful and abundant. The burial was in the Holcomb Cemetery by H. K. Butler.

The Gallia Times
Wednesday, October 2, 1918
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Death of Melva A. Strausbaugh
Miss Melva A. Strausbaugh, youngest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Strausbaugh, died yesterday evening (Friday) at half past six. She was 23 years old last Dec. 12th. She was a good christian girl and one of our most estimable young ladies.
Her funeral services will occur tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Baptist church, of which organization she was a member. Rev. Geo. E. Moore, of Cheshire, will conduct the services and Undertaker Kerr Butler will have charge of the interment, which will take place at the Glenn cemetery.

Strong, Helen W.

     Helen W. Strong, 79, Rt. 3, Gallipolis, died Tuesday in Holzer Medical Center. She was retired from Gallipolis State Institute in 1966. Born Oct 6, 1907, in Meigs County, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Barbara Folden Gardner. She was a member of Faith Baptist Church and was a 50 years member of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine of Jerusalem.
     Surviving are her husband, Laing J. Strong, whom she married on April 7, 1926 in Meigs County; one daughter, Eileen Carter, Gallipolis; two sisters, Hazel Grate, Pomeroy, and Myrtle Gardner, Rutland; and two grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Gardner and Earl Gardner.
     Services will be Friday at 1 p.m. in the Willis Funeral Homes, with the Rev. James Lusher Officiating. Burial will be in Ohio Valley Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 6-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Faith Baptist Church building fund.

Strong, Laing J.

     Laing J. Strong, 94, of Gallipolis, died Wednesday, February 11, 1998 at Pleasant Valley Hospital, Pt. Pleasant, W.Va.
     Born May 30 1903 in Meigs County, son of the late Glenn and Emma Halliday Strong, she[sic] was retired from the Gallipolis Developmental Center. A member of Faith Baptist Church in Rodney, she[sic] was a 50-year member of the Orphan's Friend Masonic Lodge 275 of Wilkesville, a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Knight's Templar, the Grand Council, the Gallipolis Shrine Club and several other Masonic bodies.
     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen W. Gardner on February 10, 1987; a brother; five sisters; and a daughter, Barbara Kathaleen[sic] in infancy.
     Surviving are a daughter, Eileen Carter of Gallipolis; two grandchildren, Rhonda Lynn[Terry] Reed of Gallipolis, and R. Todd [Kari] Carter of Tipp City; and a great-grandson, Ty Reed of Gallipolis.
     Services are 2 p.m. Friday, February 13, 1989 at Willis Funeral Home, with Pastor Jim Lusher officiating. Burial will be at the Ohio Valley Memory Garden. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. There will be a Masonic Service on Thursday at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Faith Baptist Church.

[Transcriber's Note: Laing's parents, Glenn & Emma Strong and his infant dau. Barbara are buried in Salem Center Cem., Salem Twp., Meigs Co., Ohio]

Daily Sentinel
Feb 11, 1998
Transcribed by Connie Cotterill-Schumaker                                                           Top of Page

Stroud, Blanche

     Blanche M. Stroud, 36, a resident of Columbus, died at 7:45 p.m. Friday at her home. Born in Jackson County on March 28, 1946, she was the daughter of George and Loretha Mayle Tanner, who survive and reside on Rt. 2, Chillicothe.
     She married Lonnie Stroud of Gallia County on April 1, 1967. He survives, along with one son, Ryan and one daughter, Pam both at home. Six brothers and three sisters survive.
     Mrs. Stroud was a secretary for the Franklin County Public Defender's office. She was a member of the United Coummunity Methodist Church in Jackson County where funeral services will be held 1:30 p.m. Tuesday with Rev. L. V. Gause officiating. Burial will follow in Caldwell Cemetery. Friends may call at the Haller Funeral Home in Chillicothe from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today.

Gallipolis Tribune
Jan. 17,1983
Transcribed by J. Farley

JOHN STUART, GALLIA COUNTY NATIVE PASSES
Won Prominence Here And In Huntington ---Rites Will Be Held 2:30 Sunday
John T. Stuart, 82, a native of Lincoln Ridge, this county, and a brother of Mrs. J. Will Clendenin of this city, died at 7:50 last night. He had been ill since November of last year and for several days had been in a coma so that the news of his passing had been expected by his kinfolk and close friends.
As a deputy sheriff and a participant in politics, Mr. Stuart became a popular and prominent citizen of this county before he moved to Huntington in 1900. There he soon became a man of affairs and for 16 years served as justice of the peace a lucrative post in the populous magisterial districts of West Virginia. He was an ardent active Republican.

     At Lincoln Mr. Stuart was a farmer and merchant. On Oct. 5, 1875, he married Margaret Ann Drummond of the same section—a loyal, loving, devoted to the end. Their married life lasted 62 years and 35 days.
     In Huntington he first engaged in the produce business and later in the transfer business with his son, Harry D. Stuart. He was a member of the First Methodist Church of Huntington.
     An ardent follower of baseball, Mr. Stuart attended all Huntington games, usually with Mrs. Stuart, until two years ago when his health failed. He and Mrs. Stuart had made it a custom to be the first “fans” to arrive at baseball games. Their interest in the game was due in some measure to the fact that their grandson and his namesake, John D. Stuart, became an outstanding figure in the history of Huntington baseball. For years Stuart pitched for Huntington teams, then joined the St. Louis Cardinals for a season or two, and still later managed the leading Huntington team.
     Decedent was the first Huntingtonian to build a home on North Boulevard--- a modern brick home, at 526, where he died.
     John Thurman Stuart was born Feb. 5, 1885, the son of Charles and Missouri J. McCall Stuart. The father was a Civil War veteran and served as sheriff of this county.
     Besides his widow, Mr. Stuart is survived by two sons, Clarence W. Stuart and Harry D. Stuart, both of Huntington; two daughters, Mrs. Jessie Stuart Garlach, Huntington, formerly of Gallipolis, and Mrs. Ibbie Carter, Detroit, Mich., seven grandsons, John D. Stuart, Clarence W. Stuart Jr., Charles Stuart, Knowlton Stuart and Paul Garlach, all of Huntington, and Stuart Carter and Robert Carter, both of Detroit.
     Mr. Stuart also is survived by four granddaughters, Mrs. Marguerite Garlach Evans and Mrs. Margie Carter Hannan, both of Huntington; Mrs. Ernestine Garlach Slifkin, Harrisburg, Pa., and Mrs. Margaret Stuart Kelsey, Marble, Mass., eight greatgrandchildren, a brother, Oscar Stuart, Belle, W. Va., and four sisters, Mrs. Rachel Stuart Cagney, Catawba Island, O., Mrs. Anna Stuart Clendenin, Gallipolis, Mrs. M. Stuart Townsend, Schenectady, N. Y., and Mrs. Gertrude Stuart Richard, Royal Oak, Mich.
     Funeral services will be held at the Stuart residence at 2:30 Sunday, in charge of Klingel Carpenter.

Transcribed by Joanne Galvin
Undated newspaper clipping
Publisher and date unknown Top of Page

Mrs. J.T. Stuart, Huntington, Dies
     Mrs. Margaret Ann Stuart, 526 Washington Boulevard, Huntington, widow of Magistrate John T. Stuart and native of Gallia County, died early Tuesday at her home. Funeral is being conducted this afternoon at the Klingel-Carpenter Chapel by Dr. Charles G. Stater, former pastor of Huntington First Methodist Church. Burial in Woodmere Cemetery.
     Mrs. Stuart, mother of Harry E. Stuart, president of the Try-Me-Transfer & Storage Co., was daughter of the late Samuel A. and Lucinda Saunders Drummond, and first came to Huntington in 1900. Her husband, who died in 1937, was a justice of the peace for 16 years. She was active in the First Methodist Church.
     Also surviving are another son, C. W. Stuart of Hurricane; two daughters, Mrs. I. J. Harrington and Mrs. Ernest Gerlach of Huntington; a brother W. E. Drummond, with whom she resided, and 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
     Active pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons including John D. Stuart, Ray Knowlton Stuart, Stuart Carter, Robert Carter, Clarence W. Stuart Jr., John Stuart Hannan, Charles T. Stuart, Roland Stuart, Jack Stuart, and William G. Evans Jr.

[Note: From death certificate (wvculture.org/death search) date of birth September 19, 1856; date of death November 3, 1947.

Newspaper (prob. November, 1947, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, McCall file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Lynn Anders Top of Page

     Oscar Stuart, former Gallipolitan and sister [sic, brother?] of Mrs. J. W. Clendennin, died at 5 o'clock last evening in McMillan Hospital at Charleston. He was a retired railroader and lived in Belle, W. Va., just east of Charleston.
     Mr. Stuart had been ailing a good while and entered the hospital two weeks ago. His strength having been built up, an operation was performed last Thursday, revealing a cancer of the stomach. Nothing more could be done except to insert a tube to insure the continued functioning for a short time of vital organs. During the hospital ordeal he was given four blood transfusions, his nephew, Stewart Clendennin, now located in Charleston as the Firestone representative, twice being the donor.
     Decedent was born on Lincoln Ridge and would have been 68 years old on March 9. He was the son of Charles and Missouri McCall Stuart. When Oscar was small the father was elected sheriff and the family moved to Gallipolis. Here he was reared to manhood and made a host of friends. From here he went to the Charleston district, married a West Virginia girl, Mary Bays, and entered the employ of the New York Central Railroad. He was conductor on a branch line for 34 years, retiring Jan. 1, 1938 and fondly anticipating a period of leisure and rest and of opportunity to do many of the things he had dreamed of doing.
     Surviving are the wife; one son, Bays Stuart of Wyandotte, Mich.; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Hudnall of Belle; the son's stepson and the daughter's daughter, Jean Anne, and these sisters: Mrs. Rachel S. Cagney of Catawba Island, Ohio; Mrs. A. E. Townsend, Schenectady, N. Y.; Mrs. H. E. Richards, Royal Oak, Mich., and Ann Stuart Clendennin of this city.
     He was a member of the Rhododendron lodge 203, Knights of Pythias, and of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen.

Newspaper (prob. February 1939, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, McCall file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Lynn Anders

Sturgeon, Maxine E

Obituaries Given For Bridge Victims
     Maxine E Sturgeon, 33, of Kanauga, O., whose body was recovered from the bridge wreckage Friday night, will be buried in the Beech Hill Cemetery following funeral services at 2 pm Tuesday in the Mohr-Stevens Funeral Home.
     Born at Leon on June 7, 1934, she was the daughter of Charles R Fielder and the late Elsie Warner Fielder. Others survivors include three sons, David, John and Lewis all of Point Pleasant; three daughters, Delva of Weston, Sonya and Jaretta, both of Pt. Pleasant; two sisters, Mrs. Dolly Sturgeon and Mrs. May Byus, both of Point Pleasant; and a brother, Orville R Fielder of Point Pleasant Route 1.
     Friends may call at the funeral home after 4 pm today.

Point Pleasant Register, Point Pleasant, WV
Monday, December 18, 1967
Page 1
Transcribed by Cheryl A. Enyart                                                                          Top of Page

     Tennie Sturgeon, 66, 336 Norfolk Avenue, Dayton, formerly of Vinton, died Wednesday at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Dayton. Born April 27, 1923 in Jackson County, TN, she was a daughter of the late Mounce Stafford and Minnie Bell Mea.
     She was preceded in death by two husbands, Robert Lawson and Clarence Sturgeon and a daughter, Lots Blevens. Surviving are two daughters, Mrs. Bradford (Hazel) Lewis of Rutland and Mrs. Charles (Joyce) Ledford of Dayton; two step-daughters, Jean Blankenship of Trotwood, Ohio and Gail Sturgeon of New Lebanon, Ohio; two sisters, Sally Horner of Englewood, Ohio and Ova Pigg of Dayton, Ohio; one brother, Jay Stafford of Jackson County, TN; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
     She was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Englewood, Ohio and the senior citizens of Englewood, Ohio.
     Services will be conducted Sunday, 1 p.m., at Willis Funeral Home with burial in Vinton Memorial Park. The Rev. Jessie Tipton will officiate. Friends may call Saturday 4-8 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home.

O. Keith Suiter
     Pallbearers for Orville Keith Suiter will be John Waugh, Jay Waugh, Louis Stilverson, Tim Rector, Louie Miller and James Rich. Honorary pallbearers will be Gordon Fisher, Gene Starcher, Dick Carter, Dovel Myers, Gary Bane and Ernie Null. Flag presentation at the graveside will be by Post 4464 VFW.
     Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home, with burial following in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday, 7 to 9 p.m. Masonic services Morning Dawn Lodge No. 7 will be Tuesday 8:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gallipolis Tribune
Nov. 22, 1988
J. Farley                                                                                                          Top of Page

Suiter, Lola Mae

     GALLIPOLIS- Lola Mae Suiter, 87, of Galliplis, died Friday, September 24, 1999 at her residence.
Born October 4, 1911 in Gallia County, she was the daughter of the late Chester Rupe and Garnet Roush Rupe.
     In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death on November 20, 1988 by her husband, Keith Suiter, whom she married May 27, 1944 in Columbus; and by a son, William Eugene Suiter.
Surviving are two daughters, Betty Keith Stiverson of Austin, Texas, and Jennie Mae (Jack) Waugh of Ravenswood, West Virginia; six grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild; and a sister Virginia Davenport of Lima.
     She was a retired banker. Lola Mae was a member of the following organizations: Grace United Methodist Church; Gallia County Historical Society, where whe served as treasurer for 24 years; Gallia County Genealogical Society, where she was a past president and past treasurer; United Methodist Women, where she held various local and district offices; Grace Guild Sunday School Class; Gallipolis Chapter No. 283 Order of the Eastern Star, where she was a past matron and past district deputy; Christian Women's Club and served as treasurer; served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross for many years; Gallia County Retired Teachers Association; Business and Professional Women, past president and past district director; served onthe board of American Heart Association; board member of the Gallia County Council on Aging; United Way, was the very first honorary chairperson; American Cancer Society, which she organized in Gallia County; served on the Our House Museum Board and was past treasurer; worked on the Ariel Theatre restoration project; French Art Colony; helped on the loaves and fishes project; French Colony Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution; Atwood Heritage Club; was honored by the Gallia County Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce for her many years of volunteer service to Gallia County.
     Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 28, 1999 in Grace United Methodist Church, with Dr. Bob Ingram and the Rev. Jonathan Kollmann officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home on Monday, September 27, 1999 from 6-9 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday, September 28, 1999, one hour prior to the services. Eastern Star services will be conducted in the funeral home at 8:30 p.m. Monday, September 27, 1999 by Gallipolis Chapter No. 283.

Gallipolis Tribune
Sept. 1999
Transcribed by J. Farley                                                                                  Top of Page

Suiter, Orville Keith

     Orville Keith Suiter, 82, 661 Second Ave., died Sunday night at Holzer Medical Center after an extended illness. He was the owner of Suiter's Shell Service Center until he retired in 1975. He was a service manager for Moore Motor Sales and Gillen Ford, and a foreman of Gallia County Highway Garage for several years.
     Born Feb. 27, 1906 in Lawrence County, he was the son of the late Oscar L. Suiter and Daisy (Spears) Suiter. He is survived by his wife, Lola Mae Rupe, whom he married May 27. 1944 in Columbus. Also surviving are two daughters, Betty Keith Stiverson of Columbus, and Mrs. Jack (Jennie Mae) Waugh of Ravenswood, W. Va.; four sisters, Helen Heffner and Dorothy Huron, both of Chesapeake, Ohio Hazel Hollingsworth of Portsmouth, Va., and Thelma Black of Farmington, Mich.; one brother, Harold Suiter of Huntington, W.Va.; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, William Eugene Suiter in October 1960, and one brother, Tommy.
     He was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the Morning Dawn Masonic Lodge No. 7, Rose Commandery No. 43, Moriah Council No. 32, and Gallipolis Chapter No. 79. He was a member of the Aladdin Temple Shrine and a life member of the Gallipolis Shrine Club.
He also was a member of the American Legion Post No. 27. He served in World War II in the European and African Middle Eastern Theater.
     Services will be Wednesday, 1 p.m. at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Hefner. Burial will be in the Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Tuesday, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Masonic service by the Morning Dawn Lodge will be Tuesday 8:30 p.m.

Gallipolis Tribune
Nov. 1988
J. Farley                                                                                                            Top of Page

     Otho P. Suiter, 84, of 407 Pike St., Kanauga, died Thursday at Holzer Medical Center. He was a retired real estate broker and antique dealer. Born Sept. 1, 1905, in Lawrence County, Ohio, he was a son of the late Walkie Suiter and Mae Kitts Suiter.
     Surviving are his wife, Doris Taylor Suiter; a son, Ed Suiter, Kanauga; a granddaguther, Connie Hofstetter and three great-grandchildren. Two brothers preceded him in death.
     Services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home. Burial follows in Highland Memorial Gardens in South Point. Friends may call at the funeral home 6-9 p.m. on Saturday.
     Pallbearers will be Scott Dennis, Charles Bailey, Dana Rake, Clarence McComas, Clyde Burnett and Claude Burnett. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Facemire, Junior Schoonover, Mack McCumber, Richard Kuhn, Norman Smith and Clarence Warnsley.

A.D. Summers, Octogenarian, Dead
     Mr. Alfonso D. Summers, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Gallipolis, died (this) Tuesday morning, Jan. 1st., at 5 o'clock. He was born in Malden, WV and came here when a young man. For several years he was a riverman being a steward of Kanawha River Steamboats in the early days of boating on that stream. Mr. Summers, an octogenarian, was one of the oldest Odd Fellows in this city.
     Besides a wife, who survives, are three daughters, Mrs. George Kinghorn of Hartford, CT; Mrs. J.S. Cadot of Toledo, OH and Mrs. Charles Gray of Augusta, KY and one son, Mr. W. Ed Summers at home.
     The funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon from his late residence on First Avenue by the Odd fellows with Rev. Mr. Glenn of the Presbyterian Church officiating. Interment will be at Mound Hill, in charge of funeral director Hayward. The death of Mr. Summers was the first of the New Year to occur in this city.

[Note: Alphonso D. Summers born 1838 Malden County, WV; died Jan. 1, 1924 Gallipolis at age 86; wife, Martha T. Parents Jacob Summers and Mary Oliver (both born WV)]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Tuesday, Jan. 1, 1924
Transcribed by F.K. Brown Top of Page

Mrs. Summers Claimed After Year’s Illness.
     Carrie F. Summers, 89, died at 7 a.m. today at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Audra Smith in Kanauga. Mrs. Summers had been in failing health for over a year.
     She was born in Putnam county, W. Va., Aug. 26, 1873, the daughter of the late William and Amanda Mason Fisher. She had resided in Kanauga for many years, and was among the founders
of the Fair Haven Methodist Church in 1896.
     Her marriage was to Fred Shaw Summers, who preceded her in death on Dec. 15, 1914. Children who survive that union are Emory Summers and Mrs. Audra (Anna) Smith, both of Kanauga, James Summers of Springfield and Mrs. Fern Marple of Columbus. There are five grand and one great grandchild. Mrs. Nathan Baker of Carridington, a half sister, also survives.
     Services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Miller’s Home for Funerals. Rev. Wesley Bennett will officiate and burial will be in Mound Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 3 p.m. Saturday and until the hour of the service.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, October 12, 1962
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

     Edward Summers died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Thos. Dale, Wednesday morning after a long illness, aged 27 years.
     The funeral services will be conducted Friday afternoon by Rev. Cherrington, interment following at Mt. Zion by Hayward & Son.
     He was a riverman by occupation and a quiet industrious young man with many friends.

     Emory F. Summers, 77, died at 10:50 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Nursing Home in Springfield, Ohio. He was born Feb. 6, 1900 in Gallia County, one of four children born to the late Fred and Carrie Fisher Summers.
     Survivors include a brother, James, Lakeview, Ohio; sisters, Mrs. Audrey (Anna) Smith, Kanauga and Mrs. Fern Marple, Columbus.
     He attended school in Kanauga and Gallipolis. He worked on riverboats for several years and for the O. L. Kyger Garage in Gallipolis. He was also employed with Wally White’s TV and Radio. A former member of the Eagles and the Moose Lodge, he had been ill the past four years.
     Funeral services will be 2: p.m. Saturday at Miller’s Home for Funerals with the Rev. J. D. Finnicum officiating. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Thursday, April 28, 1977
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Death of Mr. Fred Summers
Mr. Fred Summers died at Kanauga early this morning after an illlness for the past few months. He is survived by a wife and four children. Funeral arrangements and particulars will be given later.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Tuesday, December 15, 1914
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Death of Mrs. Summers
Mrs. Mary E. Summers, widow of William Summers, the old river engineer and brother of Capt. Jim Summers, died at Point Pleasant, at the home of her sister, Mrs. John Greenlee, of heart trouble, Friday, Nov 27, 1903. She will be brought here by Undertaker Harper of that place Sunday forenoon about 11 o'clock, and interred in the Pine street cemetery. She was 64 years of age and had some insurance in the Prudential Company. She left one son, Frank Summers, telegraph operator, but his whereabouts is not known. Her husband died January 6th, 1891. They both lived here for many years. She was a sister of Mr. Tom Staley and was a well liked woman, noted for her kindness in sickness.

Sumpter, William H.

Died of Heart Trouble
William H. Sumpter, a resident of Gallipolis, died Saturday morning from heart disease. His body was shipped to a point near Chesapeake, in Lawrence County, for interment. He was aged 76 years and lived alone.

[Note: 1880 census he is 12, age should be 46?]

Gallia Times
Aug. 19, 1914
Transcribed by F. K. Brown

Swain, Bessie

     Bessie Swain, 91, of Crown City, died at her home Saturday morning. She was born on June 16, 1897 in Crown City, daughter of the late Thomas G. and Bertha Syrus Dillon.
     Preceding her in death were her husband, Stanley W. Swain whom she married on June 23, 1915 in Mercerville; three children, four brothers and one sister. Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Aldean Miller of Gallipolis, Mrs. Naomi Gooderham of Crown City, and Mrs. Nelda Smith of Columbus; three sons Nelson and Verlin Swain, both of Crown City, and Orman Swain of Lakeland, Fla.; two sisters, Mrs. Jule Robinson of Gallipolis, and Mrs. Hazel Bean of Lawton, Okla.; a brother, Evan Dillon of Ashland, Ky.; 20 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
     Services were held Monday at Crown City Wesleyan Church, where she was a member. Burial was in Crown City Cemetery. Pallbearers were Bill Gooderham, George Holley, Marty Matthews, Larry Miller, Maurice Smith and David Swain.

Gallipolis Tribune
Jan 3, 1989
Transcribed by J. Farley

Swain, Eliza

Obituary:
Mrs. Eliza Swain, age 43, member of Society of Friends, wife of Capt. Samuel Swain, late of Nantucket, Mass., died at Gallipolis, on 24 January 1816. They moved their family here about two years ago.

[Note: This was Samuel's second wife, and their only child, Paul, also died that year. The mother of the children who came to Ohio with their father was Mary Bradford Cook who died on Nantucket in July of 1812. Samuel died in 1823, and his third wife, Theodate Russell, survived him.]

The Scioto Gazette
New Series No. 27, Vol. 1, Whole No. 802
Thursday, 8 February 1816
Submitted by Eve Hughes Top of Page

Reached Good Age
     Mrs. Emmaline Swain, one of the oldest residents of Guyan township, died early last Sunday morning at the home of her son, Lonnie Swain, near Glenwood, W. Va., with whom she was living for the winter. Her death resulted from infirmities due to old age.
     She was the widow of the late Otha Swain who came to this township from Noble county, Ohio in 1877, and became one of the leading men of the community. They were married in Nobel county, January 3, 1851.
     Mrs. Swain was the daughter of Stephen and Mary E. (Walker) Artis and was born in Belmont county, Ohio, May 15, 1834. She died at the ripe age of 87 years. Since the death of her husband several years ago, she has lived around among her children and was kindly cared for. She was the mother of eleven children, seven sons and four daughters. The children still living in this community are Lonnie, Luther and Ellsworth. Four of her children have died within the past few years.
     Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Earl Cremeans from the Stewart chapel church, of which the deceased was a member, Tuesday evening. Undertaker J. W. Stevers had charge of the burial which was made in the church cemetery.

[Note: Based on the information provided in the obituary estimating her death occurred in 1921-1922.]
Transcribed by Debbie Carter Evans

Swain, George

Obituary----Swain
     George Swain, son of Otha and Emily Swain, was born in 1866 and died at his hiome in Clay Township, March 13, 1919, aged 58 yrs., 1 mo., 27 da., from influenza and pneumonia.
     He bore his sufferings patiently. On the morning of his death he looked up and said, "I am not long here. I must go. I am happy, oh happy. I have a home not made with hands." With his eyes looking upward he said, waving his hands towards Heaven, "I am going fast---meet me, all."
     He lived a Christian life from his youth and did all he could to make those about him happy and was always ready to do his part of the work for the Lord. He was a kind and loving husband and father.
     He leaves a widow, Mrs. Emma Williams Swain, to whom he was married in 1890, and the following children: Mrs. Bert Finley, Mrs. Ada Carter, Verda, Herbert, Golda, Dale, Stanley, Audrie and Laura; brothers Ellsworth, Luther and Lonnie; sisters Mrs. Jacob Lindemood, Mrs. Martha Johnson, an aged mother, Mrs. Emaline Swain, two grandchildren, Virginia and Elwin Finley; and a host of relatives anf friends to deeply mourn his death. But our loss is his eternal gain.
     Funeral services were conducted at the Good Hope Church Saturday afternoon, March 15, by J. W. Wetherholt, undertaker Stevers having charge of the remains.
              Father, we miss you, miss you, in our home.
                 Everything seems sad and lonely when we enter in the door.
                 But we trust you are in Heaven, where no farewell tears can flow
                 And with those who have gone before in that happy land to dwell.

[Note: wife, Emma was daughter of Jessie Williams]

Gallipolis newspaper
March 1919
Transcribed by Joanne Galvin                                                                            Top of Page

Swain, Joseph A.

Death of Joseph A. Swain
Mr. Joseph A. Swain died at his home at Kanauga Sunday Nov. 2nd, 1924, at the age of 66 years. He leaves his widow and four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Minnie Clark of Athalia, Mrs. Gladys Jones of Dayton, Mrs. Emma Foster of near Charleston, WV, and Mrs. Ella Trosche (sic) of Cleveland, Sidney and Victor Swain at home. Funeral Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Millersport, Lawrence county. Burial in charge of Geo. Wetherholt and sons.

Swain, Leatha Frances

MRS. SWAIN, 74, KANAUGA, DIES FRI. AFTERNOON
     Mrs. Leatha Frances Swain, widow of Joseph Swain, died at 2:30 Friday afternoon at her home in Kanauga. She had been ill a long time and her death was not unexpected. She was 74 years old.
     Mrs. Swain was a Fulks and was born and reared in Guyan tp. Her husband died in 1924. She and some of her children moved to Kanauga a number of years ago and they resided in the big two-story frame dwelling opposite the end of the Silver Bridge. It was once known as the the Bryan property.
     The surviving children are: Mrs. G.F. Clark, Athalia; Mrs. W.H. Foster, Princeton, WVa.; Mrs. John Jones, Dayton; Sidney and Victor at home. There are also two sisters and a brother; Harvey Fulks, Crown City; Mrs. J.P. Lewis, Ironton, and Mrs. Frank Williams, Proctorville. Ferry Dillon of this city is a nephew of Mrs. Swain, she and his mother having been sisters.
     The funeral services will be held at the church in Kanauga at 2 o'clock Sunday with Rev. C.W. Frye of Rodney in charge. Burial at Miller by Tope.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Saturday, February 22, 1936, p.1
Contributed by Eve Hughes Top of Page

Lonnie Swain Dead
Mr. Lonnie Swain, 64, died at his home at Leaper on Friday morning, May 13, 1932, after several years illness following a stroke of paralysis. He is survived by his wife and sons, Curtis, Webster, Buell, Virgil and Homer and a daughter, Geneva. Mr. Swain was both born and lived all his life in the section which he died.
Funeral services were Sunday at Providence Church, burial following there.

Riverman Missing, Believed Drowned Near Lock 27: Ice Hampers Dragging
Otho Swain, 48, Disappears From Towboat Heekin
     Otho Swain, 46, deckhand on the diesel towboat Albert E. Heekin, suddenly disappeared from the boat at Lock 27 above Proctorville about 7 p.m. Friday. It is believed he was drowned but because of ice conditions in the river dragging operations have not been attempted.
     Mr. Swain, who lived with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Swain, on Sugar Creek, two miles this side of Crown City, was last seen when he left the supper table on the boat. He and other members of the crew ate as the boat lay alongside the upper guide wall entrance to the lock waiting to enter the chamber.
It required more than two hours to open the gates against the ice jams which had formed, and before the boat entered the lock chamber Mr. Swain was missed.
     He had earlier left the boat at Pt. Pleasant to go to his home and get some clothes. He rejoined the boat at Lock 27. No one working at the locks saw him ashore after that time. But the packages of clothing he brought were found.
     The captain of the vessel notified relatives at Crown City, where a brother, Clark Swain, and a sister, Mrs. Lily Campbell, also reside.
     Another brother is Neil W. Swain of Huntington and a sister, Mrs. Gertrude Nolan of Gallipolis.
Otho Swain and Mary Mooney, daughter of W.J. Mooney were married here Jan. 10, 1927 by Squire F.M. Millisor. The marriage record shows that Swain was born Apr. 10, 1901, and hence was nearing his 47th birthday.
     He and his wife divorced and she is now the wife of Billy Kuhn, who works for Nicholson & Saunders, local plumbers. To the Swains were born two daughters, Geraldine, now 20, who married Lee Burcham, a deckhand of Eureka, and Betty Swain, who lives here and at Eureka. Geraldine worked as a waitress in local restaurants before her marriage.

Body of Drowned Boatman Is Found In River Saturday
     Funeral services for Otho Swain, drowning victim, are being held this afternoon at the Swan Creek Church, with Rev. Oma Williams in charge with interment there by C.R. Halley.
     Riverman found the body Saturday afternoon. It was floating in the Ohio River near the Ohio shore below Chesapeake at a point opposite Huntington's W. Ninth St. (That would be 15 blocks below the Huntington-Chesapeake Bridge).
     The finders were members of the crew of the small towboat Pete of the Ohio Dredging Co. They took the body to the Schneider Funeral Home at Chesapeake, where Dr. W. Wilson Lynd, Lawrence County coroner, held an inquest and returned a verdict of accidental death by drowning. From there the body was removed to Halley's mortuary at Mercerville.
     Swain popularly known as "Buff", disappeared suddenly from the towboat Albert E. Heekin in the evening of Friday Jan. 23. He was a deckhand on the boat and vanished while the boat lay along the upper guide wall entrance to the lock chamber of Dam 27 above Proctorville. Because of an ice jam it required more than two hours to open the gates so the boat could enter the chamber.
     During this period, Swain and other crew members had eaten and he left the table and was not seen again. It was then presumed he had fallen off the boat and drowned, but no outcry had been heard. Extensive dragging operations were resorted to, but without getting any trace of the missing boatman.
From Dam 27 to the point where the body was recovered is about nine miles. Identification was made by personal effects in the clothing, including social security and draft registration cards.
     Swain would have been 47 years old on April 10. He was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Luther Swain, who live two miles above Crown City. He was twice married. He and his first wife, Mary Mooney, were divorced and she is now the wife of William Kuhn, who works for Nicholson & Saunders, local plumbers. Two daughters of his first marriage survive him: Mrs. Geraldine Burcham and Betty Swain, both of Crown City and both well-known in Gallipolis, having worked here as waitresses. There is a granddaughter, Judy Ann Burcham.
     Swain's second wife was Hazel Helzinger and they, too, were estranged. His other survivors include a stepdaughter, Shirley Messer, and these three sisters and two brothers: Mrs. Gertrude Nolan, Bidwell; Mrs. Marie Dennis, Marietta; Mrs. Lily Campbell, Crown City; Neal Swain, Huntington, and Clark Swain, at home.

     Airman Second Class Richard Curtis Swain, son of Virgil and Ollie Raines Swain was born April 27, 1937 in Harrison Twp. He graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1954, where he made excellent grades and was a favorite of his class. While attending Rio Grande College, where he was preparing to teach, he enlisted in the Air Corps on Oct. 24, 1955. He served in Newfoundland and in Greenland. On June 9, 1957 he was stationed at Columbus, a member of 4233rd Ari Force Unit at Lockborne Air Base.
     On July 13, 1957 he was married to the former Clara Lou Barton, and they had established their home in Columbus. She survives, in addition to his parents and one sister, Candace, to whom he was tenderly devoted. Also grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Raines and Mrs. Frances Swain.
     Immediately on receiving word of the accident, his wife and parents went to him and stayed by his side while nurses and doctors at the air base did everything in their power to help. Thinking there might possibly be better facilities at University Hospital, he was transferred there. Everyone worked tirelessly, but the Master called him home. He had reached the age of 20 years, 5 months and 27 days.
     Richard was a quiet likeable young man of whom everyone spoke with the highest praise. We cannot understand why one so young and helpful with such a promising future must be taken at this early age.

Swain, Robert Mitchell, Jr

IN MEMORY
Robert Mitchell Swain, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Swain was born March 23, 1926 and departed into another world March 27, 1926. He leaves besides his parents, two sisters, Erdine and Vivian, and a lot of relatives and friends.

Swain Death Ruled Suicide
     Thomas Paul Swain, 51, of 1937 Chatham Ave., died around 10:20 a.m. Tuesday at his home of a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to Dr. Donald W. Warehime, Gallia County coroner. Dr. Warehime said Swain was pronounced dead at 10:40 a. m. He had been shot in the left side of the chest with a .22 caliber pistol.
     Mr. Swain was a carpenter, and was recently employed at the Gallipolis State Institute. He was born Aug. 12, 1916, in Crown City, son of Stanley Swain and Bessie Dillon Swain. Both survive. He was married to Norma Jean Northcraft on Feb. 17, 1944, in Sistersville, W. Va. She survives, along with one daughter, Mrs. Joyce Rossiter, and two grandchildren.
     Three brothers surviving are Orman, Verlin, and Nelson, all of Crown City. Four sisters survive: Mrs. Aldean Miller, Crown City; Mrs. Wanda Scarbrough, Ross, Ohio; Mrs. Naomi Gooderham and Mrs. Nelda Smith, both of Crown City. One sister, Mrs. Bertha Miller, preceded him in death.
He served in both the Navy and Army during World War II.
     Funeral services are scheduled 2 p.m., Thursday at the Crown City Pilgrim Holiness Church, under the direction of Rev. Donald Wilson, and Rev. Oma Williams. Burial will be in Crown City Cemetery. Friends may call at Miller’s Funeral Home between 7-9 this evening and until noon Thursday. The body will lie in state at the church one hour before the services.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday, July 10, 1968
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Swain, Webster, T., Jr.

Jr. Swain, 12, Killed In Truck Accident As Fox Hunt Ends
Accident Occurs Saturday Midnight On Hill Back Of Bladen Near Boy's Home
---Funeral Services Held At Bethel This Afternoon
     A fox-hunt in the hills back of Bladen Saturday night ended in a tragedy that has saddened and shocked the whole countryside. Webster T. Swain Jr., aged 12 and commonly known as "Junior", was fatally injured when he was struck by the axle of his father's truck as he lay unseen and asleep in a rut of a seldom-used roadway.
     That occurred about midnight. The boy was brought to the Holzer Hospital about 1 a.m. and died an hour and 45 minutes later.

Several Vehicles There
     Junior Swain was one of eight children of W. T. and Garnet Donnally Swain, who live about three-fourths of a mile back of Bladen. The accident scene was not far from their home.
     Mr. Swain and other adults and a number of children had gone to the hill tops to enjoy a fox chase. Several vehicles, among them the Swain truck, had transported the hunters.

Fifth Fatality in '42
     Junior Swain's death is the fifth fatality in the county so far this year resulting from an automobile or highway accident.
     About midnight the party was breaking up, or at any rate the Swains were getting ready to leave. Mr. Swain rounded up his own children, except Junior, and failing to find him, it was surmised he had gone home in another vehicle. Hardly had Mr. Swain started the truck, after looking into the truck bed and around the truck for the missing boy, than he struck an object that caused him to stop.
     The axle of some other part of the truck had hit the boy on the head, presumably as he lay asleep or perhaps as he awakened and attempted to rise.
     Junior was said to be an extraordinary boy and was a favorite in the home and the community. He was industrious, ambitious, and impressed those about him as certain to succeed. He would have been 12 years old in July.
     The father, who is a well-known and progressive farmer and stock-buyer, and the mother, who is a daughter of the late Charles Donnally, are said to be disconsolate over their loss. Their other children, all at home, are Billy, Bobbie, Naomi, Jackie, Johnnie, Peggie and Patty.
     Funeral services are being held at Bethel Church this afternoon.

IN MEMORY
     Junior, son of Webster and Garnet (Donnally) Swain was born June 24, 1929. He was called from eartly scenes forever and passed without a struggle or a motion from the repose of sleep to the repose of death.
     The summons came early on the morning of June 21, 1942 at the tender age of 12 years, 11 months, 27 days, lacking but three days of his thirteenth birthday.
     He bade a long farewell to his loving parents, his brothers Billie, Bobbie, Jackie and John, sisters Naomi, Peggy and Patsy. Grandmothers Mrs. Frances Swain and Mrs. Cora Donnally and to his many friends and playmates.
     His spirit took its flight to that world where goodbyes and farewells are a sound unknown. The family circle is broken and a chair is vacant in the home. Junior was a bright, happy boy, a favorite with his friends and schoolmates.

Galliipolis newspaper
June 1942
Transcribed by Joanne Galvin                                                                      Top of Page

Swango, Georgeann

     Mrs. Georgeann Swango, 94, a former resident of the Porter community died Friday evening in Cincinnati General Hospital. She was born in Wolf County, Ky., on July 13, 1873. She was married to Dr. George Washington Swango who died in 1937.
     She is survived by four children, Ishmiel Swango, Cincinnati; Mrs. William (Louise) Brown, and Mrs. Wayland Proffitt, and Courtney Swango, all of Bidwell. One son, Dr. Jefferson Swango, of Waterloo, preceded her in death. Twenty grandchildren and several great grandchildren also survive.
     Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the McCoy Funeral Home in Vinton. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. Friends may call after 1 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Swango Rites Are Conducted In Vinton
Services for Mrs. Georgeann Swango, 94, former resident of the Porter community, were conducted at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the McCoy Funeral Home, Vinton, by the Rev. Joseph C. Chapman. Burial was in Mound Hill Cemetery. Grandsons served as pallbearers.
Mrs. Swango, who died Friday in Cincinnati General Hospital was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. George Washington Swango, and a son, also a physician, Dr. Jefferson Swango.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, April 24, 1967
Transcribed by Sandy Lee Milliron

Claude Edward Swann
Claude Edward Swann, 86, of Gallipolis, widower of Margaret Salem Swann, died Monday in Holzer Medical Center. He was a retired plumber and pipefitter from Local 521. Survivors include two sons, Claude Edward Swann of Roseville, MN and Joe Swann of Tampa, FL and a daughter Leah Schoonover of Gallipolis. [Note: son, Robert Cornell Swann died in 1995]
Funeral 1 p.m. Thursday at Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home, Gallipolis; burial in Lone Oak Cemetery, Point Pleasant. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home.

[Note: born June 12, 1910; died July 8, 1996. First wife, Alene Davis. Parents: Claude Vilas Swann and Grace May Cornell]

Formerly of This County. Died at Huntingto From Results of Injuries Received in Fall
     F. S. Swanson, 2050 Seventh avenue, founder of the Swanson Monument Co., died Wednesday noon, as the result of injuries received three weeks ago when he slipped and fell on a concrete walk in his backyard. For many years a resident of Huntington, Mr. Swanson was widely known for his business and social connections. Although retired from business, he had been in active health and the news of his death came as a sad shock. He was fatally injured in a fall in his backyard although at the time his injuries were not thought to be serious.
     His widow, one daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Jones of Staunton, two sons, C. F. Swanson of Gallipolis, O., and H. B. Swanson of Lincoln county, and three sisters, Mrs. Mary Calhoun, Mrs. J. J. Coughenour and Mrs. J. P. Coughenour, all of Cheshire, O., survive him.
     Funeral services will be held at eight o'clock Friday morning at the residence, 2050 Seventh. The body will be taken by auto to Gallipolis, O., for interment in the family cemetery. Funeral services will be in charge of the United Commercial Travelers of which Mr. Swanson had long been a member. - Huntington Herald-Dispatch.

     The body of Mr. Swanson was laid to rest in the Pine Street cemetery Friday morning. A large number of Gallia County relatives and friends met the funeral cortege at the cemetery and joined in paying a last tribute of respect to our former townsman. Mr. Swanson and family resided in this city for a number of years, and prior to that time they resided at Cheshire.

F. F. Swanson, 57, Succumbs In Huntington
     Franklin F. Swanson, 57, a resident of Texas Rd., died at 8:34 a.m. Sunday in Huntington Veterans Hospital. He had been a patient there since Dec. 30. Mr. Swanson had been a riverman and his last employment was at the Gallipolis State Institute.
     He was born in Huntington on Nov. 25, 1908, son of the late Harry and Katherine Halley Swanson. His marriage was to the former Hazel Morrow, and it took place in Gallipolis, Sept. 30, 1930. She survives along with two sons and five daughters, Frank Swanson of Cleveland, James Swanson and Mrs. Norma Moss, both of Gallipolis, Mrs. Margaret Wooten and Mrs. Hilda Canaday, both of Miamisburg, Mrs. Clara Cromlish of Columbus, and Mrs. Ann Baird of Syracuse. There are 21 grandchildren.
     Other survivors are three brothers and a sister, Leonard Swanson and Everett Swanson, both of Columbus, and William Swanson and Mrs. Hazel Guess, both of Gallipolis.
     Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the First Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Ronald Justice will officiate, and burial will be in Pine Street cemetery under the direction of Miller’s Home for Funerals. The body will lie in state at the church from 1 p.m. until the hour of the service. Friends may call at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Monday, January 24, 1966
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

     Geo. W. Swanson was born August 10th, 1842, joined the M. E. Church in his 14th year, he was married to Sarah E. Williamson July 18th, 1872, died July 5th, 1875. He was early trained in the way of piety, and from the time he could walk he was a regular attendant of the Sunday School.
     As a teacher and Superintendent he was very efficient and successful, and when death came it found him fully prepared to leave the Church militant and join the Church triumphant, and hail his two brothers that had preceded him to the Heavenly country.
    The great concourse of people that attended his interment showed the high esteem in which he was held. He leaves a wife, one child, parents, brothers, sisters and a host of friends that mourn his loss.

Gallipolis Journal
July 15, 1875 Vol. XL No. 39
Transcribed by Irene Blamer Top of Page

DIED
Swanson, of Lung disease on the 17th of April, 1870, H. B., third son of S. W. and R. M. Swanson. Aged 23 years.
He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in great peace. Shall we then mourn for those who have fallen asleep in Jesus? Shall we mourn because they have left all that they loved on earth? Because the eye once beaming with Christian affection and Christian hope is now closed? Because the lips on which dwelt the law of kindness, are sealed up, and the tongue once vocal with accents of supplication, thanksgiving and praise, is now silent in the grave? Aye! Let us rather follow with the eye of faith the emancipated spirit, as it leaves all its infirmities, its errors, its sins, and sorrows and fears behind; and rising to the consummation of all that it wished and hoped for here, enters the Heavenly Zion, with songs and everlasting joy; and while in spirit we join the gratulations of that holy, happy company who bid it welcome to their blest abodes, let us resolve, in a devout reliance on the grace of God, to live to Christ, more entirely, more cordially, more constantly than we have ever done, that to us it may be gain to die. Die we must. E. SIBLEY

     Hazel Virginia Swanson, 69, a resident of 41 Grape St., died at 2:15 p.m. Monday in Holzer Medical Center. She had been in failing health one year.
     Mrs. Swanson was a former employee of the Gallipolis State Institute. She was also a practical nurse. She was born June 19, 1911, in Mason County, daughter of the late Jim and Clara Danner Morrow. She married Franklin F. Swanson on Sept. 30, 1930, in Gallipolis. He preceded her in death on Jan. 23, 1966.
     The following children survive: Mrs. Margaret Dominguery, Gardenia, Calif.; Mrs. Richard (Hilda) Gonzales, also of Gardenia; Mrs. Kenneth (Clara) Cromlish, Columbus; Mrs. Marvin (Norma) Moss, Gallipolis; Franklin, Addison; Mrs. Paul (Anna) Beard, St. Cloud, Fla., and James Donald, Miamisburg, Ohio. Thirty-three grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren survive. One sister, Mrs. Berkley (Ethel) Wright, Kanauga, survives. Four brothers preceded her in death.
     She was a member of The Church of Christ in Christian Union on Eastern Ave. and the Daughters of America and senior citizens.
     Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Thursday at The Church of Christ in Christian Union with Rev. George Jones officiating. Burial will be in Pine Street Cemetery. Friends may call at the Waugh-Halley-Wood Funeral Home from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday. The body will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the services. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Tuesday, July 15, 1980
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Mrs. Swanson Dead
     Mrs. Rachel A. Swanson, wife of F.F. [Frank] Swanson, formerly of this city, died at her home in Huntington, WV, Wednesday, March 8, 1911. Her body accompanied by her husband, son Harry and daughter, Miss Myrtie and other friends arrived here on the C.C. Bowyer Friday morning and was taken to her son, C.F. Swanson at No. 1110 Second Avenue.
     The funeral services were conducted there at 2:30 Friday afternoon by Rev. Dr. Hiatt of Huntington and Rev. Arthur P. Cherrington, of Grace Church of this city. The internment was at Pine Street Cemetery by Undertaker Wetherholt immediately after the religious services.
     Mrs. Swanson's maiden name was Miss Rachel Givens of Buena Vista, near Portsmouth and she was born 61 years ago. She was united in marriage with her husband who survives her, 40 years ago, at that place in the old McKendre Chapel by Rev. Mr. Griffith, of the M.E. Church and she became the mother of five children, those three mentioned being the only ones who survive her.
     She was a member of the M.E. Church and was converted and joined the church in which she was married in 1869 and always lived an upright, religious life that sustained her in death. She was a woman of strong mentality, kind to the needy or distressed and her neighbors here and at Huntington will testify to her amiability and general sweet life and disposition to all those virtues so essential in a loving wife, mother and neighbor.
     One brother, David F. Givens, survives her at Royal, IA, who visited her in December after a separation of 34 years. Two sisters survive, one in Illinois, Mrs. Elmeta Moore and Mrs. Fannie Warvel of North Judson, IN, who were here in attendance to the funeral services.

Swanson, Silas

Death Of Silas W. Swanson
     Mr. Silas W. Swanson, of Cheshire, departed this life Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock, May 23, '99 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Joseph Coughenour, aged 83 years next November.
     The funeral services had not been arranged at this writing. His wife, whose maiden name was Ruth M. Holcomb, daughter of Abner Holcomb, died in 1881.
     The relatives who survive him are three daughters, Mrs. John Calhoun, of Wellston; Mrs. Jacob Coughenour and Mrs. Joseph Coughenour of Cheshire and sons, Mr. F.F. Swanson, of this city and Mr. L.W. Swanson of Cheshire. His last brother, Mr. Ben Swanson of Rio Grande, died last fall and he left no sisters.
     He was born in Greenbrier County, WV and came here when a mere boy. He settled in Raccoon Township, near Centreville, after marriage and farmed until he went to Cheshire in '64, when he engaged in the marble business, retiring from active pursuits along about '85. He was a devoted member of the M.E. Church for many years a social, pleasant, genial gentleman, well liked by all and though having lived long past the allotted life of man, his death is profoundly regretted by all who knew him.

[Note: buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery in Cheshire Township.]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
May 24, 1899
Transcribed by F.K. Brown

Daniel Swick of Morgan Died Friday Night
Burial Made Sunday At Fultonham - Was 63 Years Old
     Daniel W. Swick, 63, died at the Athens State Hospital Friday night. He had been a patient there for more than two years. Burial was made Sunday at Fultonham, near Zanesville, where a daughter is buried.
     Mr. Swick was a native of Morgan township. He was for many years a railroad engineer, and for a time operated a flour mill at Bidwell.
     He is survived by his wife, Laura Ward Swick, sister of Grant, Homer, James and Charles Ward, who resides near Eno, and a son, Prof. Lyman Swick, principal of a Youngstown, Ohio, school.

The Gallia Times
Thursday, April 7, 1932
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Daniel Swick Dies; Burial At Fultonham
     Daniel Swick, 63, native of Morgan township and former resident of Bidwell, died Friday night at the Athens State Hospital, where he had been under treatment for more than two and a half years.
Funeral services were held at Athens on Sunday and the body was then taken to Fultonham, near Zanesville, for burial.
     For many years Mr. Swick was an engineer on the old Cincinnati & Muskingum Railway and then lived at Fultonham, and their only daughter was buried there.
     Mr. Swick is survived by his wife, Laura Ward Swick, a sister of H. J. and D. Grant Ward, and she lives on the road between Porter and Vinton. There is one son, Lyman, a very successful school teacher who now holds the principalship of a Youngstown school.
     Mr. Swick for several years managed the flour mill at Bidwell which belonged to his father-in-law. He possessed no little musical talent and will be recalled by many, no doubt, as a singer.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune, p. 1
Monday, April 4, 1932
Transcribed by Mary Kay Clark

DIED
Swick - At her residence in Walnut township, June 27, 1882 of paralysis, Eunice R. Swick, wife of Jesse Swick. The deceased was born in Beaver county, Pa., on the 18th day of April, 1823, and was married April 5, 1842. She came to Gallia county in April 1849, and has lived here ever since. Her maiden name was McQuiston, being a daughter of the late David McQuiston. She was the mother of ten children, seven of whom survive her. She was a truly good woman, a mother in Israel. "She hath done what she could."

Gallipolis Journal
August 24, 1882
Page 3 Column 6
Transcribed by Margaret Calvin

Death Ends A Marriage Of 73 Years
     A marriage relation which had endured for 73 years was ended at 7 p.m. Thursday when Mrs. Fannie Graves Swick, 90, died in Holzer hospital. She was the wife of John Swick who survives at the age of 93. The Ewington lady had been a patient in Holzer hospital for several months following a stroke.
     Mrs. Swick was born in this county on Sept. 5, 1868, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Graves. She was married to John Swick on Oct. 24, 1885. Surviving this union are three daughters and two sons, Mrs. Anna Dyer, of Bidwell, Mrs. Lottie Baker of Vinton, and Mrs. Viola Snyder of Ewington (who lives near the parental home), Clarence Swick of Fostoria and Homer Swick of London.
     Mrs. Swick was a member of the Ewington Church of Christ in Christian Union and funeral services will be held there at 2 p.m. Sunday. Rev. Claude Graves will officiate, and burial will follow in Vinton Memorial Park under the direction of the McCoy Funeral Home. Friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday and until the hour of the service.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, December 19, 1958
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Swigert, John

Mr. John Swigert, 70, a lifelong resident of this city, died at his home on the Chillicothe Road near this city Tuesday, May 30, 1922. He had been ill for several months. Besides his wife, one son, Professor Frank Swigert of the Gallipolis schools, survives him. The funeral was Thursday afternoon at his late home by Rev. Robinson, interment in Mound Hill cemetery.
[John Swigert was the husband of Roma Smeltzer, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth {Farmer} Smeltzer.]

The Gallia Times
June 3 1922 Top of Page

Swigert, Permelia

Death Of Mrs. Swigert
     Mrs. Permelia Swigert got a release from her long suffering at about 6 o'clock in the evening of May 30, '98. She would have been 79 years old June 5th. She was the widow of Valentine Swigert, who died several years ago and the mother of Marquis V., John A, Frank R. of Angola and Mrs. R.M. Nesbitt of Colony, KS.
     Her funeral services will be at her late home at one o'clock Wednesday, conducted by Rev. J.W. McCormick, burial following at Mound Hill, by Hayward & Son.
     She was a fine old lady with many friends and whose departure is not without the regret of many.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
May 31, 1898
Transcribed by F.K. Brown

Mrs. Swigert, 85, Died Thurs. At 4th Ave. Home
Mother of Late Frank Swigert and Last of 10 Children
Funeral at 2 Saturday
     Mrs. Roma L. Swigert passed away at 1:45 Thursday afternoon at her home at 419 Fourth Avenue. She succumbed to the infirmities incident to her 85 years.
     Mrs. Swigert was the youngest child and the last survivor of ten children of Jacob and Elizabeth Smeltzer and was born in Green tp., May 14, 1849. She had six brothers and three sisters.
Decedent was twice married. Her first husband, Roman Carter, died early in their married life. Her second husband was John A. Swigert, with whom she lived happily many years. He died May 30, 1932. She became the mother of two children; Harry, who died at the age of one, and Francis A. Swigert, who died last October 3, after attaining success and great popularity in the teaching profession. He and his mother had lived together at the address mentioned.
     Mrs. Swigert united with the Methodist Church at Centenary at the age of 10 and held steadfastly to that faith. She was a Christian woman, a devoted mother, a kind and considerate neighbor.
     Rev. H. H. Wilbur will conduct the funeral services at the home at 2 o’clock Saturday. Burial will be in Mound Hill Cemetery by George J. Wetherholt & Sons.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, August 3, 1934
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

Swindell, Ella

Mrs. Lawrence Swindell Dies in Aultman Hospital
Leaves Infant Son
Mrs. Ella Swindell, 37, wife of Lawrence Swindell, of 517 High Ave. NW, died Monday night in Aultman Hospital. Besides her husband, she leaves a two-day-old son, Lawrence Jr., her mother, Mrs. Letha Swain of Kanauga, O., three sisters, Mrs. John Jones of Dayton, Mrs. W. Foster of Princeton W.Va., and Mrs. G. F. Clark of Athalia, O., and two brothers, Victor and Sidney Swain of Kanauga, O. The body is at the Orville Smith parlors, where it will remain until the hour of the funeral.

OBITUARY
     James Emory Swindler, died at his home near Crown City, Ohio, on Tuesday evening, April 2, 1929, at the age of 54 years, 7 months and 10 days.
     He was ill only a short time and his death resulted from apoplexy. He was a son of J.M. and Addaline Swindler and was born in Guyan Township, Gallia County, Ohio, August 22, 1874. He was a grandson of the late and well known John Swindler, who was among the early settlers of this community.
     Besides his father, Emory leaves to mourn their loss three brothers, Homer of Gallipolis; Judson and Norman of Crown City and two sisters, Mrs. Luther Harbour of Avondale, CO and Mrs. Strother Houck of Crown City. Also a half-brother, C.W. Cain of Marion, Ohio.
     Emory was of a quiet disposition but had a spirit of friendliness about him that made everyone with whom he associated, like him and we are sure that he had not an enemy in the world.
     During most of his life he followed farming as a means of livelihood. He was industrious and frugal in this calling and set an example of thrift in his neighborhood that is worthy of imitation.

Swindler, John

John Swindler
John Swindler, one of the pioneer settlers of this country, after a protracted illness, passed from life on the morning of the 12th inst., aged 88 years.

Death of Mrs. Swink
     A telegram from Mrs. G. Torrence to friends here Sunday evening stated that her mother, Mrs. Swink, had died at the home of her daughter Mrs. Howard Womeldorff, who resides near Pittsburg on the Monongahela river. Mrs. Swink has been in very feeble health for several months past and her death was not entirely unexpected by relatives and friends.
     She leaves five daughters: Mrs. Geo. w. Torrence, of Portsmouth, Mrs. Heck, of Toledo,Mrs. Humphrey, of Columbus, Mrs. King, of Cleveland, and Mrs. Rickey, of Cincinnati, and one son, Bub of Pittsburg.
     Mrs. Swink, who was the widow of the late Mr. John L. Swink, was born at Staunton, Va., over seventy years ago and drove over land before the war to Middleport where she and husband resided for many years, Mr. Swink being in the hotel and hack business. They afterward moved to Gallipolis, Mr. Swink at one time running the Geneva hotel before it became the Marine hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Swink resided here for several years, making their home with Mrs. Torrence. Mrs. Swink was a kind and christian lady and has for years past been a devoted member of the Methodist Church. She had many friends here who will be pained to hear of her death.
     The funeral and burial will take place Tuesday afternoon at Middleport, the remains being interred beside those of her late husband. The daughters and son will have the sympathy of all their friends in their bereavement.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
January 26, 1903
Transcribed by Henny Evans Top of Page

IN MEMORY
     Our community was terribly shocked when on Sunday evening, Sept. 5, 1920, the news came from the Holzer hospital in Gallipolis that our friend and neighbor, Mrs. Vernon Swisher, had passed out of this life to her final reward.
     Mrs. Adrian Swisher, daughter of Jonas and Saphronia McCarty, was born near Cheshire, Ohio, July 1, 1858, and died Sept. 5, 1920, aged 62 years, 2 months and 5 days. __________ [part of two lines missing] married to Vernon Swisher of Cheshire on December 25, 1878. To this union were born 8 children, 7 of whom survive her, one dying in infancy. She leaves besides her children, her husband, one sister, Mrs. Alonzo Darst of Kanauga, and a brother, Milton McCarty of Cheshire, to mourn their loss, besides a host of other relatives and friends.
     She was a devoted companion, a dear and loving mother, and a good neighbor. Her chief joy was to have around her her husband and children, willing to sacrifice all for their comfort. She has raised her children up to be among the most respectable men and women of the community. Like all good mothers, her task has been a tedious one, feeling her responsibility to God who gave these precious gifts. She has done her part.
     Mrs. Swisher had been failing for some time, but little did we think she would leave us so soon. She was a member of the Cheshire Baptist Church, choosing to follow her Lord and Saviour early in life.
Her place is empty here, for so God willed, but there in Heaven her place is filled. Her place is empty. God calls us one by one to homes prepared by Him when earthly work is done.

Funeral services were conducted at the Cheshire Baptist Church Tuesday, September 7, 1920, by Rev. Reed, interment in Gravel Hill cemetery.

Card of Thanks
We wish to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness shown to us during the sickness and death of our beloved mother and wife, and also the beautiful flowers. Mr. Vernon Swisher and Children.

Death date September 5, 1920
No paper or date.
From the newspaper collection of Harold and Odella Mack.
Transcribed by Shari Little-Creech

Mrs. Agnes Rupe Swisher
     Mrs. Agnes Rupe Swisher, 73 died April 1, 1969 at 51 Chittenden Ave., Columbus, OH. Mrs. swisher was the former owner and operator of the Swisher Grocery Store in Kyger, OH and Cheshire, OH. She was a member of the Kyger Methodist Church and the Cheshire Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles E. Swisher.
     She was the daughter of the late David P. and Laura Lyle Rupe. Mrs. Swisher is survived by two sons, Wayne Swisher, Pomeroy, OH and Paul Swisher, Columbus, OH; three brothers, Walter Perry Rupe, Cheshire Twp; Marcus Rupe, Bidwell, OH R#1; and Claude M. Rupe, Middleport, OH R#1; one sister, Mrs. Luella Bradbury, Kyger OH; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
     Funeral services at the Ewing Chapel, Pomeroy, OH with the Rev. Wilbur Perrin officiating. Buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Cheshire, OH.

Gallipolis Tribune
April 1969
Transcribed by J. Farley

     Alice Mae Swisher, 75, Route 1, Cheshire, died at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday in Holzer Medical Center.
Born May 13, 1907 in Cheshire Township, daughter of the late Edmond and Nina Knopp Kail, she was a cook at Kyger Creek High School, retiring in 1970. He was a member of Little Kyger Congregational Church, Little Kyger Ladies Aid, Little Kyger Grange and the Farm Bureau.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Swisher, in 1978. Surviving are three sons, Kenneth E. and Paul of Columbus; a daughter, Mrs. Richard (Evelyn) Sisson of Gallipolis; nine grandchildren and a great-grandchild.
     Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday in Willis Funeral Home with Rev. William Newman officiating. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Cheshire. Friends may call at the funeral home anytime after 4 p.m. Friday.

Mrs. Sam (Alma) Swisher
     A sufferer from ill health for many years, Mrs. Sam (Alma) Swisher, 40, Kyger, OH, hanged herself and was found in the garage at her home by her little six year old daughter, Jo Ann, while her son, David, 15, was in school at the Cheshire High School, Cheshire, OH.
     She was the daughter of David Perry and Laura Lyle Rupe and had been in ill health for some twelve years. Besides the immediate family already mentioned, she is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Elta Miller, Jerseyville, OH.; Mrs. Charles (Agnes) Swisher, Kyger, OH; and Mrs. Bion (Luella) Bradbury, Gallia, OH; and two brothers, Marcus and Claude Rupe, at home.
     Funeral services at Kyger Methodist Church, Kyger, OH. Burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery, Cheshire, OH.

Gallipolis Tribune
Sept. 1930
Transcribed by J. Farley                                                                                    Top of Page

     Funeral services for the late Ben W. Swisher were held in Columbus Saturday afternoon at his late residence, interment following in Greenlawn cemetery there. Mr. Swisher passed away at his home in Columbus on Wednesday, March 16, 1932, after long illness.
     He had been a member of the Columbus police force from Dec. 27, 1904, to Jan. 19, 1931, when he resigned because of ill health. He had been serving as a municipal court bailiff since his retirement from the force.
     Mr. Swisher was a native of Cheshire and a kindly, jovial man with many warm friends. His wife, Mrs. Tillie Swisher, brothers Oscar and Ed and sister, Miss Josie Swisher of Cheshire and another sister, Mrs. George Arthur of Cincinnati, survive him.

The Gallia Times
“Ohio State Journal”
Thursday, March 24, 1932
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

     BERTIE VIRGIL, son of Jacob C. and Electa Fulton Swisher, was born on September 12, 1874 near Cheshire, Ohio and departed this life at his home in Radcliff December 15, 1941, aged 67years, 3 months, and 3 days.
      He received his early education in the Gallia County schools, then attended college at Lebanon and Rio Grande, later was a student at Starling Ohio Medical School and graduated in medicine from the University of Cincinnati, class of 1898. He first practiced medicine at Northup, Gallia County, moving from there
to Chauncey, Athens County. In December, 1904 he established a practice at Oreton, later to Radcliff where he resided until death.
      He was the youngest of six children all of whom are deceased except one sister. Those preceding him were two brothers Rolando R. and S. Waldo Swisher, both of whom are buried at Los Angeles, California and two sisters Mrs. Minnie Foster and Mrs. Viola Shaffer who are buried at Cheshire.
      On November 8, 1916 he was united in marriage to Ruth E. Cottrill and last month they quietly celebrated their silver wedding anniversary. Dr. Swisher suffered an attack of tularemia seven years ago and for several weeks his life was despaired of. He slowly recovered and resumed his practice, but was never able to do the strenuous work he had done heretofore. His last illness only lasted a few hours, and his death came as a shock to the entire community.
      He is survived by a wife, a sister, Mrs. Cora Swisher Schonfeld of Addison, two nephews, Roy Rothbe of Cheshire, and Perry H. Swisher of Compton, California, besides a host of friends. "Doc" as he was always called was of the old fashioned type of family doctor. He was friend and counselor as well as physician--never in too much of a hurry to listen to one's troubles as he ministered to the physical
infirmities. Having practiced in many families for three generations - He believed in the homely virtues of education, thrift, and industry. He advised the young people to get all the education possible and was always interested in learning that some local youngster had made good. His passing has left vacant a
place in the community which never can be filled.
      He never sought any public position but served as examiner for soldiers' pension, and was a member of the Vinton County Health Board for several years. He was a devoted Mason, being a member at the following orders: the Masonic Blue Lodge at Hamden, Knights Template Commandry of Jackson, and the Aladdin Shrine of Columbus.
      His wife, Ruth E. Cottrill was born near Radcliff, OH March 13, 1894, the daughter of Vinton E. and Elizabeth (Woodyard) Cottrill, and died Holzer Medical Center, Gallipolis, OH FEB 26, 1980. They are both buried at the Vinton Memorial Park, Vinton, Gallia Co., OH.

Unknown Vinton County newspaper
Dec 1914
Transcribed by Elsie Rarey                                                                                  Top of Page

Swisher, C. Wayne

     C. Wayne Swisher, 64, Pomeroy, died unexpectedly at his home Thursday morning while preparing to leave for Florida.
     Mr. Swisher was the son of the late Charles E. and Agnes Rupe Swisher. He was a graduate of Middleport High School and Ohio State University School of Pharmacy. Swisher, a retired pharmacist was in partnership with Harold Lohse and operated Swisher-Lohse Drugs from 1946 to 1973. He was a member of the Trinity Church, served as president of Pomeroy Village Council; served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was discharged as Lieutenant J. G.
     He was a member of Drew Webster Post 39, American Legion, Voiture Forty et Eight; Ohio State Pharmaceutical Association, director of Farmers Bank and chairman of the loan committee and was former president of the Pomeroy Gun Club.
     Mr. Swisher is survived by his wife, Mina Heines Swisher; one daughter, Mrs. Keith (Barbara) Riggs and son-in-law, Dr. Keith Riggs, Pomeroy; two sons, Charles E. Swisher, Pomeroy, and Don W. Swisher, Point Pleasant; daughter-in-law, Avalee Swisher, Pt. Pleasant; four grandchildren, Andrea and Nick Riggs, Phillip and Eric Swisher; three step-children, Aaron, Carey and Mikka Stanley; one brother, Paul Swisher of Thornville.
     Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at Ewing Chapel with the Rev. W. H. Perrin officiating. Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home any time.

Gallipolis Tribune
July 10, 1980
Transcribed by J. Farley

Swisher, Charles

     Columbus-Charles E. (Chuck) Swisher, 47, of Urlin Avenue, Summit Chase, Columbus, formerly of Meigs County, died Wednesday at Riverside Hospital in Columbus after a brief illness.
     Born in Middleport, he was the son of Mina Heines Swisher of Pomeroy and the late Wayne Swisher.
Mr. Swisher was a consultant with Management for Professionals. He was affilliated with Pomeroy Trinity Church. He served in the air National Guard, and was a member of Drew Webster American Legion Post 39 in Pomeroy. He was a 1959 graduate of Pomeroy High School and attended Ohio State University, where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
     Besides his mother, he is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara and Keith Riggs of Pomeroy; a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Avalee of Point Pleasant, W. Va.; a niece, three nephews, two stepnieces, a stepnephew, and several aunts and uncles.
     Services will be Saturday at 1 p.m. at Ewing Funeral Home in Pomeroy with the Rev. William Middleswarth officiating. Burial will be in Beech Grove Cemetery, Pomeroy. Friends may call Friday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Gallipolis Tribune
Oct. 5, 1988
Transcribed by J. Farley                                                                                      Top of Page

Aged Lady Dies at Cheshire Home
Clara Swisher is Victim of Heart Disease and Complications
     Miss Clara Swisher succumbed Sunday at about midnight at her home in Cheshire from heart disease and complications, Miss Swisher was born and reared and spent all of her life with the exception of the past few years which she spent in Middleport with her sister, Mrs. Julia Gerber, in Cheshire, passing away in the same residence where she was born. She was about 74 years of age. Miss Swisher had just recently returned to the old home place.
     Surviving are one sister, Mrs. Gerber of South Second Avenue, and two brothers, Rinaldo and Wesley, both of Cheshire. She was the daughter of the late Mr. And Mrs. G. W. Swisher of Cheshire.
     Funeral rites will be conducted Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock from the residence with Rev. Harley Bolton of Rutland officiating. Interment will be made in the Gravel Hill Cemetery at Cheshire."

[Notes: Clara Swisher was the daughter of George Washington Swisher (1831-1908) and
Samantha J. King (1833-1918) both born and died in Gallia County, Ohio.]

Daily Tribune, Pomeroy, Ohio
Monday, July 13, 1936
Teresa Herrmann, Columbus, Ohio

Swisher, Claude

Honored Dead Soldier
     (Mr. Ed Swisher of Cheshire was down Saturday and left with us the following account of the funeral services of his nephew, Sergeant Claude Swisher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Swisher of Washington, Iowa. Mr. Oscar Swisher is a former Cheshire boy who went west 23 years ago, married and settled in Iowa. He had three sons in France, two returning safely home. Mr. Swisher expects to visit the home folks at Cheshire sometime in February.)
     One of the largest funeral services ever held in Washington County was that of Sergeant Claude Swisher, whose body was the first of the Washington Rainbow division soldiers who died overseas to be brought home for burial. Sergeant Swisher, who died two years ago in an army hospital in France as a result of wounds and exposure, was a very popular member of Company K, 168 Infantry, and at least 1,500 people paid honor to his memory Sunday afternoon. The large
church was filled to overflowing and many people filled the church yard during the services. The crowd at the cemetery was fully as large as at the church.
     Brief memorial services were delivered by Rev. M. R. Regan of the Baptist church and Rev. A. R. Oates of the Presbyterian church. Music was furnished by a quartette from the First United Presbyterian choir, composed of Miss Carolyn Hamilton, Mrs. Hugh McCleery, J. G. Maxwell and T. J. McElhinney.
     In his address Mr. Regan spoke feelingly of the helpful and courageous life lived by Sergeant Swisher, both in his home here and in the service in this country and in France. He was one of three brothers, all of who served in the trenches against the Germans. Mr. Regan refered to the experiences of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. O. M. Swisher, who celebrated Armistice day in the
expectation that their three sons would soon return home, only to receive word a few days later that one had been called as the result of the American drive in the St. Mihiel sector. The minister paid tribute to the heroic spirit shown by the parents.
     The life of Sergeant Swisher, he said, should be an inspiration to all who came in touch with him in any way. "By giving his life in defense of his country, he belongs to all of us." Mr. Regan declared. "His death is a personal loss to everyone in the community and an inspiration to us all for nobler living, and a help in waging a continuous and successful warfare against the iniquities
which prevail in the land, the same iniquity which was typified by the Hun."
     Mr. Regan closed with the recitation of a part of Lincoln’s Gettysburg address and an appeal for all to dedicate their lives to the tasks given them to do. Mr. Oates suggested the question that is often asked as to whether death is a thing of chance or accident and he answered by saying that a courageous death is the result of strong faith "God is ruling and working in the world and He is
love ," said the minister "We can not always understand his providence but we can trust him" Mr. Oates said that a man could not give his life in a nobler cause than that for which Sergeant Swisher laid his down.
     The body was escorted to Elm Grove cemetery by a large body of former comrades
in the world war, commanded by Lieut Harold Putnam. At the cemetery "taps" was
sounded by Oral Larkin, and a volley was fired by a squad in charge of Lieut
Everette Burham.

Swisher, David W.

     David W. Swisher, 81. Columbus, died Saturday, Oct. 14, 1995 at his residence. After 38 years service, he was a retired inspector with Timken Roller Bearing Co. He was a 50-year member and served on the board of the First Church of the Nazarene, and a member of the Northwest Church of the Nazarene for the past seven years.
     Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Marguerite Swisher; a son, Dale Swisher of Cincinnati; a daughter, Marilyn (William) Tripp of Columbus; a sister, Joan Hood of Gallipolis; a nephew, Michael Isaacs of Atlanta, Ga.; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by infant son, David W. Swishter Jr.
     Services will be 11 a. m. Tuesday in the Northwest Church of the Nazarene, 5707 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, with Dr. Richard Parrott officiating. Burial will be in the Union Cemetery. Friends may call the Schoedinger Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High St., Worthington, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today.

Gallipolis Tribune
Oct. 1995
Transcribed by J. Farley

A Sad Death----
Dayton H. Swisher, only son of Perry Swisher, of Cheshire township, and nephew of Rev. W.J. Fulton, died in Denver, Col., Saturday morning, Dec. 29, 1900. He had been sick about four weeks with typhoid fever. His father had been with him near three weeks and will bring his remains home, having left Denver Sunday afternoon, and is expected to reach Cheshire Wednesday on the noon train.
The funeral will be held at the Baptist church in Cheshire Thursday, Dr. J.M. Davis, of Rio Grande, conducting the services. He was 23 years old and unmarried. He left parents and two sisters, Misses Sallie and Eve, to survive him. He spent two years at Rio Grande College and one year at Valparaiso, Ind. He was a very promising, excellent young man, with a bright future, had he not met with his untimely end, and which has breaved a wide circle of friends.

Gallipolis Weekly Tribune
4 January 1901
Contributed by Cheryl Enyart Top of Page

Mrs. Swisher, Aged 77, Died at 1 p.m.
Mrs. J. R. Swisher died at 1 o’clock this afternoon at the Swisher home above Addison and near the railway underpass. She was 77 years old and had been seriously ill for five weeks. Mr. Swisher, who is several years older, has been very frail for months. Both spent most of the winter here at the home of their daughter, Mrs. George Maze.
Funeral arrangements had not been made at press time.

Swisher Rites Will Be Held at 2 Sunday
     Funeral services for Mrs. J. R. Swisher, who died early yesterday afternoon, will be held at 2 Sunday at the home above Addison. Rev. George Sagen and Rev. Jennings Cremeans will officiate. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery by A. E. Tope.
     The only son and the sons-in-law will serve as pall bearers: Harry Swisher, E. E. Langdon and George Maze all of Gallipolis; A. B. McGhee, Middleport RD 1; D. E. Roush and Paul Gordon both of Middleport.
     Mrs. Swisher’s maiden name was Electa Thomas. She was born and reared and spent her whole life in Addison Twp. and would have been 77 years old on July 21. She was a daughter of Peter Thomas.
She and Mr. Swisher celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, May 28, a week before her last illness began. Hers is the first death in a long span of time.
     She is survived by six children as indicated and by her husband, now enfeebled by age and a recent serious and extended illness, and 13 grandchildren. Also surviving are two brothers and a sister: Isaiah Thomas of White Oak and Plain City, Oscar Thomas of near Kyger and Mrs. Fannie Haffelt. Judge David H. Thomas of Marietta was a double cousin.
     Mrs. Swisher was tenderly devoted to her loved ones, and her children reciprocated that devotion and affection in full measure. She and Mr. Swisher spent most of the winter at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Maze, and after the return to their own home, Mrs. Langdon joined them.

Many Attend Rites
The funeral of Mrs. Electa Thomas Swisher, wife of J. R. Swisher, was largely attended, both at the residence and Gravel Hill Cemetery.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
June 24, 19139
Transcribed by Sandi Hardesty Top of Page

Swisher, Frances

Mrs. Frances Swisher Died Last Evening
     Mrs. Frances Swisher, long in distressing health, died about 6 o’clock last evening at her home in Cheshire.
     She was the grandmother of Mrs. Ned Eachus of this city. Mrs. Swisher, the widow of Frank Swisher, was in her 81st year, having been born on Little Kyger on July 28, 1859. She was the daughter of Jerry and Rosannah McCarty Shuler. There were 10 children in the family, but Mrs. Swisher’s death leaves but one survivor, Mrs. Elizabeth Fulton, widow of Sam Fulton and a resident of Cheshire. She too, is in poor health.
     Frank Swisher and Frances Shuler were married Sept. 30, 1877. Their early-married life was spent back of Cheshire but they moved to Cheshire some years before his death in 1934.
     They are survived by two sons, Curtis, who holds a position at the Mansfield Reformatory, and Albert Swisher, who lives at Sycamore, Ohio. There are two surviving grandchildren besides Mrs. Eachus, her brother, Raymond of Bidwell, and Clair Swisher, who lives with his father at Sycamore.
     Recently Clair was severely burned. Mrs. Swisher was a kindly, hospitable woman, and was affectionately called "Aunt Fannie" by her numerous friends among the younger folk. She was tenderly cared for during her illness. She was a member of the Baptist church. Funeral arrangements will await the arrival of one or both sons.

Swisher Rites Set for 2 Saturday P.M.
     Funeral services for Mrs. Fannie Swisher will be held at 2 Saturday at the Cheshire Baptist Church, with Rev. S. H. Higginbotham in charge. Burial will be made in Gravel Hill cemetery by Coleman. Mrs. Swisher was a member of the Campaign Baptist Church. Frank Swisher, son of the decedent, arrived here yesterday from Mansfield. The other son, Albert of Sycamore, came later.

The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Thursday February 22, 1940
Contributed by Cheryl Enyart Top of Page

Swisher, G.W.

G.W. Swisher Dead
Mr G.W. Swisher, residing at Carlton, and 76 or 77 years old died last night.
He was a prominent businessman dealing largely in hay and corn in the Middleport and Pomeroy markets and known by everyone in the upper part of the county.
His funeral services will be at his late home Wednesday at 2 p.m., the burial following at Gravel Hill.
He leaves a wife, three sons and two daughters and was a fine man, well liked wherever known.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1908
Transcribed by F.K. Brown

Swisher, George

Two Men Die [The other was Oldsherry Higginbotham]
Addison Loses Two Long Time Residents
Pomeroy, March 26, George Swisher, 79, a life-long resident at Addison until last fall, died at Columbus, where he had gone to live with a daughter. Cancer was the cause of his death. He leaves a widow and several grown children and three brothers all of whom live in the vicinity of Addison. The body was brought to the home of a son, John, a burial was made near Point Pleasant, Sunday.

George Swisher Dies in Columbus
George Swisher, who was 79 years old, and whose home was at Addison until last fall, died Thursday evening in Columbus at the home of his daughter where he made his home since leaving Gallia county. Death was the result of a cancerous growth. He is survived by his wife and several children and three brothers, all of whom live in this county, J. R., Frank and John Swisher.
His body will be brought to the home of his son, John, at Pt. Pleasant and interment will be in a cemetery near there.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Saturday, March 24, 1928
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

     George N. Swisher, son of Solomon and Nancy Swisher, was born Oct. 31, 1840, died April 4, 1925. He was united in marriage to Lucina King Dec. 26, 1870, who departed this life March 27, 1924. To this union four children were born, Ettie George and Nora Davis of Gallipolis, R. D. Harlow of Middleport and Maurice of Cheshire.
     Thirteen grandchildren, five great-grand children, one half brother, one half sister and a host of loving nieces and nephews are left to mourn the loss of a good man.
     He had builded an unspotted character, always quiet, modest and sympathetic, and deserves the good name his friends gave him. A manly man, a man amoung men, he respected the opinion of others, was kind and patient with those who differed with him and was always ready to make concessions rather than break the thread of friendship.
     He never united with any church, but gave liberally to its support. He said he would not want to live where there were no churches and he was a firm believer in a true and living God. He hated evil in all its forms and loved the good with all his heart. He bore his afflictions with patience, and altho' blind for three years greeted his friends with a smile until the last.
     All that loving hands could do was done for him but He who doeth all things well called and he is not, for God took him. He fully realized his time was short and told his son he was getting ready to go.
     The funeral was held at the home, services being conducted by Rev. Mossman. The large number present showed the high esteem in which he was held. The floral offerings were most beautiful. Burial was at Gravel Hill cemetery by Undertaker DeMaine.
   His grand-daughter, Zella M. George.

Ira Swisher Expires At 62
     Ira Swisher, 62, Cheshire Rt. 1, died at the Huntington Veteran’s Hospital last night after a six months illness. He had entered the Huntington hospital Monday with a heart condition.
Mr. Swisher was born Oct. 3, 1889 in Cheshire Twp. to Eli Swisher and Eloise Kirkpatrick, Cheshire. Both parents are dead.
     The deceased was married to Nettie Roush Oct. 27, 1919. She survives, also surviving are five children, Virginia and Grace at home, Mrs. Hazel Higgenbottom, Carey; Mrs. Daisy Thomas, Middleport; and Gerald Swisher, Bidwell.
     He was a World War I veteran and served nine months in Europe. Military services will be held at Poplar Ridge Church at 2 p.m. Monday and interment at Poplar Ridge Cemetery. Friends may call at the late home Sunday. Vernon McCoy is the funeral director.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Friday, February 8, 1952
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron

J. R. Swisher, Aged 86, Dies This Morning
     J. R. Swisher, retired farmer of Addison Twp. and the head of a well-known family, died at 6:15 this morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Julia McGhee, near Rutland. He was in his 87th year, having been born Feb. 21, 1856.
     His daughter, Mrs. Edith Langdon of 44 Vinton Ave., with frequent visits to his other children. His home for a long time was above Addison and just below the railroad underpass.
     Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Friday at the Addison Baptist Church with Rev. Jennings Cremeans in charge, assisted by Rev. William Crabtree of Rutland. Rev. E. C. Venz of Kanauga will sing. Interment will be made in Gravel Hill Cemetery by A. E. Tope.
     Mr. Swisher’s wife, Electa Thomas Swisher, died June 23, 1939. They are survived by these children, in addition to the two already named: Harry Swisher and Mrs. George Maze of Gallipolis; Mrs. D. E. Roush, Middleport and Mrs. Paul Gordon, Parkersburg.
     Mr. Swisher’s death was ascribed to heart trouble and the infirmities incident to his advanced age. He had been in very serious condition for the last three months. During this period and before that he was tenderly cared by his children and other loved ones.
     At the time of Mr. Swisher’s death there were 13 grandchildren.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
July 29, 1942
Transcribed by Sandi Hardesty                    Top of Page

John Swisher Dies
Funeral Saturday
John Swisher, 79, passed away late Wednesday evening at his home near Little Kyger. He will be buried in Gravel Hill Cemetery following funeral services at Little Kyger Christian church Saturday, 1 p.m. By Rev. Scott Mossman. Arrangements are in charge of J. L. Coleman, of Bidwell.
Mr. Swisher is survived by four sons and two daughters: Arthur of New York, Bud of Columbus, Ermin and Duffy, at home, Mrs. Peters, Cheshire and Mrs. Hulda Jenkins of Kyger.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Thursday, March 03, 1932
Contributed by Teresa Herrmann

Swisher, Leo E.

Leo E. Swisher
CHESHIRE -- Leo E. Swisher, 72, Route 2, Cheshire, died Tuesday at Holzer Medical Center
     Mr. Swisher was born May 3, 1904 at Cheshire, the son of the late M.K. and Millie Reese Swisher. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Lena V. Scott Swisher in 1967 and by a sister.
     Surviving are two sons, Lowell and Robert, both of Cheshire; eight grandchildren and two great granddaughters.
     Mr. Swisher was a member of the Cheshire United Methodist Church and was a school bus driver before his retirement. He was an active member of the Cheshire Township Trustees.
     Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Rawlings-Coats Funeral Home in Middleport with the Rev. Chester Lemley and the Rev. William Beagle officiating. Burial will be in Gravel Hill Cemetery at Cheshire. Friends may call at the funeral home at anytime.

The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday, June 23, 1976
Contributed by Cheryl Enyart Top of Page

Swisher, Lowell E.

Lowell E. Swisher
     Lowell E. Swisher, 63, Rt. 1, Cheshire, died this morning at Holzer Medical Center following an extended illness.
     Born Jan. 15, 1926 in Cheshire, he was the son of the late Leo and Vale (Scott) Swisher.
     Also preceding him in death was his first wife, Geraldine (Ward) Swisher, whom he married in 1947.
     He is survived by his second wife Bonnie (Howard) Swisher, whom he married Dec. 12, 1964. Also surviving are three daughters, Mrs. Keith (Connie) Drummond, Mrs. Richard (Lena) McFAnn and Mrs. J.D. (Carolyn) Taylor, all of Cheshire; one son Michael L. Swisher od Syracuse; two step children, Yvonne Jacques of Pomeroy and Dwanna Jett of Marietta; one brother, Robert Swisher of Bidwell; six grandchildren and five step grandchildren.
     He was retired from Federal Mogul. He was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and a mamber of the VFW Post 4464.
     Services will be Saturday, 1 p.m. at he Willis Funeral Home with the Rev. Steve Fuller officiating. Burial will follow at the Gravel Hill Cemetery.
     Friends may call Friday 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Ed Swisher, Randall McFann, Vince Hill, Elwood Howard, Jr. Raymond Swartz and Jim Folmer. Honerary pallbearers will be Luther Smith and Garland Ward. Military services will be conducted at graveside by VFW 4464 and American Legion Post 27.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Thursday, March 23, 1989
Contributed by Cheryl Enyart                                                                              Top of Page

John Swisher Dies From Bullet Wound
Cheshire Township Man Left Note Explaining Suicide - Funeral Was Sunday
     John H. Swisher, 40, a printer by trade, died in the Holzer hospital Friday morning, March 11, 1932, from a bullet wound in his abdomen, self inflicted on the Saturday before. Funeral services were Sunday at the Cheshire Baptist Church, interment following in Gravel Hill Cemetery.
     Mr. Swisher was a son of the late Curtis Swisher and wife, both deceased. He leaves a brother, Arthur Swisher, of Columbus. He was a printer by trade, employed for a number of years in Huntington and later by the Downtain Printing Co. of this city.
     He had been making his home with his aunt, Miss Clara Swisher, sister of Wesley and Rinaldo Swisher. At the time of the shooting he was alone at home, Miss Swisher having gone to Middleport to call on her sister, Mrs. Julia Gerber.
     Ill health and despondency had gripped him, and he left a note for his uncle, Wesley Swisher, explaining his actions. He was a World War Soldier and was given military honors at his funeral.

Swisher, Margaret E

Tribute To Memory Of Mrs. Margaret E. Swisher
     Margaret E. Coughenour, daughter of Washington and Damariss Coughenour, was born May 10, 1852 and passed to Heavenly Home on April 17,1922, aged sixty-nine years, eleven months and seven days.
She was united n marriage with David Swisher on Aug. 8, 1886. To this union one son, James Swisher, was born.
     Mrs. Swisher was one of a family of five children. Her only brother passed away several years ago and two of her sisters, Mary Jane and Macy, died in their youth. The immediate relatives left to mourn are her loving and only son, James Swisher, and one sister, Mrs. Samuel Anderson, besides hosts of other relatives and friends who have the sincere sympathy of all.
     Her husband departed this life on April 7, 1903, nineteen years ago and during all those nineteen years this mother and son have been inseparable companions, living with and for each other.
Her sudden death, just at this glad Easter time, came as a shock to all and especially so to her only son, but we have this promise from our Heavenly Father, "Behold I show you the mystery; we shall not all sleep but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." A great change where "death is swallowed up in victory" and all things are made new--a new life, a new home, a new song, which will last throughout the eternal ages.
     Mrs. Swisher was a woman of strong character, standing bravely for what she though was right and just and as bravely opposing wrongs. She united with the First Kyger F.W. Church many years ago and remained a member of that church of her choice until death. Not being in good health she seldom left her home, but those who knew her best tell us that she spent many hours reading the Bible; especially did she devote much time to studying God's word on the Sabbath Day.

She was a great lover of beauties of nature. One could not pass her home without being attracted by her many varieties of pretty flowers in their season. We feel that these fine traits of character have been handed down to her son and that they will live after her. And now, at the beautiful Eastertide, when the earth again springs into new life and all things are beautiful, let us think of her robed in the garments of a new and happy life.

[Note: Buried Gravel Hill Cemetery. Mother's maiden name Tipton]

Gallia Times
Thursday, April 27, 1922
Transcribed by F.K. Brown Top of Page

Swisher, Millie E.

Mrs. Swisher, 64,Of Little Kyger Died Tuesday P.M.
Funeral Is Set For 1 P.M. Friday At 1, Kyger Church
     Mrs. Millie E. Swisher, wife of M. K. Swisher, whose home is on Little Kyger died at 3:05 Tuesday afternoon. She had been in poor health a long time and was in her 65th year.
     Mrs. Swisher was a daughter of the late Thomas L. and Sarah Kincade Reese and was born in the Oil Hollow community of Addison Twp. on Feb. 24, 1879. Of the immediate family she is survived by besides her husband, a daughter, Mrs. Faye Van Heyde, Columbus, who lived in
Gallipolis a few years ago, a son, Leo Swisher of Cheshire, and two grandsons, Lowell and Robert Swisher. There are three brothers and one sister: Willard Reese, Cheshire; Elgia and Herbert Reese, Plain City, and Mrs. Earl Moore, Gallipolis.
     Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. E. C. Venz at 1 o’clock Friday at the Little Kyger Church. Interment will be made in Gravel Hill Cemetery by Rawlings-Coates. Friends may view the features at the home up until the funeral time.

The Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Wednesday May 5, 1943
Contributed by Cheryl Enyart Top of Page

Swisher, Perry

Aged Man Passes
Perry Swisher, aged 80 years passed away Wednesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. William Rice at Kyger. Death was due to complications and old age.
Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Friday at the Rice resident with Prof. Clark of Rio Grande officiating with burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery in charge of Rawlings.

[Note: gravestone 1850-1929....death certificate: Born: March 24, 1850; died October 2, 1929, 79 years 4 months and 18 days of age. Wife: Mary A. Swisher. Parents: David Swisher and (unknown) Scott]

Swisher, Rinaldo

'Nad' Swisher, Retired Carrier, Died Early Today
Funeral at Home At Carlton At 2 Saturday
     Rinaldo Swisher, better known as Nad, aged 85 years, well-known and highly respected citzen, passed away at his home at Cheshire, (Carlton) early this October 12, following a period of ten days' serious illness. He had been an invalid for the past four years as a result of a paralytic stroke.
     Mr. Swisher was a retired mail carrier and in that role he made many friends during a period of nineteen years of active service. Mr. Swisher was the son of the late George and Samantha Swisher. His loving companion preceeded him in death two years ago.
     He leaves to mourn his loss the following children: Wilber of Corning, O.; Dewey at home; Mrs. Robert Hern of Akron, O.; Mrs. Hilah Roush of Gallipolis, and George Swisher of Columbus, O.; also one brother, W. E. Swisher, a close neighbor, of Cheshire and one sister, Mrs. Julia Gerber of Middleport. There are ten grandchildren besides a host of other relatives and friends.
    Funeral service will be held at the residence at 2 p.m. (fast time) Saturday. Interment at Gravel Hill cemetery by Rawlings-Coates.

DIED
Swisher, Mrs Rose Della, 63, Point Pleasant, November 21 at Holzer Hospital; survived by a daughter, Mrs. Warren W. Miller Rodney, and four sons, away; four sisters and three brothers also survive; funeral November 24; burial in Lone Oak Cemetery.

The Gallia Times November 23, 1946; Page 2
From the newspaper collection of Harold and Odella Mack
Transcribed by Shari Little-Creech

Swisher, Sam

Services Tuesday for Sam Swisher
     Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Kyger Methodist Church for Sam W. Swisher, 59, who died at 1 p.m. Friday in Holzer Hospital of cirrhosis of the liver.
     The Rt. 2, Cheshire, farmer was born Oct. 16, 1889, in Mason County, W. Va., to Eli and Mary Rosanna Fulton Swisher. He married Alma Rupe, who died 20 years ago. He is survived by a son, David W. Swisher, 2312 Traymore Pl., Columbus; and a daughter, Mrs. W. R. (Joan) Isaacs, 301 Madison St. Milton, Fla.; three sisters, Mrs. Pearl Pierce, Hamden, Mrs. Bruce Lawlace, Fostoria; Mrs. Harvey Darst, Rt. 2 cheshire; and two brothers, Blaine Swisher, 438 Lee St., Marion, and Perry Swisher, Cheshire. Three grandchildren also survive.
     The Rev. Andrew Perry will officiate at the funeral, and burial will be made by J. L. Coleman and Son in Gravel Hill Cemetery. The body will lie in state in the church an hour before the last rites.

Gallipolis Tribune
1949
Transcribed J. Farley                                                                                          Top of Page

Swisher, Samuel Roy

[DIED]

Of Fractured Skull In Hospital Here Late Saturday Night
Rance, Watkins Driver, Held Blameless Burial at Gravel Hill Near Decedent's Home
     As he attempted to dart across Eastern ave, (Route 7) near Casto's store in Maple Shade at 7:45 Saturday night, Samuel Roy Swisher, 48, a deaf mute, of near Cheshire was struck by a truck and knocked unconscious.
     The truck driver, Rance Watkins, 25, also of Cheshire, rushed Swisher to the Holzer Hospital, where he died at 11 o'clock the same night. Death resulted from a fracture at the base of the skill. The man had suffered no other serious injury.
     Undertaker, J. L. Coleman removed the body to his mortuary at Bidwell and at 2:30 this afternoon funeral services were conducted at the Cheshire M. E. church by Rev. H. N. Snider, Burial in Gravel Hill Cemetery.

Driver Not At Fault
     Information obtained by Sheriff Hatfield from Watkins and other eye-witnesses seemed to show so conclusively that Watkins is blameless that the advisability of making an arrest was hardly contemplated.
     Seated with Watkins were his wife and baby and Pearl Devault, a miner, was in the back end of the pick-up truck. Watkins told soon after the accident. They were coming into Gallipolis.

[Tombstone dates are: 1889-1937]

Gallipolis Paper
1937
Transcribed by Maxine Marshall

Vern. Swisher, Aged 84, Died This Morning
Funeral Services Will Be Held 2 Wednesday Baptist Church In Cheshire
     Vernon Swisher, who was well known in the upper end of the county and in Meigs, died at 2:30 this morning at the home of his youngest daughter, Mrs. Isabelle Autherson, in Bradbury. He had been bedfast 15 weeks and in poor health for a much longer period and was nearing his 84th birthday.
     Mr. Swisher was born near Cheshire, a son of Solomon and Sophia McCarty Swisher, and was the last survivor of that immediate family. His birthdate was Jan. 19, 1855. He was reared in the Turkey Run community and on Dec. 25, 1878 married Adrian McCarty of the same community. She died in 1920.
Up until her death he lived in and around Cheshire and in addition to farming was employed for a period at the Cheshire flour mills. Most of the time since her death he had lived at the Autherson home in Bradbury.
     Six children besides Mrs. Autherson survive: Earl Swisher of Gallipolis; William and Arthur Swisher, Middleport; Stanley Swisher and Mrs. Eugene Watson, Cheshire, and Mrs. C. D. Carter, New Plymouth, O. One child died in infancy. There are 13 grandchildren, including Miss Kathryn Watson, The Tribune's Cheshire correspondent, and several great-grandchildren.

Gallipolis Daily Tribune, Front Page
Monday, January 9, 1939
From the newspaper collection of Harold and Odella Mack
Transcribed by Shari Little-Creech

Wade Swisher, only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. (Dean) Swisher of Cheshire, died Thursday at Camp Sherman, aged about 22 years. He had been in camp about two months. His father went to the camp and accompanied the body home. He was sick only a short time from influenza and pneumonia.
Funeral services were held at Cheshire Sunday afternoon at the home by Revs. Reed and Lockwood, burial in Gravel Hill cemetery. He leaves his parents, three sisters and a host of sorrowing relatives and friends.

[Note: b. Jan. 1887 d. Oct. 3, 1918; Co. 33 - 9th Tr. Bat.]

The Gallia Times
Wednesday, October 9, 1918
Transcribed by Sandy L. Milliron Top of Page

Swisher, William Curtis

Cheshire Man Ends Own Life
     William Curtis Swisher, 79, one of the prominent figures in Cheshire, took his life Saturday afternoon to end his suffering from a malignancy which had made him bedfast in recent weeks. Saturday afternoon he marshalled enough strength to leave his bed and secure a .22 calibre rifle which he fired into his temple above the left eye. He lived only about eight minutes after the shot was fired, his death taking place at 2:15 p.m. He was seated in a chair in the family home on the main street of the village.
     Swisher was a native of Cheshire twp., where he was born on Oct. 25, 1877, the son of the late Frank and Fannie Shuler Swisher. As a youngster he attended the village schools and for a number of years engaged in farming. At a later time he was employed at the Gallipolis State Institute. He left the GSI to take employment at the Mansfield Reformatory as a guard from which position he retired in 1941. He returned to Cheshire to make his home and served the village as marshall.
     He was twice married, his first wife being the former Minnie Smith, who preceded him in death in 1942. They were the parents of two surviving children, Mrs. Ned (Neva) Eaches of Gallipolis and Raymond of Columbus. In July, 1943, he was married to the former Anna Adams who survives along with two step-children, Clarence Adams of Bidwell and Mrs. Thelma Kohler of Columbus.
Other survivors are a brother, Albert of Sycamore, six grand and nine great grandchildren.
     Swisher was a member of the Cheshire Methodist church, where services will be
held at 2 p.m. Tuesday. Rev. Kenneth Betz will officiate, assisted by Rev. C. J. Lemley. Burial will take place in Gravel Hill cemetery under the direction of Miller’s Home for Funerals. Friends may call at the late home until shortly before the hour of the service. Pallbearers will be Dick Allen, Ed Thompson, James Baker, Melvin Little, Wilbur Ward and Wilbert Underwood.

A. P. Switzer, 61, Dies Suddenly in Jersey Home
Was Train Dispatcher in New York for N. Y. C.
Brother of C. H. Switzer
Arthur P. Switzer, native of this county and the older and only brother of Assistant Postmaster Charles H. Switzer, died Saturday night at his home in Harrington Park, New Jersey.
He had suffered severly from a heart affection for several months, he and his brother becoming ill about the same time, but he had recovered to some extent and had been working since the first of the year. He was a train dispatcher, was stationed in the New York Central station in New York City, and had been in the service of that company for about 35 years.

Was Nash Cadet
     Mr. Switzer was 61 years old. He was a son of the late Valentine H. Switzer and was born on what is now W. H. Swartzwalder farm in Springfield tp. The family came to Gallipolis in 1888 when the elder Switzer was elected sheriff. Arthur attended school here and became one of the Nash Cadets.
     His interest soon turned to telegraphy and he accepted a job in the local Western Union office and developed a sort of genius for repairing telegraph equipment. He became a man of rather gigantic stature, attaining to a height of either 6 feet 6 inches or 6 feet 8 inches and well-portioned.
     As a young man he worked in Topeka and attraced considerable attention there as a baseball pitcher. From there he went to Atlanta and played a season or two with that city's team in the Southern League.
About 25 years ago he and Miss Lulu Womeldorff, daughter of Fannie Tate Womeldorff and the late Harry Womeldorff, were united in marriage in East. She survives him, as do his mother, Mrs. Melissa Switzer, and his sister, Mrs. Mabel Vervenne, both of Westwood, N. J. in addition to the brother named.
     Funeral and burial will take place at Harrington Park.

No paper or date.
From the newspaper collection of Harold and Odella Mack.
Transcribed by Shari Little-Creech

C. J. Switzer, Aged 88, Dies in Washington
Native of Addison Tp. And Brother Of Robert M. Switzer---Funeral At 2 Friday
Charles J. Switzer retired lawyer and government employee and a half-brother of former Congressman R. M. Switzer of this city, died at his home in Washington, D. C. last night. He was 88 years old and was born and reared on Little Chickamauga in Addison tp. He had been in failing health for a number of years and was bedfast and nearly blind during the last two years.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Friday at the residence at 314 Usphur street, N. W. R. M. Switzer expected to leave this afternoon to attend the services and others of the family may accompany him.

Uncle of C. H. Switzer
     Charles John Switzer was a son of Valentine Switzer, whose home stood near the road in front of what was long known as the Hawkins homestead and now the property of E. W. Bradley. He was a brother of the late Val H. Switzer, one-time sheriff, who was the father of Assistant Postmaster Charles H. Switzer.
     When a young man Charles J. accidentally shot off one of his arms while hunting. He underwent three amputations, the first two being unsuccessful efforts to save part of his arm. He attended the Holbrook College at Lebanon and was a boyhood chum of Captain Oberlin M. Carter.
     In 1882 Charles J. and the late Col. C. W. Bird were appointed to clerkships in the Pension Bureau. Before they lost their positions as a result of a change of administrations, Mr. Switzer was promoted to field examiner and was stationed at Charleston, W. Va. Subsequently he practiced law in that city in association with L. A. Martin.
     Becoming ill, he was taken to Washington in the early '90s. He finally regained his health, obtained a departmental position and remained there the rest of his life. He had not been here on a visit since 1918. Even before that date he had retired because of physical disabilities.
     He married an Illinois girl, whose father, Captain John B. Dowd, held an important position in the government. They are survived by two children, both married and residents of the National Capital: John B. Switzer, who as a boy obtained a position in the interstate Commerce Commission and who for a number of years has served as the commission's appointment clerk; and Edith, wife of Alfred Johnson.

[Note: Burial is at Rock Creek CE (located in Washington D.C.). Washington Post, November 21, 1935 (Ancestry.com).]

Newspaper (prob. November 1935, Gallipolis) clipping found in the Simmerman files, Switzer file, Bossard Library.
Transcribed by Debbie Carter Evans Top of Page

Switzer, Frank

Death Claims F. Switzer, 89, Near Addison
     Frank Switzer, who was in his 90th. year, died at 10 o'clock this morning at his home above Addison. He had been seriously ill 10 days and death resulted from heart ailments.
     Mr. Switzer was born here Aug. 16, 1850, the son of Metellus and Margaret Hamlin Switzer. He and Abbie Watson were married at Addison in January, 1873 and she died nine months ago. They are survived by these children: Mrs. J.H. Berry, Mrs. W.H. Reeves, Marie and Jack Switzer, all of Addison; Earl Switzer, Galparaiso, IN; Mrs. N.J. Backus and Mrs. J.H. Beckey, Pittsburgh. There is one surviving brother, William Switzer of Turkey Run (Cheshire R.D.).
     Funeral Services will be conducted at 1 o'clock Sunday at the Addison M.E. Church, of which decedent was a member, by Rev H.N. Snider. Burial in Gravel Hill by Coleman.

[Note: Death Certificate: born Aug. 16, 1850; died Sept. 27, 1939; aged 89 years, 1 month and 11 days of age.]

Gallipolis Daily Tribune
Sept. 27, 1939
Transcribed by F.K. Brown

Widow of J.W. Swords Passes
     Mrs. America A. Swords, most of whose life was spent in this county, died at 10:30 Thursday night in Springfield, Ohio. She was the widow of James W. Swords, who died at Crown City in 1935.
     Since his death Mrs. Swords divided her time among her children, who are Homer, Wheeler, John, Burt and Aaron Swords, all of Springfield; Mrs. Wealtha Leedom, Cincinnati and Miss Garnet Swords, Columbus. Also surviving are two brothers, David and James Stewart, both of Bladen and 15 grandchildren.
     Funeral services will be held...[missing rest].

[Note: from stone in Hauck Cemetery in Harrison Township...1869-1938. Death Certificate: America Swords was born Oct. 12, 1869 in Illinois; died May 26, 1938 in Springfield, Ohio..68 years, 7 months and 14 days. Parents: Jackson Stewart and Anna Markin]

Syrus, Rena R.

     Funeral services for Rena Rosetta Syrus will be conducted Wednesday, 1 p.m. at Willis Funeral Home.
     Additional survivors in Monday's Gallipolis Daily Tribune are a halfbrother, Leroy Smith of Florida; a half sister, JoAnn Cicinali of Cincinnati; and two step-sisters, Louise Kirby of Gallipolis and Edna Glass of Oregon.
     Friends may call the funeral home tonight from 6 to 9 p.m.

Gallipolis Tribune
Jan. 30, 1990
Transcribed by J. Farley