RAVALLI COUNTY OBITUARIES
S
VICTORIA SADLOWSKI
December 24, 1944 - May 22, 1985
Victoria Veronica Sadlowski, 40, of Corvallis, died Wednesday
from injuries received in an automobile accident at Bear Creek Tail Road
near Victor. She was born December 29, 1944 in Elizabeth, NJ, the daughter
of Matthew and Victoria Sadlowski, and was raised and schooled at Edison,
NJ.
She is survived by two sons, Steven S. Gronbach, Blairstown,
NJ, and Erik E. Gronbach, Victor; her mother, Victoria Sadlowski, Edison,
NJ; three brothers, Richard Sadlowski, Old Bridge, NJ, Casey Sadlowski, Howell,
NJ, and Robert Sadlowski, Edison; two sisters, Regina Sachoefer, Bricktown,
NJ, and Maryann Sadlowski, Edison. Memorial services will be conducted Tuesday
at 10:30 a.m. at Dowling Funeral Home with the Rev. Raymond Gilmore officiating.
Cremation has taken place.
Abstract from the Ravalli Republic, May 28, 1985, page 2
DEXTER SALISBURY
August 31, 1826 - April 10, 1903
D. Salisbury, aged about 77 years, died at 6 p.m. last Friday, April 10th,
1903, at his home on Three Mile and was buried in Three Mile Cemetery on
the Saturday following. He was an old timer and much respected by everybody.
He was at one time in the marine service of the United States.
Northwest Tribune, Stevensville, Montana, Friday, 17 April 1903, page 3,
column 1
ELMER LEE SARGENT
August 7, 1890 - December 31, 1963
DEATH CLAIMED ELER SARGENT TUESDAY, RITES TO BE FRIDAY.
Funeral service will be Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock
at Dowling chapel for Elmer L. Sargent of Darby who died unexpectedly at
his home Tuesday, December 31. Elder Donald Spillman will officiate and interment
will be in Lone Pine cemetery.
Elmer Lee Sargent was born August 7, 1890 in Council Bluffs,
Iowa. He married Esther Marie Shockley April 12, 1914 at Darby with Rev.
George A. White officiating and witnesses being Dewitt McLaughlin and Blanche
McKinney.
Surviving are sons Francis and LeRoy at Darby; sisters
Mrs. Ernest (Sadie) Barklow, Joliet, Illinois; Mrs. Clyde (Myrtle) Matchett,
Olympia, Washington; a brother, Harley Sargent, Hamilton; and five grandchildren.
Extract from: The Western News, January 1, 1964
DONALD L. SAWYER
February 16, 1926 - December 31, 1996
Donald L. Sawyer, 70, of Woodside, died Tuesday December
31, 1996, at the Valley View Estates in Hamilton. He was born February 16,
1926 in Portland, Oregon, the son of Elmer and Altha Roberts Sawyer.
Surviving are his children; brothers, sisters; grandchildren;
and great grandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of the Daly-Leach
Chapel and Crematory in Hamilton.
Abstract from the Ravalli Republic, January 3, 1997
ELMER ALVIN SAWYER
January 21, 1897 - June 11, 1967
Elmer A. Sawyer Taken by Death At Daly Hospital Sunday, June 11
Funeral services were held this afternoon at the Dowling
chapel for Elmer A. Sawyer, 70, of Hamilton, who died at Daly hospital Sunday
at 4:20 a.m. Pastor Henry Frye officiated and interment was in Riverview
Cemetery. Pallbeareres were Dan Hildebrand, Frank Benson, Joe Patzer, George
Wilson, George Palin, and Ozzie Back.
Elmer Alvin Sawyer was born January 21, 1897 in Ayrshire,
Iowa, He lived in the Hamilton area for about 30 years. He was a farmer.
Surviving are sons Donald and Charles, Saugus, California;
Robert and Stanley, Semi, California; Michael, Hamilton; daughters, Mrs.
Nadine Ross, San Fernando, California, and Mrs. Norma Johnson, Warm Springs.
The Western News, June 14, 1967
EMILY E. WILLETTE SCHUMACHER
June 18, 1914 - March 3, 1996
Emily E. Schumacher, 81, of Hamilton, died Sunday, March
3, 1996, at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. She was born June 18, 1914 in
Essexville, MI, the daughter of the late John and Delia Willette.
Surviving are a son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Sarah
Schumacher of Hamilton; a grandson and a granddaughter.
Services will be Thursday morning at St. Johns Church in Essexville, MI.
Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the
Squire Funeral Home.
Local arrangements are under the direction of the Daly-Leach
Chapel.
Ravalli Republic, March 5, 1996
CHARLES FREDERICK SCHWAB
August 20, 1873 - August 18, 1959
C.F. SCHWAB, VALLEY PIONEER, DIED TUESDAY, RITES FRIDAY.
Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. at the Corvallis
Community Church for C.F. Schwab, Corvallis farmer who died Tuesday, August
18 at 5:30 p.m. at Daly Hospital after a long illness. Rev. Gerald Meyer
will officiate and interment will be in Corvallis cemetery.
Charles Frederick Schwab was born August 20, 1873 at Rockport,
Missouri and came to Montana at the age of 9 with his family. His parents
were Jonas and Mary Schwab. A sister, Effie, died during the trip to Montana
by covered wagon, at the age of 2 from diphtheria.
He married Mable M. Fitch, former Corvallis teacher, at
Ludington, Michigan, November 11, 1920 and they have made their home north
of Corvallis about 1 1/2 miles since. Mr. Schwab's mother, who died at the
age of 91, was blind nearly 25 years and during that time, he wrote quite
a bit of good poetry for her.
Survivors include the widow; son Rev. Richard Schwab,
pastor of the Burke Ave. Chapel, Seattle; daughter Mrs. John S. (Melda) Ludlow,
Mill Valley, California; sister Mrs. Randall Kellam, Sacramento, California;
grandchildren Ann Louise, Timothy, Mary Schwab and Lynn, Conrad, and Roger
Ludlow.
Extract from: The Western News, August 20, 1959
MARY GENEVIEVE SCHWAB
September 9, 1845 - February 8, 1938
MOTHER SCHWAB DEAD
Ninety-Two-Year-Old Corvallis Lady Passed Tuesday; Rites Today From Home
of Her Son
Mrs. Mary Genevieve Schwab, aged ninety two years, passed
away about 11:15 o’clock Tuesday morning at the home of her son, Charles
F. Schwab, north of Corvallis Mrs. Schwab had been in declining health of
late. Without her eyesight for a number of years, the aged lady had resided
with her sons at Corvallis and Stevensville. Funeral services will be held
at 10:30 o’clock this morning at the Charles Schwab residence, Rev. Ray Ames,
conducting the rites. Internment will be in Corvallis cemetery.
Mrs. Schwab was born September 9, 1845, in Prague, Bohemia.
She came to the United States when she was 11 years of age. She had been
a resident of the Corvallis community for the past 51 years. Her husband
Jonas Schwab passed away 30 years ago. Surviving relatives include a sister,
Mrs. Theresa Taylor of Balenstine, Neb., three sons, George H. Schwab of
Stevensville, Charles F. Schwab of Corvallis and Lee D. Schwab of Alberton
and a daughter, Mrs. Anna S. Kellam of Sacramento, Cal
Ravalli Republican, February 9, 1938
Contributed by Corvallis Community Heritage Project
GEORGE LEWIS SCOTT
February 2, 1882 - August 20, 1950
GEORGE L. SCOTT IS TAKEN BY DEATH, WAS EARLY RESIDENT OF THE BITTER ROOT.
George Lewis Scott died at Daly Memorial Hospital at midnight
Sunday, August 20. With the passing from this world of George Scott, the
ranks of the real old time Bitter Rooters is further diminished as he first
came to the Bitter Root in 1899.
Funeral services were conducted yesterday afternoon at
two o'clock in the Dowling chapel in Hamilton with Rev. Richard R. Price
of St. Paul's Episcopal church officiating. Burial was made in Riverview
cemetery. Those who served as pallbearers were F.M. Morse, C.H. Carroll,
W.L. Perrior, E.M. Bray, Stephen Zimmerman, and J.B. Lotspelch.
George Lewis Scott was born February 2, 1882 at Dixon,
Illinois. He was married at Hamilton, June 12, 1907, to Ethel Wylie of this
city. The widow survives. Also surviving are their two children: Mrs. Ben
Oertli of Hamilton, and George Wylie Scott of Missoula. There are two grandsons,
George Davis Scott and John Roger Scott, both of Missoula, and a half-brother,
Bert Pierson, of Benicia, California to also survive.
Extract from: The Western News, August 24, 1950
LORETTA VIOLET BAILEY SCOTT
October 29, 1889 - May 17, 1959
Death claimed Mrs. E.E. Scott Sunday, May 17 at Daly hospital
after a week's illness. Mrs. Scott became ill at her home with a heart
attack the week before her death and entered the hospital May 11. She was
in critical condition from two subsequent heart attacks on last Wednesday,
but y the end of the week her condition had seemingly improved and she was
thought to be recovering when she suddenly expired Sunday morning. Funeral
services for the loved Corvallis matron were Wednesday afternoon at Dowling
chapel. Rev. Jesse Dove officiated and interment followed in Corvallis Cemetery.
The ritual of the OES honored her at the rites. Pallbearers were Fred Hanson,
Gilbert Chaffin, Ray Morris, Lloyd Stevens, James Black, and Quentin Stiner.
Loretta B. Bailey was born October 29, 1889 at Cobb, WI,
the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Josephus Bailey. Her late father was a pioneer
to Montana territory near Civil War times but he returned to Wisconsin. Miss
Bailey attended school and was graduated from high school at River Falls,
WI and attended State Teachers College there. She taught at Athens, WI and
White Rock, SD before coming to Corvallis in 1913 where she taught English
in high school.
She was married in Missoula, July 8, 1914, to Ernest Edgar
Scott. She was a Gold Star mother, their son, Edgar Bailey Scott lost his
life in the Pacific near Formosa in 1945 while serving in the air force during
the second world war. Also preceding her in death was her brother Winfield
Scott Bailey of Corvallis who died May 31, 1951 and is buried in Corvallis
Cemetery.
After their marriage, the Scotts lived for a time in Corvallis,were
for a time at the Alford place north of Corvallis and lived at the place
now owned by John Zito for many years. The present home at Willow Grove is
about two miles south of Corvallis.
Mrs. Scott was a member of Corvallis Chapter 59, Order
of Eastern Star for many years, held all of the offices of the Corvallis
American Legion auxiliary, was president at the time of her death of the
Community church Ladies Aid, was a member of the Four O'Clock Garden club,
a past president and , until her death, an active member of the Womans Club,
a member of the All Star club, and secretary of the Ravalli County Federation
of Womens clubs. She was outstanding in arranging programs for groups she
belonged to and her services were in constant demand.
Survivors include the widower; daughters Mrs. Marvin (Jean)
Thompson, Compton, CA, Mrs Larry (Georgia) Holt, Missoula, Mrs. Dean (Phyllis)
Hughes, Hermosa Beach, CA; grandchildren Neil, Lucinda, and Jan Holt, and
Ricky Thompson; a sister Mrs. Edith Walters, Pacific Grove, CA; a brother
Vern Bailey, Spokane; and sister-in-law, Mrs.W.S. Bailey, Corvallis.
Mr. Bailey came from Spokane for the services and all
of the daughters and their families were here except Mr. Hughes.
Words cannot adequate express the high esteem and love
for her in the hearts of the many friends of Mrs. Scott. Shad the ability
to live life to the fullest, to minimize her troubles and to always present
a cheerful outlook on life. She gave generously of her competent services
always, her niche will be hard to fill. She has a host of friends who will
miss her and who join in offering condolences to her family.
The Western News, May 21, 1959
Contributed by Karolyn Simpson
ERNEST EDGAR SCOTT
March 31, 1882 - June 21, 1962
Funeral services were Monday at the Dowling chapel for
E.E. Scott of Hamilton, a longtime Corvallis area farmer. Mr. Scott had suffered
from diabetes and had an attack at his home after arising Thursday morning,
June 21. A physician was called but Mr. Scott failed to respond to treatment.
Interment was in Corvallis Cemetery beside the grave of his wife, Loretta,
who died May 17, 1959. Father Carl Lemm-Marugg officiated at the rites and
pallbearers were Alvin Clark, Fred Hanson, Ray Morris, Dudley Bowden, Lloyd
Stevens, and Claris Glidewell.
Ernest Edgar Scott was born on March 31, 1882 in Promise
City, IA. He came to Montana in 1912 and worked at the Bowden Mercantile
in Corvallis until his marriage to Loretta B. Bailey July 8, 1914 at Missoula.
They moved to the Alford place north of Corvallis and then farmed on the
place now owned by Zitos for many years. After leaving there, they lived
at Willow Grove, about halfway between Corvallis and Hamilton on the east
side road. After Mrs. Scott's death, he moved from that place to Hamilton
in 1960. He owned several pieces of real estate in Hamilton.
Surviving are daughters Mrs. Marvin (Jean) Thompson, Paramount,
CA, Mrs. Larry (Georgia) Hold, Mrs. Phyllis Hughes, both of Missoula. A son,
Edgar Bailey Scott, preceded his parents in death. There are four grandchildren;
a sister Mrs. Maud Wells, Fairmont, OK; a brother Claude Scott, Topeka,
KS. The grandchildren are Rick Thompson, Neil, Lucinda, and Jan Holt. Mrs.
Thompson and Rick came from California for the rites.
The Western News, June 28, 1962
Contributed by Karolyn Simpson
EDGAR BAILEY SCOTT
HOPE HELD OUT THAT LT. EDGAR SCOTT MAY STILL BE SAVED
Hope is held out that Lt. Edgar B. Scott of Corvallis
may still turn up all right is found in a letter received during the past
week by Mr. and Mrs. E.E. Scott, parents of the lost flyer. The communication
is dated March 25 and signed by Capt. Jarvis A. Tew. It refers to a letter
written February 5 by Major Robt. H. Smith, commander of the squadron of
which Edgar is a member. That letter has not yet been received by Mr. and
Mrs. Scott. Lt. Scott was reported lost as of January 31 when, for the fifth
time, a plane was shot out from under him. The letter referred to, follows
in pertinent part:
"Edgar was over Formosa 31 January on a Strafing mission
and one of the engines of his P-38 was damaged by anti-aircraft fire. He
started for home with only one engine operating and 90 miles south of Formosa
that engine failed and he bailed out. He landed successfully in the water
and other pilots in the squadron circled over him and he waved from his rubber
boat indicating that he was not injured. Our pilots called for a Catalina
flying boat to come to Scotty's rescue and one responded but was not able
to land in the water because of extremely high waves. The same condition
prevailed the next day and, although your boy was observed from the air,
the flying boat was not able to land. When it became apparent that no aircraft
could land in the heavy seas, it was decided to dispatch a submarine and
a destroyer. This was done, but to date, we have received no work that your
boy as been picked up. It is possible that it will be some time before any
work is received because of an advanced combat base there are certain unavoidable
delays in communication which are caused by the tactical situation. When
last sighted, Scotty was drifting toward the China coast. I feel that there
is an excellent possibility that he will be rescued and I am hoping for the
good news at any time."
The Western News, April 19, 1945
MISSING BIRDMAN IS AWARDED BRONZE OAK LEAF CLUSTER MEDAL
Headquarters, 13th AAF, Philipines. A Corvallis, Montana,
P-38 Lightning pilot, Lieutenant Edgar B. Scott, who has been missing in
action since an early February raid on Formosa, has been awarded a Bronze
Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Medal for action over the Jap-held Halmahera
Islands in September, 1944.
The citation for the decoration for the Jungle Air Force
fighter stated:
"For meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight over
the Halmahera Islands on September 19, 1944. This officer, flying in a formation
of 12 P-38's, was participating in a search for enemy shipping at reduced
speed and at altitude of 500 feet when accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire
suddenly burst out from the coast directly ahead. Although the squadron commander
immediately led the airplanes in a turn, meanwhile employing evasive action,
Lieutenant Scott followed his flight leader (Captain George S. Weart of Chicago)
down in a deliberate attempt to attract the guns and protect the balance
of the formation. When the strafing run had been completed, the enemy batteries
were silenced. Lieutenant Scott, with his flight leader, then strafed a small
cargo vessel lying just off shore and left it burning fiercely.
The courage and devotion to duty displayed by Lieutenant
Scott are worthy of commendation."
Lieutenant Scott's parents, mr. and Mrs. E.E. Scott, live in Corvallis. The
Corvallis fighter flew with Brigadier General Earl W. Barnes 13th AAF Fighter
command's Dirty Dozen P-38 Lightning unit.
The Western News, April 19, 1945
Contributed by Karolyn Simpson
ISAAC SEARS
ISAAC SEARS DEAD
Passed Most of His Life in Bitter Root Valley
Funeral Services Were Held at the Dowling Chapel Yesterday By Rev. H.J. Frame
Isaac Sears died at his home here Monday after a long
illness. He was 46 years of age and had spent most of his life in the Bitter
Root valley, coming here with his parents in 1887. His wife, two daughters,
Mary and Pauline, and a son, Gordon, survive with his brothers, Ed Sears
of Oakland, California, William of St. Regis, Frank of Plains, and George
of Hamilton, and two sisters, Mrs. Ida Atchinson of Spokane and Mrs. Hettie
Johnson of Independence, Missouri.
Mr. Sears returned to Hamilton last summer after living
several years at Sand Coulee and Missoula. He lived two years at Hot Springs.
His early life was spent in the Woodside community and he attended the Corvallis
Schools. He was an electrician by trade and for a time was employed by the
Montana Power Company at Missoula.
Funeral services were held by Rev. H.J. Frame at the Dowling
funeral home yesterday at 2 o'clock. Burial was in the Sears Family plot
in the Corvallis Cemetery. Mrs. Anna Shappee and Mrs. H.A. Chambers of Hamilton
are cousins of Mr. Sears.
Ravalli Republican, February 4, 1932
JOHN A. SEARS
September 17, 1849 - April 28, 1906
JOHN SEARS DIES IN KANSAS
Word was received here yesterday of the death of
John Sears last Saturday night at Leavenworth, Kansas. Mrs. Sears was
with her husband when the end came. She started Sunday for Woodside
with the remains. The funeral will probably be held tomorrow at Corvallis
under the auspices of the Masonic Order.
Mr. Sears was one of the best known ranchers of
the Bitter Root valley having resided for many years near Woodside.
A couple of years ago he purchased a home in Missoula and has resided there
since. Failing in health he went to Leavenworth to consult a specialist.
Heart trouble was the cause of death. Mr. Sears is survived by a wife,
several children, all grown, and a brother, Isaac Sears of Plains."
The Western News, May 2, 1906
HARRY SEELYE
HARRY SEELYE DIES, FUNERAL SATURDAY
Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at two
o'clock in the Dowling Chapel for Harry Seelye who died in Daly hospital
about three o'clock Wednesday morning. Rev. Charles Miller will officiate
and interment will be made in Riverview Cemetery.
The deceased was born at Centralia, Illinois and had lived
in the Bitter Root for the past nine years coming here from Forsyth, Montana.
He was 57 years of age. Before entering the hospital, he resided at Grantsdale
and previously had lived in Hamilton and at Woodside.
Surviving the deceased are five sisters and two brothers,
none of whom live in Montana. They are Mrs. Frances Wardell, Mrs. Fred Diehn,
Mrs. E. Tally, Mrs. Mattie Craig, Mrs. Lottie Sunkel, and brothers, George
and Charles
The Western News, May 16, 1940, page 1
ETHEL SEVERNS
1893 - June 10, 1929
Reward offered for Mrs. Severns' Slayer
The county commissioners of Ravalli county announced last
week that a $500 reward would be paid for the arrest and conviction of the
party who shot Mrs. Othel Severns, on the night of May 29th, as she was driving
near the Fair Grounds at Hamilton. Mrs. Severns was passing in her car when,
as she stated, some one commanded her to halt. She speeded up her car and
was shot from the rear with a high power gun, the bullet passing through
the spare tire, the back of the car and piercing her body. The bullet passed
through her intestines causing her death some 12 days later.
Sheriff stokes claims that he was stationed a mile or
so farther north where he was watching for a stolen car which had been reported.
He heard a car coming and as it passed some one was creaming. He followed
and found the wounded woman. He returned with her to the hospital. since
that time no clew has been uncovered as to who did the shooting.
Northwest Tribune, Thursday, July 11, 1929
RUFUS L. SHERRILL
May 19, 1930 - June 30, 1973
Services To Be Held Thursday Afternoon For R.L. Sherrill
Funeral services for R.L. Sherrill are to be held at Dowling Chapel Thursday
afternoon and will be conducted by Brother James Butler who comes from Florida
for the purpose. Burial will be made in Riverview Cemetery, Hamilton.
Mr. Sherrill passed away June 30 in Hamilton. He was born May 19, 1930 at
Melbourne, Ark, and is survived by his wife, six sons, and two daughters.
Western News, July 4, 1973, page 2
HOMER GILBERT SIMMONS
August 14, 1886 - May 26, 1967
"OLE" SIMMONS, FORMER ATHLETE, FINE FISHERMAN, DEAD AT 80 YEARS.
Death claimed Homer G. Simmons at Daly Hospital May 26
after a short illness. Funeral services were held on Monday at the Dowling
Chapel with interment in the family plot at Corvallis cemetery. Pastor Robert
Elwell officiated and pallbearers were Leland Summers, Lawrence Applebury,
John Wetzsteon, Hector Rasmussen, Alfred Simmons, and Richard Bryson.
On August 14, 1886, Homer Gilbert Simmons was born on
the homestead of his parents, Gilbert and Nancy Chaffin Simmons northeast
of Corvallis on August 14, 1886. His marriage to Effie Montana Million, daughter
of Guy A. and Effie M. Applebury Million, took place at Corvallis Methodist
Church December 10, 1911. Their attendants were James Barr and Edith Simmon.
Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were parents of one child, a son,
George, who died while a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II. Mrs.
Simmons died December 21, 1923. Mr. Simmons made his home in Hamilton in
late years and was a patient at the local nursing home the past year. During
his working years, he was a rancher and sheep shearer.
Surviving is a sister, Mrs. James Barr, Corvallis; brothers
Lee of Corvallis and Mason of Hamilton; cousins, nieces and nephews.
Abstract from: The Western News, May 31, 1967
ELLA SIZER
September 19, 1873 - January 27, 1974
FUNERAL FOR MRS. SIZER IS THURSDAY
Funeral rites for Mrs. Ella Sizer will be conducted at
2 p.m. Thursday at the Dowling Chapel with Rev. Robert Sherwood officiating.
Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.
Mrs. Sizer died Sunday in Missoula at the age of 100.
She was a former longtime Bitter Root resident. She was born September 29,
1873 in Kearney, Nebraska and was married to Fred Sizer there. They lived
in Nebraska; Cheyenne, Wyoming; and the Denver area for several years before
moving to Hamilton in 1918.
Her husband was an active orchardist for many years and
also engaged in the produce business. He died here in the early 1950's and
his wife had resided in Missoula most of the time since his passing. She
was a member of the Snappy Birthday Club.
Survivors include three sons, Malcom of Hamilton, O.K.
of Victor, and Wales of Granger, Washington; a daughter, Mrs. Lysle Chabraya
of Missoula; 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
Ravalli Republic, January 29, 1974
JASPER N. SLACK
March 28, 1879 - October 18, 1926
Jasper Slack, Pioneer, Dies from Injuries.
The funeral of Jasper L Slack was held yesterday from
the family residence. Rev. J. E. parker conducting the services. A large
concourse attended. Internment was made in the Corvallis cemetery.
Jasper L slack was born at Corvallis 57 years ago, his
parents being among the first pioneers of the valley. He never married and
resided with his sister, Miss Margaret Slack, and two brothers, John and
William on the old family homestead just north of Corvallis, which was located
by their father.
Mr. Slack and his brother john were injured in an automobile collision at
Corvallis on October first. Their car turned over and the two brothers were
caught in the back seat. Jaspers lung was crushed, pneumonia developed but
death ensued as a result of heart failure.
The deceased possessed many of the traits of the old pioneers, was honorable
in his dealings and highly respected in his community.
Contributed by Corvallis Community Heritage Project
RICHARD W. SMITH
World War Veteran Dies of Spotted Fever
Newcomer to Bitter Root Valley Had Never Been Vaccinated; Military Burial
Here Tuesday
Richard W. Smith, World War veteran, died early Saturday
morning at the Daly Hospital, where he had been a patient since the day before,
suffering from spotted fever. Mr. Smith's illness was discovered a few days
earlier by his friends, Mr. and Mrs. D.F. Kohner, who took him to their home
on the former Sullenger ranch. Friday they brought him to the hospital. He
had never been inoculated with spotted fever vaccine.
Mr. Smith came to this section of the Bitter Root Valley
about 2 months ago and he was associated with Mr. Kohner in the sheep business.
He had spent most of the past 30 years in eastern Montana and his enlistment
in the World War was made at Baker in 1918. He served a year overseas as
a private with the 103d field artillery, receiving his discharge on May 21,
1919, at Fort George Wright in Washington, where he had been in a veterans'
camp for apart of the past year. He was born at Fitchburg, Massachusetts
June 20, 1884, and was in his 55th year. Mr. Smith had never married and
his only known relative was a niece, Gertrude Gilbertson, in Connecticut.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev.C.R. Miller Tuesday
afternoon at the Dowling Chapel. Military tribute was paid by Veterans of
Foreign Wars and the American Legion members at the grave in Riverview cemetery
and veterans served as pallbearers. Mr. Smith's friendship with Mr. and Mrs.
Kohner dated back several years to association at Baker.
Ravalli Republican, May 11, 1939
ROSETTA SMITH
Mrs. N. Rosetta Smith died Sunday evening at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. O.W. Jenkins, on the bench east of Corvallis. Death
was due to paralysis. The remains were shipped Monday afternoon to Carlton,
where interment was made.
Mrs. Smith was 77 years of age. She is survived by two
daughters and four sons. They are Mrs. O.W. Jenkins of Birch Creek and Mrs.
Fannie Kelley of Hamilton; E.E. Smith of Dixon, C.E. Smith of Birch Creek,
and G.W. Smith of Kansas.
Friends of the family throughout the valley have offered
sympathy.
The Western News, May 28, 1912
WILLIAM L. SMITH
July 15, 1881 - November 29, 1942
Funeral services for William L. Smith, 61, first man to
operate a stage and freight line between here and Missoula, were held in
the Dowling chapel Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The Rev. C.R. Miller
officiated. Interment was in Riverview Cemetery. Pallbearers were Frank Merritt,
Art Treece, Joe Haigh, Homer Benson, William Young, and Henry Gilmore.
Mr. Smith died Sunday at the state hospital following
an illness for about 10 years and the remains were brought to the Dowling
chapel Monday.
He was born July 15, 1881 in Ozark, Missouri, and first
came to Hamilton in 1904 with his grandfather, who died about a year ago.
A little later he returned to Missouri and in 1907, came back here with his
family. In addition to his stage line operations, he was a contractor and
his last work of that nature consisted of a sub-contract on the Daly hospital
and Hamilton high school.
Survivors include daughter, Mrs. Rose Savage, Fulton,
Michigan; sons, Truman, who is with a marine detachment in Seattle, Washington,
and Winston, a member of a commando unit in Helena. Both sons are here for
the rites and expect to remain about a week.
Ravalli Republican, December 3, 1942
LAURA E. NEAFUS SMITHEY
October 21, 1882 - January 5, 1952
LAURA SMITHEY DIED SATURDAY, RITES HELD HERE, BURIAL CORVALLIS
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the Dowling
chapel of Hamilton to pay tribute to Laura E. Smithey of Corvalls. The services
were conducted by Rev. Jesse Dove. Interment was made in Corvallis cemetery.
Rites of the OES were also conducted at the chapel. Pallbearers at the funeral
were Ray Murphy, Paul Lear, Richard Bryson, Howard Boyer, F.O. Burrell, and
Henry Nichols. Mrs. Smithey passed away in Daly Memorial hospital Saturday.
The deceased Corvallis matron was a daughter of early settlers of the Bitter
Root valley, the late Mr. and Mrs. Neafus,
Laura Neafus was born at Townsend, Montana, October 21,
1882, came to the Bitter Root with her folks as a girl. She was married to
Russell Smithey of Corvallis by Rev. George B. Blair April 19, 1901.
Those who survive Mrs. Smithey are her widower, three
daughters, five grandchildren, and two great granddaughters. The daughters
are Mrs. George Lairy and Mrs. Lloyd Rockafellow, both of Corvallis, and
Mrs. Elton Dye of Hamilton. Also surviving are two sisters: Mrs. Fred Simer,
Central Point, Oregon, and Mrs. Mabel Reynolds, Fresno, California.
Abstract from: The Western News, January 10, 1952
ROBERT SMITHEY
June 1, 1883 - October 18, 1922
PIONEER IS DEAD
Robert Smithey Resident ofValley Many Years.
Charter Member of the Corvallis Presbyterian Church and anUsher for Many
Years.
Corvallis, Oct. 20-Robert Smithey, an aged resident of Corvallis, died Wednesday
morning at the Hamilton hospital following a lingering illness due to infirmities
of age. The funeral occurred yesterday afternoon from the Presbyterian Church,
Rev. E. P. Willson officiating. Interment was made in the Corvallis
Cemetery.
Mr. Smithey had been a resident of Corvallis since 1883,
coming here from Missouri. He was a native of Kentucky and was born June
1, 1883, being 87 years of age. He was a charter member of the Corvallis
Presbyterian church, and for a number of years acted as usher in this place
of worship. He was a devout, yet jovial charter and was respected by the
entire community. His love for horses amounted to a passion and until recent
years although handicapped by rheumatism, he worked with them much of his
time. The deceased owned a home in Corvallis and until the last few months
lived alone.
Surviving relatives are a nephew, R.R. Smithey, and a
cousin, Mrs. M. E. Popham of Corvallis, and a cousin, R. H. Smithey of Hamilton.
Ravalli Republican
Contributed by Corvallis Community Hertiage Project
JOHN J. SOUTHWICK
John Southwick dies Monday
John J. Southwick, 93, resident of this area since 1924,
died Monday afternoon, May 20, following a long illness at the home of a
daughter, Mrs. J.T. Mashburn (Hulda Southwick). The deceased was born in
Angolla, NY in 1856. In his younger days he had led a colorful and interesting
life as driver for a stage coach through the mountains and wilds of Montana.
In 1924, he came to the Stroud area and devoted his active days to farming.
Survivors include three sons, Ulric of Granger, Washington,
Richard E. of Ephata, Washington, and John T. of Tulso, Oklahoma; three daughters,
Mrs. Clarence (Mary) Taber of Noxon, Montana; Mrs. Thorwald (Irene)
Peterson of Seattle, Washington; and one sister, Mrs. Sophie Roberts of Hamilton,
Montana.
Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at the
local First Baptist church by James Wilkerson, pastor. Burial was in Stroud
cemetery under direction of Peck funeral home.
Stroud Democrat
Stroud, Lincoln County, Oklahoma
May 25, 1950
Ravalli County ties: John J. Southwick's wife Edith Coram Southwick is buried
in the Hamilton-Riverview Cemetery as are his parents Josiah and Huldah Southwick.
John J. and family are listed in the 1910 census in Ravalli County.
Contributed by Nadine Holder
JOSIAH SOUTHWICK
August 18, 1828 - July 13, 1915
AGED CITIZEN DEAD
Josiah Southwick Passed Away Tuesday Morning
Funeral was held from the home of son. J.J. Southwick, Wednesday afternoon.
Josiah Southwick, who had been a resident of the Bitter
Root Valley for more than 21 years, died at 6 o'clock Tuesday morning at
the home of his son, Mayor J.J. Southwick, on South Second Street. Death
was due to the infirmities of old age. The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon
at 2 o'clock at the Southwick home. Rev. J.C. Irwin, pastor of the Presbyterian
church conducted the services, which were largely attended. The members of
the city council acted as pallbearers, the remains being laid to rest in
Riverview Cemetery.
Josiah Southwick was born at North Collins, New York,
August 18, 1828, and if he had lived a month longer, he would have reached
the age of 87 years. He came of Quaker parentage. He was married to Hulda
Hawley, November 18, 1850. The union was blessed with five children, three
sons and two daughters, three of whom are still living: Mayor J.J. Southwick
of this city. R.E. Southwick of Hart, Michigan, and Mrs. Sophia Roberts of
Hamilton. His wife also survives him.
Mr. Southwick came to Montana in 1892. He resided at Darby
for a short time, moving to Hamilton to become a partner of his son-in-law,
the late W.H.Roberts, in the Hamilton Book Store. During his residence in
Hamilton, Mr. Southwick acquired many friends. The Quaker principles dominated
his life and served to bring his friends close to him. In his early life,
he was intimately acquainted with such prominent characters of American history
as Horace Greely, Grover Cleveland, and Samuel J. Tilden.
Ravalli Republican, July 16, 1915, page 1
ROBERT SPEER
Death of Aged Resident
Succumbed to Lung Trouble Monday at the Home of John Ransom After an Illness
of One Month
Robert Speer died Monday evening at the advanced age of
73 years at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Ransom, on the west side
of the Bitter Root river. About a month ago Mr. Speer was taken sick with
lung trouble, and although everything possible was done for him, he gradually
grew worse.
The deceased was born in Ohio and when 4 years of age
moved with his parents to Carthage, Missouri, residing there until he moved
to the Bitter Root valley in 1892, where he had since lived. He first located
at Corvallis and purchased town property. At the time of his demise he owned
a ranch on the west side of the river, but of late years had been making
his home with his daughter. He was a devout Christian and had been a member
of the Christian Church since he was 16 years old.
Mr. Speer is survived by a widow, a son, Jesse Speer of
California, and two daughters, Mrs. Scott Sherrill of Ross Hole and Mrs.
John Ransom of Hamilton. The funeral was conduced by Rev. W.D. Lear of Corvallis
at the Ransom home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and interment occurred
at Riverview Cemetery.
Ravalli Republican, April 19, 1907, page 1
JOHN SPOONER
James Spooner Was Sick Only a Short Time
Was Eighty-Three Years Old and Had Lived in the Bitter Root Valley Fifty-Five
Years
Victor, November 10 - John Spooner passed away Sunday at the home of his
daughter,Mrs. C.P. Mendell, who resides three miles east of Victor, after
an illness of four days. He was 83 years old and had lived in the valley
55 years. He leaves one daughter and four sons, A.L., Fred, Henry, and Patrick
Spooner. The funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock at
the Presbyterian church in Stevensville, Rev. Ross officiating,and interment
was in the Stevensville cemetery.
Ravalli Republican, Friday, November 17, 1916
JOSEPH LAFAYETTE SUMMERS
June 25, 1858 - October 11, 1930
J.L. SUMMERS PASSES
J.L. Summers, a well known pioneer, died at his home in
Corvallis last Sunday. The family were all at home that day except Mrs. Bay,
a daughter, and had enjoyed the occasion as Mr. Summers had seemed in such
good spirits. He had finished his dinner and had been looking at a paper,
falling asleep, he collapsed in his chair. He had been under the doctor's
care for several years.
Joseph Lafayette Summers was born in Date county, Missouri,
January 25, 1858. He came to Montana in the spring of 1881 and returned to
Missouri in the fall of 1883 to wed Mary Chaffin on October 21, 1883. they
would have celebrated their 48th anniversary October 21. They returned to
Montana in 1887. To them were born two children, Mrs. Frank Price of Corvallis,
and Mrs. Hans Bay of Long Beach, California. Surviving are his wife, Mrs.
Frank Price, Mrs. Hans Bay and Russell Bay and one great grandchild. Also
three sisters, Mrs. T.M. Doran of Hamilton, Mrs. Ella Galbraith of Springfield
and Mrs. Alex Mitchell of Denver, Colorado. Mr. Summers had one brother,
John A. Summers, who passed away several years ago. Services were held at
the United Church by Rev. James F. Swallow. Interment was made in the Corvallis
Cemetery. The pall bearers were Rev. C.J. Tabor, Rev. R.L. Meyers, and Rev.
S.J. Powell, B.J. Smith, James D. St. John, and Matt Vaughn.
The Western News, October 15, 1931, page 3