BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, OCT. 12, 1900 COXTON The death of Mrs. Phoebe Sears at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. John D. McCain, occurred on Friday, Oct. 5th. Mrs. SEARS was one of the oldest citizens in Indian Creek township. She was born near the present site of Williams in 1821. She was married to Wm. Sears in 1838. Nine children blessed the union of which only four survived her: John, Malinea, Minervia and Anna Beca. She joined the Christian church early in life, and has been a stanch member up to death. She was loved by all who knew her. A loving wife, a kind mother, and a dear neighbor. Services were held at the Old Union church and presided over by Rev. Williams. A host of friend and relatives were present to pay their last token. ************************************

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, OCT. 5, 1900 The Indiana Supreme Court which resumed its sessions Tuesday, after the summer adjournment, affirmed the judgment of the Lawrence Circuit Court sentencing David O. Harris to imprisonment for life for killing George Brown at Seymour, Ind. The murder was committed in June, 1899. Brown was walking down the street when Harris, who was sitting in his buggy, accosted him, calling him a vile name. Brown came toward the buggy and Harris struck him with his whip. Brown caught the whip from Harris and struck him with it; then Harris drew a revolver and shot him. Harris pleaded self-defense, but it was shown that after Brown had received his death wound, and was staggering away from the buggy, Harris stood up in the buggy and fired at him again, re-marking that he had "fixed him." The appellant insisted that the jury had no right to infer that the killing was malicious, from the fact that the second shot was fired by Harris after all occasion for defending himself was past, but the Supreme Court held that they might very properly draw that inference. The case was brought to this county on change of venue from Jackson.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 1900 Washington, Ind., Sept. 14. – Because one man in the crowd had not been asked to drink with the others, seven coal miners got into a free-for-all-fight in James Conroy's saloon at Montgomery, a mining town, seven miles east of here, late last night. Lawrence Allen was struck in the face during the fight and he fell to the floor with a broken neck. Death resulted instantly. Tine Cole is in jail, charged with having delivered the fatal blow.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 Mrs. James B. Wilder received a telegram Monday, from her sister, Mrs. Charles Hilton, of Kankakee, Ill., (formerly Miss Julia Gigerish) announcing the death of Mrs. Hilton's 6 year-old daughter.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 TUNNELTON John P. Flinn and children, of Ft. Ritner, were called here Thursday to the bedside of their daughter and sister, Mrs. Lee, who is in a very critical condition. Mrs. Martha Lee, wife of William M. Lee, died Saturday, March 22, and was buried Sunday in the Proctor cemetery. A large crowd was in attendance. She leaves a husband and six small children. NOTE: Martha A. Flinn Lee: 28 Dec 1870 – 22 Mar 1902. Wife of Wm. M. Burial at Proctor Cemetery, Guthrie Twp.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 RED CROSS Levi A. Nugent who has been seriously ill for two weeks, passed away last Saturday morning shortly after four o'clock. Mr. Nugent has been a life long Republican and done all he could for the party. He leaves a wife, three daughters, two sons and a host of friends to mourn their loss. The funeral services was conducted by Reverend Jordon, pastor of the M. E. church of Mitchell. The G. A. R. took chare of the remains after the services. We extend our sympathy to the family. NOTE: Gus Nugent: 24 May 1837 – 22 Mar 1902. Burial at Nugent Cemetery, Marion Twp.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 Brownstown, Ind., March 24. – John L. Vinson, committed suicide by swallowing two ounces of carbolic acid at his home here about 5 o'clock Sunday evening. He was night operator at Vallonia, three miles west of here. He went to bed at noon and at 5 o'clock his daughter went to his room to wake him up for supper and found him dead, with a two-ounce vial which had contained carbolic acid lying by his side. A check for $115 was found in his pocket addressed to his daughter, who keeps house for him, his wife having died last August. He was forty-three years old.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 E. S. Ferguson was called to Indianapolis Saturday night, to embalm the body of James M. Mason, a man from near Guthrie, who had died at the Asylum. Mason was buried near Mitchell Monday.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 CLARENCE COOK KILLED Run Over By An Engine At Mattoon, Ill., Thursday. Capt. William J. Cook received a telegram about 1:30 Thursday afternoon, from Mattoon, Ill., announcing that his son, Clarence Cook, had been killed there by an engine running over him. Clarence, who was a railroad man, had been living in Mattoon about two years. He leaves a wife and several children. He was in Bedford on a visit a few days ago. Capt. Cook and wife left at 7 o'clock that evening for Mattoon.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 Everett Hall, son of Marion Hall, died at Oolitic Sunday, and was buried at Williams Monday. NOTE: Everett Hall: 8 Jun 1884 – 24 Mar 1902. Burial at Williams Cemetery, Spice Valley Twp.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 Washington, Ind., March 25. – Coroner McKitterick has been unable to reach a verdict in the killing of Liberty Kempf by his wife Sunday evening. Careful inquiry reveals some facts that make the case a most complicated one. The woman was taken in custody and was detained at the Sheriff's residence last night. She is a wreck physically and mentally and suffers great remorse. The wounds in the man's head, it is claimed, show that he was not in a fighting attitude when he was shot, and the evidence before the Coroner shows that Mrs. Kempf left the kitchen, in which the quarrel was had, to go to an adjoining room for the revolver she used. She returned, and according to her statement, pointed the revolver at Kempf, telling him she would brook no further abuse. Her husband, she says, reached for a chair and she fired five shots at him, when he fell to the floor she blew out the lamp and hurried by the rear way to an alley and from it to the police station, crying" "Oh, my God. I know I have killed him!" Mrs. Kempf had sought protection from her husband several times and purchased the revolver a few weeks ago to protect herself. Kempf had fraternal insurance, and there is a question as to the legality of the payment of the amount of the policy to his wife, the beneficiary, because it was by her hands that Kempf was killed.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 LEESVILLE Mrs. Emma Cummings , wife of James Cummings, three miles north west of here, died of hemorrhage of the lungs on Thursday evening of last week. Funeral services conducted by Rev. Sawyer of Heltonville on Saturday at Fairview in the presence of a large audience. The remains were buried in the cemetery there. She was a member of the M. E. Church.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1902 Mrs. Susan Pace, a widow lady who lived at Englewood, was found dead in her bed Tuesday morning. She had been in her usual health the day before, and while watering a cow was seized with a severe pain in her front lower jaw. A physician was called who pronounced her suffering from neuralgia, giving her a treatment for the trouble. She found some relief and arose during the night to smoke her pipe. Her daughter-in-law, who with her husband lived with Mrs. Pace, after preparing breakfast went to the bed to awake her and was horrified to find her dead. Mrs. Pace was about 50 years of age. The funeral occurred Wednesday. Burial at Beech Grove Cemetery.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1902 Robert Lane, who resided with his grandmother at Heltonville, died very suddenly Wednesday morning about 12:30 a.m. Inmates of the family were aroused by his groans, and when they reached his bed he was found in a dying condition, only drawing a few breaths. Coroner Voyles was notified and found that he came to his death from epilepsy. Mr. Lane was twenty-five years old. He served in the Spanish-American War, and was a model young man. He had $1,000 insurance in the Modern Woodmen. Funeral at Gilgal Thursday. NOTE: Robert I. Lane: 16 Jul 1877 – 19 Mar 1902. Pvt. Co L 158 Regt. Ind Vol Span-Am War. Burial at Gilgal Cemetery, Pleasant Run Twp.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1902 BUDDHA Another old pioneer gone. Uncle Samuel Earls for the past few years a resident of Bedford died last Tuesday of pneumonia and was buried at the Carlton graveyard Wednesday. Mr. Earls was 80 years old or more. He has always been a very hard working man and has helped to build many flat boats and take them to New Orleans in the forty's and fifty's. He was a resident of Guthrie township for over 50 years. He leaves six sons and two daughters all grown. His wife died several years ago. It may be that while he leaves his friends and children here he has gone to clasps glad hands with his wife and children gone before. *********** Samuel Earl, who lived on East 16th street, died Tuesday, at 9 o'clock, of pneumonia, age 74 years. He was buried Wednesday at 9 o'clock at the Carlton graveyard.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 21 1902 OBITUARY OF MRS. ETTA MANUEL. Marietta Holland Manuel, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Holland was born near Erie, Ind., Nov. 16, 1872, died at New Washington, Ind., March 14, 1902. Age 29 years, 3 months, 28 days. She was united in marriage to Homer Manuel Sept. 14, 1898. To them were born two darling little girls, Ruth and Martha. She leaves a husband, two little girls, father, mother, two brothers and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their irreparable loss. Her little brother James preceded her to the Better Land July 27, 1877. She united with the M. E. Church at the age of fourteen and remained a consistent member until death. She was a faithful worker in the Sunday school and church. The last 18 months of her life was spent as a minister's wife. Her heart was with her husband in winning souls for Jesus. She was a devout Christian, a loving daughter, an affectionate sister, a tender and loving mother and a true and devoted wife. She was conscious until the last half hour of her life. As she neared the valley and shadow of death she feared no evil. She was resigned to the will of God. "When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain; But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again." Her body was laid away in the Pleasant Run Cemetery by her little brother James. The funeral services were conduced by Rev. Geo. Church of Otisco, Ind., at the Pleasant Run church on March 16, 1902. A FRIEND.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902 DEATH OF MRS. ED. DAVIS Mrs. Susan Davis, wife of Ed. Davis, of West 18th street, died at 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon, of stomach trouble. The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon at 1 o'clock at the First Christian church. Services conducted by Elder Franklin. Burial at Green Hill. Mrs. Davis had been sick about 8 months and leaves a husband and son. ********************** Ernest Hubbard, of Campbellsburg, was in the city, to attend the funeral of Mrs. Ed. Davis. *********************** Mrs. Charles Hubbard and Lem Rhetts came up from Campbellsburg Monday a.m., to attend the funeral of Mrs. Ed. Davis. ********************* FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1902 OBITUARY. Susan A. Davis was born Feb. 18th, 1859, in the northeastern part of Washington county, Ind., where she resided with her parent until her marriage. Her maiden name was Ratts, and her father was a minister in the Christian church. She was married to E. A. Davis Sept. 21, 1882. One son, the only child, was born to them, and is now a young man and fully able to realize the loss of his mother. They came to Bedford about four years ago, and since that time have made this city their home. Eight months ago Mrs. Davis became seriously afflicted with what proved to be a cancer, enveloping stomach and liver. She had suffered very severely ever since, until relieved by death, which occurred on Sunday evening, March 9th, 1902. She became a Christian about twenty-four years ago and joined the Blue River Christian church, in Washington county. Here, she attached herself to the First Christian church. She was true to her religion, and was an example of faith and patience to her family and to all who knew her through her long afflictions. The funeral services were held in the Christian church and were attended by a large number of friends and relatives. The services were conducted by Elder Franklin of the First Christian church, and Rev. Hyde of the M. E. church. Interment in Green Hill Cemetery. ****** CARD OF THANKS. We with to thank our neighbors and friends for their help and kindness during the sickness and death of our dear beloved wife and mother. ED. DAVIS FRED DAVIS.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1902 Seymour, Ind., March 15. – John Cox, engineer at Wohrer's sawmill, near Hayden, was killed Saturday afternoon. The boiler head blew out and a piece of the iron struck him, killing him instantly. He was thirty one years of age and leaves a widow and five children.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902 Dr. McDonald amputated two toes from the left foot of Editor John Johnson Friday, and today removed two more, only the great toe remaining on the foot. Mr. Johnson is having a serious time with gangrene. ************** FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 1902 DEATH OF JOHN JOHNSON, JR. This community was shocked Monday evening by the information that John Johnson, Jr., for many years an influential citizen, had died. Mr. Johnson expired at 7:05 p.m., at his home on J street, near the Avenue Hotel. John Johnson, Jr., was born in Burlington, Vermont, September 18th, 1850; and was brought to Bedford by his parents in 1852. His youth was spent amid hardships, which he overcame by his energy and industry. Having learned the printing business, he in 1875 founded the Bedford Star, an independent local paper which was very successful for a number of years. In 1885 he bought the Bedford Banner, the Democratic organ, and consolidated the two papers under the name of the Bedford Democrat. In 1892 he began the publication of the daily edition of the paper. Mr. Johnson was Roll Clerk of the Lower House of the Indiana Legislature in 1891 and 1893, a position for which he was admirably fitted on account of his powerful voice, a quality which attracted the attention of his party at a Congressional Convention of which he was Secretary, a great number of votes being taken and he being required to call the list of delegates for hours. Mr. Johnson was appointed Postmaster by President Cleveland in 1894, and served his full term of four years. He had been three times selected by his party as Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee of Lawrence county, a position which he held at the time of his death. John Johnson, Jr., was a typical Irish American, warmhearted, impulsive, energetic and enterprising. His genuine tenderness and generosity of heart were the traits which secured him the true friendship of men in all the walks of life, regardless of religious, political or racial ties. His hold on the community was strong, and not easily shaken. He labored hard for many years, and so far as power to secure business was concerned his ability was of a high order; but he lacked the conservative, saving element which would have insure him a comfortable fortune from his efforts. In his youth he was gaunt and of robust health, and in mature years became very fleshy, weighing at one time 360 pounds. During the last seven or eight years he had suffered a gradual decline of health, until just before his recent illness he had been reduced to about 140 pounds weight. A year ago a toe on his right foot showed symptoms of disease, and after the removal of the bones of the toe the trouble was arrested. Some six or seven weeks ago his left foot became sore from a corn or blister between the toes, which gradually spread along the sole of the foot; but he neglected the treatment until too late. Several amputations were made in the hope of arresting the disease, the last being on Sunday afternoon, when the foot was cut off above the ankle joint. Mr. Johnson' condition was not understood by his friend to be immediately critical until Monday noon, when his heart action began to fail, and he sank rapidly until his death. Mr. Johnson was married at Maysville, Ky, Sept 20th, 1888, to Miss Ella Claire, who survives him. He leaves three children, two sons and a daughter. ********************** IMPOSING FUNERAL Many People Out To Do Honor To Memory Of John Johnson, Jr. The funeral of John Johnson, Jr., which took place Thursday at 10 o'clock a.m., from the residence on J street, near the Avenue Hotel, was the largest that has occurred in Bedford for several years. Many business houses closed for an hour or two, in order that proprietors and employees might pay their last respects to a beloved friend. The Masonic and Ben Hur orders, to which the deceased belonged, turned out in force, and many persons from neighboring towns were present. After services at the house by Rev. Father Bogemann, a lengthy procession passed through the hall and took a last look at the face of the departed. Then the funeral cortege, several blocks in extent, was formed and proceeded to Green Hill Cemetery. The body was lowered into the earth, Father Bogemann delivered a prayer, the many beautiful floral offerings were deposited at the grave, and the crowd sadly wended its way home. To the Worshipful Master, Wardens, and Brothers of the Bedford Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M., of Bedford Indiana: We, the committee appointed to adopt resolutions on the death of Brother John Johnson, Jr., late a member of Bedford Lodge No. 14, F. & A. M. and Hacker Chapter No. 34, R. A. M. RESOLUTIONS. The sickle of death has again invaded our ranks and removed from us our beloved brother, John Johnson, Jr., who departed this life on Monday eve, March 17, 1902, and we adopt this means of expressing our deep sorrow occasioned by his death and our highest respect for his memory. Our deceased brother was born in Vermont Sept. 18, 1850, and removed with his parents to Bedford, Indiana, in the year 1852. Since then he had been a continuous resident of this city. On September 20, 1888, he was married to Miss Ella Claire at Maysville, Ky., who with his three children, Collette, Edward and Walter, together with five sisters and one brother, survive him. Brother Johnson has lived an industrious and useful life, having learned the printer's trade in his boyhood, and at the age of twenty-five entered the business for himself, and later was the founder of the Bedford Democrat, which paper he has ever managed and edited on a high plane, ever able, honorable and fair. He had always been progressive and his paper has always advocated whatever was for the advancement and up building of our city and county. For many years he has been recognized as one of the able and influential newspaper man of the State. He was for four years, Postmaster of Bedford and made an efficient and popular officer. He also served as Roll Clerk during two sessions of the Indiana Legislature in 1890 and 1894. We feel that the highest compliment that can be paid to the living and the highest tribute to the dead we sincerely pay Bro. Johnson when we say he was a most devoted husband, father, brother and a true and loyal friend; that to know him was to love him, and to know him best was to love him most. All in all, he was a great big hearted, good man. He became a Mason Dec. 27, 1885, and although his health and physical condition prevented him from attending lodge regularly, yet by his influence and his unerring counsel he proved himself to be a valuable and a zealous Mason, over expressing his interest in and his devotion for Masonry. Resolved: That in the death of Brother Johnson, Masonry has lost a devoted and true member, and we as Masons have lost one whom could take by the hand and feel proud to call him "Brother." He was a true man; a true Mason; a loyal brother, a Perfect Ashler. Resolved: That his bereaved family have lost a true, loving and devoted husband, father and brother, and we extend to them our sincere sympathy and condolence in this their hour of bereavement and sorrow. Resolved: That our State, County and City have lost an influential citizen, a broad-minded, true, good man. Resolved: That the lodge room be draped in mourning and the brothers wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days. Resolved: That these resolutions be spread of record and be placed in the archives of the lodge; that a copy of the same be tendered each paper published in the county for publication and that a copy thereof under the seal of the Lodge and the head of the Secretary be furnished the widow of our deceased brother. NEWTON CROOKE, V. V. WILLIAMS, J. A. ZARING, Committee. ********************* Mr. and Mrs. Andy Stone came up from New Albany Tuesday evening to attend the funeral of John Johnson, Jr. ******************* Walter S. Bradfute, O. H. Cravens, John R. East and R. W. Miers, of Bloomington, came down to attend the funeral of John Johnson, Jr. ********************** Pat Coady, of Paris, Ill., and his sister, Miss Mary Coady, of Pana, Ill., came to attend the funeral of John Johnson, Jr., and are the guests of friends. ********************** Henry McIntire and sister, of Mitchell, were in the city Thursday to attend the funeral of John Johnson, Jr. ******************** At the opening of court Tuesday the memory of John Johnson, Jr., was the subject of feeling remarks on the part of Judge Martin, H. P. Pearson, McHenry Owen, T. J. Brooks, Joseph Giles, John D. Alexander, S. B. Lowe and E. K. Dye. He was a very popular man with the lawyers, who appreciated his good qualities ******************* J. M. Henderson, of Leesville, came to the city Thursday, to attend the funeral of Editor John Johnson, Jr. ****************** John Johnson, Jr., carried a life insurance policy of $2,000 in the Tribe of Ben Hur. ******************* FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1902 Mrs. Anna Thornton and son, who came here from Alexandria to attend the funeral of John Johnson, Jr., went to Bloomington Monday a.m., to visit relatives before returning home.

BEDFORD WEEKLY MAIL BEDFORD, INDIANA FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 1902 Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ferguson went to Alton, Ill., Monday, to attend the funeral of an aunt of Mr. Ferguson.