Esther Bailey
Williamsport: Mrs. Esther Bailey, 84, of 110 Lincoln St., Williamsport, died at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday in Meadow Heights Nursing Home. She had been a patient there since 1980. A native of Auburn, she came to Williamsport as an infant. A graduate of Williamsport School, she attended the Conservatory of Music in Lafayette, studying under Professor Hughes. In 1922 she was married in Williamsport to Paul O. Bailey. She and her husband operated a news-stand and confectionary store here several years.
Mrs. Bailey had been a piano teacher, and gave private lessons in her home for many years. She also was a member of a ladies quartet, and traveled the Chautauqua circuit. For 30 years she was accompanist for the Warren County Chorus.
She was a member of Williamsport United Methodist Church, Pythian Sisters, Womens Club of Warren County, Home Economics Extension Club, Senior Citizens, and Friendship Club. She also was secretary of the Residence Council at Meadow Heights Nursing Home, and a 50-year member of Williamsport Chapter, Order of Eastern Star.
Surviving with the husband is a son, Paul O. Bailey Jr. of Danville, Ill. [Lafayette Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) May 17, 1984; tr by GTHOSTKT]
George M. Bowlus
At the residence of Lew. Benge, in this valley, on the 8th November, of typhoid fever, Mr. George M. Bowlus, late of Warren county, Indiana, aged 32 years. Indiana papers please copy. [The Walla Walla Statesman (Walla Walla, W. T.), November 11, 1864; Sub by GTHOST]
George D. Butler
Williamsport, Ind., May 29: George D. Butler, a Warren county farmer, died yesterday at his home near Carbondale at the age of sixty-seven years, the result of an injury received two years ago in being kicked by a horse. He was widely known over central western Indiana on account of his success as an auctioneer. He also engaged in breeding fine horses and other live stock. Mr. Butler leaves his widow, a daughter and three sons, all married. [The Indianapolis Journal, Friday, May 30, 1902]
Joshua Cantell
A Foul Murder Committed at Williamsport, Indiana
June 19, Thursday last, Joshua Cantell, an old citizen of this place, left his home, and failing to return, a search was begun and kept up for three days. This morning Clem Herrick found his body a short distance from the town on the Wabash River bank, where it had been washed. On examination he was horrified to find that Mr. Cantrell had been murdered. On his head was a bullet hole, the bullet having passed through his head. He had also been shot in the abdomen, in the neck and in the leg. The Coroner held an inquest today, and returned a verdict that the old man had some to his death by the hands of some unknown person or persons. The deceased was over sixty years old, and had lived in Williamsport for many years.
He was a peaceable, well-to-do citizen, and his horrible death has cast a deep gloom over the town. [Indianapolis Sentinel, 21 June 1880]
James Carpenter
The Remains Of A Missing Man Found
Marion, Ind., December 31: A telephone message from Warren, in Huntington County, received here today, states that last evening the dead body of James Carpenter was found under a bridge, near that place. Carpenter was a prominent resident and business man of Hansfield, in this county. He disappeared on Monday of this week under circ*mstances that warranted the belief that he had skipped to defraud his creditors. Two hundred and twenty-five dollars were found about the clothing of the deceased. [Bluffton Weekly Chronicle (Bluffton, Ind.) 6 Jan 1887; tr. by J.S.]
William Colbert
Was Born in 1849 Near Home Where He Died July 23, 1916
William Colbert, son of George and Elisabeth Colbert was born in Wells county, Indiana, October 2, 1849 near the Home in which he died July 23, 1916. On February 5, 1869, Mr. Colbert was married to Manda Miller who has since been his constant and loving companion. To them were born four children, all of whom are living. The church membership of the deceased was with the Batson Bridge Christian church when that organization existed. He entered this church near the beginning of it's history, perhaps was oat of the charter members and it was here that his religious interests were centered. His health has not been good for about five years. During this time there has been a gradual decline. Death came at a relief to the stricken man. Surviving him are the members of his immediate family, his faithful wife, two daughters. Mayme J. and Cora A. and two sons, Lewis and Joseph; brother and sister are yet living. There are seven grand-children and one great grand child. His age is 66 years 9 months and 21 days. His life was of neighborly integrity and of unarming manliness. He was a man of a quiet faith. Just a few days prior to his passing, he stated to a relative that he had confidence in the future and that he was prepared to go. His death marks the passing of a man who was loved and respected. [Warren Weekly Tribune, Friday, July 28, 1916]
Martin Edmunson
Martin Edmunson, aged 60, an old soldier, of Hyatt, dropped dead at his home. He had just remarked to his sister that she had just come in time to see him die. [Bluffton Weekly Chronicle (Bluffton, Ind) 9 Jan 1890; tr. by J.S.]
Ezekiel M. French
Ezekiel M. French was born February 2, 1856, in the home of William and Martha (Fleming) French, pioneers of Warren County, on the farm near West Lebanon, where he spent his entire life. He was one of eleven children, of whom six are living to mourn his departure; two brothers and four sisters, Cornelius French, who lived with him on the home place, and Ross French, Mrs. Wesley (Rebecca) James, Mrs. Dalton (Gertrude) Murray, all of West Lebanon, Mrs. Sam (Martha) Frame, and Mrs. Ed (Cecelia) High, both of Williamsport. After a few days illness from a blood clot on his brain, he departed this life on Wednesday morning, Feb. 9, 1921, at his home, aged 64 years, 11 months, and 16 days. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Louis Hotaling, at the Christian Church in West Lebanon, last Friday, Feb. 11, at 2 PM, under the auspices of the Masonic Order, of which he was a member. [The Williamsport Pioneer, Feb 18, 1921; also The Attica Daily Tribune - Feb 12, 1921]
Gillespie [Child]
Small Lad of Williamsport Meets a Terrible Death
April 15: This afternoon a seven year old son of Mrs. Gillespie, while playing in the Fall branch, was suddenly carried down by the current and hurled over the falls, receiving a fall of 70 feet, which resulted in instant death. Search was immediately made in the water below, and his body found after about an hour. [Indianapolis Sentinel, 16 Apr 1879]
Richard Hargrave
Father Richard Hargrave, one of the pioneer ministers of the Methodist church, died at his home near Pine village last Monday. Until within a few months Father Hargrave retained his full strength and powers, although four score years had passed over his head; his life was wholly and faithfully devoted to his Master's work and he leaves behind him not an enemy in the world. [Indianapolis Sentinel, 2 Jul 1879]
Nevada Kesling
Mrs. Nevada Weidenhammer Kesling, 75, passed away Tuesday evening at the Maris Hospital where she had been a patient since Friday. She was born Sept. 18, 1868, in Berks County, PA, daughter of Aaron and Catherine Snyder Weidenhammer, and spent nearly all her entire life in Warren County. On Dec. 20, 1893 she married was married to Harley Kesling, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Clifford of near Independence; a granddaughter; three brothers, Fred, Lesher, and George Weidenhammer, all of Williamsport, and a sister, Mrs. Ella Yaste, also of Williamsport. Mrs. Kesling was a member of the Christian Church. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at the Hamilton Funeral Home.
The body arrived in Williamsport over the Wabash Railroad Monday afternoon and was taken to Hamilton Funeral Home where services, in charges of Rev. Fred Longwell, were conducted at four o’clock followed by burial in Highland Cemetery. [Review Republican; Sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
John A. Kidney
Another Old Soldier from Co. I, 72nd Ind. Called Home
Mr. John A. Kidney, son of Minet Kidney and Mrs. Abbigial Kidney was born September 2nd, 1840, in Warren Co. Ind. and died Sept. 2nd, 1916, at the Hospital in St. Joseph, Mo., at the age of 76 years. Mr. Kidney lived in Warren County and vicinity the early part of his life. He enlisted in Co. I, 72nd Ind., in July 1862, serving three and one half years as caption of the Scout and was well liked by all. Mr. Kidney was married to Mary J. Ogborn, August 26th, 1866, going to housekeeping on a farm near Pine Village, in Indiana, where their first daughter, Miss Clara Kidney was born. In 1871 they moved by covered wagon to Harrison County, Missouri. Mr. Kidney has lived in Harrison County most of his time since then. For the past seven years he has been afflicted with blindness. He took special pride and interest in his children and the welfare of the community. Mrs. Kidney departed this life June 12th, 1892. He was always one to whom his friends could go and receive help. He was a strong politician and was well liked and respected as a leader both in politics and farming. He joined the Christian Church in 1894 at Union Chapel near New Hampton. He was laid to rest beside his wife in the Mt. Zion Cemetery, east of New Hampton. Br Alsup preacher of the Christian Church conducted the services. Mr. Kidney leaves to mourn his absence one brother Mr. Thomas J. Kidney of Darlington MO., and three children; Mrs. Clara Clevenger of Pattonsburg, MO., Amos Kidney of New Hampton and Abbie Eisenbarger of Mt. View, Mo and eight grandchildren and one great grandchild, all of whom were present when he was laid away, besides a host of friends and neighbors. One daughter, Alice Atwood, who lived at Martinsville, MO., died Oct. 1st, 1899 [Source: New Hampton Herald (New Hampton, MO) 14 Sep 1916; pg 1, sub. by GTHOSTMBeery]
Samuel Messner
The deceased was born near Pine Village, Warren county, Indiana, June 12, 1851, died July 15, 1911, aged 60 years 1 month and 3 days. He was married to Miss Annie Henton, at Indianola, Indiana, April 1878. To this union one son, Chauncey S. was born, who, with his mother, mourn the loss of a kind and loving husband and father. The deceased also leaves W. T. Messner of Cherryvale, Kansas; J. C. Messner, Oxford, Indiana; Frank Messner Oxford, Indiana; Daniel Messner Oxford, Indiana; and two sisters Edith A. Johnson of Denver Colo., and Mrs. W. A. Minniear of this place to mourn his loss. The deceased, in company with W. T. Henton, came to Johnson county, Nebraska, in 1873, fitting out an ox team, then they drove to where Beaver and Sappa creeks join, at which place they fell in with Joe and Eugene Dolph, the four of them coming up the creek together. The Dolph boys were just returning from filing on their homesteads. The deceased and W T Henton were the third and fourth settlers to file on Beaver west of Lebanon. The deceased, in company with W. T. Henton, George S. Johnson, the Ashton brothers and the Dolph brothers, took a leading part in organizing county. - Danbury News [The McCook Tribune (McCook, Neb.) July 25, 1911, p1; Contributed by Terry Dicken]
Grace O. Neff
Grace Olive Neff daughter of Adam and Olive Neff, was born January 5, 1889 and died January 2, 1890, aged 11 months and 27 days. Funeral services were held at the house conducted by Rev. George Hubatt. And the remains were interred in the Taylor cemetery. The parents have the sympathy of the entire community In their sorrow and affliction. [Warren Weekly, Jan 3 1890 ]
Joshua Taylor
Native of England, Age 90 Dead
Danville, Ill., December 21: Joshua Taylor, ninety years old, a native of England, and for many years a resident of Warren County, Indiana, is dead at the home of his son, Harmon Taylor, in this city. He came to this country from England when he was three years old, making the trip with his parents. For the last three years he had been living with his son and family in this city. The body was taken today to West Lebanon, Ind., where the funeral will be held. [Indianapolis News (Indianapolis, IN) 21 Dec 1917; tr. by J.S.]
Aaron Weidenhammer
Death of Old Resident
Aaron Weidenhammer, an old and prominent resident of this place, suffered a slight stroke of paralysis the latter part of last week and appeared to gradually grow worse. Monday morning his physician pronounced his case serious and held but little hope of his recovery. Thenceforth he rapidly grew worse until his death, which occurred at 4:30 o'clock Tuesday morning. Mr. Weidenhammer was 68 years and 6 days old. The funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the M. E. church and will be conducted by E. C. Wareing. Interment will be made in Highland Cemetery. [Review-Republican; sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
Alfred Weidenhammer
Williamsport: Alfred (Fred) Weidenhammer, 79, of Williamsport, died Thursday while playing cards in a local billiard parlor. He was stricken with a heart attack. Born at Kutztown, Pa., he moved here 70 years ago. He was married July 14, 1895 to Bessie Wowlus, who died Jan. 2, 1930. He was a retired farmer and member of the Methodist church. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Mary Dillman, of Rockville; three sons, John, Frank and Webster Weidenhammer; a sister, Mrs. Ella Yaste, and two brothers, George and Lesher Weidenhammer, all of Williamsport. [Lafayette Journal and Courier (Lafayette, IN) Fri, Sep 12, 1952; p10; tr by GTHOSTKT]
Bessie Jane Weidenhammer
Bessie Jane, only Daughter of Elmira and Reverdy I. Bowlus was born in Washington Township, Warren County July 13, 1883 and departed this life January 2, 1930 being 47 years, 6 months, and 19 days old.
Bessie as she was familiarly known among her associates spent practically all her life in and near Williamsport and attended the Clear Branch School. She united with the Christian Church when a young lady and always was a faithful member.
On July 14, 1904 she was united in marriage to Alfred Weidenhammer of the same community in which she resided. To this union were born five children. One daughter, Helen Marie died in infancy. Bessie leaves to mourn her loss the husband, Alfred, one daughter, Catherine of Terre Haute, three sons, John, Franklin, and Webster all at home. One brother, James Blaine Bowlus of the Barren's: a number of relatives and a host of friends. The funeral services were conducted from the Christian Church at 2 P. M. Sunday. Rev. Haff officiated. Interment in the Highland Cemetery. Newspaper: Review-Republican; sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
Catherine (Snyder) Weidenhammer
Catherine, daughter of Jacob and Kate Snyder, was born in Reading, Penn., February 24, 1847 and died at her home in Williamsport, Ind., December 14, 1926 aged 79 years 10 months, and 10 days.
She was married to Aaron Weidenhammer October 27, 1866. To this union were born seven children, four sons and three daughters. Lesher and George Weidenhammer of Carbondale, Fred who lives west of town, Mrs. Harley Kisling if Williamsport Route 2, Mrs. Ella Yaste of this city. Wilson, who preceded her in death, March 26, 1922 and Emma who died in infancy. She is survived by the five children, five grandsons and one granddaughter. She was a member of the Methodists church of Lancaster, IL. [Review-Republican, Sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
Lesher Weidenhammer
Lesher Weidenhammer passed away at his home in Williamsport at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday morning.
He was the son of Aaron and Catherine Snyder nee Weidenhammer born May 7, 1867 in Pennsylvania.
He married Nellie Bowlus, who preceded him in death. Mr. Weidenhammer had been a resident of the Williamsport community most of his life. He was a retired farmer. Survivors include one brother, George Weidenhammer of Williamsport and one sister, Mrs. Ella Yaste of Williamsport. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, September 4, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Williamsport. Burial will be in the West Lebanon Cemetery.
Lesher Weidenhammer passed away at his home in Williamsport at 9:00 A.M. Wednesday morning. He was the son of Aaron and Catherine Snyder nee Weidenhammer born May 7, 1867 in Pennsylvania. He married Nellie Bowlus, who preceded him in death. Mr. Weidenhammer had been a resident of the Williamsport community most of his life. He was a retired farmer. Survivors include one brother, George Weidenhammer of Williamsport and one sister, Mrs. Ella Yaste of Williamsport. Funeral services [Review-Republican, Sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
Nellie (Bowlus) Weidenhammer
Mrs. Lesher Weidenhammer, a daughter of the late Isaiah Bowlus, living on the barrens, died at her home last Monday morning from puerperal fever after an illness of only 3 days. A little son was born last Thursday and survives the mother. The funeral took place at the residence last Tuesday morning. Interment at West Lebanon Cemetery. Deceased had been married less then two years. She was born November 23, 1869 and was 23 years, 4 months and 5 days of age. Rev. Wm. Wilmer officiated at the funeral. [Review Republication, Sub. by: Stanley Weidenhammer]
Simon Weidenhammer
Simon Weidenhammer died at the Elk's home at Bedford, Va., Friday, April 16th. The remains were brought back to West Lebanon arriving Sunday morning and were taken to the home of a niece. Mrs. Sam Erskine. The funeral was held at the Christian church at 2 P.M. Rev Lewis Hotaling preaching the funeral sermon. Mr. Weidenhammer was an old resident of this vicinity. In 1916 he went to the Elk's home where he remained till his death. He leaves to mourn his loss a number of nieces and nephews and a host of friends. The Elk's lodge of Lafayette gave their services at the cemetery. Interment in West Lebanon cemetery by the side of his devoted wife who preceded him in the great beyond a number of years ago. [Review Republican; sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
Wilson Oliver Weidenhammer
Military Funeral For World War Vet Taps Sounded For Wilson O. Weidenhammer
The death and military funeral services of Wilson Oliver Weidenhammer at Williamsport Tuesday afternoon revived some of the scenes and memories of the late war activities which were so apparent then but vividness of which has somewhat faded from memory now. Mr. Weidenhammer was engaged in farm work for Lawrence Crawford in Jorden Township when he enlisted in the service of his country and was soon sent overseas. He saw real service and as a result he came back home a nervous wreck, but the seriousness of his condition was not fully realized at first. Like a true patriot Mr. Weidenhammer went back to farm work where he had left off to answer his country's call, but was not in good health and in a few months he suffered a nervous shock and came home to his mother in Williamsport and soon became a helpless invalid. With the hope of effecting a cure Mr. Weidenhammer was sent to the Methodist Hospital at Indianapolis where his expenses were defrayed by the government. He was however soon pronounced incurable and came back home to his mother where he was tenderly cared for until his death. His nerves were so badly shattered that he had no use of his lower limbs and he sat in a dazed condition but frequently indulged in singing of war songs, screaming over the terrors of battle and crying out that the "Germans are coming." The funeral services were held from the M. E. Church at one o'clock. All the local business houses were closed until two o'clock. The services were in charge of the Legion Chapter. The casket was born on the shoulders of the comrades in real military fashion. The regular military ritual was read.. The sermon for the occasion was delivered by Rev. J. E. McCloud and Rev. A. V. Babbs pastor of the local church assisted in the service. The services at the cemetery consisted of a volley of three shots fired over the grave which was concluded by the "sounding of taps." It had been arranged to convey the body to the cemetery on a wagon draped in the American flag and drawn by four horses with a military procession by the local post, but the downpour of rain during the afternoon made this an unadvisable thing to do. The hearse was used and the large concourse of people present traveled in automobiles. A pension of $8.00 per month was allowed to Mr. Weidenhammer by the government from the time of his first disability until a month before he died when it was increased to $25.00 per month with an allowance of $400.00 back pay. Wilson Oliver Weidenhammer was born at Lancaster, Illinois, March 20, 1888, and died at Williamsport, Indiana, March 26,1922, aged 34 years and six days. He enlisted in the U. S. Army for service in the World War, May 25, 1918, and was assigned to Co. A. 335 Infantry. He was in the training camp for but a short period before being sent across the ocean to join in the great struggle at the battle front, and on October 10, 1918, he fought in the battle of the Meuse River, and less than thirty days after or on the 11th of November, fought at the battle of Argonne. As a result of the terrible artillery fire in these battles he suffered from shell shock and also from the effects of gas. From those injuries he never recovered, and was compelled to be a sufferer until the time that he should be released by death. On returning with his regiment to the United States, he received his discharge at Camp Sherman, Ohio, June 11, 1919. He leaves to mourn his loss, his mother, Mrs. Catherine Weidenhammer, three brothers, Lesher, George, and Fred, and two sisters, Mrs. Harley Kesling and Mrs. Leonard Yaste, and a wide circle of friends. Such is the brief fragment of biography which we take note of today. Would that the whole story of his sacrifice might be written. But we have not the full details of this life which has been given for flag and country. It is fitting that we should gather here today to pay our solemn and reverent tribute to this young patriot. It is fitting that for a time we should put aside all other employments and consider and remember the price that has been payed for liberty. He is another one of those that will be laid to rest, dying in order that liberty of the people, by the people, and for the people should not perish from the earth. In after years his comrades who survive him, and grateful citizens who appreciate the sacrifice he made, will reverently visit his grave; and over it the flowers planted by those who loved him will blossom, and patriot hands will also put there, the flag. Like other soldier graves, the place where he rests will be forever a sacred memorial where patriots at times will gather to learn a fresh lesson of the preciousness of liberty, precious forevermore because it has cost so much. He will not be forgotten. The memory of his sacrifice will abide with us. He with other soldier dead have left us the flag they fought for and with it a larger responsibility. They received it from their fathers and from the soldiers of the other wars, added luster to it, and then passed it on, asking as they fell nothing but this, that we cherish the flag they bled for and give added years to the life of the Republic. We who share in this memorial service today, will soon separate and go our several ways to our unfinished tasks, but we shall go with spirit more chastened, we shall go with the recollection of a patriot example to spur us to do our very best. spur us to do our very best. [Review Republication, Sub. by: Stanley Weidenhammer]
Ella M.Yaste
Mrs. Ella May Yaste, 80, Williamsport, passed away at noon Monday, at Community Hospital, Williamsport, where she had been a patient four weeks. She was ill one year. The deceased was born Feb. 13, 1881, at Lancaster, IL, the Daughter of Aaron and Catherine Snyder Weidenhammer. On Dec. 22, 1897, she married George Leonard Yaste, who preceded her in death in 1950. Mrs. Yaste had spent almost her entire life in Williamsport. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon from the Machledt Funeral Home in Williamsport with Mr. Dickey officiating. Burial was made in Highland Cemetery.
Survivors include a son, Fred of Akron, OH, and a brother, George Weidenhammer of Williamsport. [Review-Republican, Sub. by Stanley Weidenhammer]
