Submitted to the Lincoln County Washington GenWeb by Marge Womach on September 21

Obituaries are taken from newspapers, probates, funeral home ledgers, and the county death register.

This is NOT a complete listing, but a work in progress. Submit your relative to the Lincoln County Co-ordinator

On the evening of Jan 4, 1902, Mrs. Miles McMillen passed quietly away. The deceased was born in Bloomington, Indiana, and from thence she moved to the state of Missouri, and while there was united in marriage with Miles McMillen. In the year of 1883 she came with husband and children to the state of Washington where they settled on Lake Creek. She leaves two sons and one daughter and a number of grandchildren to mourn their loss, her husband having preceded her to the “better land” eleven years ago. She will be sadly missed by all, as she was a gentle Christian woman, and was loved and respected by all who became acquainted with her. She was near her 68^th birthday, and for many years has led a Christian life,--a shining light and example for all. A FRIEND. (LCT) (Edit: Martha Hardesty McMillen, aged 68 yrs 10 mos 4 dys, died 4 Jan 1902, burial in McMillen Cemetery with tombstone. Sons: Charles E and George Alvin McMillen; 3 daughters, Mena; Eva D. Simmons; and Flora Cagle.) “Mrs. McMillen, whose home is near Earl post office, was taken violently ill on Sunday afternoon and before a doctor could be summoned she had breathed her last. The funeral took place at her home on Monday, the body being laid to rest in the private burial ground on the McMillen place.” (Citizen: 10 Jan 1902)

Mrs. W. S. Holmes, wife of the banker, died suddenly last Saturday morning of paralysis of the heart at her home in this city. She had been ill but a short time and was not considered so seriously ill. Mr. Holmes on arising Saturday built a fire as usual, and moving about the house as quietly as possible so as not to disturb his wife, and going down town to make some purchases. On his return he went to the bedside of his wife whom he supposed was sleeping and was grief stricken to find that she was dead. The blow was a sad one and the sympathy of the entire community is extended to Mr. Holmes and daughter in their sad affliction. The remains were taken to Ritzville by Undertaker Stone for burial. The Odd Fellows who reside here attended the funeral in a body to show their brotherly love to a brother in the hour of trouble and laid a wreath of flowers on the casket….(Card of thanks following denotes husband, W S Holmes; daughter, Gertrude Holmes; and sister, Mrs. J. P. McKenna.) (Odessa Record)

Mrs. Sarah A. Green, a former resident of Davenport, died Dec 25^th, at her home, 1423-4^th St, Spokane, after lingering in a feeble condition for several years. Her remains were sent to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for interment, accompanied by Miss Ida Green. The immediate family are P H Green, Willows, CA; Mrs. Chas Huestis, Fort Wayne, IN; Mrs. Carrie Pattison, Olympia, WA; Misses Ida and Lura Green, teachers, of Spokane. The family lived in Davenport for several years, where they still have many friends and acquaintances. (LCT)

"Frank McDonough died at Spokane from injuries received while switching cars about at Wilson Creek. McDonough was a brakeman on the Great Northern." (Citizen: 1-10-1902)

"Two men were killed and three injured in an explosion three miles west of Mackay, Idaho. The killed are B. Hinterholzer and James Person." (Citizen: 1-10-1902

1902"Joseph Gleason, formerly of Spokane, was recently drowned at Cocolalla, Idaho." (Citizen: 1-10-1902)

Jan 21, 1902

Rev Hoover Gray

“Rev Hoover Gray of Welch, who died Jan 9^th, 1902, from a paralytic stroke, was 87 years old. He leaves six children, 19 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. He was born in Greenup County , KY , Oct 23, 1814.” (LCT: 1-21-1902)

The young son and daughter of Cleve Smith—Richard, age 11 and Georgiana, age 14—with Joseph Calvin, a hired man, were drowned while skating on a lake near Alki last Saturday afternoon. (Citizen)

Mrs. Devoe, who was hurt last week by a hay rack falling on her died at her home on Friday, 17 miles north of town. She had lain for three hours in the snow after being injured before she was found by the family. Drs Connell and Kelly who attended the patient think the exposure was largely the cause of death. (Odessa Record)

Henry, the 12 year old son of Wm Beck, whose home is 2 ½ miles north of town, died on Monday of Bright’s disease, from which he had been a sufferer for nearly a year. The funeral took place on Wednesday at the German church, ten miles north of this place. (Citizen)

While milking a cow on a ranch 16 miles from Wilson Creek Tuesday before last, Mrs. Wm Duval was fatally injured by being crushed under a hay rack falling upon her. She died on the following Friday (Feb 14^th). (Citizen)

Mrs S B Cooley, who is critically ill, was brought into town and placed in the hospital on Tuesday. (Citizen)

Died—On Monday, March 24, Bertha, the 7 year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Christ Keuch, living 3 miles south of Odessa. Diphtheria was the cause of death. There are 8 children in the family and three have been taken within a short space of two weeks by the terrible disease; two more are down with it but strong hopes are entertained for their recovery. Much sympathy is felt for the family in their great bereavement. The funeral took place on Wednesday at 2 PM at the home of the parents. (Odessa Record)

"Mrs. Laura J. May, mother of Sumner Barker, of the Kirchan butcher shop, died Tuesday of this week, after an illness of several months, with cancer, and was buried Wednesday, Rev J. J. McAllister conducting the services in the ME church. Mrs. May was 54 years of age, and was until recently of California." LCT

Baby dies of pneumonia.—Mrs. Tichaecek of Stratford, WA brought her one year old daughter to this city (Harrington) for medical treatment last week. On Saturday the child was pronounced beyond all hope of recovery, and late Saturday it breathed its last. The body was taken to Stratford for burial. (Citizen)

On Saturday afternoon, April 26, Peter Barret of Sprague dropped dead from heart failure on the side walk outside of Williams’ Drug Store. He was an old veteran, having served through the Civil War in the navy. He was highly respected and leaves a wife, 3 sons and 2 daughters, all grown, who live in Spokane. (Citizen)

On last Thursday afternoon Mr. & Mr. Joe Pickell received a telegram containing the sad news of the death of their oldest daughter, Mrs. Emma O’Brien, of black diphtheria. Mrs. O’Brien’s home was near Seattle and she was stopping in that city while en route for Harrington to visit her parents when she was stricken with the terrible disease which accomplished its deadly work in but a few hours. Her sister, Mrs. Inez McLellan, is now in Seattle in quarantine. She is taking care of the nine month old baby which survives its mother. The baby is also suffering from the disease, but will probably recover. Mrs. O’Brien was married about 6 years ago; her husband is a contractor. The deceased is well known here, having lived with her parents up to the time of her marriage. The entire community was shocked at the news of her sudden death and all join in offering the bereaved family their sincere sympathy. (Harrington Citizen.)

Joe Blacker was shot dead by Charles Hartman. Blacker, a bachelor aged 45-50, worked for Denny Moylan of Davenport. Blacker lived in a shanty 12 X 14. (LCT)

Mr. Joseph Thornbrue, of Bald Ridge, who died last week, was another old settler of the county, being one of the first among the pioneers who come to the country. He was 75 years of age, and a veteran of the Civil War. He leaves several sons, all of whom are in good circumstances.

Killed at Wilson Creek.—Mr. & Mrs. G. M. Stapish of Hartline went over to Davenport on Tuesday morning and at the depot informed The Register reporter of a fatal accident at Wilson Creek, on the GN, last Saturday. A Bohemian, named Anton Hroch, who lived in that vicinity boarded a train, attempting to steal a ride, but had not gone far until he fell from the cars and was instantly killed. The accident was very peculiar in the manner of the injuries the victim sustained. Both feet were crushed and his head horribly crushed, but no other part of his body seemed to be touched. The remains were shipped to Wynor, NE, presumably his home. (Wilbur Reg.)

Mr. and Mrs. Gust Zabel, of Odessa, are mourning the death of two of their daughters, Alma, aged 2 years, and Margaret, 4 years old, which occurred last Monday morning from diphtheria. Of the six children remaining four are down with it and the youngest, a baby four months old, lies at the point of death. One boy, Edwin, suffered a mild attack about two weeks ago but recovered in a few days. The other children were taken sick on the 5^th. Dr Connell is giving the sufferers his best care and most skillful attention and has quarantined the house and is taking every possible precaution to keep the disease from spreading. (Wilbur Reg.)

"Dr Setters was called to Reardan Wednesday to attend Ernest Carstens, who underwent a serious injury in a runaway recently, and was reported fatally injured." (Citizen: 8-01-1902)

Mrs. Jasper Hyatt, the wife of a farmer living near Govan, was attacked by an unknown man in her home last Wed. and in the struggle her two month old babe, which she held at her breast, was killed. Mrs. Hyatt said the man was making improper proposal. After a brief struggle the man discontinued his assault and Mrs. Hyatt, after finding her babe was dead, started out to give the alarm. While she was gone the man made good his escape. (Odessa Record) The infant child of Mrs. J. Hyatt died at the hands of Mrs. Hyatt. (Wilbur Reg.)

Sephe Michaelsen

Sephe Katherine Michaelsen, little daughter of Mr. & Mrs. W. L. Michaelsen of Odessa died Monday night Aug 18 of Cholera infantum, after an illness of five days. She was one year seven months and eight days old. The little one was taken sick last Wednesday and Dr. Goodenow was called. Her case was not considered serious until Sunday, when Dr Mitchell of Wilson Creek was called to consult with Dr. Goodenow. Even then both physicians were very hopeful for her recovery. Monday morning she was much brighter and the fond parents’ hearts rejoiced but at 4 PM there was a change for the worse and those about her realized that the end was near. She died at 9:40. The funeral services were held at the church Wed. morning, conducted by Rev Phipps of Spokane, assisted by Rev. Finlayson of Odessa. The remains were interred in the new cemetery that has been laid off adjoining Mr. Michaelsen’s ranch. (Odessa Record)

The Sprague Times says that eight children died during the preceding week in that town, five of them on Monday Aug 11. Hot days, cold nights and eating of unripe fruit was the main cause. (Citizen)

Two infants and three adults died at Sprague this week. Mrs. Ansonn Goss died Wednesday at age 58; W P A Craig died at age 78; Daniel Winter died at age 78. (Wilbur Register)

A particularly sad death was that of Mrs. Goss, wife of Anson, the president of the Bank of Sprague, which occurred Wednesday morning. The old lady had been looking forward with joyful anticipation to the time when she could be with her friends and relatives in her home town, Bangor, Michigan. Had she not been taken sick, she and Mr. Goss expected to leave for home next week.

Anna Flath

Anna, the one-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Flath, died last Monday, of dysentery, after a short illness. The funeral services were held at the house Tuesday, Rev. Doescher officiating. The remains were interred in Heimbigner Cemetery.

Harold Kennedy

Harold, the little 18-month-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Geo A. Kennedy, died last Sunday evening of meningitis, after a short illness. His death cast gloom over the entire community, for the sweet child had won the hearts of all. All day Monday the home was thronged with friends who came to extend heartfelt sympathy to the fond parents in their terrible grief. Even in death the child looked sweet and peaceful and it seemed hard to realize that a loving God should pluck this beautiful little flower from that happy home. But God’s ways are best—His will be done. A short service was conducted by Rev. Finlayson at the house at 5:45 and Mr. & Mrs. Kennedy left on the evening train for Ritzville, taking the remains to that place, their former home for interment. (Odessa Record)

In a little over a week the death angel has visited the home of Andrew Heimbigner, says the Odessa Record. On Tuesday of last week his little 2 year old son was taken, Saturday the household was called upon to mourn the death of Katie, 14 years old, and Wednesday of this week, Fred and Martin, aged 7 and 3 years respectively, succombed to the dread disease dysentery, which caused the others’ deaths. Andrew’s funeral took place from the home last Thursday, services for Katie were held at the German church on Sunday, and yesterday at the home, funeral services were held for Fred and Martin, Rev. Schwabenland officiating. Much sympathy is felt for the family of their bereavement. (Wilbur Register)

The infant child of Mr. & Mrs. John Flath died last Saturday. Funeral services were held at the house Monday, Rev. Doescher officiating. (Odessa Record)

The one year old child of Mr. & Mr. Geo Wolfe died on Wednesday of this week of dysentery. The funeral services were held at the house Thursday afternoon and the remains were interred in the Heimbigner Cemetery. (Odessa Record)

William Ardolf

A letter received this week from our former townsman, Frank J. Ardolf, who is now residing in Spokane, brings the sad intelligence of the death of his only son William, in that city, on Friday, Sept 12. The funeral services were held in the Catholic church the following day after which the remains were taken to Rosemont cemetery for interment. The Record joins with many other friends here in extending sympathy to Mr. & Mrs. Ardolf in their bereavement. (Odessa Record)

Lucas Ruff

Lucas, the one-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Gottlieb Ruff, died last Friday at the family residence in the south end of town. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Doescher at the home, Sunday, and the remains were interred in the Heimbigner Cemetery. (Odessa Record)

Martin Hehn

Martin, the three-year-old son of Mr. & Mrs. Martin Hehn, died last Monday at the family home seven miles north of Odessa. Rev. Doescher conducted the funeral services, which were held at the grave, in Heimbigner’s Cemetery. (Odessa Record)

The six-month-old child of Mr. & Mrs. Geo Walter, living a few miles southwest of town, died last Sunday, after an illness of three months. (Odessa Record)

Beulah May Wiley

Beulah May Wiley, the six-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Wiley, late arrivals from West Virginia, died in this city (Sprague) yesterday afternoon. The remains were interred in the Gresham Cemetery this afternoon. (Sprague Times)

Amelia Hehn

Amelia Hehn, the one year and six month old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Martin Hehn, died last Tuesday at the family home seven miles north of Odessa, of dysentery. The funeral services were held at the grave in Heimbigner Cemetery, on Thursday, Rev. Doescher officiating. (Odessa Record)

Alberta Phelps

Alberta Phelps, the two-year-old daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Sydney Phelps, died last Sunday at the family home, ten miles northwest of Odessa. Dysentery was the chief cause of death. The bereaved parents left on the evening train Monday for Waitsburg, taking the remains there for interment.

Died on Tuesday, Sept 30^th the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Draper of Lake Creek. (Citizen)

Nov 14, 1902

Beck

“The little four-year old boy of Mr and Mrs William Beck, of Harrington, died of pneumonia on Monday, after an illness of but 48 hours.” (LCT: 11-14-1902)

Rev C. D. Nickelsen-missing

Rev. C. D. Nickelsen, the 30 year old pastor of the Colfax ME church, suddenly and mysteriously disappeared from his home Monday morning, says the Spokesman-Review. He is supposed to have come to Spokane with the avowed purpose of committing suicide by jumping into the Spokane River from the Monroe Street bridge... (LCT excerpt)

Wayne McCoy

Wayne, the little ten year old son of Mr. & Mrs. W. H. McCoy of Reardan, was run over by the local freight Wednesday noon, and killed. It is not known for certain whether the little fellow was trying to cross in front of a car, or was trying to climb on. The wheels passed over his right leg near the top, breaking and lacerating it in a horrible way, Dr R Moore was called from Davenport to see him, but he was then sinking, and died in the evening. Mr. McCoy is the postmaster and druggist at Reardan. (LCT)

Dec 2, 1902

Mr. A. Christie

Mr. A. Christie, aged 74, died at his home near Larene Nov 27, from cancer of the tongue and on the following day was buried in the cemetery near Davenport, Rev J A Rogers conducting the funeral services. (LCT)

Dec 2, 1902

Mr. & Mrs. Edson Stanley’s little 3 year old girl, which has been sick for a couple of years, died last Friday night at their home near Mondovi. Mrs. Stanley had recently returned from a visit to Colorado where it was hoped the change would prove helpful to the sick girl. (LCT)

Dec 19, 1902

Jesse Rush

John Gordon

“Jesse Rush and John Gordon, well diggers, were killed at Wade Cole’s ranch, 16 miles from Wilbur on Tuesday. They tried to thaw out dynamite in the oven, with the usual result.” (Citizen: 12-19-1902)

The little three weeks old son of Mr. & Mrs. James Wastral, living eight miles south of Odessa, died last Tuesday, interment took place at the Catholic Cemetery yesterday. (Odessa Record)

George Oswalt

Mr. George Oswalt, who had been hovering near death’s door for several days, and who was brought to his home from the Spokane hospital Saturday, Dec 13^th, passed away the following Friday evening, Dec 16^th, at 8 o’clock, surrounded by his family….Mr. Oswalt was injured on the evening of Sept 14^th, 1902, while unloading a load of grain in the harvest field. The guy rope on one side of the mast broke, the mast falling on the top side of the rack on which he was sitting, throwing him back over, breaking his back a little above the middle. He was taken to the Spokane hospital, where an operation was performed, the broken joint being removed…The lower part of his body was entirely paralyzed, and after the injury had apparently healed, he was without use or feeling of his lower limbs. His decline set in several weeks ago, and according to his wish he was brought home to spend his last days. The funeral services were conducted from the Presbyterian church Sunday at 1:30 PM. His friend, Rev. Thompson, spoke from the pulpit, and paid high tribute to the deceased, who had come from near his own home in Ohio. The large church building was filled with old friends and neighbors who had come to pay a last tribute of respect to a good man. About 500 were in attendance, and over 30 teams drove out to the cemetery where the remains were consigned to the tomb. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, Oct 17, 1850, where he lived for more than 20 years. He went to California in 1874, where he lived a couple of years, and then spent a couple of years in Kansas. He was married Oct 6^th, 1883, and on June 25^th, 1888, came to Davenport, this state, where he engaged in the hardware business with his brother-in-law, Alf Hughes… A wife, two half-grown sons and a daughter survive him.

Died, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Billingsly, on Thursday, Dec 18, 1902, of catarrh of the stomach, Mrs. Lester Popple, aged 48 years and 13 days. Mrs. Popple’s maiden name was Elizabeth Tinnel. She was born in Loudon County, Tennessee, Dec 5, 1854. There she grew to womanhood and married, two children blessing the union. One daughter, Annie, died after coming to this state and was buried in the cemetery at Ritzville. The other, Mrs. Billingsly, is now a resident of Odessa. Previous to coming to this state deceased lost her husband. She was married to Mr. Popple Dec 8, 1888. Their union was blessed with three children, the oldest now being 13 years of age. Deceased has a sister living in Odessa, Mrs. M. Estes, and 2 brothers, George and Bud Tinnel, reside at Lamona.—The other brother, Richard Tinnel, lives at Colfax. Mrs. Popple was one of the pioneers of this section, coming here from Tennessee 16 years ago. She lived a quiet life and was much devoted to her family. And whene’er sickness or death invaded the homes of her friends she was ever ready and willing to help and sympathize with them. A good woman has gone to her reward. Interment took place last Saturday at Ritzville, where her remains were laid to rest beside those of her departed daughter. (Odessa Record)

Frank Madison, the drayman, died at the home of Mr. & Mrs. John L Heydon, on Wednesday, Dec 24, 1902, of pneumonia. Deceased was born near New York City, Nov 25, 1847. He spent his earlier days in New York, later living in Minnesota, Nebraska and Missouri. He came here about two years ago and has since been engaged in the dray business, making his home with the Heydons. He has no relatives in the West but three brothers and a sister living at David City, NE. Deceased has always enjoyed rugged health and the end came suddenly, he only being sick a few days. He was a hard working and kind hearted man, generous to a fault, and leaves a number of warm friends in Odessa to mourn his demise. The funeral services were held in the school house Christmas morning, Rev. Finlayson officiating. The remains were interred in the new cemetery southeast of town. (Odessa Record)

News came over the wires from Almira Sunday last, that an atrocious murder had been committed near that place. The victims were Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Lewis, who lived about four miles southeast of that town. They had been killed with an old ax. Mr. Lewis was found in the house, lying on the floor, face downward, and Mrs. Lewis was lying out in the corral, a quarter of a mile from the house, and had been covered over with some straw. The crime is believed to have been committed last Friday, and it is not certain yet whether the object was robbery or revenge…Judge Lewis (he had been a justice of the peace) was a man about 76 years old, and he and his aged wife were pioneers of the country… (LCT)

Mrs. Anna, the aged mother of Cal Simmons, died Dec 18^th, 1902 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Wyer, near Larene. She was born in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio, a little over 77 years ago, and came to this state in 1891. She was a kind neighbor, much beloved, and for more than a year has been in declining health. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Rodgers. (LCT)

====================================================================
      USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing
          free information on the Internet, data may be used by
          non-commercial entities, as long as this message
          remains on all copied material. These electronic
          pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit
          or for presentation by other persons or organizations.
           Persons or organizations desiring to use this material
          for purposes other than stated above must obtain the
          written consent of the file contributor.
          This file was contributed for use in the LincolnCoGenWeb.
===================================================================

LINCOLN COUNTY OBITUARIES

1902

Sephe Michaelsen

Anna Flath

Harold Kennedy

William Ardolf

Lucas Ruff

Martin Hehn

Beulah May Wiley

Amelia Hehn

Alberta Phelps

Rev C. D. Nickelsen-missing

Wayne McCoy

Dec 2, 1902

Mr. A. Christie

-

Dec 2, 1902

George Oswalt