Edwall Catholic Cemetery

Edwall Catholic Cemetery Obituaries

also known as McMahon Cemetery, or St Vincente Cemetery

Located SW of the town of Edwall in the SE corner of Sec 11 T23N R 38

Submitted by Marge Womach

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Located in the SW ¼ SW ¼ Sec 12 T 23 R 38. From Edwall toward Bluestem, the Edwall City Cemetery is located about ½ mile from town on the south hill. Another ½ mile also on the south is a public access road into a field with electric wire across the entrance to the Edwall Catholic Cemetery. The road is graveled and following to the end brings one to the entrance gate of the cemetery, which is fenced. The gate is at the NW corner of the cemetery. The south edge of the cemetery is about two feet higher than the level 15 ft from the fence line. One base was without its stone. Original owner of this cemetery was the McMahon family, established after Thomas was initially buried in Sprague. The next Edwall death prompted Margaret McMahon to establish a cemetery and bring Thomas to their private cemetery. The McMahon family owned the cemetery until 1973 when the Lincoln County Cemetery District was deeded the land by Mary McMahon after ascertaining that their were no objections by the Catholic church. The two Leonard stones were not visible, prodding revealed their location and 6 to 8 inches of dirt and sod were removed to make them visible in 1999. These were visible in 1974 and recorded by Lartigues. (DCL signifies Davenport Cath. Ledger) “Fire, presumed to have escaped from a bonfire left by parishioners cleaning the grounds, swept through dry grass and burned the Sacred Heart Catholic Church near Edwall on Friday. The frame building was built 50 years ago and was insured. Although volunteers went onto actions with buckets, they were unable to cope with the flames and soon were compelled to give up the effort. The church was being prepared for the funeral of Mrs. Margaret McMahon, 80. The Rev Father Cyril Feisst, who lives at Cheney and supplies the Reardan and Edwall churches, made arrangements to hold the funeral at Reardan Saturday, with burial in the Edwall cemetery.” (Odessa Record of Aug 20, 1935) This is a work in progress...

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Obituaries:

Abelman, Mary Irene, (only date) Mar 31, 1913---TS

A baby girl was born to Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Ableman, April 3, but the little one only lived a short time and was laid away in the Edwall Cemetery. (Citizen-Apr 11, 1913)

Abelman, Minnie Alice, June 22, 1890-June 9, 1916, “w/o W. H.” TS

Mary Abelman of Edwall died 9 June 1916 at the age of 25 years. Cause of death was angina pectoris. Mary was born in WA. Burial was in Edwall. (St Francis ledger; Edit: this data apparently applies to Minnie, but her legal or Christian name may have been Mary.) “Mrs. Wesley Ableman—nee Minnie Miller—aged 27 years, born and raised near Edwall, passed to the other shore Saturday as a result of heart failure. The funeral was conducted at the Catholic Church, the Rev Father A. MacAleer officiating and the remains were laid to rest in the Catholic Cemetery by the side of her babe who preceded her only ten days. The floral offerings were beautiful and present in abundance. The sorrowing families on both sides of this household have the sympathies of a host of friends.” (Harrington Citizen-June 16, 1916)

Abelman, Philip LeRoy, (only date) May 30, 1916---TS

“A baby boy was born to Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Ableman Wednesday. The little one only lived a few hours and was laid to rest in the Edwall Cemetery, Thursday afternoon.” (Citizen June 9, 1916-Edwall Column) Hugh Abelman of Edwall died 2 June 1916, an infant of 12 hours. Born in WA. Burial was in Edwall. (St Francis Ledger)-this data applies to Philip LeRoy, (June 2 the probable date of burial rather than death.)

Anderson, Sarah Pearl, 1888-1967, (located in McMahon plot) TS

Appel, Mrs., Apr 28, 1859-Oct 9, 1914, “w/o Ben” 3 ft (fallen) TS

“Mrs. Apfel died at 1 o’clock this (Friday) morning. Funeral will be conducted from the Catholic Church at 10:45 by Father A. MacAleer, Sunday.” (Citizen-Oct 9, 1914) Anna Appel of Edwall died 8 Oct 1914 at the age of 56 years. Cause of death was acute indigestion. Anna was born in Russia. Burial at Edwall. (St Francis ledger)

Appel, Benjamin, (no TS- burial per Doris Hein, granddaughter)

Fleming, Baby, 1900, (located in Leonard plot, flat) TS

Fleming, Elizabeth, 1845-1907, (located in Leonard plot, flat) TS

Listed in the Catholic Territorial Ledger (date of death as 5 Apr 1906) Record states that she was born in Hibernia 62 years ago and died in Spokane.

Hanlon, Frank A., 1877-1966, (shared stone) TS

Hanlon, Mary E ., 1885-1975, (shared stone)

Frank Hanlon and Miss Mary E. Hogan, two popular young people of this place, were married Tuesday morning, Feb 12, at the Catholic Church, Rev Father Brucker officiating. Miss Margaret Hogan, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and John E Hogan, brother of the bride, attended the groom. An elaborate dinner was served at the home of the bride’s parents. Many valuable presents were received.” (Edwall Briefs-LCT-Feb 22, 1907) They had four children: Ken; Gloria; Cecilia, wife of Henry Jans; and Marilyn, wife of Henry Before. (see “Sprague Lamont Edwall 1881-1981”; article pages 345-7 includes wedding photo of Frank and Mary Hanlon)

Hanlon, James F., June 30, 1836-Oct 1, 1906-TS (shared stone) foot marker

“The funeral of James F. Hanlon, an old and highly respected citizen living near Edwall, who was killed by being run over by a train last week, took place from the Catholic Church there last Thursday morning. Deceased was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1836, where he learned the trade of boiler maker. He came to the US about 1860 and married Mary Finley. He was for many years an employee of the Northern Pacific Railroad company at Sprague, where he followed his trade, but in the meantime he settled upon his present farm, when Fairview was the post office at McGourin’s place and before Edwall or the Great Northern were thought of. In the pursuit of his trade he became quite deaf, which affliction caused him much annoyance in later years and some four or five years ago it affected his mind, but his family cared for him at home. He leaves a wife, two sons and a daughter, Frank A. and William J. Hanlon of Edwall and Cecilia, the latter a Sister of Charity, known as Sister Joseph of Nazareth, stationed at Ward, WA.” (LCT-Oct 12, 1906) “The following excerpts are taken from the Edwall Press concerning the death of an old pioneer of this county and a one time resident of Sprague. The deceased was well known to all the old timers of this city and has always been spoken of in the highest of terms. The account of his death follows: James Francis Hanlon, an old and highly respected citizen of Edwall, was found dead beside the Great Northern track, just inside J. F. Warwick’s field, about two miles west of town, Tuesday morning. The news was first brought in by the crew of an early morning freight train, and was to the effect that a man was seen lying beside the track with a bullet hole in his head. Coroner Kaulbach, Guy Kirkman and the Press man left for the scene at once and when part way out were passed by Frank Hanlon, who said he had fears that the man was his father. He reached the scene considerably in advance of the coroner’s party and his unmistakable grief told too plainly that his fears were sad realizations of the truth. It was found that the first report, as to the manner of death was incorrect; that he had evidently been walking close to the track, and was surprised by the sudden approach of a train, which at this curve could not be seen until almost upon him. Mr. Hanlon was quite deaf, and the train might have approached from behind him, in which case he could not have heard it. A cliff of rocks prevents the engine driver from seeing ahead and makes it impossible for one to remove very far from the track upon the approach of a train. A gash in his forehead and a slit in his coat, at the armpit, leads to the theory that he was not walking upon the track, but close to it, when the train approached; that the suction made him lose his balance and fall toward the train, which struck his shoulder and threw him upon the rocks. James Francis Hanlon was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1836… and was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Finley at Wellsville, Ohio. He came to Sprague about 24 years ago, where for a number of years he worked at this trade in the Northern Pacific railroad shops. In the meantime he took up land near Fairview post office, then located at Capt McGourin’s place. This was long before the Great Northern railroad or the town of Edwall was thought of. Seven children were born to Mr. & Mrs. Hanlon, three of whom—Frank A. and William J. of Edwall, and Cecelia of Ward, WA—survive him… Funeral services were conducted at the Catholic Church by Father Van de Van of Sprague, Thursday, Oct 4, and the remains were laid to rest in St Vincente Cemetery.” (Sprague Independent) Listed in Catholic Territorial Ledger as Jacobus (James) Hanlon, d. 1 Oct 1906

Hanlon, Mary A., Aug 10, 1845-Mar 2, 1921, (shared stone)

“Grandma Hanlon who has been ill for some time, died at 6:30 Wednesday morning, March 2, at the home of her son, Frank. Stomach complications were the immediate cause of her demise. She is survived by one son, one daughter and four grand-children: Frank A. Hanlon of Edwall, Cecelia (Sister Joseph of Nazareth) of Yakima. Her husband preceded her in death some fifteen years ago, and later her son William departed this life. Requiem high mass was held by Father Cheput, assisted by Father Shiel of Harrington. The local choir was augmented by Mrs. Peter Prestley, organist at the Lady of Lourdes church of Spokane, and Mr. Motie (the father of Miss Spokane) directed the choir. A very large gathering of friends were assembled to pay their last tribute of respect and she was laid to rest in the Edwall Cemetery. Grandma Hanlon, with her husband and family, were early pioneers of Sprague, coming there when the Northern Pacific railroad was built. Mr. Hanlon worked in the railroad shops there for a number of years, finally settling on a homestead north of Sprague in what is now the Edwall country. Mrs. Hanlon used to stay on the homestead with her children, while her husband still worked in the shops, when he would go to the farm and spend Sundays with her. She shared the hardships of pioneer life to assist in gaining a permanent home, and since the death of her husband she made her home with Frank. Grandma Hanlon had rounded out her 76^th milestone on the journey of life and was held in the highest esteem and loved by all who knew her. She was a lady possessed of many noble qualities—wise in counsel, a friend who knew how to spread the mantle of charity over the faults of others, a vivacious conversationalist with a deep sense of humor and a keen wit. She could comfort the sorrowing, bring smiles to the sick room, counsel the erring and shed an honest tear or radiate a cheerful smile.” (Citizen-March 11, 1921-Edwall Column) Mary Ann Finley was the only daughter of John Finley, and she was born in Ireland. (see Sprague Edwall Lamont, WA 1881-1981)

Hanlon, W H: “Word was received here Tuesday of the death of W H Hanlon, a farmer of Edwall. He was in Spokane with his family sending his two girls to school. He has a mother and brother living here.” (Citizen-May 3, 1918) “The funeral services for W H Hanlon, who died in Spokane, were held Thursday morning in the Catholic church. Father McAleer of Harrington conducted the services. The body was laid to rest in the Catholic cemetery. Deceased leaves his wife and two daughters, a mother, a brother and a sister.” (Citizen-May 10, 1918)

Holznagel, Martin, d. Dec 2, 1914-no visible stone

Martin Holznagel of Edwall died 2 Dec 1914, aged 77 years. Cause of death was chronic nephritis. He was born in Germania. Burial at Edwall. (St Francis ledger) “Martin Holzangle, of Waukon, who died of Bright’s disease, was buried at Edwall Saturday from the Catholic Church.” (Citizen-Dec 11, 1914-Edwall Column) (Of possible interest, an obit was found for Phillip Holznagle, of Edwall, who died in Edwall Jan 31, 1933, at the age of 34; burial was in Fairmount Cemetery in Spokane.)

Howell, Mrs. Charles A., d. Jan 15, 1920-no visible stone

“Mrs Charles A. Howell, age 30 years, died at Myrtle Hospital at Sprague Jan 15 after being ill only a short time with an acute attack of Bright’s disease. Mrs. Howell was formerly Nellie Hogan and is well known here, having attended the Edwall school, later going to college and becoming a teacher. Last June she was married to Charles A. Howell. Funeral services were held at the Catholic Church. Father Bender of Harrington conducted the services Monday. Burial in the Catholic Cemetery. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband, father, mother, a grandmother, four brothers and three sisters, Mrs. F. A. Hanlon, Mrs. David Fry and Margaret Hogan, Dennis, John, Michael and James Hogan.” (Citizen-Jan 22, 1920) Mrs. Charles Howell died 15 Jan 1920 at the age of 30 years from Bright’s disease. She was born in WI. Burial was at Edwall. (St Francis ledger) (DCL shows Mrs. Chas Howell, d. 1920, age 30, nee Nellie Hogan)

Jans, Henry, Apr 13, 1901- , (shared stone) TS

Henry Jans was born in Portland, Oregon to Rev Carl Jans and Annie Mielke Jans. Carl and Annie were married on July 1, 1892. Rev Jans was a minister for the German Methodist Church spending time near Harrington in the Zion Rocklyn Methodist church, the Edwall church and was widely known in Lincoln County. Their children were: Verena, Fred, William, Charles and Henry. (see Sprague Edwall Lamont, WA 1881-1981)

Jans, Cecilia, May 10, 1908-March 25, 1997, (shared stone)

“Area native Cecilia Jans of Sprague passed away March 25 at the Waterford Health Center in Spokane. She was 88. Rosary service and funeral mass was held at the Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Sprague, where Mrs. Jans was a member, Father James McGreevy officiated. Concluding service and vault interment followed at the Edwall Catholic Cemetery. Born May 10, 1908, on the Hanlon family homestead north of Edwall, she graduated from Sacred Heart Academy of Missoula, Montana, in 1925, and received one of the last life teaching certificates issued by Cheney Normal in 1929. She went on to earn her Master’s Degree from Eastern State College in 1952. Her teaching career took her to Pheasant Valley from 1926 to 1928, Rosalia Public Schools from 1929 to 1931, and Lamont Junior High School from 1944 until her retirement in 1961. She married Henry Jans on Oct 5, 1931 at the family home near Edwall. Mrs. Jans was a member of the Sprague Toastmasters, and loved writing historical accounts, gardening and playing bridge. She also was very active in the Republican party. Mrs. Jans is survived by her husband, Henry Jans, at the family home in Sprague; three children, Donald Jans and his wife Marilyn of Coral Springs, FL; Marilyn Before and her husband Henry of Great Falls, MT; and Kay Walker and her husband Louis of Vancouver, WA; one sister, Gloria Hanlon of Spokane; two brothers, Kenneth Hanlon of St George, UT; and John Hanlon of Coral Springs…” (Davenport Times-Apr 3, 1997)

Klein, John F., 1882-1975, (shared stone)-TS

Klein, Nettie, 1890-1955, (shared stone)

Leonard, Mary, 1840-1911, (flat stone) TS

Leonard, Hugh, 1826-1902, (flat stone) TS

Leonard monument, no dates, no names (approx 3 ft high X 4 ft wide) TS

McGourin, William Henry, died May 16, 1893 at 35 years---TS

McGourin, Mary Elizabeth, died Oct 31, 1863 at 4 yrs, buried Wisconsin (shared) TS

McGourin, John, died Nov 16, 1900, beloved husband of Sarah (shared)

Captain John B. McGourin of Edwall, an old and respected citizen of this county died last Friday and was buried in the Catholic Cemetery of this city Monday. The captain was well known here and the news of his death called forth many expressions of sorrow. He was one of the first commissioners of this county and has always taken an active part in public affairs ( Sprague Times, Friday, Nov. 23, 1900)Submitted by Barbara Curtis

“Capt Co E 17^th Wisc Vol Civil War--Rest Soldier, Rest thy warfare e’er sleep the sleep that knows no waking”

Listed in the Catholic Territorial Ledger. Died 16 Nov 1900, age 60 years.

McGourin plot, “Father” , (possibly signifies John) TS

McGourin, Sarah, d. Dec 21, 1913-no visible stone

Sarah McGourin of Edwall died 21 Dec 1913 at the age of 85 years. Cause of death was old age. Sarah was born in Cavan, Ireland. Burial was held at Edwall. (St Francis ledger) (DCL shows d. 1913, 85 yrs, b. Ireland) “Grandma McGourin, one of the early pioneers of this section of the country and state, died Sunday evening at the advanced age of 85 years. She has been living with her son, Walter. The funeral was held Wednesday.” (H Citizen-Dec 26, 1913 Edwall Section) See also History of Big Bend, 1904, pages 416-7, article contains the pictures of Capt John McGourin and Mrs. Capt John McGourin. Walter E. McGourin was born in Waterloo, Iowa, on Oct 17, 1866, being the son of John and Sarah (McGuire) McGourin. " Word was received here Tuesday by telephone of the death of Mrs. John McGourin on the ranch 3 miles north of Edwall. Funeral details were not given. Mrs. McGourin is well known among Sprague folks and a number will probably attend the funeral. Her husband who died some years ago was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War." ( Sprague Advocate, Dec 26, 1913, Submitted by Barbara Curtis)

McGourin, Robert, d. Feb 28, 1905-no visible stone

“The body of Robert McGourin, a son of the late Capt McGourin, arrived in Edwall from Tonapah, Nevada, on the 13^th, and was interred in the Edwall Catholic Cemetery, Rev Van de Van officiating. The deceased was a miner, and was found dead in his cabin.” (LCT-March 24, 1905) Listed in Catholic Territorial Ledger. Died 28 Feb 1905. Buried Edwall Catholic.

McGourin, Wilfred “Bill”, 1910-1996 Gone from home but not from our hearts-TS

McGourin, Walter: b. Oct 17, 1866, d. Jun 08, 1948 Walter McGourin, a resident of Edwall. A son of Sarah and the late Capt McGourin of Edwall, was buried in Holy Cross Cemetery with his wife, and most of his children. Data furnished by the family..

McGourin, Thomas: (age 10 yrs, eye removed, in Citizen of 9-26-1919)( burial here not verified)

McMahon, Marie Harriett, d. 3 Sept 1902-no visible stone, Catholic Territorial Ledger, with infant.

McMahon, Edwin Donald, d. 9 Sept 1902-no visible stone, Catholic Territorial Ledger.

McMahon, Henrietta, d. 30 June 1907-no visible stone, Catholic Territorial Ledger.

McMahon, John I., Aug 7, 1895-Dec 16, 1962, (shared stone) TS

McMahon, Ann, June 17, 1898-Jan 12, 1981, (shared stone)

“Ann McMahon, former Edwallite, passed away Jan 12, 1981, in Bothell, WA. Bill and Esther Gray, Ed Gray and Becky, and Tom and Sherry Ledgerwood attended her rosary Thursday and the funeral services Friday. Interment was at the McMahon Cemetery in Edwall.” (Davenport Times-Jan 22, 1981)

McMahon, Thomas, b. Clare, Ireland d. Jan 31, 1899 at 47 y 28 dy, husband of Margaret-(shared) very tall white pillar-TS, “a precious one from us has gone”: (Lincoln Co probate file #371 notes; filed Feb 8, 1899; Died 31 Jan 1899 in Spokane Co.; Property in 2-23-38 & in 11-23-38 & in Stockton, CA; Widow = Margaret McMahon, petitioner. Children: Albert, 20; Herbert, 18; Edward 17; & John 3 ½.)

McMahon, Margaret, died Aug 2, 1935 at 80 y 11m 24 dy (shared stone-pillar)"beloved wife of Thomas"
"Pioneer Woman From Ireland, Passes at Her Home. Mrs Margaret McMahon, 81, a pioneer of the Big Bend country died Wednesday at the farm home where she had lived for 51 years. Funeral services were held in Reardan Saturday morning with Rev Father Cyril Feisst of Cheney officiating. Burial was in the Edwall Cemetery where her husband was buried 36 years ago. Mrs McMahon was a native of Ireland. She and her husband settled on a homestead near here in 1884. Mrs McMahon, with the true pioneer spirit, was everybody's friend. She often befriended a homeless boy in need of shelter and care. Honorary pall bearers were Emmett Cosgrove, Hugh McNielly, Frank Larrabee, William Lavin, Pat Meagher and William Menehan. Active pallbearers were James Crowley, Garry Stack, Earl Black, Frank Hanlon, Henry Kempken and D J Hogan. Surviving Mrs McMahon are four sons, A F of Spokane, H F, E B, and John, all of Edwall." (Citizen: 8-30-1935)

McMahon, Father, 1852-1899, (headstone that matches Thomas) TS

McMahon, Mother, 1854-1935, (headstone that matches Margaret) TS

McMahon, James, March 26, 1854-June 6, 1912 (abt 3 ft X 4 ft) TS

James McMahon of Edwall died 6 June 1912, aged 66 years. Cause of death was shock and loss of blood after an accident of shot-gun. He was born in Ireland. Burial was at Edwall. (St Francis ledger) Citizen obit of June 14, 1912: “Accidently shot Wednesday evening, June 5^th, near his home at Edwall while carrying a shotgun on horseback, James McMahon, a pioneer rancher, who had resided in eastern Washington 31 years, was rushed to the sacred Heart hospital in an automobile early yesterday morning, but died at 6 o’clock the next night after an operation was performed. The pioneer was supposed to have been thrown from one of the two horses which he was taking home, when they became frightened by a dog. The charge from the shotgun entered the right leg between the knee and thigh. It was found on his arrival at the hospital that he could not stand the shock if the limb was amputated and a minor operation was performed. He failed to recover from the shock, however, and died shortly after 6 o’clock. The deceased was 58 years of age. He was hurried to Spokane by a son, Frank, of Edwall. A second son, Joe, resides at Lamont. The body was removed to the Buchanan Undertaking rooms and was sent to Edwall where the funeral was held Sunday, June 9^th, 1912 from the Catholic church, Rev Father MacAleer, of Harrington officiating. The remains were buried in the Catholic Cemetery.” (The card of Thanks was signed by J. P. McMahon, Frank McMahon, Mrs. Swingler, and Mrs. Burkhold.)

McMahon, Frank, 1884-1955, (no TS, tin marker at grave n. of James)

Citizen of June 3, 1955: “Funeral services for Frank McMahon of Edwall were held Thursday, June 2, from St Michaels Catholic Church at Reardan, with Rev Raymond McDonald officiating. Interment was in the Edwall Cemetery. Mr. McMahon was a brother of Mrs. Grace Logan and Walter Larson of Harrington. Other survivors are a son, Edward of Edwall; daughters, Miss Lauretta McMahon, Vancouver, WA; and Mrs. Lena Hobart, Kamiah, ID; a sister, Mrs. Sadie Anderson, Seattle; niece, Mrs. Theresa Kimball, Seattle.”

McMahon, Albert F., 1879-1940, (flat) TS

McMahon, Herbert L., 1880-1947, (flat) TS

McMahon, Edward B., 1882-1947, (flat) TS

Springer, Frederick, Apr 18, 1843-Dec 27, 1902 “Natives of Germany” Listed in Catholic Territorial Ledger. Died 28 Dec 1902.

Springer, Bertha, Mar 27, 1847-May 1, 1917, (shared) TS “his wife”

“Mrs Bertha Springer was born in Germany March 27, 1847 and died May 1, 1917 at the Sacred Heart Hospital. She came to America 46 years ago and lived most of the time near Edwall, having spent 33 years here. The funeral services were held Friday morning at the Catholic Church, Father McAleer of Harrington conducting the services. The surviving children are: A. G. Springer and Mrs. Carl Devenish of Edwall; Mrs. Homer Devenish and Fred Springer of Spokane; Mrs. Louis McKinney of Yakima. The deceased leaves 12 grandchildren.” (Citizen-May 11, 1917)

Unidentified: one base with no stone

?Mrs. Toohey’s aunt, d. Spokane, bur. here, Father Van de Van officiated (LCT 4-13-06 notes)

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Edwall Catholic Cemetery, Edwall, Washington, Lincoln Co., submitted

submitted to the WAGenWeb on March 3, 2004, by Marge Womach.

Updated Oct 17, 2005.

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