Morning Tribune

San Luis Obispo County

California

1898

1896 Newspaper ‘Gleanings’ – Deaths – Notices , Articles, Obituaries

These Notices and Articles are taken from Wilmar Tognazzini’s “100 Years Ago” Series.

The information transcribed below is a direct 'Cut & Paste' from the 1898 Tognazzini Web Site.

Beginning with 1897, there are more actual Obituaries being published.

If you wish a Death Certificate Transcription, the SLOCGS Librarian can do research at the County Clerk's Office. Research Fees are $15.00 per hour.

The Death Notices for each month can be found at the beginning of the Month Listings, following are the Articles and other items that were not Listed under "Died".

 January 1898

Death Notices & Articles

BERONIO (sic) - In this city, Jan. 4, 1898, A. Beronia (sic), a native of Genoa, Italy, aged 44 years, 5 months and 15 days.

BERRY - At Castroville Jan. 11, 1898, Mary A. Berry of the Estrella this county, aged 68 years and 2 months.

BROWN - Near this city Jan. 13, 1898, Prof. Le Roy D. Brown, a native of Noble county, Ohio, aged 49 years, 2 months and 10 days. (Compiler’s note: The January 14, 1898 issue of the MORNING TRIBUNE carries a long article regarding the life, death and final disposition of Professor Brown, formerly Ohio’s State Superintendent of Public Instruction, principal of the high school in San Luis Obispo, and member of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Education. Interested readers are invited to search out the article in the microfilm files at the San Luis Obispo Public Library.

CANTUA - At Salinas, Cal., Jan. 16, 1898, Rosa Cantua, a native of Gilroy, Cal., aged 20 years, 9 months and 5 days.

CERF - In San Francisco, January 14, 1898, Fannie, beloved wife of Moses Cerf, and mother of Lottie, Brauch (sic), Delphine, Myrtle, Eugene, Emelie (sic), Adrienne, Camille, Laurence, Raymond and Yvon (sic) Cerf, a native of Helena, Ark., aged 48 years and 2 months.

COLE - At Pleasanton, Jan. 11, 1898, Mrs. Cole, aged about 80 years. Deceased was the mother of C.J. Russell of Santa Maria, Mrs. F. Dalton, of San Francisco and Mrs. Chas. Cole and Miss Clara Cole of Pleasanton.

CONVERSE - At the County Hospital, Jan. 14, 1898, Daniel Converse, a native of New York, aged 72 years.

DEAL - In Paso Robles, Jan. 11, 1898, Rudy, daughter of Mrs. D.L. Deal, aged 12 years.

DUFFY - In this city, January 25, 1898, James A. Duffy, a native of Quincy, Ill., aged 43 years, 1 month and 2 days.

GUTHRIE - In Paso Robles, Jan. 2, 1898, Chas. Guthrie, aged 30 years.

KEEFE - In San Francisco, January 23, 1898, George W., only son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Keefe (nee) Draffin) aged 1 year and 10 months, grandson of W. Draffin of Estrella.

LEWIS - In Paso Robles Jan. 12, 1898, Mrs. D.S. Lewis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Lowe of Oak Park.

LOPEZ - On the Skaguay trail, near White Pass, Alaska, January 13, 1898, Daniel Lopez, a native of San Luis Obispo county, aged about 27 years.

OLEVERO (sic) - In San Miguel, January 10, 1898, Virginia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Luis Olevero (sic), of Naciminto (sic), aged 1 year and 2 months. The funeral took place Wednesday afternoon.

SARTORI - In Linescio, Switzerland, Jan. 21, 1898, Antonio Sartori, formerly of Cayucos, California, aged 46 years.

SHEA - In this city, Jan. 17, 1898, Matthew W. Shea, beloved son of Mrs. Julia Shea, a native of New York City, aged 27 years, 1 month and 5 days.

SMITH - At Paso Robles, Dec. 29, 1897, Dadie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Farrington, aged 26 years, 7 months and 20 days.

VALENCIA - Near Paso Robles, at Jos. Barro’s ranch, Jan 5, 1898, Newton de Valencia, a native of Oakland and a son of Dr. Valencia of San Francisco.

VON (sic) BARGEN - At Avenales, Jan. 7, 1898, Bertha (sic) Van Bargen, a native of San Francisco, aged 25 years.

News Article:

DAN LOPEZ REPORTED DEAD.

The Former San Luis Boy Said to Have Perished on the Skaguay Trail.

WAS FROZEN TO DEATH.

The News Brought to Seattle by a Party of Returning Miners.

By the Associated Press.

SEATTLE, Jan. 22.–A party of forty five Klondikers who arrived on the steamer City of Seattle this morning, brought the news that Daniel Lopez, a barber of San Luis Obispo, was frozen to death on Skaguay trail on December 13.

The party of miners are direct from Dawson and their gold dust and drafts are estimated to be worth half a million dollars. The opinion of those arriving today is that while there is no need of a relief expedition at present, additional supplies will be very acceptable late in the spring, as distress is likely to occur before boats can ascend the river.

PROBABLY A MISTAKE.

Reported Death of Dan Lopez Not Generally Believed.

It is reported that Daniel Lopez of this city was frozen to death on the Skaguay trail December 13. Mr. Lopez may h ave perished with cold at the time stated, but it is hardly possible, as he was a correspondent of the TRIBUNE and his last letter was dated December 14, and in one part of his letter was the following paragraph which clearly illustrates that at that time, December 14, he had no intention whatever of making the trip to Klondike until the spring. Here is the paragraph mentioned:

"I think that I will be able to walk the balance of my journey early in the spring over the snow, as it is only 600 miles to the end of my destination, and with some practice in walking before that time I will have no trouble.

If Dan Lopez intended to start out for the Klondike over the Skaguay trail at that particular time, it seems strange that he should say nothing about it in his letter. But evidently such was not his intention as his remarks in the letter of December 14th show. Until more definite news is received his friends in this city will remain in doubt as to whether he is dead or alive. The report might be true, but there being a difference in the time of his reported death and that on which he wrote his letter, many are led to believe him to be still alive. It is truly hoped so at any rate.

Any person desiring to read Mr. Lopez’s letter of the 14th of December, can call at the TRIBUNE office and do so

DAN LOPEZ IS DEAD.

LETTERS TO THE TRIBUNE FROM SKAGUAY CONFIRM THE REPORT.

BURIED IN THE FROZEN NORTH.

Phil Abrahams of Skaguay, Tells of the Funeral and Burial.

FOUND ON THE SUMMIT OF WHITE PASS.

He Was Advised Not to Attempt the Perilous Journey He Undertook.

The TRIBUNE this morning presents to its readers two letters from Mr. Phil Abrahams, a real estate agent and notary public of Skaguay, Alaska, which tell beyond the least shadow of a doubt of the death of Daniel Lopez in the frozen wilds of Alaska. The hopes that the terrible news was a mistake have all been cast aside. Dan has been added to the victims of the icy north.

Here is the first letter written by Mr. Abrahams.

SKAGUAY, Alaska, Jan. 14, 1898.

BENJAMIN BROOKS, Esq. San Luis Obispo Cal.

MY DEAR SIR: I regret to inform you of the death of Mr. Dan Lopez, which occurred last night at the foot of the summit of the White Pass. He was found earl this morning, frozen to death, by a party coming in from Lake Bennett.

Mr. Lopez started from this place on the morning of the 11th inst. with one dog to his sled, and was advised by many people as well as myself not to make the start, as he was not fully prepared to make the trip. In the first place he did not have the proper clothing or the proper class of food. He had no stove or any other proper necessities for such a rigorous trip, and had no one to blame but himself for his sudden death.

We expect to bury him some time tomorrow and shall have to enlist the good will of the people here to assist.

Mr. Lopez has in his shop one barber chair and glass, a few tools, also a cabin where he has some bedding, &c., and some clothes. He also has $30.00 in the First Bank of Skaguay, and on his person was found $8.00 in coin and one silver watch and chain.

I simply write you this from the fact that I found a certificate from you to him appointing him as your agent, dated July 31st.

I was unable to find any letters from his immediate family, and therefore wish you to advise them of this sad misfortune that has befallen them. I should also like to be advised as to what his family would like to have done with the body. We have no undertakers here, our nearest point for undertakers being Juneau, which is 100 miles from here. If upon receipt of this letter his family want quick action and wish to reach me they can wire to Victoria, B.C., with instructions to mail same to me here on the first steamer leaving as all steamers from this point touch at Victoria, and it is the first and last point where there is any telegraph office. I also wish to state that I would like full and final instructions if they conclude to have the body returned and sufficient funds to cover expense and prepay freight are forwarded. I shall await a speedy reply.

Very respectfully, PHIL A. ABRAHAMS.

In last evening’s mail there came another letter accompanying the one just given above. It is dated a few days later and is mailed in a separate envelope. It is as follows:

SKAGUAY, Alaska, Jan. 17, 1898.

DEAR SIR: Since writing you in relation to the death of Dan Lopez I beg to inform you that in searching his person further before washing him I found a memorandum book partly written in Spanish and partly English, which I suppose would be valued by his mother, also a deposit slip issued by the Commercial Bank of San Luis Obispo, July 31st, 1897, showing a balance to his credit of $19.00. I enclose to you the last page in this book in his own hand writing for the purpose of his people identifying this.

I also wish to state that we gave him a first-class funeral after much worry and anxiety. The Rev. Mr. Dickey had the body brought to the church, which had just been erected, and his was the first funeral sermon preached in this edifice with a goodly number of attendants.

Of course it was a very hard job to dig deep into the frozen ground, but we got down about three feet, and we had help from everybody who had time to spare. He was buried in a little plot of ground at the base of the snow capped mountains, close by a stream of pure running water that never freezes, and it is my estimation a spot of beauty. His body is frozen solid and will keep here for many months in the same condition.

This is all I can say at present, and believe me to remain, truly yours,

PHIL. ABRAHAMS.

Mr. Abrahams encloses a page torn from a memorandum book, upon which the following is written. At the top of the page appears the name "Daniel Lopez" twice, printed with a rubber stamp such as is attached to indelible pencils. Underneath this appears:

"Leave San Luis Obispo, June 12th, 1890 (sic). I reside at corner of Santa Rosa and Palm streets, San Luis Obispo. Member of the Y.M.I., 46, of S.L.O. My father’s name is Leonardo Lopez of Mexico, who died on March 18, 1883, in New Mexico." (Compiler’s note: The story of Dan Lopez from the time he officially became a representative for the MORNING TRIBUNE in late July, 1897, can be found in its entirety in this compiler’s book entitled ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO, 1897. According to that story, he left San Luis Obispo by steamer (Port Harford), on August 1, 1897. There is no accounting for the date of June 12th, 1890, which Mr. Lopez wrote in his memorandum book. Why that date was written as the date on which he left San Luis Obispo, remains a mystery.)

The Chronicle of Sunday, contains the following account of the death of Lopez:

"Daniel Lopez, a barber, who claimed San Luis Obispo, Cal., as his home, died on the summit of Skaguay pass, Alaska, on Thursday, January 13th, from exposure. In plain language he was frozen to death.

"When found he lay in the snow, his tent over him and his blankets at his side, rolled up. His faithful dog stood guard over him and fought savagely when the rescuers attempted to remove him. There was still life in the poor fellow, but he was delirious. As the little band carried his body to a neighboring cabin he struggled, muttered unintelligible words and then became quiet. He was dead.

"Lopez conceived the idea of opening a barber shop at Lake Bennett. He left Skaguay on Tuesday morning, January 11th, with a sled, on which he carried provisions, a tent and a roll of blankets. He was thinly clad, however, and it is supposed he became chilled through and succumbed from exposure. He was found Thursday afternoon.

"Lopez arrived in Skaguay last August from San Luis Obispo, Cal. It is said that his relatives live there. He acted as a special correspondent of the San Luis Obispo Tribune. The remains were carried to Skaguay and buried there last Sunday."

The sad death of this young man is quite generally regretted about town. His mother is in Bakersfield. He leaves a brother who resides at Pozo and two sisters who live in this city. They have the sympathy of everybody in this sad hour.

Dan was a member of the fire department in this city and previous to his departure last summer, was in the employ of Pinho & Quick. He learned the barber’s trade from the latter member of the firm. He was a good reliable boy and a steady worker.

HOW HE SHOT FELIZ.

Joe Espinosa Has the Peace Officers Excited.

Probably Joe Espinosa has succeeded in squaring himself with several of the peace officers with whom he has frequently been "closely attached" in the past. Joe run (sic) a little joke on them last evening and he made it go for some time, and to the extent of being placed under arrest for murder, while a uniformed officer, astride a bicycle, rode out toward Arroyo Grande hunting for a dead man, the victim of Joe’s wrath.

It came about in this way. Joe came into town about 7:30 last evening and told the officers that he had killed, or fatally wounded Fran Feliz, by striking him with a quirt. He wanted to give himself up to an officers and was taken in. So was the officer. It all finally dawned, after Joe concluded that he had had sufficient fun out of passing in the role of a red handed Jesse James.

To one of the officers he said, "How did I shoot him? Look at this empty demijohn, (exhibiting one) and I have come in to get it loaded again, and may give Feliz another shot from it."

And the sensation of the night went glimmering among the stars. It is not known whether any of the officers will throw away their stars this morning or not.

                                                                                       February 1898

                                                                             Death Notices & Articles

AUSTIN - At Arroyo Grande, March 4, 1898, Mrs. Eliza E. Austin, aged about 64 years.

BOWLAND - Near Cholame, Feb. 5, 1898, Edward Bowland, aged 67 years, a native of Canada.

CATLIN - At the county hospital, Feb. 1, 1898, Charles H. Catlin, a native of Pennsylvania, aged 69 years, a veteran of the Mexican war.

CURRIE - On Toro creek near Cayucos, Feb. 17, 1898, Alexander A. Currie, a native of Scotland, aged about 44 years.

HARTNELL - In Nipomo, Feb. 10, 1898, Mrs. J.G. Hartnell, aged 61 years.

JOYCE - In this city at the County Hospital, Friday, Feb. 18, 1898, Bertie Joyce, aged 22 years.

JOYCE - In this city, Feb. 20, 1898, Charles Miller Joyce, youngest son of the late James M. And Virginia N. Joyce, a native of Georgia, aged 19 years, 5 months and 2 days.

KAETZEL - In Cambria, February 4, 1898, Sade (sic), wife of Philip Kaetzel, aged 57 years.

KLIE - Near this city, Feb. 6, 1898, Mrs. Anna Maria Klie, a native of Hanover, Germany, aged 71 years, 7 months and 18 days.

LASAR - In San Francisco Jan. 31, 1898, Mrs. E. Lasar, a native of Germany, aged about 71 years.

LEWIS - In Paso Robles, Feb. 17, 1898, Mrs. I.M. Lewis, aged 56 years.

Lolita, the eleven-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. Garcia of Arroyo Grande, died yesterday morning. The child had been a sufferer for the past two years, a result of illness following an attack of the mumps. The family formerly resided in Pozo. Mrs. Garcia is the sister of Mrs. Ponce de Leon

MAINS - In San Miguel, February 1, 1898, Roderick Mains, a native of Scotland, aged 61 years, 7 months and 15 days.

MANN - At Adelaide, Feb. 3, 1898, Edward L. Mann, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. L.T. Mann, aged 19 years.

McDERMOTT - In this city Jan. 31st, 1898, Anna Josephine, beloved wife of J.P. McDermott, a native of Geneva, Wisconsin, aged 44 years, 6 months and 19 days.

MOREHEAD - In Paso Robles, Feb. 23, 1898, Benjamin Morehead (colored), (sic), aged 28 years.

SIMS - At Arroyo Grande, Feb. 26, 1898, Arthur C. Sims, aged 14 years and 25 days.

SPROUL - Near Paso Robles, Feb. 28, 1898, aged 54 years.

VILLA - In this city, Feb. 18, 1898, Maria Jesus Villa, native of California, aged 82 years.

DEAD BY THE ROADSIDE.

AN OLD RESIDENT SUDDENLY ATTACKED BY FATAL DISEASE.

Dr. J.H. Hughes of Shandon, was in town yesterday, and informed us of a fatal occurrence which recently happened in his vicinity, and which occasioned much comment. It appeared on Friday afternoon last that a man named Bolding, somewhat advanced in age and who lived on a small ranch which he owned in the Palo Prieto canyon, left his home to go to the town of Shandon, some eight or ten miles distant. He never reached there. The next day, Saturday, about 10 o’clock, two young men driving along the county road, about two miles from the old man’s ranch came upon his team standing by the wire fence along the road and apparently tangled up in it or fast to it. In the wagon the old man was sitting, his head fallen back and he huddled up in a state of collapse. They got out and investigated. Bolding (if that is the proper name, our informant was in doubt) was still living, but evidently very ill. The young men concluded to take the sick man into their wagon and take him to where he could receive attention. They tried to do so but had no sooner got him into their conveyance when the end came. They had a corpse on their hands. They carried it to the nearest residence, which was the Davis ranch and then proceeded to Shandon and gave notice of the facts to Justice Tobey of that place. It is understood that the justice at once accompanied the young men back to the Davis ranch and if it should be thought necessary or advisable, would hold an inquest, but as there was no evidence or suggestion of foul play, probably it was not necessary. Probably the old man was attacked with apoplexy or something of that nature, and no help coming to relieve him, finally and naturally succumbed.

The team having become attached to the fence wire, was prevented from bringing him to Shandon as doubtless they would have done

.OLD SOLDIER DEAD.

THOS. WHITELEY SR. SUMMONED BY THE FINAL ROLL CALL.

The last roll call has summoned to the eternal camping ground another of our old soldiers.

The news reached this city early yesterday morning of the death of Thos. Whiteley Sr., which occurred about 11 o’clock Sunday night. Mr. Whiteley was past 77 years of age and for some years past had walked with feeble step. There was not a person in the Arroyo Grande valley but who knew this aged veteran. His silvery locks were deeply respected by all. Deceased was a member of Colonel Harper Post, G.A.R. of Arroyo Grande, and many have seen him join with his comrades upon each Memorial day in paying respect to the honored dead. He was a true, patriotic citizen and belonged to that class who are deeply missed when they step to the other shore.

The funeral occurs today at 2 p.m. under the auspices of the above named post.

 March 1898

Death Notices & Articles

AUSTIN - At Arroyo Grande, March 4, 1898, Mrs. Eliza E. Austin, aged about 64 years

BEE - Near Pozo. March 11, 1898, Harry Jubilee Bee, a native of Westminster, England, aged 89 years, 6 months and 19 days.

FANNING - At the County Hospital, March 18, 1898, John Fanning of Los Berros, a native of Michigan, aged 59 years.

FREDRICKS - Near this city, March 4, 1898, Mrs. Maria Eva Fredricks, a native of Germany, aged 68 years, 6 months and 19 days.

HOQUE - At San Francisco, March 6, 1898, George Harry Hoque, a native of Jackson county, Missouri, aged 23 years. (Compiler’s note: Another article in the same issue states: ‘George H. Hoque, well known in this city, died Sunday about 9 a.m. at the German Hospital in San Francisco where he had undergone a surgical operation Friday for abscess...

PFLEGHAAR - In Baden, Germany, March 2, 1898, W. Pfleghaar, aged about 64 years.

ROSS - At Los Berros, March 18, 1898, Rev. I.L. Ross, a native of New York, aged 72 years, 10 months and 13 days

SMITH - In Oakland, Cal., Feb. 19, 1898, Arthur H. Smith, son of John H. and Elizabeth Smith, formerly of Pozo, this county.

VALENCIA - At Santa Barbara, March 24, 1898, Francisca (sic) Valencia, daughter of Rafael Valencia, aged about 10 years.

UNRAVELING A COMPLICATED CASE.

A RIVERSIDE MYSTERY WITH AN INTERESTING STORY.

Peculiar Reasons for the Identification of a Murdered Man.

Sheriff W. B. Johnson of Riverside County, has sent to Sheriff Ballou a photograph of the man who was found murdered at Riverside on December 8th last, and the same has been posted on the bulletin board at the sheriff’s office. This complicated case was much talked of and written about, but it was left for the TRIBUNE to be the first paper in the state to present the facts tending to unravel it all.

The dead man found at Riverside, as related in Sunday’s paper, was identified by a woman, Mrs. Frank Shrode, as her husband. The husband of Mrs. Shrode was found only a few days since, alive and well at Edna, where he is in the employ of S.C. Griffith. The TRIBUNE has been investigating the case still further and has unearthed a new story in relation to the affair which seems to explain matters more fully.

As the story goes, it is reported that Shrode left Riverside for the reason that his wife had been captivated by the attentions paid her by another man. Shrode knew all this and quietly left his home, his intentions being to journey about until the late spring months and then depart for the regions of the Klondike, there to forget his trials and troubles in the search for gold.

After the departure of Shrode, Mrs. Shrode continued to receive very favorably the marked attentions of the other man in the case. Then came the finding of the body of the murdered man on December 8th. No one about Riverside was able to identify the remains as those of any person coming within their scope of acquaintance.

Here was an opportunity for Mrs. Shrode. She noted a resemblance in the features of the dead man to those of her husband when alive, and she positively identified the murdered man as her husband. Now, the story is that the identification was for the purpose of convincing the public that

Shrode was dead and thus allow Mrs. Shrode to follow out her desire to marry the other man.

Sheriff Ballou if this county could at the time have discredited the identification story but acting in conjunction with Sheriff Johnson at Riverside, it was upon his advice the matter was kept quiet with a view towards arresting the woman if she had married again. Mrs. Shrode evidently was warned and then developed her desire to find Shrode.

Sunday a TRIBUNE representative saw Shrode at Edna and noted his features. The only resemblance which they bear to the photograph of the dead man on Sheriff Ballou’s bulletin board is, as regards his mustache.

The following is a description of the dead man found at Riverside last December:

"Height about 5 feet 10 inches; weight 190 to 200 pounds; age 35 to 40 years; the right upper center tooth out; small mole on bottom of left ear; scar on left great toe; split through nail, as if by axe; vaccination mark on left arm; hair and mustache dark, mustache not very heavy, rather thin; general appearance of being a powerfully built man."

Governor Budd has offered $300 reward and Sheriff Johnson of Riverside, $200, for the arrest of the murderer.

April 1898

Death Notices and Articles

BENNETT - Near Arroyo Grande, Tuesday, April 19, 1898, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Bennett, aged 2 days.

FERRINI - Near this city April 24, 1898, Steve Ferrini, aged 3 years, 6 months and 2 days.

GAXIOLA - At Morro April 24, 1898, Jennie Gaxiola, daughter of Felipe Gaxiola.

HUGHES - In this city April 16, 1898, Mabel Hughes, aged 32 years

KING - At Arroyo Grande, April 23d, 1898, Roland J. King, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alex King, aged 7 months.

MATHER - In Cambria April 26, 1898, Anne J., dearly beloved wife of Dr. S.R. Mather, aged 30 years.

MILLMAN - At San Miguel April 30, 1898, N.G. Millman, aged 72 years.

MURPHY - Near Santa Margarita at Dove Station, April 14, 1898, Jeremiah Murphy, a native of County Cork, Ireland, aged 76 years.

PARKS - At Hagerton, Maryland, April 23, 1898, Mrs. M. P. Parks, aged 84 years, mother of Mrs. Dr. Hays of this city.

PATERSON - At Cambria April 27, 1898, Irene Paterson, aged 6 years and 6 months. Youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Paterson. Funeral at Cambria today, April 28, at 1 p.m.

RACKLIFFE - In Sacramento April 21, 1898, Levi Rackliffe of San Luis Obispo, a native of Maine, aged about 55 years.

SIMS - At Arroyo Grande, April 23d, 1898, Courtney Sims, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sims, aged 8 months.

SISSON - Near Cayucos April 29, 1898, W.H. Sisson, aged about 60 years.

SPOONER - On the Pecho, April 2, 1898, Mrs. A.B. Spooner.

STEPHENSON - Near this city April 20, 1898, the infant son of George M. And Olivia L. Stephenson, aged 2 months and 34 days.

TOMASINI - In this city April 1, 1898, Placido Tomasini, of Swiss descent, a native of Australia, aged 28 years.

TURNER - At Santa Ana, Cal., April 24, 1898, Charles B. Turner, aged 24 years, a native of Santa Cruz, Cal.

VALDEZ - In this city April 20, 1898, Emma Valdez, eldest daughter of Mrs. Manuela Walker, a native of San Luis Obispo, Cal., aged 28 years.

COLD IN DEATH.

THE BODY OF HENRY BECKER FOUND IN HIS HOUSE.

About noon yesterday the body of Henry Becker was discovered cold in death in his little house on north Nipomo street. Mr. Carne, Frank Fisher and several others residing in that part of the town had missed Becker and thinking that something was wrong notified the officers. Marshal Cook arrived and made the discovery. Becker was sitting against the wall near the stove, dead.

The body was removed to Maynard’s undertaking parlors where an inquest was held in the afternoon by Coroner Nichols, before a jury composed of R. Pollard, foreman, T.E. Sloan, E.W. Lawrence, C.O’Leary, Joe Willis and E. Hamilton.

The evidence all tended to show that Becker had died from natural causes and the jury so found in their verdict. Becker was last seen alive on Saturday.

In examining the pockets of the dead man’s clothes a leather pouch was found. It contained a second pouch in which was carefully sewed up $105 in gold and a key. The officers suspect that this key belongs to some lock on a trunk, etc., where more money is kept. In a second purse was 80 cents. Public Administrator Lewin has taken charge of the property of the deceased, who will be given a respectable burial today at 10 a.m.

Becker was at one time an inmate of an asylum and was mentally unbalanced. He was a native of Prussia, aged about 73 years.

VICTIM OF LOCKJAW.

A BOY EXPIRES WHILE SEEKING MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.

SAN MIGUEL, April 6.—News has just reached here that Herbert Grow, a lad 9 years of age, living with his parents at Slack’s canyon, died very suddenly of lockjaw Sunday evening.

One day last week the boy was playing about the farm and accidentally struck his foot against the stump of an oak tree, inflicting a slight abrasion of the flesh between two of the toes. The injury caused his parents no uneasiness until Friday, when the foot began to swell, the pain becoming more and more intense. On Sunday Mr. Grow and his son started for town in quest of medical aid; and when within three miles of this place the boy suddenly expired.—Chronicle.

THE JURY SECURED.

AND THE TAKING OF EVIDENCE IN THE LOPEZ MURDER CASE BEGAN.

Yesterday in the Superior Court the special venire of jurors was returned by the Sheriff and the efforts of empaneling a jury in the case of the People vs Jose Lopez charged with murder, was continued. After a number of citizens had been examined and a great many excused, the jury was completed at 10 a.m.

The jurors selected yesterday were Ed. Ganoung, J.A. Goodrich, E.W. Howe, Thos. E. Sloan and G.W. Long which with A.C. Gibson, J.R. Coffee, E.C. Ivens (sic), Jesse Willhoit, Geo. Wallace, A.S. Hazzard and R.S. Fossett selected Monday completes the jury.

S.V. Wright is assisting District Attorney Dorn in the prosecution of the case. The defense is being ably attended to by Attorney William Graves.

When the selection of a jury had been reached District Attorney Dorn stated that he waived the opening statement for the prosecution and a recess was taken until 11:25 a.m.

Coroner Nichols was placed upon the stand as the first witness for the people. He told the story of his having taken charge of the body of Juan Vierra and the holding of an inquest and autopsy upon the same. When he found, soon after the shooting about 7 o’clock on the evening of Oct. 6th, the body of old John, "The Fisherman," it was lying about 10 to 12 feet from the kitchen door in the rear of the residence of Jose Lopez. Death was caused by a gunshot wound, the bullet entering about the center of the forehead and ranging directly backward passed through the brain and lodged just underneath the skull. Death was instantaneous. Coroner Nichols defined a gun shot wound as one received by an implement of warfare. He was evidently thinking of the Cuban difficulty.

CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER.

LOPEZ SO FARES - THE ARNOLD CASE IS DISMISSED.

...After being out about two hours and a half, the jury announced that they had reached an agreement and were brought into court. Foreman E.C. Ivins (sic) handed the verdict to Judge Unangst, who read:

"We the jury find the defendant, Jose Lopez, guilty of manslaughter."

(Compiler’s note: A very interesting but lengthy article follows which brings out some interesting points of jurisprudence. Readers interested in the details can find the story in the April 15, 1898 microfilm issue of the MORNING TRIBUNE, at the San Luis Obispo public library.)

May 1898

Death Notices & Articles

ALBRIGHT - In Arroyo Grande May 15, 1898, Mrs. Ettie May Albright, a native of South Grove, Dekalk (sic) county, Illinois, aged 21 years, 8 months, 3 days.

ARNOLD - In Paso Robles, May 18, 1898, William H. Arnold, a native of Rhode Island, aged 78 years.

BROWN - At the Summit, Monday, May 9, 1898, Rosie S. Brown, aged 25 years.

CARMAN - At Avila May 30, 1898, Frederick Carman, a native of New York, aged 68 years.

CARROLL - At Cambria May 19, 1898, from an accidental discharge of a gun, Clyde N. Carroll, eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Riley Carroll, a native of Cambria aged 13 years, 8 months and 16 days.

CHICK - At Seattle, Washington, May 25, 1898, E.P. Chick, formerly of Paso Robles.

DANA - At Los Alamos, May 20, 1898, William C. Dana of Nipomo, San Luis Obispo county, a native of Santa Barbara, Cal,., aged 62 years and 14 days.

EGAN - Near Arroyo Grande, Thursday May 19, 1898, Mary Agnes, beloved wife of W.H. Egan, a native of Londonnery (sic) Ireland, aged 27 years.

FISCHER - At Woodland, Cal., May 17, 1898, Mrs. Rhoda M. Fischer, mother of Will H. Fischer of this city.

HALL - At the County Hospital May 31, 1898, Isaac Hall, a native of Maryland, aged 75 years.

HASKINS - In Arroyo Grande May 5, 1898, Mrs. H .C. Haskins, aged 51 years.

JOYCE - In this city, May 16, 1898, Annie E. Joyce, wife of Josephus Joyce, a native of Omaha, Nebraska, aged 24 years, 1 month and 10 days.

KILBOURN - Near Shandon, Sunday May 8, 1898, L.P. Kilbourn, aged 72 years, a native of Canada.

LASWELL - Near San Miguel, May 16, 1898, John Laswell aged 63 years, 7 months and 11 days.

Miss Mattie DeNise died Sunday in San Francisco, and the body was brought to this city last evening. The funeral takes place this afternoon at 2 o’clock from the residence of Mr. G.W. McCabe on Pismo street. Deceased was a daughter of J.B. Steele, and a sister of Mrs. McCabe. She was 36 years of age.

NEERGARD - At Salt Lake City, May 19, 1898, S. Neergard, 46 years of age, formerly of Paso Robles.

PETERSON - At Paso Robles, May 18, 1898, Paul Peterson, aged 45 years, a native of Denmark.

ROBERTS - At San Francisco, in the German Hospital, May 28, John Roberts, aged 62 years.

SMITH - In this city May 18, 1898, William Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, aged 98 years.

STENNER - In this city, May 12, 1898, John Leslle (sic) Stenner, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Stenner, aged 6 months.

WARTENBERG - At her home, No. 729 Alpine Street, Los Angeles, Cal., Sarah, beloved daughter of Louis and Jennette (sic) Wartenberg. (Compiler’s note: The Wartenbergers, before moving to Los Angeles, had lived on the corner of Pismo and Chorro streets.)

YOUNG - In Paso Robles, Sunday May 8, 1898, Mary E., wife of Harry E. Young.

June 1898

Death Notices & Articles

BETTENCOURT - At the Laguna, June 25, 1898, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Bettencourt.

HALEY - At the County Hospital, June 18, 1898, William Haley, a native of Maine, aged about 68 years.

HENDERSON - At Verde, Friday, June 10, 1898, Mrs. M.A. Henderson, aged 51 years.

JOHNSON - In Paso Robles, June 12, 1898, Mrs. Mary L. Johnson, a native of Sweden, aged 51 years, 10 months and 28 days.

JOHNSON - In Paso Robles, June 12, 1898, Mrs. Mary L. Johnson, aged 51 years and 11 months.

LADNER - In Paso Robles June 1, 1898, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Ladner.

PERALTA - In this city June 12, 1898, Orofila, wife of P. Peralta, a native of San Luis Obispo, Cal., aged 56 years.

WHITNEY - In this city June 8, 1898, Mrs. S.A. Whitney, a native of Troy, New York, aged 85 years, 3 months and 10 days.

ACCIDENTALLY SHOT.

SAD END OF YOUNG CLYDE CARROLL OF CAMBRIA.

J.A. Cheda received a telegram yesterday from Cambria announcing the death of his cousin Clyde Carroll, a boy of fourteen years. The death was a most unfortunate one, and was caused by the accidental discharge of a gun. Mr. Cheda goes to Cambria today to attend the funeral, which will be held this afternoon.

The lad who met such an unfortunate death was a son of M.R.Carroll. It was his custom to go hunting early every morning,. Yesterday he left the house about 6 o’clock and shortly afterwards a shot was heard. The boy did not return at his usual time and his grandfather went in search of him. He was found dead by a wire fence an d his gun and a rabbit which he had killed was on the other side. It was quite clear that young Carroll was endeavoring to crawl through the fence and in pulling his shotgun after him the hammer was caught and the gun discharged. The load of shot tore through the abdomen causing instant death, no doubt.

Deceased was a bright boy and a great favorite around Cambria, where every sympathy is extended to the sorrowing father and relatives.

WILLIAM DANA PASSES AWAY.

DIED FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE CARIEGA RANCH NEAR LOS ALAMOS.

William Charles Dana is no more among the living. Another of the members of that illustrious family, whose name has added fame to Nipomo, has passed to the other shore, not to be forgotten, but to be mourned and remembered.

Yesterday morning the TRIBUNE was advised of the death of Mr. Dana by the correspondent, "Cheerful" of Nipomo. Mr. Dana was visiting his daughter, Mrs. Modesto (sic) Cariega on the well known Cariega ranch near Los Alamos when he was attacked with pneumonia. He sank rapidly until death came to him Friday night.

William C. Dana was born at Santa Barbara, May 6, 1836, and was the eldest son of Capt. and Mrs. Wm. G. Dana. He showed great talents and was sent to school at Santa Ynez College, and afterwards completed his education at the Benicia Institute.

In politics, Mr. Dana was affiliated with the Democratic party. At the age of twenty-one years he was elected county clerk of San Luis Obispo county in 1857. The election resulted in Mr. Dana receiving 169 votes to 100 for A. Murray, the total vote of the county at that time being very light. Mr. Dana desired to complete his schooling at the Benecia (sic) Institute and sent away for that purpose leaving P.A. Forrester in charge of the office as his deputy.

Mr. Dana was a candidate for Supervisor in 1860, but was defeated by J. Bunce, who received the small majority of 7. In 1861, though not a candidate his popularity secured him 20 votes for Supervisor. In 1865 he received 139 votes for County Assessor to 256 for J. Bains. In 1869 John Bains and William C. Dana appeared in the political arena as contestants this time for the office of county treasurer. Bains had won for assessor in 1865, but Dana defeated him easily for treasurer, the vote being, Dana 488, Bains 393.

In 1894, Mr. Dana was the candidate of the Democrats for county treasurer, and ran well with the ticket, but it was an off year for the party that time and no Democrat was elected. Mr. Dana received 1041 votes.

Mr. Dana was married to Miss Modesta (sic) Castro, only daughter of Gen. Castro, May 26, 1861. By this marriage there were eleven children, five sons and six daughters.

The remains will be brought to (this) city on the morning train today and the funeral will take place at 11:30 from the Catholic church. A solemn high mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.

FRED DARKE PASSES AWAY.

DEATH CLAIMS HIM AT AN EARLY HOUR YESTERDAY MORNING.

At an early hour yesterday morning the fire bell tapped. It was not that call which summons the boys to battle against the flames, but that clear and measured tap, which in notes of sadness proclaimed that another of the former members of the fire department had been called to the other shore. When it became generally known about town that Fred E. Darke jr.(sic) had passed away, the expressions of sorrow were voiced by everybody. For a number of months Mr. Darke had been gradually on the decline, battling against that dreaded disease, consumption, and though his friends and they are a legion, had hoped against hope that in some way he might rally and regain his former health, each day brought him nearer into the grasp of the white winged messenger of death.

Fred Darke was not a member when he died, but the boys of our volunteer fire department never forget those, who once marched in the lines, or responded with them in the dreary hours of the night in fighting the fires. When Fred Darke was a member he was a good one, and he merited the respect and esteem of each one of his fellow firemen. Today they all join in the sorrow which has cast a dark veil over the city. In the memories of the firemen of this city, the name of Fred D. Darke jr. (sic) will ever live.

When Chief Thaler heard of the death yesterday morning he directed that the fire bell be tolled, which was promptly attended to by Engineer Park. One tap was given for each year of age of the departed.

Deceased served his term of over five years as a member of the fire department and upon leaving the organization, he joined the Veteran Firemen’s Association of this city, in which he held membership at the time of his death. While serving as an active fireman he was a member of Tiger Hook and Ladder No. 1. Of the present members of the company there are only four who served with him. They are H.H. Carpenter, F.J. Rodrigues, M.R. de la Guerra and Warren M. John. Deceased represented his company upon the board of fire delegates and served as secretary to that board.

Fred E. Darke jr. Was one of the active rustling men of this community. He took considerable interest in politics and at one time was secretary of the Democratic County Central Committee. He held various positions at the court house and was always regarded as a thoroughly able and competent accountant, and as an honest upright citizen, was highly respected by all. He leaves a wife and one child to mourn his loss.

Deceased was educated in the public schools of this county. He was appointed Deputy County Recorder under his father in 1884 and was appointed Deputy Assessor in 1887. He was married in 1894 to Miss Emma Pennington.

Fred E. Darke jr. Was born at Cambria, San Luis Obispo county, Feb. 8, 1871, making his age 27 years, 3 months and 25 days.

The funeral will occur Sunday afternoon at 2 P.M. under the auspices of the Active and Veteran Firemen. The services will be conducted at the Odd Fellows hall by Rev. Dr. Eastman, of the Presbyterian church.

SAD DEATH.  – Reported during the week of June 281898- >July 4 1898

Tuesday the eldest daughter of Rev. and Mrs. C.H. Lawrence of Arroyo Grande succumbed to a terrible death. The little child, aged 12 years, had been eating some cherries and swallowed several of the seeds, which soon proved fatal. The funeral occurred Thursday. In this sad bereavement, Arroyo Grande joins in extending every sympathy.

July 1898

Death Notices & Articles

CHURCH - At Morro, Friday, July 15th, Arthur, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Church, a native of California, age 6 years, 9 months and 1 day

FRAGO - At Arroyo Grande, July 15th, 1897, Elsie Iline, daughter of Joseph and Mary G. Frago, aged 19 months. (Compiler’s note: The error in setting type is obvious. 1897 should have been 1898.)

JONES - At Arroyo Grande, Sunday, July 24, 1898, William G. Jones, a native of Pennsylvania, aged 67 years, 7 months and 16 days.

 MORENO - Miss Clara Moreno, aged 20 years, died on Thursday [Probably before July 24 as that is where it was located in the Newspaper] at the county hospital. (Compiler’s note: The age of the deceased is not clearly decipherable. It appears to be "20" but may be any other number ending with a "0.")

NOAH - In this city, July 13th, 1898, Meyer Noah, relict of the late Lena Noah, a native of Germany, aged 81 years and 6 days.

SUMMERS - In this city, July 5th, 1896 (sic), the Rev. R.W. Summers, a native of Kentucky, aged 40 years. (Compiler’s note: Type was set by hand one hundred years ago, and although the typesetter was adept, errors frequently crept into his work. Here is a prime example of an error: 1896 instead of 1898.)

THE DEATH SATURDAY OF MRS. RACHEL LOCKE.

ED. TRIBUNE:–Mrs. Rachel Locke of Poco, mother of Mrs. Mary Basset of this place died very suddenly Saturday evening July 16, at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. Ed Clark.

An inquest was desired and Coroner Nichols sent for, but in his absence, I was requested to proceed with the inquest over the remains. The jury, with E.W. Nohl as foreman, was empaneled and decided that deceased died from natural causes and old age, being 95 years old at the time of her death.

Deceased leaves relatives here and in Kansas. Interment took place in Garcia’s cemetery, Saturday at 6 p.m.

MELLO - Near this city, July 22, 1898, Manuel Machado Mello, a native of Pico, Azores Islands, aged 28 years.

Manuel Mello was found dead in his bed at the Goldtree place near this city yesterday. Acting Coroner M. Egan held an inquest over the remains and the jury found that Mello came to his death through natural causes. Mello had retired Thursday evening apparently in the best of health. Deceased leaves a brother, Domingo M. Mello, who resides on the Pecho.

August 1898

Death Notices & Articles

ANDREWS - In Oakland, Aug. 20, 1898, Luther Andrews, in the 75th year of his age, formerly a resident of Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County.

ASH - In this city, Aug. 19, 1898, Dora W. Ash, relict of the late C.E. Ash, a native of Hamilton, LaCross county, Wisconsin, aged 42 years, 3 months and 4 days.

BRIDGEWATER - In this city, Aug 19, 1898, Eli Bridgewater, a native of Illinois, aged 59 years. Funeral will take place under the auspices of Fred Steele Post No. 70, G.A.R., at 2 o’clock p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21st, from the funeral parlors of T.J. Bowen, Monterey street. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend.

BURNS - At the County Hospital, Aug. 9, 1898, John P. Burns, a native of Ireland, aged 66 years.

INGRAM - In this city Wednesday, August 17, 1898, Nathan Ingram, beloved father of Mrs. A. Gould and Mrs. L. D. Gibbons. Aged 73 years, 1 month and 29 days.

LAMAS - In this city, August 2, 1898, Clucinia, daughter of J. And Rufina Lamas, aged 1 year, 9 months and 3 days.

MORSS (sic)–In San Jose, Aug. 15, 1898

POPP - At the County Hospital, Aug. 14, 1898, Philip Popp, a native of Germany, aged 55 years.

REIS - At Morro, Aug. 24, 1898, Frank Machado Reis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Reis, aged 8 years, 4 months and 22 days.

STALNACKER - At Gonzales, August 9, 1898, Marion L. Stalnacker, aged 36 years. Deceased was a son of Mr. Stalnacker who resides on the Sycamore Springs road.

STOKER - At Adelaide, at the residence of Isaac Sims, her son-in-law, Mrs. Catherine Stoker aged 81 years and 14 days. Published > [Week of Aug 30 1898 > Sep 5 1898]

TENER - At the residence of his son, Robert E. Tener, in Los Angeles, July 26, 1898, Isaac William Tener, beloved father of Mrs. Frances M. Milne of this city.

WEISS - In Highland School District, Quail Water, east of Creston, bet. July 31 and Aug. 2, 1898, (found dead) (sic) Geo. Weiss, a native of Germany, aged 39 years.

YORK - At Ascension, near Templeton, Aug. 2, 1898, Bertha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. York, aged 10 years.

FULL PARTICULARS.

OF THE SAD DEATH OF GERTIE PATTERSON OF CAYUCOS.

Cayucos was thrilled with horror at 3 o’clock last Tuesday afternoon when the report quickly circulated that Miss Gertie Patterson, the fifteen-year-old daughter of Mrs. Sarah Johnson, had been drowned while bathing in the ocean on the beach adjoining town. Miss Patterson was unable to swim, but was accompanied by Al Horstman and Mrs. C.W. Horstman of Cayucos, and Gus Fredrickson of Templeton. With Mrs. Horstman she passed beyond the first breaker into water up to her neck, when a second and larger breaker, came and carried her down. The stories of the succeeding events differ widely, but it appears she was quickly carried off her feet and drifted seaward by the undertow which was reported unusually strong on that day. Efforts to save Gertie were made by Al Horstman, but he also, was unable to swim and did little more than keep hold of the body till other help arrived. Dave Righetti quickly undressed and went to the rescue and succeeded in bringing the body ashore. Dr. and Mrs. Grimes, of Cayucos and Dr. Smiley, of Morro, were on the beach at the time, and efforts at resuscitation were begun instantly. They were quickly joined by Dr. Dawson, and between them the attempts to induce artificial respiration were carried on for considerably over two hours. By this time apparently the entire resident and camping population of the town had assembled, and many willing and loving hands in frequent relays, worked patiently and untiringly, doing all that strength and skill could accomplish to bring action into the now silent organs. How slowly did time pass and how patiently did they persist! Every effort was unavailing, and at 5:45 p.m. it was declared useless to continue the manipulations. The young lady’s mother was near by and when this announcement was carried to her the air was pierced by the agonizing shrieks of the distracted parent.

Amid tears and sobs the lifeless form of the young girl was lifted into a wagon and borne to her late home near by. Ambitious friends thinking she might yet be restored to life, renewed the efforts at resuscitation, and continued over an hour, but without avail.

Miss Patterson was 15 years of age last February. She had been a faithful and industrious student, and graduated from the public school in June, this year. She leaves a widowed mother and one sister. The grandmother, Mrs. Day and other relatives, of Paso Robles, arrived early Wednesday morning. Mrs. Day is in feeble health, and under the strain of this calamity her sudden death would be no surprise. The funeral occurred Wednesday afternoon, the interment being in the cemetery near that place. The procession included over 100 carriages, the sad circumstances deeply affecting the whole community.

School was dismissed for the day and the vacant seat was draped in mourning and covered with flowers.

Thus cruelly ends the life of a bright and promising young woman–the flower of the family, the pride of the community.

SUDDEN DEATH.

AT ABOUT 8:30 MRS. C.E. ASH PASSES AWAY.

The community was shocked by a sudden death last evening, that of Mrs. C.E. Ash, who was attacked with a stroke of apoplexy while walking across a room at her home. She fell as if in a faint and her little son ran out and summoned Dr. Hays who lived close by, and Dr. Seaton was also sent for. Before either physician could arrive death had claimed its victim.

Mrs. Ash has been gradually on the decline since the sudden death of her husband a few months ago, but during the past week she had been unusually well. She was a lady of about 42 years and highly respected in the community. She leaves four small children to mourn her loss. The funeral is yet to be arranged.

THE MORRO CASE.

JAMES A. FORD IS ARRESTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER.

Yesterday the coroner’s jury concluded its inquiry into the cause of the death of Frank Machado Reis, who it was claimed had died as a result of being roughly handled by Mr. James A. Ford, the teacher in the Mountain View school district. Considerable testimony was taken and the jury through its foreman, Mr. Wade Hampton, brought in a verdict to the effect that the boy had come to his death from natural causes.

This was not the close of the matter, however. Mr. J.M. Reis, the sorrowing father of the deceased, appeared before Justice Egan and swore to a warrant charging James A. Ford with manslaughter.

The is a most deplorable case and the TRIBUNE hopes to see it finally settled according to justice and the facts, whatever they may be.

CARD OF THANKS.

Through the columns of the San Luis Obispo TRIBUNE the bereaved family and relatives of the late Mrs. Laura J. Morss, wish to thank those who in our late affliction did so much by word and deed to mitigate the sorrow and sadness caused by the death of our dearly beloved one. MRS. E. J. LEFFINGWELL, SON AND DAUGHTER.

September 1998

Death Notices & Articles

BORDE - In this city, Sept. 14, 1898, John B. Borde, a native of France, aged 79 years, 11 months and 28 days.

CUSHING - In Paso Robles, September 14, 1898, John Cushing, aged 76 years.

JONES - At Los Berros, Sept. 17, 1898, Mrs. Lizzie A. Jones, wife of J.W. Jones, aged 38 years, 8 months and 15 days.

KIRKPATRICK - At the County Hospital, Sept. 4, 1898, Andrew Kirkpatrick, a native of Ohio, aged 71 years.

LOEWENSTEIN - In this city, September 12, 1898, Julius Lansdowne, a native of Germany, aged 69 years and 12 days.

MAO - Funeral Notice – [Published the week of: September 6, 1898 > September 12, 1898.] The funeral of Master Mao, the four-year-old son of Anton Mao, of Los Osos, took place yesterday from the Catholic church at 1:30. A large procession of friends followed the remains to their last resting place in the Catholic cemetery.

PALM - In Paso Robles, Sept. 20, 1898, Johana Palm, wife of A. Palm, aged 51 years.

RICHEY - Near Paso Robles, Sept. 7, 1898, I.N. Richey, a native of Indiana, aged 77 years.

ROOT - In Salinas, Cal., Sept. 24, 1898, Mrs. Elizabeth Dorset Hurd Root, aged 70 years, 2 months and 2 days. The deceased leaves besides a host of friends, three daughters and one son to mourn her loss, who are Mr. H.M. Root and Mrs. M. Mercer of Salinas, and Mrs. G.T. Gragg and Mrs. J.D. Armstrong of this city. The remains were brought to this city on Sunday evening’s train, and the funeral occurred from the residence of her daughter Mrs. G.T. Gragg, at 10:30 o’clock yesterday morning (Sept. 26).

TOGNAZZINI, HILDA - In this city, Sept. 11, 1898, Hilda, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. V. Tognazzini, of Los Banos, aged 1 month and 23 days.

PASSED AWAY.

A PROMINENT CITIZEN CROSSES THE DARK RIVER.

In the death of Mr. J. Lansdowne this city has lost one of its best known citizens and business men. It was with the deepest of sorrow that the news spread around town yesterday to the effect that Mr. Lansdowne had passed over the dark river and was no more among the living. He had been sick for some time but was improving, so his friends thought, but a relapse came and he could not survive it.

He was a past master workman of Higuera Lodge No. 194, A.O.U.W., and a member of the business fraternity of this city for many years and was respected by all with whom he had any dealings. He was always obliging with his customers. In his associations with his fellow men he was highly esteemed by all and recognized as a citizen of high worth and the strictest integrity.

In their sad hour the wife and children have the sympathy of the entire community. Deceased leaves a wife and two daughters and one son. The son and one daughter are in New York, but are coming home.

San Luis Obispo deeply mourns the loss of this honorable citizen. Mr. Lansdowne was a native of Germany, a member of that class of people coming from that country who are noted for their thrift and high standing in the community in which they reside. Deceased was 60 years an d 12 days of age

LAID TO REST.

The remains of little Hilda Tognazzini were laid to rest yesterday afternoon in the Catholic cemetery. The service at the Catholic church were soon over and a large procession of friends followed the remains to their last resting place. The tiny grave was covered with beautiful floral designs, which will soon fade away while in memory the little one will reign forever. [Published the week of Sep 13 1898 > Sep 19 1898.

...Last Wednesday the remains of Mr. Richie were interred in the Templeton cemetery. Mr. Richie, who had passed his three-score-and ten of life’s summers and winters, had been failing in health of late. He was a good neighbor and a strict member of the Presbyterian church, and by his death he leaves a wife and numerous relatives and friends. [Published the week of Sep 13 1898 > Sep 19 1898.]

Mr. Gus Johnson, who was a sufferer from consumption was interred in the Templeton cemetery yesterday. Funeral services were held in the Swedish church... [Published the week of Sep 13 1898 > Sep 19 1898.]

IRVING DRESSER DEAD.

A VIOLENT DEATH YET TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR.

Last evening the TRIBUNE received by telephone the sad intelligence of the death of Irving Dresser, who died at his home in Paso Robles at 5 o’clock from a bullet wound in the head.

The information received at this office was that the deceased had been ill for some time but on the morning of this sad occurrence he was feeling better and in company with his little brother, procured a gun, and with a revolver upon his person they left Paso Robles for a short stroll through the hills.

After roaming around for some time they came to the Sand springs, where they sat down to rest. A short time afterward Dresser’s little brother arose and said, "I’m going home," and walked away, thinking that his brother would soon follow, but he did not.

About 3 o’clock in the afternoon Mr. A.B. Gill, who resides near the Sand springs, came into Paso Robles and reported that he had seen a dead man near the springs.

Justice C.H. Arnold in company with Y.B. Sanders, B.B. Pierce and others immediately left for the scene of the tragedy. Upon their arrival at the springs they found young Irving Dresser lying prostrate upon the ground with a bullet hole in his head near the right temple. He was yet alive.

The wounded man was taken to his home, where Dr. J.H. Glass made a search for the bullet but could not locate it. At 5 o’clock Dresser breathed his last.

Deceased was the son of W.T. Dresser, and 19 years of age. He was a member of the senior class of the Paso Robles High school, a bright pupil and a general favorite among his associates.

A coroner’s jury was summoned and viewed the remains, after which they adjourned until Monday morning at 9 o’clock when the inquest will be held.

The grief stricken family have the sympathy of the entire community.

SUICIDE NEAR PASO ROBLES.

By the Associated Press.

PASO ROBLES, Sept. 24.—Irvin Dresser, twenty years old, shot himself near this city this morning. The body was found by a party of small boys with a revolver near his side, with a bullet in the right temple. He lived four hours after being discovered. He was a son of City Councilman W.O. Dresser, and highly respected.

October 1898

Death Notices & Articles

 CURRAN - At Los Angeles, Oct. 24, 1898, Mrs. Mary Curran, a niece of Mrs. P.W. McHenry of this city.

DODSON - In Paso Robles, Oct. 2, 1898, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Dodson of Cambria, aged 5 months.

DORSEY - In this city, Oct. 9, 1898, John, beloved son of M.F. and Melissa A. Dorsey, native of San Luis Obispo, aged 12 years, 8 months and 2 days.

JESSEE - At the hospital Oct. 10, 1898, Santiago Joseph Jessee, a native of Switzerland, aged 73 years.

KETCHUM - At Arroyo Grande, Oct. 20, 1898, Frederic Ketchum, a native of Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada, aged 71 years, 2 months, and 20 days.

LAZCANO - In Alameda, Oct. 27, 1898, Mariano Lazcano, a native of Jalisco, Mexico, aged 68 years, 1 month and 10 days. (Compiler’s note: An article about Mr. Lazcano’s death states that he had been troubled for some time with a disease that necessitated a dangerous operation, and not being strong enough to stand the shock, succumbed to its effect. The disease was not named.)

MOORE - In Delhi, Delaware county, New York, October 5, 1898, in the 87th year of her age, Emily Esther Steele, relict of the late Greene Moore, Esq., sister of Hon. Geo. Steele of this county, and aunt of Mrs. Benjamin Brooks. (Compiler’s note: Benjamin Brooks was the editor of the TRIBUNE.)

NOEY - At San Pablo, Oct. 3, 1898, John C. Noey, a native of San Luis Obispo, Cal., aged 28 years.

THOMPSON - At the Los Osos, Oct. 2, 1898, Mary Thompson, beloved sister of Samuel and Thomas Thompson, a native of county Armagh, Ireland, aged 25 years, 10 months and 27 days.

TRAILER - At Arroyo Grande, Oct. 19, 1898, Mrs. Adelphia Trailer, wife of F.M. Trailer, aged 30 years, 1 month and 15 days.

ULLOM - Near Avenals, Oct. 10, 1898, Clara, beloved wife of Geo. Ullom, aged 18 years, 3 months and 2 days.

WALTERS - In this city, Oct. 27, 1898, Josephine, daughter of the late Harry C. And Carrie Rodriguez Walters, and niece of P.E. Rodriguez, a native of Arroyo Grande, aged 14 years, 8 months and 5 days.

MRS. GEO. ULLOM DEAD.

The TRIBUNE has received the sad intelligence of the death of Mrs. Geo Ullom, who died at her home at the Avenales on Oct. 3. She was in the prime of life at the time of her death, being only 18 years old. She leaves behind a host of friends to mourn her loss. She was buried in a beautiful plot near the old homestead.

SUCCUMBED TO DEATH.

A SAD AND SUDDEN ENDING OF A BRIGHT BOY.

Shortly after four o’clock Sunday afternoon little Johnnie Dorsey passed away in peaceful slumbers.

The ending of his career though not unexpected, was a heart breaking blow to the parents and family and a saddening stroke to their many friends.

Sunday morning the little sufferer seemed to be resting easier and hopes of his recovery was (sic) entertained, but later he grew worse and sank into a peaceful slumber from which he never awoke.

The funeral will take place today from the family residence, corner of Morro and Pacific streets, at 2 o’clock p.m.

DIED AT BAKERSFIELD.

Report reached this city of the death of Jesus Peres who died last week at Bakersfield while under the influence of liquor. He was found in McLeod’s lumber yard and taken to the morgue where the remains were identified. The deceased formerly resided in this city.

J.C. BIDAMON DEAD.

AFTER A LONG SPELL OF ILLNESS HE SUCCUMBS TO DEATH.

John C. Bidamon died early Tuesday morning at the home of his daughter Mrs. J.A. Anderson near Corral de Piedra. He had been ill for some time and the sad end was not unexpected to the family. He leaves a wife and two children, B.F. Bidamon of this city and Mrs. J.A. Anderson of Corral de Piedra to mourn his loss, besides a host of friends who extend to the grief stricken family their heartfelt sympathy in their hour of sorrow.

The deceased was born May 22, 1819, in the state of Ohio, where he spent the larger portion of his early career. In early days of ‘49 he arrived in California where he has since resided. At the time of his death he was aged 79 years, 5 months and 24 days.

The funeral will take place today from the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Anderson at 2 o’clock p.m. and thence to the Odd Fellows cemetery for interment.

PASSED AWAY.

Mr. Contreras died at the hospital yesterday shortly after the noon hour. Acting Coroner Egan will hold an inquest over the remains today. [Published : October 18, 1898 through October 24, 1898. ]

THE INQUEST.

The coroner’s inquest to inquire into the cause of the death of Transito Quintero Contreras, was held before Acting Coroner Egan at the undertaking parlors of T.J. Bowen yesterday afternoon. After listening to the testimony the jury brought in the following verdict:

We, the jury, find that the deceased came to his death on the 20th day of October, 1898, in this county, and in our opinion by being thrown from a wagon by Chas. B. Lane on October 14th, 1898. [Published the week of: October 25, 1898 through October 31, 1898. ]

November 1898

Death Notices & Articles

DENNIS - At Pismo, Nov. 6, 1898, A.C. Dennis, a native of St. Louis, Mo., aged 65 years. (Compiler’s note: It is interesting that Mr. Dennis was listed as J.D. Dennis in the preceding article headed GONE TO REST, and in this listing from the vital statistics, as A.C. Dennis. There can be no question that it is the same man, birthplace having been given in both articles as St. Louis, Mo.,)

DUGHI - In this city Nov. 9, 1898, Louisa Minoli, wife of David Dughi, a native of Chorro, San Luis Obispo county, Cal., aged 26 years.

HOLLOWAY - At the County Hospital Nov. 1, 1898, Archibald Holloway, a native of Missouri, aged 45 years.

HOURIHANE (sic) - In this city, Nov. 1, 1898, Thomas L. Hourihane (sic), a native of County Cork, Ireland, aged 34 years.

MARTIN - In Paso Robles, Nov. 18, 1898, M.B. Martin, aged 72 years and 6 months.

TEACHOUT—At Estrella, Sunday, Nov. 13, 1898, Mrs. Elizabeth Teachout aged 75 years.

ACCIDENTALLY KILLED.

Yesterday at the Cienega just below Arroyo Grande, a sad accident occurred. A 10-year-old son of a Mr. Costa, while playing with a loaded gun, accidentally killed his infant brother. The parents of the children were away from home at the time. The coroner’s inquest was in accordance with the above facts. [Published: November 8, 1898 through November 14, 1898.

GONE TO REST,

J.D. Dennis, formerly of this city but recently of Pismo, died at his home last Sunday. Deceased was a native of St. Louis, Mo., and has been a resident of this county for over twenty years. [Published: November 8, 1898 through November 14, 1898.

CALLED AWAY.

SMITH , Maud, the beloved daughter of Martha A. And the late Joseph A. Smith, died yesterday at her home in this city at 1:30 p.m. from consumption with which she had been ailing for some time. Deceased was 18 years of age, and leaves a widowed mother, and a sister besides many friends, to mourn her loss. [Published the week of Nov 15 1898 > Nov 21 1898 ]

...A young child of V. Ramez died in Templeton Friday and was brought here on Monday for burial in the Odd Fellows cemetery. [ Published the week of Nov 15 1898 > Nov 21 1898]

December 1898

Death Notices & Articles

BROWN - In this city, Dec. 17, 1898, George S. Brown, a native of Toronto, Canada, aged 59 years, 3 months and 1 day.

CASHIN - Near Dove Station, Dec. 2, 1898, William, eldest son of the late Thomas Cashin, aged 17 years, 4 months and 22 days, a native of San Luis Obispo county. (Compiler’s note: Readers interested in further details of the death of William Cashin may find a more complete accounting in the November 4, 1898 issue of the MORNING TRIBUNE available in the microfilm department of the San Luis Obispo Public Library.)

DWYER - In San Francisco, Nov. 30, 1898, Anthony, dearly beloved husband of Catherine Dwyer, and father of Mrs. W. Wright, Mrs. N. Bisnet, Mrs. P. Pfister, M.J., J.F., F. And Kate Dwyer, a native of Tipperary, Ireland, aged 74 years. One of the daughters of the deceased, Mrs. P. Pfister, resides near Paso Robles.

FAUSET - On the Estrella, Dec. 13, 1898, Mr. R.T. Fauset, a native of Texas, aged about 47 years.

ROMERO - In this city, Dec. 26, 1898, Jose de la Luz Romero, a native of California, aged 52 years and 9 months.

SPAFFORD - At Arroyo Grande, Dec. 8, 1898, Mrs. H .L. Spafford, wife of H.L. Spafford, aged 47 years, 7 months and 10 days.

THORNE - At Daggett, San Bernardino county, Miss Hattie Thorne, aged about 36 years. [Published the Week of 20 Dec > 26 Dec 1898]

VEGA - In this city, Dec. 9, 1898, Magdalena, infant daughter of Meliton (sic) and Anita Vega, aged 3 months and 5 days.

DEATH OF MRS. R.W. SUMMERS.

PASSES AWAY AT SANTA CRUZ, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27.

She Was a Noble Woman, Well Known in this Community.

Last evening the sad tidings of the death of Mrs. R.W. Summers was learned in this city. Mrs. Summers died at Santa Cruz on Tuesday, December 27. She had been ill off and on and was well on the way to recovery when seized with a severe cold and in a week’s time it wrought its fatal work.

Mrs. Summers was well known in this city having spent here a great part of her life. She in company with her husband, the late Rev. R. W. Summers, came to San Luis Obispo in 1881, when Mr. Summers officiated as rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal church...

...Last Thursday evening the death of Mr. Fernlund occurred at the residence of his son near town. The remains were interred Saturday in the Templeton cemetery... [Published the Week of 27 Dec > 31 Dec 1898]

IN TEMPLETON

...Mrs. Joaquin Buelna, an aged Mexican woman living in the Morrison house, died on the 23rd inst. The remains were taken to San Miguel for interment.

Mr. Samuel D. Anderson, a highly respected citizen of this vicinity died on the 25th last. The deceased had been sick but four days, and was not considered in a critical condition until the evening before his death. [Published the week of Nov 29 1898 > Dec 5 1898]

ITEMS FROM CAMBRIA.

...Since our last report was sent in several of our old settlers have died and been laid to rest in the Cambria cemetery. Jake Compher, 71 years of age, was one of them... [Published the week of 29 Nov 1898 > 05 Dec 1898]

...M.B. Martin, who died at Paso Robles, aged 72 years, was counted among our inhabitants for more than thirty years ago. Leonard Hellam, aged 93, was a resident here for nearly thirty years. One of the light house tenders who died at that place last Saturday, was buried here Tuesday. He had only been stationed but a few years at Piedra Blanca. [Published the week of 29 Nov 1898 > 05 Dec 1898]

On the 19th inst. Mrs. Mary P. Murphy, aged about 53 years, died in San Francisco. She was the wife of J.E. Murphy, who is a brother of George and Charles Murphy of this city. [Published the week of 29 Nov 1898]

AT REST.

Rufina Anita, the infant daughter of John B. And Rosenda A. Carlon, died Friday evening from pneumonia. The child was ill only a short time and the loss is a hard shock to the bereaved family who have a large circle of friends... [Published the Week of 29 Nov 1898 > 05 Dec 1898]

On Sunday the funeral of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Carlon occurred. At the Catholic church there was a beautiful and impressive ceremony. Rev. Father Aguilera delivered a touching sermon. The pall bearers were the Misses Elena Quintana, Margarita Herrera, Belle Carlon, Lillie Munoz. Josie Soto and Theresa Brizzolara, all clad in white. [Published the Week of 06 Dec 1898]

UPON THE CRUEL RAILS.

THEODORE MILLER, A BRAKEMAN ON S.P. GRAVEL TRAIN IS KILLED.

HAPPENED AT SANTA MARGARITA.

The Unfortunate Employee Attempted to Board Some Moving Cars and Fell Underneath.

CORONER NICHOLS HOLDS AN INQUEST.

And the Jury Renders a Verdict that Death Resulted From an Accident.

One of the most deplorable accidents that ever occurred in this county took place at an early hour yesterday morning in the yards of the Southern Pacific at Santa Margarita. Theodore Miller, a brakeman on the gravel train, was run over by several empty cars and instantly killed.

It came about in this way. Conductor George Lorenzen was making up his train a few minutes after 7 o’clock. It was decided to leave several "empties" on the side track. They were uncoupled and were given a shove down the line by the engine. As they passed onto the switch, independent of the engine, Brakeman Miller made an effort to board them that he might gain the brakes and bring them to a standstill. Miller caught hold with one hand, but failed with the other and being unable to swing his feet to the brakebeams, bumbled forward between two cars, falling across the track. The first truck passed over his left shoulder crushing and mangling it terribly. The movement of the wheels rolled him over and placed the body directly across the rail so that the next truck passed over his chest almost severing the body in twain. The cars were thrown from the track and after bumping along for several yards on the ties came to a stand-still.

The train crew came forward and picked up the lifeless body and carried it on a stretcher to the depot.

The cars were going at the rate of about six or eight miles an hour when Miller fell on the track.

At 3 p.m. Coroner Nichols held an inquest before a jury composed of S.S. Garland, Ed. Dunning Jr., E.P. Bean, B.L. Alley, Frank H. Smith and H. Moskowitz.

The crew on the gravel train on which deceased worked were examined and related the facts much as they are narrated above. The crew consisted of Conductor George Lorenzen, Engineer H.P. Bradley, Fireman Albert Harris and Brakeman Albert McCoullie. This crew is station at Santa Margarita.

The jury brought in a verdict "That Theodore L. Miller, aged about 40 years, came to his death by falling between two cars in motion, while attempting to board the same, and we further find that the cause of death was purely accidental."

It is thought that deceased has a father in Nebraska and the body may be shipped there. [Published the Week of 06 Dec 1898]

...An infant son of Guiseppi (sic) Curti on Cottontail creek, died last Thursday and was buried Saturday... [Cayucos – Published the week of 06 Dec 1898]

DEATH OF MRS. SPOONER.

IT OCCURRED ON THE PECHO AT 3 P.M. YESTERDAY.

The sad news reached this city last night of the death of Mrs. Spooner, which occurred at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon at the home of her son, A.B. Spooner on the Pecho ranch.

Mrs. Spooner had been ill for some time and her death was not unexpected. Deceased leaves three sons in this county, A.B. Spooner of the Pecho, and E.L. and D.R. Spooner of Morro. She was a good woman and greatly respected by all who knew her.

The funeral will occur Wednesday afternoon with internment at Cayucos. The remains of Mrs. Roxanna G. Spooner were interred Wednesday in the I.O.O.F. cemetery near Cayucos, the funeral service being largely attended by friends and neighbors of the deceased. [Published the week of 20 Dec 1898]

Site Updated: 25 October 2015

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