Cass County

Eunice Amelia Bennet was born in Stockbridge, Vermont, September 28, 1847, and passed away February 25, 1920, aged 73 years, 4 months and 28 days. Her childhood days were spent in Vermont n the farm home of her parents - sturdy, thrifty people of Puritanic ideals. The family of Bainbridge Walker Bates lived near the Bennett home and the yong couple were friends all through their childhood days, which friendship ripened into a love that became the foundation of the future home. On November 22, 1864 the two were united in marriage and unto this union was born Frances Amelia, their only daughter. During the first three years of their married life, Mr. and Mrs. Bates lived in Vermnot on a farm near their parents home. In the spring of 1868 they came to Nebraska where they lived for two years on a farm which is now the present site of Avoca. While living here they purchased the home place southwest of Nehawka where they resided for the next twenty-one years. In 1887 the wife of one of their nearest neighbors died, leaving a tiny babe, one week old. Their parental sympathy was aroused and the babe was taken into their home, tenderly nourished and cared for and grew into manhood as a member of the family - whom all knew as Charles Bates. The life of Mrs. Bates on the farm was stamped with the trials and vicissitudes of the early pioneer. During the first two years in Nebraska, her home was in a log cabin. The nearest market was twenty miles away. Such circumstances called forth all the young housewife's thrift and industry. They wayfarer was always welcome and with a willing hand she ministered to his needs. Ungrudgingly she gave of her young strength to further the development of her home and community. In 1869 a prairie fire threatened to destroy the home. With her husband and neighbors she fought desperately, and her husband has always declared that this fight shortened her life ten years. Following the marriage of their daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Bates left the farm and moved to Nehawka where they had since resided. In early life, Mrs. Bates united with the United Brethren church, the church of her choice not being near. She later joined the Baptist church which was the church of her preference. As an earnest, devout Christian, she has always been willing and glad to do whatever she could to promote the work of the church of God. Mr. and Mrs. Bates have enjoyed an unusually long wedded life. For more than fifty-five years they have worked together. Together they have watched the development of eastern Nebraska. Hand in hand, they have worked together and always has the wife been a true helpmate to her husband. Her spirit of service made her dear to the hearts of those around her. She will be sadly missed by a devoted husband, daughter and son and their families, besides other relatives and a host of friends. - Weeping Water Republican.

This morning as the light of the dawning was bringing into being the new day, the spirit of Mrs. Hans Tams, one of the old residents of the south portion of the city, was summoned to the final reward. The death of Mrs. Tams came after an illnesscovering a period of two weeks and during which time she has been gradually failing until the last few days when her recovery was recognized to be a matter of grave doubt by the members of the family who have been ministering to her wants. Mrs. Tams was taken sick on the day following the funeral of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Stewart, suffering with a severe case of the flu and this was later complicated when erysipelas developed and since taht time she has gradually been sinking until the end came at 6 o'clock this morning. The husband, the daughter, Miss Anna Tams, and a son, Claus Tams were present when the eyes of the wife and mother closed for the last time as she sank into the blessed rest of the Lord. William Tams and wife of Omaha have been at the bedside of the mother for the greater part of her illness but yesterday Mr. Tams was taken sick and compelled to return to Omaha where he is now confined to his home. The family has been sadly afflicted within the last month by the death of Mrs. Stewart, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Tams and now the passing of the mother as well as the illness of the son, and in their sorrow and affliction will have the deepest sympathy of the many friends thoughout the city. Catherina Staak was born in Germany, October 20, 1854, and spent her young womanhood in the native country where she was married to Hans Tams in 1875. The husband and wife accompanied by their young son Claus, then a lad of six years, came to America in 1882 and for a number of years resided in Omaha prior to coming to this city and where the remaining children were born. To this union six children were born, two of them, Mrs. Fred Stewart and Alvina, who died in infancy, have preceded the mother in death. The living children are: Claus Tams, Nebraska City; Fred Tams, Stewart, Nebraska; William Tams, Omaha, and Miss Anna Tams, who has been making her home at home and caring for her mother. No definite arrangements have been made for the funeral, awaiting word from the son, Fred, who is at present in Colorado on business affairs, but it is thought that if he can be reached that the funeral will be held Sunday afternoon, but definite arrangements will be announced later.

A message was receieved this morning by the Journal announcing the death yesterday at Oglesby, Texas of William F. Morrison, or who was better known as "Frank" to the older residents of this city. Mr. Morrison was born August 24, 1834 and at the time of his death was over eighty-five years of age. During the seventies and early eighties this gentleman was one of the best known residents of this city, where for a number of years he served as city marshal and was also engaged in the conducting of a meat market and was one of the most genial and popular men in the city. He was possessed of a great mechanical genius and was constantly engaged in the perfection of a number of inventions, the chief of which was a canal boat that would be self-propelling and his work in this line attracted attention all over the state and was at the time considered one of the most perfect pieces of work of its kind that had been placed in practical work and Mr. Morrison had his boat in operation here on the river for several years. The family removed form this city nearly thirty years ago and the deceased had since made his home in Texas, where he passed away. One son, Charles F. Morrison, resides at Kansas City, Missouri, and a granddaughter, Miss Edna Morrison, is a resident of this city. Mr. Morrison was also a brother of James E. Morrison, one of the prominent lawyers of pioneer days in this portion of Nebraska.

The many old time friends and associates in this city of Dan W. Coffey were shocked and surprised yesterday to learn of the sudden death in Omaha of their old friend. Death came very suddenly as Mr. Coffey was strick while walking from his office in Omaha to his home at 2604 Pierce street and before assistance could reach him he had passed away. Mr. Coffey has been a resident of Omaha for the past fifteen years and has been making his home with his sister, Mrs. C. H. Olsen and family during his residence in that city. He was in the employe of the American Transfer Co., as a collector and having completed his work for the day was going to his home when he passed away. He has, during his residence in the metropolis, been very active in the work of promoting the Ak-Sar-Ben activities and was a valued member of that organization. For many eyars the Coffey family were residents of this city and were among the pioneer families of this community, but following the death of a brother, C. Coffey, here some sixteen years ago the family removed to Omaha and have since made their home there. Mr. Coffey was 57 years of age and unmarried. To mourn his death he leaves a sister, Mrs. C. H. Olsen, formerly Mayme Coffey. The parents and brother having preceded him in death. The body will be brought to this city tomorrow morning on No. 4r over the Burlington at 10 o'clock and will be taken direct form the station to the St. John's Catholic church where the funeral services will be held by Father M. A. Shine. The burial will be at the Catholic cemetery west of this city.

Mrs. Sarah Eaton, wife of John Eaton, who has lived in and about Union for many years, passed away at her home northeast of town last Saturday evening, after a lingering illness. Mrs. Eaton was born in Missouri, but came to Iowa when a young woman and in 1864 was united in marriage to John Eaton, they coming to Nebraska soon afterwards and settling a few miles northeast of the present location of Union. The acquired, throught residence and purchase a farm of some 240 acres. But it was located too near to the treacherous Missouri river and ere long the stream began making encroachments upon the land and at the time of the death of Mr. Eaton several years ago there remained but about 15 acres of the original farm. Since then it has all been eaten away by the river, whose waters roll in relentless fury where the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eaton once was. Mrs. Eaton was known to a large circle of close and warm friends, all of whom admired the noble character possessed by this estimable woman, and who now delight to honor her memory. Her father, Joseph Napier, was a Baptist preacher in the earlier days, and had a congregation at what is known as the Sciota school house, where he preached the gospel for many years. The funeral was held at the Sciota school and the remains laid to rest in the quiet cemetery at that place, amidst the scenes which were part and parcel of her life, and where every heart throb of the friends and neighbors is one of honor and respect to the memory of this good woman. Rev. W. A. Taylor, her personal friend and pastor, delivered the funeral message of cheer to the many friends who were present.

The months-old baby boy of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Murray, of near Murray, died at their home Tuesday afternoon of an aggravated case of whooping cough. The little one had been sick for some time and every care had been extended with the best of nursing and medical attendance. Monday a nurse arrived from Lincoln and all was done possible for the little one, but of no avail. After much suffering in which it was hoped against hope that its life could be saved, it passed to that great beyond, where pain and sorrow never come; there to await the coming of the parents whose heaert are sorely torn by the loss of their loved one.

The death of Mrs. Mildred Sigmond occurred very suddenly at Union Wednesday morning, following an illness of only a few hours and despite all that could be done to save her life she continued to grow worse until death came to her relief. The deceased lady was making her home with her daughter, Mrs. W. L. Stine at the time of her death. Mrs. Sigmond was born in Franklin county, Virginia, in 1857, and was united in marriage in her native state to Louis Sigmond. Two children are living of this union, Matthew Sigmond of Waterberry, Neb., and Mrs. W. L. Stine and they are left to mourn the death of the kind and loving mother. The deceased lady was possessed of an unusually cheerful disposition that won her many warm friends and her bright and hopeful attitude toward life made her a great favorite among all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. When but fifteen years of age she united with the Methodist church and has ever lived a consistent life as a member of this faith and to her death was firm in her belief in the teachings of the church and by her estimable and upright life served as an inspiration to her family and friends. During her life time she was a devout wife and loving mother and since the death of the husband fifteen years ago, she has made her home in Nebraska with her two children and at the time of her death was living with the daughter at Union. The funeral of this splendid Christian woman was held this morning at the Baptist church in Union, conducted by Rev. W. A. Taylor, and the body laid to rest in the Union cemetery. The son and daughter who have so tenderly cared for the mother lose one of the best mothers and those who had the pleasure of knowing her have parted with a true friend and the family have her right and hopeful life to remember as an inspiration.

Funeral services of Mrs. Elizabeth Barry was held this morning from the St. John's Catholic church on Oak street and were attended by a large number of the old friends from this city as well as a large number of relatives from Omaha. The body arrived from Omaha, where MRs. Barry died at the St. Catherine hospital and was taken direct from the Burlington station to the church. The funeral mass of the chruch was celebrated by Rev. Father M. A. Shine, and the music of the mass sang by the junior choir consisting of the pupils form the St. John's school. At the conclusion of the service the body was borne to the Catholic cemetery west of the city, where it was laid to rest. The pall bearers were Edward H. and John Schulhof, Con. Gillispie, Charles McGuire, Frank Fisher and John Cloidt. Those from out of the city to attend the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. John Carney and three sons, Edward Barry and wife, George Barry, Robert Barry, wife and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Vrobril and daughter, Mrs. P. A. Welch, Mr. and Mrs. James Vrobril Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Siefert, all of Omaha and Mr. and Mrs. James Jordan of Ashland.

This afternoon at 1:15, George H. Becker passed away after a week's illness due to the flu and complications of pneumonia. Mr. Becker had been visiting at Alvo for a few days at the home of his aunt, Mrs. H. J. Miller and on returning to this city last Saturday was taken down with a slight attack of the flu which rapidly developed into pneumonia. A trained nurse has been caring for him at his room in the Perkins hotel but he had steadily grown worse until this noon when the death messenger came in to relieve him of his suffering. George H. Becker was the oldest son of John H. Becker, one of the old residents of this community and was 55 years of age at the time of his death. He has spent his lifetime in this community, residing at the parental home on the farm until the family removed to this city and has since lived in Plattsmouth. Of a kindly and helpful disposition the deceased found no great pleasure than assisting someone who knew him best his kindly and friendly presence will be missed. The father, J. H. Becker is spending the winter with Mrs. Becker at Long Beach, California. George H. Becker leaves surviving him three sisters and three brothers, Mrs. George A. Kaffenberger of Lincoln; Mrs. C. T. Peacock and Mrs. Frank A. Cloidt of this city; William A. Becker, Philip T. Becker and H. E. Becker, all of this community. The mother preceded George in death some four years ago. The departed was also a nephew of Mrs. Frank Brinkman of this city and Mrs. H. J. Miller of Alvo.

Frederick C. Ruhge, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Ruhge, was born October 27, 1889, at Avoca, Neb., and died of influenza after an illness of three days at Denver, Colo., February 2, 1920, at the age of 30 years, 3 months and 6 days. He was united with the Lutheran church in 1903 and was also a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge. He lived until 21 years of age in Avoca and then went to Denver where he became engaged in the ladies' tailoring business. He was married to Miss Mildred Maury on May 27, 1915. The funeral services were held Friday at 2:15 p. m. at Denver. He lived an upright life with true regard for the right, the well being and the happiness of others, hence he enjoyed life's greatest blessing, a conscience at rest. It is said of him that those who had known him longest loved him best. What better tribute can be paid to the memory of any man? He leaves to mourn his loss a loving wife, father, mother, four sisters and three brothers and a host of other relatives and friends.

"Aunt Peggy", Mrs. Margaret Ruhman, who is credited with being some one hundred and five years of age, but in reality it is said had seen a number more years, bid good bye to this earth a few days ago and was buried last Saturday, the funeral services being conducted by the Rev. W. A. Taylor, her's making the fifth funeral of an aged person, with no young ones intervening and whose total age made more than four hundred years. This seems strange, that in a little town five funerals in succession should total years enough to pass back to the time when all the world was anxiously listening to the stories which were taken back to Europe, when Columbus returned telling of the discovery of a new world. Truly people are living in a time when things are ripe for the bringing of wonderful things into this world. In speaking of the happenings which has intervened, since the little blue eyed baby girl smiled at her parents in old Virginia, until her mortal body reposed in the quiet church yard not for from Union and the spirit which had taken cogizance of the wonderful changes in this country as well as the world. Liberated from the trammels of the flesh had returned to its maker there to praise him for evermore. Rev. W. A. Taylor called attention to the fact that this good woman has lived at the time when Napoleon Bonaparte was walking the wild hills of St. Helena, chafing because of his imprisonment and but a few days after George Washington, the first president of the United States, had passed away at Mt. Vernon. Rev. Taylor called attention to the fact that this woman had with her natural life and experiences , lived during more than a century of time when the most important things in the world outside of the life of the Master on earth have happened, which the history of the world has known. Her life witnessed the advent of the steamboat, the railroad, the telegraph, the telephone, the automobile, the airplane and the submarine, and seen the greatest nation on the face of the globe grow from the handful of struggling colonies, to the country which is making for the betterment of the whole world. He called the attention of some little girls in fact, that their lives might go into the next century, and see wonders which have as yet never been dreamed of. Rev. Taylor called to mind the fact that it seemed hardly possible that a life could grasp in its view such a gigantic scope of events as the progress of this more than a hundred years presented. During her life which was ushered in among the mountains of Virginia, Mrs. Ruhman outlived three husbands, the first being Stephen Noe, who was four years her junior, died at the age of 79 years, thirty five years ago. Later Mrs. Noe married a man by the name of Young and after mourning his death for some years, united again with Jacob Ruhman, who preceded "Aunt Peggy" to the other world several years.

Hon. John F. Polk, one of the pioneer residents of the vicinity of Louisville and who has for the past few years made his home at Knightstown, Indiana, passed away yesterday morning at that place at the close of a long and useful life. Mr. Polk came to Cass County in 1871 and settled on a farm near Louisville, where he made his home up to the time of departure for the old home in the east. During his residence in this county he followed his profession as a teacher as well as civil engineer and was quite active in political circles of the county, being at one time a member of the legislature from Cass County and during his residence here was a staunch republican. He leaves to mourn his death, three sons, Dr. L. F. Polk and John Polk of Lincoln and Milton D. Polk of Nampa, Idaho, and a daughter, Mrs. Estelle Heath of Los Angeles, California. Another son, C. S. Polk, former county attorney of Cass County, died a number of years ago at Lincoln. The two sons from Lincoln departed yesterday for Indiana to attend the funeral.

The sad news was received here this morning by Judge and Mrs. B. S. Ramsey, announcing the death of their foster daughter, Mrs. Sarah Ramsey Koch which occurred this morning at 2 o'clock after a short illness due to uremic poisoning. The deceased lady made her home here during her childhood and early womanhood with Judge and Mrs. Ramsey haveing been brought up in their care from the time she was five years old and was held in the greatest love and affection by the foster parents who feel greatly the loss that has come to them. Sixteen years ago the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Koch occurred in this city where they continued to make their home for a time, but the greater part of their married life has been spent at Havelock. The deceased is thirty-three years of age and leaves to mourn her death the husband and three young sons. The funeral services will be held Sunday at the late home in Havelock.

This morning a message was received in this city by Mrs. D. O. Dwyer announcing the death at Denver, Colorado, of Mrs. Lydia Todd, widow of A. B. Toodd, step-father of Mrs. Dwyer. The message gave but few facts aside from that death had come to her suddenly Thursday morning. Mrs. Todd was, during the past summer and fall, visting here with the relatives and old friends, but has this winter been staying at her own home at Denver and assisting in the care of her sister, Mrs. Frank Carruth. The Todd family were for many years among the most prominent residents in the city, Mr. Todd being very active in the politics of the late eighties and early nineties and was for a number of years county commissioner. Later the famly removed to Denver, where Mr. Todd died a number of years ago and where for the greater part of the time the widow has made her home since that time. Mrs. Todd was in the neighborhood of seventy years of age and her death came as a great surprise to the old friends in this city as she had apparently been in the best of health when visiting here last fall. The deceased lady is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Carruth of Denver and Mrs. Dickson of Lincoln, as well as a number of neices and nephews at Denver. The body of Mrs. Todd will be brought to this city for burial but no date of the funeral services has been announced.

The shocking news of the death of Mrs. Grace Leach of Union was received her Tuesday. Mrs. Leach was taken to Omaha for an operation for septic poisoning, but it was deemed unwise to operate on account of her weakened condition. The body was brought to Avoca to the home of her mother Mrs. Hester Conrad Wednesday afternoon. Funeral services were held at the Christian church at Avoca Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, and interment made at the Nehawka cemetery. Mrs. Leach leaves a husband, Harry Leach, an infant son two years old, a mother Mrs. Hester Conrad of Avoca, five brothers, Clarence Conrad of Grant, Charles of Omaha, Lawson of Omaha, Lucian of Chapel and John of Avoca. Grace as she was known to everyone in Avoca was born and reared in the village, and endeared herself to all who knew her by her cheerful and happy disposition. Grace Conrad was born April 26, 1897, at Avoca, Neb., died March 30th at St. Joseph Hospital, Omaha, Neb., aged 23 years, 11 months and 2 days. - Weeping Water Republican