Mrs. Gill Dies at Aberdeen

Mrs. Karen A. Gill, 59, 13 7th Ave S.W., died Sunday at her home. She was a former resident of Lemmon, Watauga and McIntosh.
Mrs. Gill was born Oct. 17, 1883 at Dell Rapids and lived there until she was 19. She married Mathew Gill at Flandreau, March 17, 1903, living in Flandreau for a year when she moved to Dell Rapids. A year later, she went to Sioux Falls and in 1912 moved to Lemmon, taking up a homestead with her husband. She moved into Lemmon in 1919, remaining there until 1924 when she moved to Watauga. In 1927, she moved to McIntosh and in 1939 came to Aberdeen.
She was a member of Sacred Heart church and the Catholic daughters of America.
She is survived by her husband; one son, Lester L. Gill, living near Timber Lake; four daughters, Mrs. Katherine D. Payne of McIntosh, Miss Mary Gill of Aberdeen, Mrs. Ferne Wood of Colorado Springs, Colo, and Mrs. Carmen R. Glau of Aberdeen; two brothers, Jens Jensen of Mitchell and one sister, Mrs. Alice Sorenson of Flandreau. Ten grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Sacred Hearch church with burial in Sacred Heart cemetery. Rosary was said Monday in Kreuger's mortuary.
Reprinted in Corson County News from Aberdeen News March 11, 1943.

Sad Tragedy Occurs Sunday When East Lake Near McIntosh Claims Two Young Men-Frank Gannon and Harry Jensen Drown- Third boy is Rescued.

A happy Mother's Day came to a sad and tragic ending Sunday when the East lake claimed the lived of two McIntosh school students. Harry Jensen, 15 and Frank Gannon, 16, and a very narrow escape for Eugene Panko, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Panko of the north country. The three boys were at the East lake, using an old boat for transportation to and from the island when the sad accident occurred.
When but a short distance from the island the boat started to fill up with water, the waves washing over the top and a leak in the bottom soon had it full and in a sinking condition. Harry, considered a strong swimmer left the boat in order to lighten the load and said he would swim to the island, and soon after, Frank took to the water, and when he jumped the boat capsized. Eugene started for shore, but the heavy waves made it difficult swimming and he returned to the boat, only to see his two comrades disappear from the surface.
Buckley Pudwill riding his black horse, was coming to town from his farm when he noticed the plight of Eugene. Without thinking of his own safety, he took his rope off his saddle and plunged his horse into the lake, the horse swimming in reach of Eugene, Buckley threw him the rope and dragged him and the boat to shore. With only the slippery bottom of the boat to hold to, and the ice cold water, it is only a matter of speculation as to how long Eugene could have remained in this dangerous position, and probably owes his life to the bravery and thoughtfulness of Buckley and his reliable stead.
The accident occurred about six-thirty Sunday evening and the boys had all eaten a heavy dinner, and it is the general opinion that the boys were overcome with cramps. Shortly after the tragedy, the alarm was sounded and people from all parts of town and country assembled at the lake in vain effort to locate the bodies. Work was continued until nearly midnight, but darkness and the strong wind made it fruitless, and it was abandoned until early Monday morning. Grappling irons and a raft made from big timbers were put to use Monday morning, and about ten-thirty the body of Harry Jensen was brought to the surface, and shortly after the hooks contacted Frank Gannon and he was raised on to the raft, the bodies being about thirty feet apart. Harry had reached within about fifty feet of the island and Frank was out in the lake about thirty feet farther.
It is one of the saddest tragedies to befall this vicinity in many years, and the death of these two fine young boys cast a shadow of sorrow over the entire community. Harry and Frank had spent the weekend with their parents southwest of Watauga, and had returned to the city Sunday afternoon to be on hand to resume their school work on Monday, but death intervened. Harry is the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Jensen and Frank is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Gannon, a neighbor of the Jensen family in the vicinity southwest of Watauga.
Both boys were students of the McIntosh school, Harry being a freshman and Frank in the seventh grade. They were among the fine young outstanding men of the school; obedient and studious, exceptional characters and very popular with students as well as teachers and adults of the city. Their untimely calling came as a great shock.
Frank Gannon was born Dec. 15, 1928 at Watauga S.D. and died on May 9, 1943. He leaves to mourn his death, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Gannon, three sisters, Shirley, Kathleen and Marjorie, and seven brothers, Cpl. Wm. Gannon, who is in the armed forces, Richard, James, Thomas, Donald, Robert and Kenneth.
Funeral service was held last Thursday morning at 10:00 in the St. Michael Church at Watauga S.D. Father Creahan officiating.
Harry Jensen, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Emil Jensen of Watauga S.D. was born at Watauga, February 26, 1928 and passed away May 9, 1943 at the age of 15 years 2 months. He was a freshman in the McIntosh high school.
He leaves to mourn his death, besides his parents, three sisters, Mrs. Louise Sandberg of Hopkins Minnesota, Martha Jensen of Minneapolis and Norma Jensen of Washington, D.C.. and two brothers, Emmett who is serving in the U.S. Navy and Lawrence at home, besides many other relatives.
Funeral was held Thursday afternoon May 13 at the American Lutheran church in Morristown, with the Rev. R.A. Wanberg officiating
Taken from Corson County News May 13 and May 20 1943

Watauga Community Suffers Sad Tragedy

Another sad tragedy has befallen the little neighborhood town of Watauga. Raymond, sixteen year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Baumeister, residents of that town, lost his life in the swollen waters of the Cedar river Monday afternoon and up to this writing, Wednesday, the body has not been recovered.
Raymond was employed on the Ray Nehl farm, north of Watauga, and while Mr. and Mrs. Ray Nehl were away, Burton, twelve year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Nehl and Raymond took upon themselves to break a young horse. Raymond got on the horse but was soon dismounted and another attempt was made and the horse bucked into the river, and when the horse and rider hit the waters, they were separated, Raymond coming up a short distance from the horse. He started swimming and called to Burton to throw him a rope, but before Burton could respond to the summons, the horse swam over Raymond, pushing him under the water. Raymond was a strong swimmer, and it is the general opinion, that when the horse swam over him, he was injured by the impact of the horse. He never came to the surface after the horse contacted him.
Help was immediately summoned, and men with boats have worked diligently since the accident occurred, in the effort to locate the body, but at this writing, they have met with no success. The recent rains have transformed the shallow running creek to a rampaging river, running bank deep and with a swift current. Unless the body lodged in some of the underbrush, it is likely that it will be carried below the scene of the accident.
The Baumeister family lived on the McCarthy farm a few miles east of McIntosh several years ago, Raymond attending the Pudwell school, and was well known here. He was a fine young man, and his sudden demise is a sad shock to his parents and many friends throughout the community.
Undoubtedly no other town the size of Watauga, has ever suffered as many tragedies over a period of years, and the drowning of Raymond Baumeister, is the third in that community to meet death in this manner this spring. The two boys that were drowned in the East lake a month ago, were residents of that Community
Body Recovered from Cedar
The remains of Raymond Baumeister, who drowned in the Cedar River north of Watauga, Monday June 14th, was found last Friday afternoon, about eighty rods down the stream from where he was last seen. The body was submerged in the water, only the top of his head and one shoulder was visible, the body having drifted to the north shore, and was near the bank where it was lodged in the sand. Ray Nehl, who was one of the men searching the river since the drowning, located the body, and it required three to pull the body free from the sand and mud.
He was born in Watauga the 21st of August in 1927, and died June 14, at the age of 15 years, 9 months and 24 days.
Funeral services were held at the St. Michael's Catholic church at 10 o'clock Saturday morning in Watauga with the Rev. Father Creahen officiating. He was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Watauga. Many were present to pay their sad respect and a beautiful floral offering was placed on the mound as a token of the high esteem in which he was held.
Raymond was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Baumeister, and was raised in the Watauga vicinity. He was a fine, honest and upright young man and held in the highest esteem by every acquaintance. His untimely death was a severe shock and loss to his parents and relatives, and a host of friends.
Besides his parents, he leaves to mourn his death, four brothers, Buelis, Edwin, Norman and James.
Taken from Corson County News June 17 and June 24 1943

Farstad

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Farstad mourn the death of their infant twin babies, son and daughter, born last Sunday at the Lemmon hospital. The little boy passed away a few hours after birth and the little girl lived 5 days. Committal services were held Wednesday and Sunday at the cemetery with the Rev. A.B. Birner, Lutheran pastor of McIntosh officiating.
Taken from Corson County News August 5, 1943

Former Resident Dies at Deadwood

Mrs. J.L. Bigham, passed away at a hospital in Deadwood, last Friday morning as a result of a stroke she suffered the fore part of last week. The news of her death came as a sad shock to the many friends in this vicinity.
The Bigham family left McIntosh about two years ago for Spearfish, where they had purchased a small store, and which they were operating at the time of her death. Mrs. Bigham was one of the early pioneers of the west river country, the family coming to Watauga. They came to McIntosh several years ago, operating the Dakota hotel for a couple years, and the deceased acted as dean of the girl's dormitory for two years. She was an admirable woman, took an active part in the social as well as the business activities of the communities in which they resided. Mrs. Bigham was charitable in every sense of the word; was always ready with a helping hand for the boys and girls of the community, and the latch string was always out for those who were less fortunate than she, and through her many acts of kindness, she was held in the highest esteem and loved by every acquaintance.
interment was made in the cemetery at Spearfish. Funeral services being held at the McCaullery Funeral home of that city.
Besides, her husband, she leaves an adopted daughter, Beverley and many other relatives and friends to mourn her passing.
Taken from Corson County News August 19, 1943

Roehl

The Watauga community extend their deepest sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Roehl, who lost their little son, by drowning in the tank on their farm three miles west of Watauga, Sunday evening.
Taken from Corson County News August 19,1943

Nehl

Friends here extend sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Nehl, former residents of the Watauga vicinity, who arrived last weekend with the remains of their 18 month old daughter, Kathryn Lee, from Alderwood Manor, Washington. The little girl was drowned in a small pool near the Nehl home last week, and the remains were brought to Watauga and interment made in the Watauga cemetery.
Taken from Corson County News September 2, 1943

Former Watauga Resident Dies

His wife and countless friends here and in the Morristown and Watauga communities were shocked Friday to learn of the unexpected death of Lafe French, pioneer Corson county resident, who passed away at the home of his son in Spearfish. His body was found that morning by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ed French when she went to call him for breakfast. Death was attributed to heart failure.
Mr. French had been ailing for some time. Recently he went to Spearfish in an effort to seek relief from his ailments. His condition, however, had not been considered critical. Mrs. French left Lemmon for that city early Saturday morning. Funeral services were held there Sunday afternoon. Burial was made in the Spearfish cemetery
Mr. French was born in Portage, Wis., in 1868. He received his education and grew to young manhood at Connerville, his native state. He was married there in 1904 to Frances Simes. In 1909, Mr. and Mrs. French came to North Dakota and filed on a homestead north of Watauga. In 1918, they moved to that village. He entered the employ of the Milwaukee Road and worked on that section for 17 years. Three years ago, they moved from Watauga to Morristown. Last summer they came to make their home in Lemmon.
Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. French, three of whom died in infancy. Surviving are the widow and one son Ed, who lives at Spearfish.
Taken from Corson County News September 23, 1943

Thos. Thompson Laid to Rest

Funeral services for the late Thos. G. Thompson, section foreman at Selfridge, N.D. who dies at 6 a.m. September 30, 1943, as a result of a collision of his motor car with a railroad inspection car. Services were held at McLaughlin Congregational Church, McLaughlin S.D. on Monday afternoon, October 4th. Miss Lois Joy Hartung conducting services.
The Pall bearers were: Otto A. Schneider, Art Berg, Joe Schatz, and Jake Eisenbeisz of Mahto, Harold Eby of McLaughlin and Elwyn D. Katus of McIntosh.
Thomas Gordon Thompson was born in Ayr, Cass County, North Dakota December 5, 1888. He grew to manhood in this vicinity and at the age of 21 years was married to Gertrude Ledbetter. Six children were born to this union, one of whom died in infancy and the other at the age of ten years. The family moved to Mahto, S.D. where they lived for some time, and later moved to Watauga, S.D., where Mrs. Thompson passed away in 1935. On June 30, 1939, Mr. Thompson was married to Mrs. Emma Eby of Mahto who with two of her children and four of Mr. Thompson's are left to mourn his loss. The children are: Mrs. E.D. Katus of McIntosh, Elton Thompson of Boston, Anne Thompson of San Diego, Bernice Thompson of Minneapolis, Mrs. Leslie McGregor of Washington D.C. and Harold Eby of McLaughin.
Taken from Corson County News October 7, 1943

Roethler

Relatives in Watauga received a message that Clarence Roethler had passed away Sunday due to a heart attack. He is a cousin of the Nehl boys and is well known here, having lived here some years ago.
Taken from Corson County News November 11, 1943

Mitchell

Word was received here that "Grandpa" Mitchell had passed away Oct.. 31 in California. His remains were shipped to Nebraska for burial. Mr. Mitchell was one of the old pioneer settlers in the Watauga vicinity and left a few years ago for California to make his home with his son Art Mitchell, where he passed away
Taken from Corson County News November 11, 1943

Hendrickson

The Watauga community extends sympathy to the Pete Hendrickson family in the loss of Mrs. Hendrickson, who passed away Sunday at Lemmon. Iver Hendrickson arrived from Missoula and daughter Maybeth arrived from Illinois Saturday evening and were at their mother's bedside. Funeral services were held at Lemmon at the funeral home Tuesday afternoon with burial at Lemmon
Taken from Corson County News May 13, 1948

John Striegel is buried Tuesday

Funeral services were held at Leith North Dakota, Tuesday at 2 o'clock for John Striegel who passed away at the St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck last Saturday, May 15. Mr. Striegel entered the hospital for an operation for prostrate gland trouble, and while on the operating table, a small tumor in his throat caused choking that snuffed out his life.
Mr. Striegel was one of the progressive farmers of northwest of Watauga, where he had farmed for many years, with his two sons, John Jr. Stewert, took care of a fine herd of cattle. In the death of Mr. Striegel, the west river country loses another of its outstanding citizens. John Striegel was loved and honored by every acquaintance. He was honest, progressive and a man held in the highest esteem. Mr. Striegel cherished his family above all, and his love and admiration for them was paid in full by their obedience and honor they bestowed on him. The two fine boys that he and Mrs.. Striegel have raised are a symbol to good Christian parents, and although Mr. Striegle has answered the final summons, his good work on this earth will be carried on in the same honorable manner he represented.
The many friends in this community extend sympathy to the bereaved relatives, Mrs. Striegel and John Jr. and Stewart.
John Striegel was born at Caledonia, Minnesota, July 27, 1879 and moved with his parents to Howard, South Dakota when a small boy. In 1906 he went to North Dakota and filed on a homestead, and was married to Miss Ella Tystad of Howard S.D., November 30, 1912 at Aberdeen. To this union, two sons were born John Jr. and Stewart, who are left to mourn his death, besides his widow and several brothers and sisters.
Honorary pallbearers were Joe Chesrown, Charley Spicer, S.K. Williamson, John Merrick, Fred Casey, Viggo Thomsen, Ray Nehl and Claude Lagaur, former neighbors and friends of the deceased. The active pallbearers were four nephews of Mr. Steigel and Ralph Katus and Thomas Jackson.
Taken from Corson County News May 20, 1948

Margaret Sheldon Dies at Watauga

The Watauga community was shocked to learn of the death of Mrs. Marjorie Sheldon who passed away at her apartment in the Watauga hotel last Wednesday morning about 10:30. Her lifeless body was discovered by Mrs. Viggo Thomsen who had been visiting her previous and had gone out a few minutes to get her some medicine. Mrs. Vern Ivers and Rev. Rossen had also visited her prior to her passing away.
Marjorie Wright (Sheldon) was born at Mattoon, Ill. October 30, 1883 and homesteaded south of Keldron in 1910. She taught school in and around Morristown in the early days and was one of the first high school teachers in Morristown. She married Chas. Sheldon August 18, 1922, when they moved to Watauga and worked in the postoffice here until 1939 when Mr. Sheldon passed away. In 1940 Mrs. Sheldon and family moved to Washington to make their home. Last October, Mrs. Sheldon, returned to Watauga to make her home.
She leaves to mourn her passing a daughter, (Mrs. Art Raney) Clara Gay of Bremerton and son Ellsworth of Portland. One sister, Mrs. Harlen of Waverly, Neb; 3 brothers Edwin of Seattle; Harvey and Bob of Mattoon, Ill.., a cousin Mrs. Fred Johnson, Tacoma whom Mrs. Shledon lived with for a while.
Services were held in the Presbyterian church with Rev. Ford of Lemmon officiating, Monday afternoon, and burial made beside Mr. Sheldon in the Watauga cemetery. Pall bearers were Ed. Willigan, Bill Hendrickson, Erick Anderson, Dick Hoisington, Mr. Quelcok and Chester Sutton.
Mrs. Sheldon was a member of the Eastern Star for 30 years. Mrs. Hoisington sang "Sometime we'll understand" and "Cressing the Bar' accompanied by Mrs. Ed. Willigan.
The children, Mr. and Mrs. Art Raney and Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Sheldon arrived Sunday to attend the funeral services.
Taken from Corson County News July 8, 1948

Father of Morristown Lady Passes Away

Charles Henry White was born in Chicago, Illinois, October 2, 1874 and passed away July 20, 1948 of a heart ailment and other complications. When a small child the family moved to Dewitt county, settling in Texas township. At the age of 16 years, he confessed Christ and joined the Texas Christian church from which he was buried. As a young man he served the church in the capacity of deacon, Sunday school teacher and Supt. On Easter Sunday, March 26, 1899 he was united in marriage to Miss Della Hoffman.
After living in the Texas community three years they moved to Iowa. He came to South Dakota in 1910 and homesteaded 5 1/2 miles south of Watauga. He was active in the community and church affairs until he moved to Clinton Ill., in 1924.
He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, four daughters; Mrs.. Nellie Morrison, Hagerstown, Ind., Mrs. Gladys Maltby, Palestine, Ill., Mrs. Sadie Goldsmith, Morristown S.D., Mrs. Evelyn Gardner, Clinton, Ill., and one son, Frederick White of Madison, Wisconsin, also 19 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, and a host of friends.
Mr. White was a member of the Clinton Christian church at the time of his death.
Funeral services were held at the Texas Christian church with Rev. V.L. Parsons of Mt. Vernon, Ill. in charge. The body was laid to rest in the Texas cemetery and the presence of many friend and neighbors, the many floral displays testifying of the loving tribute of those who were paying their last respects to a departing loved one.
Taken from Corson County News August 5, 1948

Remains Returned for Reburial

Reburial services for Sgt. Kenneth E. Higby of Morristown, S.D. were held at 9:30 a.m. on September 25 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minn. The Rev. Alvin Carlson of the First Presbyterian church of Minneapolis officiated, assisted by the Rev. Robert Elkin formerly of Morristown and Lemmon. During the service, four soldiers stood at attention holding a U.S. flag over the vault. After the benediction, a squad of three soldiers fired three volleys over the grave and taps were played. The flag was folded and presented to the mother, Mrs. Higby, by Sgt. Walton who had escorted the body to Ft. Snelling. The flag was given on behalf of the U.S. government in appreciation of sacrifices made by Sgt. Higby for his country. Beautiful floral wreaths were tributes of many friends of the Morristown community and of the Morristown chapter of the Masonic Lodge of which Kenneth had been a member.
Taken from Corson County News. October 7, 1948

Funeral Services Held for Clem Dolecheck

Clem Dolecheck passed away at the St. Alexius Bismarck hospital November 8, 1948. Prior to going to Bismarck he was in Mobridge hospital for a week after which he was confined to his bed at home. His condition became such that he had to be taken to Bismarck. Mr. Dolecheck suffered from a heart trouble, and kidney complications. He had a severe fall off the back porch in August and broke two ribs and seemed his condition became worse immediately after the fall. Every human aid was tendered him, but of no avail.
Mr. Dolecheck had a host of friends and was well liked by every one for his honesty and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
Mr. Dolecheck was the second oldest of the family. He was born at Crimia, Bohemia, August 10, 1883. He was 65 years, 2 months and 28 days old at the time of his death.
He was married to Marie Falman at Dickinson, North Dakota June 10, 1907. The family moved to Watauga, S.D. in December 1920 and in the spring 1931 moved to McIntosh. Mr. Dolecheck was in the farming business.
Besides his widow, he leaves to mourn his death eight children: (Tina) Mrs. Dell Langerman, (Rose) Mrs. Carl Post, (Veronica) Mrs. Herbert Stoick, (Albina) Mrs. Leslie Edinger, (Virginia) Mrs. Melvyn Norton, Albert, Christ and Frank Dolecheck, brothers and two sisters. Two sons, Louis and Emil and a daughter preceded him in death, also his parents a brother and two sisters.
Funeral services were held at the local Catholic church Thursday morning and interment was made in the Watauga cemetery.
Taken from Corson County News November 18, 1948

Bert Bigham Buried

Funeral services were held in Seattle, Washington, last Tuesday December 14th for Bert Bigham, who passed away at his home in Chicago. Mr. Bigham was one of the early settlers in the west river country, making his home in Watauga for a number of years, and the family resided in McIntosh for several years. He was associated with W.I. Gale in the real estate business in McIntosh and left here to accept a position with the railroad company being transferred to Chicago, where he passed away. The many friends in this area mourn the passing of the former resident and extend sympathy to the bereaved relatives.
Taken from Corson County News December 23, 1948