Watauga Farmer Dies at Aberdeen

Solomon Leroy Henderson of Watauga passed away on Sunday morning at 12:30 at a hospital at the age of 44 years, suffering with serious stomach trouble. Mr. Henderson was born at Miltonvale, Kansas November 21, 1883, where he grew to young manhood.
On 1910 he went into Canada locating on a farm. Two years later he was married to Susan Denton of Masadonia Ia, and two years later they moved to Watauga where they homesteaded and where they have since made their home. He was taken to Aberdeen three weeks ago for medical attention and where everything possible was done in hopes of improving his condition but all seemed fruitless.
He leaves to mourn beside his wife, two children, Helen age 14, and James, 7, his father James Henderson of Miltonville, Kansas, three sisters and two brothers, Wm. Henderson, Mrs. Bert King, Mrs. Carl Lepley all of Canada, Geo. Henderson of Concordia, Kansas and a half sister, Mrs. Martha Henderson of Miltonville, Kansas.
The body was taken to his old home at Miltonvale, Kansas where services and interment will take place. The body was accompanied by Mrs. Henderson and her sister Mrs. John Krie of Ainsworth, Neb. He was a member of the Christian church and was a member of the Masonic order.
Taken from Corson County News March 15, 1928

Mr. Joseph Watznauer was born June 29th, 1857 at Reichenberg, Austria and died at Watauga S.D., Sept. 2nd, 1926. He was 69 years and 2 months old.
He lived with his parents until he was 17 years old, when he came to this country, locating at Brooklyn, N.Y. After working there for one year he went to Iowa with his brother where they worked on farms. In 1882 he left for Dakota where he took up a homestead in what is now Sanbron County.
He was married Jan. 7th, 1888 to Miss Mary Hinker near Artesian, S.D. They lived north of Artesian four years, then moved west of Forestburg and lived there until 7 years ago. Since that time they visited with their children of whom there were nine, wintering at Watauga with Mrs. Herman Ruhoff.
He leaves to mourn his death his children, John Watznauer of Forestburg, S.D.; Mrs. Harvey Berdine of Interior, S.D.; Mrs. Herman Ruhoff of Watauga; Mrs. Anton Hinker of Cresbard S.D.; Mrs. F.P. Nehl of Watauga; Mrs. Thomas Gardner of Forestburg, S.D.; Mrs. E.W. Hinker and Mrs. Carl Oberhauser, both of Watauga; together with 30 grandchildren and 2 brothers.
His presence will be sadly missed by all. He was a good husband and father, a pioneer and citizen, coming here when Dakota was a territory. His presence will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Taken from Corson County News September 16,1926

Obituary

John W. Erickson of Watauga South Dakota, passed away at the local hospital July 23rd, 1928, after having been confined to his bed for some time with heart trouble.
Mr. Erickson was born in Eweden in 1850 and came to Wilmer, Minnesota, when nineteen years of age. About twelve years ago he moved to Watauga, South Dakota and has made his home since that time in that vicinity. He was a man of sterling character and well liked by all who knew him.
Funeral services were held Wednesday July 25th, 1928 at the Presbyterian Church, Watauga South Dakota. He is survived by four brothers, Andrew Erickson of Olivia, Minnesota, August Erickson of Butte, Montana, Andrew and Axel Erickson of Milk River Canada and a cousin, Mrs. Chas. Erickson of Watauga South Dakota.
Taken from Corson County News August 2nd 1928

Young Man Killed Saturday

A very sad accident happened near here last Saturday afternoon when Sam Boschee was killed four miles west of McIntosh. Sam, in accompany with the other section hands, was returned from work and was riding on the speeder. As near as we can learn, Sam was sitting on the speeder in a stooped posture and in some unaccountable manner, a crowbar dropped off, striking the ground in such a way that it was thrown back and struck Sam in the head, killing him instantly. The skull was shattered and one eye was torn from its socked by the impact of the bar. The body was brought to town and an undertaker summoned to take care of the remains.
Saturday was the last day on the section for Sam and he intended to go into the harvest fields Monday, had not death intervened. He was an exceptionally fine young man and his death is made more sad by the fact that his bride of a year ago is an expectant mother. e was a great worker and every employer was high in their praise for Sam as a faithful man. His untimely death is a shock to his relatives as well as his many friends.
Simon Boschee was born February 12th, 1905 at Kassel, South Russia, and immigrated to the United States with his parents Dec. 16, 1906. He remained with his parents, at Mercer, North Dakota until 1923, and then came to McIntosh and was employed in this vicinity from that time until his death last Saturday. He was united in the Holy Bonds of Matrimony February 21st, 1928 to Miss Kathryn Baumeister of Watauga. He leaves to mourn his death, his wife, mother and father, four brothers and one sister, besides a host of sorrowing friends. Five brothers and two sisters proceeded him in death.
Funeral services were held at the Catholic church Tuesday morning. Rev. Father Vigneron conducting the services. Interment was made in the cemetery at Watauga. The casket was banked with beautiful flowers as offerings from friends and relatives, and a large crowd was present to pay their last sad respects.
Taken from Corson County News August 9, 1928

Nels N. Oveson Dies at His Chicago Home

Word was received here Wednesday evening of the death of Nels N. Oveson at his home in Chicago, Tuesday morning, July 15, heart failure being the cause of his death. Mr. Oveson had complained of no unusual illness and Tuesday morning in company with his wife, he backed the car from their garage and after traveling a few block, Mrs. Oveson noticed that he had slumped in his seat. She immediately took the wheel and guided the car to the curb and called a doctor, but life had passed peacefully away.
The deceased was one of the pioneers of the south of Watauga vicinity, arriving in Watauga, thirty one years ago and took up a homestead, the land he still owed at the time of his death. Mr. and Mrs. Oveson made their home on their farm until a few years ago, when they moved to Chicago, but they made an annual pilgrimage to their old home south of Watauga and spent a greater part of the summer there. Mr. Oveson was a man of high respect, honest and upright and his friends were numbered among his acquaintances. He always loved the west and often repeated that the west river country was the place where the hand clasp was a little tighter and the friendship always true. His passing cast a shadow of sorrow over the west river country.
Mr. Oveson was born in Sweden and came to the United States when he was seventeen years of age. He reached his 73rd birthday January 5, 1941. Besides his wife, he leaves a stepson and his family to mourn his death.
Taken from Corson County News July 18, 1941

Albert Barkley of Watauga Passes Away

Albert Barkley, 70, long time resident of the north of Watauga community, passed away in the Lemmon hospital early Monday morning, July 21st, after a short illness. Mr. Barkley had been in good health up until Wednesday of last week when he suffered a stroke and was unconscious until death came to relieve his suffering. He was along at his farm home when he suffered a stroke and was sound by a neighbor and taken to the hospital in Lemmon. His wife, who had been in ill health and was at the home of her daughter in Miles City, arrived in Watauga last Thursday night accompanied by her daughter and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Sutliffe and family; another daughter, Mrs. Knutson of Seattle, Wash., and a sister of Mr. Barkley’s of Indians came Saturday night and all were with him when the end came.
Mr. Barkley has resided on his farm north ow Watauga for many years and was held in the highest esteem by every acquaintance. He was a man of high ideals, honest and respected and was always ready with a helping hand to those in distress. His passing leaves a vacancy in the community that will be very difficult to fill, and casts a shadow of sorrow over the entire vicinity.
Funeral services were conducted at the Watauga Presbyterian church with the Rev. Gulson delivering a comforting sermon. Mrs. C.L. Hoisington sang three solos. The remains were taken to Indiana by his sister and interment will be made by the side of his parents. He leaves to mourn his passing, his widow, Mrs. A. Barkley and two daughters, Mrs. Alberta Sutliffe of Miles City, Mon., and Mrs. Rosemary Knutson of Seattle, Wash., as sister in Indiana, and other relatives and a large host of friends.
Taken from Corson County News July 28, 1941

Pioneer Lady Laid to Rest

The death of Mrs. Geo. Gregson last Sunday morning cast a shadow of gloom over the community, her death coming very sudden and unexpected. She had been a sufferer of diabetes for many years and her illness kept her close to her home. She was stricken last Saturday with a severe attack and was brought to McIntosh immediately and passed away the next morning.
In the death of Mrs. Gregson, the community loses a woman of sterling quality, one who was held in the highest esteem by every acquaintance; a good Christian and one who was willing with an untiring hand to help others in spite of her own illness. The deceased was a gifted artist and many of her paintings adorn the homes of neighbors and friends, gifts that are cherished by the owners.
Frantie E. Webb was born at Aberdeen, South Dakota, November 12, 1882, the daughter of Frank W. and Mary Ellen Webb. She attended school in Aberdeen and later went to Chicago for special study. The family engaged in the dairy business which claimed their interest even after coming to Corson County. The father was an officer in the Salvation Army for more than twenty years.
She was married to George Gregson July 19, 1913 and in 1914 they came to Corson county where Mr. Gregson had homesteaded in 1910, south of Watauga. To this union two children were born, a son in 1914 and a daughter in 1917. both died in infancy.
She leaves to mourn her passing a sister, Mrs. H.A. Gregson of Lebanon, Oregon, a twin sister, Miss Flossie Webb, a brother, Roy Webb and Mr. Webbs mother, Mrs. Frank Webb, all of Watauga. Both her parents proceeded her in death.
She passed away at McIntosh April 7, 1940, at the age of 57 years, 4 months and 25 days.
The funeral services was held Wednesday morning from the Presbyterian church, Rev. Taylor speaking from a text in the second chapter of Revelation, “He that overcometh, that keepeth My works unto the end, I will give him the morning star.” The remains were shipped to Aberdeen for interment. Mrs. C.L. Eskelson, Mrs. J. Beier, Mrs. Hazel Hanson, accompanied by Miss Phyllis Richards at the organ, rendered tow appropriate selections of music.
Taken from Corson County News April 11, 1940

Mrs. K. Zubrod Passes Away

The sad news of the death of Mrs. Katherine Zubrod last Sunday morning at Alta Vista, Iowa, cast a shadow of sorrow over the entire western part of the county.She resided for many ears south of Watauga and went to Iowa a year ago to make her home and was making arrangements to return to her farm when death intervened. She had been suffering with heart disease for some time, but her condition was not considered serious until last Sunday when she went into a coma, never to regain consciousness and peacefully passed away.
Mrs. Zubrod was a true and faithful mother, a devout member of the Catholic religion and a fine family is symbolic of her teachings and the beautiful home surroundings. She was always kind and considerate of others and her home was her palace; ever ready with a helping hand to others in distress and her calling is a sad blow to her bereaved relatives and friends. Her husband Lawrence Zubrod, preceded her in death, passing away in 1936.
Interment was made in the Watauga cemetery this Thursday morning.
Taken from Corson County News April 11, 1940

Pearl Hemphill Passes Away

Pearl Hemphill who lived for many years south of Watauga on the farm now occupied by Joe Riehl passed away January 23 at Santa Ynez, California. He was buried in Forest Lawn Memorial Park at Glendale, Calif.
Mr. Hemphill had been in the Lutheran Home at Solvang, Calif. for six years. He had been bothered for several years with a cancerous growth on the neck.
Mr. Hemphill was a soft spoken gentleman who built up one of the finest farm homes in the south Watauga community. He was a leader in the community in the early days of Corson county and retired in California. He was preceded in death by his wife Goldie. He is survived by a son Hugh who lives in North Hollywood, Calif.
Taken from Corson County News February 23, 1967

Last Rites Held for L.G. Miller

Last rites were said for Lorenzo G. Miller, 75 Thursday afternoon, February 23 at 2:00 in the McIntosh Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Terry Nelson officiating. Military rites were also observed at the Church and Cemetery.
Eldon Jenson, Lemmon sang “Beyond the Sunset” and “God’s Tomorrow” accompanied by Mrs. Walter Lawien, McIntosh.
Death came to the Veteran Corson County official Sunday night, February 19, 1967 at 9:30 p.m. at the Veteran’s Hospital in Miles City, Montana. Death was attributed to cancer.
Pall bearers were Erick Anderson, Alex Campbell, Harry Kittelson, Ralph McClain, and George Seiler Sr.. all of McIntosh and Adrian Willigan of Watauga. Interment was made in the McIntosh cemetery.
Lorenzo G. Miller was born December 11, 1898 in Aberdeen S.D. He received his education at Aberdeen, Grand Island Nebraska and Chicago Illinois. He came to this are in 1914, homesteading south of Watauga. He lived on the farm until 1933 when the Miller family moved into McIntosh. Lorenzo was elected to the office of Corson County Clerk of Courts, which position he held for twenty-four years. The past ten years he has served as Veterans Service Officer and Co-County director of Surplus commodities until the time of his death. He was clerk of the McIntosh Board of Education for many years and a member of the McIntosh American Legion Post. He served in the United States Army during World War 1, in 1917 and 1918,most of this time was served in Europe.
He was married November 11, 1920 to Katherine Hummel near Watauga.They were the parents of two children, a daughter Norma and a son Ellis, who followed their fathers footsteps by serving their country in World War II. He was preceded in death by his son, Ellis who died in 1958 of a heart attack. He was also preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mrs. frank Danback; one brother George who died in infancy and one step sister Mrs. Ben (Cressie) Artz.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine, daughter Mrs. Orton Jameson, McIntosh; two brothers Louis H. and Ben both of Aberdeen; two sisters, Mrs. Barney Caspers, Madison, Wis.; and Mrs. William Gleason, Aberdeen; and one step sister Mrs. Pearl Pratt Burns of Santa Paula, Calif. He is also survived by two grandchildren Corinne and Joel Jameson of McIntosh.
Taken from Corson County News March 2, 1967

Funeral Held for Mrs. L.G. Miller

The last rites were held Thursday May 4, 1967 for Katherine Etta Miller, 64 at the First Presbyterian Church in McIntosh at 2:00 p.m.. The Rev. Terry Nelson officiated at the church and commitment services.
Eldon Jenson of Lemmon sang “In the Garden” and “God’s tomorrow” accompanied by Mrs. Walter Lawien of McIntosh.
Mrs. Miller passed away at 9:00 a.m. April 29 in the Lemmon Five Counties hospital. She had been ill approximately three weeks. Death was attribute to pneumonia and a heart attack.
Pall bearers were George Campbell, Peter J. Lemer, Anton Tishmack, Vernon Utter, Tony Seftner and Harry Kittelson all of McIntosh. Interment was made in the McIntosh cemetery.
Mrs. Miller was active in the McIntosh American Legion Auxiliary and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
She was born February 18, 1903 at Farmington, Iowa. She received her education at a rural school near Watauga S.D.. Mrs. Miller resided in Iowa when a child, then moved with her parents to rural Watauga prior to moving to McIntosh. She married Lorenzo G. Miller November 11, 1920 at her parents home near Watauga. The Miller family resided near Watauga until 1933 when the family moved into McIntosh.
Surviving relatives include her daughter, Mrs. Orton Jameson of McIntosh; a sister Mrs. Junie (Gwendolyn) Phillips of Iowa; a step-brother Jack Hummel, Los Angels Calif., two grandchildren, Corinne and Joel Jameson of McIntosh.
She was preceded in death by her husband in February 1967, her son, Ellis in April 1958, a sister Mrs. Franklin (Ruth) Killian in January 1967, a brother Calvin Hummel in December 1961; and by her parents.
Taken from Corson County News May 11, 1967

Pioneer Resident Dies at Bismarck

A Corson County Pioneer, Erick Anderson, 81 of McIntosh passed away Monday morning, October 23 in the Bismarck hospital where he had been a patient for approximately a month. Death has been attributed to complications following surgery. Erick underwent surgery September 22 and again on September 28. He was gradually improving last week. His condition became critical again during the week end when pneumonia was diagnosed and he died at 11:05 a.m.
Funeral services will be held Thursday morning, October 26 at 10 o’clock in the First Presbyterian Church in McIntosh with the Rev. Terry Nelson officiating. Interment will be made in the Watauga Cemetery.
Erick Anderson was born Feb. 8, 1896 in alvdalen, Sweden where he was educated at the Alvdalen Public School. at the age of seventeen he came to America. On Dec. 21, 1915 he was married to Charlotte Peterson at Centerville, S.D. They resided at Dawson Minn., until 1924 when they came to Corson County to make their new home, settling near Watauga. Erick had previously been in Corson County when he homesteaded south of Watauga in 1913-1914. He was a member of the McIntosh First Presbyterian Church. He was ordained an Elder of the Presbyterian church in 1930. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson managed their farm until 1955 when they moved into McIntosh, where they have resided since.
Surviving relatives include his widow, Charlotte of McIntosh; his seven children, Berdell of Snohomish, Wash; Mrs Arline Evanson of Belflower Cal.; Mrs. Audrey Meuter of Seattle, Wash.; Mrs Dorothy Evanson of Belflower Cal.; Mrs. Marion Cain of Allentown Penn.; Virgil of McIntosh and Mrs. Carol Bentson of Rockville, Maryland. He is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Two brothers and two sisters who reside in Sweden also survive him.
Taken from Corson county News October 26, 1967

Robert Coyle Dies After Surgery

Services for Robert Francis Coyle of Selfridge, Sioux County Clerk of Corson, County Judge and Coroner were held Saturday at St. Philomena’s Church in Selfridge.
Mr. Coyle, a World War ll Navy veteran died in the Minneapolis Veteran’s hospital following surgery. He had been a patient for eight weeks. He was a former register of deeds of Sioux county. He was also a member of the Sioux County selective service board and was active in community and church affairs.
The Rev. Joseph Splonskowski officiated at the rites. Burial was in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were six nephews, Roger, Victor and Timothy Wingerter, Mike Berrett, Pius Heid and Richard Lauinger.
The deceased was born Nov. 26, 1916 at Paradise N.D. He was married to Ann Wingerter at East Dubuque, Ill. in 1941, where they made their home until he entered the service. They moved to Selfridge i 1946 and lived on a ranch west of Selfridge.
Mr. Coyle was a member of the American Legion of Ft. Yates and St. Philomena Church of Selfridge.
Surviving are his widow and the following children; Robert F. Jr., Seattle; Mrs. Rosella Kraft, Mandan; Wm. Jerome, USA, Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo; George, Beverly, Deborah, Sandran and Judene, living at home. Also surviving are four grandchildren,; two brothers, William J. Coyle, Oakwood, Ill and Loren Coyle, Chicago, three sisters, Mrs. Clara Houncell and Ms. Sheldom Redfearn of Green Bay, Wis. and Mrs. Donald Leneger, Hanover, Ill.
Taken from Corson County News Dec. 7, 1967

Schilling Funeral Held at Watauga

Requiem Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday 22 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Watauga for Lawrence Schilling, long time resident of that community. Mr. Schilling died Saturday, Nov. 18 at St. Alexius Hospital in Bismarck. He had suffered from cancer for several months.
Rev. Paul G. Dahms, pastor of the church, was the celebrant, with Rev. Ralph Muldoon of Lemmon and Rev. John Birdsall of McIntosh in attendance. Pall bearers were Raymond Long, Bernard Nehl, Ernest Baird, Martin Hilsendager, Dorus Mollman and George Bail. Burial was in the Watauga cemetery.
Lawrence J. Schilling was born February 12, 1908 at North Washington, Iowa. there he received his education and grew to young manhood. In 1929 he came to the West River county and settled in the Watauga community. On Nov. 11, 1930 he was married at Watauga to Clara Erz. Through the years he had been employed by the Milwaukee railroad and later was engaged in farming.
He was a member of St. Michael’s Parish.
Surviving relatives include his wife, Clara; four daughters, Marjorie Even of Lemmon, Carol McConnell of Boulder, Colorado, LaVonne Skretteberg of Everett, Wash. and Rose Anne at home; two sons Harold of Paola, Kansas and Gerald of Casper, Wyoming. Also surviving are two brothers, Herman of Baraboo, Wisc., and Victor of Waterloo, Iowa; three sisters, Mrs. Bernard Picar of North Freedom, Wisc., Mrs. Leo Erz of Rapid City and Mrs. Joe Kostka of New Hampton Iowa. He was proceeded in death by a baby daughter.
Taken from Corson County News Dec. 7, 1967

Henry Lang Rites Held at Watauga

Henry Lang 81, long-time pioneer resident of the Watauga area, was buried at Watauga Nov. 27, following funeral services conducted in the Watauga Lutheran Church. Services were conducted by Pastor Terry Nelson.
Mr. Lang died Nov.. 24th from a stroke. He had been in the McLaughlin hospital for less than 12 hours when he passed away.
Honorary pall bearers were Ed Willigan, Art Weisar, Fred Buhr, Stanley McSweeney, Louis Moser and Gerald Turner. Active bearers were Bernard Nehl, Carl Roehl, George Bail, Jess Kinney, Robert Baumeister and Ernest Baird.
Henry Lang was born April 11, 1886 in New Albany, Ind. He received his education there and moved to Canova, S.D. where he worked as a well driller. He came to Watauga in 1912 and married Pearl Morris June 12, 1926. They resided on a farm south of Watauga from that time.
Mr. Lang served on township and school boards and was an active booster for his community. He remained active and worked on the farm every day despite advancing years.
Survivors include his wife, one son Raymond, Watauga; one daughter Mrs. Esther Evenson, Thunder Hawk, two brothers and three sisters.
Taken from Corson County News Dec. 7, 1967

Train Kills Man Near Watauga

John McElry was found dead at Watauga, Tuesday morning, his body mutilated practically beyond recognition. Information was sent to the sheriff’s office to the effect that a man was found dead along the track and upon investigation it was discovered that it was Elry. His arms and legs were severed, and his face and body was badly mangled, and it was very evident that he had been run over by a train.
An inquest was held Tuesday and representatives of the Milwaukee road were present with the local authorities and it was the verdict of the inquest that he came to his death by accident, being run over by a train.
Mr. Elry was well known character of the reservation, having lived here during the greater part of his life and was of Indian descent and was relatives of Dan Powers of Thunder Hawk and of the late Mrs. Muench. In the last few months the old gentleman had become slightly deranged and wandered about the country without any destination or much aim in life, and although coming to his death as he did is very sad, but the poor old man is as well off crossing the Great Divide now as he would be left alone with no place to go.
We have not learned as to what deposition will be made of the body, but the relatives will undoubtedly take care of it.
Taken from Corson County News May 30, 1929

Mrs. Hendrickson Dies This A.M.

The death of Mrs. Wm. Hendrickson of south of Watauga, this (Thursday) morning cast a shadow of sorrow over the entire community. Mrs. Hendrickson went to her bed last Saturday suffering with pneumonia, and every human aid was tendered her, but her weakened condition, due to a lingering illness could not ward off the disease and she answered the final call Thursday.
In the death of Mrs. Hendrickson, the community loses one of its very fine women, a woman of education and accomplishment and a mother of highest ideals. She was very active in the social life of her community, and a leader in all of its club work, and her departure is a very sad blow. She was a good Christian woman and a real mother to her three children, and her home was always her palace. Every effort had been put forth to gain her health and a trip to California was planned as soon as arrangements could be made, but death claimed her before their plans wee completed.
She leaves to mourn her, her husband, two little girls and a boy besides many relatives. Funeral services will be held at Watauga next Sunday afternoon at two o'clock.
Taken from Corson county News January 12, 1928

Little Boy Dies At Watauga

Thursday morning, April 11th, the grim reaper again entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. T.G. Thompson at Watauga, taking there from their beloved nine year old son Gordon. The little fellow had been a sufferer from valvular disease of the heart, following an attack of rheumatic fever early in June of 1927, but it was hoped that with care he might outgrow it.
However, he was taken with the flu which later developed into pneumonia and the weakened heart was unable to bear the strain.
Gordon Gerald Thompson was born November 12, 1919 in Mahto and lived there until December 1, 1928 when his parents moved to Watauga. He was a lovable and intelligent child and had he been spared and blessed with health would have gone far.
Services were held at the home in Watauga and the little body brought by train to McLaughlin, where after a brief service conducted by Rev. Bissell, he was laid to rest beside his little sister, who passed beyond on September 17, 1927.
The R.N.A. attended in a body and a large number of friends escorted the sorrowing family to the cemetery. The floral offerings were many and unusually beautiful.
Little Gordon leaves to mourn his loss, besides his parents, one brother, Elton, three sisters, Marjorie, Anna and Bernice and innumerable friends for to know the little fellow was to love him. The hearts of the whole community go out in sympathy to this twice bereaved family. May God in his infinite wisdom and love comfort and sustain them in this their hour of sorrow.
Call not back the dear departed,
Anchored safe where storms are o’er;
On the border land we left him,
There we’ll meet to part no more,
When we leave this world of changes
When we quit this life of care,
We will find our loved ones waiting
in our Father’s mansion fair.
Taken from Corson County News April 26, 1929

Death Summons Mrs. B.L. Artz

The Grim Reaper again visited our community last Friday night and called from our midst, Mrs. B.L. Artz.Mrs. Artz was ill but a few days when death claimed her, meningitis being the cause of death. She went to her bed Thursday, but without any alarm, and not until Friday noon was Dr. Olson summoned and when he arrived at their farm home, she was beyond all human aid and passed away that evening.
In the death of Mrs. Artz, the community loses a woman of exceptional talent and a mother of the highest type. She was a hard working woman and her ambitions were demonstrated in the care of her home and her children. She was a good Christian and reared her children as such, and her untimely calling leaves four children without the care of the guiding hand of a good mother and her place among her friends and neighbors will be hard to replace.
Cressie Velma Pratt was born at Hartly, Iowa July 20, 1894 and died at McIntosh at the age of 34 years, 6 months, and 16 days. She moved to Aberdeen with her mother and sister in 1905 and was married to B.L. Artz September 28th, 1911 at the Sacred Heart church at that place. They moved to McIntosh and filed on a homestead south of town and remained there until 1919 when they went to California, returning to the farm in 1922 and lived there until her death last Friday night. She leaves to mourn her, a husband and four children, Louise, age 15; Bernard 14; Cassie Marie 9 and Arnold 5; her mother and 3 stepbrothers and 3 stepsisters.
Funeral services were held at the Catholic church at Watauga and the remains laid to rest in the cemetery at that place Wednesday afternoon. A beautiful floral offering graced the casket, and a large following of friends and neighbors were present to show their last sad respects.
Taken from Corson County News February 21, 1929

Lawrence Zubrod is Auto Accident Victim

Lawrence L. Zubrod, prominent farmer and rancher of south of Watauga, was killed last Friday evening near Leola, while en route to a farm near that place where he is wintering a herd of cattle. Particulars as to the accident which caused his death are very meager, but as far as we can learn, a truck hit the car in which Mr. Zubrod was riding and he received injuries that proved fatal, and he passed away at a hospital at Leola the morning following the accident. Mr. Zubrod was making preparations to ship some of the stock to market and was alone in the car when the accident happened.
In the death of Mr. Zubrod, Corson county and the west river country loses a citizen of outstanding qualities; a man respected by neighbors and acquaintances and a progressive citizen. The deceased was a pioneer resident of the Watauga vicinity, and through his ambitions and progressiveness, he had built from the raw prairies one of the finest farms in the county, and the buildings and surroundings were modern and an example of his progressive spirit. He was an honest and upright citizen, loved by his neighbors and friends and a loving father and provider for his family. As a token of the high esteem in which he was held by his neighbors, he was honored by being elected county commissioner of the 4th district over a very prominent and respected candidate.
Funeral services were held at Watauga Tuesday morning and sorrowing friends came from far and near to pay their sad respect to one they had learned to love and honor. The casket was banked with a beautiful floral offering, as gifts from friends and relatives. Interment was made in the Watauga cemetery.
Survivors include his widow and six children, two of whom, Leonard and Catherine, living at home. Clarence is at Alta Vista, Ia., Bernard living in Leola, Florence in St. Paul and Jerome, married, farms near Watauga.
Taken from Corson County News November 12, 1936