Southern California Genealogical Society
Southern California Genealogical Society: Database: Savannah Memorial Park
Savannah Cemetery Obituary Notices

EL MONTE CEMETERY (aka Savannah Pioneer Cemetery and Savannah Memorial Park) Established circa 1851 Rosemead, Los Angeles County, California

Obituaries, Death Notices and Family Provided Information:

The following were forwarded to us by Karla Everett and Paula Hinkel. Other information was extracted from other internet postings and family provided information.

These obituaries and death notices are in alphabetical order. Use the Edit/Find window to search for your family's names.

DEATH NOTICES from the Los Angeles Times:

 

Apr 11, 1909 [Biography of Henry Allgeyer]

The death of Mrs. Allgeyer on April 5 removed another pioneer resident from El Monte, she having lived in California since 1875, twenty years of which were spent here. Mrs. Allgeyer had been confined to her bed for three years and death came as a blessed relief from suffering. - The remains were interred Wednesday in Savannah Cemetery beside those of her husband and son.

 

February 2, 1961, p. b12

ANGER, Mrs. Etta May, mother of Mrs. May H. Dult, Robert Anger and Walter A. Anger. Services 11:30 a.m. Friday at chapel of Turner & Stevens, Alhambra. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

March 8,1883, p. O_4: The Duarte.

Died - On Tuesday evening, at ten o'clock, February 6, 1883, at the residence of Mr. Richard Poor, Miss Vina Beardslee, aged 17 years. She was a native of the Duarte, being the youngest daughter of Dr. N. Beardslee. The late Miss Beardslee was a promising young lady, and had many friends. On the occasion of her burial, which occurred on Thursday, the 8th ult., the Duarte public school, of which she had been a member, closed, and a large procession followed her remains to the cemetery at Savannah. The following Sunday the Rev. B.F. Coulter, of the Christian Church, of which Miss Beardslee had been a member, preached her funeral to a large concourse of people at the Duarte schoolhouse. As I have not seen any notice of Miss Beardslee's death in your paper I mention it at this late date. Cumtux."

Same issue and page: "Dr. N. Beardslee, the oldest American settler upon the Duarte, having lived here for twenty years, has sold his old home place of twenty-eight acres for $5600. There are some valuable English walnut trees on this place."


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Savannah Memorial Park Overview


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image of grave marker

DEATH NOTICES from the Los Angeles Times:

April 28, 1901 [Biography of William C. Bell]

BELL - In El Monte, Cal., April 24, 1901. Rebecca Ann, wife of William C. Bell, mother of Thomas, Charles M., Jack, George, James of El Monte, Mrs. Susie Wandling of Los Angeles, and Mrs. Annie Baker of Santa Monica. Mrs. Bell was born at Clinton, De Witt County, Ill., June 7, 1834, and drove across the plains to California via Texas, in 1858, and has resided in El Monte ever since. Interment was at Savannah Cemetery, April 25, 1901.

 

October 16, 1955, p a24

Funeral Services to be conducted by Pierce Brothers: John M. Best. El Monte Cemetery.

 

RE: BESWICK BURIALS

March 20, 1885, p. O_3

Real Estate Transfers

  • Hattie V. Hindes to Edwin BESWICK, 10 acres in section 35, township 4 S, range 10 W, $250
  • H.W. Head and C.D. Adams to Edwin BESWICK, interest in Sobrante of Ro [Rancho] Santiago de Santa Ana, $850.
 

1894, p.

Santa Ana Brevities.

Miss Alice Blackley, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blackley of Savannah, died at the home of her parents August 29, at the age of 19 years. Miss Blackley was well-known in this city, having spent some time here with her sister, Mrs. James Browne and her aunt, Mrs. Jim Hickey.

 

August 18, 1942 pg 12

BLACKLEY. Services for Alice Means Blackley, beloved wife of John Blackley, 2 p.m. Thursday at Schanel Mortuary, 444 South Tyler avenue, El Monte. Interment, El Monte Cemetery. [Note: John Blackley was the son of Charles and Minerva Blackley. See Biography of Charley Blackley.]

Blackley, Charles

October 18, 1939 pg 13 and October 19, 1939 pg 19

BLACKLEY - Frank Edward. October 17 at El Monte, beloved son of John and Alice Blackley and brother of Charles Blackley. Services at 2 p.m. Thursday October 19 at Schanel Funeral Parlors. Interment at El Monte Cemetery.

 

Death Certificate Transcription #406 (2000),

BOYNTON, Stephen Harvey: Stephen Harvey Boynton d. 1/10/1949 7:20pm Male Cauc. Married b. 3/7/1884 MI Age = 64 Occupation: Pipefitter, So CA Gas Co f. Arthur Harvey Boynton m. Marriete Miller Spouse: Informant: Ellen Margaret Boynton Deathplace: 1406 Eunice Ave, El Monte Lived in community 11 years Cause: Coronary Thrombosis 7 months Coronary orteriosclerosis week Generalized orteriosclerosis unknown length Burial: 1/12/1949 El Monte Cemetery Funeral Director: JM Schanel, El Monte

 

RE: W.C. BULLARD (BULARD) January 21, 1887, p. 2 Two Burglars Found Guilty. Charles White and Joseph Brown had a jury trial in Judge Cheney's court yesterday. They were charged with having stolen a double-barreled shotgun from the house of W.C. Bullard, near the Monte depot on the 15th of November last. The jury found them guilty of burglary in the second degree.

 

RE: MARY CHILSON July 20, 1882, p. O_3 Mary Chilson to Cementha L. Cooper, e 1/2 of sw 1/4 of nw 1/4 of sec 12, T1S, R 10 W, 10 acres, $1.00.

 

November 16, 1963

COFFIN, Lida, beloved mother of Mrs. Grace Collison, of Rosemead. Funeral services 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at El Monte Masonic Temple. Interment El Monte Cemetery. Roy C. Addleman & Son, El Monte, directors.

 

February 21, 1902 - pg. A5

The funeral of Mrs. A. P. Cooper, who died Monday night after a long illness with heart disease, was held at her late home on Philadelphia street at 9 o'clock this morning. Dr. L. D. Johnson officiated. The remains were taken to El Monte for burial. [note: listed in directory as C. L. Cooper./phinkel]

 

Re: Cementha L. Cooper (L.A. Times, July 20, 1882, p. O_3): Mary Chilson to Cementha L. Cooper, e 1/2 of sw 1/4 of nw 1/4 of sec 12, T1S, R 10 W, 10 acres, $1.00.

 

May 2, 1883, p. O_4

Samuel Craig, of El Monte, recently died, leaving his ranch and personal property to an old friend, Judge S.M. Wilson, formerly of Santa Clara, who cared for him in his last illness.

 

May 3, 1883, p. O_4

Notice of Sale. In pursuance of an order made and entered in the Superior Court of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, on the 30th day of April, A.D. 1883, in the matter of the Estate of Samuel Craig, deceased, I will proceed to sell to the highest bidder, for case, at public auction, on the TWELFTH DAY OF MAY, 1883, between the hours of ten and twelve o'clock A.M., at the late residence of said Samuel Craig, deceased, about one-half mile east from Savanna, in said county, the following personal property, to-wit: 100 bushels of corn in the ear, and 25 cords of willow wood. Dated Los Angeles, April 30th, 1883, JAMES FULTON, for the Estate of Samuel Craig. my1-td.

 

November 21, 1902 pg. 12

Noah Cummings, one of the pioneers of California, died yesterday at his home in El Monte, aged 62 years. He had been a patient sufferer from paralysis twenty years. Mr. Cummings was well known and had many friends.

 

January 27, 1948

DAVIS, Jennie May. Services were held 1 p.m. Monday at Pierce Brothers' Monterey Park, 179 East Garvey Boulevard. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

November 12, 1955 pg a10 and November 13, 1955 pg a33

DIETZEL, John W. November 10 of 1040 South Simmons Avenue, Montebello Park, formerly of Puente, loving father of Marjorie Gibson and Theodore Dietzel, brother of Julius Dietzel, Mrs. Jennie Booth and Mrs. Clara Hambleton, also survived by 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Services Monday, 2 p.m. at chapel of Custer & Christiansen, Covina. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

February 1, 1948

DIETZEL, Mary J., at 1040 South Simmons, East Los Angeles. January 30, beloved wife of J. W. Dietzel, loving mother of Marjorie Gibson of East Los Angeles and T. L. Dietzel of Long Beach, sister of Mrs. Sarah Ahlquist of Upland and Mrs. Margaret Spohn of Redondo. Funeral services 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feburary 3, at the chapel of Custer & Christiansen, Covina. Interment El Monte Cemetery, Rosemead.

 

April 19, 1898

George W. Dobyns, an old resident of El Monte, died yesterday. He had been in business in El Monte for twenty-five years. The funeral tomorrow will be conducted by the Masons.

 

Jul 2, 1902

PIONEER WOMAN DEAD [Biography of William R. Dodson]

EL MONTE,

July 1 – The funeral of Mrs. W. R. Dodson [Carrie] was held yesterday afternoon, and was very largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Dunham of Pasadena. Friends of the deceased, occupying about eighty carriages, followed the remains to their last resting place in Savannah Cemetery, where three generations of the Dodson family are at rest. The floral decorations were handsome and profuse. The death of Mrs. Dodson removes one of the few women who braved the dangers of the plains, she having driven across the continent with her husband and two small babies, arriving at Downey in 1868, and removing to El Monte in 1870, when there were but few white settlers in Southern California.

 

Aug 3, 1902

DODSON - At El Monte, Cal., August 2, 1902, Ralph Cedric Dodson, infant son of E. J. Dodson, a native of El Monte, Cal., aged 8 months. Funeral from residence of his parents at El Monte, Monday afternoon, 2 o'clock. Friends invited to attend. Interment Savannah Cemetery.

 

Feb 27, 1949

FRED WILLIAM DORMAN Funeral services for Fred William Dorman, 65, owner of a trucking firm, will be conducted tomorrow at 9 a.m. in Pierce Bros. Monterey Park Chapel. A native of Germany, he had lived at 302 E. Whitmore St. Wilmar, and died Thursday in Mt. Sinai Hospital. He leaves his widow, Emma Mae Dorman. Interment will follow in El Monte Cemetery.

 

May 16, 1949

CHESTER M. DOYLE Funeral services for Chester M. Doyle, 62, realty and mining broker and former mayor of El Monte, who died Saturday at California Hospital, will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the First Methodist Church of Baldwin Park. He lived at 963 S Merced St., Baldwin Park. He leaves, besides his widow, a son, Robert, and two grandchildren, all of Baldwin Park. Interment will be at El Monte Cemetery, by the Baldwin Park Funeral Home.

 

RE: DRAKE BURIALS March 11, 1896, p. 6

Licensed to Wed. Alfred DRAKE, 23 years old, a native New Yorker and a resident of El Monte, and Myra MAXON (MAXSON), 22 years old, a native California(n) and residing in El Monte.

 

James Devine Durfee (Photo courtesy of El Monte Museum and Paula Hinkel)

 

October 24, 1920

LAST WISH IS DENIED PIONEER Death Take Octogenarian of El Monte Before He can Cast Vote for Harding

Cheated of his dearest wish to vote for Harding and Coolidge at the coming election, James Devine Durfee, a resident of Southern California for more than sixty years and one of the original subscribers to The Times, died late Saturday at his home in El Monte. He was 80 years of age.

The sixteenth child in a family of nineteen children, Mr. Durfee was left an orphan in Quincy, Ill., when less than 7 years old. At 15, after having faced many of the hardships of frontier life in Illinois in the early fifties, he joined an emigrant train of sixty-five prarie schooners at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and started for the unknown West.

After almost five months of hardships, the little band, saddened by the loss of two of its members in encounters with the Indians, reached San Bernardino. Mr. Durfee remained there for three years, and when he was 18 years of age married Miss Diantha B. Clemenson, a resident of San Bernardino. The next year the couple moved to the homestead near El Monte, on which they lived continuously for more than sixty years.

Mr. Durfee not only accumulated a large amount of valuable land around El Monte, but also took a prominent part in movements to advance that section of the county and also in a number of projects of state-wide importance. As a delegate many times in succession to county and State Republican conventions he was widely known in political circles. For more than a quarter of a century he was a trustee of La Puente school and took a keen interest.

Mr. Durfee leaves a widow, a daughter, Mrs. Albert Slack, and a son, James R. Durfee, all residing a short distance outside of El Monte. The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. R. M. Webster of Sierra Madre and Rev. J. D. Croan of El Monte at the Durfee home tomorrow at 2 p.m., after which the body will be taken to Evergreen Cemetery for cremation.

[Note: The article states that the body was taken to Evergreen Cemetery for cremation. However, the directory definitely lists him--I just don't know if the ashes were interred./phinkel]

 

September 18, 1938 pg A20

ETHINGTON - John Henry Ethington of El Monte, beloved husband of Nora D. Ethington, father of Cuma Troesh, Gorden, Emery Berry and Harry Ethington. Services Monday 3:30 p.m. at J. L. Schanel Funeral Parlors, El Monte. Interment, El Monte Cemetery.

 

RE: PETER FORSEE July 27, 1888, p. 4

Woods Full of Campers. [Riverside Press.]

The woods are full of campers from Mountain Home, Mill Creek Canon, near Peter Forsee's, to Bear Valley Reservoir....

 

October 1, 1933, pg. C9

Francisco Rites to be Tomorrow: Covered Wagon Pioneer's Body to be Interred in El Monte Cemetery

Funeral services for Mrs. Kate B. Francisco, pioneer resident of Southern California and widely known Los Angeles clubwoman, who died last Thursday will be conducted tomorrow at 2:30 p.m. at the Bresee Brothers' chapel, 855 South Figueroa street

Active pallbearers were announced yesterday as William L. Riley, Hugh McGuire, Charles Smith, Edward Powell, Leslie R. Hewitt and Douglas Adams.

Mrs. Francisco, who died at her summer home at Laguna Beach, had maintained a home at 143 South Figueroa street for years. She was born in a covered wagon near Fort Cummings, N. M., near the present city of Deming, while her parents were on their way to California from Texas. She was 64 years of age at the time of death.

Actively interested in civic welfare work, she was one of the original organizers of the City Mothers Club of Los Angeles and was a life member of the Friday Morning Club. She was also a member of the exclusive Covered Wagon Club.

She leaves her husband, Andy W. Francisco, whose father was once allied with Gen. Harrison Grey Otis in the operation of The Times, and two sisters, Mrs. Pearl Atheran of San Francisco and Mrs. Nellie Durand.

Interment will be made in the Savannah Cemetery, El Monte.

 

RE: FRANKLIN BURIALS June 4, 1899, p.A8

Marriage Licenses. Ellis FRANKLIN, a native of California, aged 28 years, and a resident of Savannah, and May CUMMINGS, a native of California, aged 20 years, and a resident of El Monte.

 

Los Angeles Times August 22, 1933 pg 10

FUNERAL TODAY FOR JACKSON FREER

 

EL MONTE Aug. 21 –

Funeral services for 63-year-old Jackson Freer, pioneer resident, who died here yesterday, will be conducted tomorrow at 10 a.m. in Church of the Nativity. Services previously had been accounted for Wednesday morning.

 

Jan 18, 1924, p. 10

MONROVIAN FORTY-NINER "GOES WEST"

"Uncle Jim" Freer Came Over Old Truckee Route in Ox-cart at Age of 6 [Local Correspondence] EL MONTE, Jan 17. - James Bascome Freer, pioneer resident of El Monte, known many years as "Uncle Jim," died at his home in Monrovia Wednesday, 81 years of age. Mr. Freer was 6 years of age when he came with his parents to California, so that he was a genuine forty-niner, and had lived in this State for almost three-quarters of a century.

He was born in Missouri on April 14, 1843, and journeyed West in 1849 in an ox-car over the old Truckee route, the trip requiring five months. The family made its first settlement in Santa Clara county. In 1852, Mr. Freer came with his father on a prospect trip to southern California, and they were so favorably impressed that they moved with their family to San Gabriel Valley, where they, their children and their grandchildren have since resided.

Mr. Freer was married to Miss Sarah Hoffer, daughter of another well-known pioneer family, on March 26, 1868, and leaves his widow and four children, Mrs. Ida Avis of Ramon Acres, Edridge Freer of Ojai, and Wallace and George Freer of Monrovia.

"Uncle Jim" was a life long member of the El Monte Baptist Church, established in 1858. Funeral services will be conducted at the Shakespeare Clubrooms, El Monte, tomorrow at 2:00 p.m., Rev. George Taylor of Los Angeles officiating. Interment will be in the old Savannah Cemetery.

 

June 13, 1936, pg A-11

FREER - Thomas Freer, June 11, of El Monte, Cal., husband of Victoria Freer; father of Merle Love, Walter and Thomas Freer, Jr., of El Monte. Services Sunday, 2:30 p.m. at the J. M. Schanel parlors. Interment, El Monte Cemetery.

 

Oct 26, 1942

FINAL TRIBUTE PAID MRS. VICTORIA FREER EL MONTE.

Oct. 25. - Funeral services were conducted today in Schanel Mortuary for Mrs. Victoria Freer, who died Thursday morning.

For years a member of the Degree of Honor Lodge and active in the Savannah Cemetery Association, Mrs. Freer had lived in El Monte more than 64 years on the old Freer ranch. She leaves two sons, Walter and Dr. Thomas P. Freer; a daughter, Merle Freer Love, all of El Monte; a sister, Janie Freer of San Gabriel, and a brother, Frank Schmidt of Tulare.

 

May 21, 1946, pg 8

FULKERSON, Roger L., of 2952 S. San Gabriel Blvd., Wilmar, beloved son of Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Fulkerson, brother of Mace G., Steven V., Thomas A., Allen R., Alice G & Helen. Services will be conducted Wed. at 2 p.m. from the "Chapel of the Valley." Lee R. Hill Mortuary, Temple City. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

December 14, 1933, pg 16

GARNER. Rudolph C. Garner, loving husband of Cora M. Garner, member of Sunnyside Masonic Lodge, No. 577. F&AM. Friends will assemble at the parlors of L. F. Utter Co., at 10625 South Broadway. Services at 2 o'clock at the grave in El Monte Cemetery.

 

Dec 16, 1903 AZUSA.

DEC 15. - Caleb Garrett died Sunday at his home near Azusa. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon at El Monte, the interment being at the Savannah Cemetery. Mr. Garrett was a native of Tennessee, and was 84? years of age. He formerly lived in El Monte, and for the past half dozen years has made his home on his orange ranch, a part of the Slauson tract, which he purchased in 1897.

 

Dec. 18, 1903, p. A7

C. Garrett, who died in Azusa last week, was buried in the El Monte Cemetery yesterday.

 

Times May 27, 1960

Mrs. Emma J. Garrett: Funeral services for Mrs. Emma Garrett, 88, will be conducted today at 3 p.m. in Pierce Bros. Monterey Park Chapel, followed by interment in El Monte Cemetery. Born in Oregon, Mrs. Garrett had been a Calfironia resident for 68 years. She lived at 360 Big Dalton Ave., La Puente, and died on Wednesday. Mrs. Garrett leaves a grandson, Jordan A. Garrett; two great-grandchildren, Jayne and Lloyd Garrett; a sister, Elva Rambo, and two brothers, Wallace and Willard Hoeye.

 

Nov. 9, 1891, p. 7

DIED. GIBSON - F.W. Gibson at Savannah, aged 83 years. Funeral from his late residence at Savannah today at 2 p.m. Friends and acquaintenances are invited to attend. Deceased was the father of E.D. Gibson, Sheriff of Los Angeles county.

 

April 21, 1888, p. 3

OUR NEIGHBORS. Mr. Brace Gibson of Savannah yesterday buried his only remaining child. [Note: Luty Etta Gibson] Less than a month ago his young and amiable wife [Note: Luty Velmar Gibson] was laid to rest, a victim of that fell disease, consumption. Mr. Gibson has the sincere sympathy of his friends in his bereavement.

 

September 28, 1938 pg A20

GRAYBILL - Services for Josephine E. Graybill 2 p.m. today at the graveside in El Monte Cemetery. Pierce Brothers, directors.

 

Jun 30, 1917

HURT BY GIBES, COMMITS SUICIDE. EL MONTE,

June 29. - Unable to stand the gibes of fellow-workmen at a local creamery, who criticized him because of his Prussian sympathies, Gus Grippenthrong walked out of his residence, corner Lexington and Main streets, to the rear of his house and cut his throat yesterday. He died a few minutes later. - The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at the residence at 2 o'clock. Burial will be at the Savannah Cemetery.

 

Dec. 1, 1918, p. I8 EL MONTE,

Nov. 30. - Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guess received official notice yesterday of the death of their son, Sergt. John Guess. He was wounded in the Argonne Forest early in October, and death occurred on November 7. He entered the service in September, 1917, and was with Co. H. Three Hundred and Sixty-fourth Infantry, Ninety-first Division. Early last July he went overseas and entered active service on September 26.

 

RE: HARRIET GUESS - see STEELE

 

Mar 17, 1942

HADDOX. Eli Milton Haddox. Services 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Schanel Mortuary, 444 South Tyler, El Monte. Interment, El Monte Cemetery.

 

From: Vida Permelia Haggard Family Tree on OneGreatFamily.com

Vida Permelia Haggard (OGFN: 513998718) Birth: 29 DEC 1876 at Fearn Springs, (Winston), Mississippi Death: 14 MAR 1959 at Rosemead Cemetery, Los Angeles, (Los Angeles), California

 

January 7, 1960 pg b14

Mrs. Bessie Hannah: Funeral services for Mrs. Bessie M. Hannah, 69, will be conducted today at 1 p.m. in Pierce Bros. Monterey Park Chapel, followed by interment in El Monte Cemetery. Born in Michigan, Mrs. Hannah had been a California resident for 53 years. She lived at 2719 Stingle Ave., South San Gabriel, and died in Pico Rivera Hospital on Tuesday. Mrs. Hannah leaves her husband Robert; a daughter, Cleo Halby; two sons, Joe B and James R Myers, and 10 grandchildren.

 

Sep 4, 1929

DEATHS HEINZE. At Puente, September 2, Clara A. Heinze, aged 73 years, beloved mother of Mrs. Edwin Booth of Wasco, Cal., Mrs. Charles Hambleton of Los Angeles, J. W. Ditzel of Puente and Julius Ditzel of Montebello. - Funeral services will be held from the Community Church, Puente, Thursday, September 5, at 2 p.m. Interment, Savannah Cemetery, Custer, Christiansen and Moore, Covina, directors.

 

August 9, 1883, pg O-4

Robert Huett died yesterday at the Sisters' Hospital and was interred at El Monte. (Is listed; name in directory spelled *HEWITT*. Death date recorded as August 7, 1883./phinkel)

 

October 16, 1904, pg. 11 EL MONTE - Walnut Belt Notes EL MONTE

October 15 - Mrs. Carrie Hughes died at 6:15 p.m. on Friday at her home, after an illness of several weeks of typhoid fever. The funeral services will take place tomorrow. A daughter, Miss Emma Hughes, is seriously ill of typhoid fever.

 

RE: JOHNSON, Alfred M., died 22 Aug. 1855 at El Monte

From Richard O. Johnson, descendant:

Thanks for posting the information about the El Monte/Savannah Cemetery on the Modoc County list. My great-great-great-grandfather is supposedly buried there, Alfred M. Johnson, who died in El Monte in 1855. He was the father of the fabled "Capt. William Johnson" who led one of the early wagon trains to El Monte in 1852. The story as I heard it is that his marker was made of wood, and burned at some point when a grass fire hit the cemetery. There are some other family members buried there. I will send you complete information soon; I'm at work now and don't have it at hand. I've visited the cemetery two or three times; it would be very sad to see it destroyed.

[Note: The notion that wooden headboards all burned when grass fires swept through cemeteries is generally more legend than fact. Grass fires move very rapidly and generally will not long enough near wooden headboards to completely wipe them out. A headboard would have to be in an extremely decayed condition to burn away completely in a grass fire. S. Silver.]

 

May 4, 1963 pg. 17

JUDSON, Mrs. Amy S., of 117 E. San Marino Ave., Alhambra, passed away May 2, 1963, a native of Massachusetts and a resident of this area 59 years, mother of Mrs. Mabel Kelly, Mrs. Carrie Kahl, Mrs. Ruby Mae Sherwood, Mrs. Grace Schmeideberg and Theo Judson; also survived by 7 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Services 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the chapel of the DuBois Funeral Home, 116 N. San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel. Dr. Donald W. Dickson officiant. Private interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

October 28, 1937

KENNEDY - Wilbert Kennedy of 11117 Sarah Street, North Hollywood, beloved husband of Amelia Kennedy; father of Bruce Kennedy and Mrs. Mary E. Cain. Services Friday at 2 p.m. at the chapel of Alvarez & Moore under auspices of Euclid Lodge No. 519, F & A M. Interment, El Monte Cemetery.

 

December 17, 1929 - pg. 12

[Biography of Thomas H. Lambert]

Prominent Woman Dies in Hospital EL MONTE, Dec. 16 - Mrs. Thomas H. Lambert, pioneer resident of El Monte, and prominent in affairs of the Eastern Star, died at Alhambra Hospital yesterday following an operation necessitated by a week's illness. She was 58 years of age, and the wife of the vice-president of the First National Bank of El Monte, and former president of the Los Angeles County Farm Bureau. The couple came here from Missouri thirty-two years ago. Besides her husband, Mrs. Lambert leaves one daughter, Mrs. Stella Marshall.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the J. M. Schanel mortuary, under Eastern Star auspices. Rev. David F. Barnett, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, will officiate. Burial will be in El Monte Cemetery.

 

November 18, 1936, pg 22

LEAVITT - At Alhambra, November 16, 1936. Verne J. Leavitt, loving husband of Geraldine Leavitt and son of Lucius A. Leavitt of El Monte. Services Thursday morning at 10 o'clock at chapel of Turner, Stevens & Turner. 259 East Main street, Alhambra. Interment, El Monte Cemetery.

 

Jan 26, 1892

[Biography of Mrs. Fannie Lewis]

LEWIS - Ira D. Lewis, infant son of I. D. and Fannie Lewis of Puente, aged 17 months. Funeral Tuesday, January 26, at Savannah Cemetery.

 

July 14, 1904, pg. A7

Lindsey Funeral: The funeral of John Lindsey was held this afternoon at Savannah Cemetery. Mr. Lindsey died suddenly from an abscess in the head. He was taken to a Los Angeles hospital in an ambulance, but passed away soon after reaching the institution. He was 24 years of age and a native of Alabama. He came here two years ago and was in the employ of the Raab Creamery Co. He was married last November to Miss Jessie Pullee. His parents, brothers and sisters are in Alabama.

 

Mar 7, 1946

GARVEY WOMAN, 100 TO BE LAID TO REST

GARVEY, March 6. - Funeral services for Mrs. Serene Frances Livingood, 2654 S. Charlotte Ave., who would have been 101 years old March 28, will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the Wilson Mortuary Chapel here, with Rev. Vivian Twyford of Eagle Rock officiating. Interment will be in El Monte Cemetery.

Mrs. Livingood, who pioneered in Kansas and Missouri, came here two and a half years ago. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Grace O. Carpenter of this community.

 

May 16, 1912 pg. I-12

DISAGREES WITH VERDICT.

Under Sheriff is Convinced El Monte Man Wasn't Murdered and Investigation is Dropped.

Despite the fact that a Coroner's jury found yesterday that William R. Lodge of El Monte, whose body was mangled by a Pacific Electric train on a trestle near his home Monday night, was murdered, Under Sheriff Brain feels convinced that the man was not murdered and Deputy Sheriffs have ceased working on the case.

The verdict of the jury, following an inquest at Pierce Bros' morgue yesterday morning, is as follows:

"William Robert Lodge came to his death May 13, 1912, at the hands of a person or persons unknown to this jury; the body, dead or alive, was placed across the tracks on the bridge, a quarter of a mile west of El Monte, and the car ran over and mutilated the body."

According to Brain, he had a talk with the dead man's brother, J. E. Lodge. Brain feels sure the dead man, while intoxicated, fell or lay down on the tracks and was killed by the train.

The Deputy Sheriffs declare Lodge had been drinking all Monday evening and that he got off the car at a station two miles west of El Monte and endeavored to walk the remainder of the distance to his home, via the car tracks.

The funeral will be held this morning at Pierce Bros. Interment will be at Savannah Cemetery, near El Monte.

 

June 23, 1910, p. II14 EL MONTE

June 22 - Perry Logan, flagman at the Pacific Electric and Southern Pacific crossing was found dead at 11 o'clock last night in the lookout. A motorman, failing to get his signal to cross, investigated the cause, with the result stated. Mr. Logan was about 45 years old, and leaves a widow. Heart failure is given as the cause of the death. The Coroner's inquest will be held today at Forst's undertaking rooms.

 

November 20, 1955 pg. A29

Funeral Services to be conducted by Pierce Bros: Loynd, Thomas M., El Monte Cemetery.

 

Nov 13, 1937

OBITUARY MRS. MARY E. LYNCH Funeral services for Mrs. Mary E. Lynch, widow of Charles A. Lynch, will be conducted today at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Edwards Brothers Colonial mortuary. Interment will follow in the El Monte Cemetery. Mrs. Lynch had been a resident of Los Angeles for the last sixty-two years, coming here from Vancouver, B.C., in 1875.

 

April 30, 1958, pg A7

Druggist 60 years in Temple City Dies.

April 29. John Maag, 81, a druggist here for 60 years, died yesterday. Graveside services, arranged by Turner, Stevens & Turner of Alhambra, will be conducted at 1p.m. Thursday at El Monte Cemetery. Mr. Maag leaves his widow Leone and a sister, Emma Maag of Temple City.

 

October 18, 1949 pg b10

MALCOM, Florence Cooper, beloved mother of Mrs. John L. Kirkham. Services 1 p.m. Thursday, at Praiswater's Funeral Home Chapel, 5849 Van Nuys Boulevard. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

January 20, 1890, p. 4

A Sad Death. Yesterday morning Coroner Meredith held an inquest at El Monte upon the body of Jose Maria, an old Indian between 70 and 80 years old. He was found dead upon the station platform in the morning. The evidence showed that he was around the station during the night before, and laid down upon the bench where he died. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased came to his death from alcoholism and exposure. The old fellow was the husband of an Indian woman who was killed at San Gabriel several years ago. She was run over by the Colton local while lying drunk upon the railroad track

 

May 24, 1899

Benjamin F. Maxson (Photo courtesy of the El Monte Museum and Paula Hinkel) MET A VIOLENT DEATH Fatal Accident Befalls and El Monte Rancher

B. F. Maxson struck by a Southern Pacific Train near Shorb, sustaining injuries which proved fatal a few hours later.

B. F. Maxson, one of the most prominent walnut growers in Southern California, died in the Receiving Hospital at 8:05 o'clock yesterday evening, as the result of injuries received by being struck by a Southern Pacific train from a few hours earlier, while driving from this city to his home at El Monte.

About half-way between the city limits and Shorb's Junction, the highway to El Monte crosses the railroad. At this crossing the train overtook the buggy containing Mr. Maxson and Mr. Warner, both hard of hearing. Maxson, who was driving, evidently did not hear the train, nor see it until he was within a few feet of the crossing, when he suddenly whipped up his horse and tried to cross the track in front of the oncoming train.

The effort was too late. The locomotive struck the horse broadside and tore him from the vehicle. The animal was killed outright. The detached buggy was upset and broken, and the occupants were hurled to the ground with great violence. Warner escaped with a few bruises, but Maxson sustained a severe fracture of the skull and his right collar bone was broken and driven into the lungs, causing an internal hemmorhage, from the effects of which he died a few hours later.

The engineer had put on the brakes has soon as he saw Maxson attempt to cross the tracks ahead of the engine, but the momentum was so great that the disaster occurred before the train could be stopped. The injured man and his companion were taken aboard the train to Shorb's where they were transferred to the Monrovia local westward bound. The latter train was met at the Arcade Depot by the polic ambulance, which conveyed the patient to the Receiving Hospital. Police Surgeon Hagan saw, after a brief examination that the man's life could not be saved. If the wound in the chest had not killed him, the one on the head probably would have been sufficient of itself to produce death, though not so quickly.

Maxson never regained consciousness after he was struck, but was gradually suffocated by the blood which fluxed his lungs. One of his daughters and her husband, A. C. Drake, who came in from El Monte as soon as they heard the news, were with him when he died. C. M. Smith of the Western Iron Works, who is a distant relative of the family, was also present when the end came.

At the request of the relatives the body was removed to Paul's undertaking parlors in East Los Angeles to be prepared for burial. The Coroner will probably hold an inquest over the remains today.

The only witness of the accident who could be seen yesterday evening was the man, Warner, but he was so dazed that he could not tell how it happened, except that he made the positive statement that Maxson whipped up his horse to cross the track when it was too late. Warner is very deaf, and says he did not hear or see the train until it was right upon them. The presumption is that Maxson, who was also afflicted with deafness, did not observe the train, either, until it was too late, and in the excitement of the moment urged his horse forward instead of reining him in.

B. F. Maxson was 58 years old, and had lived at El Monte for some years, where he owned one of the best walnut orchards in the county. He is said to have been worth about $150,000. His wife, who is afflicted with consumption, has been near the point of death for several weeks, and is not expected to survive the shock of her husband's violent taking off. Besides the widow, there are five children in the bereaved family--one son and four daughters. [NOTE: Both B. F. Maxson and his wife, Olive, are buried at Savannah. She died in 1900./phinkel]

 

June 30, 1899, p. 6

Suicide at Savanna.

Coroner Holland received a telephone message from El Monte last night to the effect that a man named Miner had committed suicide by hanging himself at Savanna, about one and one-half miles distant from El Monte. No additional details were received and Coroner Holland, accompanied by Deputy Strubel, will go out this morning to hold an inquest.

 

April 25, 1951 pg. A11

David D. Mings: Funeral services for David D. Mings, 56, sports promoter who died Monday, will be conducted Friday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Kaulbers Mortuary in Anaheim. A native of Puente, Mr. Mings was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and had serviced in World War I with the AEF in Siberia. He was a promoter of automobile racing at the old Ascot race track and later promoted and managed rodeos throughout the nation as well as in Memorial Coliseum here. In recent years he had operated dance halls here and in Anaheim. He leaves his widow, Mrs. Ruth Mings, 876 S. Claudina St., Anaheim. Interment will be at Savannah Cemetery, El Monte.

 

October 10, 1960 - pg 28

Mrs. Laura C. Moses: Funeral services for Mrs. Laura Calista Moses, 90, widow of a pioneer El Monte resident and rancher in Bassett, will be conducted at 11 a.m. tomorrow at the First Methodist Church of El Monte. Mrs. Moses died Saturday. She resided at 645 Daleview Ave., El Monte. Services will be directed by the Roy C. Addleman & Son Funeral Home. Interment will be at El Monte Cemetery. She leaves 6 daughters, Mrs. W. E. Sauder, Mrs. T. W. Mitchell, Mrs. E. W. Huddleston, Mrs. E. E. Marcum, Mrs. R. J. Roberts and Mrs. Helen S. Allen; 1 son, Lewis; 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

 

December 13, 1933, pg 16

MULLHOLAND - Clarence Mullholand, December 10, son of Elizabeth and Charles Mullholand. Services Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the J. M. Schanel funeral parlor, El Monte. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

March 23, 1932 pg 20

MUNROE. March 22, 1932, at 392 Kensington Place, Pasadena, Glen H., husband of Nellie Munroe and father of Kenneth H. Munroe of Pasadena; brother of W. H. Munroe of Kansas City. Funeral services Thursday at 2 p.m. in Memory Chapel, Ives & Warren Co., 100 North Hill avenue, Pasadena. Interment, El Monte Cemetery.

 

August 9, 1961, pg. 29

Mrs. Ann H. Norris: Funeral services for Mrs. Anna H. Norris, 90, of 1240 Larimore Ave., La Puente, mother of Gordon W. Norris, poet laureate of California, will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Baldwin Park Funeral Home, with interment in El Monte Cemetery. Mrs. Norris died Sunday at Rose Haven Rest Home in Baldwin Park. Born in Worth County, Ia., she came to California 71 years ago. She was the widow of Matthew Tyler Norris, first child born of English-speaking parents in the San Gabriel Valley. She leaves, in addition to her son, Gordon, of La Puente, another son, Lorain D. Norris of Los Angeles, and a brother, George H. Wolliscroft of Yucaipa.

 

Death Certificate Transcription: #19530 (2000),

PAINTER, Myra - Myra Painter d. 12/1/1959 2:20pm Female Cauc. b. 8/22/1870 IL Age = 89 Widowed f. John Fowler, IL m. Unknown Gordon, IL Occupation: Housewife, 70 years Deathplace: Rosemead Sanitarium, 9025 Guess St, Rosemead Lived in community and state 29 years Residence: 305 Kauffman St, El Monte Informant: Herman L Painter Burial: 12/4/1959 El Monte Cemetery Schanel Mortuary Cause: Cerebral vascular accident 4 hours Cerebral arteriosclerosis 10 years

 

October 1, 1941 pg 16

PASWATER - Charles. Graveside services 2:30 p.m. Thursday at El Monte Cemetery. Pierce Brothers' Monterey Park Mortuary, directors.

 

August 10, 1952 pg. 44

Mrs. Mamie M. Peterson: Services for Mrs. Mamie Mary Peterson, who died on Friday, the day after her 92nd birthday, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Graham & Isbell Mortuary. Mrs. Peterson, who lived at 1227 S. Catalina Ave., came to California in 1862. She leaves two brothers, George Slace of Los Angeles and A. V. Slack of Huntington Park. Burial will be in the family plot in the El Monte Cemetery.

 

Jan. 16, 1936, p. A18 Obituary –

Deaths. POLLARD. January 14, 1936, Charles A. Pollard, aged 75 years, loving father of Mrs. Lela J. Colahan, Barney A., Jesse C. and Guy D. Pollard. Services at parlors of Paul D. Robinson, 1001 West Washington Boulevard, at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 18. Interment Rosemead Cemetery.

 

August 7, 1891, pg 2

Mrs. Margaret J. Prouty filed a petition for the admission to probate of the will of Joseph Prouty, who died at El Monte on July 20, last, leaving real and personal property valued at $2150.

 

LA Times, July 25, 1899, pg. 5:

SUICIDE. Frank Rector at El Monte Takes Laudanum After Consigning His Team of Mules to A Lingering Death-A Man with an Eventful Career-His Scalp Lock

At 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon the remains of Frank Rector, a citizen of El Monte, were found in the willows near that place, in a horrible state of decomposition. The discovery was made by ex-Justice J. McGirk of the Monte.

Rector was a man about 65 years of age, and weight about 240 pounds. He had resided at the Monte two or three years, devoting himself to farming. Last winter he put in a crop of grain on Baldwin's ranch, and, as it did not turn out well, and he became financially embarrassed, he grew despondent.

About a week ago he left his home with a two-mule team for the ostensible purpose of going to Baldwin's to get money to pay his men off. When he did not return the same night no one thought anything of it, as he was in the habit of remaining away from home a week at a time. It now seems that he drove into the willows, unhitched his mules from the wagon and tied them to some saplings with chain halters. When the animals were found one of them had pawed a hole in the ground four feet deep and was dead, and the other was almost dead and hardly able to move.

After tying his team Rector had laid his overcoat on the ground for a blanket, taken his under coat off and folded it up for a pillow, then taken a fatal dose and composed himself to sleep with his hat over his face. An empty pint bottle that had held whisky and another bottle of the same size with about a spoonful of laudanum in it that were found by the side of the dead man told the story.

A silver watch, brass chain and some papers were found on his person, but he wrote nothing by way of farewell. Rector has had quite an interesting history. He was scalped by Comanches at Rock Creek, Tex., in 1857, but recovered, and his father, who is still alive, recovered the scalplock from the Indians, and has it still.

The deceased is said to have visited California in 1844, but he went back and joined the Confederate army in 1861, rising to the position of colonel. He leaves a wife and a boy, the latter 5 years old.

Coroner Meredith was notified last night and held an inquest at once. The jury found that Rector came to his death from an overdose of laudanum taken by himself with intent to commit suicide.

 

Los Angeles Times, February 14, 1924

Chino Physician Dead; Stricken While at Work. Chino, Feb. 13

Dr. Elgar Reed, veteran physician of Chino for many years, died at his home here today following a brief illness, due directly to overwork, it is believed. Dr. Reed was stricken with paralysis Friday evening while vaccinating school children. He continued to grow weaker until his death. Tireless efforts to check a threatened smallpox epidemic are believed to have brought on the paralytic stroke.

Dr. Reed was 58 years of age and is survived by his widow, Mrs. Mary F. Reed, and other relatives who live in this section,

Funeral services will be conducted from the Chino High School Auditorium Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock. Interment will be in the Savannah Cemetery, El Monte. Masons will be in charge of services at the grave.

 

Los Angeles Times January 11, 1938 pg A15

ILLNESS FATAL - EARLY EL MONTE SETTLER DIES Civil War Veteran Served Fifty Years as Weighmaster EL MONTE Jan. 10 –

George B. Renfro, 94 years of age, died here today at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Della Gridley, 2440 Lower Azusa Road.

Mr. Renfro, who was the oldest living weighmaster in Los Angeles County, had enjoyed good health up until a week ago when he became ill with a cold. Pneumonia developed, causing his death.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Schanel funeral home.

The nonagenarian was born October 9, 1843 in Illinois. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln and served in the Civil War. In 1882 he came to California, settling in Sierra Madre. Two years later he moved to El Monte, where he had resided since. For fifth years he was active as a weighmaster, retiring about two years ago.

Four generations of the Renfro family were represented at a party in honor of Mr. Renfro on his ninety-fourth birthday anniversary last October.

He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Della Gridley and Mrs. Etta Degarmo, and a son, A. D. Renfro of El Monte; nine grandchildren, including Alva Degarmo air mail pilot for United Air Lines, eleven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. [See LA Times, 7/27/1928, p. A10 for article regarding Mr. and Mrs. George B. Renfro. He was at that time the oldest weighmaster in the State, having operated the scales for thirty years. There is a (not so good) photo of the Renfro's standing next to the scale./ssilver]

 

 

 

May 10, 1910 Pg. I-11

Kills Man, is Exonerated. Spanish Lad of Mt. View Thought He Fired in Air, but Shot Night Prowler on Farm.

El MONTE, May 9 – Jose Arreguin, 16 years old, who resides with his parents near the J.S. Killian ranch in Mt. View., was exonerated Monday by a coroner's jury and also in a preliminary before Justice R. M. Webster of having intentionally killed a stranger named Frank Reugal.

Late on the night of April 30, the boy and other members of the family were aroused by a noise as of some one prowling around the yard. Observing a man, the boy asked him three times what he wanted. Receiving no answer he opened the window and shot, as the thought, into the air. Instead the bullet lodged in the man's forehead, killing him instantly. The boy went to the Killian home at once and told J. Killian, Jr., what he had done. He made no attempt to escape. His family are industrious and hard-working Spanish people and are highly respected.

The man who was killed had been in this neighborhood only about two weeks and nothing is known about him. Thirty cents and a postal card addressed to a friend were found in his pockets. The remains were buried in Savannah cemetery.

 

November 11, 1951, pg. 32

Widower Ends Life at Grave of his Beloved

Edwin Roth, 74, lost his wife Mary Jane two years ago. She is buried at El Monte Cemetery.

Roth made arrangements with the Schanel Mortuary that when his time came he would be buried by her side.

Apparently, said Sheriff's deputies, he tired of waiting.

They said that early yesterday Roth drove from his home, 3026 N. Walnut Grove Ave., Rosemead, to the cemetery and parked near her headstone.

Later attendants found his body in the car. A hose had been attached to the exhaust pipe.

 

Nov 1, 1899

SAWYER - At University, October 30, Hiram F. Sawyer, a native of Massachusetts, aged 62 years 2 months 4 days. Funeral from family residence, Howes tract, No. 1517 West Thirty-eighth street, Wednesday, November 1, 1899, at 9 o'clock a.m., sharp. Friends invited to attend. Interment Savannah Cemetery.

 
 

April 8, 1902 pg 10

DROWNED HERSELF IN A TANK OF OIL

Mrs. C. F. Schweitzer Commits Suicide at El Monte Had made a Previous Attempt to End her Life, but was Saved - Believed to Have Been Mentally Unbalanced Through Trouble

Mrs. C. F. Schweitzer of El Monte committed suicide some time Sunday night by throwing herself into a large tank of crude oil used as fuel at a pumping plant of a neighbor, and her body was found floating in the tank yesterday morning. The deceased was the widow of C. F. Schweitzer, for nearly twenty years foreman of "Lucky" Baldwin's winery, who died two years ago. She had resided on the Santa Anita ranch for many years, and had raised a family there.

For several months members of the family and intimate friends had noticed that Mrs. Schweitzer was acting queerly, but until Friday night no one thought that she would carry out her oft-repeated threat of suicide. On that night she procured a large quantity of morphine and took all of it. The dose was so large that it made her very sick, and after several hours' work a physician pronounced her out of danger. She then said she would not again attempt to take her life, and therefore was not watched. Yesterday morning she was missed, and a search was made for her. After several hours the body was found in the tank of oil.

It is believed that Mrs. Schweitzer had been mentally unbalanced for months, that condition being due to many troubles which she had experienced since the death of her husband. Five years ago her twenty-year-old son committed suicide by shooting himself through the head, and this bereavement ultimately caused the death of the young man's father. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Schweitzer had struggled hard to maintain her remaining son and two daughters. She cultivated an orchard herself, and with the proceeds managed to earn an income sufficient for the support of her children.

 

November 30, 1958 Pg c-13
[Biography of Ephraim J. Shirpser]

E. J. Shirpser, Former El Monte Mayor, Dies.

Ephriam J. Shirpser, 79, resident of El Monte since 1886 and former Mayor of that city, died yesterday at his home, 4414 El Rovia Ave., after a long illness.

 

December 1, 1958 p. b16

SHIRPSER, Ephriam J., of El Monte, beloved husband of Fluvia Dobyns Shirpser, passed away November 29. Remains will lie in state Tuesday, December 2, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, El Monte. Funeral services Wednesday, 10 a.m., at Masonic Temple, El Monte. Interment El Monte Cemetery. Roy C. Addleman & Son, directors in charge.

A native of Ukiah, Mr. Shirpser moved with his family to the Rosemead area in the early 1880s. Before becoming president of the Valley Savings and Loan Association about 14 years ago, he had been an El Monte merchant and real estate and insurance broker. Mr. Shirpser was Mayor and helped direct emergency relief during the flu epidemic of 1918. He also served as a City Councilman and was a member of the El Monte Elementary School District board of trustees for 16 years. The Shirpser Elementary School was named in his honor.

Mr. Shirpser was a charter member of the El Monte Lions Club, a member of the local IOOF Lodge and a 50-year Mason.

Mr. Shirpser leaves his widow, Fluvia Dobyns Shirpser; a daughter, Mrs. Marjorie Votruba; a sister, Mrs. Cecelia Smith; two granddaughter[s] and two great-grandsons.

The body will lie in state Tuesday from 6 to 9:30 p.m. in the First Christian Church of El Monte. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 10 a.m. in El Monte Masonic Temple, under the direction of Roy C. Addleman & Son Funeral Home. Interment will be in El Monte Cemetery.

 

July 15, 1892, p. 2

TIRED OF LIFE. Suicide of the Wife of a Storekeeper at Savanna. She Took Strychnine and Died in a Few Minutes - No Cause Known for the Deed...

Yesterday morning a telephone message was received at the Coroner's office to the effect that Mrs. S. Schirpser, the wife of a small storekeeper at Savanna, near El Monte, had committed suicide by taking poison.

So far as known there was no cause for the rash act. The woman was the second wife of S. Schirpser, who formerly kept a small general store on South Spring street, opposite the Courthouse, in this city. Some months ago Shirpser moved to El Monte, where he remained until a short time ago, when he removed to Savanna. The couple had one child, and their domestic affairs were apparently happy. Yesterday morning Schirpser noticed that his wife was very restless, and kept moving about the house, going out in the yard once or twice. He asked her if she was sick, when she said no, and returning into the house went to the front door, which she opened, and after looking up and down the street for a few seconds, suddenly fell to the floor in convulsions. She was picked up and taken to her room, when her husband immediately sent for a physician. There was no suspicion as to suicide until the messenger started off for the doctor, when Mrs. Schirpser told her husband that it was useless, as it was too late for him to do any good. The messenger, nevertheless, started off, but the woman died in a few minutes without having made any explanation.

A search of the premises was then made, when a bottle of strychnine was found, some of which had been taken, and the Coroner was notified. Word was then sent to the Coroner's office, but as Dr. Weldon was absent at Acton, holding an inquest on the body of John Downs, the Justice of the Peace at El Monte held the inquest on the body of Mrs. Schirpser. [The name Schirpser is variously spelled above as it was found in the article.]

 

July 16, 1892, p. 8 CORONER'S CASES. John Downs' Death in the Mountains - The Savannah Suicide.

The Coroner also went out to Savannah where he held an inquest on the body of Mrs. Lucy Schirpser, the wife of S. Schirpser, a store-keeper at that place, who committed suicide Thursday by taking strychnine. No facts were brought out beyond what were published in THE TIMES yesterday morning, and the jury returned a verdict that Lucy Schirpser, aged 25 years, a native of Germany, came to her death by taking strychnine with suicidal intent, and that no blame attaches to any member of the family.

 

May 19, 1943 pg 18

SHOBE, Letcher E. Services 8 p.m. today at Pierce Brothers, 720 West Washington Boulevard. Interment El Monte Cemetery 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

 

January 15, 1959 pg. B3

P. W. Shropshire Rites Today In El Monte: Graveside services for Pleas Wallace Shropshire, 80, San Gabriel Valley pioneer who died Monday, will be conducted at 1 p.m. today in El Monte Cemetery.

The Times yesterday erroneous listed Mr. Shropshires' first name as Thels and reported the services were to be conducted yesterday in Rose Hills Memorial Park.

Mr. Shropshire, who lived at 912 W. Valley Blvd., El Monte, was born in National Springs, Ark. He had lived in El Monte since 1890 and was one of the last remaining San Gabriel Valley veterans of the Spanish-American War.

He leaves a sister, Mrs. Cassie Wilson of El Monte, 11 nieces, and six nephews.

El Monte American Legion Post 261 will accord full military honors at the services, with Schanel's Mortuary of El Monte directing.

 

September 10, 1962 - pg B8

Mrs. Corrine Shugg: Services for Mrs. Corinne Shugg, 74, will be conducted at 11 a.m. today in Pierce Bros. Monterey Park Chapel, followed by interment in El Monte Cemetery. Mrs. Shugg, a California resident for 56 years, lived at 1111 Electric Ave., Seal Beach, and died Thursday. She leaves two sons, Douglas L. and Donald V. Smith.

 

March 1, 1915, pg I-8

Last Rites Today Body of Nonegenarian Pioneer Will be Laid to Rest at Savanna Cemetery

Funeral services over the body of William Slack, one of the oldest pioneers of Los Angeles county, who passed away on Friday, will be conducted at 2 o'clock this afternoon at the grave at Savanna Cemetery, Rev. Carmichael of Garden Grove officiating. Mr. Slack, who died at the family residence, No. 1050 North Serrano street, Hollywood, was 91 years of age. He had lived here twenty-three years.

Mr. Slack was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England in 1823. He brought his family to America in 1850, landing at New Orleans. He crossed the plains with an ox team, stopping at Salt Lake City for two years. Then he came to El Monte in 1852, where he spent most of his life. He started in the cattle business and met with success. At the time of his death he owned a large ranch south of El Monte. He also owned several store buildings in El Monte.

In 1893 Mr. Slack located in Los Angeles. His first wife died in El Monte, leaving a family of ten children, all of whom are living.

Later he married Mrs. Catherine Robinson. Children mourning him are William Thomas of San Gabriel, Johnathan Albert and Mrs. Eliza Schmitt of El Monte, Richard J. of Puente, Mrs. Elizabeth Quinn, Mrs. G. L. Matthews, Mrs. Mary Peterson, George and Arthur Varley of Los Angeles.

 

June 11, 1897, p. 27

Orange County Brevities.

The infant child of James Sleeper died Friday morning.

 

June 12, 1897 pg 11

Leander Sleeper, aged 64, died Thursday evening at the home of his son, James Sleeper of the San Joaquin ranch. His remains will be taken to El Monte for interment.

From Hollis Holcomb, Holcomb/Pound/Hultsman Family of Arkansas (Rootsweb.com): Re: Sarah A. Holyfield Murphey Sleeper Sarah died 1/101/1905. Obit: "SLEEPER---Jan. 10, at the residence of her son, James Sleeper, on Birch Street, Mrs. Sarah Sleeper, aged 72 years. The funeral will be held tomorrow 1 o'clock p.m. and interment will be made at San Gabriel."

 

March 31, 1904 pg A7

LONG LIFE ENDS AT EL MONTE

Nicholas Smith had Farmed there Half a Century Pioneer of Days of Forty-nine who Crossed Plains by Ox Team, Dies - Republican since Founding of Great Party, and Fifty-three years on One Ranch

 

EL MONTE March 30 –

Nicholas Smith, one of the pioneers of 1849, died here yesterday. Mr. Smith was a native of Prussia. At the age of 20 years he entered the Prussian military service, and served four years in the Ninth Regiment of Prussian Hussars. After his discharge from the service he was employed in agricultural pursuits until 1847. In that year he emigrated to the United States and upon his arrival engaged in farm labor in Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1849 the gold fever prompted him to seek his fortune in California, and in the spring of that year he joined a party of emigrants that started across the plains for California. This journey was made by ox teams, the route taken being through Utah, and thence by the southern route to California. Late in the year, Mr. Smith arrived in San Bernardino county, where he remained until the following spring, and then located in Los Angeles, where he established a boarding-house, which he conducted until 1851. In that year he came here and took up a government claim of 160 acres about one mile east of El Monte. Here he established his residence and devoted himself to agricultural pursuits.

For over half a century Mr. Smith had resided upon his farm, giving years of steady toil to its improvement and cultivation and making it a valuable property. With the exception of planting a small family orchard, his operations were confined to hay, grain and stock raising. His long residence here made him well known throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and his straightforward dealings with his fellow men and his consistent course of life gained him the respect and esteem of his associates. In politics he was a sound Republican and had supported that party since its organization in 1856.

In 1850 Mr. Smith was married to Miss Elmira Pierce, a native of New Hampshire, and a cousin of President Franklin Pierce. She died in July 1887.

Mr. Smith was aged 86 years. He leaves a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Julia Smith, and her two sons.

The funeral service will be conducted at the home Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock by Rev. Mr. Skaggs of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Interment will be in the Savannah Cemetery.

 

October 5, 1947 pg A7

SMUTZ, Stella B., beloved mother of Rollin C., Huber Earl, Raymon B. and Charles Homer Smutz, sister of Mrs. Elsa Zietan of Long Beach. Graveside services at El Monte Cemetery Monday, 3 p.m., Mater & Simone, directors.

 

June 18, 1943

SNODDY - John B. Snoddy of 3848 Live Oak avenue, Arcadia, beloved husband of Anna C. Snoddy, father of Emory S. Snoddy; brother of Mrs. Mary E. McClintoch of Monrovia and Mrs. Nina I Ashton of Glendale. Services Friday at 2:30 p.m. at the Schanel Mortuary, El Monte. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

From: http://www.cagenweb.com/re/losangeles/ElMonteBios/Snoddy_JohnB.htm

John B. Snoddy is one of El Monte's successful farmers. His ranch is located two miles northeast of El Monte where he is engaged in vegetable raising on a portion of his fifty acres, the remainder he rents out. His father, William Snoddy, represented elsewhere in this work was one of the early pioneers of California, successful in his personal affairs and prominent man among the citizens of this community. John B. Snoddy was born on his father's ranch in El Monte, November 1, 1874, the oldest child in the family. He received his education in the public schools and at the same time was trained to the practical duties of a farmer's son. After leaving the public school of Savannah he attended Woodbury's Business College of Los Angeles, from which institution he was graduated in 1894. Returning home he remained on his father's ranch until attaining his majority, when he became dependent upon his own resources, his first business venture being as a proprietor of a feed and sale stable in Pasadena. He was successful in his enterprise, but after three years was burned out. The greater part of his capital being lost, he then engaged in farming and in 1898 purchased his present ranch north of El Monte, adjoining his father's property. For a time he removed and the land utilized for truck farming. His ranch received irrigation from the Tungate and Snoddy ditch, until in 1912, when a pumping plant was installed. A capability born of experience together with an intelligent interest in his work having placed Mr. Snoddy among the enterprising and successful men of this section.

In 1899 Mr. Snoddy was united in marriage with Miss Anna C. French, who was born in Missouri and reared in California from the age of twelve years, her parents being early pioneers of the state who came to California in 1887. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and active in its work. They have one son, Emory, residing in Los Angeles. Mr. Snoddy belongs to the Woodmen of the World of Pasadena and the Ancient Order of United Workman, his wife having the Degree of Honor in the latter.

Politically Mr. Snoddy is a Democrat. For over thirty years he was a trustee of the Savannah Cemetery. Active and well, Mr. and Mrs. Snoddy reside on the home ranch on Arrow Highway north of El Monte.

 

Dec. 14, 1881, p. O_3

Real Estate Transfers.

Estate of William R. Standifer, to Walter Standifer, 44 1/2 acres in Ro. [Rancho] Paso de Bartolo Viejo, $850.

 

July 16, 1931, p. 6

Valley Pioneer Dies Amid Kin ROSEMEAD

July 15. -- Mrs. J.H. Steele, 56 years of age, life-long resident, died at her home on Steele avenue here shortly after noon today following several strokes of paralysis. Her husband, who is also suffering from a stroke of paralysis, which has affected his entire left side, was at her bedside with their five children.

Harriet Steele was the only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Guess, pioneers of the San Gabriel Valley. She was born in a house on the property where she died. The family once owned almost the entire tract west of El Monte, which is known now as Rosemead. They still own considerable acreage, but have largely subdivided.

Funeral arrangements have not been completed and are in charge of J.M. Schanel of El Monte.

Surviving the deceased are her husband, who has been in the employ of the Los Angeles County Road Department for years; two sons, J.R. Steele of Rosemead and Clarence Steele of Gardena, and three daughters, Mrs. Alice McAnency of Los Angeles, Mrs. William West and Mrs. Claude Singleton of Rosemead.

 

Note: May 20, 1891, p. 2,

Licensed to Wed:

James H. Steele, a native of Arkansas, 23 years of age, to Hattie J. Guess, a native of this State, 21 years of age; both residing at Savannah.

 

Nov 7, 1902

STEELE - At El Monte, 6 a.m., November 6, 1902, N. Josephine Steele. Funeral from the residence, 10 a.m., Saturday, November 8. Interment Savannah Cemetery.

 

December 4, 1948 and December 5, 1948 pg A22

STUCKER, Mary L of 1932 Eastlake Avenue, Los Angeles. Services at Schanel Mortuary, 444 South Tyler, El Monte, Sunday at 2 p.m. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

May 18, 1942

DEATHS STUCKER, Thomas S. Stucker of 1932 Eastlake avenue, Los Angeles, beloved husband of Mary L. Stucker. Services Tuesday, 2 p.m., at Schanel Mortuary, 444 South Tyler, El Monte. Interment El Monte Cemetery.

 

July 1, 1897

Joseph Thompson, a prominent farmer of Covina, died at the home of his sister at El Monte Monday morning of consumption. Interment occurred at Savannah, the funeral being attended by a large number of friends from this place.

 

April 30, 1894, pg. 5

Took Strychnine Suicide of a Well-known Resident of El Monte

Frank Thurman, a well-known resident of El Monte, died at his home yesterday afternoon from the effects of an overdose of strychnine taken with suicidal intent during a fit of despondency earlier in the day. Before committing his rash act, the old man wrote a letter to his brother at Pomona informing him of his death, and giving him instructions with reference to the disposition of his effects. The matter was reported to the Coroner, who will hold an inquest this morning.

Apr 19, 1904 [Biography of Jonathan Tibbet] FORTY-NINER TIBBET DEAD Built the First House in the El Monte Country. Started West Overland in 'Forty-six and Survived Perils of Hostile Indians, Stampeding Buffalo Herds and Other Evils of the Desert. Sold Eggs at One Dollar Each.

One of the early pioneers of the State passed away yesterday in the death of Jonathan Tibbet in Santa Monica. Notable as a warrior and skilled in the art of merchandizing, he came to California with the first rush of gold seekers, and laid the foundation of a fortune by ministering to the needs of the men in the mining camps. [ Jonathan Tibbett's Grasshopper Quartz Mill ]

Mr. Tibbet descended from Colonial stock. He was born in Michigan in 1824. He was a tiller of the soil of his father's farm until, in early manhood, he married Miss Phoebe Point. The young couple turned their faces westward, and in 1846 started overland for the far West.

Surviving many attacks of hostile Indians, stampedes of buffaloes and the other perils of the desert, they made their way into El Dorado county and located at Indian Diggings. He opened a store and hotel and also engaged in mining. Prices of edibles ran high in those days. Eggs sold for $1 each. A small pie sold for $1, and other things in proportion.

In the fall of 1850 they had accumulated a snug sum with which they returned to Ohio and purchased a big farm. In 1853 the California fever overtook them again, and they came to the southern part of the State and settled near what is now El Monte. That vicinity was then known as the "Plains."

The first house in that neighborhood was built with lumber hewed from trees felled in the mountains. The lumber was brought down to the edge of the valley on pack animals and hauled from there by wagons. The house, now a picturesque ruin, still stands on the main road from Los Angeles, about three miles west of El Monte.

At that location Mr. Tibbet started extensive teaming operations, and dispatched trains into Arizona and Nevada.

Mrs. Tibbet died in 1892, and was buried in Savannah Cemetery, where the body of the husband will also be laid. There are three surviving children, Mrs. William Snoddy of El Monte, J. F. Tibbet of Riverside and Mrs. P. N. Arnold of Palms.

Mr. Tibbet was an uncle of Will Tibbet, the officer killed in the fight with outlaws at Bakersfield not long ago, and Bert Tibbet, the deputy marshal of that city, who rushed into the thick of the fight and killed the notorious desperado.

The body of Tibbet lies in the same room where he was wedded only ten weeks ago. On the first day of February last he appeared at Undertaker Guidinger's parlors in Santa Monica. Accompanying him was Soffie Ramsted, aged 45. Tibbet's was 79. Their mission was to be united in marriage and as they had the necessary papers, Mr. Guidinger, who is also City Recorder, tied the knot in the presence of the grim witnesses that now pillow the head of the groom.

Death Certificate Transcription: # 4415 (2000), TISDALE, Mary B. Mary B Tisdale d. 3/26/1952 3:40pm Female Cauc. b. 11/2/1865 MO Age 86 Widowed Spouse: James H Tisdale Occupation: Housewife f. William R Trapp, MO m. Mary M Garner, MO Informant: Glenn U Tisdale Deathplace: 248 E Main St., Alhambra Lived in community few minutes Residence: 1521 N Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles Burial: 3/29/1952 El Monte Cemetery Funeral Director: Turner, Steven & Turner Cause: Genearlized arteriosclerosis

 

June 16, 1936

TUCKER - The funeral services of Mrs. Elizabeth Tucker will be private today at 1 p.m. from the grave in El Monte Cemetery. W. A. Brown, funeral director.

 

December 1, 1904 pg. A1I

EL MONTE Nov. 30 - The remains of Mr. Van Tassel, a former postmaster of El Monte were buried in the cemetery here today. Mr. Van Tassel died in Duarte.

[Note: Nelson Van Tassel./phinkel]

 

May 14, 1952 - pg. A10

Minnie P. Vincent: Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie P. Vincent, 65, will be conducted today at 2 p.m. at Pierce Bros. Monterey Park Chapel, followed by interment in the El Monte Cemetery. Mrs. Vincent was born in Litchfield, N.D. and had lived 40 years in California. She resided at 316 E. Riggins St., Monterey Park, where she died Sunday. She leaves five sons, John Wesley, Victor E., George., Sam W. and Woodrow D. Grush; two daughters, Mrs. Gladys Cook and Mrs. Bernice Zielinski, and five grandchildren.

 

April 27, 1933, page 16

WHITCOMB - Services for Eglantine Whitcomb today at 12 noon from Pierce Brothers' chapel. Interment El Monte Cemetery instead of as previously announced.

 

Aug. 7, 1883, p. O_4

DOTS. Mr. E.K. White, of El Monte, died in Los Angeles on Sunday night. He was 62 years old, and had been ill some time. His remains were sent to El Monte yesterday for interment.

 

Oct 10, 1927

LAST RITES FOR WIGGINS WEDNESDAY

"Watermelon King" of El Monte Raised Fruit in Large Quantities Funeral services for Archie N. Wiggins, early resident of El Monte, known as the "watermelon king," who died Saturday in the Hollenbeck Hotel, Los Angeles, will be conducted Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Addelman and Klingerman Funeral Home, El Monte. Mr. Wiggins was 64 years of age.

He was the son of Thomas J. Wiggins, who came to California in 1849. He was born at El Monte and was one of the few American children who attended the Old Mission school. His reputation as a "watermelon king" he attained by his success in raising that product in large quantities. He also sold wood and was frequently seen at the wood market on Spring street in front of the old adobe County Jail.

During his life Mr. Wiggins was an active worker for the development of educational facilities in El Monte, and was largely instrumental in bringing about the closing of the saloons in that town.

Mr. Wiggins had been retired from active business during the latter years of his life. He owned considerable property in El Monte.

Mr. Wiggins leaves his widow, Mamie Ellen, three sons, Louis J., Lavelle B. and Edwin M., all of El Monte, two grandchildren, and three brothers, Max and Thomas, El Monte and W.H. of Arizona.

 

Los Angeles Times April 13, 1937 pg. 15

Jockey Famous in Early Days of California Dies

EL MONTE April 12 – Thomas Mayes Wiggins, 64 years of age, a native of this city, died today.

Wiggins was a jockey in the early days of the New Year's cross-country steeplechase in Pasadena. He rode many winning horses in these races, which followed the annual Tournament of Roses. He was also an expert driver of chariot races, popular sport in the early days of Southern California.

He was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jefferson Wiggins, who came to El Monte in 1852 by wagon train. His mother was the former Ellen Vise of the family for which Visalia was named.

He leaves four children, Lynn of Los Angeles, Mrs. Evelyn Pollard of New York City, Miss Edith G. and Miss Edna Constance of El Monte, and two brothers, William F. and Jacob C. of Westley.

 

November 27, 1905, pg I-1

Death No Parting: Corpse Many Years with Living.

Ghastly discovery yesterday in Boyle Heights Home of Mrs. Young. Body of Daughter, quarter century deceased, still kept in House. Only upon mother's passing does shocking secret come to light.

The ghastly secret of a mother who refused to let death part her daughter from her was revealed on Boyle Heights yesterday. It was only after the parent, too, had gone beyond, that the discovery was made -- a corpse that has for a quarter of a century had been kept in the house with the living.

The grewsome [sic] find of the unburied human body was made in the little cottage formerly occupied by Mrs. Liora J. Young, No, 1402 Warren street. Mrs. Edward Murray of no. 128 South Griffin avenue, found the remains, and it so completely unnerved her that she is suffering from shock and may not be able to be present at the Coroner's inquest this morning.

Mrs. Young was a peculiar and eccentric woman, 84 years of age, who lived all alone for years in the Warren-street cottage. Thursday she was found dead in bed, and with her passing the shocking secret which she long treasured came to light.

UNDER A SILVER PLATE

Neighbors found the old lady dead and notified the Coroner. The investigation showed that she had succumbed to heart disease. The body was interred in the little country cemetery of Savannah, Saturday. Yesterday Mrs. Murray and other relatives made a search of the old woman's cottage, and in a storeroom covered with old trunks and plunder, a peculiar hermetically-sealed box was brought to light. Turning the box over, the blood of the searchers was chilled when they read this inscription on a silver plate:

"Liora L. Thompson, Died Dec 16, 1877, Aged 27 years 2 months 1 day"

Loath to believe that they had really found a corpse in the house, the relatives reported the matter to the Coroner and Booth & Boylson were instructed to investigate. The box was removed to the undertaking establishment in the afternoon and opened to the astonished gaze of undertakers and relatives of the dead woman. When the lid was removed a heavy layer of cotton was found, and under that a wealth of blonde hair neatly coiled about the head in the style in vogue during those old days, was revealed. The features were unrecognizable, of course, and the flesh had practically all left the bones. The remains had been attired in a robe of pale pink silk, with which time had dealt leniently.

But the strange part of the grewsome sight was the manner in which the body had been placed in the receptacle. The box is only about three feet long, and the body had been dismembered or doubled up. Why it was thus placed in the box will likely always remain a mystery.

Mrs. Liora Thompson was an only daughter of Mrs. Young, and the latter's relatives think she grieved so deeply over her death that she could not bear to part with the body in this world, and kept the box near until the sands of her own life ran out.

Mrs. Young came to Los Angeles twenty years ago and resided in the Warren-street cottage with her husband until the latter's death about five years ago. Since then she had lived alone, and was known by her neighbors as a recluse. She owned a little property and seemed to have everything for her small wants. The house appears to have been sadly neglected, and the furniture is all of a type in use at least fifty years ago.

In the box with the remains was a certificate signed by F. R. Boutell, understaker, of Amherst, Mass., dated Nov. 7, 1881, stating that he had disinterred the body for shipment to Lodi, Cal. But the strange manner of placing the body in the box was not explained, and it was probably never interred in Lodi.

The long-unburied corpse will be laid away, probably tomorrow, beside that of the mother in the little ceremony near El Monte.

November 28, 1905, pg. I-13 Corpse Secret Once on Lips: Mrs. Young's only slip as to Daughter's Bones. Inquest on Remains that Mother now dead kept by her side for many years reveals fact that on one occasion she nearly revealed her well-guarded story.

Gruesome, weird and uncanny was the inquest conducted by Coroner Trout yesterday morning, over the remains of Liora L. Thompson, who died twenty-eight years ago, and whose unsepulchred body was kept for a quarter of a century in the house of the broken-hearted mother, Mrs. Liora Young.

As told in The Times yesterday morning, death revealed the secret of the old woman who died alone in her Warren-street cottage. None of her relatives dreamed that Mrs. Young had clung tenaciously to the mummified remains of her once beautiful daughter ever since they were disinterred in Amherst, Mass., in 1881, for shipment to Lodi, Cal.

Autopsy Surgeon Cambell conducted a post-mortem examination, as well as he could, be unwrapping the bones and scrutinizing them for any marks of violence. Silks and laces clung to the fragments, and handsome underclothing, all hand work, was pulled and torn from the strange box.

Mrs. Peter Decker and Mrs. Edward Murray, niece and grand-niece, respectively, of Mrs. Young, testified to finding the box in the sewing-room of Mrs. Young after her death. They never before knew of its presence in the cottage, although on one occasion Mrs. Young had nearly told the secret of her life when in talking of her dead daughter she said:

"I have the body of Liora near me to be buried when --" but she stopped short and never mentioned the girl's name again.

The girl died of consumption and it is the belief of the old lady's relatives that Mrs. Young's great desire to have her daughter, even though dead, near her, prompted her to secrete the remains and keep them in a box after they had been shipped to California in a coffin.

Respecting Mrs. Young's wishes, the body of her daughter will be interred beside her in Savannah Cemetery, near El Monte, thus closing the last strange chapter of a mother's love.

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