Eastman Centenarian Dead (1920)

Macon Telegraph, Georgia
11 April 1920
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

EASTMAN CENTENARIAN DEAD
Ante-Bellum Negress Was Beloved by White People of Dodge County.
EASTMAN, April 10 -- Caroline Holmes a negro woman 105 years old, died at her home here on the premises of Dr. J. D. Harrison on yesterday.

Aunt Caroline was probably the oldest person, either white or colored, in this section, and was the ante-bellum type of negro, now fast disappearing, but dear to the hearts of all Southerners. She was born near Deactur, in DeKalb county, and was carried to Laurens county before the Civil war, where she entered the service of the Herrman family, at that time residing in Dublin. She had been in the employ of that family for over forty-five years and during her old age has been provided with a home by Dr. J. B. Herrman of this city. In her early days, prior to the Civil War, she traveled as a washer-woman with the Jim Robinson's Circus, the predecessor of the well-known present-day John Robinson's Circus. Her funeral held here today was attended by quite a number of white people.

[I re-checked this to be sure - the surnames are typed here as found in the obituary (re: Harrison / Herrman). Posted per this blog's topic, as well as A Friend of Friends.]

Stricken With Apoplexy Patrolman Davis Dies On Beat (1914)

[Originally posted at the Rose Hill Cemetery blog.]

Here is an article regarding the death and funeral of Gardner L. Davis. It is from the 17 December 1914 edition of the Macon Telegraph (Georgia).

STRICKEN WITH APOPLEXY POLICEMAN DIES ON BEAT

Gardner Davis Died Suddenly on Cherry Street Yesterday.

TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE

Veteran Officer Was in Apparent Good Health Half Hour Before Death -- Appeared as Witness in Recorder's Court Yesterday Morning -- Had Good Record.

While at his post of duty on Cherry, near Fifth street, yesterday at noon, Patrolman Gardner L. Davis sustained a stroke of apoplexy, which resulted in instant death. Bystanders rushed to him and the ambulance was summoned, but it was found that he had breathed his last.

One of the first persons to reach Patrolman Davis was his brother, Thomas F. Davis, of the Merritt Hardware company. Only twenty minutes before his death Patrolman Davis had made his report to the city hall through the call box at the rear of the hardware store and in passing spoke to his brother.

The sudden death of the officer was a distinct shock to his relatives and friends. He had been under treatment of a physician for several months, but was not thought to be in a serious condition.

Yesterday morning Patrolman Davis appeared in recorder's court to testify in a case against a negro charged with violating the license ordinance. He appeared to be in good health and went about his duties as usual.

At an inquest held over the body by Coroner T. E. Young the jury rendered a verdict to the effect that death resulted from apoplexy.

Twenty Years a Patrolman.

No man on the Macon police force was held in higher esteem than Gardner Davis. He had served about twenty years as a patrolman and was regarded as one of the most efficient and painstaking officers in the department. Those who knew him intimately said that his word was his bond.

Mr. Davis was born forty-seven years ago in the Warrior district of Bibb county and had resided in the county all of his life. He was a son of the late Abe J. Davis, one of the best known men of Bibb.

Besides his widow, who was Miss Ethel Abel, Patrolman Davis is survived by two small daughters, Martha Abel Davis and Mary Elizabeth Davis. He is survived by four brothers, William H. Davis, A. J. Davis, Jr., Thomas F. Davis and John A. Davis, another veteran member of the police department.

Among other surviving relatives are a first cousin, Sheriff J. R. Hicks, Jr., and three uncles, Heny C., S. A. and W. J. Parker, all of Bibb county,

Mr. Davis was a member of the Knights of Pythias and was a past chancellor commander of M. R. Rogers lodge, K. of P.

The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock from his late residence, 401 Napier avenue. The services will be conducted by Elder W. W. Childs, of the Primitive Baptist church, of Yatesville, assisted by Rev. Loy Warwick, pastor of the Centenary Methodist church.

The active pallbearers will be four brothers and four brother-in-law of Mr. Davis, who are as follows: John A., Thomas F., William H. and A. J. Davis, Jr., James Abel, William Jones, Archie Smith and Clarence Jenkins. Interment will follow at Rose Hill cemetery.

Father M'Creary Dies Suddenly (1940)

Augusta Chronicle, Georgia
8 January 1940
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

FATHER M'CREARY DIES SUDDENLY

Last Rites for Widely Known Priest to Be Held This Morning

Funeral services for the Reverend John McCreary, S. J., who died after a sudden heart attack Sunday morning will be held at the Sacred Heart church this morning at 11 o'clock. The Reverend J. E. O'Donohoe, S. J., will be celebrant of the requiem mass. Interment will be in the cemetery of Spring Hill College, Mobile, Ala.

Father McCreary, a member of the Jesuit Mission Band of the New Orleans Province, for the past 10 years, was well known throughout the South, where he had conducted missions and retreats in practically every city. For some time Father McCreary has made the Sacred Heart church in Augusta his headquarters.

Born in Macon, Ga., February 3, 1866, he was the son of the late John McCreary and Julia Welch McCreary. He is survived by a sister, Sister M. Berchmans, of Mt. De Sales Academy, Macon, and a brother, William McCreary, also of Macon.

Father McCreary was a member of the Society of Jesus for 55 years, entering the order when he had completed his preparatory education at Pio Nona College in Macon. He served as vice-president of the Jesuit high school in Shreveport, La., and as president of a college conducted by the Jesuits in New Orleans, where a million dollar school was constructed under his supervision.

He was ordained by Cardinal Gibbons on June 29, 1900, and sang his first mass the following day.

In a religious order distinguished for great educators and outstanding pulpit orators, Father McCreary was considered to be one of the most able teachers and most eloquent preachers.

His body will lie in state in the Sacred Heart church this morning until after the services.

One Man Killed, Two Badly Hurt in Truck Crash (1954)

Augusta Chronicle, Georgia
14 March 1954
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

One man killed, two badly hurt in truck crash.

FAIRFAX, S.C., March 13 -- One person was killed and two others were seriously injured early thisw morning near here when two racing trucks collided and went out of control.

[A] Fairfax policeman who was pursuing the speeding vehicles, identified the victims as Leroy Williams of Sycamore, dead of multiple injuries...

[The policeman] said the accident occurred on a curve between Fairfax and Sycamore on Highway 301. He said that a Chevrolet pickup truck driven by Williams collided with a GMC pickup truck...as both racing trucks entered the curve.

...Williams' truck plowed into a telephone pole, instantly killing him...

[The policeman] said Williams' truck was completely demolished and the telephone pole was snapped in two.

The policeman gave chase to the racing trucks after they sped through Fairfax between 75 and 80 miles an hour.

Williams is survived by his widow..., and two children...

Six-Year-Old Boy Burned To Death (1917)

Columbus Daily Enquirer, Georgia
29 December 1917
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

"SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY BURNED TO DEATH

William Clifton Brooks, Jr., Son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Brooks Receives Fatal Burns.

CLOTHES IGNITED LATE YESTERDAY

Catch Fire From Burning Grass Near His Home on Waverly Terrace -- Funeral Will Be Held This Afternoon.

William Clifton Brooks, Jr., six-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Brooks, was burned to death yesterday when his clothing became ignited by burning grass.

The little boy was playing with a number of children of the neighborhood about 4 o'clock p.m., when he came too close to the burning grass. His clothes caught fire and he ran to his home, No. 2900 Peabody avenue, Waverly Terrace, which was about a block distant. In running the flames were fanned, and the youth was soon enveloped.

Four physicians were summoned to give medical attention to the youngster, but all their efforts were in vain. His entire body was almost burned to a crisp and he breathed his last at 9:30 o'clock last night, five and a half hours after he was burned.

Surviving him are his parents and grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Ben T. Brooks. The funeral services will be conducted from the family residence this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock, with Rev. J. A. Thomas, pastor of the St. Luke Methodist church, officiating. The interment will follow in Riverdale cemetery. The following will act as pallbearers: Howard Hendrix, D. L. Few, Carl Rountree, and W. I. Tay."

William's FindAGrave Memorial

Col. William Clifton (1911)

Macon Telegraph, Georgia
4 April 1911
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

COL. WILLIAM CLIFTON

The news of the sudden death at Darien of William Clifton was a shock to his many friends in this State. If ever a man deserved the title "apostle of sunshine," Col. Clifton did. Everybody knew him and became his friend as soon as his acquaintance was made. He never forgot a name or a face, and once introduced to him, a man, woman or child could always depend upon a warm greeting when meeting him again. His cheery, clear voice and strong, vise-like grip will be long remembered by those who met him. His acquaintance was not restricted to any city, town or place -- he made and retained friends everywhere.

He was a native of Tattnall county and was educated at the school of his brother-in-law, the late S. D. Bradwell, head of the Bradwell Institute, at Hinesville. In 1876 Mr. Clifton moved to Savannah and read law under Gen. P. W. Meldrim.

Always a good mixer, he took an active interest in politics. Several times he was prominently mentioned for Congress. Once he filled an unexpired term as Secretary of State. He was secretary of the State Senate. Col. Clifton was a representative in the lower house from Chatham county and represented the district composed of McIntosh, Liberty and Tattnall counties in the Senate. Later he became connected with the land and timber department of the Hilton-Dodge Lumber Company. In this capacity he was very successful.

Deaths and Funerals: J. B. Willaford (1923)

Macon Telegraph, Georgia
10 March 1923
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

DEATHS AND FUNERALS
J. B. WILLAFORD
QUITMAN, Ga, March 9 -- The death of J. B. Willaford occurred at his home in Sarasota, Fla, and the news of his death was quite a shock to the relatives here, as no one knew of his illness. Mr. Willaford was fifty-five years old and was a native of Brooks County, having moved to Florida about nine years ago.

He is survived by his wife and the following children: William, of St. Petersburg; Hoyt, in the Government service; Leroy, of Plant City; Walter, of Sarasota; one married daughter, of Jacksonville; one brother, J. H. Willaford, of Quitman, and one sister, Mrs. G. W. Ives, of Quitman. The funeral took place in Plant City.

Mrs. S. S. W. M'Kenney Is Dead (1919)

[This was originally posted at the Rose Hill Cemetery blog.]

Mrs. Sophronia McKenney was laid to rest in the Eglantine Square section of Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, Bibb County, Georgia.

S. Sophronia Walton McKenney
Dec 18, 1837
Nov 13, 1919
Gone, but not forgotten.
An obituary from a 15 November 1919 edition of the Columbus Daily Enquirer (Georgia):

MRS. S. S. W. M'KENNEY IS DEAD.

Mother of Macon News' Editor Will Be Buried Here This Morning.
Macon, Nov. 14. -- Mrs. S. S. Walton McKenney, mother of Robert L. McKenney, president and editor of the Macon News, died suddenly at 8 o'clock yesterday morning at her residence, 215 Washington avenue. Her death will come as a great shock to her many friends in Macon. While she had not been feeling very well during the past few days her condition was not regarded as serious.

This morning she was up as usual. Her grandson, Robert L. Clifton, who makes his home with her, left the house at 7:30 o'clock yesterday morning, and at that time Mrs. McKenney stated that she was feeling fine. About 8 o'clock one of the neighbors who dropped in to call on Mrs. McKenney, found her in the hall dead. Heart failure is given as the cause of her death.

Mrs. McKenney would have been 83 years old had she lived until December. She was born in Columbus, Ga., and was a graduate of the Thomas B. Slade school of that city.

Mrs. McKenney was married in 1858 to Joshua McKenney, who entered the service of the Confederacy two years later, serving through the entire war. Mr. McKenney died in the latter part of 1865.

The family resided at Butler at Mr. McKenney's death. Mrs. McKenney then came to Macon to live.

She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. C. M. Clifton, Sr., of the Hazard district; her son, Robert L. McKenney, of Macon; Margaret and Louise McKenney, and Alice and Josephine Clifton, granddaughters, and Robert L. Clifton, Walton B. Clifton, Charles M. Clifton, Jr., and William Clifton, grandsons and a half brother, John W. Walton of Baxley, Ga.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 11 o'clock from Burghard's chapel on Cherry street. Rev. Charles W. Curry, pastor of the centenary Methodist church, will conduct the services. The interment will be in Rose Hill cemetery.

The pallbearers will be C. M. Clifton, Sr., Robert L. Clifton, Walton H. Clifton, C. M. Clifton, Jr., William Clifton and T. J. Simmons.

Old Resident Gone (1906)

Grand Rapids Press, Michigan
24 January 1890
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

OLD RESIDENT GONE

George C. Nelson Passed Away Aged Ninety-Four Years.

Came to Grand Rapids in 1836 and Was Long Identified with Business Interests of the City.

Another old resident has passed away. In the death of George C. Nelson Grand Rapids loses one of its oldest and most honored citizens. He was ninety-four years of age and died yesterday at his home, 93 Bostwick street.

Mr. and Mrs. Nelson observed the sixty-seventh anniversary of their marriage last November and Mrs. Nelson died just six weeks ago, soon after the wedding anniversary. They were closely identified with the early development of Grand Rapids. They were married in this city and lived here continuously until they died.

He came to Detroit from Massachusetts in 1834, and two years later, May 1, 1836, he arrived in this city.

Mr. Nelson built the store opposite the Eagle hotel in 1836, which is still standing. He built two stores on the site now occupied by Schmidt's drug store on Canal street and in 1839 he erected the building at 120 North Division street, which is still at that place. Another remaining residence which he built is on the northwest corner of Union and Cherry streets and still another is at the northeast corner of Ransom and Fountain streets.

Mr. Nelson was one of the founders of St. Mark's church. He was married there and his son George was the first child baptized in St. Mark's.

He was in many lines of business during his long life in Grand Rapids, but since 1892 had not been active in any. In that year the firm of Nelson Bros. & Co. sold out and both George C. Nelson and his son, George K. Nelson, retired. The other partner in the firm was James F. Nelson, son of the pioneer, who died in Brooklyn, N. Y., Dec. 13, 1894. George K. Nelson, the son and partner in the business, is the only remaining member of the family. Ezra T. Nelson, a brother of George C., is still living here.

A Fatal Fall (1890)

Evening News, California
24 January 1890
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

A FATAL FALL.

Tragic Death of James H. Warren Last Night.

He Plunges From a Bridge Near the Broad Gauge Depot -- He is Instantly Killed -- The Inquest.

James H. Warren was instantly killed shortly after midnight last night near the broad gauge depot, by falling from a bridge. James H. Mulvaney and the deceased were going to board the 12:35 train for Eden Vale where they have been at work. The watchman at the depot told them they could get in the caboose of the freight easier if they went down to the tank. They accordingly started down the track. They did not know that they had to cross a bridge, Warren walked in front of his companion. The latter heard Warren cry out and say him disappear. Then all was still. He went forward cautiously and found that Warren had fallen through the trestle over the creek. Mulvaney went to a house near by and awoke L. A. Gridler, the car inspector. The men procured a lantern and found the body of Warren in the bridge partly in the water, huddled up against a pile which projected about a foot above ground. He was dead when found. It is thought that his head stuck the projecting post as his neck was broken.

The remains were taken to W. L. Woodrow's undertaking rooms where an inquest was held by Coroner Tomkin today.

The deceased was 35 years of age and unmarried.

A verdict in accordance with the above facts was rendered by the jury at the inquest.

Ex-Soldier Killed By Coast Line Train (1919)

State, South Carolina
31 May 1919
(Viewed online at GenealogyBank.)

EX-SOLDIER KILLED BY COAST LINE TRAIN

Walter Berry Loses Life at Latta While Operating County Road Tractor.
Latta, May 30 -- A fatal accident occurred here today when Walter Berry, who was driving a Dillon County road tractor, was struck by a southbound Atlantic Coast Line freight train and died shortly thereafter. The young man's head was fearfully cut and his skull fractured. The tractor was totally demolished.

Mr. Berry was dragging the roads and had come to Latta for gasoline. Although the railroad is straight so that a train can be seen for a mile of more, he seemed to be noticing only the machine and stopped beside or on the track. He had ample time to get off the machine and save himself, but he seemed to be trying to save the tractor.

Walter Berry was a quiet, unassuming boy, who was held in high esteem by all who knew him. When the war began he volunteered, but was rejected. In the first draft he was called and shortly afterward was sent to France where he served faithfully for 11 months. While in France he had one leg broken which kept him in the hospital for some time. He had been at home only a few weeks. As soon as he returned he began to operate one of the county toad tractors. he was nearly 30 years of age and leaves his father and several brothers and sisters.