Firing a shot at his own head, John Wandfluh, residing a mile southwest of Lenox, ended his own life about 10 o'clock Tuesday morning. He was about 45 years of age, had only recently moved to that locality from Missouri, and leaves a wife and several children.

When Mrs. Wandfluh heard the shot she went to the room where her husband was. He was sitting in a chair, the gun dropped down between his legs, the top of his head blown off. Nearby was a broken bottle, which is said to have given forth an odor that told the story of the conduct of its possessor.

Wandfluh had returned the night before from St. Joseph.

WITHOUT A CORONER

C. M. Paschal Elected but Fails to Qualify for Office

Upon the occasion of the suicide of John Wandfluh, a call from Lenox for the coroner brought to view the fact that Taylor county is without a coroner. Dr. C. M. Paschal was elected to the office in November, but he failed to qualify, and this is the first time public attention has been called to the fact. County Attorney Burrell says he will call the attention of the board of supervisors to the state of affairs, as it may be that an occasion would arise when one would be badly needed.

In the case of Wandfluh an inquest was not necessary as there was no question as to how he came to his death and who was responsible for it. There were those who thought there should be an inquest and one was held by Justice of the Peace George Goodale.

In the absence of a coroner County Attorney Burrell and Sheriff Morley both went to Lenox to attend to any duties that might happen to evolve upon them, but there was no occasion for official action by either.
Contributor: Monica Eshelman, for an Andrew Co. man, the stepfather of my grandfather.

Wandfluh had moved to Lenox recently from Missouri. He had returned from a trip to Savannah, Mo., Monday night. No cause is assigned for his act.

The county coroner left immediately for the scene and the sheriff went on the noon train.
Contributed by Monica Eshelman, for an Andrew Co. man, the stepfather of my grandfather.

James Lewis Adkins passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edgar Myers, on rural route 2, St. Joseph, at 3 a. m. March 16, [1932] at the age of 63 years, 3 months and 12 days. The funeral services will be at the First Baptist Church in Savannah today, March 18, at 2 p.m., with the sermon by the pastor, Rev. Kinell. The body will lie in state at the church from 1 until 2 p.m. Burial at Bennet Lane Cemetery.

Mr. Adkins is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Selby Myers of Savannah, Mrs. Edgar Myers and Mrs. Lela Howard of St. Joseph; six sisters, Mrs. William Todd and Mrs. Fred Buis of Savannah; Mrs. Vern Robinson of St. Joseph; Mrs. John Quinn, Mrs. B. O. Fleming and Mrs. W. A. Smith of Kansas City, and one brother, Minor Adkins of Savannah.

Contributed by SWR4738@aol.com, 6/30/4

Contributed by SWR4738@aol.com, 6/30/4

"C.C. 'Bus' Bishop [born Colonel Christopher Wandfluh], 71, Woodland, Calif., a former resident of St. Joseph, died Wednesday morning at a Woodland hospital.

"Mr. Bishop was a former semi-pro baseball player in St. Joseph and was a former member of the Wyatt Park Assembly of God Church. He had moved to California from St. Joseph about 30 years ago.

"Surviving are his wife, Melinda Bishop, of the home; a stepson, Adrian Benning, Sacramento, Calif.; two sisters, Ruby Turner, St. Joseph, and Florence Sargent, Vista, Calif.; several grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews."

"Dewey W. Bishop, 70, died unexpectedly last night. He was stricken in his car while returning from a meeting of the Pony Express Saddle and Bridle Club. He was taken to the hospital by ambulance and was pronounced dead on arrival.

"Mr. Bishop, 3509 Penn street, was born in Savannah but had resided in St. Joseph the greater part of his life. Since retirement from the Continental Oil Co., five years ago, he had been associated with Bird Realty Co. as a real estate salesman. He also served as an appraiser for the Missouri state highway department.

"For many years he had been an active Republican and had been the party nominee for several offices including that of sheriff. In former years, Mr. Bishop had been prominent in the oil business being associated with the Marlin Oil Co., the Shell Oil Co., the Mobile [sic] Oil Co., and Continental.

"He was a member of the Huffman Memorial Methodist Church, the past master of St. Joseph Lodge, AF and AM, the past master of the Scottish Rite bodies, a member of the K.C.C.H. Scottish Rite bodies, and was recently elected almoner of that organization. Mr. Bishop also belonged to the Moila Temple Shrine, the Vice Presidents' Club of Moila, a member of the mounted patrol of the Shrine and a member of the Radiant Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star. He was the vice-president of the Pony Express Saddle and Bridle Club and a member of the East Side Rotary Club.

"A graduate of Savannah High School, Mr. Bishop had recently attended the 50th reunion of the class of 1918.

"Survivors include his wife, Marjorie Hartig Bishop; one daughter, Mrs. Robert E. Hughes, St. Joseph; three brothers, Lewis O. Bishop, Independence; C.C. Bishop, Woodland, Cal., and John Bishop, St. Joseph; two sisters, Mrs. Stanley Sargent, Vista, Cal., and Mrs. Ruby Turner, St. Joseph; two grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

"Services will be Saturday at 3 at the Meierhoffer-Fleeman chapel, the Rev. Wilber C. Denney officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park cemetery. Masonic services will be conducted at the Meierhoffer-Fleeman chapel under the auspices of St. Joseph Lodge."

On Monday morning June 4 at 3:00 o'clock, Jeremiah Clark aged almost 71 years.

The funeral took place on Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock and was attended by a large number of his old friends. Mr. Clark was a pioneer of Andrew County, and these lines will cause a pang of genuine sorrow to thrill the heart of many a fellow settler who assisted in subduing the wilderness in the earliest days of the county. One by one the old landmarks pass away and before long they will live only in the memory of a grateful people surrounded by the comforts of civilization secured to them through the efforts of the sturdy pioneer. The following points of the life of the deceased are from the Democrat:

Deceased was born in 1806, in Rockingham County, New Hampshire and resided there until he arrived at manhood. He graduated as Civil Engineer at Dartmouth College in 1824. In 1831 he removed to Illinois where he pursued his vocation, surveying, until 1835, when he removed to the Platte Purchase, where he married Miss Elizabeth Duncan, who survives him and with whom he lived happily until his race on this earth was run. Of this union there were born nine sons and three daughters of whom there are still living six sons and two daughters who are honored and esteemed by all who know them.

Contributed 7/2/4 by Paul, Orlando, FL

Services for George H. CLARK, 87, of 719 S. Lee will be 2 p.m. Monday in Garisson funeral chapel with burial in Fairlawn cemetery. Clark, pioneer city resident, died Friday night.

He came here in 1892 and farmed until about 1929 when he went into the restaurant business. He operated cafes at 18 S. Robinson and 10 S. Robinson for about 10 years before retiring.

Survivors include his wife, Jennie; a son Harry, a daughter Mrs. Grace Higgins of Denver., CO; three sisters, Mrs. Belle Miller, Union Star, MO; Mrs. Lucretia Roberts, De Kalb, MO; and Mrs. Lottie Downing, Savannah, MO; five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Contributed 7/2/4 by Paul, Orlando, FL

Savannah Reporter, Andrew County, MO Feb 7, 1879
It is rumored that James McCreary who lived about 2 miles SW of Fillmore up to last December at which time he left for Iowa, had committed suicide by cutting his throat. It is said that he could not live happily with his family, and this impelled him to the horrible deed.

Savannah Reporter, Feb 21, 1879
McCreary of whom you spoke a couple weeks ago, cut his throat in bed, on board of the cars, in Wyoming Territory as he was on his return from the State of Oregon, his little boy sleeping by his side.

Note: James McCreary and his family were in the 1870 census for Andrew Co.

Contributed 7/2/4 by Marian McCreary, mmccre8814@aol.com

"Mrs. Eisiminger Buried Today
"The funeral of Mrs. Lydia Eisiminger will take place this afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Christ[ian] church and the remains will [be] placed in the Savannah ceme[tery] She had been proprietor of [the] Richelieu hotel for the pas[t ??] years and was sick only a few [days,] having done her usual work [missing] Friday, dying Wednesday at [missing] o'clock aged seventy-two year[missing] -en months and seventeen da[ys. She] was the widow of Henry Eis[iminger] and had been the mother of [sixteen] children, six of whom are l[iving]."

"The remains of Mrs. Lydia Harvy Eisiminger were placed in the Savannah cemetery Friday after a funeral sermon at the Christian church by Rev. A.R. Hunt. Mrs. Eisiminger had been a member of the Methodist church for over forty years. She was born near Louisville, Ky., on April 2, 1841, and died at her home in the Richelieu hotel November 19. She came with her parents from Kentucky when she was two years old and located near Amazonia. She was united in marriage to Henry Eisiminger December 24, 1859, and to them were born sixteen children, six of whom survive their mother. She also leaves four sisters, sixteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Six of her grand[sons] acted as pallbearers. She was [ ]y industrious woman and worked [until wi]thin a few days of her death[ ]did all possible to bring her [children] up in respect and honor."
Contributed by Monica Eshelman

Bagby-
William Landon Bagby was born in Buchanan County, Missouri, December 2, 1854, and died in Andrew County, Missouri, October 28, 1878.

He is said to have died of tubercular meningitis. He was half unconscious for more than a week before death. This rendered religious interviews more or less unsatisfactory. He was the son of William and Caroline Bagby, who brought him up in the ways of piety. A young man of excellent moral character, unchallenged integrity, of known religious inclinations, we trust that, through grace, he rests from the labors of life, and has entered into the inheritance above.

He graduated in medicine, in St. Louis, last spring, and began the practice in May or June last, in Bolckow, Missouri. His health soon gave way, and his race was quickly run. May we all be diligent, for the Master's business requires haste. The family are greatly bereaved. May God give them comfort.
Contributed by Monica Eshelman

The St. Louis Christian Advocate, Feb. 18, 1858, p. 4

Died in this city on the 29th ult., of typhoid pneumonia, Sister Milly Ann Wakefield, wife of Dr. M. F. Wakefield, aged 36 years.

For twenty years Sister Wakefield had been a faithful, zealous member of the Methodist Church (of the Church South since its organization.) As a Christian, she lived "by the faith of the Son of God," and in the constant enjoyment of religion. She was a Christian, and a devoted friend of the Church of Christ-doing all in her power to promote its interests, and the glory of God in the salvation of souls. The influence of her piety was felt especially in her family, her husband, children and servants sharing in her prayers and godly counsels. Her house was the home of Methodist preachers, where they always found a cordial greeting. A. Caples, Ashby, Devlin, the writer and other members of the Missouri Conference, can testify to the delight she took in ministering to the comfort of itinerant preachers. Our sainted Patten often toward the close of life rested his weary frame beneath her hospital [sic] roof.

Living in the enjoyment of the love of God, it is no marvel that her death chamber was a scene of Christian triumph, and that as she descended deep in death's cold flood, she softly whispered back to weeping friends, "I soon shall be where sickness and sorrow, pain and death are felt and feared no more."

In her death the M.E. Church South has lost one of its brightest lights and most devoted friends; her husband, a devoted wife; her children, an affectionate mother; her parents, a dutiful child; her neighbors, a kind and sympathizing friend. Yet we all feel that our loss is her eternal gain.

Her funeral was preached by the writer in the Methodist Church, previous to her burial. She had done more for the erection of our Church than any one individual in the city, and her funeral was the first service ever held in it.

May the Lord help us to follow her, as she followed Christ, and, when time with us shall be no more, meet her again where parting is unknown.

Savannah, Mo., Feb. 1, 1858, R. R. Baxter
Contributed by Monica Eshelman

OBIT: GEORGE WASHINGTON HARRIS

George Washington Harris son of Samuel and Celia George Harris, was born at Tameroy, Ill, June 16, 1860, and passed away at his home in Fillmore, Mo, on May 25, 1936 after an illness of four months.

He was married to Zelma Ida Stafford of Fillmore, Mo, Oct. 23 1878, at Blanchard, IA. To this union was born eleven children, five of whom preceeded him in death, Wm. E. who passed away June 4, 1934, W. A., who passed away May 7, 1911, Alice died in infancy, Jessie died Dec. 20, 1896, Mrs. Nannie Braden passed away Feb. 2, 1935. Those who mourn his loss are his wife, George Washington, Jr., of St. Joseph, MO, Mrs. W. McMurphy of Foster, MO, Mrs. M. C. Holmes of Kansas City, MO., Mrs Ezra Barker, of Fillmore, MO., Mrs E. M. Marr of Independence, MO, Clarence of Fillmore, MO also fifty two grandchildren 13 great grandchildren two brothers, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mr. Harris bore his long illness with patience. Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Holiness church, Bro. John Harrington conducting the services. Pallbearers were his grandsons, Carol Barker, Kenneth McMurphy, Harris Holmes, Marvin Holmes, Ivan Harris and Glen Harris. Burial in Fillmore cemetery.

No one knows how much we'll miss you, "No one knows the bitter pain; Since we dost you dear father, Life will never be the same.

"Her Age Nearly a Hundred Years

"Mrs. Nellie Noble, the Oldest Resident of the County, Dead

"Died, at her home in Hackberry neighborhood, Sunday, July 33 [sic], Mrs. Nellie Noble. She was born in Virginia Dec. 25, 1805. At her death she was 99 years, 6 months and 28 days old. At the age of 8 years her parents moved to Breathitt county, Kentucky. In 1841 she moved with her husband to Andrew county, Missouri. Of this union were born ten children, four of whom, with thirty-nine grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren, remain to mourn their loss.

"She joined with the Methodist Episcopal church in Kentucky, and remained in the same until death. The funeral sermon was preached by Dr. W.F. Clayton, of Savannah, at the old homestead, after which the remains were laid away in the old Union burying ground, to await the resurrection morn."
Contributed by Monica Eshelman

"July 6, 1887, Died Monday June 25, at his residence 7 miles east of Savannah, John W. Woodcock, age 43, Old citizen. Came from Ohio to Missouri at age 4. Leaves a wife and 9 children."
Contributed by mcniel2@prodigy.net

Gone Home, Cemetery Book of Holt Co MO
Mound City News - Nov 4 1910
"Benjamin F. Thornton, of near Maitland, MO., died last week Oct 23, 1910, aged 77 years."

[My note: Mary Boling in the above obit was the daughter of Jesse Boling & 2nd wife Dorinda Anderson]

ALBERT SARVER PASSES
RESPECTED AND DESPONDENT.
The funeral of Albert Sarver was held Tuesday afternoon at the Christian Church in Rea in charge of Rev. W. C. Whitehouse of King City & burial was in the Savannah cemetery with the rites of the A. F. & A. M. One of the largest crowds at any funeral for some time assembled to hear the last words concerning their respected friend. Mr. Sarver had lived in the community practicaly all his life. He is a brother to James Sarver, who lives east of Savannah. Before Mr. Sarver (George W) was married, Mr. Sarver & he batched in the home where Mr. Leese brought his bride and where Mr. Sarver (Albert) has continued to live for the past thirty-three years, living there since the death of Mr. Leese in 1920.

Mr. Sarver was 54 years old & was in good circumstances, financially, had no bad habits & was a bachelor. He was well thought of by everybody in the community. His body was found Sunday evening at 6:30 on the north side of the road just west of the railroad track at Rea. He was last seen in Rea at 3:30 Sunday afternoon, & at 6:30 as Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Scheffler were going east they saw the body with his face downward. His soul had passed. The body was left for Coroner Holliday of Fillmore to view. Dr. Holliday could not be located so the county health officer, Dr. Wilson, came & investigation showed that Mr. Sarver had written a letter requesting his money be used to pay his funeral expenses & the remainder was provided for in his request. He had $70 in his pocket and he possessed Liberty bonds and a few hundred dollars in the Rosendale bank. No one has indicated from where he secured the strychnine but the evidence seems to be that was the cause of his death. Undertaker J. Fred Terhune was called & he brought the body to his mortuary in Savannah. The following is the biography read at the services:

Albert Fleming Sarver, son of George William & Cynthia Caldwell Sarver, was born 5 Jun 1879, in the state of Virginia. At a very early age Albert came with his mother, father & brother James to live on a farm near Savannah MO., in which State he has lived his remaining life. When he was only 6 his mother died, leaving 3 motherless children, besides Albert, the oldest of the family. Between the ages of 6 and 13 he made his home part of the time with his father & a part of the time with his step-grandmother Sarver. Then he went to work on the farm of Mrs Sarah Phillips near Savannah. Mrs Phillips guidance to him was like that of a mother. Afterward he worked at various places & finally drifted into REA to work on the railroad. There he became acquainted with the Leeses, James & Sam, with whom he began to make his home permanently when he was twenty-one years old. For the past thirty-three years Albert has lived in the Leese home as one of its members, & as an interested participator. He gave honest, loyal service, & was the most ardent of workers in any task which he undertook. He was a sympathetic & loveable friend and gave his services freely, willingly & happily in helping rear a family of six.

Albert was a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows & Rebekah lodges. Albert Fleming Sarver departed this life January 29, 1933, aged 53 yrs 7 mos & 23 days. He is survived by his father, George Sarver of Stanberry; one brother, James A., of Savannah; two sisters, Mrs Mollie Haily of Union Star & Mrs Jennie Flummer of Diagonal IO; two half-brothers, Emery of Stanberry & Harold of Liberty, & one half-sister, Mrs Gladys Miller of Conception Junction; nine nieces & nephews, & Mrs Dollie Leese & family, besides his many friends.
Contributed by JakeNLake@aol.com

Newspaper ?
Date ?

Major George Nease, 84, one time consultant to Secretary of the Interior, Harold L. Ickes and well-known northwest timber operator, died Friday. His funeral will be Tuesday at the Little Chapel of the Chimes. Mr. Nease was born on April 20 1874 in Fillmore, MO. His Portland address was 6329 NE Union Ave. In 1892 he went to Honduras where he served as a representative of a business syndicate that later became the United Fruit Company.

* From Honduras he moved to Spokane in 1903 and worked in the lumber business for 2 years. In 1905 he was incorporator and member of the Northwest Title Guarantee and Trust Co. and the Title Guarantee and Trust Co.

Three years later he organized the Nease Timber and Cruising Company and spent 30 years as a timber cruiser in Northwest counties.

* From 1937 until 1940 he was consultant to Ickes and worked for the Federal Government's acquisition of the Olympic National Park.

He was a Member of the First Christian Church and a past member of the Elks, Shriners and Scottish Rite Masons.

Survivors include his widow Jennie Duncan who he married in 1896, a son Duncan E., and three sisters, Lucile Henderson, Ernestine Gulick of Denver and Cora Petrie, of St. Joseph, Mo.
Contributed by Paul, Orlando FL (July 10, 2004)

St. Joseph News-Press, 13 Mar 1930

"Mrs. Jennie Nolan Dies

"Former Savannah Resident Had Lived Here Twelve Years

"Mrs. Jennie D. Nolan, fifty-three years old, wife of Alva J. Nolan, 3311 South Sixteenth street, died last night at a local hospital. She was born at Savannah, Mo., and had been a resident of St. Joseph twelve years. Besides her husband she is survived by four sons, John, C.C., Dewey and Lewis Bishop; two daughters, Mrs. Ruby Turner, all of St. Joseph; and Miss Florence Bishop, Detroit, Mich.; a sister, Mrs. C.H. Goodman, Britton, Okla., and three brothers, George and Nathan Eisiminger, Savannah; and Colonel Eisiminger, Des Moines. The body is at Fleeman's mortuary."

Jennie (Eisiminger) Bishop Nolan, St. Joseph News-Press, undated, Mar 1930

"Mrs. Jennie Nolan, 53 Years Old, Dies in Hospital Here

"Mrs. Jennie D. Nolan, fifty-three years old, wife of Alva J. Nolan, 3311 South Sixteenth street, died at 8:15 o'clock Thursday night at a local hospital. Born at Savannah, Mo., she had lived in St. Joseph twelve years. Besides her husband, she is survived by six children, John, C.C., Dewey and Lewis Bishop and Mrs. Ruby Turner, St. Joseph, and Miss Florence Bishop, Detroit, Mich.; three brothers, Colonel Eisiminger, Des Moines, and George and Nathan Eisiminger, Savannah, and a sister, Mrs. C.H. Goodman, Britton, Okla. The body is at Fleeman's mortuary pending funeral arrangements."
Contributed by Monica, 7/15/4

The St. Louis Christian Advocate, April 1, 1858, p. 4

Died, on the 4th of March, 1858, in Andrew county, Mo., Mrs. R. A. Dougherty, consort of Joseph L. Dougherty, in the 42d year of her age.

Sister Dougherty was religiously trained by a pious father, and when young embraced religion and united with the Methodist Church.

Her sufferings from disease were long and severe. The disease was cancer, which had afflicted her for years; but the last year of her life she suffered exceedingly, yet she bore up under all with a patience and resignation that characterize the Christian only. The writer visited her in her last illness, and conversed with her on the subject of religion and she seemed perfectly resigned. She told of her religious training when young and the happy effect it had had upon her through life, and that now, when she had to die, she felt to rejoice that she had a praying father to instruct her when young.

She leaves a kind husband and four children to mourn her loss. I would say to the family, your best friend has gone to heaven. Are you prepared to meet her? If not, seek that religion that sustained her in a dying hour, and when life with you is past you will meet that dear wife, that kind mother, in a better world than this, where death shall never enter, where the tear of grief never falls, and parting is never known.

F. M. Miller
Contributed by Monica, 7/15/4

From the Savannah reporter and Andrew County Democrat
December 1926

Solomon Holt passed to the great beyond at the home of his grandson, Allen Miller, in Savannah Sunday morning, December 5, at 6:30 o'clock. He would have been 88 years old on January 7, 1927. He was a man of high ideals, lofty in sentiment, honest in his dealings and loved by his fellowman. He was kind to all and has passed through life doing the best he could, going to a just reward and enjoying now the eternity of the soul.

Funeral services were held by Rev. O. H. Loomis Tuesday afternoon and burial was in the Daily cemetery east of Savannah.

Solomon Holt was born in Ohio, January 7, 1839. He came to Missouri at the close of the Civil War and has lived in this county practically all of the time. He was a soldier of the Civil War and belonged to Company G of the 85th Ohio Infantry. (this information is incorrect, he was in Co. G of the 85th Illinois Infantry.)

In 1866 Mr. Holt married Cora Daily. There were seven children in the family. Only three of the children are living: Charles Holt of Merritt, MO; Robert Holt of Lewistown, Mont., and Abel Holt of Portland, Ore. Mr. Holt was a member of the Masonic Lodge for many years up until the last years of his life. He lived an honest life and had many qualities to his credit.
Contributed by Darrell Holton, 7/17/4

Elizabeth Elgin Ricketts - Mother Ricketts, the subject of this notice, was born and raised in Culpepper county, Va. Of the eighty years, wanting two days, of her earthly pilgrimage, between thirty and forty of them were spent in the service of the Lord. Eighteen years of the latter part of her life were spent in Andrew county, Mo., where she died in great peace, May 12, 1860. She was not of those who merely hope that they are Christians: she knew and rejoiced in God as a sin-pardoning God. Hers was an undoubted assurance. She was often unspeakably happy. Christian-like, she labored for the good of others and not, as we believe, without success. Having lived right, she died in triumph, praying and praising God until the last. Being asked in her last illness if she was willing to die, she answered, "O yes! O yes!" Her reward is on high. May God bless the afflicted relatives.
S. W. Cope
Savannah, Mo., May 16th, 1860
Contributed by Monica, 7/22/4 START HERE>>>>>>>

Bradford, John Bradford, M.D., was born in Sciota county, Ohio, 1830, and raised principally in Andrew county, Mo., but for the last nine years has been a citizen of Kansas. He died in Council Grove, Kansas, on the 17th of September, 1866. He was a firm believer in religion and strong friend of the Church, but, like too many others, he had neglected the work of personal salvation until a short time before his death, when he gave himself unreservedly to God. During his last sickness, which lasted some four weeks, he gave the clearest evidence of his preparation for death. His sufferings were very great, but were borne with that heroic patience and cheerful submission that grace alone can give. He said, "Not for worlds would I come to this hour without the full assurance of the divine favor." Mourning friends, weeping relatives, bereaved widow and helpless orphan proclaim our loss, but to him it is unspeakable gain.
H. H. Hedgpeth
Contributed by Monica, 7/22/4